Mark the calendar for Saturday, July 18 (rain date Sunday, July 19). Manotick's Mahogany Bay is hosting its first-ever village-wide paddle day, bringing together paddlers of every kind for one cause: raising money for CHEO Mental Health Services and taking a stand against bullying.

What's Actually Happening

The day kicks off at noon with a Paddle Scavenger Hunt, running until 1pm — a fun, low-pressure way to get out on the water. From there, things build toward a Group Adventure Paddle at 3:30pm, with cool prizes and giveaways from event sponsors handed out at 2:30pm. Various put-in locations around Mahogany Bay will be available, so paddlers can launch from wherever's easiest.

The theme for the day is simple: wear pink. It's a nod to the event's anti-bullying message — organizers are hoping to "flood Mahogany Bay with a sea of paddlers dressed in pink" as a visible show of support.

Who's Behind It

This first annual fundraiser is brought to the community by Beth's on the Bay (Paddle n Play rentals) and the Take a Stand – Lend a Hand! anti-bullying awareness campaign. All proceeds go directly to CHEO Mental Health Services, supporting kids and youth in the region who need it.

Big Rideau BBQ is also on board for the day — from 11am to 7pm at their usual spot just across from the Mahogany Bay dock, $1.50 from every sausage-on-a-bun or smash burger sold will go straight toward the fundraiser. You don't need to be a paddler to take part in this piece — anyone in the village looking to support the cause is welcome to swing by for lunch.

1st Annual Paddle Day for CHEO Mental Health Services

  • 📅 Saturday, July 18, 2026 — starting at noon (rain date: Sunday, July 19)
  • 📍 Mahogany Bay, Manotick (various put-in locations)
  • 🏆 Paddle Scavenger Hunt (noon–1pm), Prizes & Giveaways (2:30pm), Group Adventure Paddle (3:30pm)
  • 💗 Wear pink — anti-bullying theme, hosted with Take a Stand – Lend a Hand!
  • 💰 $25/boat in advance ($30 day-of) — includes a quick-dry towel; $50 for a family of 3+ (includes 2 towels); registration & towel also included with a rental from Beth's
  • 📧 Register by emailing payitforward7204@gmail.com
  • 🍔 Big Rideau BBQ on site 11am–7pm — $1.50 per sausage-on-bun/smash burger goes to CHEO

Whether you're bringing your own board, renting from Beth's, or just showing up for a burger in support, this is shaping up to be one of the best community turnouts of the summer — for a genuinely great cause.

See more upcoming Manotick community events.

Browse Events →