Franklin Challenge 2024

Franklin Challenge 2024

Our annual circumnavigation of beautiful Franklin Island (20km – it’s not a race) is scheduled to be held Sunday June 23, 2024. We’re still sorting out the details but make sure to mark it on your calendar! We will update this page in the upcoming months.

Franklin Challenge 2023

On June 25, 2023 paddlers were challenged to raise money and participate in a circumnavigation of Franklin Island or to choose a shorter “there and back” route.  Franklin Island is a beloved island of almost all “crown” (public) land and part of what we like to consider the “outer islands”.  We were lucky to have favourable wind and weather conditions but smoke from other parts of the country blew in to make things interesting.

This year’s proceeds went towards the Outer Island Project – an initiative administered by the Georgian Bay Biosphere.    Funds cover costs associated with cleaning the islands, removing unsafe fire pits, and installing and maintaining Thunderboxes (latrines) on popular campgrounds.    The Outer Islands range from the more southerly Cathcarts and North to the Outer Fox Islands.  Some volunteers have even been on the Bustards.

The 2023 Franklin Challenge raised over $17000!!    This was our 5th Franklin Challenge Event and our most successful yet.

Thanks so much to all of the participants, sponsors, volunteers and to the Township of Carling, Carling Fire Department and to Gilly’s Restaurant and Marina.

Thank you Thom Morrissey Photography for the drone footage and photos.  

Franklin Challenge Send Off – 2023