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Annual raft race raises funds for ERA
The 29th annual Elk River raft race for 2026 was one to remember. There were more than 160 keen paddlers in creative costumes vying for the top prize, racing from the Dicken Road put-in to the Dogwood Park boat launch.
Every year, event proceeds are donated to the Elk River Alliance (ERA) for their Elk River Discovery Camp. This year’s event raised $3,750!
Guides from Canyon Raft Company and Tunnel 49 ensured all participants were safe and had appropriate gear. After a gentle warm-up float, rafts lined up for a race from upstream of the Leo T. Nimsick Bridge to the West Fernie Bridge.
Lynn Muller, co-founder of Canyon Raft, says she always looks forward to this time of year.
“Celebrating being out on the river with the Elk River raft race is a fantastic time of the year! The community has come out to do one of the most fun things you can do on the river, and we look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come,” said Muller.
Freestone Construction took out the first place prize, with Summit Works claiming royal sportsman.
The Elk River Alliance (pictured above) won best costume as the Western Painted Ninja Turtles alongside Barkside as “The Barkanears.”
Sarah Osberg and children won the best family title, with Earth’s Owns Naturals receiving the Friend of the River Award.
Chad Hughes, Executive Director at ERA, is thankful for Canyon Raft’s and Tunnel49’s continued collaborative fundraising efforts to support the Elk River Discovery Camp.
“We always love to see the community out on the river, and the raft race is such a fun way to do it! We are so grateful to celebrate this river alongside businesses and the Elk Valley community, while raising important funds for ERA,” he said.
The funds support ERA’s Elk River Discovery Camp, which brings youth outside to learn and play in the watershed each summer.
Youths aged seven to 14 raft, fish, swim, hike, and learn from Ktunaxa knowledge holders.
This annual event would not be possible without Lynn and Blair’s organizing and Canyon Raft and Tunnel 49 for supplying equipment and guides.
The event organizers would like to thank those who came out to participate, as well as the following businesses for their prize donations: Freshies, Happy Cow, Earth’s Own Naturals, Elk River Guiding, The Fernie Taphouse, Rooftop Coffee Roasters, Ski Base, Edge of the World and Summit Works.
Photos courtesy Elk River Alliance
Submitted
