THE 2025 Paddle Art and Canoe Mural Auction is Back!
After the success of the 2023 Paddle Art and Canoe Mural Auction, Algonquin Outfitters and Huntsville Festival of the Arts is pleased to present the 2025 edition. Paddles are currently available for purchase in-store and online (see link later on page) and we will be accepting entries starting in Spring 2025 for the November Auction. In addition to the paddles submitted we will also be auctioning 14 Canoes from the HFA canoe mural project. These will include the Emily Carr inspired 2024 canoes and the yet to be announced 2025 collection. To date the Auction has raised $104,600 to support local art and cultural partners.
The contest is open to anyone with a creative idea for a paddle―you don’t need to be an artist to participate. 2023’s entries included paddles painted with scenes from nature, people and geometric designs, carved paddles, stain glass, sculpted paddles, and even wood burned.
“Anything goes, as long as it starts with a paddle.”
2023 proceeds supported the following arts & cultural groups. Click to learn:
Paddles
Blank paddles can be purchased at any Algonquin Outfitters location or online (add link) for $34.98(+tax) although you can use your own paddle if you prefer. Purchase here.
Paddles can be picked up and submitted at any of the Algonquin Outfitters stores including; Bracebridge, Haliburton, Huntsville, Lake of Two Rivers, Lake Opeongo, Oxtongue Lake, and Port Carling.
*Please note some locations are summer seasonal only.
Deadlines
Submission Deadline: Monday October 14th, 2025.
Please submit completed paddles with a submission form to any AO location or ship to our receiving department. Contact us for information on shipping.
The deadline to complete your masterpiece and submit your paddle entries will be announced in early 2024. (Artists are encouraged to do multiple if they are interested.) Work will be featured on AO social media channels leading up to and during the auction event. Links will also be promoted to the public and media.
Online Auction: November, 2025 (Date TBA)
The online paddle art auction will span several weeks and conclude with a live exhibit displaying submitted paddles and painted canoe murals in a chosen location. Follow our Instagram & Facebook pages for upcoming details on the theatre exhibit and online auction opening dates.
Is your Muskoka business an Arts & Culture community leader?
We are challenging businesses in Muskoka to make their best bids and win one of Huntsville's Festival of the Arts (14) painted canoe murals and proudly display in their entrance ways, foyers, boardrooms, or client spaces to demonstrate their participation and engagement in this community. It's a badge of pride and all winning businesses will be featured across
our media channels and online.
Paddle artists can win prizes, too! Prizes will be awarded to the artist of the paddle that raises the most at the auction (Best in Show) and a minimum of one prize for every 15 paddles received.