Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny River Race

This annual river race brings a heart-pumping energy to Port Hope each April, as participants make their way down the Ganaraska River and spectators gather along the riverbanks through historic downtown Port Hope. Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny River Race has become a seasonal tradition and a memorable way to experience spring in the community.

Discover the activities and experiences that make Ganny Weekend in Port Hope one of the community’s most recognized annual events!

A historic river race marking the arrival of spring

First-time participants and seasoned paddlers alike take on the fast-flowing Ganaraska River that runs through downtown to Lake Ontario. The one-of-a-kind tradition marks the town's big flood of 1980.

A community tradition since 1980

Heavy rainfall in 1980 caused the Ganaraska River to rise and flood the streets of the downtown core, displacing businesses and damaging many of Port Hope’s heritage buildings. In the aftermath, residents came together to support recovery efforts and rebuild.

Port Hope is older than Canada and has many stories to tell—reflected in its history and heritage.

“That's the reason the race started,” says Barry Adamson, former race co-chair and former crewman on the Port Britain Pops, a vessel made from 350 recycled pop bottles encased in orange snow fencing. “Port Hope residents decided we're going to enjoy the river. We're not going to let it scare us.”

Today, the race reflects that same spirit of resilience and community connection—something that continues to define Port Hope. Just watch out for water guns!