Try Kayaking in the Don River & Lake Ontario!

Don’t Mess With the Don is excited to offer the opportunity to try kayaking right here in Toronto — for free!

First launched in 2024, Paddle & Protect is our newest & fasted growing program.

This introductory experience is perfect for families & individuals who are curious about paddling. We provide beginner-friendly, stable, sit-on-top kayaks, all the necessary gear, and guides who will lead you through scenic waterways offering unique wildlife views.

Who’s it for

• Ages 11+

• Physically fit participants - are you able to paddle for 3 - 4 hours on a hot day?

When & Where

• Every Sunday 9:15 am - 1:30 pm, May to October

• DMWTD kayak containers located by the east end of the Cherry Beach parking lot

What to Bring

• Shoes that can go in the water. Sandals are great (not flip flops) 👍 sneakers & socks not so great 👎

• A water bottle — we recommend carrying at least 1L on hot days

• Clothes that can get wet — quick dry / synthetic clothing is ideal. Avoid cotton clothing & jeans.

• Also bring sunscreen, sunglasses & a hat (wide brim is great on hot, sunny days)

• All other belongings can be left in our containers during the paddle — i.e. keys, wallet & phone

How to Join

• Sign up through the links at the bottom of this web page

• Registration opens one week prior, every Friday. To address high demand, registration will open at a random time.

• You CANNOT sign up for another person unless they are your child. Each person MUST sign up individually, including spouses.

For any questions or concerns please reach out to us here.

Like every DMWTD program this is free but please read our sign-up policy here.

This event is very popular and fills up fast. If no spots are left, check back later – there are often last-minute cancellations.

Getting There

Cherry Beach can be reached by TTC via the 220 Cherry Beach bus from Union station.

There is parking at Cherry Beach however we recommend you plan to arrive early as the parking lot is often full by 9:30 am. Alternate parking is available at the Cherry Beach Sports Fields Green P lot (paid parking). From there you can reach the containers by taking the path to the beach from the south end of the lot.

Weather

Kayaking is a weather-dependant activity. In case of cancellation, we will notify participants by the latest 8 am the morning of by email. Please check first before coming.

Cancellation

If you can no longer attend please cancel ASAP. Remember you are taking a spot from another eager participant.

Reservations can be cancelled in Eventbrite. If you are unsure how to cancel follow these instructions. Note you must be logged in to the same account with which the ticket was reserved.

We require a cancellation notice of at least 48 hour notice prior to the event. Those that do not provide adequate notice or are "no-shows" will have restricted access to future DMWTD events.

Check back for Sign-up Links Here

Like every DMWTD program kayaking is free to all. If you are inspired to make a charitable donation to keep us thriving please visit this link.