The sun came out just in time for the 2025 Gunflint Trail Canoe Races, clearing away any doubts that this would be anything other than an epic evening of canoe races. There were raffles, live auctions and merchandise to purchase in efforts to raise money for the Gunflint Trail Fire Department. The Gunflint Lodge hosted the event and provided food for everyone. And of course none of this would be possible without the help from dedicated volunteers.   

The races have been held annually since 1976 and have always centered around the Gunflint Trail community. The Trail Cup Paddle brings even more competition to the annual canoe races, as Trail members of the local businesses, resorts and outfitters compete for the award.  

The races started at 6 p.m. and featured 18 separate events for canoers of all ages and skills to join in on. This year was a close call between teams as they paddled their way through the long distance races, solos and doubles paddling, and ended the event with the quirky gunnel pumping races. (Gunnel pumping can be done by standing on the back of canoes (gunnels), without paddles, and squatting over and over to propel the canoe forward until reaching the finish line.) The challenge is to do it without falling, something the women's team achieved, while the men’s team kept losing their balance and falling into the water.

 There were many ties for first and second place throughout the evening, but only one team could win the Trail Cup Paddle: 

• First Place - Clearly Jacked Up with 20 points (Clearwater Historic Lodge & Canoe Outfitters and Hungry Jack Outfitters)
• Second Place - Border Chicks with 18 points (Chik-Waul and Border Lakes Tour Company)
• Third Place- Voyagers Canoe with 16 points (Voyagers Canoe Outfitter)

 Canoes lined up on the beach.

 The 2025 Gunflint Trail Races kicked off with the Adults 55 Plus race.

The 2025 Gunflint Trail Races kicked off with the Adults 55 Plus race.

 The start of the long distance race.

 First place winners of the long distance race.

 Canoes enter and exit the water in between races.

 Women's solo paddle race lined up at the start.

Paddlers prepare to start the Men's Solo Paddle race.

 Men's Solo Paddle race winners.

 Solo paddlers head out to race.

 One of the final events was the Women's Gunnel Pumping Race.

Race contestants struggled to keep their balance during the Men's Gunnel Pumping event. 

 Race contestants struggled to keep their balance during the Men's Gunnel Pumping event.