Kingston 
Kingston is gearing up to host the largest in-water boating event of the summer – the 1000 Islands Poker Run Weekend, from August 4 to 5, 2023.
Credit: 1000 Islands Poker Run
This year’s event has been expanded to include both performance and family boats, creating two separate groups vying for the best “poker hand” on the mighty St. Lawrence River.
Organized by Power Boating Canada and Poker Runs Inc., the 1000 Islands Poker Run is not a race but a thrilling challenge. Boaters stop at five designated points along the route to pick up a single playing card sealed in an envelope. At the end of the event in Kingston on Saturday afternoon, the envelopes will be opened, and the boater with the best poker hand will be declared the winner.
The aim of Power Boating Canada & Poker Runs America is to stimulate the economy, promote the boating lifestyle, and showcase some of the world’s most powerful, attractive, and affordable boats navigating the St. Lawrence River.
The event will feature outdoor jumbo screens on Ontario Street and the all-new “Electric Avenue” displays on Friday and Saturday evenings through Sunday afternoon. Visitors can explore the latest electric boats, cars, and trucks advancements. Dealers and manufacturers of electric boats and automobiles, along with engine manufacturers, will showcase their technology on Kingston’s Ontario Street display zone during the “Electric Avenue” event, which is open to the public for free from Friday afternoon, August 4, to Saturday evening, August 5.
The waterfront spectacular will include displays of the latest marine and automotive technology, electric vehicles for road and water, exhibits on ecosystems and environmental sustainability, as well as regional tourism attractions, indigenous groups, aboriginal cultural associations, and special interest groups promoting charitable causes within the community.
Trip Planning — Kingston 1000 Islands Poker Run
The Kingston 1000 Islands Poker Run is Canada’s largest waterfront festival, drawing over 40,000 spectators to witness the world’s most powerful and colourful boats on the St. Lawrence River.
This year’s event will introduce “Electric Avenue,” showcasing the latest EV technology in automobiles, boats, and accessories. Highlights include Mercury Marine’s Aviator outboard motors, BMW Kingston’s EV automobiles, and marine EV technology from local boat dealers.
The event features impressive boats like Axopar, My Way, and Aqua-Mania, the two fastest boats on the river. With over 80 performance boats docked at Kingston’s Confederation Basin Marina, the festival is a highly anticipated event for participants and spectators alike.
When: Augsut 4 to 5, 2023
Spectators are invited to come to Confederation Park on Friday afternoon, and Saturday from 9 a.m to 10 a.m., and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. to enjoy FREE access to see the most spectacular boats on the water.
Visitors can enjoy an excellent opportunity to see the boats at the lunch stop at Blockhouse Island, Downtown Brockville, Saturday August 5 noon – 2 p.m.
Catch a glimpse of the boats from several vantage points along the route – Saturday morning at approximately 11 a.m. see the Poker Run fleet from Rockport Village, at the Restaurant on the Water just east of the Ivy Lea Bridge, or at The Landings at Ivy Lea, as they head east, and see them again as they head west at approximately 2:30 p.m.
Street Displays: Friday afternoon August 4 to Saturday evening, August 5.
Poker run card unveiling is on Saturday at 8 pm in front of the Blu Martini Restaurant and Bar.
Where: Kingston Waterfront along St. Lawrence River
Confederation park, Kingston
