NEILSON FEST, QUÉBEC, MAY 2026
Paddlers: Yann Gélinas, Raphaël St-Pierre | Photography: Gilles Baribeau
Set deep in the forests of Quebec, Neilson Fest returned this year under conditions that, at first glance, almost felt too good to be true. Sunshine was forecast for the entire weekend, something nearly unheard of for an event so often defined by cold rain and mud. Until the day before the race, paddlers confidently dialed in their lines at a medium-high water level.
Paddlers: Frédérik Gendron, Guillaume Lantagne | Photography: Gilles Baribeau
Then, overnight, everything changed. A heavy rainstorm rolled through the Neilson Valley, and by morning, water levels had nearly doubled. What had been a technical race quickly turned into something far more powerful. Everyone knew the race they had prepared for no longer existed. The course delivered exactly what you would expect under those conditions. Big waves and pushy currents turned clean lines into a challenge and mistakes into punishment.
«Carnage was inevitable, and the race saw its fair share of beatdowns and improvised recoveries. »
Carnage was inevitable, and the race saw its fair share of beatdowns and improvised recoveries. Staying in your boat became just as important as being fast. Despite the chaos, the competition at the top remained tight. The OGs of the Quebec Connection showed up ready to fight, but the new generation proved once again that it is here to stay. Yann Gélinas and Raphaël St-Pierre rose above the conditions and took the win.
Off the water, Neilson Fest stayed true to its identity, and the energy felt even higher. Under clear skies, the community came together for what has become one of the most anticipated parties of the season—the day’s shared intensity fed straight into a wild party that lived up to its reputation.
Words: Simon Radelet
Neilson Race 2026 (Entry #6 Short Film Awards 2026)
