Bob at the Great Bathtub Race – Huntsville, Ontario

Last weekend, Bob traded in his walking shoes for water shoes and made his way up to Huntsville, Ontario, to catch one of the quirkiest summer traditions in cottage country—the Great Bathtub Race. Yes, you read that right. Bathtubs. On water. Racing.

As he arrived at the dock, the scene was electric. Spectators lined the shore and docks, local vendors were set up under bright canopies, and competitors in life jackets were giving their makeshift boats one last check. These weren’t just any boats—they were literal bathtubs mounted on floats, fitted with outboard motors, and decorated with everything from logos to playful team names. Bob couldn’t help but laugh at the mix of homemade engineering and small-town competitiveness.

Race Time!

With a loud cheer from the crowd, the race kicked off. A referee in stripes signaled the start, and the tubs took off, puttering across the bay like determined ducks. Some took tight corners, others sputtered and spun—but all of them got cheers. Bob followed the action with his camera, snapping the moment a blue boat called “GOMONDS” surged ahead, its two-person crew grinning as they passed a spray of water from nearby buoys.

Spectators, Smoke, and Soaked Cheers

Over at the On the Docks Pub, the patio was full of people enjoying cold drinks and a front-row seat to the waterway chaos. Bob stopped to chat with a few locals who had been coming to this event for years. “It’s part race, part comedy,” one guy said between sips of craft beer. Bob nodded in agreement—some tubs looked ready for the Grand Prix, others looked like they’d barely survived bath time.

Obstacles and Outboards

One of Bob’s favorite photo ops came near the obstacle course, where racers had to steer through floating gates and navigate near oversized sponsor props, like a towering can of LandShark lager. With water flying and motors buzzing, the course turned into a watery circus, and Bob caught every splash.

As the final teams crossed the finish line—some soaking wet, others victorious—Bob capped the day with one last photo of the winners flashing peace signs and holding makeshift trophies.

Final Thoughts:

The bathtub race in Huntsville isn’t just about speed—it’s about community, summer fun, and celebrating creativity on the water. Bob left the event sun-kissed, smiling, and a little inspired. Maybe next year he’ll race a tub of his own.

Until then, he’ll stick to the lens and let others get wet.