I Want To

This Section

Link to Parks, Recreation and Tourism Home
Administration
- Budget and Support Services
- Park Planning
- Public Information
- PRT Department Report
Announcements - PRT
Athletics
- Adult Team Sports
- Youth Sports
- Volunteer Coaches Info
- Department Rules and Policies
- Athletic Facility Reservations and Rentals
  - Sports Block Sunday Club
  - Field Use Application
- Tennis and Pickleball Courts
Boards and Commissions
- Arboretum Advisory Board
- Bicycle/Trails Advisory Committee
- Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council
  - 2019 Clean and Green Contest Winners
- Historic Preservation Commission
- Parks, Recreation and Tourism Advisory Board
Calendar - PRT
Camps and After-School Programs
- Stay & Play After School
- SUMMER BLAST Day Camp
- Teen Scene
Centers and Facilities
- Camelot
- Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee
- Deep Creek
- Great Bridge
- Indian River
- River Crest
- The Portlock at South Norfolk
- South Norfolk
- Western Branch
- Community Center Rentals
- Membership Fee Information
- Rokeby Center
- Splash Park at Western Branch Community Center
Chesapeake Outdoors
- Fishing and Boating
- Camping and Programs
- Exercise and Fitness
- Geocaching
- Equestrian
- Nature Programs
- Astronomy and Science
- Music and Arts
- Family Fun
- Wildlife in the Parks
City Tours
Dogs - Parks and Licenses
Donations - How You Can Help
- Sponsorship Benefits
- Commemoration and Donation Program
- Youth Scholarship Program
Environmental
Events
- Special Events
- Events Planning
- Food Vendor Information
Event Permits and Planning
- FAQ
- Contact Us
- City Calendar
- Submit Your Event to the City Calendar
- Outdoor Special Event Venues
- Indoor Special Event Information
- Tenant User Liability Program Information
"55 & Better"
- "55 & Better" Events
Forms, Surveys, and Other Links
- Survey Links
Instructional Programs and Classes
Parks and Trails
- All Parks Within Chesapeake
- Athletic Fields and Facilities Maintenance
- Bells Mill Park
- Boat Ramps
- Centerville Park
- Chesapeake Arboretum
  - AutumnFest and Arbor Day
- Chesapeake City Park
  - Skate Park
  - Fun Forest
    - Handprint Tile Walls at Fun Forest
- Deep Creek Lock Park
- Deep Creek Park
- Dismal Swamp Canal Trail
  - Dismal Swamp Canal Trail Details
  - Trail Hours
  - What’s Allowed
    - Watch Birds
  - About the Trail
  - Rest Areas/Benches/Picnic Areas
  - Bathrooms
  - Bears
    - Bears
  - Snakes and Other Animals
  - Emergencies
- Dog Parks
- Elizabeth River Park
  - Elizabeth River Park Fun Facts
- Great Bridge Lock Park
- Indian River Park
- Judge Eileen Olds Courtyard Park
- Lakeside Park
- Northwest River Park
  - Northwest River Park and Campground Home
  - Directions and Maps
  - Activities
  - Camping/Cabins Rentals
  - All Parks & Facilities
  - Parks, Recreation and Tourism Home
  - NWRP Shelter and Facility Rentals
- Oak Grove Lake Park
- Open Space and Recreation Ordinance Procedures
- Parks and Grounds Maintenance
- Play Areas
- Trails
  - Biking
- Western Branch Park
Registration
- Ways to Register
- How to Become an Instructor
- Classes & Programs
- Peake Discovery Guide
Rentals - Facilities and Parks
- Activity Building at Northwest River Park
- Athletic Fields
- Boat and Bike Rentals
- Campsites and Cabins
- Chesapeake Conference Center
- City Park/Bagley Stage
- Community Center Rentals
- Park Shelter and Section Rentals
- Showmobile/Bleachers
- The Rokeby Center
Scholarship/Reduced Fee Program
- Youth Scholarship Sponsorship Benefits
Therapeutic Recreation
Tourism
Virtual Classes, Activities and Engagement

Paddle for the Border

Paddle for the Border

May 7, 2022

kayaking Virginia kayaking on the canal

The 17th Annual Paddle for the Border event takes paddlers along the Dismal Swamp Canal from South Mills, North Carolina 7.5 miles north to Chesapeake, Virginia. Enjoy a breakfast near the launch point at the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center in South Mills, North Carolina then lunch, music, and celebration at the Ballahack Boat Ramp finish in Chesapeake, Virginia. Shuttle transportation is provided from the parking areas in Chesapeake to the launch point in North Carolina. Register for this opportunity to get out on the water and experience the beauty and serenity of the Dismal Swamp, a location filled with wildlife, history, and legends. Registration includes breakfast, lunch, and event t-shirt/hat and fills quickly!

Registration: Wednesday, January 5, 2022, through April 1, $45/person.
Late Registration: April 2 until Full, $55/person.
Register online, mail-in, walk-in or drop off at the Chesapeake Visitor Center, 1224 Progressive Drive Chesapeake, VA 23320
Limited single and double kayak rentals available through Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

Other options for rentals include:
Adventure Kayak Tours, 757-237-8779
Chesapeake Campground, 757-485-0149
Native Girl Kayaking, 252-404-2266
Ocean Rentals/Surf and Adventure, 757-721-6210
Dismal Swamp State Park, NC, 252-771-6592

Event Brochure and Schedule
Paddle for the Border FAQ's
Paddle for the Border Registration Form

Contact:
Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Phone: 757-382-6411
Email: specialprograms@cityofchesapeake.net

Dismal Swamp State Park
Phone: 252-771-6593
Email: dismal.swamp@ncparks.gov