Everything you need to know about Northern Pass.
Index
Choose from the list below to go to a specific section.Event Details
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What is the event date?
August 12, 2023
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What is the mailing address for the event?
For physical cheques and donation forms, please send to:
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation Mail
P.O. Box 247, Stn A Etobicoke, ON, M9C 4V3
For courier deliveries, please ship to our office:
c/o The Northern Pass Ride to Conquer Cancer, 700 University Ave.
4th floor, Toronto, ON, M5G 1Z5
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What should I pack on event day?
- Identification (government ID + health card)
- Cash, credit card
- Comfortable clothing
- Sweater/sweatshirt, change of socks
- Sunscreen and hat/bandana
- Reusable water bottle
- Raingear (weather permitting)
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What are the route maps for this year?
See 2023 Tentative route maps on our Event Details Page.
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Can unregistered riders come to the routes or event sites?
For safety reasons, anyone riding the course must be registered. However, family friends and loved ones are welcome to join us at The Wharf in Gravenhurst to cheer you on at the start/finish line.
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Can I ride my electric bike?
Yes. All eBikes that are considered Class 1* will be allowed. Please note we are not able to provide charging stations.
*Class 1: eBikes that are pedal assist only. No throttle and a max speed of 32 km/h. -
What are my accommodation options?
Accommodation option: Residence Inn by Marriott
One-night stay: Friday, August 11, 2023
Rate Ends: Friday, July 7, 2023
Discounts are only applicable for: Friday, August 11, 2023
Special notes: Individual reservations require a credit card or advance deposit to be guaranteed.
Reservations can be made by individual attendees directly with Marriott reservations at 1-705-687-6600, or via the group reservation link by Friday, July 7, 2023.
Fundraising
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Is there a minimum fundraising amount to participate?
Yes, the minimum is $1,000.
Though there is no minimum for our virtual riders, participants can still earn an official Northern Pass jersey by raising the $1,000 minimum. -
Why is there a minimum fundraising requirement?
Fundraising events including the Northern Pass enable our doctors and researchers to continue doing their important work at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Fundraising minimums help ensure that more fundraising dollars are going directly towards life-saving cancer research.
If you need help with fundraising check out our Fundraising Resources Page.
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Can participants on a team combine funds so that their total average meets the requirement?
No. Once donations are processed to a participant’s fundraising page, they cannot be moved. In addition, all funds are pre-assigned to specified cancer sites, chosen by each participant upon registration.
The fundraising minimums are set as achievable individual goals. If you need support, please contact us at northernpass@thepmcf.ca! -
If I don’t meet the minimum, can I still participate?
We want all participants there with us on the road, so there are options in place for those who have not raised the minimum by August 12, 2023.
- Participants can commit to a delayed self-pledge during online check-in. By committing, you agree to pay the remainder of the fundraising goal if it is not met within 60 days.
- Participants can participate virtually instead, no minimum required. Simply contact our NP Support Team and they will be happy to update your route choice in the system.
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Can I withdraw from the event?
Yes, you can cancel your participation. However, our hope is that by registering, you commit to meeting the fundraising minimum. In case of cancellation, donations received by that date are non-refundable. The registration fee is neither refundable nor transferrable.
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What are ambassador levels?
We have three ambassador levels this year.
To see full details on each level and learn how you can earn your certified ambassador jersey badge, click here. -
How do you keep information (like my credit card) safe?
We make every effort to protect your personal information. The software used on our website utilizes SSL encryption techniques to ensure your information, password and personal details travel safely and securely over the internet. Credit card information is never stored.
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How much money raised goes towards the cause?
The Canadian Centre for Philanthropy suggests a 50% return as an acceptable guideline for events of this size. However, Northern Pass strives to return a minimum of 70%.
All budgets and financials are approved by the Board of Directors of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. The most recent annual report can be found at: thepmcf.ca. -
Do gifts of stock count toward my fundraising total?
Yes, you can find all the info you need on gifts of stocks & securities here, as well as submission forms for gifts of stock in both Canadian and US dollars. Alternatively, you can email us for support at: northernpass@thepmcf.ca for assistance.
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I accidentally donated to a team instead of a participant. How do I fix this?
Contact northernpass@thepmcf.ca to request an adjustment. We understand errors happen and want to ensure each participant receives their contributions correctly.
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Can I make or receive donations via wire transfer?
Yes. Please email us at northernpass@thepmcf.ca for support.
Registration
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Is there a fee to register for the NP?
Yes. Whether participating in-person or virtually, registration fees are required and non-refundable. These fees help cover administrative and operational costs for the event.
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What is the minimum age requirement to register?
Parental consent and supervision on route is required for those who are under the age of 16.
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I’m a team captain. How do I register my team?
When you register, select ‘Register and Create a New Team’, you can then click the ‘Join Team’ button and share the link with your teammates.
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Can I defer my registration to next year?
Registration fees and donations cannot be deferred to the following year.
Volunteering
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Can I volunteer?
Yes! We would love to have you support our 2023 event. Please email northernpass@thepmcf.ca.
Route Support
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How do you support my ride?
- Pit stops with hydration fuel and washroom facilities enroute
- Sweep Vehicles
- First Aid Station/ kits
- Signage
- Volunteers
eBike Safety
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How do I ensure eBike safety?
Pay attention to traffic.
Every cyclist should pay attention to traffic flow, but it’s even more critical on an eBike. Drivers may not expect a cyclist to reach 32km per hour and that disconnect could lead to potentially dangerous scenarios.
Make yourself seen.
Drivers don’t always look out for eBikes. We recommend outfitting your bikes with lights and a bell. Pedestrians and other cyclists will surely appreciate the polite warning sounds when approaching.
Check your speed.
If it’s your first time on an eBike, it could be tempting to take it to turbo, but going fast right out of the gate is a mistake. Take time to learn how your eBike feels at lower speeds before cranking it up.
Brake early.
Brakes are even more important when holding more power in your hands. Even at the lightest gear, you have more power on each pedal stroke. Slow down earlier for stop signs and road crossings.
Safely mount and dismount.
Mounts and dismounts are where most injuries happen. Partially because of the weight. Make sure your frame is comfortable and easy to get on and off. For some, that may mean seeking out a step-through frame.
Misc.
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My team is interested in ordering our own team jerseys. HELP PLEASE!
Happy to help. Please contact us at northernpass@thepmcf.ca.
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How do I join the Northern Pass Strava Club?
Click HERE to join the Northern Pass Strava Club