Canada will once again take centre stage in the world of Canoe Sprint, hosting four prestigious International Canoe Federation and Americas events in 2026.
Athletes, coaches, and fans from around the globe will gather in Halifax and Montréal for what promises to be a historic season of competition and celebration.
The summer of racing will begin on Dartmouth’s storied Lake Banook, which will welcome the world for the ICF Masters Canoe Sprint World Championships from June 25 to 27, followed closely by the Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships from July 1 to 5.
“Hosting major international events like these is not only a celebration of athletic excellence, it’s a celebration of our community,” said Ross Jefferson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Discover Halifax.
“We are proud to support these competitions alongside the Province of Nova Scotia and the Halifax Regional Municipality. We look forward to welcoming athletes, families, and fans from around the world and showcasing everything our region has to offer.”
Atlantic Division Canoe Kayak Canada (ADCKC), supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, local clubs, and community partners who are driving the planning and coordination of these championships will be the official Host Organizing Committee (HOC) for the Halifax events.
“We are excited to carry forward the tradition of hosting world-class events on Lake Banook, a venue that reflects both our sport’s history and the spirit of our community,” said Todd Allison, ADCKC Flag Officer.
“These championships are made possible through the strength of our clubs, volunteers, and partners working together.
"With Canoe Kayak Canada and our many stakeholders, ADCKC is proud to welcome the world back to Dartmouth and to showcase the hospitality and passion that define paddling in Nova Scotia.”
Just days later, attention will shift to Montréal, where the iconic Olympic Basin will host the Pan American Canoe Sprint Championships from July 7 to8, followed by the ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Cup from July 9 to 12.
The timing could not be more fitting, as the event coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Summer Olympic Games Montreal 1976, adding cultural significance to an already remarkable celebration.
“Canada has a proud tradition of hosting outstanding sprint events, and we are thrilled to return in 2026 with not one, but three major international competitions,” said Thomas Konietzko, ICF President.
“We cannot wait to return to Canada next year for two of our biggest events on the calendar. Canada has a rich history and heritage in canoe sport and has produced a long list of Olympic, Paralympic and world champions over the years.
"As we most recently saw at our Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships in Halifax three years ago, our Canadian friends know how to organize amazing events. It will be fantastic to return to Halifax for our Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships in 2026, and I know Montréal will put on a great show for our Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Cup next year.
"The allocation of events in continents other than Europe is part of our Fit for Future strategy to underline that we are a truly global sport.
"With the Olympic and Paralympic Games soon to be returning to North America, this is an exciting opportunity for our athletes to make their mark on the road to LA28.”
Similarly, Montréal will have its own Host Organizing Committee to plan and deliver the events at the Olympic Basin. Additional details about both committees and their planning initiatives will be shared in the coming months.
For Canoe Kayak Canada, the return of world-class competition to home waters is an exciting opportunity to shine a spotlight on Canadian athletes while continuing to build the sport across the country.
“This is a landmark summer for Canadian paddling,” said Casey Wade, CEO, Canoe Kayak Canada.
“Hosting the Masters, Junior and U23, Pan American Sprint Championships, and World Cup events in such close succession is a unique opportunity to highlight Canadian talent, inspire the next generation, and build lasting momentum for our sport nationwide.”
Athletes are equally enthusiastic about the chance to compete in front of a home crowd.
“It has been an honor to represent Canada on the world stage. Hosting an international event in 2026 on the very lake where I have trained for countless hours will be a privilege for Nova Scotia and the entire paddling community,” said Sloan MacKenzie, Olympian and bronze medallist at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
“My first experience representing Canada on home soil was at Canoe ‘22, and racing in front of a home crowd was unforgettable.
"We already know that Nova Scotia can provide a world-class event right here on Lake Banook for both athletes and fans, and I can’t wait for it to happen again next year!”
Dartmouth’s Lake Banook has a long tradition of hosting world-class competitions, including the 2009 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships and the 2022 edition of the same event, which drew athletes from more than 70 countries.
Montréal’s Olympic Basin is equally iconic, with a legacy tied to the 1976 Summer Games and a reputation as one of the premier sprint venues in the world.
Together, these events will bring thousands of athletes, officials, and supporters to Canada, creating opportunities to celebrate the sport, strengthen international connections, and inspire future generations.
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