About the Championships

The Canoe Kayak Canada Sprint National Championships is the premier domestic competition for sprint canoe and kayak racing in Canada. This fully bilingual event showcases the best paddlers from across the country competing in singles, doubles, and fours over distances of 200m, 500m, 1000m, and 6000m.

The Sport

Canoe sprint has been an Olympic sport since 1936 and has historically been one of Canada’s top-performing sports, with Canadian athletes having won 24 Olympic medals. Athletes compete in canoes and kayaks, using specialized racing boats designed for speed and performance.

Event Program

The 2026 Championships feature:

Fully gender-equitable programming
Integrated parasport categories
Special Olympics PaddleAll integration
CanMas Masters Championships (August 30)
Traditional C-15 (15-person canoe) races unique to Canada

Competition Categories

U16 (Under 16)
U18 (Under 18)
Junior
Senior
PaddleAll
Parasport
Masters

About the Host

Onsite experience

The National Championships mark the culmination of the racing season and are known for their energetic and welcoming atmosphere.

Onsite, athletes and spectators can expect:

Five days of competitive racing
An Athlete Village
Vendor and exhibitor areas
Food and beverage services (TBC)
Designated spectator viewing areas

The Rideau Canoe Club

Established in 1902, the Rideau Canoe Club (RCC) is one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious canoe clubs. Located at the scenic Mooney’s Bay in Ottawa, RCC has a rich history of developing world-class athletes and serving as a cornerstone of the Ottawa paddling community.

The Venue

Mooney’s Bay offers:

1000m racing course
Modern club facilities
Accessible venue and docks
Beautiful natural setting
Easy access from downtown Ottawa