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
