About & Partners
About Canoe ’26
Bringing the world to Lake Banook
Canoe ’26 is the Host Organizing Committee responsible for delivering two landmark international paddling events in Halifax, Canada: the ICF Junior & U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships (July 1–5, 2026) and the ICF Masters Canoe Sprint World Championships (June 25–27, 2026).
Organized in partnership with Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) and the Atlantic Division of Canoe Kayak Canada (ADCKC), and the International Canoe Federation (ICF), Canoe '26 will welcome the next generation of emerging global canoe sprinters and the masters who have defined the sport to the iconic waters of Lake Banook, one of the most celebrated flatwater racing venues on the planet.
A Legacy of World-Class Paddling
Halifax is no stranger to the global stage. In 2022, Lake Banook hosted the ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships, drawing the most powerful paddlers on the planet to Nova Scotia. Canoe '26 builds on that legacy and raises the bar. Bringing international competition back to a city that knows how to host the world and a lake that has earned its reputation one race at a time.
The people who bring it to life
Canoe ’26 is about more than what happens on the water. It’s about the people — athletes, volunteers, and community members who make it possible. It’s about the place — a lake steeped in paddling history, set against one of Canada’s most vibrant coastal cities. And it’s about the build — the months of preparation, partnership, and shared purpose that transform a vision into a world-class event.
Our mission is to deliver a safe, inclusive, and unforgettable championship experience that showcases Halifax to the world, celebrates the sport of canoe sprint, and leaves a lasting legacy for the paddling community.
The Events
The ICF Masters, Junior, and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships include races in Women’s, Men’s, and mixed categories of both Canoe and Kayaking in single, doubles and quad boat races. A total of 48 different finals will be raced in 200, 500, 1000, and 5000 meter distances.
Patrners
Gold
Sliver
Bronze