Discover Halifax Press Release
International Canoe Federation brings two competitions to HRM next year
Canoe Kayak Canada, in partnership with the International Canoe Federation (ICF), the Atlantic Division Canoe Kayak Canada (ADCKC), the Province of Nova Scotia, and the Halifax Regional Municipality, is proud to announce that Dartmouth’s Lake Banook will host two major world-class paddling events in summer 2026:
The ICF Masters Canoe Sprint World Championships, taking place June 25–27, 2026
The ICF Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships, running July 1–5, 2026
The announcement was made at Banook Canoe Club in Dartmouth, where officials, athletes, and community leaders gathered to celebrate this milestone for paddling in Nova Scotia. Together the events are anticipated to generate nearly $11 million in Economic Impact.
Tex Marshall, Co-chair of the Mi’kmaw Sport Council of Nova Scotia, opened the event with a Welcome to the Territory, recognizing Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. He noted that Lake Banook has long been part of the traditional Shubenacadie waterway system — a vital route for Mi’kmaq travel, fishing, and gathering — and that today’s global paddling competitions continue a legacy of connection to these waters that stretches back thousands of years.
“Canoe Kayak Canada is proud to host the ICF World Masters and Junior & U23 Sprint Championships on Lake Banook with support from the Province of Nova Scotia, the Halifax Regional Municipality, and the Atlantic Division of Canoe Kayak Canada,” said Casey Wade, CEO. “These events are a milestone for our sport and a return to a community with a rich paddling tradition. With exceptional leadership, dedicated staff, and passionate volunteers, Halifax sets a standard of excellence, and we look forward to delivering a world-class experience for the participants and spectators alike.”
The championships are expected to draw thousands of international competitors and spectators while providing a platform for Canadian athletes to perform on home water.
"We’re proud to welcome the world back to Nova Scotia for these exciting championships,” said Dave Ritcey, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. “By bringing athletes, officials and fans from more than 60 countries together at Lake Banook, these events will showcase our province’s strong paddling tradition and provide economic benefits that will be felt across our communities.”
“These championships will showcase the talent and determination of athletes from around the globe while celebrating the legacy of a waterway that has shaped our community for generations,” said Andy Fillmore, Mayor of Halifax. “We are thrilled to support events that not only inspire the next wave of Canadian paddlers but also strengthen our local economy and share our city’s warmth and hospitality with the world.”
Mark James, Technical Director of the Atlantic Division Canoe Kayak Canada, served as MC and recognized two standout local athletes:
Tate Levy, a sprint kayaker from Fall River who trains with Senobe Aquatic Club, has represented Canada at three international events, including a bronze in the men’s K1 1000m at the 2025 ICF Junior Sprint World Championships in Portugal. A Lockview High School graduate, he now has his sights set on Canoe 26 in front of a hometown crowd.
Sloan MacKenzie, an Olympic bronze medalist in women’s canoe sprint, has multiple international podiums to her name, including Pan Am and World Championship gold. While pursuing a degree in Applied Human Nutrition, she has become one of Canada’s rising stars in sprint canoe and a role model for the next generation.
Event Details
The 2026 championships will unite the world’s top canoe sprint athletes, bringing together junior, U23, and masters competitors for a festival of paddling excellence. The combined events will mark the first time these ICF championships are hosted back-to-back in Canada, with the Masters competition set for June 25–27 and the Junior and U23 championships following July 1–5. Discover Halifax has brought together the partners to secure the 2026 championships, which will be delivered through a host society led by the Atlantic Division Canoe Kayak Canada (ADCKC) in partnership with Canoe Kayak Canada. This collaboration builds on ADCKC’s long history of hosting major competitions on Lake Banook and developing Canadian paddling talent. Canoe 2026 is funded by the Province of Nova Scotia and the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Economic Impact
According to Discover Halifax, the championships are expected to deliver a major boost to the local economy, building on the success of Canoe 22, which generated more than $10.5 million in total economic activity. This included $2.7 million in capital investments used to construct a new tower on Lake Banook - operated by ADCKC - supporting local training needs while securing the lake's reputation as a leading venue for national and international competitions.
For Canoe 26, the Junior and U23 World Championships are projected to contribute more than $9.3 million. The addition of the Masters World Championships is expected to add a further $1.5 million, underscoring the combined value of hosting back-to-back events.
Together, the two championships are projected to attract more than 1,800 athletes and officials, including 1,400 for the Junior and U23 Worlds and over 400 for the Masters competition. Thousands of additional visitors — families, coaches, and supporters — are also expected, reinforcing the significant tourism and hospitality benefits for the region.
