Join Canoe Kayak Canada in Ottawa this November for four days of connection, learning and collaboration as we bring together coaches, leaders and members of the paddling community to share ideas, celebrate our sport and help shape the future of canoe and kayak in Canada.
The theme of this year’s in-person Summit is “From First Strokes to Full Speed,” reflecting the many people, programs and communities that help paddlers progress at every stage of their journey, from getting on the water for the first time to reaching the highest levels of competition. The Summit is an opportunity to bring those people together, learn from one another, celebrate the work happening across our sport, and look toward what comes next.
The CKC Summit includes the Coaching Symposium (November 19–20) and Leadership Summit (November 21–22), with opportunities to register for either event or join us for both.
Please register at the link below for either Coaching Symposium, the Leadership Summit or both.
Thank you to the Ottawa Marriott for hosting the 2026 CKC Summit and extending the booking deadline!
Join us in Ottawa!
Ottawa Marriott
100 Kent Street
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1P 5R7
Ottawa Marriott Hotel for 215.00 CAD per night
Last Day to Book : Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Air Canada Travel Discounts
Air Canada is offering special fares for Summit attendees travelling to and from Ottawa (YOW).
The Coaching Symposium brings coaches from across Canada together for two days of learning, connection, and professional development.
The program will feature:
Whether you’re introducing someone to their first strokes or supporting athletes preparing for international competition, the Symposium will offer practical tools, fresh perspectives, and meaningful connections to help strengthen your coaching practice.
Dr. Bradley Young of the University of Ottawa will deliver the keynote, exploring self-regulated learning and the psychology of practice. Craig Morris, Paddle UK Olympic Coach, will join us live online to share lessons from his coaching career, including his experience guiding British Canoe Slalom athletes to Olympic medals at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
Maskwa Head Coach Christian Hall will lead a workshop on developing U12–U14 programming. Coaches will also participate in a practical session focused on skill acquisition and technical development, alongside a dedicated Paracanoe workshop.
The full schedule is still taking shape, with more sessions and speakers to be announced in the coming weeks.
| Time of day | Thursday, Nov 19 | Friday, Nov 20 | ||
| Morning (8:30 start) |
AM Sessions | Practical Session | ||
| Lunch | Provided | Provided | ||
| Afternoon (approx. 5pm) FINISH |
PM Sessions | Symposium ends | ||
| Evening | Coach Celebration Dinner (included) |
More to come!
The Leadership Summit will bring together leaders from across the Canadian paddling community to tackle shared challenges, explore new opportunities, and help shape the future of our sport. Through facilitated workshops and collaborative discussions, participants will look beyond day-to-day operations to consider how we can build a stronger, more connected, and sustainable paddling system from coast to coast to coast.
Sessions will focus on growing participation and building stronger clubs, working with partners to strengthen the development pathway, and advancing greater alignment across the Canadian paddling system. Together, these conversations will help identify key priorities, strengthen collaboration, and turn shared goals into meaningful progress for clubs, athletes, coaches, and the broader paddling community.
The Leadership Summit is an opportunity to contribute to the bigger picture, exchange perspectives with leaders from across the sport, and help set priorities for Canadian paddling in the years ahead. More details about the program will be shared as planning continues.
| Time of day | Saturday, Nov 21 | Sunday, Nov 22 |
| Morning (8:30 start) |
AM Sessions | AM Sessions |
| Lunch | Provided | Provided |
| Afternoon | PM Sessions | Sessions end (approx. 2pm) |
| Evening | Year-End Celebration Dinner & Alumni Silent Auction
(included) |
More to come!