Club kicks off summer of sport with community open day on May 9
Ottawa, ON (April 28, 2026) — Canoe Kayak Canada and the Rideau Canoe Club are proud to announce that they will host the 2026 Canoe Kayak Canada Sprint National Championships in Ottawa, Ontario, taking place August 25–29, 2026. The Canadian Masters National Championships (CanMas) will follow on August 30, 2026.
The event will welcome athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators from across Canada, representing many disciplines of sprint paddling, including youth, senior, masters, paracanoe, and PaddleAll racing. The Canoe Kayak Canada Sprint National Championships and CanMas are the largest domestic events on the Canadian competitive paddling calendar and a cornerstone celebration of high-performance sport, community, and inclusion.
“Canoe Kayak Canada is proud to bring the 2026 Sprint National Championships to Ottawa in partnership with the Rideau Canoe Club,” said Casey Wade, CEO of Canoe Kayak Canada. “This event represents the very best of our sport, from emerging young athletes to experienced competitors, and reflects our commitment to excellence, inclusion, and community. We look forward to welcoming participants and spectators from across the country for an unforgettable week of racing and connection on the water.”
The 2026 Canoe Kayak Canada Sprint National Championships are supported by Ottawa Tourism, whose support helps showcase Ottawa as a premier destination for major sporting events, and the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Sport Hosting Program, which assists communities in hosting national and international sport events.
“Ottawa Tourism welcomes the athletes, families and supporters to Canada’s capital for the National Championships,” said Michael Crockatt, President & CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “Events like this one strengthen our visitor economy, showcase our city as a setting for sport events of all sorts and a legacy of dedication and excellence in our local community. We look forward to hosting a memorable championship experience for everyone joining us in Ottawa.”
Beyond competition, the championships aim to create unforgettable moments for athletes and spectators alike, while highlighting Ottawa’s waterways, paddling heritage, and vibrant sport community.
Before the competition begins in August, the Rideau Canoe Club invites Ottawa residents to come experience the sport first-hand at a free community event, “Road to Nationals 2026” on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 11:00am to 1:00 PM at Mooney’s Bay.
This event is an open-door, afternoon BBQ for neighbours, community members, alumni, and supporters. Guests will have the chance to get on the water and try a C-15 and other paddling boats alongside club athletes and volunteers. The event is open to all, no experience necessary.
“The Rideau Canoe Club has been part of Ottawa since 1902, but it’s one of this city’s best kept sporting secrets,” said Marielle Hawkes, Chair of the Host Organizing Committee. “We want to change that. Ottawans have access to one of the best sprint canoe and kayak clubs in the country, right in Mooney’s Bay and we want more people to know about it. Hosting Nationals is a great opportunity to introduce sprint paddling to a wider Ottawa audience, and May 9 is the first step. Come try a boat! See what this sport is all about.”
More information including schedules, volunteer opportunities, and event updates will be shared via the event website at sprintnationals.canoekayak.ca and social channels in the coming months.
About the Rideau Canoe Club
The Rideau Canoe Club (RCC) is one of Canada’s leading sprint canoe and kayak clubs, dedicated to promoting inclusive, community-focused paddling for athletes of all ages and abilities. Located on the Rideau River in Ottawa, the RCC is committed to growing the sport through recreation, skill development, competitive opportunities, and accessible pathways.
The Rideau Canoe Club continues to champion the belief that paddling is for everyone; from first-time participants to national and international competitors.
About Canoe Kayak Canada
Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) is the national governing body for competitive paddling in Canada, one of Canada’s top performing summer sports with a total of 29 Olympic and Paralympic medals, and a leader in the Paralympic movement. Canoe Kayak Canada is a member-based organization that includes an intricate network of clubs as well as provincial, territorial and divisional paddling associations. Elite National Team athletes proudly represent Canada at various competitions around the globe – most notably the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Pan American Games, ICF World Cups as well as Junior, Under 23 and Senior World Championships. Follow Canoe Kayak Canada on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
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For more information:
Marielle Hawkes
Chair, Host Organizing Committee – 2026 CKC Sprint National Championships
nationals@rideaucanoeclub.ca
Emmalee Nother
Communications Manager – Canoe Kayak Canada
enother@canoekayak.ca