Canoe Kayak Canada and Paddle Canada official co-presenting partners of national paddling celebration
Ottawa, ON (June 1, 2026) – This June, Canadians from coast to coast to coast are invited to get on the water and celebrate the return of We Paddle Month, a nationwide initiative dedicated to growing participation in paddling, fostering community, and celebrating the sport’s deep roots across the country.
Now in its second year, We Paddle Month continues to build momentum as a vibrant and inclusive celebration of paddling culture in Canada. For 2026, Canoe Kayak Canada and Paddle Canada are proud to come together as co-presenting partners, representing the full spectrum of paddling from recreational experiences to high-performance sport.
Throughout the month, clubs, organizations, and communities across Canada will host a wide range of activities designed to welcome new participants and engage experienced paddlers alike. From introductory paddling sessions and community events to storytelling campaigns and club activations, We Paddle Month aims to make paddling more accessible, visible, and inclusive for all.
“We Paddle Month is about opening the door for more Canadians to experience the joy of being on the water,” said LA Schmidt, Past Commodore and current Alumni Council Chair. “By bringing together the leadership of Canoe Kayak Canada and Paddle Canada, we’re creating a unified, inclusive national effort to grow the sport and strengthen the paddling community.”
The initiative invites people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to participate, whether trying paddling for the first time, returning to the sport, or engaging at a competitive level. It also recognizes paddling’s deep cultural significance, including its longstanding importance within Indigenous communities, and highlights the role of local clubs and organizations in creating welcoming spaces across the country.
Through shared experiences and coordinated programming, We Paddle Month seeks to inspire Canadians to connect with nature, embrace active lifestyles, and discover the many ways paddling can enrich their lives.
For more information, event listings, and ways to get involved, visit canoekayak.ca or follow Canoe Kayak Canada on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.