The CEO of Canoe Kayak Canada says bringing two world class sprint canoe championships to Lake Banook in Dartmouth this summer is a wonderful opportunity.

In a phone interview with our newsroom from Australia, Casey Wade told us the entire federation is thrilled.

“I can’t walk around and meet people internationally without talking about the most recent event in 2022,” said Wade. “It’s just an exceptional experience. The people are so generous. It’s a friendly community. It’s second to none, really, in our country.”

The ICF Master Canoe Sprint World Championships will be June 25-27, and just days later the ICF Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships will be from July 1-5, 2026.

Athletes from more than 80 countries will be here for it.

Wade said to have an event like this come here, he believes, really means a lot to the paddling community.

“We had the opportunity to take over the event from Florida, in the USA. They had capacity issues,” said Wade. “When we look at our country and we look at what happens internationally in Halifax and Dartmouth, it’s a unique community. I think it’s second only to hockey. The fans, the athlete base.”

What sets Halifax apart?

This is the second time HRM has hosted a world class canoeing championship in the last few years, with athletes from about 70 countries who came here to compete three years ago.

Wade says hosting this coming summer is a simple decision because of the proud tradition.

“It’s in the DNA of the region,” he said. “It’s just such a great combination of things that come together. It’s got all the people, the facilities, the environment.”

He added that he is amazed by how many kids and other participants who paddle on Lake Banook.

“When I travel there at certain times in the summer, in particular, the energy and the dynamics that go on out there is just incredible. I don’t think there’s anywhere in the world that has that.”