We may be having a low water season in western Canada, but the stoke is very high when it comes to the plethora of community-driven paddling festivals happening this summer. After what felt like an eternity, our beloved gatherings are making a return, promising an unforgettable experience in this new post-pandemic era.
If you’re looking for a top-level overview of all paddling events happening in North America and beyond, you can head over to Paddlingevents.com. Here, we’ve handpicked our favourite events happening in July and August 2023; especially for the Albertans and British Columbians among us. Mark your calendars!
Red Deer Paddling Social
July 28-30, 2023
UPDATE With the fires burning ever so close to our planned location for this event we have switched gears and are now hosting it at Hunter Valley Adventures on the Red Deer River. Join us for a fun weekend of paddling, camping and good times at the Red Deer Paddling Social (Toby Creek Paddling Social - PLAN B).
This will be an adventure-filled weekend for all ages and group paddling activities, informal races, group dinner & drinks on Saturday night (provided by AQ Outdoors) and the chance to meet like minded paddlers.This will be a fun weekend of paddling, camping, great food and good times! Suitable for all ages, you can expect paddling activities, informal races, group dinner & drinks on Saturday night (provided by AQ Outdoors), and the chance to meet like-minded paddlers. Dinner (and beer) on Saturday night will be provided by AQ and is included in the ticket price.
Tickets: $35-85, camping included.
Learn more & register
Clearwater Kayak Festival
August 4-7, 2023
You won't want to miss this summer classic! Founded in 2007 by Ben Earle, this remarkable event celebrates the powerful Clearwater River and draws paddlers from all corners of BC, Canada, and beyond. Expect a number of exhilarating and heart-pounding races, including the Adrian Kiernan Boater Cross and DR SUP Advanced Race. Enjoy food from various vendors and dance the night away at the legendary afterparty featuring four incredible bands and DJs. Embody the spirit of adventure and stand a chance to win the Ben Earle Award. This will be an incredibly fun weekend, staged in beautiful Wells Grey Provincial Park.
Tickets: $50-70, camping included.
Learn more & register
Revy Paddle Fest
August 11-13, 2023
Get ready to celebrate nature, water, and community! This event will be three epic days packed with everything under the sun, from expert whitewater kayak races (with great spectator opportunities), a ball race, SUP showdowns, to any-craft madness! Get the whole family involved with fun flatwater races and a river cleanup that'll make Mother Nature high-five you. Time on the water aside, the pièce de résistance of this event might just be the Saturday night Bootie Ball; a family-friendly party with a stacked line of 7 DJs and Live bands, awards, raffle, and much more. We're stoked for this one!
Tickets: $15-80, camping is extra.
Learn more & register
KanFest
August 11-13, 2023
This event is a staple for Albertan boaters and beyond! KanFest is back for 2023 and we are so excited to be able to support it for another year. Staged on the Kananaskis River and Canoe Meadows Campground, this is a fun get together for all ages and ability levels, featuring boatercross races, freestyle competitions, SUP races and more. There will also be a bunch of great courses from AQ Outdoors and CANRVRSUP available throughout the weekend. Mark your calendars, this will be a guaranteed good time!
Tickets: $50-70, camping included.
Learn more & register
