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We’re gearing up for KanFest 2026, and we’d love for you to be part of shaping what comes next. Whether you’re interested in joining the planning committee, helping as a volunteer, or simply sharing your thoughts, we’re hosting an open meeting and feedback session on December 17th at 6:30 PM.You can join the meeting here: KanFest 2026 Kickoff Meeting and Feedback Sesh!! Wednesday, December 17 · 6:30 – 8:30pm MST Video call link: https://meet.google.com/dyc-xjws-fzr Or dial:

KanFest 2025 was an incredible weekend of paddling, community, and competition! From rafts, pack rafts, kayaks, SUPs, whitewater canoes, and even inflatable unicorns, athletes brought their best to the Kananaskis River. A huge thank you to everyone who competed, volunteered, and cheered from the banks — you made this festival unforgettable. Before we get to the podium, a huge thank you to our amazing sponsors and partners who make KanFest possible. If your looking for courses

Capture the stoke. Share the chaos. Get rewarded! Participants and spectators are invited to enter our Photo & Video Contest, share your best shots, epic clips, or funniest moments from the festival for a chance at a cash prize. Send your submissions to media@kanfest.ca . You can attach files, link us to a cloud drive, or reach out to George or Brennan if you need help sharing your content. 1st Place – $150 2nd Place – $100 3rd Place – $75  And that’s not all: any submissi

This year’s KanFest prize table is stacked higher than ever, thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors. Whether you’re competing, spectating, or just around for the good times, there are more chances than ever to walk away with some top-tier gear and swag. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the awesome prizes up for grabs: AQ Outdoors : 2x NRS Ninja Pro PFDs, NRS compact throw bag, NRS 35L Expedition DriDuffel Dry Bag, Badfish Surf Traveler SUP Package, Pyranha 12R Kay

KanFest isn’t just about paddling! it’s also about community, celebration, and eating well after a big day on the water. This year, we’re bringing food back to KanFest! with meals, snacks, and drinks to keep you fueled from first light to final feature. FREE Saturday Night BBQ: After the races wrap up Saturday, join us back at the campground for a free BBQ dinner, sponsored by Homeland Manufacturing and Grizlok. We’re serving up classic all beef burgers and veggie burgers, gr

Highlights: Chute with a small drop Boils and strong eddy lines Can be retentive in certain flow conditions Location/Access Widowmaker is the very first feature on the Upper Kananaskis River, located directly at the aptly named Widowmaker parking lot. It marks the traditional starting point for most downriver runs. Paddlers can put in above the feature by at the base of the rocky outcrop (river right), or by seal-launching down the side of it. Spectators can get a great view

Sunday morning at KanFest starts with the absurd, and cold-blooded tradition: Survivor Just before the dam controller river flow turn on, a group of brave (and sleep deprived) paddlers line up, in the river, just above Green Tongue  and await the morning flood. The Kanaskis rapidly fills, be the last person standing. That’s it. No boats, no paddles, just you, your footing, and your will to survive the current. Participants are required  to wear a PFD, helmet, booties/shoes,

If there’s one event that truly captures the spirit of KanFest, chaotic fun, teamwork, and a whole lot of river mayhem, it’s the legendary Ball Race. A KanFest original, the Ball Race happens Sunday and is consistently one of the weekend’s most talked-about events. Here’s how it works: teams of four battle it out downriver while trying to herd a giant inflatable ball from Widowmaker to the bottom of the racecourse. The catch? Every other team will do their best to sabotage y

If you’re new to paddling the Upper Kan, there’s one key thing you need to understand before getting on the water: the flow is controlled. The Upper Kananaskis River is not a natural, free-flowing river. Water levels here are regulated by the Barrier Dam, a hydroelectric dam operated by TransAlta. That means paddling conditions can change significantly depending on when and how much water is being released. Where to Find Flow Information TransAlta publishes scheduled release