Slave River Paddlefest - The best paddling weekend of the year!

Thank You!

A huge thank you to all the volunteers, instructors, paddlers, spectators, partners, sponsors, and everyone who contributed to Paddlefest 2022. We couldn’t have done it without your help!

It was great to see everyone who came out to spend the weekend on the river having fun and making new memories together. We hope that everyone enjoyed the time to focus on friends, paddling, and taking in the natural beauty of the mighty Slave River.

Thanks for being part of the Slave River Paddlefest this year!
We hope to see you again next year!

Photo Contest

Did you bring your camera to capture your favourite Paddlefest moments this year? Share them with us and you could win prizes!

Enter Now

Even if you don’t enter the contest, we’d love to see all the memories made at this year’s festival! So, make sure to tag @SlaveRiverPaddlefest and #SlaveRiverPaddlefest!

Title Sponsors

A Paddling Festival Like No Other

Every summer during the August long weekend, a bunch of people gather in a little town in Canada’s Northwest Territories for a weekend of paddling fun. A family-oriented celebration of the mighty Slave River with some of the best whitewater in the world, Paddlefest has opportunities for everyone to make a splash… and we want you to join us!

Watch Paddlefest in Action!

See More in the Gallery

Four Days of Paddling Fun

Join us this summer on the Slave River for paddling, races, games, food, and more during the August long weekend! It’s a celebration of the river that everyone can enjoy with activities for all skill levels.

Warm water & sunshine
Family-friendly atmosphere
Games & competitions
All skill levels & ages
Pelicans soaring overhead
World-class rapids

More Than Just Kayaks

Paddlefest is an event that the whole family can enjoy with something for everyone! From beach games for the little ones to SUP jousting to surfing competitions and more, you’re sure to have a blast in the warm waters of the Slave River.

See More Activities

Mark your calendars!

Paddlefest is planned for August Long Weekend in 2023!
August 4–7, 2023

More Information

We acknowledge that the land where we live and paddle in is the traditional territory of the Indigenous Peoples of the Salt River First Nation, the Smith’s Landing First Nation, and the Northwest Territory Métis Nation.