History
Canoe Kayak Nova Scotia had its beginnings on November 28, 1973, (formerly Canoe Nova Scotia) when the Nova Scotia Department of Recreation organized a meeting of “canoeing enthusiasts” to explore the need for establishing an organization that would be responsible for developing all aspects of canoeing and making programs and information available to interested people. Represented at this meeting were the Canadian Canoe Association, Canadian Hostelling Association, Canadian Whitewater Association, Canadian Camping Association, Dalhousie University, Physical Education Department of Halifax Schools, & the Canadian Red Cross.
The result of this and subsequent meetings was the incorporation of the Canoe Nova Scotia Association in 1976. Many members embraced the new sports of whitewater and sea kayaking in the province in the 1990’s and CNS began to provide limited support for these sports. The organization changed its name in 2000 to Canoe Kayak Nova Scotia to reflect its changed role, as it began to offer additional services to kayakers as well as canoeists. With the rise in popularity of Stand Up Paddleboarding, today CKNS is the official voice for all recreational paddling in Nova Scotia.
CKNS is funded by members, and the NS Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.
