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The United Albertan Paddling Society, with the support of Polaris Mortgage Planners, is excited to host the Paddling Film Festival World Tour in Edmonton on April 18, 2026! Since 2006, the Paddling Film Festival has been a highlight in over 130 cities around the globe, showcasing the finest paddling films. It motivates audiences to cherish their local waterways, venture into rivers, lakes, and oceans, and fully embrace the paddling lifestyle. The 2026 film line-up features an exciting array of stories: viewers will embark on a first-hand journey celebrating wild and scenic rivers, witness the discovery of adaptive packrafting after paraplegia, follow a 1,000-mile canoe and bike expedition across the Arctic, experience the warmth of the river community, and explore uncharted whitewater. There are lots of door prizes to be won & silent auction items to be bid on! ! In addition, we will be running a 50/50 - get your raffle tickets here.
We invite you to join us for the World Tour screening at the NAIT Shaw Theatre on Saturday, April 18. Doors will open in the lobby at 5 pm, with the film screening scheduled for 6:30 pm. Before the show, take part in our paddling fair in the lobby, where you can explore local retailers, discover how to safely start your paddling journey, learn essential skills for river outings, connect with local paddling clubs, and find out more about our provincial paddling associations. There will be local craft beer, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase.
We are thrilled to introduce our Platinum Sponsor for this year’ festival: Polaris Mortgage Planners! At Polaris Mortgage Planners, they believe home-ownership is about more than finding a mortgage—it’s about building your future. From your very first pre-approval through to paying off the last payment, they’re committed to guiding you at every step, offering clear communication and expert support every time. Locally based in Spruce Grove and Edmonton, their team is dedicated to helping their clients achieve financial freedom through smart mortgage planning. They’re proud to support the UAPS Film Festival and be part of this community-driven celebration of creativity and connection on the water.
We would also like to thank our Gold Sponsors, Benke Real Estate, Edmonton Massage and Bodywork, Excalibur Executive Planning, River City Repair, and Totem Outdoor Outfitters for their generous support in making this event possible. Adam at Benke Real Estate is a dedicated realtor who puts you first and comes highly recommended by numerous satisfied UAPS members. Edmonton Massage and Bodywork provides neck, shoulder, and back pain relief in Central Edmonton through Therapeutic Massage and RAPID Neurofascial Reset. Excalibur Executive Planning is proudly supporting the UAPS Film Festival as a Gold Sponsor, guiding business owners from workplace wellness to lifelong wealth — through employee group benefits, insurance, and retirement planning. River City Repair specializes in repairing paddling equipment, rafts, SUPs, plastic welding and more). They will help keep your dry suit and boat dry year after year. Totem Outdoor Outfitters sells used & new backpacking, travelling, camping, canoeing, flatwater kayaking, summer and winter sports team, and ski and snowboard gear!
Your support in attending this event will contribute to the vibrant paddling community in our region. Proceeds from this event will support both our children’s and adult paddling programs by funding essential equipment purchases and training to certify our volunteer instructors, ensuring they are fully insured to teach paddling at local pools, ponds, lakes, and rivers.
Platinum Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsors
- Benke Real Estate (a real estate agent who puts you first & comes highly recommended by numerous satisfied UAPS members)
- Edmonton Massage and Bodywork (Neck, shoulder, and back pain relief in Central Edmonton through Therapeutic Massage and RAPID Neurofascial Reset)
- Excalibur Executive Planning (guiding business owners from workplace wellness to lifelong wealth — through employee group benefits, insurance, & retirement planning)
- River City Repair (UAPS recommended repair shop specializing in paddling equipment, rafts, SUPs, plastic welding & more)
- Totem Outdoor Outfitters (used & new backpacking, travelling, camping, canoeing, flatwater kayaking, summer and winter sports team, and ski and snowboard gear)
Silver Level Sponsors
- Alberta Whitewater Association (connects, develops and advocates for whitewater & paddle sports across Alberta)
- Alberta Canoe Polo Association - (promotes the sport of Canoe (Kayak) Polo across Alberta)
- AQ Outdoors (as one of Canada’s leading paddlesport gear and education resources, AQ Outdoors is here to grow stoke, support community, & get more paddlers on the water)
- Edmonton Whitewater Paddlers (Edmonton's Premier Paddling & Canoe Polo Club)
- Green Tongue Adventures (Experience unforgettable paddling adventures, expeditions, and expert training for all levels with Rocky Mountain guides)
- Hela Ventures (Paddle, Pedal, Climb, Explore)
- KC Insurance (providing insurance to fit your budget)
- Paddle Alberta (promotes and supports safe, sustainable recreational canoeing & kayaking)
- PeakEats (backcountry food as good as the view - healthy & delicious!)
- Racks for Cars (Edmonton's largest car & truck rack dealer, with a full range of kayak, canoe, ski, snowboard, & bike racks)
- Smith Paddle & Canoe Co (where wood meets water, distinctively designed wood paddles with years of development & innovation)
- 7 Summits Snacks (Functional Chocolate to Fuel Your Next Adventure)
Bronze Level Sponsors
- Edmonton Riverboat (Experience Edmonton's iconic river valley aboard the one and only Edmonton Queen)
- Form Health (Edmonton's community-driven acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, and physiotherapy multidisciplinary wellness clinic)
- KanFest (celebrate everything that makes the Kananaskis River special, July 10-12, 2026)
- Mountain Equipment Company (Getting people outside, since 1971)
- NSR Environmental Ltd (environmental planning, assessment, and ecological regulatory & field services)
- Track 'N Trail (Serving Edmonton's nordic skiers, hikers, backpackers, backcountry skiers, climbers, and trail runners since 1984)
- Raven | Rescue Safety Medical (From rescue and medical training to safety services, Raven brings your safety savvy to the centre stage)
Doorprize & Silent Auction sponsors
- Blue Sky, Red Canoe (Explore the Red Deer River from the stern of a canoe, with Neil Gower's newest book)
- Ceyana Canoe Club (Edmonton's largest canoe & kayak club, offering a mix of family-oriented paddling programs)
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Cloud 9 Pajamas (family & female owned and operated business that creates and curates a comfortable lifestyle)
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Devon Home Hardware (homeowners helping homeowners, for all your local needs)
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Evoolution (Canada's freshest olive oils, decadent balsamic vinegars, & gourmet sea salts)
- Kal Tire Acheson (Canada's winter tire expert, proudly supporting UAPS & the local community)
- Mark's Guide for Alberta Paddlers, 3rd edt (detailed river guidebook including put-ins, take-outs, rapids, highlights, & more)
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (a leading polytechnic committed to your success)
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Northwest Voyageurs Canoe and Kayak Club (Edmonton-based paddling community where adventure, skill-building, and friendship come together on the water)
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Vertically Inclined Rock Gym (a fun, ergonomic space that makes rock climbing comfortable and accessible for everyone)
Watch the 2026 promo video here
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