Originally a means of winter transport between the islands and shores of the Saint Lawrence River, ice canoeing is now a sport.
Ice canoeing originated in Eastern Canada. Due to historical and geographic circumstances, it appears not to have been practised elsewhere in the world. The biggest competitive event is the race at the Quebec Winter Carnival. The Quebec City area is the centre of ice canoeing activity, but there are teams elsewhere in the province of Quebec. In recent years the race has seen teams from Calgary, Chicago, and France.
Originally wooden, canoes are now made with epoxy and fibreglass with an internal metal frame. According to regulations, the minimum weight of a canoe is about 110 Kg, with a length of six to eight metres.