Host City
Each FISU World University Championship is more than just a sporting event — it’s a unique opportunity to discover a new culture, explore a region, and connect with a vibrant academic community.
This page introduces you to the host country and city for this edition, highlighting their history, key features, and commitment to sport and youth.
London, Ontario
London, Ontario is proud to host the 2026 FISU World University Rowing Championships for the first time. With a population of 422,000, London is the 15th largest city in Canada and the 6th largest city in the province of Ontario. London is located in southwestern Ontario, conveniently halfway between Toronto, Ontario (Canada) and Detroit, Michigan (USA), making travel into the city convenient from across the globe.
Also known as the “Forest City,” London is surrounded by beautiful parks and green spaces, as well as an abundance of trees scattered throughout the city. The city prides itself on being a regional hub for education and healthcare, with Western University and Fanshawe College located in the city as well as several major hospitals and research facilities.
Flights to the London International Airport (YXU) and available via Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ). Alternatively, shuttles, car rentals, and train service is available to London from Toronto.
Canada
Canada is the second-largest country in the world, known for its stunning natural landscapes, multicultural society, and high quality of life. Spanning from the Atlantic to the Pacific and into the Arctic Ocean, it features vast forests, majestic mountains, and vibrant multicultural cities.
Canada is a constitutional monarchy with strong democratic traditions and a reputation for politeness, safety, and inclusivity. Home to diverse cultures and Indigenous communities, Canada celebrates bilingualism in English and French, and embraces a progressive outlook on global issues like climate change and human rights.
Western University
Western University is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive institutions. Established in 1878, it is known for academic and athletic excellence, vibrant campus life, and a strong sense of community.
Western offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across faculties such as Business (Ivey), Law, Medicine, Engineering, and Arts & Humanities. The university is recognized globally for its research in health, neuroscience, and sustainability.
With a beautiful campus, strong student support services, and a commitment to innovation, Western attracts students from across Canada and around the world, fostering leadership, critical thinking, and real-world impact in its graduates.
Fanshawe Lake
Located within Fanshawe Conservation Area, the Doug Wells Training Centre at Fanshawe Lake is the host venue for the 2026 FISU World University Rowing Championships. This training centre is the home of the Western Mustangs Rowing Team and a Rowing Canada National Training Centre which has produced numerous Olympic and World Champions.
Fanshawe Conservation Area also offers camping, mountain biking and hiking. Learn more at https://www.fanshaweconservationarea.ca.
