The Canadian Polar Data Workshop VI will take place June 8–12, 2026, in Waterloo, Ontario at St. Jerome’s University, located at the University of Waterloo.
Registration is now open. We look forward to welcoming you to the workshop this June!
Registration
Registration is now open. Please note that CPDW6 is an in-person event.
Early Bird Fees (deadline of April 30th)
- $300 Regular
- $150 Student and Indigenous attendees
Regular Fees (post early bird)
- $450 Regular
- $200 Student and Indigenous attendees
Call for Abstracts – Closed
The call for abstract submissions has now closed. Abstracts for both oral presentations and posters will be accepted on a wide variety of data, information, and knowledge related topics. While talks or posters on general topics will be considered, priority will be given to abstracts focused on the polar regions and northern Indigenous Knowledge research. Please note that all presenters must be registered CPDW6 participants — register now.
Submitted abstracts will be assigned to the following proposed conference sessions:
- Knowledge Mobilization and Decision Making
- Knowledge Co-Production and Indigenous Data Sovereignty
- Data Ethics
- FAIR Data
- Vocabularies and Semantic Interoperability
- Logistical Resource and Information Management
- Modelling and Remote Sensing Data
- Life Science Data
- Data Storytelling
- Ocean Data (see Ocean Data Concurrent Event below)
- Other Datacentric and Technical Topics of Interest
Oral Presentations: Oral presentations should be 15–20 minutes in length.
Poster Presentations: Posters should be a maximum of 45” x 45” in size.
Submission Deadline: April 10th, 2026.
Ocean Data Concurrent Event
The Canadian Integrated Ocean Observing System (CIOOS) will run an ocean data focused event concurrent with CPDW6.
CIOOS is Canada’s ocean data system, uniting diverse sectors and partners in providing an open, trusted, and high-quality data platform, tools, and cyberinfrastructure. CIOOS advances interoperable, FAIR- and CARE-aligned ocean data stewardship nationally, while working to strengthen support for Arctic and sub‑Arctic data needs.
This ocean data side event will provide a dedicated space during CPDW6 to explore how ocean and coastal data systems can more effectively contribute to, and align with, Canada’s evolving polar data landscape.
Venue
The Canadian Polar Data Workshop VI will be held in Waterloo, Ontario, at St. Jerome’s University, located at the University of Waterloo. Lodging is not included with the workshop’s registration fee and participants will need to book their lodging separately either on campus or at a nearby hotel. Please note that CPDW6 is an in-person only event.
Venue Address:
St. Jerome’s University
290 Westmount Road North,
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
N2L 3G3
Accommodation
Delta Hotels Waterloo
We have reserved a block of rooms at the Delta Hotels Waterloo. Conference attendees are welcome to book at the Delta at the group rate of 249.00 CAD per night.
To reserve your stay please call 1-888-236-2427 or book directly online by using our booking link.
Please note the cut-off date for the block of rooms is Thursday May 7, 2026.
St. Jerome’s Residence
Accommodation at the St. Jerome’s residence is also available. Please visit the residence website for details on room amenities.
Rooms are available at the rate of 82.56 CAD + HST per night. Parking is $7 + HST per day for day parking.
To reserve your stay please select this option on the registration payment form. Details about this accommodation are provide on the registration form.
Please note the cut-off date to book at St. Jerome’s is Friday May 22, 2026.
Things to Do in Waterloo
Learn about some of the sites and activities that Waterloo and its surrounds have to offer.
The only Canadian art gallery exclusively dedicated to contemporary ceramic, glass, enamel and stained glass works. Located in Uptown Waterloo, the gallery features five exhibition galleries with rotating shows from artists across 25 countries. With over 900 items in the permanent collection, visitors can explore cutting-edge contemporary art in an architecturally award-winning building.
When: Tuesday–Friday: 11 am – 6 pm; Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm; Sunday: 1 – 5 pm
Where: 25 Caroline Street North, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 2Y5 (accessible via ION light rail)
Admission: Free
Just a 30-minute transit from Waterloo campus, the Laurel Creek Conservation Area offers a natural escape with sandy beaches, swimming, hiking trails, and scenic picnic areas. With approximately 6 kilometers of trails winding through mature hardwood forests and grassy meadows, it’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon outdoors.
When: Open year-round; beach and full facilities available during summer months
Where: 625 Westmount Road North, Waterloo
Admission: $9.50
More information: Laurel Creek Conservation Area
Take a guided stroll through the historic Village of St. Jacobs and discover local tales spanning over a century. Led by locals who know the town best, you’ll hear stories of pioneering technology, the early schoolteacher from Sierra Leone, and the horse that delivered mail for decades. This small village blends modern and traditional life while staying connected to its roots.
When: Available April–November (90 minutes)
Where: Meet at Parkette beside Scotia Bank, 1406 King St N, St. Jacobs
Cost: $30/person + booking fee
Book your tour: Stroll Walking Tours – St. Jacobs
Located just a short transit ride from campus, the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market is Canada’s largest year-round farmers’ market. With three bustling buildings and a lively outdoor market, it’s home to hundreds of local vendors offering farm-fresh produce, artisanal foods, handcrafted goods, and unique finds. Perfect for experiencing authentic local flavor in a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.
When: Year-round on Thursdays and Saturdays, with Tuesday Markets in June–August
Where: 878 Weber St N #1, Waterloo, ON N2V 0H2
Admission: Free
Learn more: St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market
Waterloo Park is a beautiful 111-acre green space offering something for everyone. Wander through peaceful Victorian gardens or explore scenic trails perfect for walking, jogging, or sightseeing. The park features baseball diamonds, a cricket pitch, and a skatepark for active visitors. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxing stroll, a picnic lunch, or simply unwinding in a natural setting right in the heart of the city.
When: Daily, 6 am – 11 pm
Where: 50 Young St W, Waterloo
Admission: Free
Learn more: Waterloo Park
Convener and Hosts
CPDW6 is proudly convened by the Canadian Polar Data Consortium and hosted by the University of Waterloo Climate Institute and the Polar Data Catalogue.
Sponsors
The Planning and Advisory Committees would like to thank the following sponsors of the workshop:
Narwhal ($25,000)
Musk Ox ($10,000)
Snowy Owl ($5,000)
Sessional Sponsor
