The National Championships for Long Distance began in 1987 and were originally contested in the fall, often several weeks after the conclusion of the National Sprint Championships, and in most cases at a different location. In 1992, the practice became one of holding the Long Distance events two days after the National Championships at, or near, the same site. (With CanMas occupying the day in between) In 1995 the long distance races were whittled down to Midget 6000m only for both men and women and in both Canadian and Kayak disciplines. These races were added to the Sprint Championships, thereby negating the need for a separate event.

Athletes competed for their province at these championships. The winning "provincial team" for each event also received gold team medals.