This article details the canoeing at the 2016 Summer Olympics qualifying phase.
Similar to 2012 format, a qualification system has been set up for both slalom and sprint canoeing at these games.
** National federation is limited to two athlete quota places at a continental qualifying event.
NOCs are limited to one boat per event, and in kayaking to 8 men and 6 women positions.
Qualification enables an NOC to participate, not necessarily in the person of the paddler who gained the place.