The 1963 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships were held in Jajce, Yugoslavia (present-day Bosnia and Herzegovina). This event was held under the auspices of the International Canoe Federation.
The men's competition consisted of four Canadian (single paddle, open boat) and nine kayak events. Three events were held for the women, all in kayak. The women's K-4 500 m event debuted at these championships.
This was the sixth championships in canoe sprint.