The 1989 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships were held in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
The men's competition consisted of eight Canadian (single paddle, open boat) and nine kayak events. Five events were held for the women, all in kayak. Men's C-4 500 m and C-4 1000 m were added along with women's K-1 5000 m and K-2 5000 m.
This was the 22nd championships in canoe sprint.