2021 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships – Women's K-1 500 metres

The women's K-1 500 metres competition at the 2021 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships in Copenhagen took place on Lake Bagsværd.

Schedule
The schedule was as follows: All times are Central European Summer Time (UTC+2)

Heats
Heat winners advanced directly to the A final. The next six fastest boats in each heat advanced to the semifinals.

Semifinals
Qualification was as follows:

The fastest three boats in each semi advanced to the A final. The next four fastest boats in each semi, plus the fastest remaining boat advanced to the B final.

Final B
Competitors in this final raced for positions 10 to 18.

Final A
Competitors raced for positions 1 to 9, with medals going to the top three.