Dragon Boat Festival
It’s not something you see in Banff National Park everyday. Twenty-two souls, backs and arms straining to paddle a mythical Chinese dragon boat – where a split-second difference in timing and cadence can throw off perfectly intense synchronicity.
Join us August 14 & 15 as over 600 participants race across the mystical waters of Lake Minnewanka.
Did you know?
The dragon plays the most respected role within the Chinese mythological tradition. Dragons are traditionally believed to be the rulers of rivers and seas and dominate the clouds and the rains of heaven.
The Stoney First Nations people also have had their traditional legends of creatures living in the rivers and lakes. Lake Minnewanka or “Lake of the Evil Water Sprits” came to receive its name from one such myth of a half-human, half-creature believed to prey upon unsuspecting boaters.
As you check out the event information throughout this website don’t miss the Fun Facts and the “Things you need to know” section. Also, try our quiz!
Friday, August 13th |
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Team Sign-In 6:00pm – 7:00pm Location: TBD, Town of Banff |
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Mandatory Team Captain’s Meeting 7:00pm – 8:00pm Location: TBD, Town of Banff |
Saturday, August 14th |
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Team Sign-In & "Paddlers Express" Team Shuttle Pick Up 7:00am – 10:00am Location: Mount Royal Hotel, Town of Banff |
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“Dragon Express” Public Shuttle - FREE 8:00am – 5:00pm Town of Banff to Lake Minnewanka return *Visit Parking & Transportation for scheduling and pick up locations. |
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Race Schedule (pdf 55.72 kB) 9:00am – 3:00pm Location: Lake Minnewanka |
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"Paddlers Express" Team Shuttle Pick Up 2:00pm – 4:00pm Location: Lake Minnewanka |
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Cultural Performances 3:00pm - 5:00pm Location: Town of Banff, Banff Ave Square |
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Participant After Party 5:00pm – 6:30pm Location: TBD *Drink ticket & light refreshments for all Festival participants. Participant wrist bands required. |
Sunday, August 15th |
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"Paddlers Express" Team Shuttle Pick Up 7:00am – 10:00am Location: Mount Royal Hotel, Town of Banff |
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“Dragon Express” Public Shuttle - FREE 8:00am – 5:00pm Town of Banff to Lake Minnewanka return *Visit Parking & Transportation for scheduling and pick up locations. |
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Race Schedule 9:00am – 3:00pm Location: Lake Minnewanka |
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Festival Awards Ceremony 4:00pm Location: Lake Minnewanka |
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"Paddlers Express" Team Shuttle Pick Up 3:30pm – 5:30pm Location: Lake Minnewanka |
Banff National Park is the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains World Heritage Site, a global treasure of natural beauty, wildness, and diversity of life.
Enjoy. Connect. Respect.
With the 2009 event now all wrapped up, we are enthusiastically starting to work on the 2010 Festival. Please give us your feedback, comments and suggestions.
