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Weekend Specials
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.
Thanks to all the teams that came out this weekend to compete. We had a record number of teams, 29 in total, from Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Lethbridge and Banff.
A BIG thank you to all the teams who took the Paddlers Express bus to the lake on both Saturday and Sunday. We would also like to thank all the friends, family and spectators who took the complimentary Dragon Express Shuttle. The shuttle buses are pivitol to the success and re-permitting of the event by Parks Canada.
Congratulations to the Lethbridge Leftovers who were drawn to win the free team registration for the 2011 Banff National Park Dragon Boat Festival, August 13 & 14.
The winner of the hotel and attraction family prize package from Brewster Inc. has been contacted, congratulations!
For weekend race results click on the Race Info & Results tab above.
Mark your calendar for 2011, August 13 & 14.
2010 Registered Teams (pdf 86.64 kB)
Did you know?
The dragon plays the most respected role 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 Spirits” 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.
Friday, August 13th |
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Team Sign-In 6:00pm – 7:00pm Location: Jack Hayes Room, Mount Royal Hotel, Town of Banff |
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Mandatory Team Captain’s Meeting 7:00pm – 8:00pm Location: Jack Hayes Room, Mount Royal Hotel, 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 including Lion & Dragon Dancers 3:00pm - 5:00pm Location: Town of Banff, Banff Ave Square |
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Participant After Party 5:00pm – 6:30pm Location: Paddock Pub, Mount Royal Hotel *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.
