About Our Event

How to Get Started

People that are new to the sport and want to find out more on how to get started should click on the following link. It will hopefully answer some of the most commonly asked questions as well as inform you as to what you are in for as a competitor.

Click to enter our ‘How to Get Started’ Section

 

What are Dragon Boat Races?

Dragon Boat Racing is the hottest, fastest growing water sport around. Held as an annual event in over 40 countries, it has become a global phenomenon. In Calgary it is an admission-free event that brings together over 50,000 spectators and over 3,000 paddlers and volunteers into a premiere sporting and cultural showcase.

As a sponsor, participant, or spectator of the  Alberta Dragon Boat Race Festival, you will experience first hand the excitement of water sport racing, the beauty of a culture, and the benefits of being part of a winning team. As a sponsor, company or organization you will gain valuable community profile while you contribute to and celebrate this city wide festival, held in co-operation with the Canadian Chinese community, for the enjoyment of all.

 

History of Our Organization

The organizers of the first Alberta Dragon Boat Race Festival were the Hong Kong Canada Business Association and the Calgary Canoe Club. Seed funding was provided by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Husky Energy, Cathay Pacific Airways and HSBC Bank. As a not for profit organization, the Alberta Dragon Boat Race Foundation was incorporated in Alberta in July 1992.

The Alberta Dragon Boat Race Festival was inspired by the excitement and success of The Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival in Vancouver. A few years later, several interested individuals felt that Calgary, with its natural surroundings and rich cultural diversity, would be ideal for such an event. After months of planning and countless hours of hard work, the first Alberta Dragon Boat Race Festival took place in 1992.

Event History

The Dragon Boat Races have been held in Calgary at the Glenmore Reservoir since 1992. The first annual Alberta Dragon Boat Race Festival was held in conjunction with Festival Hong Kong in Calgary in October 1992. Attendance for the one-day event was estimated at 12,000-15,000 spectators with 25 teams. In 2002, the attendance had risen to approximately 50,000 spectators and 75 teams; an increase of 300%! This year we are please to assist Banff National Park with their first ever Dragon Boat Festival, with teams expected to come together from across the province and North America to join together to compete, celebrate the festival, and to experience this unique aspect of the culture and heritage of China.

Most teams are drawn from local and regional associations, businesses, and civic organizations, and compete in Women's, Men's, Mixed, and Junior divisions. Trophies and medals are awarded to winners and finalists. Throughout the day spectators can enjoy Canadiana entertainment as well as traditional entertainment such as kung fu, Chinese dancers and singing, tai chi, and lion dances as well as a host of other multicultural entertainment.