The Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is a non-profit event that was founded in 1993 and first took place in 1994. It was established with the support of the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association and has since grown tremendously, attracting more teams and spectators each year.
Ottawa Ski takes a deep dive into one of the hottest sporting events in Canada’s capital—North America’s largest dragon boat festival.
Origins of the Festival
The festival had humble beginnings, dating back to a small gathering in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, in the fall of 1993. At the time, no one realized that a suggestion made by Gordon Houston, then head of the Hongkong Bank of Canada, would evolve into one of North America’s biggest festivals.
The festival’s founder and key figure is Frank Ling, the founding president of the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association.
In 1994, founders, paddlers, and spectators gathered at the Rideau Canoe Club. The inaugural festival featured:
- A 640-meter racecourse along the Rideau River, designed to mirror international races held in Hong Kong.
- Beautiful, long wooden dragon boats painted with dragon-scale patterns.
- Boats borrowed from Toronto for the event.
On July 23, 1994, Ottawa became the third Canadian city to host dragon boat races. Over the years, the one-day event expanded into a four-day festival, blending sports, arts, and multicultural celebrations.
Festival Venue
As the festival grew in popularity, organizers relocated it from the Rideau Canoe Club to Mooney’s Bay, on the opposite side of the Rideau River.
The first festival was held in harsh weather—thunderstorms and lightning threatened to cancel the event. Some participants didn’t even show up, assuming the races would be called off. One boat capsized, and teams had to recruit last-minute paddlers from friends and spectators.
Over the years, the festival has undergone several name changes:
- Originally known as the “National Capital Dragon Boat Race Festival”
- Later rebranded as the “Nortel Networks Dragon Boat Festival”
- Today, it is widely recognized as the “Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival”, with Tim Hortons as the main sponsor.
What Does a Dragon Boat Look Like?
Dragon boats are long and narrow with a flat-bottom hull. Key design features include:
- A dragon head at the bow (painted red for good luck).
- A dragon tail at the stern.
- A length of 20 meters and a weight of 1-2 tonnes.
There are two main types of dragon boats:
- Racing boats, specifically built for competitions.
- Converted boats, which can return to regular use (e.g., as fishing vessels) after the races.
Each dragon boat carries a crew of 22:
- 20 paddlers, sitting in pairs to maintain balance.
- 1 drummer, responsible for setting the rhythm and motivating the team—considered the “soul” of the boat.
- 1 steersperson, ensuring course direction and stability.
Mission and Key Features
The Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival offers more than just racing—it is a celebration of culture, sportsmanship, and community spirit. Here’s what makes it unique:
- Live sports demonstrations
- High-energy concerts (free admission)
- Crafts and artisan showcases
- Food vendors offering diverse cuisines
- Exhibitions and cultural displays
- A kids’ play area, Ferris wheel, and carousel
Despite all these attractions, the heart of the festival remains the dragon boat races, reinforcing its mission to:
- Preserve cultural heritage.
- Promote inclusivity in sports.
- Boost Ottawa’s tourism and economy.
- Strengthen community engagement through history and tradition.
The festival is also a major charity event, raising funds for local causes.
Traditions and Community Support
Dragon boat racing has deep cultural roots in Chinese history. The tradition originated in southern China, where river communities believed the ritual would bring bountiful harvests.
In Chinese folklore, dragon boat races were thought to ward off misfortune and bring rainfall. The dragon was a revered symbol, often depicted rescuing Qu Yuan, a beloved poet and statesman. The legend tells how Qu Yuan drowned in a river, prompting local fishermen to race out in their boats to save him.
The festival is supported by:
- Celebrate Ontario
- Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage
- The City of Ottawa Partnership Program
Fun Facts About the Festival
- Largest dragon boat festival in North America.
- Founded by Frank Ling, Warren Creese, and Mike Chambers.
- Attracts around 75,000 visitors annually.
- Completely free for spectators.
- Races occur every 10 minutes.
- Over 200 teams participate (corporate, community, and competitive divisions).
- Each boat accommodates 22 people (20 paddlers, 1 drummer, 1 steersperson).
Ottawa and the Dragon Boat Festival
Since its first edition, the festival has grown into a world-class event and one of Ottawa’s most attended celebrations. Teams and spectators travel from across Canada and the U.S., with the festival inspiring similar events worldwide.
For example, the Israeli Dragon Boat Festival, which debuted in 2012, was inspired by Ottawa’s event, according to John Brooman, President of the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival.
A Festival Steeped in Symbolism
According to Chinese folklore, rain is a sign of good luck. Notably, the very first Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival took place under heavy rain. Organizers have since joked that this was an omen of success, and the event has continued to flourish ever since.
Ottawa remains one of Canada’s most vibrant dragon boat festival locations, along with Toronto, Vancouver, and Victoria. But the event is more than just a race—it is a cultural spectacle, a community-driven initiative, and an exhilarating summer tradition.
Locals agree: there is no better way to experience an active and exciting summer than by attending the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival.