
Tim Hortons GWN Dragon Boat Challenge presented by BMO September 9th & 10th, 2023
Marking the end of the season for many, this marquee event gives crews the chance to go out with a bang, celebrating with two days of racing in downtown Toronto. Running for over 25 years, this classic festival is the granddaddy event of the MLDB series and a highlight of the racing season, with teams coming from all over Canada and the US. We are pleased to announce that the Tim Hortons GWN Dragon Boat Challenge is a DBC Race Series Event.
The Tim Hortons GWN Dragon Boat Challenge presented by BMO is held on the Western Beaches Watercourse in downtown Toronto's Marilyn Bell Park. This venue has been a host to a number of elite dragon boat competitions, including the 2006 IDBF World Club Crew Championships, 2008 Dragon Boat Canada National Championships, and the 2011 ICF Club Crew Dragon Boat World Championships.
Don't have a team? We have the Experience Dragon Boat Program, click here for more information.
The Tim Hortons GWN Dragon Boat Challenge presented by BMO is home to the Breast Cancer / All Cancer Paddler Village, a featured area for BCP / ACP crews, their families, and supporters.
Festival grounds offer a variety of activities for all participants and spectators. Families can bring their children to play at the interactive Kids Zone, while entertainment on the main stage will feature live bands. The Health and Wellness Zone features vendors providing products and services to assist in leading a healthy lifestyle, and the Beer Garden will keep the party going, located right by the finish line and main entertainment stage!
Come race hard and celebrate in this final showdown between teams from all corners of the dragon boat community!
CALLING ALL SOLO PADDLERS OR SMALL GROUPS
Are you looking to get on the water, but don't have a team? GWN is pleased to offer programs for solo paddlers or small groups through our Experience Dragon Boat Program!
Experience Dragon Boat Train and Race: A five-week program, with one practice per week and finishing up at the Major League Dragon Boat Festival in your community. This is a perfect opportunity to try the sport. We supply you with all the equipment needed - paddles and lifejackets – all you have to do is show up in clothes that can get wet!
Experience Dragon Boat Race Ready: A program designed for people looking for minimal commitment and just want to race. The program offers a 1-hour practice and then participation in the event.
Learn more by clicking here.












EVENT Details
Hover over each tab for more details
PRICING
Category |
# of Races |
Before Jan 1 |
Before April 1 |
Before May 1 |
After May 1 |
Mixed / Women's / Open / ACP / BCP / Paradragons (w/o Practice, 4 x 500m) |
4 |
$1,445 |
$1,545 |
$1,645 |
$1,845 |
Mixed / Women's / Open / ACP / BCP / Paradragons (w/1 Practice, 4 x 500m) |
4 |
$1,495 |
$1,595 |
$1,695 |
$1,895 |
Mixed / Women's / Open / ACP / BCP / Paradragons (Out-of-Town)* (4 x 500m) |
4 |
$1,295 |
$1,495 |
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Combination Unisex Team** (w/o Practice, 4 x 500m) |
4 |
$845 |
$995 |
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Additional Practice Session (coach not provided) |
$75 |
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Practice Session Coach/Steersperson |
$75 |
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Race Weekend Coach |
$120/day |
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Prices are in CAD and do not include applicable tax (13% HST).
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*Applies to teams at least 100km outside of Toronto. Please contact us before registering) **Teams must consist of at least 90% of paddlers participating in a primary team. To get this rate, please call the GWN Office: 416-962-8899 |
For more information (i.e. refund policy, multi-event discount, etc), please visit our FAQ page.
To ensure races run smoothly, smaller divisions may be combined in heats, but will race independently of each other.
Bonus 200m Races
The top 60 Mixed, 12 Women's, 12 Open, and 12 Special Interest (BCP, ACP, PD) crews will compete in a 200m race on Sunday. The 2x500m races on Saturday will seed crews into the 200m race on Sunday.
Industry Cup Races
The first qualifying 500m race will qualify eligible crews into an Industry Cup (top 6 crews) on Saturday. To qualify for a cup race, at least 70% of the crew must be part of the same company or industry.
DBC Race Series Event
We are pleased to announce we have been selected to be a Race Series Event in 2022. DBC teams attending the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge will not only build eligibility for Club Crew Championships but will also earn points for each Race Series Event to be reflected on DBC's Leaderboard.
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Registration Add-Ons
Each team registered at the festival will get a 20 x 20 team site (footprint, not tent rental) within the Athletes' Village. Teams have the option to bring their own tent or rent one from GWN. In addition to tents, chairs and tables are also available. For more information, please refer to the Athlete's Village tab below. Teams may also order practice sessions, coaching, and race weekend coaches.
LOCATION
Address: The event will take place in Marilyn Bell Park, located at 1095 Lakeshore Blvd West in Toronto, just south of Exhibition Place and east of Jameson Avenue. The closest intersection is Lake Shore Blvd West and British Columbia Drive.
Site Map: The 2023 event site map will be posted 1 week prior to the event.
Directions:
From the West: Exit the Gardiner Expressway at Jameson Avenue and follow Lakeshore Blvd Eastbound to Marilyn Bell Park
From the East: Exit the Gardiner Expressway at Dunn Avenue. Stay right for Jameson Avenue. Make a sharp left onto Jameson Avenue and merge on to Lake Shore Blvd. Marilyn Bell Park is on your right. Alternatively, you can take King Street westbound to Jameson Avenue. Turn left onto Jameson Avenue and then turn left to merge onto Lake Shore Blvd.
Park Rules: We're committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for participants and spectators. Before heading out to the races, there are some things you should know:
Pets are welcome at Marilyn Bell Park but should be leashed at all times. No BBQ grills and/or cooking devices are allowed on park grounds. No bottled water will be sold or distributed under the Bottled Water Ban at Marilyn Bell Park.
Teams are responsible for picking up their waste within their team sites. Teams will receive waste bags during check-in and there will be waste bins located throughout the Athletes' Village. Let's all work together to keep Marilyn Bell Park clean and green.
Medical Services: Medical services and first aid will be available on site. If you're in need of medical attention, please report to the medical tent for immediate assistance. Toronto Police officers will also be on-site patrolling the grounds.
SCHEDULE
For the 2023 Saturday Race Schedule, please click here. (Updated as of Tues Sept 5, 9:10PM)
For the 2023 Sunday Race Schedule, please click here. (Updated as of Sat Sept 9, 9:56PM)
Live Results
Get live race results and progressions on race day using your phone. Visit www.gwnresults.com.
Schedule Advancement
500m Races: For all crews, Saturday will consist of 2 x 500m time trials. These two races will seed teams into a 500m Semi-Final. The Semi-Final will seed teams into a 500m Final. Semi-Finals and Finals are held on Sunday.
200m Races: The qualifying 500m races on Saturday will seed crews into the 200m Final on Sunday. Only the top 60 Mixed, 12 Women, 12 Open, and 12 Special Interest (BCP, ACP, Paradragons) teams will qualify.
Industry Cups: The first qualifying 500m race will qualify eligible crews into an Industry Cup (top 6 crews). To qualify for a Cup race, at least 70% of the crew must be part of the same company or industry.
Race Marshaling
Marshaling for races will begin promptly half an hour before the first race of the day. Teams must be in the Marshalling area 30 minutes before their scheduled race throughout the day.
Race Day Check-In
Every Team Captain must check-in their team at Race Headquarters on race day. Registration will be open at 7:00AM. All waivers must be completed prior to check-in. Please visit the FAQ section for more information on how to check in on race day.
For a speedy check-in, ensure that all waivers for your team are completed. The electronic waiver deadline is 11:59AM EST on Wednesday, September 6th. Online access to waivers will be restricted after the deadline, after which only paper copies will be accepted on Saturday morning.
Team Captain's Meeting
There will be a Team Captain's meeting on Saturday morning, 1 hour before the first race at the Main Stage in the Beer Garden to discuss race day rules and address any questions.
AWARDS
Industry Cup Races: First-place teams will receive a trophy and gold medals.
Grand Finals: Third and second-place teams will receive bronze and silver medals, respectively. First-place teams will receive a trophy and gold medals.
Consolation Finals: First-place teams will receive a trophy and gold medals.
200m Finals: The first-place team in each Grand and Consolation final will receive a medal.
Awards Ceremonies
Ceremonies will take place after each Industry Cup, Consolation Race, and Grand Final Race. Volunteers will gather the gold medal-winning team as they come off the water. They will be escorted directly to the stage in the Beer Garden. Bronze and silver medal-winning teams will receive their medals in the dock area.
ENTERTAINMENT
Rock the Boat Concert Series on the Main Stage:
Saturday Sept. 9th: Matt Humphreys
Sunday, Sept. 10th: The Hot Karls
Family Fun Zone presented by BMO
Performance Stage:
Sat Sept 9th | Sun Sept 10th | |
11:00AM | Stunt Ventriloquist | Bert's Comedy Magic Show |
12:00PM | Paddling Puppeteer | Paddling Puppeteer |
1:00PM | Stunt Ventriloquist | Bert's Comedy Magic Show |
2:00PM | Paddling Puppeteer | Paddling Puppeteer |
3:00PM | Stunt Ventriloquist |
Inflatable Bounce Houses:
Kids of all ages to enjoy inflatables featuring a bounce castle and 5-in-1 Combo (bounce zone, basketball hoops, obstacles, climbing and slide).
VENDORS
Marketplace & Artisan Village:
- BMO Mobile Branch
- Constant Home Comfort
- Dragons Abreast
- GWN Pro Shop
- Jewellery By Lori
- Sweet Legs
- Tim Hortons 360 Photo Booth
- Tim Hortons Foundation Camps
- Zula Canada
Health & Wellness Village
- Afterburn Fitness
- Canadian Naturopathic Medicine
- Debra Canada
- Kalamata LTD
Food Vendors:
- BeaverTails
- HK Seafood Station
- Island Grill GTA
- Kinka Izakaya
- Ice Cream Man
Interested in being a vendor? Email us at info@gwnevents.com to find out more.
PARKING
There is no parking allowed on Marilyn Bell Park property and all unauthorized vehicles will be towed. Parking is available at Lot 6 near the CNE Grounds, Exhibition Place. Overflow parking will be available at Lot 4 and then near the bandshell, once Lot 6 is full.
Directions to Lot 6, Exhibition Place
From the East (Gardiner Westbound)
Exit at Dunn Avenue
Turn left on Jameson Avenue
Turn left onto Lake Shore Blvd (heading eastbound)
Stay in the farthest lane, turn slight left onto British Columbia Drive
Turn left into Parking Lot 6
From the West (Gardiner Eastbound)
Exit at Lake Shore Blvd West
Stay in the furthest left lane, turn slight left onto British Columbia Drive
Turn left into Parking Lot 6
VOLUNTEER
Looking to have some fun on the docks? GWN is always looking for fantastic volunteers.
As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to be a part of the exciting and fast-paced action that is dragon boat racing. You'll also get to experience the energy and excitement of the festival event atmosphere and be a part of a vibrant community of dragon boat enthusiasts. Volunteers will be needed to help with various tasks in ensuring the safety and smooth operations of the event through the various outlined tasks:
- Boat Marshalls: Will be on the dock assisting paddlers with getting in and out of the boats. This position should be filled by people who are comfortable around the water.
- Results Runners: Will be posting the results from the Timing Officials at the Registration Headquarters. This position requires neat handwriting.
- Team Marshalls: Will assist the Marshalling Manager in ensuring that all teams are ready to load into boats at the correct time to maintain smooth running of the races.
- Crowd Control: Will ensure one-way flow traffic from the Marshalling Area after boats are unloaded.
If you would like to volunteer, we can promise some food, drinks, a really cool shirt, and community service hours (if applicable) so please complete this Volunteer Form to join our team! To get more info or ask any questions, feel free to send us an email at volunteers@gwnevents.com.
Additional Information
The official host hotels of the Tim Hortons GWN Dragon Boat Challenge is the Westin Toronto Airport.
950 Dixon Road
Toronto, ON M9W 5N4
Group Name: GWN Dragon Boat Challenge
Group Rate: $204 CAD per night plus applicable taxes and hotel fees.
Room Block Deadline: July 19, 2023
Reservations: Book online here.
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RENTAL CARS
Discount rates have been negotiated with Hertz Rent-a-Car for Major League Dragon Boat participants.
Reservations
To book your vehicle, please click here and enter discount code CDP2188961 or call 1-800-654-2240 and quote the code.
At the time of reservation, you will receive 20% off the retail rate using the discount code above.
AIR TRAVEL
GWN is proud to offer Major League Dragon Boat participants discounts on flights with United Airlines.
United Airlines
Participants can save 5% - 10% off airfares if traveling within US 50 States and between US 50 States and Canada.
To book your travel, visit united.com or call 1-800-426-1122 and enter meeting code ZN4C999327 in the Promotions field.
EXPLORE TORONTO
Welcome to Toronto! Looking for attractions or day trips? visit seetorontonow.com
For coupons and exclusive deals in the city, visit seetorontonow.com
Each team registered at the festival will get a 20x20' footprint in the Athletes' Village. There are 3 areas within the Athletes' Village that are open for teams to reserve their team site: Rented Tents, All Access, and the Breast Cancer / All Cancer Paddler Village
Team sites will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Teams must contact GWN to book their site after they have registered for the festival and paid fees in full.
Teams wishing to rent a tent can place an order using the Online Crew Management Tool by clicking "Get More". In addition to tents, chairs and tables are also available.
RENTED TENTS
This area is designated for teams that have rented a tent team through GWN.
ALL-ACCESS
This area is designated for teams with their own tents.
BREAST CANCER / ALL CANCER PADDLER VILLAGE
Created in 2007, the Breast Cancer / All Cancer Paddler Village is unique to the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge. This prime location is nearest to the entrance of the Athletes' Village, and is reserved for all Breast Cancer Survivor (BCS) teams, family, and supporters throughout the two-day festival.
BCS participants enjoy a free breakfast each morning before racing. This is a chance to share stories and connect with past and present teammates while strengthening the bonds that are so integral to the BCS dragon boat community.
Product |
Price |
10' x 10' Tent |
$375.00 |
10' x 20' Tent |
$575.00 |
20' x 20' Tent |
$750.00 |
Chair Rental |
$5.00 |
Table Rental |
$25.00 |
Prices are in CAD and do not include applicable taxes (13% HST).
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Download a copy of the 2023 Venue Map.
2. Review the site availability grid below.
3. Select a site based on availability.
4. Email your selection to bookings@gwndragonboat.com.
ATHLETES' VILLAGE SITE AVAILABILITY
Section R: Rented Tents
This section is reserved for teams that have rented a tent through GWN. Each space is 20x20. On the Venue Map, the shaded spaces are reserved for 10x10 tents, while the white spaces are for 20x20 tents.
R3: OPS Uncivil Dragons (10x10) |
R4: Warlocks (20x20) |
R5: Dogs Breakfast (10x10) |
R6: Chubb Smokin Dragons (10x10) |
R7: KPMG Blue Steel (20x20) |
R8: Shore Thing (10x10) |
R9: Water Benders (10x10) |
R10: Bridgepoint Blazing Paddles (20x20) |
R11: Sync or Swim (10x10) |
R12: TorQues (10x20) |
R13: Toronto Running Club (10x20) |
R14: Where's The Rest of Them (10x10) |
R15: Will Paddle For Food (10x20) |
R16: Paddle Royale (10x10) |
R17: Not for Sail (10x10) |
R18: Bell Blue Dragons (10x20) |
R19: River Riders (10x10) |
R20: N/A |
R21: N/A |
R22: N/A |
R23: |
R24: Blades of Fury (10x20) |
R25: CAS (20x020) |
R26: MOJOS (10x20) |
R27: Holy Ship (10x20) |
R28: |
R29: DTS Sound Wave (10x20) |
R30: |
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Section S: All-Access
This section is for all teams not renting tents through GWN. Each space is 20x20.
S1:CSDC AHI |
S2: CSDC Goldline |
S3: Wahoos |
S4: CSDC SISU |
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S6: CSDC Reline |
S7: JETTA Fighting Carps |
S8: CSDC Mahalo |
S9: CSDC Mana |
S10: CDSC Ohana |
S11: Tribal Aloha |
S12: Tribal Oahu |
S13: Tribal Maiu |
S14: Wilcox Warriors |
S15: CAATsters Team 1 |
S16: CAATsters Team 2 |
S17: |
S18: Holland Bloorview Infinite Waves |
S19: |
S20: |
S21: |
S22: |
S23: |
S24: Fuzhou University Dragonboat Board |
S25: wejamin |
S26: Paddle of Fury |
S27: Peppers UA |
S28 |
S29: |
S30: |
S31: Windburn Race Crew |
S32: |
S33: |
S34: |
S35:Toronto Area Dragons |
S36: We Smoke On The Water |
S37: Rusty Dragons Barracudas |
S38: Google's I'm Feeling Lucky Dragons |
S39: Muslim Athletic Association |
S40: MAA Women's Team |
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S43: Ronin Warriors |
S44: Team Transplant |
S45: |
S46: Sunnyside Paddling Club 1 |
S47. Water Vipers Lieu Laugh Love |
S48: Water Vipers powered by Afterburnfitness.ca |
S49: MOFOS |
S50: Outer Harbour Warriors |
S51: |
S52: |
S53: |
S54: |
S55: Shaka 2.0 |
S56: Shockwave DBC |
S57: Canal Dragons |
S58: Sun Life Global Investments |
S59: Paddlers Anonymous DaWave |
S60: RBC Dragons |
S61: YCPC - First Class Realty - Tigers |
S62: YCPC - United Home - Angels |
S63: |
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S85: |
S86: |
S87: True North Leviathan Black |
S88:True North Leviathan Gold |
S89: True North Leviathan Red Rapids |
S90: True North Leviathan Red Rockets |
S91: |
S92: |
S93: |
S94: |
S95: |
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Section T: Breast Cancer Survivor Village
This section is reserved for BCS Teams only. All BCS Teams will be located in this section, regardless of tent rental.
T1: Dragons Abreast (10x10) |
T2: Knot A Breast (10x20) |
T3: |
T4: |
T5: |
T6: |
T7: |
T8: |
T9: |
T10: |
Practices for the Tim Hortons GWN Dragon Boat Challenge will be held at the event site, from Tuesday, September 5th to Friday, September 8th.
Marilyn Bell Park
1095 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Toronto, ON
Teams with a practice must provide their own coach. The practice fee does not include the provision of a coach/steers.
Practices can only be confirmed once event fees are received in full.
Each paddler must complete an online waiver before attending a practice. A GWN representative will be on-site to check teams in, provide assistance, and collect waivers.
For more information on what to bring, etc. visit our FAQ Page.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Ensure team fees are paid.
2. Check practice availability in the calendar below.
3. Email your preferred date/time to bookings@gwndragonboat.com.
Please allow 48hrs for confirmation of practice times.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
|
Wed. SEPT 6 | Thurs. SEPT 7 |
Fri. SEPT 8 |
11AM - 12PM |
1. 2. 3. 4. |
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. |
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. |
12PM - 1PM |
1. 2. 3. 4. |
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. |
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. |
3PM - 4PM |
1. 2. 3. 4. |
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. |
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. |
4PM - 5PM |
1. 2. 3. 4. |
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. |
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. |
5PM - 6PM |
1. 2. 3. 4. |
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. |
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. |
6PM - 7PM |
1. CAATsters #1 (S) |
1. Griffith Foods 2. (6:30) CSA Beyond 100 3. 4. |
1. 2. |
7PM - 8PM |
1. Paddlers AnonymousDaWave 2. BMO (S) 3. 4. |
1. KPMG Blue Steel 2. Google's I'm Feeling Lucky Dragons 3. 4. 5. |
1. Double Double Dragons (S) 2. 3. 4. 5. |
To view the 2023 Participant Checklist, click here.
Event Map

charitable partner

We are pleased to announce the Tim Hortons GWN Dragon Boat Challenge presented by BMO is in support of Tim Hortons® Foundation Camps.
Tims Camps is a non-profit charitable organization founded in 1974 to expand the horizon of what is possible for young people. A leader in youth development programming, Tims Camps supports youth from low-income communities between the ages of 12 to 16 - an important developmental time that helps shape who they will become as adults.
Through a multi-year camp-based program, youth learn skills like leadership, resilience, and responsibility, which empower them to believe their own potential and change their stories for the better.
With seven camps in North America that run year-round summer, school and community programs, youth are supported to thrive when they return home, to excel in post-secondary education, to succeed at work and to contribute positively to their communities. More than 315,000 kids have attended a Foundation camp at no cost to them or their families thanks to the generosity of Tim Hortons restaurant owners, guests, corporate sponsors and community partners.
For more information about Tim Hortons Foundation Camps, please visit www.timscamps.com.