Tim Hortons GWN Dragon Boat Challenge September 6th & 7th, 2025
Join us as we celebrate 30 years! 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 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 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 / Paradragons (2x200m, 4 x 500m) |
6 |
$1,445 |
$1,545 |
$1,645 |
$1,845 |
Mixed / Women's / Open / Paradragons (Out-of-Town)** (2x200m, 4 x 500m) |
6 |
$1,295 |
$1,495 |
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Combination Unisex Team*** (2x200m, 4 x 500m) |
6 |
$845 |
$995 |
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1-Day Option (Sat. Sept. 7th)* (3 x 500m) Only open to Beginner Community/ Corporate Teams* |
3 |
|
$1,395 |
$1,545 |
$1,695 |
1-Day Option (Sat. Sept. 7th)* (3 x 500m) BCP/ACP special rate |
3 |
|
$1,095 |
$1,245 |
$1,395 |
Practice Sessions**** (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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* New in 2024: To qualify for this one-day option, beginner community/corporate and Breast Cancer Paddler / All-Cancer Paddler teams are eligible. Entry is subject to approval by GWN. **Applies to teams at least 100km outside of Toronto. ***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. ****Practice sessions are held at Marilyn Bell Park during the week leading up to the Festival. To book weekly sessions, practice facilities are available. Please contact GWN for info. |
For more information (i.e. refund policy, multi-event discount, etc), please visit our FAQ page.
Racing Structure
Festival crews will compete in 4x500m (2 per day) and 2x200m races (on Sunday). Final race format is dependent on event size, subject to change at GWN's discretion.
For the 1-Day option, crews will compete in 3x500m races on Saturday September 7th.
At least 3 teams must be registered in a division. Any division with less than 3 teams registered will be amalgamated into the next closest racing division offered.
To ensure races run smoothly, smaller divisions may be combined in heats but will race independently of each other.
DBC Race Series Event
We are pleased to announce we have been selected to be a Race Series Event in 2024. 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.
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 2024 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
Click here for the 2024 Saturday Race Schedule.
Click here for the 2024 Sunday Race Schedule. (updated Sept 7, 5:07PM)
Racing Structure
Festival crews race all weekend, will compete in 4x500m (2 per day) and 2x200m races (on Sunday). Final race format is dependent on event size, subject to change at GWN's discretion.
For the 1-Day option, crews will compete in 3x500m races on Saturday September 7th.
At least 3 teams must be registered in a division. Any division with less than 3 teams registered will be amalgamated into the next closest racing division offered.
To ensure races run smoothly, smaller divisions may be combined in heats but will race independently of each other.
Industry Cup Races
To qualify for a cup race, at least 70% of the crew must be part of the same company or industry.
Top 6 teams based on the first round of racing on Saturday will qualify for the Industry Cup Race.
Alumni Association |
Health Care |
Financial Services |
Health & Fitness |
Not-for-Profit |
Professional & Public Services |
Tim Hortons Big Business Cup |
Live Results
Get live race results and progressions on race day using your phone. Visit www.gwnresults.com.
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 approximately 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 4th. 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 Left Field Brewery 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 Night Superstars will be back for their 10th Anniversary on the Main Stage on Sunday September 8th!
Family Fun Zone Performance Stage:
Sat. Sept. 7 |
Sun. Sept. 8 |
|
11AM - 11:30AM |
Farmer Jim & Jane |
Lofty the Magician |
12PM - 12:45PM |
Bert's Comedy Magic Show |
The Paddling Puppeteer |
1PM - 1:30PM |
Farmer Jim & Jane |
Lofty the Magician |
2PM - 2:45PM |
Bert's Comedy Magic Show |
The Paddling Puppeteer |
Inflatable Bounce Houses & More:
Kids of all ages to enjoy inflatables featuring a bounce house, interactive sports combo game (football, soccer, basketball), giant connect four, cornhole toss, giant jenga.
Afterburn Fitness ERG Competition & Tutorials:
Show off your paddle ergometer skills! Individual and team prizes available.
Sat. Sept. 7 |
Sun. Sept. 8 |
Individual Events: 10 seconds max distance. |
Pod events: 4 people for 2 min (2 on paddle erg / 2 on row erg). Max combined distance wins. |
Tutorials throughout the weekend: |
VENDORS
Marketplace:
- Dragons Abreast
- GWN Pro Shop
- Padl Zone
- Sweet Legs
- Tim Hortons Foundation Camps
Artisan Village:
- Jewellery by Lori
- K&R Nails
- Spicy Mama
- The Boho Corner
Health & Wellness Village:
- AcuSoul
- Afterburn Fitness // Erg Competition & Tutorials (see "Entertainment" for additional information)
- Canadian Blood Services
- Canadian Naturopathic Medicine
- Paxman Canada
Food Vendors:
- Gotham Grill
- HK Station
- Los Vietnamita
- Super Smash Juice
- Tim Hortons Brew Truck
- Tropicana Dairy
Left Field Brewery Beer Garden:
Located at the finish line, visit the Left Field Brewery Beer Garden and enjoy an ice cold beer or seltzer paloma for only $8! Sparkling water and Flo water will also be sold on-site for $3 each. All payment methods will be accepted in the Beer Garden.
Interested in being a vendor? Email us at info@gwnevents.com to find out more.
PARKING
BIKE VALET:
New in 2024, we are pleased to provide cyclists bike valet services on-site! Go green, ride your bike to this year's race!
VEHICULAR 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:
950 Dixon Road
Toronto, ON M9W 5N4
Group Name: TBD
Group Rate: TBD
Room Block Deadline: Thursday August 1, 2024
Reservations: TBD
Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre
801 Dixon Road Toronto, Ontario M9W 1J5
Group Name: GWN Dragon Boat Challenge
Group Rate: $225 CAD per night
Room Block Deadline: Thursday August 1, 2024
Reservations: Click here to book your stay
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75 Lower Simcoe Street Toronto, Ontario M5J 3A6
Group Name: Dragon Boat Challenge Toronto
Group Rate: $429 CAD per night
Room Block Deadline: Friday August 2, 2024
Reservations: Click here to book your stay
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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 ZPH4656886 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 2024 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.
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R1: Will Paddle For Food (10x10) |
R2: Double Double Dragons / Team Timbits (20x20) |
R3: Shiptalkers (10x10) |
R4: Bell Blue Dragons (10x10) |
R5: KPMG Blue Steel (20x20) |
R6: Peppers UA (10x10) |
R7: Chubb Smokin Dragons (10x10) |
R8: North Side of the Office (20x20) |
R9: South Side of the Office (10x10) |
R10: Bridgepoint Blazing Paddles (20x20) |
R11: Sun Life Global Investments (10x20) |
R12: N/A |
R13: OPS Uncivil Dragons (10x10) |
R14: Blades of Fury (20x20) |
R15: MAA Women / MAA Women 2 (10x10) |
R16: Reserved |
R17: Barrie Northmen (10x20) |
R18: TorQuest (10x10) |
R19: CAATsters 1&2 (10x20) |
R20: |
R21: Experience DB (Boatylicious / Stroke of Genius / Monday Evening Crew / Drag Racers (10x40) |
R22: Jam Sports (Blades of Glory / Hold the Boat / Dragon Beauts / Donald's Ducks (10x40) |
R23: |
R24: |
R29: Toronto Running Club DB (10x20) |
R30: CSA Group (20x20) |
R31: MOJOS (10x20) |
R32: |
R33: |
R34: |
Section S: All-Access
This section is for all teams not renting tents through GWN. Each space is 20x20.
S1: Wahoos |
S2: |
S3: |
S4: |
S5: Tribal Maui |
S6: Tribal Aloha |
S7: Wilcox Warriors |
S8: |
S9: |
S10: |
S11: MOFOS |
S12: Holyship |
S13: YCPC - Tigers |
S14: YCPC-Avalong Dragons |
S15: Paddlers Anonymous DaWave |
S16: Holland Bloorview Infinite Waves |
S17: Rusty Dragons |
S18: JETAA Fighting Carps |
S19: Sparta |
S20: |
S21: |
S22: |
S23: |
S24: Windburn Race Crew |
S25: Fuzhou University Dragonboat Club |
S26: |
S27: |
S28: |
S29: |
S30: |
S31: |
S32: |
S33: |
S34: |
S35: Google Toronto Dragon Boat Club |
S36: Smoke On The Water |
S37: Sync or Swim |
S38: Super Splash Bros |
S39: Shockwave DBC / Shockwave Nai'a |
S40: Hydroshock / Shaka 2.0 |
S41: |
S42: |
S43: Ronin Warriors | S44: Team Transplant |
S45: |
S46: Dragon Family Long |
S47. Dragon Family United |
S48: Dragon Family Crystals |
S49: |
S50: |
S51: |
S52: |
S53: |
S54: |
S55: |
S56: York Dragons |
S57: Toronto Hong Kongers Siii Bit Boat |
S58: Toronto Hong Kongers Dragon Divas |
S59: |
S60: |
S61: |
S62: |
S63: Manateees / Bellelugas |
S64: GP Dragons |
S65: Water Vipers Enterprise |
S66: Water Vipers Voyager |
S67: Water Vipers Defiant |
S68: Special Olympics |
S69: |
S70: |
S71: |
S72: |
S73: |
S74: |
S75: |
S76: |
S77: |
S78: |
S79: |
S80: |
S81: |
S82: |
S83: |
S84: |
S85: Sunnyside Paddling Club 1 |
S86: Sunnyside Mean Girls |
S87: Sunnyside Paddling Club 2 / Sunnyside Wavebreakers |
S88: |
S89: |
S90: |
S91: |
S92: |
S93: |
S94: |
S95: |
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Section B: 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.
B1: Dragons Abreast (10x10) |
B2: Pink Crusaders |
B3: Peterborough Survivors Abreast (10x10) |
B4: |
B5: |
B6: |
B7: |
B8: |
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Practices for the Tim Hortons GWN Dragon Boat Challenge will be held at the event site, from Wednesday, September 4th to Friday, September 6th.
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. Teams may add in a coach/steers at $75/session plus applicable taxes through the online registration system by clicking on the "get more" button.
Additional practice sessions may also be purchased at $75 each plus applicable taxes.
Practices can only be confirmed once event fees are received in full.
To book weekly sessions, practice facilities are available. Please contact GWN for info.
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
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Thurs Sept 5th |
Fri Sept 6th |
3PM - 4PM |
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. |
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. |
4PM - 5PM |
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. |
1. Double Double Dragons (S) 2. 3. 4. 5. |
5PM - 6PM |
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. |
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. |
6PM - 7PM |
1. CSA Beyond 100 (6:30-7:30pm) 2. CAATsters Team 1 (S) (6:30pm-7:30pm) 3. CAATsters Team 2 (S) (6:30pm-7:30pm) 4. |
1. 2. |
7PM - 8PM |
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. |
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. |
To view the 2024 Participant Checklist, click here.
Event Map
charitable partner
We are pleased to announce the Tim Hortons GWN Dragon Boat Challenge 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. As a leader in youth development programming, Tims Camps supports youth from low-income communities between the ages of 11 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 in 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 320,000 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.