Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival June 15th & 16th, 2024
From the humble beginning of only 27 teams participating in the first festival back in 1989, the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival has evolved to a much bigger operation over the past two decades. Organized by the Toronto Chinese Business Association in collaboration with GWN Dragon Boat, the Festival will once again welcome teams to Center Island, Toronto Islands. This year we are pleased to announce that the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival is a DBC Race Series Event.
Don't have a team? We have the Experience Dragon Boat Program, click here for more information.
In 2024, as the Festival celebrates its 36th year, it promises to continue to be one of the most exciting summer events in Toronto and one of the most prestigious dragon boat festivals on the North American dragon boat calendar. Once again, this year, the Festival will welcome teams from across North America.
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 a program for solo paddlers or small groups.
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 |
Before |
Before |
After |
Mixed / Women's / Open / ACP / BCP / Paradragons (4 x 500m, 1 x 200m) |
5 |
$1,500 |
$1,600 |
$1,700 |
$1,850 |
Mixed / Women's / Open / ACP / BCP / Paradragons (Out-of-Town*) |
5 |
$1,050 |
$1,150 |
$1,250 |
$1,400 |
Mixed / Women's / Open / ACP / BCP / Paradragons (International**) (4 x 500m, 1 x 200m) |
5 |
Free** |
|||
University Team (Mixed/Women's/Open) (4 x 500m, 1 x 200m) |
5 |
$1,200 |
$1,300 |
$1,400 |
$1,550 |
Junior Team (Mixed) (3 x 500m) |
3 |
$725 |
$925 |
||
Combination Team*** (4 x 500m, 1 x 200m) |
5 |
$750 |
$850 |
$900 |
$1,000 |
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. |
Prices are in CAD and do not include applicable tax (13% HST).
Payment Methods: We accept all major credit cards, cheque or e-Transfer.
Paying by cheque or e-transfer: You will receive a discount of $25 CAD. This discount will be automatically applied during the registration process. e-Transfers are only available for Canadian events and residents.
* Out-of-Town teams are teams within North America, but 90% of their members do not live with Toronto, Halton, Peel, York, Durham, Simcoe and Dufferin.
** International Teams are entitled to free entry. To qualify, you must be from outside North America and book hotel rooms at the host hotel. To register, please call the GWN Office: 416-962-8899.
*** Teams must consist of at least 90% of paddlers participating in a primary team. To get this rate, please call the GWN Office.
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.
DBC Race Series Event
We are pleased to announce we have been selected to be a Race Series Event in 2023. DBC teams attending the Toronto Island DBRF 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 Leader board. All crews and crew members must be a member of DBC. Only current DBC issued picture ID will be accepted. Life jackets must be in the boat
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.
LOCATION
Address: The event will take place on Centre Island, the Toronto Islands.
Site Map: Click here for the 2024 TIDBRF Site Map.
Passenger Ferry to Centre Island: Please refer to the "Travel" section for further details.
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 on the Toronto Islands 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 in City of Toronto parks.
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 the Toronto Islands 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
To view the 2024 Saturday Race Schedule, click here. (updated as of June 11, 7:30pm)
To view the 2024 Sunday Race Schedule, click here. (updated as of June 15, 10:40pm)
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.
Banking Cup presented by TD: |
Servces Industry: |
Non-Profit Cup: |
Big Business Cup: |
Health & Education Cup: |
Financial Services Cup presented by TD: |
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 200m Final and 500m Semi-Final. The 500m Semi-Final will seed teams into a 500m Final. Semi-Finals and Finals are held on Sunday.
200m Races: For open and women's teams, they will have a 200m race on Saturday. For Industry Cup races and all remaining mixed teams , they will have their 200m race on Sunday morning.
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 (located on the race site) 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, June 12th. 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
This year due to time constraints on Saturday morning, there will no Captain's Meeting on-site. A Team Captain's Meeting document will be shared with all Captains and Participants to review race day rules. Any questions may be sent to: info@gwnevents.com.
AWARDS
Mixed, Women's, Open Final races, and Industry Cup / 200M races: The top three teams of all Premier Mixed, Open and Women's 500m divisional final races will be presented with awards at the Athletes' Stage as soon as their races are completed. The winner of the industry cup and 200m divisional final races will be presented with awards as soon as each race is completed.
Junior Final Championship Races: The top three teams teams in the Junior Championship Final races will be presented with awards as soon as each race is completed on Saturday.
ENTERTAINMENT
The Toronto International Dragon Boat Festival will feature music, demonstrations, and authentic Chinese cultural performances throughout the day. Stay tuned for the 2024 schedule of events.
VENDORS
Marketplace:
TBAFood Vendors:
- Island Grill GTA
- Super Smash Juice
Interested in being a vendor? Email us at info@gwnevents.com to find out more.
PARKING
There are no public vehicles allowed on Toronto Island. There are various paid parking lots in the area surrounding the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
PASSENGER FERRY:
Jack Layton Ferry Terminal
9 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H3
(at the foot of Bay Street at Queens Quay)
Ferry Schedule (Reduced Times):
The City of Toronto has limited their summer ferry schedule. Due to these limitations, you may experience longer delays at both the ferry dock in Toronto and on the Island. It will be helpful to plan ahead by pre-purchasing your ferry ticket online and/or consider the use of water taxis to get on and off the Island.
The capacity of the ferry to Centre Island is approximately 900 people. It is highly recommended for all participants to take the first two - three ferries of each morning.
On June 15th and 16th: Ferry service to Centre Island will begin at 8:00AM and depart once it is fully loaded.
Ferry service to Ward's Island (walk to Race Site is approximately 25-30min) will begin at 6:30AM, 7:00AM, 7:30AM, 8:10AM (following regular schedule).
Please click here for the full ferry service schedule.
Ferry Tickets:
Ferry tickets should be purchased online and are valid from the date of purchase to the end of the calendar year and include the return trip. To check the ferry schedule and acquire tickets to get your team to Centre Island, click here**.
Adult Return (20 - 64) |
$9.11 |
Senior (65+) / Youth (under 19 with ID) Return |
$5.86 |
Junior Return (age 2- 14) |
$4.29 |
Infant (under 2yrs) |
free |
Pricing is subject to change, please refer to rates posted on Toronto Island Ferry Tickets website.
Purchasing 10 or more tickets will qualify your order for a 10% discount (please note for any group ticket purchases, all passengers must be present with the individual who purchased the tickets).
PIRATE TAXI WATER SERVICE
Special Rate for Participants:
TIDBRF has negotiated a special offer with the Pirate Taxi water taxi service for all dragon boat teams racing at the Festival.
Pirate Taxi normal operating hours on weekends are 9:00 am to Midnight, but they have offered to have boats available as early as 6:00AM. Information will be shared with all captains and participants with the special rate, booking instructions, etc.
https://www.piratetaxi.ca/
416-838-8294
info@piratetaxi.ca
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 Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival:
Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel
901 Dixon Road
Toronto, ON M9W 1J5
Group Name: Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival
Group Rate: $209 CAD per Night
Room Block Deadline: Thursday May 2, 2024
Reservations: Book online or call 1-800-905-2811
|
|
|
75 Lower Simcoe Street
Toronto, Ontario M5J 3A6
Group Name: Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival
Group Rate: $389 CAD per night
Room Block Deadline: Friday May 3, 2024
Reservations: Click here to book your stay
PASSENGER FERRY
Jack Layton Ferry Terminal
9 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H3
(at the foot of Bay Street at Queens Quay)
Ferry Schedule (Reduced Times):
The City of Toronto has limited their summer ferry schedule. Due to these limitations, you may experience longer delays at both the ferry dock in Toronto and on the Island. It will be helpful to plan ahead by pre-purchasing your ferry ticket online and/or consider the use of water taxis to get on and off the Island.
The capacity of the ferry to Centre Island is approximately 900 people. It is highly recommended for all participants to take the first two - three ferries of each morning.
On June 15th and 16th: Ferry service to Centre Island will begin at 8:00AM and depart once it is fully loaded.
Ferry service to Ward's Island (walk to Race Site is approximately 25-30min) will begin at 6:30AM, 7:00AM, 7:30AM, 8:10AM (following regular schedule).
Please click here for the full ferry service schedule.
Ferry Tickets:
Ferry tickets should be purchased online and are valid from the date of purchase to the end of the calendar year and include the return trip. To check the ferry schedule and acquire tickets to get your team to Centre Island, click here**.
Adult Return (20 - 64) |
$9.11 |
Senior (65+) / Youth (under 19 with ID) Return |
$5.86 |
Junior Return (age 2- 14) |
$4.29 |
Infant (under 2yrs) |
free |
Pricing is subject to change, please refer to rates posted on Toronto Island Ferry Tickets website.
Purchasing 10 or more tickets will qualify your order for a 10% discount (please note for any group ticket purchases, all passengers must be present with the individual who purchased the tickets).
PIRATE TAXI WATER SERVICE
Special Rate for Participants:
TIDBRF has negotiated a special offer with the Pirate Taxi water taxi service for all dragon boat teams racing at the Festival.
Pirate Taxi normal operating hours on weekends are 9:00 am to Midnight, but they have offered to have boats available as early as 6:00AM. Information will be shared with all captains and participants with the special rate, booking instructions, etc.
https://www.piratetaxi.ca/
416-838-8294
info@piratetaxi.ca
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 travelling 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. All-access is just the space.
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.
SECTION 1-18: RENTED TENTS
This area is designated for teams that have rented a team tent through GWN.
Product |
Price |
10' x 10' Tent |
$375.00 |
10' x 20' Tent |
$575.00 |
20' x 20' Tent |
$750.00 |
Table Rental |
$25.00 |
Chair Rental |
$5.00 |
Prices are in CAD and do not include applicable taxes (13% HST).
SECTION 19-66: ALL ACCESS
This area is designated for teams with their own tents.
OPEN SPACE
For those teams not wishing to reserve a spot in the Athletes' Village, open space south of the permanent buildings will be available based on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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 1-18: Rented Tents
This section is reserved for teams that have rented a tent through GWN. Each space is 20 x 20 and can accommodate a 10'x10', 10'x20' or 20'x20' tent.
1. Procter and Gamble Dragon (10x10) |
2. Bridgepoint Blazing Paddles (20x20) |
3. A Stern Warning (20x20) |
4. Reserved |
5. N/A |
6. N/A |
7. N/A |
8. N/A |
9. N/A |
10. N/A |
11. N/A |
12. N/A |
13. Toronto Dominion Bank |
14. Peppers UA (10x10) |
15. CCCC (ON) Tiger (20x20) |
16. CCCC (ON) Lion (20x20) |
17. BOCC - Dragon (20x20) |
18. Tempest Black (20x20) |
Section 19-66: Reserved Space
This section is for all teams not renting a tent through GWN. Each space is 20x20.
|
19.Holland Bloorview Infinite Waves |
|
20. MOFOs |
21. SuperSmash Bros |
22. Sync or Swim |
23. Toronto Wyvern Club |
24. Dragon Family Long |
25. Red Thread Dragons |
26. Typhon Dragon Boat |
27. CCABA |
28. Haihe Dragon Boat |
29. Paddlers Anonymous Dawave Blue |
30. Paddlers Anonymous Dawave White |
31. Silk & Splash |
32. Mac Med Dragon Boat |
33. Immortals Maelstrom |
34. Frontop engineering |
35. OnFresh |
36. Guelph Gryphons Dragon Boat Club |
37. Mott MacDonald |
38. University of Waterloo Dragon Warriors |
39. YCPC-First Class Realty - Tigers | 40. YCPC-Avaler Dragons |
41. Tribal Aloha |
42. Tribal Maui |
43. Wilcox Warriors |
44. Pacemakers - U of T Medicine |
45. True North Premier Women |
46. True North Senior Women |
47. Titans Maelstrom |
48. The Boulevard Blazers' |
49. Dragon Boat Z |
50. Descendants of the Dragon |
51. StarDust Casino |
52. Iron Dragons Purple |
53. Google Toronto Dragon Boat Club |
54. True North SLP Premier Open | 55. True North Leviathan Gold |
56. True North Leviathan Black |
57. True North Leviathan Red | 58. True North Leviathan Orange |
59. Tempest Blue |
60. |
61.csBUM KaiMen |
62. csBUM Kaizen |
63. Bananaship |
64. Rusty Dragons Barracudas |
65. Iron Dragons Gold |
66. True North Hammerheads |
The following are the suppliers for dragon boat practice and training facilities and services recommended by the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival. Teams are urged to contact these facilities directly to book their practice and training needs.
Sunnyside Paddling Club
E-mail: andrew@sunnysidepc.ca
Website: www.sunnysidepaddlingclub.com
Practice Site: Lakeshore Blvd West, Toronto-west
Balmy Beach Canoe Club
Tel: 416-577-8445
E-mail: balmybeachdragonboat@gmail.com
Website: www.balmybeachcanoeclub.com
Practice Site: Ashbridges Bay, Lakeshore & Coxwell, Toronto-east
Alkame Dragon Boat Services
Tel: 905-492-4040
E-mail: info@alkame.ca
Website: www.alkame.ca
Practice Site: Frenchman's Bay, Pickering
Mississauga Canoe Club
Tel: 905-274-2127
E-mail: mccdragonboat@mississaugacanoeclub.com
Website: www.mississaugacanoeclub.com
Practice Site: Credit River, Mississauga
Afterburn Performance Fitness Inc.
Tel: 416-624-5439
E-mail: info@afterburnfitness.ca
Website: www.afterburnfitness.ca
Practice Site: Scarborough, Ontario (Indoor facility with pool specifically designed for dragon boat)
To review the final participant checklist, click here.
charitable partner
Situated in one of the most diverse communities in Canada, Scarborough Health Network Foundation (formerly Scarborough and Rouge Hospital Foundation) inspires the support necessary to improve patients’ lives through exceptional care at Scarborough Health Network across three hospitals and eight satellite sites. Since its inception, the Foundation has worked with generous donors, volunteers and community members to raise funds needed to build state-of-the-art infrastructure and purchase the latest medical technology, supporting the SHN’s vision to be Canada’s leading community teaching health network.