Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon boat racing, beachside views and lively summer vibes come together at the Harrison Dragon Boat Festival on beautiful Harrison Lake.

The Harrison Dragon Boat Festival

The Harrison Dragon Boat Festival is a lively summer event filled with races and scenic views. Each year, paddlers and attendees gather at Harrison Lake for a full day of racing, cheering and community spirit.

Whether you’re racing in a boat or watching from the shore, the festival offers something for everyone to enjoy. It’s the perfect blend of sport, nature and summer celebration and it’s free to attend.

Where and When in 2026

The Harrison Dragon Boat Festival takes place this year on Saturday, July 25th, from approximately 8:30 am until 5:30 pm at Harrison Hot Springs.

This free public event is open to everyone and draws paddlers, teams, and spectators from across the region. For the day, Harrison Hot Springs comes alive with fast-paced races, lively crowds, and a high-energy atmosphere along the shores of Harrison Lake.

What to Expect

The day starts early, with teams arriving to set up tents, and access begins at 7:30 am. Mandatory briefings for team administrators, captains, and steerspersons take place around 8:00 am near the Finish Line Tower. Marshalling follows, with races running throughout the day until late afternoon.

Visitors can explore sponsor and vendor areas near the race site, where they can buy paddling gear, festival merchandise, and snacks. 2026 partners include Oddball Workshop, the province of British Columbia, and local paddling organizations connected to Dragon Boat BC.

Between races, visitors can relax along the lakeshore, watch teams compete on Harrison Lake, and enjoy the lively summer atmosphere in the village. Food vendors, washrooms, first-aid services, and water-refill stations are available on site. Medal presentations take place shortly after finals.

With continuous racing on the water and plenty happening the festival offers a full day of entertainment for paddling fans, families, and visitors.

Registration Information

Dragon boat teams can register in Mixed or Women’s divisions, with a standard race format of three 500-metre races. All teams are to register online through Dragon Boat BC’s registration system.

2026 race registration fees are listed below. (Prices are subject to change.)

Adult Teams: $1,300
Senior / BCS / 24U Teams: $1,050
Junior Teams: $800

Each team can have up to 30 paddlers in 2026, but only 26 medals will be awarded to winning teams. It’s best to register early, as the Harrison Dragon Boat Festival is a popular event and spaces can fill up quickly.

Harrison Hot Springs

The Harrison Dragon Boat Festival happens beside the Harrison Lake Lagoon, which is a popular place to swim in the summer. Expect there to be plenty of people enjoying the water there while the dragon boating is going on!

In addition to swimming, boating, and other beach-related activities, there’s plenty going on at Harrison Hot Springs (especially in the summer).

Other major events happening around the same time include the Sasquatch Days festival in June. It features First Nations cultural performance and canoe races. There’s also the Harrison Festival of the Arts in July which includes concerts, a public market, art exhibits and more.

There are more concerts over the Labour Day Long Weekend in September when Bands on the Beach happens down by the waterfront. The area is then lit up with colourful displays during the Lights on the Lake event from late November to early January.