HIC SUNT DRACONES ~ HERE, THERE BE DRAGONS!

Monday, May 25, 2026

🐉 HIC SUNT DRACONES — HERE, THERE BE DRAGONS... ON THEIR PILGRIMAGE FROM THE SHORES OF HOGTOWN TO THE HEART OF BYTOWN! 🐉 THE DRAGONS ARE COMING!!! 🐉

Every summer, something spectacular happens & a powerful tradition continues…

The mighty dragon boats make their annual pilgrimage from “The 6” to the “613”, surging toward the scenic shores of Mooney’s Bay—and that can only mean one thing…

🎉 The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival returns! 🎉
📅 June 19–21, 2026
📍 Mooney’s Bay, Ottawa, ON. CA.

From high-stakes elite heats with world-class athletes and heart-fueled competition with passionate community participants, this is where paddling, purpose, and peoplecome together for an unforgettable weekend! 🏁💪Elite & Community Teams, Racing for Glory, Paddling with Purpose!

We’re so proud to continue our legacy of giving back through the Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation (ODBF) and its longstanding tradition of summer fundraising with the ODBF Pledge Challenge which will support five incredible organizations; Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa (Walk This Way program), Nutrition Blocs (Hot Breakfast/Summer Nutrition Program), The Partage Vanier Food Bank, Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice (Young Grievers Camp), and Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.

So whether you’re chasing gold or here to cheer, this is your chance to be part of the competition, the camaraderie and the cause in an epic clash of racing excellence and purpose beyond the podium, creating memories that will last a lifetime!

🛶 Register to race
🤝 Sign up to volunteer
🎉 Join the celebration of sport, philanthropy, and community spirit

🚨 But first — the boats arrive at the bay!

So mark your calendars as we welcome the boats back to the Nation’s Capital:

🛶 What: Arrival of the dragon boats *photo and video opportunity
📅 When: Monday, June 1, 2026 — boats expected at 12:00 p.m.
📍 Where: Mooney’s Bay Marina Parking Lot (gravel lot off the south side of Hog’s Back Rd)

Media, supporters, and festival fans are invited to join us as we welcome the arrival of the dragon boats  just in time for teams to “train their dragon (boat)” ahead of the official races.