Alberta’s Upcoming ‘Ice Dragon Boat Festival’ Is The Only Event Of Its Kind In Western Canada

By Britanny Burr on February 11, 2025.

We’re back with another super unique Alberta event that you won’t believe exists. This action-packed event is hidden in plain sight, and while not everyone is aware of it (yet), everyone who knows about it is a die-hard fan. Now, that fan club officially includes you. Friends, it’s our pleasure to introduce you to the Sylvan Lake Ice Dragon Boat Festival, happening February 15th and 16th, 2025.

Ice Dragon Boating is a winter-forward twist on the traditional sport of dragon boating, where teams of up to 10 paddlers get bundled up in winter gear and wacky costumes and race across a frozen lake. Of course, these competitors are on specially designed dragon boats fully decked out with ice blades to suit the oh-so-Canadian setting. Teams battle to the finish line through teamwork, strength, coordination, and speed. It's fast, it's fun, and it's an entertaining sight to see.

The energetic competitors have gathered their teammates for this winter rowing event on ice, and they’ll be competing to take the 2025 Championship title. This is the only event of its kind in Western Canada, so you better believe the registration filled up fast. So, unless you managed to snag yourself a spot on the ice, all you need to do is come on down to the shoreline to cheer on the competitors. Either way, the energy is infectious, and this festival has quickly become a beloved winter pastime for Albertans.

There are different competitive divisions for the big event, including a Mixed Division where teams compete with an equal number of male and female paddlers. There is a Women's Division where female-only teams hop on board, an Open Division where anything goes, and a Youth Division where young competitors ages 12 and up can hit the ice. The maximum number of paddlers for any crew is 10, and the minimum is six. All boats must have a drummer and steerperson. If you’re not sure what that means, you’ll know before the end of the weekend. Teams are encouraged to get creative with fun and colourful costumes or team uniforms, so get ready for some surprises.

Boats are equipped with blades, so even the most experienced rowers are taking on a whole new challenge. Each team gets a practice session before the big derby day so they can learn the ropes and avoid spills. The practice race will be on Saturday, February 15th, in 30-minute time slots. The festival website has a full breakdown of rules to ensure safety and fun for all. While the event is fun and high-energy, it is also a really impressive display of athleticism. They’ve taken a widely-known sport and thrown it on brand-new terrain, after all.

Now that you’ve got the picture on the competitive aspect of the festival, let’s talk about all the rest. The Sylvan Lake Ice Dragon Boat Festival isn't just about the races. There's a whole lineup of fun activities to make the weekend unforgettable. Events include Pass The Poutine Contest, where restaurants can register their tastiest and most creative creations, and guests can try as many poutines as possible. The restaurant that receives the most votes will be crowned winner of the best poutine in town. So, you best be coming hungry.

You also have the chance to lace up your skates and enjoy Sylvan Lake’s natural ice rink. And, of course, you can sip on a local brew or two at the Beer Gardens while enjoying the frosty festivities. There’s also The Fire Show on Ice with acrobats and fire dancers that you don’t want to miss. If you want to turn the weekend into a cute date, why not attend the Winter Village Lights Festival? As the sun sets, you get to watch the village sparkle with twinkling lights and take in the magic of it all.

The weekend starts with opening ceremonies, complete with live music, entertainment, and an introduction to the teams. This is where you can scope out who you’ll be cheating for. Then, everyone gets the chance to celebrate with a closing ceremony with awards to celebrate the weekend's champions and cheer on every paddler who braved the ice. Cap off the weekend with a stunning display of fireworks over the frozen lake, and end with a bang.

There's something special about embracing winter head-on and making the most of Alberta's snowy season. The Sylvan Lake Ice Dragon Boat Festival is perfect for families, friends, and anyone who loves a little adventure. Whether you're a seasoned paddler looking for some competition during the off-season or an eager spectator looking for an exciting way to enjoy Family Day Long Weekend, this festival promises something entertaining for everyone. From the heart-pounding races to the friendly camaraderie at the beer gardens, it's a weekend packed with community spirit and fun. Where else can you say you've cheered on ice dragon boat races other than right here in Alberta?

Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Cool Winter Guide advertising feature. The Cool Winter Guide is a special feature about winter activities, bucket list adventures, winter attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.

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