General Information

volunteer info

Download the Volunteer Information Handbook >>

Here is an opportunity to participate in one of the largest dragon boat racing events in North America and one of the fastest growing team sports in the world. There are over 3000 paddlers converging in Vancouver for this annual event.

This year's activities will be held June 19th & 20th on the east end of False Creek near Science World. Help load boats, assist musicians, lend a hand in the market place, assemble teams for races - it's fun, it's outdoor and it's a great opportunity to meet a diverse and spirited group of people who travel from across the continent to be a part of the festivities as a paddling participant or as a volunteer.

The Festival is run by the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society which operates year round and organizes a number of race competitions as part of its overall programing. Our signature event is the Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival - a community-based regatta event which is staged with the help of over 600 volunteers. We are very appreciative of the support and assistance of so many people willing to donate their time to help us present one of the most popular and outstanding summer celebrations in Vancouver.

For those of you who are unavailable to assist on Festival Weekend there may be opportunities - with some committees - to help out on the site prior to the event. If you are interested in working at the Race Site you can volunteer for the Junior Regatta, May 24th and/or the Dragon Zone Regatta on June 6th and 7th. Both events give you an opportunity to become comfortable with the routine, meet fellow volunteers and paddlers who participate in these competitions as a warm-up to the major event.

We ask that each prospective volunteer, whether you have volunteered before or not, read the Volunteer Policy prior to submitting a Volunteer Application form so that you are informed of the guidelines which serve the volunteers and the Festival staff.

Download the Volunteer Information Handbook >>

TAKE THE TRAIN TO FALSE CREEK

Paddlers and volunteers please note, SkyTrain service will get you to the site on time for regattas and on Festival weekend!

On Saturdays in June, the first train departs King George Station for downtown at 6:08 am with following departures every 5-6 minutes. SkyTrain has told us they are prepared to run additional trains if ridership is heavy.

On Sundays in June, the first train departs King George Station for downtown at 7:08 am with following departures every 5-6 minutes. Again, SkyTrain will add extra trains if required.

We thank SkyTrain for their cooperation and support of our event.

Go to http://tripplanning.translink.bc.ca to find the best transit route for your journey.

Plan to take the train!

June 19 & 20, 2010
Rio Tinto Alcan
Dragonboat Festival

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2010 FESTIVAL REGISTRATION OPEN NOVEMBER 2009

WE'VE GOT SPIRIT
The Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival was recently awarded the Spirit of Vancouver Special Event Award for... More >>