Westwood Lake Dragon Boat Regatta

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Westwood Lake Dragon Boat Regatta – Nanaimo’s Newest Race Weekend – Back for Year Two

After a hugely successful debut, the Westwood Lake Dragon Boat Regatta returns for its second year, promising another unforgettable weekend of racing, music, and community spirit, set against one of Nanaimo’s most beautiful natural backdrops.

Paddlers and spectators can once again look forward to two action-packed days of racing, featuring exciting 200 m and 500 m sprints, and a variety of fun exhibition events. The regatta also includes 10-person small boat races for crews looking to gain race experience.

Beyond the racing, the festival delivers a vibrant onshore experience with music, food trucks, local vendors, and a beer garden, creating a welcoming atmosphere for athletes, supporters, and the wider community.

A highlight of the weekend is the Breast Cancer Survivor Dinner and Carnation Ceremony, held in support of local BCP teams and their fundraising efforts, a meaningful and moving part of the festival that reflects the heart of dragon boat racing.

About the Venue

Located just 10 minutes from downtown Nanaimo, Westwood Lake is a stunning, forest- surrounded venue offering a calm, sheltered race course and a relaxed lakeside atmosphere. Teams can expect panoramic views, a friendly paddlers’ village, and beach-based launches—no docks, just classic lakeside charm.

Accommodation Options

Out-of-town paddlers and guests can take advantage of convenient accommodation at Vancouver Island University’s summer residence hotel, offering townhouse- and apartment-style lodging with complimentary amenities and free parking. Additional hotel partners will offer special promo codes for regatta participants.

Hotel Partners:

Best Western Dorchester Hotel has kindly offered paddlers a 12% discount on available rooms for the festival dates. Promo code – SPPR Link – https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.62076.html?promoCode=SPPR

Getting Here

Travelling from the mainland? Hullo Ferry provides fast, passenger-only service between downtown Vancouver and Nanaimo in approximately 75 minutes, with multiple sailings daily. Keep an eye out for regatta-related travel discounts closer to the event.

Traveling from the mainland to the Westwood Lake Dragon Boat Regatta? Our partners at Hullo Ferry are offering paddlers and spectators 15% off ferry travel between Vancouver and Nanaimo. The discount code ( VIPADDLE) is valid July 17–21, making it even easier to get to the races and enjoy the weekend on Vancouver Island. https://hullo.com/

Parking & Shuttle Service

Parking at Westwood Lake is limited and fills quickly. Free parking will be available at Vancouver Island University (900 Fifth Street), with a complimentary shuttle running between VIU and Westwood Lake throughout the weekend. Shuttle sign-up details will be shared following registration closure.

Festival Theme & Community Spirit

Each year, the Westwood Lake Regatta embraces a fun, lighthearted theme, adding extra colour and energy to the weekend. Expect creative costumes, team spirit awards, and plenty of surprises both on and off the water.

A New Tradition in the Making

Developed by VI Paddling in partnership with the City of Nanaimo, the inaugural Westwood Lake Dragon Boat Regatta in July 2025 quickly became a paddler favourite. Now entering its second year, the event continues to deliver high-quality racing, strong community connections, and an outstanding festival experience for both participants and spectators.

Event Details
Dates: Saturday, July 18 & Sunday, July 19, 2026
Location: Westwood Lake, Nanaimo

Race Format:
• Saturday, July 18: 200 m races in standard and small dragon boats
• Sunday, July 19: 500 m races in standard and small dragon boats

Boat Composition:
• Standard Boat: crews of 20 paddlers. Max roster 24 paddlers, plus drummer and stern
• Small Boat: crews of 10 paddlers. Max roster 12 paddlers, plus drummer and stern

Divisions:
• Women’s: All female paddlers
• Mixed: Minimum of 10 female paddlers per boat
Note: While not mandatory, crews are encouraged to use female sterns for women’s boats in accordance with Dragon Boat Canada guidelines.

Registration:
• Early Bird Registration: Closes April 1, 2026 Use discount code EARLYBIRD-WL at checkout.
• General Registration: Closes June 15, 2026
Note: When registering your team, you’ll be prompted to complete a short registration form to confirm your team name and race division.

We can’t wait to see you on the water—sign up now and join us at Westwood Lake this summer!

Registration Links:

2026 Westwood Lake DB Regatta Saturday July 18th, 2026

Standard Boat:

Adult: https://www.wellnessliving.com/rs/catalog-view.html?k_business=709681&id_sale=1&k_id=3882059

BCS or Youth: https://www.wellnessliving.com/rs/catalog-view.html?k_business=709681&id_sale=1&k_id=3889075

Small Boat:

Adult: https://www.wellnessliving.com/rs/catalog-view.html?k_business=709681&id_sale=1&k_id=3889256

BCS or Youth: https://www.wellnessliving.com/rs/catalog-view.html?k_business=709681&id_sale=1&k_id=3998338

2026 Westwood Lake DB Regatta Sunday July 19th, 2026

Standard Boat:

Adult:https://www.wellnessliving.com/rs/catalog-view.html?k_business=709681&id_sale=1&k_id=3890208