Creekside Community Centre/Dragon Zone Paddling Club Community Programs

Come join us and get out on the water! These programs are exclusively offered in association with Creekside Community Centre. To register for programs on this page, please contact Creekside Community Centre at creekside@vancouver.ca or 604 257 3050.

2026 events opening soon for registration on the City’s ActiveNet portal. Please contact the community centre for questions with any of these programs.


     Birds Nest Properties Community Paddling Days

Enjoy dragon boat sessions in Olympic Village, and make a difference in the community! 2026 info coming soon

Dates: 2026 Dates TBA
Time: 45 minute slots from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM, starting on the hour
Registration: Registration now open! Please pre-register online (walk-ins welcome subject to space)
Fee: $2 per person, with proceeds going to charities and community groups.
Location: Creekside Community Centre, 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver BC

Come on out with your friends and family to try dragon boat on False Creek at Birds Nest Properties Community Paddling Day! All equipment and a guide to help you learn to paddle is supplied. Toonie paddling sessions start at 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM, with proceeds supporting community groups!

Each community day has a theme; support different causes in our community!

  • MAY 25: TBA
  • JULY 6: TBA
  • AUGUST 3: TBA

Thank you to Birds Nest Properties for helping us present this community building event again this year. 

Youth aged 18 or under must have completed a Youth Informed Consent and Vancouver Board of Parks Youth Waiver ahead of their arrival including parent/guardian signature. These forms are linked below. Youth aged 18 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the boat.


Youth Programs: Weekly Full-Day Summer Paddling Camps (Ages 8 to 12)

Sign up for a summer to remember: learn to paddle, build new friendships, and learn the stories that bring paddling to life in our community. 

Start Dates:Weekly from the first week of July to last week of August
Duration:
5 days (Monday to Friday) except weeks of Canada Day and BC Day (4 days)
Camp Time:
9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Drop Off/Pick Up Time: 
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM, and 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Drop Off/Pick Up Location: Creekside Community Centre (1 Athletes Way, Vancouver): 5 minute walk to Main Street SkyTrain Station
Fees: TBA per person. 4 day (Canada Day/BC Day) week fees are TBA per camper.
Registration:
2026 registration coming soon!

Learn to paddle a range of boats —including kayak, SUP, dragon boat, and flatwater— and explore the culture behind the sport, our community’s stories, and our local marine habitat. Learn skills, make new friends, and be inspired by our community and environment!

Located in the heart of Vancouver in the Olympic Village, our summer camp location is centrally located and easy to get to. Participants will need to bring their own lunches, snacks, water bottles, hats, sunscreen, and water-appropriate clothing. We will provide all boats, paddles, and life jackets. In case of inclement weather, paddling activities will be replaced by land activities. No paddling experience is required. All abilities are welcome.

Highlights

  • Emphasis on fun, safety and inclusion means all campers have opportunities to succeed, build confidence and make friends.
  • Mix of team-building activities, games and 1:1 feedback supports goal-directed skill development in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
  • Every camp is a new adventure with different themes! Plus, enjoy off-site field trips to learn about different aspects of paddling: trips to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens teach campers about dragon boat’s 5,000+ year history and current context; or to the BC Sports Hall of Fame to see items from legendary moments.
  • Camp leaders/instructors hold certifications including: First Aid/CPR, NCCP, and from other recognized bodies. A low leader/instructor to camper ratio ensures a high level of safety and support.

Note: Waivers must be signed by parent or guardian for youth under 18

© 2026 Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society