Adult and Corporate Groups

Whether you’re looking for an afternoon paddling adventure around False Creek, a team-building exercise to teach your group how to paddle and then race in one of the world’s biggest dragon boat races, or a unique employee benefit, we offer turnkey solutions through our extensive boat fleet.


Adult Group Paddling Session

  • When: Year-round
  • Dragon Boat (Now available): 10, 20, or 24 person boats, Starting at $55/person for a 1.5 hour guided session
  • Kayak: Single and Tandem kayaks, Starting at $25/person/hour
  • Number of participants: 10-5,000
  • Add on Options: Personalize the experience for your group! Add on a kayak guide to tour you around False Creek, custom medals or shirts, meeting room space at Creekside Community Centre, tours of local cultural venues like the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Gardens or BC Sports Hall of Fame, or basic catering. Dragon boat groups can add on traditional boat dressing with heads and tails.

Give your group a unique activity on the water in the heart of Vancouver. Whether a company outing or a client appreciation event, your group will enjoy an unforgettable experience on False Creek. To book a session or for more information, please email [email protected].

Dragon Boat Sessions: Your group will benefit from the expertise of trained dragon boat instructors to help guide them through the basics of dragon boat paddling skills, and depending on group size, enjoy a mini-dragon boat race as well. These turnkey sessions include all necessary paddling and safety equipment, an instructor and steersperson, and 90 minutes on the water. Private dragon boat paddling sessions are available for groups ranging in size from 10 to 5,000 people year-round.

Kayak Sessions: These private and turnkey rental sessions include all necessary paddling and safety equipment for groups of up to 40 people. Private kayak tours with a guide are available depending on guide availability for groups up to 12 people.


Private 4 Week Intro to Dragon Boat and Race Programs – Email [email protected] for availabilities

  • When: 4 sessions (1/week) leading to a dragon boat race
  • Cost: Starting at $149/person
  • Number of participants: Up to 24
  • Session Duration: 90 minutes per practice

Bring your team together as part of the world’s fastest growing water sport! Our turnkey options provide different options for your team to race at the continent’s flagship dragon boat race against a range of teams. Whether they’re looking to finish first, or first finish (and then make their way to the dance floor at the Main Stage), our programs offer your group a chance to develop their paddling skills.

Due to international race standards, the race program is offered in mixed, women, and open categories. Paddlers do not need to know how to swim, but must wear the supplied PFDs. No experience is necessary! Minimum age 12. Youth aged 12-18 must be accompanied by an adult.

All programs are led by a dedicated instructor and a steersperson, access to equipment including a PFD and paddle, access to the boats, and race registration fees. Sessions end at the May Burnwater Spring Sprint, early June’s Vessi 500 Championship, late June’s Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival, August’s FreshCo Richmond Dragon Boat Festival, or September’s Oddball Fall Classic.

For more information, please email [email protected].

Please note: Refunds are subject to a 25% administration fee until March 31. No refunds will be given after March 31. Click here for more information on our refund policy. All fees are subject to 5% GST.


Employee Benefit Plan

Looking to offer a unique benefit to your employees that gets them out and exploring Vancouver from the water? We offer special rates for businesses looking to bulk purchase vouchers or passes for any of our individual programs, including:

  • Single or tandem kayak hourly rentals
  • Kayak seasonal passes
  • OC-1 seasonal passes
  • Intro to Dragon Boat/Kayak/SUP programs

For more information, please email [email protected] with your name, contact information, company name, and estimated number of participants in your employee benefit plan. We will then work to create a customized quote for your needs.


The Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society acknowledges its work takes place primarily on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands and waters of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.

© 2024 Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society