Dragon Zone
Paddling Club

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 [email protected] or 604 257 3050.

2025 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 and kayak in Olympic Village, and make a difference in the community! Registration opening soon.

Dates: May 25, July 6, August 3
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: Minimum $2 donation for dragon boat, $10 for kayak 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 and learn to dragon boat with us and explore Vancouver from the water- or, get out with friends and kayak with us! All equipment and a guide to help you learn to paddle is supplied. Sessions start at 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. Participation by minimum donation of $2 per person for dragon boat, and $10 for kayak.

Each community day has a theme; support different causes in our community! 2025 program to be announced soon.

MAY 25: TBA
JULY 7: 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)

Our summer camps are back and better than ever! Learn to paddle, plus learn all 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: 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM, and 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Fees: $400 per person. 4 day (Canada Day/BC Day) week fees are $325 per person.
Registration: Registration now open!

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, Dragon Zone is just minutes away from Canada and Expo Line Skytrain stations, and is conveniently located along the seawall. Participants are expected to bring their own lunches, snacks, and water bottles. Hats, sunscreen and swimming-appropriate clothing are highly recommended. 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 weekly themes! Examples include Sports Week, Under the Sea, Around the World, and Community Arts.
Field trips give campers ways to learn about paddling’s roots: trips to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens teach campers about dragon boat’s 5,000+ year history and current context; or learn about local wildlife and the environment during guided explorations of False Creek’s intertidal zones.
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