A little ice isn’t stopping Alberta dragon boaters, and this upcoming festival in Sylvan Lake is no exception. Race into winter with the Sylvan Lake Ice Dragon Boat Festival, taking place from Feb. 14 to 15 this year.
Alberta’s only small town with a lighthouse will host this winter event featuring family fun all weekend long. Whether you’re a competitor or a spectator, you won’t need to travel to Skyrim to get up close and personal with these dragons.
It’ll be an opportunity to revel in the winter beauty of Sylvan Lake, while rooting for competitors from around the province as they compete for the top prize. If you’re raring to compete, there’s also room to register a boat of eight to 10 paddlers until Jan. 31.
What to expect
It’ll be a spectacular event for all to enjoy when Alberta dragon boat racers step onto a frozen Sylvan Lake to compete in the Ice Dragon Boat Festival. If you’re looking to compete yourself, racers have until Jan. 31 to register their team of eight to ten paddlers, one steersperson, one drummer and up to four spares (with a maximum of eight).
In order to maneuver on ice, a foot is attached to the dragon boat and ice stick handles are given to paddlers. It still takes a lot of practice and technique to use the sticks to propel your boat forward. You’ll have to make the trip to Sylvan Lake to see how it’s done.
Also during the event, Sylvan Lake’s search for the best poutine will pair hand-crafted cocktails with Canada’s favourite comfort food for an ideal warmer-upper.
Come see it for yourself at Sylvan Lake from Feb. 14 to 15 and catch these spectacular racers in action!
When: Saturday, Feb. 14 to Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026
Where: Sylvan Lake, Alta.
Tickets: Free to attend
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Em Medland-Marchen
Em is a Staff Writer for Curiocity Calgary. They are passionate about live music, rose gardens, iced coffee, and walks along the Bow River.
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