Dragon Boat Festival August 11-12 2012

Now in its 5th year, the annual Banff Dragon Boat Festival is set to take place on the weekend of August 11 to 12 2012.
Dragon Boat races take place each day from 9am to 3pm on Lake Minnewanka, a pristine alpine lake surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, approximately 10km from downtown Banff. Originating in China more than 2000 years ago, the 40ft long boats have a dragon’s head and tail and are decorated in vibrant colours, with a team of 20 paddlers and a drummer beating the rhythm, which can be heard from the shore, adding to the spectators’ excitement.
The event is lots of fun for participants and spectators alike, and while you are waiting between races there is of course the beauty of the Lake Minnewanka area to discover with its scenic beaches, hiking trails and picnic tables. As parking at Lake Minnewanka is limited, spectators are encouraged to take the free Dragon Express Shuttle which runs every 30 minutes from 8am to 2.00pm (return service until 4.30pm), with departures from the Brewster Bus Depot, Caribou St adjacent to the Mount Royal Hotel, and Banff Ave/Fox St in downtown Banff. There is also a shuttle every 15 minutes from the Overflow Camping parking lot on the Lake Minnewanka Loop Road.
As part of the Dragon Boast Festival celebrations there will also be cultural performances in Banff Avenue Square from 1pm to 5pm August 11 and from 12pm to 1.30pm August 12.
For further information, as well as some photos and video from last year’s event, visit BanffLakeLouise.com.