It’s time to return to False Creek: see you at the continent’s flagship dragon boat festival in 2027: registration opens soon at register.dragonboatbc.ca!

In 2026, Vancouver hosted the world in our backyard which meant we had to take a year off. But now, stepping boldly into our new era. The countdown to June 2027 starts now: we invite you to return and light up False Creek again at the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival.

Get set to join our teams from across Canada, different US states, and around the world in Vancouver. Email info@dragonboatbc.ca for trip planning assistance. Visit concorddragonboatfestival.ca/register for visiting team registration rates, and concorddragonboatfestival.ca/visit for Festival program information. Catch highlights of our last Festival below!

2027 Accommodations

We encourage teams to book their rooms as soon as possible to secure the best value. These rates are available as limited time offers only, and are while supplies last. Rates are subject to change without notice. Hotels may be added or removed as inventory changes. Hotels are sorted by proximity to the Festival site.

The Festival currently has the following hotels offering special rates for the 2027 Festival with more to come soon. We expect to be adding more special offers over the coming months. All blocks are first-come, first-served, and expire in late April to early May. Please email info@dragonboatbc.ca for if you require any additional assistance.

Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown - Stadium District/Downtown Vancouver: Starting at $309

Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown – Stadium District/Downtown Vancouver
$309/night up to double occupancy including complimentary parking (1 king or 2 queen rooms) – ($25 surcharge for 3rd and 4th guest).
Availability June 22-30. Booking cutoff May 23.
Click here to book at the Festival reservation portal.

Take in all of Vancouver with a downtown hotel stay at Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown offering comfortable rooms & suites with premium amenities.  The Sandman is a 5 minute walk from Racer’s Village and the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival.

Downtown Vancouver is just outside the doors waiting for you to check it all out. For those times when you just want to relax and stay in, there’s no shortage of incredible amenities to enjoy, including access to free high-speed Wi-fi throughout. Lounge by the indoor pool anytime of the year, keep up with goals by getting your reps and steps in at our modern fitness centre and flex your business muscles in our 24/7 business centre.

Hotel Willo (formerly YWCA Hotel Vancouver) - Stadium District/Downtown Vancouver: Code for discount off of best available rate

Hotel Willo (formerly YWCA Hotel Vancouver)- Stadium District/Downtown Vancouver
Rates vary during period. Discount code provides discount over best available rateAvailability June 24-28.
Booking Instructions: Book online using the promo code DBF27CP to receive a 10% off best available rate at www.hotelwillo.com.

To book for an entire team/as a group (10+ people/5+ rooms), or for longer periods, please contact mfukuta@ywcavan.org or 604 895 5840.

Hotel Willo is a social enterprise by YWCA BC. Located across BC Place Stadium, Hotel Willo is a 10 minute walk from the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival. There are different room types available to suit your needs and budget. As a social enterprise hotel, all revenue generated helps fund YWCA community programs and services that strengthens our communities. For group bookings, contact mfukuta@hotelwillo.com.

Sandman Suites Vancouver Davie Street: Vancouver Downtown - Davie Village: Rate info coming soon

Sandman Suites Vancouver Davie Street – Davie Village
TBC up to double occupancy ($25 surcharge for 3rd guest)
Availability TBC, final day to book TBC.
Click here to book.

If you find yourself visiting the popular West End of Vancouver, find yourself at the best spot offering stunning views of English Bay, the Pacific Ocean and breathtaking mountains: Sandman Suites Vancouver Davie Street. The Suites are a 20 minute bus ride, or 25 minute walk from Racer’s Village and the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival.

When here, a work trip will feel like leisure, and a family vacation will be the best one yet. From the comfort of your suite. featuring a full built in kitchen, pull out couch, and 2 twin or 1 queen bed, head out and discover Davie Street, possibly the most culturally diverse street in Vancouver. From coffee shops to lounges and restaurants to retail, a walk up and down the full length of this famed street is 25 minutes and worth every step. In fact, you’re just a three-minute walk to English Bay, where sun worshippers sunbathe during the day, and beachgoers take in the sunset at night. You’re also super close to the chic atmosphere of sidewalk cafes and some of the best nightlife around in Yaletown.

Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre - Broadway/Cambie: Starting at $309

Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre – Broadway/Cambie
Room options starting at $309/night, triple or quad occupancy subject to extra $30/person.
Availability June 22-30, final date to book May 23.
Click here to book and use code DBB.

The Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre Hotel (Broadway) welcomes you to vibrant Vancouver, Canada. Their award winning hotel’s location is convenient to Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, the Pacific Central Train Station, and only 2 blocks from the Broadway-City Hall Canada Line SkyTrain Station. The Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre is a 20 minute public transit ride, or 25 minute walk from Racer’s Village and the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival.

Start making plans for your next stay to relax and enjoy in otheirr full service hotel! Unwind at the onsite Stages Bistro and Lounge, or have fun at their indoor swimming pool, outdoor fitness patio, and fitness equipment room. Contact info@hivancouver.com or 604 879 0511 if you require booking assistance.

Visa Requirements, Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTA), and Public Health Requirements

International visitors (except US citizens) require a visa or eTA to fly in to Canada. Please visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website to check entrance requirements. eTAs (valid for multiple entries up to 5 years) are generally required if you do not require a Visa flying in to Canada. Apply for an eTA online on Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website.

The Festival only provides letters of invitation if required for a visa. To expedite visa letter requests, please contact us with a spreadsheet listing your group members including: full name, passport numbers, date of birth, citizenship, and intended itinerary information. Visa letters are only issued for teams with confirmed race registrations.

If you require a visa, we recommend that you request a visa letter NO LATER THAN MARCH 1 OF THE COMPETITION YEAR. Visa processes often take multiple months, and may exceed even 3 months to process.

International visitors should visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website to determine what document or test information is required to enter Canada. Canadian citizens are encouraged to visit Transport Canada’s website for current information regarding air travel in Canada. The Festival continuously evaluates conditions to meet or exceed public safety and health requirements.

Arriving to Vancouver

Via Air

Vancouver’s main airport is Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Direct flights connect North American, Asian, Oceanian, and European destinations year-round. YVR is a 25 minute public transit train ride or drive to Downtown Vancouver. Connecting travellers from South America, Europe, and Africa may clear customs in Toronto or Montréal, before proceeding to Vancouver.

Vancouver is also served by Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) about a 75 minute drive away, with select service to Canadian and US destinations. Float planes from YVR and Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre connect Vancouver to destinations around BC and to Seattle.

Via BC Ferries

Victoria/Nanaimo: Swartz Bay or Duke Point arrives at Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal (45 minute drive, 90 minute public transit via Translink).

Sunshine Coast/Bowen Island/Nanaimo: Departure Bay, Snug Cove, or Sunshine Coast arrives at Horeshoe Bay Ferry Terminal (30 minute drive, 1 hour public transit via Translink).

Via Road

Via Peace Arch Border Crossing: Take the I-5 to Blaine; then follow Highway 99 to Vancouver

Via Aldergrove Border Crossing: Take the 539; then follow Highway 13 until the exit ramp; connect Westbound Highway 1 until Exit 26; then head Westbound on East Hastings Street to arrive in Vancouver.

Via Highway 1: Take Westbound Highway 1 until Exit 26; then head Westbound on East Hastings Street to arrive in Vancouver.

Getting around Vancouver

Vancouver is a very accessible city, and is easy to get around. We strongly advise visiting teams to take advantage of Vancouver’s public transit system.

Public Transit

Use TransLink and easily get around Vancouver. Simply tap on and off at train stations, or tap on buses using your Compass card (available at ticket vending machines) or with a tap enabled card/device to get around the region.

Get on the Canada Line at YVR Airport, and get off at either Yaletown Roundhouse or Vancouver City Centre for Downtown Vancouver. Most hotels are a short walk away from these stations.

Get to the Festival on transit: Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain Station is one block away from Racer’s Village and the main entrance to the Festival site on Carrall and Pacific Boulevard, 5 minute walk from Main Street-Science World to the Festival or the dragon boat docks, and 10 minutes from Olympic Village or Yaletown-Roundhouse. Buses on Main Street, 2nd Avenue, Abbott Street, and Keefer Street are walking distance from the Festival site.

For more information on using public transit, visit www.translink.ca.

Biking to the Festival

The Festival is conveniently located along the seawall. Free self-service bike parking is available at sites around the Festival at public lockup spots including near the main entrance area.

Vehicles, Car Share, Ride Share, and Taxis

Public pay parking is available near the Festival: arrive Eastbound on Pacific Boulevard, and look for signage to the right immediately before BC Place Stadium at Plaza of Nations. Parking lots are also available at Parq Vancouver (39 Smithe Street), at Rogers Arena (80 Expo Boulevard), and at Chinatown Parkade (180 Keefer Street).

Convenient car share services are available in Vancouver. Popular options include Evo and Modo.

Uber, Lyft, and other ride share services are available in Vancouver. The main Festival entrance drop-off is at the Concord Pacific parking lots (88 Pacific Boulevard).

Licensed taxis are available throughout Vancouver. Note that while taxis can drop off in the Lower Mainland, they may not be always able to pick you up depending on their geographic license. Your hotel can provide you with taxi information.

Visiting Team Contacts

For general inquiries including visa entries, email us at info@dragonboatbc.ca.

© 2026 Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society