In the heart of downtown Victoria, the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival takes place against the backdrop of the landmark Empress Hotel and the BC Provincial Legislature, only minutes’ walk from shopping districts, hotels and ferries to the US. Get on stage for the Paddlers’ Air Band Contest on Saturday night, hang a paper lantern to support the BC Cancer Foundation, and check out some of the great bands performing on two stages. With up to 80,000 visitors checking out the races from our grandstands, the Festival is one of the most lively and vibrant events on the calendar. Teams that race in Victoria include a blend of local and out-of-town teams. Teams regularly attend from Victoria, Nanaimo, Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland. The Victoria Dragon Boat Festival hosts competitive and recreational teams alike.