Paddles flying, water splashing, bosun yelling out the cadence... as a dragon boater for many years, I can tell you: there is nothing like the adrenaline-filled two minutes of chaos anyone can experience as part of a 22-person boat racing against five other boats at full tilt.
There is magic behind signing up for a summer race or sporting festival. Why? It gives you a reason and motivation for those early morning workouts. Just ask our publisher, Jeremy, about his toenail-crushing, life-affirming experience in the Canadian Death Race.
So sign up to one of these events now and before you know it, you'll be looking in the mirror and feeling ready for more time at the beach.
So, is this the summer you feel the adrenaline rush of dragon boat racing? Cycle in a Gran Fondo? Pack in some vitamin D on a half-marathon in a destination that rates as Canada's sunniest city? Check out this list, and get ready for a summer-long endorphin rush.
Those who follow FestivalSeekers know we've got you clicking into sporting events with a unique approach. Here's a FestivalSeekers round up to some of Alberta and BC's top sporting events this summer.
Take your pick, sign up today and see your top shape self take hold.
Aug 2-3, 2025
Our publisher Jeremy lost his toenails solo-running this one but came away with a new outlook on life. For me, it was one of the most rewarding trail running races I've ever experienced, tackling the Rockies.
Jun 14, 2025
Paddles up to power your way to Shuswap for this epic dragon boat festival where you can basecamp yourself and your team on a houseboat or two.
July 12-13, 2025
Whale watch while you paddle? Yes please! Set in Nanaimo's downtown harbour, this dragon boat party has nanaimo bars waiting at the finish line.
Jul 25-27, 2025
Make it a two-week stay on the island: score some time in a dragon boat, and then stay for the ridiculous bathtub races (yes it's a thing and they've been doing it for almost 60 years).
Aug 16, 2025
Sticking to the water, suit up in your favorite kayak or canoe to paddle the Peace River, in Peace River Alberta this August.
Sign up for FestivalSeekers enews and we'll keep you in the loop.
Aug 8-10, 2025
Whether you are in the water or on the river's edge taking it in, whitewater kayaking pumps the adrenalin and this August fest celebrating the sport in Kananaskis will 100% get the heart going.
Sept 13-15, 2025
This cycling event could be distracting for any participant, not from the Gran Fondo course, but from the views you are taking in while you're racing, given its set in the Canadian Rockies, out of Cranbrook!
Jul 11-13, 2025
Get dirty, at one of Canada's most unique sporting fests celebrating all things mud.
Sept 20, 2025
Score a great run while powering up on vitamin D in Canada's sunniest city - Medicine Hat, for its Conquer the Ridge half-marathon this September (lots of time to train).
This list is only a sample of some of the incredible sporting events and festival experiences across Alberta and BC. We're so lucky here given we're marathon running, dragon boating and cycling on some of the planet's most scenic courses.
We dare you to pick one from the list and commit this month. Why? Training motivation to keep you connected to the outdoors, off the screen and to get more into your zone.
Let us know what you pick by featuring the #festivalseekers hashtag in your posts so we might be able to feature you in our social media channels. See you on the course!
