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5 Reasons to Check Out the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival this weekend


The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival returns to Mooney’s Bay Park this weekend, June 19-21! Here are five reasons to stop by the park this year. Be sure to share your photos using #OttFestLive!


  1. Challenge Cups: Celebrate community through competition

The heart of the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival beats through its Challenge Cups — thrilling races that celebrate diversity, community spirit, and shared purpose. These signature races offer organizations, cultural groups, and athletes of all backgrounds a chance to connect and compete.


Corporate and community divisions also join the action — from high-tech firms and hospitals to embassies, first responders, and government groups. With 25 divisions and over 5,000 athletes, the festival isn’t just a competition — it’s a vibrant showcase of Ottawa’s rich cultural mosaic and community pride.


  1. Sitting on a Dock by the Bay (Mooney’s Bay, that is)

This is your opportunity to make a splash this summer.


Imagine this: The sun is shining, Mooney’s Bay is buzzing with excitement, and thousands of paddlers are launching from the beach docks, ready to race. The energy is electric, the competition is fierce, and the memories being made? Absolutely unforgettable. So whether you’re launching your boat for a race or lounging on the beach with the sand between your toes, you’ll be surrounded by the energy of competition and community.


  1. Giving Back with the 2026 ODBF Pledge Challenge

The Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation (ODBF) is proud to announce the recipient charities for the 2026 ODBF Pledge Challenge. This annual summer campaign raises funds for local charities providing essential programs and services to thousands of people in Ottawa. In 2026, ODBF is supporting these five partner charities:



These organizations embody resilience and compassion, and ODBF is proud to amplify their impact as they serve our most vulnerable neighbours.


Together, we can make a difference! Donate today at ODBF.ca.


  1. The ODBF 50/50 Raffle

Get ready, Ottawa! Don’t miss the ODBF 5050 raffle, where you can support your community and win big. In partnership with the Senators Community Foundation and proudly supported by Tim Hortons, every ticket contributes to local charities and gives you a shot at a growing jackpot.


The grand prize draw happens during the Closing Awards Ceremony — 6 PM, Sunday, June 21st at the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival!


Buy your tickets at 5050sens.com beginning June 15, 2026!


  1. Soak Up the Sun and Savour the Flavours of Summer

The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is a place where friendships are forged, laughter echoes across the sand, and every moment feels like a memory in the making.


The fantastic festival food has everything from the comforting warmth of a fresh BeaverTail dusted in cinnamon sugar, to the first icy sip of a Lemonade Quencher from Tim Hortons, every bite and sip is part of the experience. Whether you're craving comfort classics or something daring and new, you’ll find a world of flavor waiting at the waterfront.


Here’s just a taste of what’s cooking:


  • Tim Hortons – As title sponsor and Official Coffee of the festival, Tim’s will be fueling attendees with their beloved coffee keeping everyone caffeinated all day long. Plus, they’ll be showcasing their new Lemonade Quencher—perfect for cooling off between races.

  • BeaverTails – A Canadian favourite, serving up hand-stretched pastries topped with everything from cinnamon sugar to chocolate hazelnut.

  • Elza’s Gourmet – Their famous fried halloumi cheese is a crispy, melty, salty delight—just the thing for a mid-day bite!


So mark your calendars, rally your crew, and get ready to dive into a festival where summer begins with sun, flavour, and fun. The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is calling—are you in?


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