Cowichan Tribes is Hosting 116th Annual Canoe Races At Cowichan Bay Fri/Sat/Sun June 30, July 1- 2. Approx. 12 noon. Great Prizes/Food BBQ Salmon. Everyone Welcome

Every year starting in May, traditional Native Canoe Races are hosted at sacred sites throughout Vancouver Island, The lower Mainland and Washington State. The season ends, in early September. Intense and strenuous crew training begins in early April and is carried out continuously until the end of the season.

This exciting water sport is an original, culturally dedicated venue involving hours on the open waters, in all types of weather, apart from school attendance and employment by the crews and their respective coordinators, Considerable expense is involved with food, accommodation, vehicle and ferry travel all over the Pacific Northwest. This is all done in order to achieve experience for the youth, participation and a winning canoe,

Events such as single paddle, double paddle, six, mixed and the ever popular eleven man/women's canoe races occur each day. All races are open to trained men, women and children, featuring the famous "Buckskin" races for youth ages ten - sixteen.

The races draw a tremendous number of people from all over the Pacific NorthWest and is held in the Cowichan Valley in conjunction with other large native events drawing people from all over North America, coupled with tourists from worldwide centres. Many other events are held in the valley the same weekend.

A raffle for Native art, crafts and jewelry in addition to business sponsored merchandise is always greatly received. A full concession is operated on site which features our ever popular and delicious barbecued salmon dinners.

Cowichan Tribes and the Watersports Committee cordially invites visitors and the general public to come and witness there exciting races. A drug and alcohol free event.

Sponsorship towards event races is solicited and greatly appreciated. All sponsors / donors recognized both race days. Official receipts issued to all contributors.

Help support a long standing traditional Native Watersport.Your valued time and interest in this correspondence is sincerely appreciated, and the Committee would like to take this opportunity to Thank You for your Prospective commitment.

To view pictures from past races click here

Visitor # Since April 24/03