Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival warms athletes and concert goers alike

The weather outside might have been absolutely perfect for those participating in the 2020 Beavertails Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival on the frozen surface of Dow’s Lake; but for those looking to warm up from the frigid February temperatures, the festival invited some of Ottawa’s best talent, alongside some welcome guests from Toronto.

Getting the crowd warmed up on Friday, February 7, was Old Man Grant, giving visitors to Ottawa a taste of their particular brand of “Bytown Swamp Stomp;” which was greatly appreciated after the first day on the ice.  Following Old Man Grant was the ever exciting and surprising, Dwayne Gretzky, who made sure nobody remained seated as they redefined what it means to be a cover band.

Following a full day of competition on Saturday, February 8, that included the exciting conclusion of the 2nd IIDBF World Ice Dragon Boat Championships in which Canada won gold, the crowd warmly welcomed Ottawa favourites, Boyhood (in her first performance since giving birth last year), Silent Winters and headliner, Kira Isabella, who performed selections from her 2019 album, Sides.

With the conclusion of the 2020 Beavertails Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival, we now look ahead to 2020 Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, scheduled for June 25 to 28.

For more photos from the event, head to our Facebook page!