Mythical Chinese Dragon Returns to Banff National Park

Registration Opens as Event receives Approval

BANFF NATIONAL PARK, AB, May 11 /PRNewswire/ - The second annual Dragon Boat
Festival in Banff National Park has been approved to glide across the mystical
waters of Lake Minnewanka on August 15 and 16. Registration opens today for
the races which are set to enhance the visitor experience while showcasing a
low impact activity offered in a national park environment.
The centuries-old dragon boat race requires teams of up to 20 paddlers to
bring their unified competitive spirits to successfully cross the finish line.
This year's non-motorized long-boat canoe races include heats of 200 and 500
metre stints as well as a specialty cup courses including include Breast
Cancer Survivors and Emergency Medical Services.
"Last year there were 15 boats that took part in the first ever Dragon Boat
Festival in Banff National Park and we are anticipating more entrants this
year," says Stu Back, director of in-resort services. "New for 2009 we are
adding commentary and a Jumbotron to enhance the spectator's experience and
all racers will be using mandatory shuttles to get to and from the race site."
"The Alberta Dragon Boat Race Foundation is excited to once again be apart of
the 2nd Annual Banff National Park Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Minnewanka. We
look forward to this event being as successful in 2009 as it was in 2008,"
indicates Theresa E. Seitz, president, Alberta Dragon Boat Race Foundation.

For full details on The Dragon Boat Festival visit
http://www.banfflakelouise.com/events-and-festivals/dragon-boat-festival

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http://www.banfflakelouise.com/content/download/11332/139737

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A Heritage Moment

Archaeologists have discovered that people of the First Nations have been
visiting Lake Minnewanka for over 10,000 years. These early visitors were
attracted by the abundant water supply, a river and lake that supported a huge
fish population and nearby mineral licks that attracted large animals.

About Banff Lake Louise Tourism

Banff Lake Louise Tourism is a destination marketing organization for the Town
of Banff, Community of Lake Louise and Banff National Park. Banff National
Park, a UNESCO world heritage site, offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy
the rugged raw beauty of an unspoiled landscape with a lavish array of
world-class amenities. From the finest bottle of wine to relaxing in a natural
hot spring with the world's finest view, it can all be found in Banff National
Park. General media inquiries, please contact Tulene Steiestol, Senior
Manager, Travel Media Relations at 403.762.0290 or tulene@banfflakelouise.com,
www.banfflakelouise.com.

SOURCE Banff Lake Louise Tourism

Tulene Steiestol, Senior Manager, Travel Media Relations, Office: (403)
762-0290