HKETO Newsroom

Supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (HKETO), the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival 2023 welcomed teams from across Canada, the United States, the Caribbean Islands, Europe and Asia on June 17 and 18, attracting thousands of people to Centre Island, Toronto, to enjoy the annual event.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the festive event, the Director of the HKETO, Ms Emily Mo, encouraged Canadians to visit Hong Kong and enjoy all the new developments and entertainments in this Asia’s world city. She said, “With the resumption of free travel and the launch of the ‘Hello Hong Kong’ Campaign, mega events and fans have been returning to Hong Kong since early this year.” She added that the 2023 Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races will be held in Victoria Harbour on June 24 and 25.  

As one of the highlights of the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival 2023, the commemorative Hong Kong Cup dragon boat race, sponsored by the HKETO, was held on June 18. Spectators enjoyed the thrilling atmosphere of the competition.

On shore, the HKETO set up a Hong Kong pavilion at the race venue to provide information about Hong Kong and distribute special souvenirs for race spectators. Aiming to promote cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Canada, a mini-exhibition about Hong Kong and the Dragon Boat Festival was also staged.

Organised by the Toronto Chinese Business Association in collaboration with GWN Dragon Boat, the Festival celebrated its 35th year as one of the most exciting summer events in Toronto and one of the most prestigious dragon boat festivals on the North American dragon boat calendar.