Cornwall Waterfest returns on Saturday, August 9th

August 6, 2025

Cornwall, ON – Cornwall Waterfest is back, and it’s bigger than ever.

The annual event returns to the Cornwall Canal on Saturday, August 9^th, with a full slate of activities, food, and vendors. The event will run from 8am until 4pm.

This year’s Waterfest will showcase an exciting lineup of dragon boat races, featuring 23 teams across 3 divisions -community, club, and ladies.

“Dragon boat racing is thrilling to watch and even more exhilarating to experience. Waterfest continues to grow each year, attracting teams from across the region who bring fierce competition and unforgettable energy to the Cornwall Canal,” said Mikel Billard, chair of Waterfest.

There will be almost 500 race participants in this year’s event. There are 10 local teams competing, and the 13 others come from either Ottawa, Montreal, or even Peterborough!

The dragon boat races are staged at the historic Cornwall Canal (south of Second Street West and Power Dam Drive) and feature teams of 20 – and a drummer – racing one another on majestic vessels along a 200-metre course. Spectators often line the canal banks to watch the races and cheer on the teams while enjoying the beautiful venue.

In addition to the thrilling dragon boat races, the festival grounds will host a diverse array of vendors offering a delectable selection of food and drinks. Attendees can enjoy culinary delights from both local favorites and out-of-town specialties, including Jems and Jewels, Weenies on Wheels, and Forever Green Plant Shop. Make sure to save some time to grab a bite and browse the different vendors on site. Vendor village is open from 8am to 4pm on race day.

This year, the talented DJ Shellshock will keep the beats pumping and the energy high at the festival.

Supporting St. Joseph’s Care Foundation

This year, Cornwall Waterfest is joining up with St. Joseph Continuing Care Centre to raise funds for its expanded rehabilitation space.

St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre operates 150 Long-Term Care beds and 58 Complex Continuing Care beds and has been providing healthcare services to the Cornwall area for over 125 years. Funds raised from this event will purchase new rehabilitation equipment for the program. Donate now!

Additional information

For additional information on Cornwall Waterfest, check out their Facebook or Instagram page or the official Waterfest website.

#ExploreCornwallON

Looking for other fun things to do in Cornwall? Check out the Explore section of our website for other fun-filled activities to keep you busy. Better yet, consider extending your stay with a night at one of our great accommodations!

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