Come Together to Celebrate Indigenous Cultures at the Annual Musqueam Canoe Races

Everyone is welcome at the 2026 Musqueam Canoe Races, Musqueam’s annual weekend of action-packed cultural celebration.

Held from June 12-14 this year, the Chief Ernie Campbell Memorial Musqueam Canoe Races is a vibrant weekend that welcomes hundreds of participants from Indigenous communities near and far, along with many excited spectators. So get out your binoculars, sunscreen, and some cash to buy snacks. This is one weekend you’ll want to join in on.

This year, the Musqueam Canoe Races overlap with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ dates. If you’re in town for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ tournament, attending this event is a great way to celebrate and learn about Indigenous culture in Vancouver.

Taking place at the mouth of the Fraser River, the summer 2026 event marks the sixth annual weekend of races. And ask anyone who has attended before, the event is only growing every year!

One of many Indigenous events happening in and around Vancouver this summer, this water sports competition brings out participants of all ages, from seven-year-olds to thirty-year-olds. With singles, doubles, six-person, and eleven-person teams, there’s plenty to see on each day of the races. Soak up the sound of cheers echoing over the water, and don’t be shy to add your own voice to the mix.

The event is named to honour the legacy of former Musqueam Chief Ernest Campbell, a pillar of the community who passed away in 2013. While the spirit of friendly competition and fun that you might expect from a sporting event fuels this thrilling weekend, it is equally a time of great meaning and significance for the community. As Dick Louis, traditional name Munelth, points out, the event is especially important for Musqueam youth, sharing that “It’s really good for our kids.”

The story of how the canoe races were born is rooted in the histories of the water, the land, and the people. As a child growing up with his grandfather, Dick Louis asked him many questions about the history of canoe racing in their traditional waters. Dick Louis’s grandfather told him that when the big fishing companies set up their plants in Steveston, all the Reserves from the north and outlying areas came to fish for BC Packers and Canadian Fishing. After a big fishing run, the fishers used to come together for big feasts, where they would race their canoes and dories. One year, Chief Antone from the Fort Langley Reserve built an eleven-man canoe, brought it down to the water, and raced it. Nobody could beat him, and it wasn’t long before all the Reserves started building canoes and joining in.

As Dick Louis explains, the essence of the weekend can be summed up with just a few important words. “Anybody’s welcome.” In fact, his uncle Dominic used to tell him to never turn anyone away from the canoe, because “you never know, you might be turning away a star canoe puller!”

Spectators are welcome to watch from the beach just behind the Musqueam Cultural Centre, located at 4000 Musqueam Avenue.

Being a respectful spectator means following safety guidelines and being a conscious guest. For instance, there are no spectators allowed on the pier. Follow the directions of the event’s organizers, and remember that it’s always best to ask first before taking photos if you’re uncertain.

Admission to the event is free, but don’t forget to bring cash! While the thrilling races are the main draw, you can also expect vendors selling delicious food and handmade crafts as well.

There will be visitor parking available onsite, and the nearest bus stop is a short 15-minute walk away (you can use TransLink to plan your trip).

Consult the Musqueam Nation's website for exact dates and times, since they can change from year-to-year. With the Musqueam Canoe Race sometimes falling around Father’s Day, this family-friendly weekend is the perfect opportunity to spend time with loved ones while celebrating and learning about Indigenous cultures.

And while you’re in town, be sure to check out some more Vancouver Indigenous attractions, including other annual Indigenous events, walking tours, galleries, museums, restaurants, gift shops, and so much more.