The Venue - Lake Banook

Lake Banook is an iconic venue that has played host to numerous provincial, national and international championships, as well as hundreds of regional regattas. It was the site of the 1989 World Junior Canoe Championship, the 1997 World Flatwater Senior Championship and the 2000 World Marathon Canoe Championship.

Upgrades are underway in preparation for the 2009 Championship. For details on construction zones,visit HRM’s Site Improvements webpage. 

The racecourse will soon be replaced with brand new lines, buoys and a state-of-the-art starting system. These upgrades will all be in place for the Championship and leave a lasting legacy for the local Dartmouth paddling and rowing clubs.

A local park, located along the shores of Lake Banook, will be re-landscaped in order to accommodate the 75 countries that are expected to compete this summer. During the Championship this park will be transformed into an athletes-only area, full of tents, shade, docks, boat repair equipment, a boat control tent, medical services, food and water.

Site Map

1. Festival - will take place on Prince Albert Road from August 12th to 16th. The road will be closed to traffic and will feature vendors and exhibits for all ages. This area will be open to the public.

2. Silvers Hill – public viewing

3. Grandstand – priority seating of the finish line for ticketholders and VIPs.

4. Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation Support4Sport Stage – site for medal presentations, opening and closing ceremonies, and entertainment

5. Mic Mac Canoe Club 
Boat bays: Boat control #3 (post-race) and Host Broadcaster headquarters
Second floor: VIP lounge area for accredited individuals
Third floor: Media centre for accredited media personnel 

6. Senobe Canoe Club – Atlantic Lottery Corporation Volunteer Centre

7. Banook Canoe Club – Fun Fest for local kids

8. Canoe ’09 Office – Canoe ’09 Office, Accreditation Centre, general information, lost and found, and VIP transportation

9. North Star Rowing Club – Anti-doping control

10. Athlete’s Lounge – Relaxation space for athletes

11. Bell Aliant Racing Centre – ICF Staff and Jury headquarters

12. Judges Tower and Athlete Viewing Area – A row of docks will provide athletes with an optimal view of the races. A tower pass is required to enter the Judges Tower.

13. Owl’s Club – International Officials area

14. Athlete Information/Medical – Medical assistance for athletes

15. Athlete Staging Area – Birch Cove will be the staging area for athletes and boats for the duration of the competition. Birch Cove will open August 10th.

16. Trailer Parking – Shipping containers with boats and equipment

17. Bell Aliant tent