Family Canoe

Some participants in past Penn Cove Water Festival Canoe Races have included
  • Chehalis, BC
  • Chilliwack, BC
  • Lummi Tribe
  • Makah Tribe
  • Nooksak Tribe
  • Samish
  • Samish Tribe
  • Skawh Band (BC)
  • Skowkale Band of Sto:lo First Nation
  • Skowkale First Nation, Chahalis, BC
  • Swinomish Tribe
  • Tsleil-Waututh Nation in North Vancouver, BC.
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On May 18, 2024 we look forward to again hosting the Native American Canoe Races on Penn Cove and Native American vendors and entertainers in Coupeville. We look forward to welcoming you all back!

The 2023 races were dedicated in the memory of Jim Hillaire and Jim Freeman. For decades, Jim and Jim took part in Penn Cove Water Festival events, bringing their special spirits, humor, and love. Jim Freeman was the emcee for Orca Network's Welcome the Whales Parade each April, and he and Jim Hillaire announced the canoe races every May for the Penn Cove Water Festival. Both Jims had a special connection to orcas. They became good friends over the years, and we all looked forward to being together each May. Sadly, Jim Hillaire passed away on July 29, 2021, and on June 19, 2022 we lost Jim Freeman. These events will never be the same without them, but their love and laughter will remain forever in our hearts.
Here is a tribute to our two beloved Jims.

NOTE: The Date of the Festival is dependent upon the Tide Chart predictions and changes each year, but it has always on been on a Saturday in mid-May, we may have to reconsider the time.


Here are more photos of previous races and other albums.


Canoe Races and Sponsors

At the BOAT LAUNCH on 9th Street:


12:00 noon - FESTIVAL WELCOME

12:15 � Race Captains Meeting

Canoe Races take place during the rest of the afternoon.

NOTE: If you would like to Sponsor a Race, please contact us at penncovewaterfestival@gmail.com


Races are from 12:30 to 5pm, depending on winds, tides and arrival of participants

1) Single Woman Race -

2) Single Man Race -

3) Mixed Doubles -

4) 6 Jr. Buckskins -

5) 6 Buckskins -

6) 6 Woman Race -

7) 6 Man Race -

8) 11 Jr. Bucks Race -

9) 11 Buckskin Race -

10) 11 Woman Race -

11) 11 Man Race -

11) 11 Man Race -

Travel Money for Canoe Clubs: Terra Firma

THANKS TO PENN COVE SHELLFISH FOR SETTING BUOYS FOR THE RACES!!

Finish The Race!

 In a quandary about what to do this Saturday? You're in luck! Head down to Coupeville's historic Front Street and the Boat Launch. It's the twenty-fourth annual Penn Cove Water Festival! Festivities kick off at 11:00 AM at the main stage, near the library.

A well-loved event at the festival - started in the 1930's - is the tradition of Native American canoe racing on the Coupeville waterfront. The canoes range in size from the single-person canoe up to a size built for eleven women or men. With close to 300 "pullers" anticipated for this year's race, you can be confident that the canoe teams are fully prepared and commmitted - chop on the water or not, head-wind or not!

Who is racing? Kevin Roberts of the Nooksack Tribe in Whatcom County has pulled since he was a teen. Now his grandchildren race. He says he feels the tradition in coming to Coupeville. Kevin first saw a canoe at age 3, and began racing at age 16 with his brothers, sisters and dad.

The Nooksack tribe, based in Deming, WA, begins their preparation in early spring. The pullers commit to a strict diet and rigorous exercise. Elders believe this teaches youth how to become a good person and a good sport. Kevin remembers his elders talking about the races in Coupeville. Now, it's his generation telling the stories of Penn Cove and Coupeville.

Look for Andrea Williams of the River Spirit Canoe Club. The Club is based in Chilliwack, B.C. and uses the Fraser River for training. Crossing the border to race in Penn Cove is not too far to come.

Andrea has followed the racing since she was a child. "It is a great feeling to be out on the water. I love being on the canoe. The biggest part of our canoe club is the children. Seeing their excitement and energy is worth all of the effort it takes to get everyone to the race each weekend. It is with team effort that we make it through each year. "Team Work!!"

Andreas' father, the late Dean Williams, was and is an inspiration to the club. "We all miss him...but he taught us well; he showed us how to be leaders. He instilled in us so many teachings that we carry on today. He lives on through each of us."