A Balboa Experience You Will Never Forget
The next adventure is already taking shapE! BOTR 2027 is coming… 2026 Photos are here
September 3–6, 2027 — Gananoque, Ontario
A Balboa Experience You Will Never Forget
What to Expect:
- 4 Days of Balboa Immersion: with 6 to 8 h of classes and 4 h of tasters, taught by inspiring international instructors and participants.
- 3 Nights of Dancing: Evening parties with live swing bands and DJs — pure joy, pure Balboa!
- An amazing dance cruise among the 1000 Islands with a live band!
- Monday Dance: Keep the vibe alive with live music and an impromptu jam session from our talented participants.
- Friendly competitions, it is just for fun!
- Shared Meals & Community Spirit in an intimate setting: All meals are included buffet-style (with vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary options).
Balboa On The River is more than a dance event, it’s a full weekend getaway where music, dance, activities, and friendship meet the magic of the St. Lawrence River.
Imagine a hotel filled entirely with dancers, one community, one rhythm. You’ll wake up to the sound of swing, share every meal with fellow Balboa lovers, and end each night on the dance floor to live music and great DJs.
Between classes and parties, enjoy group activities such as jam sessions, water fun, games, and taster classes to broaden your skills and connections. Not to mention our crown jewel, a unique experience dancing outdoors on a boat cruise surrounded by magnificent castles and the sound of live music. You will feel like you are in Canadian-New Orleans!
Every moment is designed to bring us together.
Whether you’re drawn by the music, the movement, or the friendships that last beyond the dance floor, this weekend is your chance to reconnect with what makes swing dancing so special.
VENUE
Gananoque Inn & Spa, Gananoque, Ontario, Canada
Welcome to Gananoque Inn & Spa, a historical site on St-Lawrence River.
It began its life in the 1870s as Gananoque Carriage Works, a carriage factory founded by Grant Burrows and Charles Taylor.
In June 1896 the carriage works complex was converted into a summer hotel, giving birth to the Gananoque Inn.
Today it stands as a historic waterfront inn in the heart of the Thousand Islands, offering both its original charm and modern amenities.
We’ve designed an all-inclusive, effortlessly comfortable experience just for you. Classes, parties, meals, and accommodations, all in one beautiful location, so you can enjoy every moment without rushing anywhere. Add a classy setting and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, and we know you’re going to love your time at the Gananoque Inn.
Rooms Description
There are 3 types of rooms that you can choose from. All the rooms have a private bathroom, with free toiletries and towels.
Since we’ve got varying sizes and perks, we’ll be sorting them out based on when people signed up. So, whoever registered first will get the best room within that price category, and so forth. That way, we’re making sure it’s fair for everyone. Several rooms possess either a fireplace and/or a hot tub. The best way to guarantee obtaining such a perk is to register early. Finally, it is important to note that spaces are limited and that some room categories might be sold out quickly.
Standard: A lovely standard room within the beautiful Gananoque Inn. This room category is available for single, double, or quadruple registration, as detailed below.
Superior: Perfect if you are looking to get a larger room with a partial view of the river or a lovely garden view. This room category is only available for double or quadruple registration.
Premium: Our largest and nicest rooms, offering a splendid view of the St. Lawrence River. This room category is only available for double or quadruple registration.
Depending on the room you choose, you will pay a different price for the Full Pass. You do not need to deal with the hotel to book your swing vacations; we will do that job for you! The price also varies depending on your registration choice (single, double, or quadruple registration).
Meals
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included, from Friday dinner to Monday breakfast, and are served buffet-style. On Monday, after the cruise, we will have snacks and sandwiches. If you have the munchies, snacks will be available day and night at an affordable price. To comply with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, our meals are mainly vegetarian, with some vegan options. In the registration form, you will have the opportunity to let us know about any food allergies or intolerances.
How to get there
Coming by plane?
A very easy and enjoyable trip!
- From Europe or the East Coast, land in Montreal, wander its charming historic streets, soak in its unique culture, then connect with fellow dancers via our carpool Facebook group!
- From Asia or the West Coast, arrive in Toronto, experience a vibrant, world-class city and the beauty of Lake Ontario before joining our carpool Facebook group to continue the journey together!
Two weeks before the festival, we will open a carpool Facebook group where you can share your ride or join someone else traveling from downtown Montreal, Ottawa, or Toronto, as well as from the Montreal or Toronto airports.
If you come by car…
- From Montreal (2h30): take Highway 20 West toward Toronto, take Exit 648 on Highway 401 West and follow downtown Gananoque, turn left on Stone Street.
- From Ottawa (1h30): Take Highway 416 South toward Toronto, Merge onto Highway 401 toward Toronto, take Exit 648 and follow downtown Gananoque.
- From Toronto (2h45): Take Highway 401 East toward Kingston / Montreal. Take Exit 645. Follow Stone St N/County Rd 32.
- From the US (Syracuse: 1h50, Rochester: 3h, Albany: 3h45, Buffalo: 4h, etc.): Take Highway I-81 N toward Waterfront. Enter Canada and continue on ON 137 N. Merge on Highway 401 West, take Exit 648 and follow downtown Gananoque, turn left on Stone Street.
The Gananoque Inn is located 550 Stone Street, along the waterfront and is easy to spot.
If you use public transportation, there are trains from Montreal and Toronto to Kingston, with connections from Kingston to Gananoque, as well as buses from Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa. Let us know your schedule, and we’ll be happy to help you find the most cost-effective option.
