SWIM · BIKE · RUN · BEGIN HERE
Your first triathlon.
Start with possibility.
Curious? Nervous? Not sure you belong? You’re in the right place. Learn the basics, get comfortable with each step, and find your first starting line.
01 / Swim
Build confidence in the water.
02 / Bike
Get comfortable on two wheels.
03 / Run
Find a pace that works for you.
TWO QUESTIONS. ONE USEFUL NEXT STEP.
Find your starting point.
No email required. Choose a location and what you’d like help with.
This helps you explore options; it is not a fitness or swimming-readiness assessment.
A BEGINNER RESOURCE FROM MULTISPORTSCANADA
A new challenge.
A very human starting point.
“Do I need expensive gear?”
Start with the essentials and check your race’s equipment rules before buying. A triathlon-specific bike is not the starting point.
“What about the swim?”
Begin in the pool, seek instruction, and practise open water with organised support. Confidence comes from preparation.
“How does race day work?”
Swim, transition, bike, transition, run. We’ll break down the unfamiliar parts so you know what to expect.
TWO PLACES TO BEGIN
Choose your starting line.
BRITISH COLUMBIA · SEPTEMBER
Vancouver
Triathlon
A west coast first: an ocean swim, a Stanley Park ride and a waterfront run.
Tri It: 300 m swim · 9.4 km bike · 2.5 km run
ALBERTA · AUGUST
Lake Chaparral
Triathlon
A Calgary community setting with a lake swim and a short-course option for your first triathlon.
Tri It: 300 m swim · 9 km bike · 2.5 km run
SMALL STEPS. REAL PROGRESS.
From “maybe” to a plan.
Choose your challenge
Compare the swim setting and course distances. A shorter Tri It or a relay may be a useful starting point.
Make room to practise
Work on each discipline and practise changing between them. Your preparation timeline depends on where you start.
Learn the little things
Find out where to collect your race package, how transition works, and what you need to bring.
A few things you might be wondering.
What is a Tri It triathlon?
A shorter triathlon option offered by these events. Distances vary by race; compare the official course information before choosing.
Can I take part with friends?
Both featured events list relay options. Check the team rules, available distances and registration process with the event.
Do I need to be fast?
Your first goal can be to finish. You still need to prepare for the distance and meet the race’s cutoffs, rules and swimming requirements.
Where can I ask about accommodations?
Contact the organiser before entering to discuss your specific needs, course access, equipment and available support.
A CLEARER CHOICE
Two races. Your first finish.
| Compare | Vancouver | Lake Chaparral |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Stanley Park, Vancouver | Lake Chaparral, Calgary |
| Date | September 6, 2027 | August 8, 2027 |
| Swim setting | Ocean · 300 m | Lake · 300 m |
| Bike / run | 9.4 km / 2.5 km | 9 km / 2.5 km |
| Want to team up? | Standard and sprint relays | Standard and sprint relays |
| Fees & entry | Vancouver fees and registration ↗ | Lake Chaparral fees and registration ↗ |
Check the full registration total, required membership or insurance, eligibility and event policies before entering. Lake Chaparral’s bike course is currently described as open to traffic.
SOMETHING USEFUL, RIGHT NOW
Your first-race packing list.
One less thing to worry about.
Swim kit, bike essentials, transition setup and race-morning reminders. Read it now or print it for race week. No signup needed.
Your first finish starts
with one next step.
You don’t need every answer today. Start with the guide, explore a race, and build from there.