It’s been 48 years between visits, but St. John’s is once again ready to play host to the Canada Games.
Thousands of athletes, their families, and sports fans from across the country will be in the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador for the Games, which run Aug. 8-25. St. John’s last played host to the summer event in 1977, 10 years after the Canada Games began in 1967.
What is it about St. John’s that makes the city an ideal Canada Games host? It turns out that it’s both the people and the place.
Canada Games host society CEO Karen Sherriffs said there’s been a huge buy-in from locals. More than 5,400 people have signed up to volunteer for the Games as they await the arrival and opening of the Games in a tight-knit community.
“I have to say the vibe is so positive. I think I just described as ‘electric’ the other day,” Sherriffs said. “I think [the Canada Games] really created an excitement and a vibe in the community.
“You’re going to really feel the Games when you’re here. We have a really small footprint of where our venues are going to be. The impact and legacy that the Games will bring not just for the 18 days, but certainly long after. So, it’s pretty exciting that [the Summer Games are] back.”
It may be the second time around for the Canada Games in St. John’s, but a lot of the focus will be on the 2025 version being a Games of firsts.
What’s new in 2025
These are the first Canada Games with a dedicated app. The St. John’s 2025 Canada Games app is available for free in the Apple store and on Google Play, and it has all the information about the Games at your fingertips: schedules, an interactive map, sport and team information, and more.
The app will be useful for those trying to keep track of all the action, especially considering that St. John’s 2025 is expected to be the largest Games in history in terms of athlete participation. More than 5,000 able-bodied athletes, Para athletes, and athletes with intellectual disabilities, under the banner of their respective province or territory, will compete across 19 different sports and 12 disciplines:
- Artistic Swimming
- Athletics
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Box Lacrosse
- Canoe Kayak
- Cycling (Mountain Bike & Road)
- Diving
- Golf
- Rugby Sevens
- Sailing
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Volleyball (Beach & Indoor)
- Wrestling
Two of those sports mark another pair of firsts: the 2025 Canada Games will be the first to offer Para cycling and hold a female baseball tournament.
The 2025 Canada Games will be a history maker in St. John’s, marking the first time that girls’ baseball will be included in the competition. Athletes and coaches say it’s been a long time coming as the female game has exploded across the country. The CBC’s Katie Breen and Danny Arsenault met up with the team to see what their preparation looks like.
The sports program will feature a gender-equal schedule, with 115 events for both male and females, and seven mixed events.
Stream live action from the 2025 Canada Games on CBCSports.ca, CBC Gem, and the CBC Sports YouTube channel. Check the broadcast schedule for full details.
The large number of events and St. John’s “small footprint” means that when athletes aren’t competing, they’ll easily be able to cheer on their teammates.
“There’s seven sports on [Memorial University’s] campus. Tennis is about 300 metres away and you’ve got baseball probably a half a kilometre away,” Sherriffs said. “So [athletes] are really going to be able to get out there and cheer on their other teammates, each province and territory, they’ll get to see sports outside of [their own].
“I think it’s gonna really create a lot of excitement and team spirit.”
Canada Games Council chair Catriona Le May Doan believes it will also help expose a greater number of potential athletes to a path in sport.
“[It’s] unique how the footprint is so small, so not just for the athletes and their families, and coaches and officials, but for volunteers, for community members. Kids are going to be inspired to be that next generation of Olympians, Paralympians, Special [Olympians], or try to make a Canada Games themselves and represent their province or territory,” she said.
“It’s also helping the volunteers have more pride in their community and educate people about who the people of Newfoundland and Labrador are and what makes their community special.”
The Stenders have long been associated with track and field. Ahead of the 2025 Canada Games in St. John’s next month, meet a dad and daughter who aren’t slowing down when it comes to supporting athletes and the sport.
Approximately 5,000 athletes, coaches, and managers will be in St. John’s for the Canada Games, but Mayor Danny Breen is expecting his city to welcome anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 additional visitors because of the event. He echoes the sentiments that the city’s advantages lie in its density and its people.
“I think people are gonna really be struck by how compact the city is [and] how you can get anywhere very, very easily,” Breen said.
“I think [visitors are] going to find — and most people do — the hospitality that Newfoundland and Labradorians are famous for, and the people of St. John’s love to show. We love to host events, we love to have people visit us. Tourism is a big part of our province and [so is] the friendliness and openness.”
Many of those flocking to St. John’s for the Games will be visiting the city for the first time, and Le May Doan said anticipation is also building for those making the trip.
“I’ve talked to so many people that this is their first time going to St. John’s,” she said. “I’m excited for the Games to happen, but I’m also excited for people to witness the Games in a place that they haven’t been, because that’s part of the Canada Games – exploring our country, seeing new things, meeting new people and understanding our various communities.”
Breen also has a message for all the visitors in the host city – don’t hesitate to take advantage of St. John’s natural resources: its beautiful setting and renowned hospitality.
“They’re going to see a city that’s the oldest in North America. It has lots of heritage, culture, and we have a very talented art scene here in St. John’s. People are also going to have an opportunity to really take in a small city that’s very compact and has so many amenities,” he said.
“Enjoy the landscape, the culture, and the heritage but if you need any assistance, anything at all, just ask someone. That doesn’t have to be somebody with a volunteer sweater. You ask people in St. John’s a question and you’ll get the answer – and whatever help you need.”
Watch CBC Sports’ Anastasia Bucsis test athletes’ knowledge on the Canada Games.
