Gusty, the official mascot of the St. John's Canada Games at a promotional event during the lead up to the games. Photo: Canada Games Media Library.
The 2025 Canada Games open in St. John’s on August 8, bringing more than 5,000 athletes, coaches, and managers from across Canada to compete in 19 sports over two weeks.
Karen Sheriffs, CEO of the 2025 Canada Games Host Society, says participants will arrive in two waves — one for the first week, another for the second — with August 17 marking a busy turnaround day. “We’ll have around 2,600 leaving and the same amount coming in on the 24-hour clock, which is going to be very, very exciting,” she said.
Sheriffs says the event is supported by a volunteer base of over 5,000 people. “We’re anticipating a great turnout at all of our venues… it’s going to be quite the show of sportsmanship and athletics.”
The Games are expected to leave a lasting mark on the region. Nearly 25 venues have seen upgrades or entirely new builds, including the Fortis Canada Games athletics complex, new soccer fields, improved baseball fields, refurbished tennis courts, and other facility enhancements in surrounding communities. “Every venue that we’re using received some level of upgrade or brand new facilities,” Sheriffs said.
The new Fortis Canada Games Centre is one of the many new or renovated venues that will leave a legacy for years to come from the 2025 Canada Games in St’ John’s. Photo: City of St. Johns.
This year’s Games also include notable firsts. Female baseball will make its debut, with a showcase game on August 18, and Quidi Vidi Lake — known for its annual regatta — will host canoe-kayak events. Sheriffs says these additions add to the excitement of the competition and the variety of events for spectators.
To help fans follow the action, the Games will be the first to use a dedicated mobile app for schedules, updates, and festival programming. The economic impact is projected at a minimum of $120 million, based on similar past events.
Sheriffs says the city is feeling the momentum. “There’s lots of activity happening all around the city… you can really feel the excitement growing.”
The Canada Games run until August 24. Schedules, broadcast details, and ticket information are available through the 2025 Canada Games website and mobile app.
