Ottawa's Major Events and Sport Newsletter – Summer 2025

Ottawa’s epic sports weekend, August 1-3, 2025

Ottawa was buzzing August 1–3 as the city welcomed three major sporting events: the inaugural IRONMAN Canada–Ottawa, a record-breaking Rugby Canada vs. USA Rugby Women’s 15s match (11,453 fans filled TD Place), and Athletics Canada’s Canadian Track & Field Championships. The excitement isn’t slowing down either, IRONMAN Canada–Ottawa will return in 2026, with registration now open. Secure your spot.

Ottawa hosted the Masters Indigenous Games 2025

From August 14–17, Ottawa welcomed the 2025 Masters Indigenous Games, marking the second time the event has been held in the city. The Games brought together Indigenous athletes aged 19 and older from across the globe to compete in both contemporary and traditional sports, including the new Arctic sports category hosted at Algonquin College.

Beyond competition, Masters Indigenous Games highlighted the richness of Indigenous cultures through the Cultural Village at Lansdowne Park. The free, public event featured arts, performances, food, storytelling and interactive experiences. The weekend kicked off with a gala at TD Place and offered athletes and spectators the chance to celebrate wellness, community and the power of sport and culture.

Ottawa hosts 2025 PWHL Draft

On June 24, Ottawa hosted the 2025 Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) Draft. The event took place at the brand-new Hard Rock Live theatre and celebrated the rise of women in sport and the continued momentum behind Ottawa’s hometown team, the Ottawa Charge.

Fans also took part in the PWHL Draft Fan Fest, featuring live entertainment, food trucks and a purple carpet arrival for players and prospects — all showcasing Ottawa’s growing reputation as a vibrant sports city.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa hosted the World Title Unification

The highly anticipated IBF-WBO World Title Unification took place on September 20 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. Boxing champions Sara Bailey and Evelin Nazarena went head-to-head in a world-class showdown at Hard Rock LIVE.

Ottawa Tourism and Wheelchair Basketball Canada Panel

As part of Wheelchair Basketball Week, Ottawa Tourism partnered with Wheelchair Basketball Canada to host a special event at the RA Centre on September 23. Local industry members heard directly from Wheelchair Basketball athletes about what makes a destination truly inclusive and how the upcoming 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships can be a catalyst for positive change.

The afternoon wrapped up with a hands-on wheelchair basketball try-it session, giving attendees the chance to experience the sport firsthand.

Ottawa Tourism is attending Spo Ho Xperience 2025 (SPOHOX)

Ottawa Tourism team membersm Joey Swarbrick and Patrick Quirouette, Director of Sales, Business & Major Events, will attend Spo Ho Xperience 2025 (SPOHOX 25) from October 29–30 in Regina, Saskatchewan, which focuses on trends and innovations in sport hosting and provides opportunities to connect with industry professionals.

• 2025 Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA) Fall Classic & Provincial Cup – November 7-9
• 2025 Canadian Collegiate Women’s Flag Football Showcase & Team Ontario Flag Trials – November 15-16
• 2025 Canadian Boccia Championship – November 19-23
• 2025 OFSAA AAA Boys' Volleyball Championships – November 20-22
• 2025 Canadian Senior Curling Championships – November 29-December 6
• 2026 Canadian Culinary Championships – January 30-31, 2026
• 2026 Canadian Clash – February 21-22, 2026
• 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships – September 9-19, 2026

• October 23, 2025, in Ottawa – Thirsty Thursday at the House of Sport (RA Centre)
  • Ottawa Tourism hosts this social event for sporting associations within the RA Centre in Ottawa
• October 29-30, 2025, in Regina – SPO HO x 25

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