Held from August 8-25, 2025, in St. John’s, the Canada Summer Games brought together more than 5,000 athletes, coaches, managers, and mission staff from across the country, competing in 19 sports across 22 venues. As the largest multi-sport event in Canada, the Games transformed the city into a national gathering place, celebrating high-performance sport, youth development, and the distinct culture and hospitality of Newfoundland and Labrador. Volunteers, partners, and community members played a central role in delivering an event that showcased both world-class competition and the province’s renowned warmth and creativity.

The Games generated exceptionally strong visitor engagement and travel behaviour. An extremely rare 100 percent of out-of-town attendees stayed overnight during their visit, underscoring the event’s ability to attract high-value, destination-focused travellers. In addition, one-third of visitors extended their stay before or after the Games, creating incremental tourism benefits for local accommodations, restaurants, attractions, and transportation providers.

The Canada Summer Games also created lasting destination value. Survey results show that the vast majority of attendees indicated they are likely to return to Newfoundland and Labrador in the future, reinforcing the long-term tourism potential generated through national exposure and positive visitor experiences. Combined with investments in new and upgraded sport infrastructure, the Games have strengthened the province’s capacity to host future events while delivering enduring community benefits.

“Congratulations to St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador for such a successful 2025 Canada Summer Games. The Government of Canada was proud to support this event. It was amazing to see firsthand how investing in sporting events like this is not just good policy, it's essential, and this report reinforces that. But these Games offered even more. They were a fantastic catalyst for strengthening communities, enhancing vital infrastructure, and most importantly, inspiring young people to get involved. It’s a true testament to the power of sport to unite and build our country.”
‍— The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), Government of Canada

“Having the 2025 Canada Games here in St. John’s East was a proud moment for our community. We saw world-class athletic talent, the strength of our volunteers, and the spirit that makes Newfoundland and Labrador so special. A sincere congratulations to the organizers and everyone who stepped up. The legacy is real and it will last, with facilities and programs that will continue to benefit local residents for years to come.”
‍—The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, and Member of Parliament (St. John’s East), Government of Canada

"The report proves that the Canada Games had a significant impact on our province - driving business to local shops, filling hotels and restaurants, and showcasing Newfoundland and Labrador to audiences across the country. Events of this scale support jobs, build strong, vibrant communities, and create benefits that continue well beyond the closing ceremonies. We extend our sincere thanks to the Host Society, volunteers, and all committee members whose dedication and hard work made the 2025 Canada Games such a success."
‍— Honourable Andrea Barbour, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

“This report confirms that the 2025 Canada Games delivered strong economic returns for St. John’s and Newfoundland and Labrador. The investment supported local jobs, generated significant income for local businesses, welcomed tens of thousands of visitors to our city, and resulted in infrastructure improvements that will continue to benefit residents and athletes well into the future.”
‍— Danny Breen, Mayor of the City of St. John’s

“The 2025 Canada Games are yet another example of the tremendous return on investment of sport and hosting for all Government partners, and especially our Host Communities. We’re thrilled to see the concrete evidence of the economic impact that the Canada Games had in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Canada, and we thank all partners who invested in these Games!”
‍— Kelly-Ann Paul, President & CEO, Canada Games Council

“We are thrilled to see the incredible economic impact the 2025 Canada Games had on our city,  province and country. The Games was the largest in history and it was an honour to witness firsthand how sport tourism can energize a community while leaving a lasting legacy for our youth, volunteers and future leaders.”
‍— Kim Keating and Karl Smith, Co-chairs of the 2025 Canada Games Host Society Board.

“The Canada Summer Games represent one of the most significant sport tourism opportunities a destination can host. The scale of visitation, length of stay, and level of investment associated with the Games translate into meaningful economic outcomes for host communities and leave a legacy that extends well beyond the event itself.”
—Derek Mager, Senior Consultant and Program Manager of Economic Impact, Sport Tourism Canada