Event Details

The Canada Games brings together more than 2,000 able-bodied athletes and athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities for the largest amateur multi-sport event in the country. Alternating between winter and summer, they span over 30 different sports to showcase the very best in Canadian sport and spirit. The Games are held under the stewardship of the Canada Games Council who provide continuity, leadership and support. We’re here to foster ongoing partnerships and ensure the Games leave an enduring legacy on communities from coast to coast to coast.

The Canada Summer Games will be held in Niagara from August 6th to 21st, 2022 across the Region of Niagara. Initially, the Games were to take place on the same dates in August 2021 but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These games will provide a unique opportunity for the Niagara Region to deliver a transformative experience to participants of the Games, the people of Niagara, and all those attending the festivities/events. Unlike most iterations of the Canada Games, the Niagara 2022 Games will be hosted by 13 municipalities, namely the Regional Municipality of Niagara and the twelve local municipalities that envelop the area. The Games will feature an equal split of 50% arts/culture and 50% athletics. Cultural programming will include:

(1) "13 for 13 Cultural Festival" (August 7-20): This free program will see each of Niagara’s 12 municipalities (and one Region) paired up with one of Canada’s 13 Provinces and Territories. The event will rotate nightly among the municipalities, celebrating each province and territory’s cultural heritage and identities through entertainment, food, art, and dance. Niagara’s two francophone communities (Welland and Port Colborne) will complement Quebec and New Brunswick;

(2) Niagara Place: The main 2022 Canada Games premier festival site on the grounds of the newly-built Canada Games Park, Niagara Place will be the most active location of the Games. Niagara Place will spotlight local food and beverages, including some of the Niagara Region’s top wineries, breweries, and restaurants. The site will include a main stage for cultural performances and large screen that will allow visitors to view live sporting competitions when it isn’t in use for entertainment;

(3) Naturally Proud (August 17): Niagara Place will host a Pride Celebration that will include live performances from local artists, artistic exhibits, and elements of the Niagara Region’s culinary scene. In addition to a ‘main stage’ entertainment area, this daytime gathering hub will have activation spaces for the region’s Indigenous, Francophone and highlight Para Sports; and

(4) Opening/Closing Ceremonies (August 6 and 21): cultural programming will include The Turtle Island Story told by a local Indigenous youth, the games anthem performed by Toronto artist POESY, large scale projections, performances by Tim Hicks, and a performance by the Niagara Youth Orchestra. A call for artists is currently out for additional local entertainment for both of the ceremonies. An Indigenous Segment will be developed in partnership with the Indigenous Partnership Council. The segment will be a unique cross-cultural celebration of welcome. The segment will acknowledge the Niagara Region as a sacred gathering place for all Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island. The segment will be developed with the participation from the Six Nations of the Grand River, Niagara Regional Native Friendship Centre, Fort Erie Friendship Centre, The Mississauga of the Credit First Nation, Metis Nation of Ontario, NPAAMB, and Brock University.