Bulgaria during the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (Women)
Photo: Ottawa Tourism
In Canada’s capital, a new era of inclusive sport hosting is underway, driven by passionate fans and a deep commitment to making Ottawa a welcoming, supportive home for all sports communities.
Ottawa has earned its place among the world’s premier sport event destinations. From the record-breaking 2022 CP Women’s Open and the 2023 World Rugby Pacific Four Series, to the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (Women) and the Canada Women’s Rugby 15s vs. USA showdown, the city continues to deliver world-class events with unmatched passion, precision and purpose.
1: A City That Rallies Around Women’s Sports
Photo: Ottawa Tourism
Ottawa has long been a hockey town, but its enthusiasm for women’s sports took community pride to a whole new level with the launch of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).
The Ottawa Charge has galvanized the city. From capacity crowds to the renaming of Bank Street as “Charge Avenue” during the Walter Cup playoffs, Ottawa’s devotion is unmatched.
“The energy in the community was electric,” says Stephanie Seguin, Vice President, Sales, Business & Major Events, Ottawa Tourism. “It was a statement that women’s sport belongs on the big stage, and in Canada’s capital, we put it on an international one.”
on August 1, 2025
Photo: Ottawa Tourism
On June 24, 2025, the Charge further rallied the city by hosting the PWHL Draft at the new Hard Rock LIVE theatre inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. The draft’s Fan Fest brought the community together with DJs, food trucks, interactive activities and live entertainment.
The city’s enthusiasm for women’s sports isn’t just for hockey. In April 2025, the city debuted Ottawa Rapid FC, a member of the new Northern Super League and Ottawa’s first-ever professional women’s soccer team. The season saw capacity crowds at TD Place and young fans lining up for autographs.
When Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team faced off against Team USA at TD Place on August 1, it marked the fourth consecutive year that Ottawa has hosted high-profile international rugby rivalries. The city made history during the 2023 Pacific Four Series, drawing the largest crowd ever for a women’s rugby match in Canada.
2: A Home for Inclusive and Accessible Sports
Photo: Derek Mellon
Ottawa has made significant strides in supporting para athletes and Special Olympians through premier events and ongoing community programs.
Hosting events like the 2022 and 2023 YONEX Canadian Para Badminton International, the 2024 Boccia Championships and the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships, shows Ottawa’s commitment to supporting athletes of all abilities.
“During the 2024 Canadian Boccia Championships, there was an intense level of care and commitment to creating an inclusive event—from venue staff to community supporters. Seeing those athletes thrive here is a source of tremendous pride for our city,” Seguin says.
Photo: Derek Mellon
3: A Welcoming City for 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities
Photo: Derek Mellon
Inclusivity is central to Ottawa’s identity. In 2022, Ottawa hosted the Bingham Cup, the world’s largest amateur rugby tournament and a global celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive sport. The event welcomed over 1,700 athletes from around the world and underscored Ottawa’s leadership as a queer-friendly destination.
Ottawa is also leading the way in ensuring events are accessible to attendees. The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship partnered with Ottawa-based Whimble, offering on-site personal care attendant services at TD Place and Canadian Tire Centre for fans with disabilities. This initiative is helping inspire a new standard for hosting inclusive major sporting events.
Ottawa Tourism has also achieved Rainbow Registered accreditation, recognizing the city’s dedication to creating safe, affirming spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ visitors.
“Ottawa Tourism’s Rainbow Registered certification is an ongoing commitment that requires meeting a stringent set of standards. It shows that we’re actively aiming to create safe(r), welcoming and inclusive spaces for community members and visitors, including 2SLGBTQIA+ athletes and fans,” Seguin says.
4: World-Class Infrastructure and Community Support
Ottawa’s ability to host major events rests on more than just passion—it’s also about preparation. The city features top-tier venues, including TD Place, the Canadian Tire Centre, the RA Centre and a range of university and community facilities tailored to everything from soccer and rugby to para-sports and aquatics. Ottawa is also home to Ultimate Parks Incorporated, the largest privately owned field complex for Ultimate in the world.
With 10,000 hotel rooms across the region—including over 6,000 group-friendly options downtown—plus a growing light rail system and accessible infrastructure, Ottawa ensures athletes and fans alike can enjoy seamless, full participation at events.
Ottawa Tourism has also partnered with La Tablée des Chefs to introduce À la Carte, the first destination-led food recovery program in Canada. The À la Carte program recovers surplus food from the hospitality industry to support members of the community facing food insecurity, ensuring events of any scale can reduce food waste and use their event to leave a positive impact locally.
5: Funding That Makes It Happen
Ottawa Tourism understands that it takes more than venues and fans to pull off a successful event. That’s why they offer funding support for qualifying events, large and small, through their “It Pays to Play in Ottawa” program.
“It’s a strategic funding program designed to attract and support events that align with our city’s values, including those that promote inclusion, accessibility and community impact,” Seguin explains. “We provide financial support for qualifying sporting events, including para sport, women’s sport and 2SLGBTQIA+ competitions, to help them grow and succeed in our destination.”
6: Every Body Plays in Ottawa
This fall, Ottawa Tourism will be shining a spotlight on the people who embody Ottawa’s values of inclusion, passion and pride, with a video series highlighting women athletes, para champions, Special Olympians and 2SLGBTQIA+ sports leaders.
Make Your Move
Ready to elevate your next sporting event? Connect with Ottawa Tourism’s Major Events & Sport team. They bring the expertise and trusted local connections to make your inclusive, sustainable and high-impact event a true success.
Devin Jenkins
Manager, Major Events and Sport
djenkins@ottawatourism.ca
Joey Swarbrick
Manager, Major Events and Sport
jswarbrick@ottawatourism.ca
