North Bay selected to be on FIFA World Cup summer tour

‘Being selected as a stop on the Canada Celebrates tour not only highlights our city as a premier Ontario destination but reinforces our strategic commitment to sport tourism development and large-scale event attraction, generating meaningful economic impact’

Tourism North Bay announced that North Bay has been selected as a participating community for Canada Celebrates the FIFA World Cup 2026 as part of the countrywide festivities surrounding the FIFA World Cup — with celebrations to be co-hosted at Nipissing University and Canadore College on Saturday, July 11, 2026, which coincides with a highly anticipated semi-final match.

As Canada prepares to co-host the world’s largest sporting event alongside Mexico and the United States, communities across the country will come alive with activations, fan experiences, and cultural celebrations. North Bay’s inclusion on the Canada Celebrates tour – a free, family-friendly, and open-to-the-public, one-day community celebration – positions the city as a key northern Ontario destination where residents and visitors can take part in the excitement of FIFA World Cup 2026.

“This is an incredible opportunity for North Bay,” said Tanya Bédard, Executive Director of Tourism North Bay.

“Being selected as a stop on the Canada Celebrates tour not only highlights our city as a premier Ontario destination but reinforces our strategic commitment to sport tourism development and large-scale event attraction, generating meaningful economic impact for local accommodations, restaurants, retailers, and tourism operators.”

Hosting the celebration at both Nipissing University and Canadore College provides an ideal setting for large-scale programming, live screenings, and community engagement. The campus will transform into a vibrant fan hub, welcoming families, students, residents, and visitors to experience the global energy, pride, and passion of the tournament.

Canada Celebrates will travel coast-to-coast-to-coast, bringing live FIFA World Cup 2026™ match screenings, football-themed activities, and local programming and opportunities to celebrate Canada’s diverse culture and passion for sport.

“We invite residents, businesses, and visitors to celebrate this once-in-a-generation global sporting moment as the world turns its eyes to Canada, and North Bay in July 2026,” added Bedard.

By BayToday Staff