The Royal St John's Regatta (Regatta Day) 2025 in Canada

The Royal St. John's Regatta, or Regatta Day, is North America's oldest annual sporting event, held on the first Wednesday of August in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. This historic rowing competition is a major civic holiday, bringing the community together for a day of races, festivities, and celebration by Quidi Vidi Lake.

The Royal St John's Regatta (Regatta Day): A Public Holiday?

The Royal St. John's Regatta (Regatta Day) is a civic holiday in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, when most businesses and schools close. Residents gather at Quidi Vidi Lake for a day of rowing races, festivities, and community celebrations, keeping a cherished tradition alive.

Regatta Day

The Royal St. John's Regatta is North America's oldest annual sporting event, dating back to at least 1816. Its origins trace to informal boat races held by fishermen and merchants in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. Over time, the event became an organized competition, becoming a major tradition in the province.

In 1826, the regatta received royal patronage from King George IV, officially making it the Royal St. John's Regatta. Since then, it has evolved into more than just a rowing event; it has become a grand celebration of community and culture. The regatta is unique because it is weather-dependent—if conditions are poor, the event and holiday are postponed to the next suitable day. Today, it remains a beloved tradition, bringing together generations of Newfoundlanders to celebrate sport, teamwork, and local heritage.

Observance of Regatta Day in Canada

Regatta Day is a highly anticipated event in St. John's, drawing thousands of spectators to Quidi Vidi Lake. The highlight of the day is the series of rowing races, where teams compete in traditional fixed-seat shells. The event features both amateur and professional rowers, making it an exciting mix of competition and community participation. Beyond the races, the area around the lake transforms into a lively fairground with food stalls, games, and entertainment, creating a festival-like atmosphere.

For many, the regatta is more than just a sporting event—it is a day of togetherness and civic pride. Families and friends gather for picnics, cheering on the rowers and enjoying the summer festivities. Many businesses close for the day, allowing people to fully participate. It is also a time to recognize the dedication of athletes and volunteers who keep the tradition alive year after year.

The Royal St. John's Regatta is important because it preserves a deep cultural and historical connection to the province's maritime heritage. It brings the community together, boosts local tourism, and strengthens Newfoundland and Labrador's identity. This unique holiday, shaped by history and tradition, remains a symbol of resilience, celebration, and shared pride.

The Royal St John's Regatta (Regatta Day) Observances