Niagara Falls will host three major slo-pitch championships in August and September, drawing more than 17,500 participants and spectators to the region.
The events, announced by Sport Niagara in partnership with Slo-Pitch National and Slo-Pitch Ontario, include a national championship, an international competition and a provincial championship, all set to take place in the tourist city this summer and early fall.
A packed championship schedule
The 2026 Men's & Women's Canadian Slo-Pitch Championships run Aug. 8–15, followed by the Pacific Rim Championships Aug. 26–28. The Ontario Play Slo-Pitch Provincial Championships are scheduled across several weekends: Aug. 28–30, Sept. 11–13 and Sept. 18–20.
According to Sport Niagara, the championships will bring thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, families and fans to Niagara from across Ontario, Canada and beyond.
The organization said the events are expected to generate significant economic impact for local hotels, restaurants, attractions and businesses, while reinforcing Niagara's standing as one of Canada's leading sport tourism destinations.
'Confidence' in Niagara as a host
"Sport Niagara is excited to welcome these prestigious events back to our region," Dan Kennedy, executive director of Sport Niagara, said in the announcement. "The return of national and provincial championship slo-pitch competition reflects the confidence that Slo-Pitch National and Slo-Pitch Ontario have in Niagara's ability to deliver exceptional event experiences."
Kennedy added that the championships create meaningful economic benefits for local communities while showcasing the hospitality, facilities and volunteer spirit that make Niagara a leading host destination.
The announcement continues a longstanding relationship between the region and the sport. Niagara has hosted numerous provincial championship events over the years, establishing itself as one of the country's most recognized destinations for championship slo-pitch.
"Niagara has long been a favourite destination for our athletes and members," Trish Harrow-Rodic, president of Slo-Pitch National, said in the announcement. "The combination of outstanding facilities, experienced event partners, and the unique visitor experience offered by Niagara Falls makes this an ideal location for championship competition."
Harrow-Rodic said her organization looks forward to welcoming athletes and families from across Canada and around the world.
Opportunities for local involvement
Beyond the games themselves, Sport Niagara said the championships will create opportunities for local volunteers, community organizations, youth athletes and businesses to take part in one of the largest sport tourism initiatives happening in Niagara in 2026.
Sport Niagara is a not-for-profit organization that works to strengthen the region through sport tourism, community sport development and strategic partnerships. Slo-Pitch National is the national governing body for organized slo-pitch in Canada.
Organizers are encouraging residents and local businesses to help welcome the thousands of visitors travelling to Niagara to compete, connect and celebrate the game of slo-pitch.
