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Destinations

Memorial Cup Host Cities: Exploring Canadian Hockey Destinations

Why host communities matter, what is officially known about Kelowna 2026 and Guelph 2027, and how to prepare for a championship visit in either city.

Introduction to Memorial Cup Host Cities

Unlike championships held at a permanent home, the Memorial Cup moves every year. That makes each host city part of the story.

Hosting rotates among the three member leagues — the OHL, the QMJHL and the WHL — so the tournament travels between Western Canada, Ontario and Quebec or Atlantic Canada over a three-year cycle. Clubs in the league whose turn it is submit bids, and the CHL selects a host after reviewing proposals, facilities and community plans.

The Significance of Host Communities

For a host city, the Memorial Cup is a chance to welcome visitors from across the country, showcase local businesses and give its own club a guaranteed shot at a national title. The competition to host can be intense: five WHL clubs bid for the 2026 tournament, and four OHL clubs expressed interest in 2027 before Guelph and Kitchener were named finalists.

Historic Host-City Traditions

Host cities have produced some of the tournament's most memorable moments. Hosts have won the trophy on home ice, including Kelowna in 2004, Saint John in 2022 and Saginaw in 2024. Several cities have hosted more than once, building their own Memorial Cup lore.

Recent Memorial Cup hosts
YearHost cityHost club
2027Guelph, Ont.Guelph Storm (OHL) — announced
2026Kelowna, B.C.Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
2025Rimouski, Que.Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL)
2024Saginaw, Mich.Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
2023Kamloops, B.C.Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
Completed edition

Kelowna and the 2026 Championship

Edition
106th Memorial Cup
Host club
Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Venue
Prospera Place
Dates
May 21–31, 2026
Champion
Kitchener Rangers

The CHL named Kelowna host in November 2024 after formal presentations from five bidding WHL clubs. It was the city's second Memorial Cup; the Rockets also hosted in 2004 and won the trophy on home ice. Kelowna had been scheduled to host in 2020 before that tournament was cancelled because of the pandemic.

The 2026 field brought together the host Rockets, OHL champion Kitchener, QMJHL champion Chicoutimi and WHL champion Everett, which was making its first Memorial Cup appearance. Kitchener won the final 6–2 over Everett on May 31.

Upcoming edition

Guelph and the Announced 2027 Championship

Edition
107th Memorial Cup
Host club
Guelph Storm (OHL)
Venue
Sleeman Centre
Dates
Late May 2027 — confirm on CHL.ca
Occasion
City of Guelph bicentennial

The CHL selected the Guelph Storm on November 20, 2025, choosing them over fellow finalist Kitchener. The tournament coincides with the 200th anniversary of Guelph's founding, and the city's mayor described the event as a centrepiece of its bicentennial celebrations.

It will be the third time Guelph has hosted: the city shared hosting duties with Kitchener and Hamilton in 1962 and hosted on its own in 2002. Guelph clubs have won the trophy twice — the Biltmore Mad Hatters in 1952 and the Platers in 1986 — while the Storm are still chasing their first.

Arena and Venue Considerations

Memorial Cup venues are the home rinks of the host clubs, so sizes and layouts vary. Junior arenas are generally more intimate than large professional buildings, which brings fans close to the action but also means tickets can be in high demand.

Prospera Place in Kelowna is home to the Rockets. The Sleeman Centre in Guelph opened in 2000, is owned and operated by the City of Guelph and seats roughly 4,700. Local reporting in 2026 described a multi-million-dollar renovation of the Sleeman Centre ahead of the tournament, including a new scoreboard and upgraded seating and lounge areas.

Because Guelph's arena sits in the downtown core, coverage of the bid noted that many amenities are within walking distance, while parking nearby can be limited. Check the venue's official guidance on parking, transit and entry before you travel.

Local Culture and Visitor Experiences

We deliberately avoid inventing attractions or itineraries. The most accurate guides to what each city offers are its municipal and regional tourism organisations, which publish current information on dining, events, accommodation and getting around.

  • Kelowna sits in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, a region known to visitors for its lake setting and wine country. Consult Tourism Kelowna and the City of Kelowna for current visitor information.
  • Guelph, known as the Royal City, is preparing a year of bicentennial programming in 2027. The City of Guelph and its tourism office are the best sources for details as they are announced.

Travel Preparation for Different Cities

Every host city calls for slightly different planning. Smaller markets may have fewer hotel rooms, so nearby communities become important. Airports, rail service and highways differ from region to region. Use our Travel Planning guide to work through each stage with the right sources.

Understanding Official Host Announcements

Host announcements come from the CHL, usually alongside the host club and its league. They are typically made about 18 months in advance. Detailed information — exact dates, ticket packages, fan activities — follows in stages as the event approaches.

Treat rumours about future hosts, unconfirmed bid outcomes or unofficial "packages" with caution. Until the CHL publishes it, it isn't settled.

Host-City Information Resources

  • Canadian Hockey League — CHL.ca (schedules, tickets, results)
  • The host club's official website and channels
  • The host municipality's official website
  • The regional or municipal tourism organisation
  • The venue's own visitor information

FAQs

How far in advance are host cities announced?

Typically well ahead of time. Kelowna was named host of the 2026 tournament in November 2024, and Guelph was named for 2027 in November 2025 — roughly 18 months before each event.

Does the host team have to qualify through the playoffs?

No. The host club receives an automatic berth. If it also wins its league, that league's finalist takes the other spot.

Has a host team ever won on home ice?

Yes, several times. Kelowna won as host in 2004, Saint John won as host in 2022 and Saginaw won as host in 2024, among others.

Does Memorial Cup Getaway have an office in Kelowna or Guelph?

No. We are an independent online publication with no local offices or representatives in any host city.

Related Reading

Travel PlanningTurn a host city into a well-planned trip.Championship HistoryHow hosts became part of the tournament format.Memorial Cup OverviewQualification, format and official updates.