Major sporting events in 2023 

The FIFA World Cup came to a spectacular end late last year, but there’s still plenty of exciting sporting events ahead for spectators in 2023. Here are the world’s top sporting events enjoyed by Canadians, what to expect from Canadian athletes, and a bit about the host cities for fans who plan to travel to watch from the stands. 

If you plan on going abroad, it’s essential to protect yourself with travel insurance. If you are travelling outside your home province, you should know your Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP) may not cover all your health needs. Travel insurance can fill the gap. Benefits by Allianz Global Assistance may provide you with eligible coverage depending on certain expenses related to medical emergencies, trip interruption and cancellation, and lost or damaged baggage.  

Every year, an estimated 45 percent of Canadians tune into the Super Bowl, the annual championship game of the U.S. National Football League. Super Bowl LVII, the final game of the 2022 NFL season, will be played at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on February 12, 2023. (Championship teams are yet to be determined.) If you plan to make the trip south to watch the game, you’ll enjoy Arizona’s temperate desert climate in winter. Check out the natural beauty of the state at Thunderbird Nature Park, a 1,185-acre conservation area, dedicated to preserving the desert environment. If you’re a history buff, visit the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve, home to 1,500 petroglyphs by the native Hohokam people.

Date: February 12, 2023

Where: State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona

Also known as Roland Garros, named for a famous French aviator, the French Open is held annually in late May at the Stade Roland Garros, in Paris. Last year, women's singles tennis player Iga Swiatek of Poland defeated Coco Gauff of the U.S. Raphael Nadal of Spain, ranked second in the world in men’s singles, took first against Casper Ruud of Norway. Here’s 10 incredible museums, eateries and gardens to visit a short stroll from Stade Roland Garros.  

Dates: May 28 - June 11, 2023

Where: Paris, France

More than 300,000 fans of Formula 1 racing from North America and around the world are expected to flock to Montreal for the three-day Canadian Grand Prix this year. You’ll be watching from the edge of your seat at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Named in honor of the local hero who won the venue’s first race, the circuit is known for its narrow track and close barriers, which demand the best from the sport’s top drivers. Montreal is a city in love with Formula 1, despite not boasting a world champion since 1997. Race fans fill the streets of downtown Montreal, with many stopping on Crescent Street in Old Montreal for a beer.  

Dates: June 16-18, 2023

Where: Montreal, Canada

Stages: Practice 1, Parctice 2, Parctice 3, Qualifying, Race

Distance: Circuit Length: 4.361 km; Race length: 305.270 km; Laps: 70  

This year, the 110th edition of the prestigious Tour de France – one of the most grueling tests of athletic endurance – will begin in sunny Spain. Watch cyclists take off from the port city of Bilbao, known for its beaches, on the first stage of the race. The de facto capital of Basque Country, Bilbao is home to the renowned Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. The final stage will end at the iconic Avenue de Champs-Élysées, Paris.  

Last year, Hugo Houle became the second Canadian to ever win a stage at the Tour de France. The first being Steve Bauer in 1988. Houle is one of three Canadians who competed last year, including Michael Woods and Antoine Duchesne. 

Dates: July 1-23, 2023

Where: France

Stages: 21

Distance: 3,404 km 

A display of grit and excellence held quadrennially, the ninth installment of the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be played in New Zealand and Australia this year. The tournament was last hosted by Canada in 2015, with a win by the U.S. The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 will kick-off at Eden Park in Auckland/ Tāmaki Makaurau on Thursday, July 20, 2023. The Football Ferns, New Zealand’s national football team, will play Norway in match one at 7pm local time. New Zealand is a natural paradise you must experience. Ascend the world’s highest waterfall cable climb in Wanaka or bungy jump from Kawarau Bridge.

Date: July 20 - August 20, 2023

Where: Australia and New Zealand

Qualyfying nations: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China PR, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea Republic, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Philippines, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA, Vietnam, Zambia.  

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Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators Group of Companies, administered by Allianz Global Assistance, which is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc.

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