Last Updated: December 28, 2025
World Junior Championship 2025 Ottawa: Complete Fan Guide
The world’s best under-20 hockey players descend on Ottawa for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, transforming the National Capital Region into hockey’s epicenter from December 26 to January 5, 2025.
Ottawa returns as host city for this prestigious tournament, offering fans two world-class venues and a chance to witness the next generation of NHL stars compete for gold. Whether you’re cheering for Team Canada at Canadian Tire Centre or catching international matchups at TD Place, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for an unforgettable World Juniors experience.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: The 2025 World Juniors run December 26, 2024 to January 5, 2025 in Ottawa. Games split between Canadian Tire Centre (Kanata) and TD Place (Lansdowne). Team Canada plays all preliminary games at CTC. Medal rounds January 4-5 at Canadian Tire Centre.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | December 26, 2024 - January 5, 2025 |
| 📍 Venues | Canadian Tire Centre, TD Place |
| 🏒 Teams | 10 nations including Canada, USA, Sweden, Finland |
| 🎟️ Tickets | Single games & tournament packages available |
| 🚗 Parking | Paid parking at both venues |
Tournament Schedule Overview
Image: The World Junior Championship features intense competition between the world’s top under-20 players.
The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship brings together 10 nations competing in two groups over 11 days of world-class hockey.
Group Stage (December 26-31)
Group A (Canadian Tire Centre):
- Canada
- Finland
- Latvia
- Germany
- Slovakia
Group B (TD Place):
- United States
- Sweden
- Czechia
- Switzerland
- Kazakhstan
Key Dates
| Date | Round | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| December 26 | Opening Day - Preliminary | Both venues |
| December 31 | Final Preliminary Games | Both venues |
| January 2 | Quarterfinals | Both venues |
| January 4 | Semifinals | Canadian Tire Centre |
| January 5 | Bronze & Gold Medal Games | Canadian Tire Centre |
Team Canada Schedule
All Team Canada preliminary games are at Canadian Tire Centre:
| Date | Opponent | Time |
|---|---|---|
| December 26 | vs Finland | 7:30 PM |
| December 28 | vs Latvia | 7:30 PM |
| December 29 | vs Germany | 3:30 PM |
| December 31 | vs Slovakia | 7:30 PM |
Venue Guide: Canadian Tire Centre
Image: Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata serves as the primary venue for the World Juniors, hosting Team Canada games and medal rounds.
Canadian Tire Centre, home of the Ottawa Senators, serves as the tournament’s primary venue with a capacity of approximately 18,000 for hockey.
Location & Address
Address: 1000 Palladium Drive, Kanata, ON K2V 1A5
Getting There:
- From downtown Ottawa: ~25 minutes via Highway 417 West
- Take Exit 131 (Palladium Drive)
- Follow signs to Canadian Tire Centre
Parking
| Lot | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General | $25-30 | Large lots surrounding arena |
| Premium | $40+ | Closer to entrances |
| Accessible | Standard | Near main entrances |
Tip: Arrive at least 90 minutes before puck drop for popular games. Parking lots can become congested, especially for Team Canada matchups.
Transit Options
OC Transpo Route 400:
- Special event service from downtown
- Runs before and after games
- Check octranspo.com for schedule
Park & Ride: Consider parking at Eagleson Station and taking the O-Train + shuttle bus to avoid Kanata traffic.
Arena Amenities
- Multiple concession stands on all levels
- Team merchandise stores
- Accessible seating throughout
- Family washrooms available
- ATMs located near main concourse
Venue Guide: TD Place
Image: TD Place at Lansdowne Park offers an intimate hockey atmosphere with easy downtown access.
TD Place at Lansdowne Park provides a more intimate setting for Group B games and quarterfinal matchups.
Location & Address
Address: 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W7
TD Place sits within the vibrant Lansdowne Park development, offering restaurants, shops, and the Ottawa Farmers’ Market nearby.
Parking
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lansdowne Garage | $10-15 | Underground, limited spaces |
| Street Parking | Varies | Bank Street and side streets |
| Lot 5 | $10 | South of arena |
Tip: Street parking fills quickly. Arrive early or use transit.
Transit Options
O-Train Line 2 (Trillium Line):
- Lansdowne Station provides direct arena access
- Service runs frequently on game days
Bus Routes:
- Route 6, 7 along Bank Street
- Multiple routes connect from downtown
The Lansdowne Advantage
TD Place offers unique benefits:
- Walking distance to the Glebe neighbourhood restaurants
- Ottawa Christmas Market continues nearby through December 31
- More intimate 8,500-seat capacity creates electric atmosphere
- Post-game options along Bank Street
Tickets & Pricing
Image: World Junior fans create one of hockey’s most passionate atmospheres.
Tickets are available through official channels with various options:
Ticket Types
| Package | Description |
|---|---|
| Single Game | Individual game tickets |
| Team Package | All games for one team |
| Tournament Pass | Access to all games |
| Premium Packages | Club seats, hospitality |
Where to Buy
- Official: hockeycanada.ca/worldjuniors
- Ticketmaster: ticketmaster.ca
Pricing Guide
| Game Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Early Round (Non-Canada) | $25-75 |
| Team Canada Games | $50-150 |
| Quarterfinals | $40-100 |
| Semifinals | $75-175 |
| Gold Medal Game | $100-250+ |
Tip: Secondary market prices surge for Team Canada games and medal rounds. Buy early for best value.
Fan Zones & Activities
Official Fan Zone
Hockey Canada typically operates an official fan zone near Canadian Tire Centre featuring:
- Interactive hockey activities
- Player appearance schedules
- Team merchandise sales
- Food and beverage vendors
- Live entertainment
Lansdowne Park Activities
When games are at TD Place, enjoy:
- Ottawa Christmas Market (through December 31)
- Lansdowne restaurants and bars
- Skating at Rink of Dreams (City Hall, 10-minute drive)
- Aberdeen Pavilion attractions
Travel Tips for Visiting Fans
Image: Ottawa offers world-class attractions beyond World Junior hockey.
Where to Stay
Near Canadian Tire Centre (Kanata):
- Brookstreet Hotel (walking distance)
- Holiday Inn Express Kanata
- Hampton Inn Ottawa West
Downtown Ottawa:
- Fairmont Chateau Laurier
- Westin Ottawa
- Lord Elgin Hotel
- Multiple Marriott and Hilton properties
Budget Options:
- Hostelling International Ottawa
- Various Airbnb listings
Tip: Book early! Hotel rooms sell out during major Team Canada games.
What Else to Do in Ottawa
Make your World Juniors trip a full Ottawa experience:
- Parliament Hill: Free tours of Canada’s historic seat of government
- Rideau Canal: UNESCO World Heritage site (skating if open)
- ByWard Market: Restaurants, bars, and shopping
- National Gallery of Canada: World-class art collection
- Canadian War Museum: Military history exhibits
Check our guides to free things to do in Ottawa and Ottawa winter activities.
Weather & What to Pack
December and January in Ottawa bring serious winter conditions:
| Condition | Expect |
|---|---|
| Temperature | -10°C to -20°C typical |
| Wind Chill | Can feel like -30°C |
| Snow | Regular accumulation |
| Indoor Venues | Warm, but cold near doors |
Packing Essentials
- Heavy winter jacket
- Warm hat and gloves
- Insulated boots (waterproof)
- Layers for arena
- Canadian flag/team gear!
FAQ
Q: Where are the 2025 World Juniors being held?
The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship takes place in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada from December 26, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Games are split between Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata and TD Place at Lansdowne Park.
Q: Where does Team Canada play at the World Juniors?
Team Canada plays all preliminary round games at Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata. Quarterfinals may be split between venues, while semifinals and medal games return to Canadian Tire Centre.
Q: How do I get to Canadian Tire Centre without a car?
OC Transpo operates special Route 400 service for major events at Canadian Tire Centre. Alternatively, take the O-Train to Eagleson Station and connect with event shuttle service. Check octranspo.com for schedules.
Q: Is TD Place accessible by transit?
Yes, TD Place has excellent transit access. The O-Train Line 2 (Trillium Line) stops at Lansdowne Station, providing direct arena access. Multiple bus routes along Bank Street also serve the area.
Q: How much does parking cost at World Juniors venues?
Parking at Canadian Tire Centre costs $25-40 depending on lot location. TD Place parking ranges from $10-15 at Lansdowne garages. Street parking near TD Place is limited and fills quickly.
Q: Are there family-friendly activities at the World Juniors?
Yes, Hockey Canada operates a fan zone with interactive activities, player appearances, and family entertainment. TD Place games offer access to Lansdowne Park amenities. The Ottawa Christmas market runs through December 31.
Q: What time do arena doors open for World Junior games?
Doors typically open 90 minutes before puck drop. Arrive early for Team Canada games and medal rounds to allow time for security screening and finding your seats.
Q: Can I bring a flag or banner to games?
Small flags on flexible sticks are generally permitted. Large banners may require approval. Check Hockey Canada’s official fan guide for specific policies on permitted items.
Q: What food is available at World Juniors venues?
Both venues offer extensive concession options including hot dogs, burgers, pizza, poutine, and premium food court items. Canadian Tire Centre features local vendors. TD Place offers easy access to Lansdowne restaurants.
Q: How cold is Ottawa in late December and January?
Expect temperatures between -10°C and -20°C with wind chill values potentially reaching -30°C. Dress warmly in layers, including insulated boots, a heavy jacket, and warm hat and gloves.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship offers Ottawa hockey fans an unforgettable experience watching tomorrow’s NHL stars compete for international glory. With two excellent venues, convenient transit options, and endless entertainment beyond the rink, Ottawa delivers a world-class tournament experience.
Whether you’re catching every Team Canada game or sampling international matchups at TD Place, plan ahead for parking, dress warmly, and prepare for passionate crowds celebrating the best young hockey talent on the planet.
Sources: Hockey Canada, IIHF, City of Ottawa, OC Transpo
Related Articles:
- Ottawa January Events 2025 - What’s happening after the tournament
- Ottawa Christmas Market Guide - Holiday activities near TD Place
- Free Things to Do in Ottawa - Budget-friendly attractions
