Grey Cup
Grey Cup is observed on November 15, a date set aside to recognize the championship game of the Canadian Football League and the traditions that surround it. The game itself is held on a different date each year, usually in November, when the league’s top two teams meet to compete for the Grey Cup trophy.
How the Grey Cup began
The Grey Cup trophy was donated in 1909 by Albert Grey, then Canada’s governor general, for the country’s amateur rugby football championship. The first Grey Cup game took place in Toronto that year, with the University of Toronto defeating the Toronto Parkdale Canoe Club.
Over time, Canadian football changed, and the Grey Cup became the championship prize for the professional league that developed into today’s CFL. The exact origin of observing November 15 as “Grey Cup” day isn’t well documented. The date can serve as a fun prompt to learn about the game, revisit its history or enjoy a little Canadian football spirit, even when the championship isn’t being played that day.
What makes the Grey Cup distinctive
The Grey Cup is one of Canada’s best-known sporting traditions. Its championship game brings together the winners of the CFL’s two divisions, the East and the West. The victor takes home the trophy, while the winning team’s name is added to its history.
Canadian football has its own rules and rhythms. The field is larger than an American football field, and teams have three downs to advance the ball rather than four. Those differences shape the pace of play and give the sport a character of its own.
The game is also known for its lively setting. The Grey Cup weekend often includes fan events and performances, with the halftime show drawing attention beyond football fans. Hosting duties move among Canadian cities, giving each edition a different local backdrop. For many viewers, watching the game is as much about sharing snacks and cheering with friends as following every play.
Ways to mark Grey Cup
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Watch a Grey Cup game, either live or from the archives. If you’re new to Canadian football, keep an eye on how teams use their three downs and the wider field.
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Learn about the trophy’s early years. Look up the teams that played in the first game and how the competition shifted from amateur rugby to a professional football championship.
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Choose a team to support for the day. You could follow a current CFL club or pick a side from a memorable past Grey Cup matchup.
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Make a simple game-day spread inspired by Canadian favourites, such as butter tarts, tourtière or poutine. Share the food while you watch, or enjoy it during a replay.
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Bring children into the game with a low-key viewing activity. Ask them to spot the team colours, count the downs or draw a play they’d like to see.
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Visit a local library, sports museum or CFL team website for photos and stories about past championships. You can also talk with a family member who remembers watching Grey Cup games in earlier years.
Previous finals
| Year | Date | Venue | Champion | Runner-up | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 112th (2025) | Nov 16, 2025 | Princess Auto Stadium, Winnipeg | Saskatchewan Roughriders | Montreal Alouettes | 25–17 |
| 111th (2024) | Nov 17, 2024 | BC Place, Vancouver | Toronto Argonauts | Winnipeg Blue Bombers | 41–24 |
| 110th (2023) | Nov 19, 2023 | Tim Hortons Field, Hamilton | Montreal Alouettes | Winnipeg Blue Bombers | 28–24 |
| 109th (2022) | Nov 20, 2022 | Mosaic Stadium, Regina | Toronto Argonauts | Winnipeg Blue Bombers | 24–23 |
| 108th (2021) | Dec 12, 2021 | Tim Hortons Field, Hamilton | Winnipeg Blue Bombers | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | 33–25OT |
When is Grey Cup?
Grey Cup: The CFL championship, played on a Sunday in November; the league sets the date each year (the third Sunday through 2026, the first Sunday of November from 2027).
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 15 | Sunday |
| 2027 | November 7 | Sunday |
Reviewed by the Holiday List editorial team on November 8, 2026 · Last updated November 11, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When is Grey Cup in 2026?
Grey Cup is on Sunday, November 15, 2026. After that, it falls on Sunday, November 7, 2027. The CFL championship, played on a Sunday in November; the league sets the date each year (the third Sunday through 2026, the first Sunday of November from 2027).
Is Grey Cup a public holiday?
No. Grey Cup is an observance, not an official public holiday, so schools and businesses stay open as usual.
What does the Grey Cup celebrate?
The Grey Cup recognizes the Canadian Football League championship and the traditions around it. The championship game pits the winners of the CFL’s East and West divisions against each other.
How did the Grey Cup begin?
In 1909, Governor General Albert Grey donated the trophy for Canada’s amateur rugby football championship. The first game was played in Toronto, where the University of Toronto defeated the Toronto Parkdale Canoe Club. The exact origin of observing November 15 as Grey Cup day isn’t well documented.
How can you celebrate the Grey Cup?
Watch a live game or a replay, and notice how teams use the wider field and three downs. You can also serve Canadian favourites such as butter tarts, tourtière or poutine while watching.
Sources
✓ Date matches Canadian Football League: GREY CUP PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED (checked automatically on November 11, 2026).
