Canada combines big cities, fast courses and spectacular scenery from coast to coast. Toronto hosts the national championship, Ottawa offers a flat course along the Rideau Canal and Montreal crosses the city from one shore to the other. Here are the 5 best marathons in Canada for 2027, with dates, fees and courses.
The short answer
- For a PB: Toronto (16-17 October 2027), the country’s most prestigious marathon, or Ottawa (29-30 May 2027), flat and fast.
- Late summer: Montreal (marathon on 19 September 2027), from the islands to the city.
- On the Pacific coast: Vancouver (2 May 2027) and Victoria (October), with ocean views.
- Entry: Toronto and Ottawa are open, with marathon fees from 140 to 190 Canadian dollars before fees.
Contents
The 5 best marathons in Canada
1. Toronto Marathon: Canada’s most prestigious
The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is considered Canada’s most prestigious road race. It holds a World Athletics Elite Label and has hosted the national marathon championship since 2017. The course records belong to Philemon Rono (2:05:00, 2019) and Waganesh Mekasha (2:20:44, 2024).
- Date: weekend of 16-17 October 2027
- Entry: open. The marathon costs 190 Canadian dollars, plus a 33.25 processing fee and taxes.
- Distances: 5K, half marathon and marathon
- Best for: runners chasing an autumn PB.
2. Montreal Marathon: from shore to shore
The Beneva Montreal Marathon starts at Parc Jean-Drapeau, on the islands, and finishes at Parc Maisonneuve after crossing the city and five boroughs. A great way to discover Montreal on foot.
- Date: Sunday 19 September 2027 (marathon and half marathon). The weekend starts on 17 September with the Mile.
- Distances: 1K, 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon
- Entry: on the official race website.
- Best for: runners who want to discover Montreal in late summer.
3. Ottawa Marathon: flat along the Rideau Canal
The Ottawa International Marathon starts and finishes at City Hall. It passes the National War Memorial, Dow’s Lake, the Dominion Observatory and the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal. The course is described as flat and fast.
- Date: weekend of 29-30 May 2027
- Entry: open. The marathon costs 140 Canadian dollars.
- Distances: 2K, 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon
- Best for: a fast spring marathon in the national capital.
4. Vancouver Marathon: Canada’s biggest
The BMO Vancouver Marathon calls itself Canada’s largest marathon. It takes place in early May, between ocean and mountains, with a race expo on the two days before.
- Date: Sunday 2 May 2027
- Entry: 190 Canadian dollars with a t-shirt (10 dollars less without), plus taxes and fees. Limited places, non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Distances: 8K, half marathon and marathon
- Best for: runners who want to combine racing with a trip to the west coast.
5. Victoria Marathon: an ocean backdrop
The Royal Victoria Marathon starts and finishes in front of the British Columbia Parliament, on the Inner Harbour. It follows the waterfront, crosses downtown, then the neighbourhoods and parks of Victoria and Oak Bay, with the ocean in view almost all the way. Expect about 182 m of climbing, mostly small rollers.
- Date: October 2027, date not yet announced (the 2025 edition was on 12 October).
- Distances: 5K, 8K, half marathon and marathon
- Turnout: a record of more than 15,000 entrants across all races in 2025.
- Best for: a quieter autumn marathon on Vancouver Island.
Which Canadian marathon should you choose?
| Race | 2027 date | Season | Main highlight | Entry fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | 2 May | Spring | Canada’s biggest | CA$190 + taxes |
| Ottawa | 29-30 May | Spring | Flat, Rideau Canal | CA$140 |
| Montreal | 19 September | Autumn | From the islands to the city | Official website |
| Toronto | 16-17 October | Autumn | National championship, fast | CA$190 + fees |
| Victoria | October (TBA) | Autumn | Waterfront | Official website |
For a PB, pick Ottawa in spring or Toronto in autumn. For the trip, Montreal and Vancouver have the best city scenery.
How to prepare for a marathon in Canada
- Allow 16 to 20 weeks. For Ottawa at the end of May, start your training in January. For Toronto in mid-October, start in June.
- Plan for jet lag. Arrive several days early, especially if you’re flying across several time zones.
- Work on your marathon pace. Calculate your split times and practise holding them: distance markers are in kilometres in Canada.
- Check entry requirements. Visa-exempt travellers, including most European citizens, need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to Canada. Apply before you travel.
A plan built around your race date
RunMotion Coach builds your marathon training plan, personalised to your level, your goal and your race date, with personalised paces. Try it free for 7 days.
FAQ
What is the fastest marathon in Canada?
Toronto: the course record is 2:05:00 (Philemon Rono, 2019). Ottawa is also described as flat and fast.
What is the Montreal Marathon course like?
It starts at Parc Jean-Drapeau, on the islands, crosses the city and five boroughs, and finishes at Parc Maisonneuve.
How much does a marathon in Canada cost?
Roughly 140 to 190 Canadian dollars before taxes and fees: CA$140 in Ottawa, CA$190 in Toronto and Vancouver.
What is the biggest marathon in Canada?
Vancouver calls itself the country’s largest marathon. Toronto remains the most prestigious.
Want to race in the United States too? Read our guide to the 6 World Marathon Majors and our top 10 flattest marathons.
Ready to race in Canada? Start your 7-day free trial and let RunMotion Coach build your plan all the way to race day.
Updated 28 October 2026.
