Home
»
Canada Travel News
»
From Edmonton To Florida, How The 2025 Stanley Cup Boosted Domestic Tourism And Promoted Local Economies Across Canada, But Reduction In US
Saturday, July 26, 2025
The 2025 Stanley Cup Final, ahard-fought seven-game matchup between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers, had hockey fans throughout North America strapped to their seats. The competition, which ran from June 4 to June 17, 2025, was an extravaganza of sports, drive, and indelible snapshots. Both teams flexed their muscles, and the Panthers came out on top with a 4-2 series win to take the championship.
The Stanley Cup has had a well-documented and lasting impact on the domestic tourism of Canada. Whether it’s extra people going to the host city, the global attention that’s received, and increasing celebrations that happen after the fact, and it’s partly the promoting of hockey tourism. More than just the game itself, the Stanley Cup Final remains a legacy within Canada from a tourism perspective, notorious for intriguing nations when they arrive in Canada to put it all out on the ice in Canada. The economic benefits, cultural symbolism, and perpetuated hosting of Canadian cities as sports tourism destinations have come together to make the Stanley Cup one of the most powerful points of attention in the tourism industry of the country.
Economic Impact on Edmonton
The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs brought an estimated $266.7 million into Edmonton’s economy. This figure encompasses various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and transportation. Notably, 80,000 overnight stays were recorded during the playoff period, reflecting a surge in tourism-related activities. On game nights, downtown Edmonton saw crowds of up to 30,000 people, highlighting the event’s role in drawing visitors to the city.
Beyond the direct economic impact during Stanley Cup seasons, the tournament has reinforced Canada’s global identity as the home of hockey. The country’s love for the sport is deeply embedded in its culture, and as the world’s premier hockey competition, the Stanley Cup epitomizes Canada’s relationship with the sport. The international success of Canadian teams and players in the Stanley Cup further cements the nation’s standing as a hockey powerhouse.
This reputation encourages international visitors to explore Canada and experience its hockey culture firsthand. Whether it’s attending a Stanley Cup game, visiting a local rink, or watching a live practice, hockey tourism has become an integral part of Canada’s tourism offerings. For example, the NHL All-Star Game and other hockey events held in Canada also attract visitors who are eager to explore the culture of hockey in its home country.
Furthermore, the Stanley Cup‘s association with Canada extends to sports-themed travel packages and events. Many Canadian travel agencies offer hockey-themed tours during the playoffs, providing fans with a complete experience that includes tickets to games, behind-the-scenes access to arenas, and local sightseeing opportunities.
Increased Hotel Occupancy
Hotels in Edmonton experienced a 10–15% increase in occupancy rates compared to the same period in the previous year. This uptick was attributed to the influx of visitors attending the Stanley Cup Final games and related events. The heightened demand for accommodations underscored the significant role of major sporting events in boosting local tourism.
National Viewership and Tourism Promotion
The Stanley Cup Final attracted a substantial television audience in Canada, with an average of 4.39 million viewers tuning in to the series. This viewership not only underscores the national interest in the event but also serves as a platform for promoting Canadian cities as prime tourist destinations. The exposure garnered by Edmonton during the playoffs contributed to its visibility on the national stage, potentially influencing future travel decisions.
Venues and Audience Attendance
Amerant Bank Arena (Sunrise, Florida):
Capacity: 19,250
Notable Attendance:
Game 3 (June 9): 19,863 fans
Game 4 (June 12): 19,994 fans
Game 5 (June 14): 18,347 fans
Game 6 (June 17): 19,983 fans
Rogers Place (Edmonton, Alberta):
Capacity: 18,347
Notable Attendance:
Game 1 (June 4): 18,347 fans
Game 2 (June 6): 18,347 fans
Game 3 (June 9): 18,347 fans
Game 4 (June 12): 18,347 fans
Game 5 (June 14): 18,347 fans
Game 6 (June 17): 18,347 fans
The total attendance across all games was approximately 108,400 fans. Following their victory, the Florida Panthers celebrated with a parade and rally on Fort Lauderdale Beach on June 22, 2025. The event drew an estimated 400,000 fans, marking a historic celebration for the team and its supporters.
Decline in Cross-Border Travel
Amidst the Stanley Cup Final, there was a notable decline in cross-border travel from Canada to the United States. Reports indicated that Canadian tourism to Florida had decreased by approximately 20% since the onset of trade tensions and political rhetoric. This shift in travel patterns may have redirected Canadian tourists to domestic destinations, further benefiting cities like Edmonton during the playoff period.
Community Engagement and Legacy
The Stanley Cup Final helped bring Canada together and epitomized their pride. Edmonton hosted fan events and public spaces that bolstered the city’s reputation as an active, lively community. The event’s legacy still shapes perceptions of Edmonton as a vibrant and open city, and may well pay long-term dividends in terms of tourism.
Overall, Canada’s domestic tourism was boosted by the 2025 Stanley Cup Final and Edmonton’s economy benefited, hotel occupancy shot up and there was more attention from across the country. They didn’t just give Canada an opportunity to show off its cities and countryside, they changed the way Canadians travel, for the better, visiting parts of the country they might otherwise never see.
