St. John's Regatta National Historic Event
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
1919 regatta during Prince of Wales' visit
(© Doughty, A. / Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada / PA-022266)
Address :
Clancey Drive, Lakeview Avenue, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
1990-02-23
Other Name(s):
-
St. John's Regatta
(Designation Name)
Importance:
Canada's oldest organized sporting event, held since 1826
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: Clancy Drive, Lakeview Avenue, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Considered the country’s oldest organized sporting event, the St. John’s Regatta has always had the atmosphere of a country fair. Developing from boat races held on the harbour as early as 1816, the Regatta soon became an organized event with both rowing and sailing contests. By 1826 the rowing matches of the ‘Day of the Races’ were moved to Quidi Vidi Lake where, with few exceptions, they have been held annually ever since. The Regatta’s tune, ‘The Banks of Newfoundland,’ was adopted by the Royal Newfoundland Regiment as its march in World War I.