Competition · Science · Canadian Geographic Education (Royal Canadian Geographical Society)

Canadian Geographic Challenge

A free geography contest run in class, from Grade 4. School champions in Grades 7–10 can go on to a provincial round and a national final.

Last checked October 5, 2026 against the official page

What do I need to do?

Ask the teacher to sign the class up when it opens in November (free)

Who acts
Your child's school
Preparation
No preparation
Eligible grades
Grades 4–12
Format
Classroom and school rounds online or on paper. Provincial rounds are online.
Cost
Free.
Official site
challenge.canadiangeographic.ca

Key dates

  • ExpectedContest opensExpected November 2026 (2025: November)
  • ExpectedLevel 2 school champion deadlineExpected late February 2027 (2026: February 23)
  • ExpectedProvincial roundExpected March 2027 (2026: March 3–31)

Get a reminder before every deadline for your child →

Confirmed official date · Expected based on last year · Not announced yet

What it is

Level 1 is for Grades 4–6. Level 2 is for Grades 7–10. Level 3 is for students aged 16–19 who aren't yet in post-secondary.

Level 2 school champions go on to an online provincial round, then a national final.

Level 3 leads to Team Canada at the International Geography Olympiad, which is in Latvia in 2027.

A good fit if: Kids who love maps, flags and facts about places.

How to register

  1. A teacher or homeschool parent creates a coordinator account and runs the class and school rounds.
  2. Last year the contest opened in November, and the Level 2 school champion deadline was in late February.

How to prepare

  • Play with maps and atlases at home.

For grade-by-grade options see Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12.

Common questions

Can homeschooled students take part?

Yes. The Challenge is open to all Canadian schools, including home schools.

What do school winners get?

A one-year Canadian Geographic subscription and a certificate.

Sources

Last checked October 5, 2026. Dates can change, so always confirm with the organizer.