Language & reading · Spelling Bee of Canada

Spelling Bee of Canada

A national spelling bee for ages 6 to 14 with a British Columbia & Vancouver chapter. Registration for the 2027 program opens October 16, 2026.

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Grades
Grades 1–9
Format
In person at the chapter spelling bee. National finals are in person and streamed.
Cost
Fee for 2027 not posted yet. Check the registration page when it opens on October 16.
Official site
www.spellingbeeofcanada.ca

Key dates

  • Confirmed2027 registration opensFri, October 16, 2026
  • Not confirmed yetBC chapter spelling beeDate not announced yet
  • Not confirmed yetNational finalsUsually late May (2026: May 23–24)

What it is

Spelling Bee of Canada runs yearly spelling bees through local chapters across the country. BC is covered by the British Columbia & Vancouver chapter.

There are three age groups: Primary (ages 6–8, born 2018–2020), Junior (ages 9–11, born 2015–2017) and Intermediate (ages 12–14, born 2012–2014). Age is counted as of December 31, 2026.

Every registered child gets a study guide with the official words, a place in their chapter's in-person spelling bee and a Certificate of Participation. Top spellers can win prizes and a medallion.

The national finals were held May 23–24, 2026, and families could attend or watch a stream.

A good fit if: Children who love words and are ready to stand up and spell in front of an audience.

How to register

  1. Parents register directly at spellingbeeofcanada.ca/registration. It doesn't go through school.
  2. Registration for 2027 opens October 16, 2026. Your chapter is based on the address you enter when you register.
  3. Your child's competition date is confirmed later. The organizer says participants usually can't switch to a different date.

How to prepare

  • Work through the official study guide a little each day rather than cramming.
  • Practise saying letters out loud in front of family, since chapter bees are spoken and in person.
  • All registrants can attend a webinar on the rules.

For grade-by-grade options see Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9.

Common questions

Is there a spelling bee in Vancouver for kids?

Yes. Spelling Bee of Canada has a British Columbia & Vancouver chapter. Children aged 6 to 14 register online and compete in person at their chapter's bee.

What age can my child enter the Spelling Bee of Canada?

Ages 6 to 14 as of December 31, 2026. That means children born from 2012 to 2020 can enter the 2027 program.

When does Spelling Bee of Canada registration open?

Registration for the 2027 program opens October 16, 2026.

What comes next

Language & reading

Vancouver Writers Fest Youth Writing Contest

A free-to-enter short story and personal essay contest for BC students in Grades 5–12. The next contest opens in spring 2027.

Grades 5–12No entry fee is listedLanguage & reading

BC Debate and Public Speaking Tournaments (DSABC)

School-based debate and public speaking tournaments that lead to BC and national championships. Junior public speaking starts in Grade 6.

Grades 6–12School membership is $200 a year

Sources

Last checked October 2, 2026. Dates can change, so always confirm with the organizer.