Best marathons in Canada
8 rated races, ranked by an overall score built from racer reviews and race reports. How we rate
8 races
Overall score 3.7Very good#78 of 297Moderate evidence · 9 sources + 12 runner ratings
Climbing 138 m (455 ft)
1. TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Overall score 3.7Very goodModerate evidence · 9 sources + 12 runner ratingsTop 27%#78 of 297 overallToronto, Canada · Last race 18 Oct 2026
Racers loveFlat, with 138 m (453 ft) of gain; elite times are fast, with a 2:05:00 men's record.
Watch outStart toilet lines reached about 30 minutes for some runners.
“I showed up with a plan, and I executed it almost perfectly” Ashley Mateo, Substack race recap
- Air
- 8–14 °C (46–57 °F)
- Climbing
- 138 m (455 ft)
- Field
- about 7,500
- Best
- Stay and travel 4.3
- Weakest
- Course 3.0
Overall score 3.7Very good#89 of 297Moderate evidence · 6 sources + 10 runner ratings
Climbing 250 m (820 ft)
2. BMO Vancouver Marathon
Overall score 3.7Very goodModerate evidence · 6 sources + 10 runner ratingsTop 30%#89 of 297 overallVancouver, Canada · Next race 2 May 2027
Racers loveStanley Park Seawall and North Shore views in the last 10 km (6 mi).
Watch outAbout 250 m (820 ft) of climbing, mostly in the first 30 km (18.6 mi), including Camosun Street.
“a really cool mix of urban scenery and natural scenery” RaceRaves
- Air
- 9–20 °C (48–68 °F)
- Climbing
- 250 m (820 ft)
- Field
- about 8,900
- Best
- Course 4.4
- Weakest
- Stay and travel 3.3
Overall score 3.5Very good#112 of 297Moderate evidence · 7 sources + 6 runner ratings
Climbing 91 m (300 ft)
3. Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend Marathon
Overall score 3.5Very goodModerate evidence · 7 sources + 6 runner ratingsTop 38%#112 of 297 overallOttawa, Canada · Last race 24 May 2026
Racers loveStart and finish are both at Ottawa City Hall in the downtown core.
Watch outHeat can be severe: above 30 °C (86 °F) in 2016, with course changes.
“So well organized.” BibRave reviewers, BibRave (race weekend reviews)
- Air
- 10–22 °C (50–72 °F)
- Climbing
- 91 m (300 ft)
- Field
- about 4,850
- Best
- Support 4.2
- Weakest
- Conditions 2.9
Overall score 3.5Very good#126 of 297Moderate evidence · 6 sources + 5 runner ratings
4. Manitoba Marathon
Overall score 3.5Very goodModerate evidence · 6 sources + 5 runner ratingsTop 41%#126 of 297 overallWinnipeg, Canada · Last race 21 Jun 2026
Racers loveMaximum elevation change of 3 m (10 ft) per the organiser.
Watch outThe 2022 race was halted mid-race in 37 °C (99 °F) heat.
“well organized and one of the flattest and fastest.” RaceRaves Manitoba Marathon page (5 ratings)
- Air
- 14–26 °C (57–79 °F)
- Field
- about 1,431
- Best
- Entry 4.1
- Weakest
- Conditions 2.8
Overall score 3.2Good#204 of 297Thin evidence · 3 sources + 5 runner ratings
5. Beneva Mississauga Marathon
Overall score 3.2GoodThin evidence · 3 sources + 5 runner ratings#204 of 297 overallMississauga, Canada · Next race 25 Apr 2027
Racers lovePoint-to-point net downhill, about 80 m (250 ft) drop, certified Boston qualifier.
Watch outMarathoners share the first 16 km (10 mi) with half marathoners and relay runners.
“Relatively well organized for a smaller suburban event.” Peter M. and Jevone Henclewood, MarathonGuide
- Air
- 2–12 °C (36–54 °F)
- Field
- about 615
- Best
- Entry 3.9
- Weakest
- Course 2.7
Overall score 3.1Good#210 of 297Thin evidence · 2 sources + 26 runner ratings
Climbing 204 m (670 ft)
6. Niagara Falls International Marathon
Overall score 3.1GoodThin evidence · 2 sources + 26 runner ratings#210 of 297 overallNiagara Falls, Canada · Next race 25 Oct 2026
Racers loveRuns along the Niagara Parkway beside the river, with views of Horseshoe Falls.
Watch outRecent runners report late starts when buses were delayed, one held to 11:00 in 2026.
“Scenery is the most praised aspect.” RaceRaves runners, RaceRaves
- Air
- 4–16 °C (39–61 °F)
- Climbing
- 204 m (670 ft)
- Field
- about 950
- Best
- Course 4.5
- Weakest
- Support 2.4
Overall score 2.9Good#245 of 297Moderate evidence · 6 sources + 6 runner ratings
Climbing 120 m (395 ft)
7. Scotiabank Calgary Marathon
Overall score 2.9GoodModerate evidence · 6 sources + 6 runner ratingsBottom 18%#245 of 297 overallCalgary, Canada · Next race 30 May 2027
Racers loveStart and finish at Stampede Park beside the Saddledome, next to downtown.
Watch outWeather swings: highs from 15 to 30 °C (59 to 86 °F) on the same date.
“Praised the organization, course markings, popsicles and cold sponges.” RaceRaves
- Air
- 6–25 °C (43–77 °F)
- Climbing
- 120 m (395 ft)
- Field
- about 1,937
- Best
- Stay and travel 3.9
- Weakest
- Conditions 2.4
Overall score 2.7Good#271 of 297Moderate evidence · 5 sources + 5 runner ratings
8. Edmonton Marathon
Overall score 2.7GoodModerate evidence · 5 sources + 5 runner ratingsBottom 9%#271 of 297 overallEdmonton, Canada · Last race 16 Aug 2026
Racers loveCourse runs through the river valley and downtown, described as flat and fast.
Watch outThe 2026 marathon measured 674.7 m (0.42 mi) too long; results are under review.
“The finish line and after party seemed to be lacking somewhat.” Mike Anderson, MisterMacRuns, others, RaceRaves Edmonton Marathon page (3 ratings)
- Air
- 11–22 °C (52–72 °F)
- Field
- about 1,545
- Best
- Entry 3.7
- Weakest
- Race 2.0
About these ratings
Races are ranked by an overall score out of 5, built from racer reviews and race reports, on the race itself, course, support, conditions, travel and entry. 5 is always the better end. How we rate
Marathon course: 42.2 km (26.2 mi).
2 of 9 scores are thin evidence: fewer than 5 sources each (dashed score, marked provisional). Show only races with 5+ sources.
1 race is paused or discontinued and hidden until you turn off “Active races only” in All filters.
53 racer reviews and race reports.
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