We are thrilled to be hosting the 63rd Annual Canada-Wide Science Fair in Fredericton, New Brunswick.
As parents/guardians and supporters, we understand you want to stay informed about your child’s experience during this exciting week. This page provides key information and resources to help you support your finalist throughout their CWSF journey.
Main Resources
Parent/Guardian Guide
We’ve created a comprehensive Parent & Guardian Guide filled with important information about the event. This is your primary resource for understanding the CWSF experience from a parent’s perspective.
The guide covers everything from understanding the role of delegates and Team UV to supporting your child before, during, and after the fair. It includes details on:
- How to stay informed about CWSF activities
- Guidelines for visiting during public viewing days
- Key schedule events including the Awards Ceremony and STEM Expo
- Answers to frequently asked questions
- Ways to support your child throughout their CWSF journey
Download the Parent & Guardian Guide (PDF)
Finalist Guide
To better understand what your child will be experiencing during CWSF, we encourage you to review the Finalist Guide as well. This guide provides detailed information about the fair schedule, judging process, preparation requirements, and what to expect each day.
Download the Finalist Guide (PDF)
Key Information for Parents
Safety & Supervision
- Each finalist will be required to wear a namebadge throughout the Fair, with emergency contact information and relevant medical information on the back.
- All finalists and delegates will be staying on UNB campus with meals served in the cafeteria. Please be sure to tell us about special dietary needs on the CWSF registration form and encourage your student to identify these needs to their delegate(s) as well as food service staff at events.
- Please ensure that your child understands that the adults appointed by his/her regional science fair (known as the delegates) are acting on your behalf, and that your child must have any activity approved by that adult before proceeding. It is vital to your child’s safety and wellbeing that we have delegates fulfill this parental role at CWSF. It is equally important that your child recognize the delegates’ authority as well as that of any authorized CWSF officials or appointed delegates, who are ensuring a safe environment for everyone’s sake.
Full Week Attendance
- All finalists are expected to attend the entire CWSF week from arrival day through departure day.
- In rare cases where extraordinary circumstances require an early departure, please contact the coordinator at your regional STEM fair to request a travel deviation. All travel deviation’s require advance approval from Youth Science Canada’s Executive Director.
- If approved, early departures can only be arranged after public viewing concludes at 2:30 PM on Friday to ensure finalists fulfill their presentation responsibilities.
- Leaving without permission may result in disqualification from the competition.
Parent Visitation Opportunities
- We welcome parents to visit during our designated public viewing hours on Sunday (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM), Thursday and Friday (9:00 AM – 2:30 PM).
- Throughout the rest of the week, your finalist will be engaged in a full schedule of enriching activities, presentations, judging sessions, and social events designed to maximize their CWSF experience.
- Outside of public viewing hours, finalists are expected to remain with their delegation and participate in scheduled activities.
- For parents/visitors wishing to attend the Awards Ceremony, a ticket is required which can be purchased through the YSC Store from May 1.
Communication Before and During CWSF
- We recommend adding your email address to your child’s registration (under Additional Finalist Information in the YSC Portal) to receive the same pre-fair communications as we send to your child.
- Due to the busy schedule, we recommend arranging specific check-in times with your child. Don’t be concerned if they take a while to respond, they’re likely having an incredible time with new friends!
- Important CWSF moments such as the Awards Ceremony and Meet the Winners will be live-streamed on the Youth Science Canada YouTube channel.
Supporting Your Finalist From Afar
- Encourage your child to fully engage in all activities and make new connections.
- Remember that the CWSF experience is about more than just awards—it’s about growth, learning, and community.
- After the fair, take time to celebrate their achievement and discuss their experience.
- Trust the delegates and Team UV to provide guidance and support during the week.
CWSF Help Centre
For additional questions or concerns, our Help Centre provides answers to common inquiries and support resources.
Special Hotel Rates
Available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Youth Science Canada has secured preferred hotel rates for family of finalists wishing to visit during the Canada-Wide Science Fair.
Learn more about accommodation options
Stay Connected
Follow CWSF activities and highlights:
- Facebook: @ysc.sjc
- Instagram: @ysc.sjc
- BlueSky: @youthscience.ca
- YouTube: @YouthScienceCanada (where the Awards Ceremony will be livestreamed)
Contact Information
If you have questions that aren’t addressed in our resources, please contact us at [email protected].
From our opening event to evening activities, a fully immersive tour day, the awards ceremony and closing event, we have planned lots of incredible experiences for your child. Please encourage them to be open to these experiences and make the most of this week!
We look forward to welcoming your young scientist to CWSF and plan to make this event an amazing experience for everyone!
– Julia McDevitt, Fair Director & all of Team UV