The 1997 IIHF Women's World Championships was held March 31 – April 6, 1997, in seven Canadian cities all in the Province of Ontario.[where?]

Team Canada won their fourth consecutive gold medal at the World Championships defeating the United States, however this time the United States took Canada in the closest final so far, losing in overtime.

[1] This tournament also served as the qualifier for the Nagano Olympics, with the top five finishers joining host Japan.

Sweden defeated first Switzerland, then Russia, in the consolation round to join the four semi-finalists in the Olympics.

The teams played each other once in a single round robin format.