| Number: | 17 |
| Type: | Vanier Cup |
| Date: | November 28, 1981 |
| Stadium: | Varsity Stadium |
| City: | Toronto |
| Visitor Name: | Alberta Golden Bears |
| Home Name: | Acadia Axemen |
| Visitor Coach: | Jim Donlevy |
| Home Coach: | John Huard |
| Visitor Record: | 6–2 |
| Home Record: | N/A |
| Visitor1: | 0 |
| Visitor2: | 0 |
| Visitor3: | 0 |
| Visitor4: | 12 |
| Home1: | 0 |
| Home2: | 0 |
| Home3: | 0 |
| Home4: | 18 |
| Mvp: | Steve Repic, Acadia |
| Attendance: | 11,875 |
The 17th Vanier Cup was played on November 28, 1981, at Varsity Stadium in Toronto, Ontario, and decided the CIAU football champion for the 1980 season. The Acadia Axemen won their second championship by defeating the defending champion Alberta Golden Bears by a score of 18-12.[1] [2]