He was promoted to Companion of the Order of Canada in 2009 "for his continued contributions to the world of hockey, notably as one of the best players of all time, as well as for his social engagement as a philanthropist, volunteer and role model for countless young people".
25. junija 1984 je bil Gretzky odlikovan s Kanadskim redom za zasluge "Order of Canada" za izstopajoč prispevek hokeju.