When people picture Canada, it’s usually the same scene: a frozen pond, a hockey stick, and someone skating gracefully on the ice. And yes, hockey is huge here, but it’s definitely not the whole story. From pickup basketball games in city parks to curling clubs, Canada’s love of sport is as wide and unpredictable as its weather.
At Remitly, we know that an important step when settling into life in a new country is finding your people. And in Canada, sports is a great way to do that. For many newcomers, joining a local league or cheering at a hometown game becomes the easiest way to swap “nice to meet you” for “see you next week.”
Canada’s national passions: Hockey and lacrosse
If Canada had a heartbeat, it would sound like a puck hitting the boards. Hockey might be the first sport that comes to mind, but it’s not the only one close to Canadians’ hearts.
Hockey: The heartbeat of Canada
If one sport defines the spirit of Canada, it’s hockey. Officially, the national winter sport, hockey is part of Canadian DNA. You’ll find it everywhere, from kids playing on frozen ponds to neighbours crowding around TVs for Saturday night games.
The NHL features seven Canadian teams, including historic rivals like the Maple Leafs and Canadiens. And when the playoffs or Olympics arrive, entire cities seem to pause.
It’s easy to get involved. Most towns have public rinks offering free skates or beginner lessons, and many lend out gear. Even watching a local match is a great way to soak up the atmosphere.
Lacrosse: The original Canadian game
If hockey is Canada’s winter heartbeat, lacrosse is its summer soul. Long before frozen ponds, Indigenous communities played it as a ceremony to heal and unite.
Modern lacrosse is fast, strategic, and thrilling to watch. There’s field lacrosse, played outdoors, and box lacrosse, a quicker indoor version often hosted in repurposed hockey arenas.
If you’re curious, you can find local clubs across the country, and most even lend equipment. And if you prefer the stands, teams like the Toronto Rock and Halifax Thunderbirds in the National Lacrosse League deliver all the intensity of hockey.
Homegrown favourites: Canadian football and baseball
Beyond the ice, Canada has a deep love for games played on grass. Canadian football and baseball might not dominate global headlines, but they’ve carved out a proud and loyal following across the country.
Canadian football: The game with a twist
At first glance, Canadian football looks a lot like its American cousin, but there are some differences you’ll spot. The field is bigger, the teams have 12 players, and there are only three downs, making the action faster and riskier.
The Canadian Football League (CFL) has been around for more than a century, and every November, the Grey Cup turns into a nationwide party. It’s easy to join the fun. Most communities have recreational leagues or flag football teams open to beginners, and the atmosphere is always welcoming, even if you’re not familiar with all the rules.
Baseball: Canada’s summer tradition
When the snow melts and the patios open, baseball takes the spotlight. The Toronto Blue Jays, Canada’s only Major League Baseball (MLB) team, unite fans from coast to coast.
Outside the big leagues, baseball thrives in local and minor league teams, from small-town diamonds to community tournaments. Baseball is one of the easiest ways to join in Canada’s summer spirit, whether you’re swinging a bat for the first time or just enjoying the game-day vibe with a cold drink in hand.
Fast-growing passions: Basketball and soccer
Not long ago, hockey dominated almost every Canadian conversation about sports. But things have changed. Basketball courts and soccer fields are now buzzing from Vancouver to Halifax, fuelled by young players, immigrant communities, and a new generation of fans who’ve found their own game to love.
Basketball: The rise of the Raptors
Basketball has exploded in popularity, and a lot of that comes down to one unforgettable moment, the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 NBA Championship. When the team lifted the trophy, millions of Canadians, from big cities to tiny towns, proudly shouted “We The North.”
Since then, basketball has become one of the most played sports among Canadian youth, with outdoor courts popping up in nearly every neighbourhood. Canadian stars like Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Andrew Wiggins are lighting up the NBA, proving that Canada can compete with the best.
Soccer: The world’s game finds a Canadian home
Soccer has always been part of Canada’s multicultural heartbeat. Immigrant communities from every continent brought their passion for the sport with them, and today it’s one of the most popular sports in Canada for both players and fans.
Canada now has three teams in Major League Soccer (MLS), Toronto FC, CF Montréal, and the Vancouver Whitecaps, as well as the growing Canadian Premier League (CPL), which is building local talent and national pride.
And then there are the national teams. The Canadian women’s team are Olympic gold medalists, while the men’s team recently made headlines by qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, their first in 36 years.
Old favourites and new trends
Not every Canadian sport involves icy collisions or roaring crowds. Some are quieter, quirkier, and every bit as Canadian.
Curling: Canada’s coziest competition
There’s something wonderfully Canadian about a sport played with heavy stones, sweeping brooms, and endless “good shot!” compliments. Curling is often called “chess on ice,” and while it might look slow, it’s surprisingly addictive once you get the hang of it.
Most communities have curling clubs where anyone can join, even complete beginners. Many offer “learn to curl” sessions and lend equipment, making it an easy and welcoming way to meet people on cold winter nights.
Emerging sports: Where tradition meets trend
Canada isn’t just about its classics. A new wave of sports is gaining fans fast, especially among younger Canadians and newcomers looking for something fresh. Ultimate Frisbee, pickleball, and disc golf are now popping up in parks and community centres across the country.
These sports are easy to learn, social, and low-cost. Whether you’re sweeping stones, chasing a flying disc, or figuring out curling’s rules, it’s all about connection.
Outdoor winter fun: Where Canadians truly shine
From ice skating and skiing to snowshoeing, tobogganing, and ice fishing, people in Canada embrace the cold like no one else. You’ll see families skating along frozen canals or adventurers carving down the slopes of Whistler, Banff, and Mont-Tremblant.
Winter isn’t endured, it’s celebrated. Festivals like Winterlude in Ottawa and Carnaval de Québec in Quebec City transform sub-zero temperatures into pure joy, with snow sculptures, outdoor concerts, and steaming cups of hot chocolate.
Regional sports culture: From coast to coast
One of the best things about Canada is how every region adds its own twist to the country’s love of sports. Everywhere you go, sports bring people together in that classic, friendly Canadian way.
Prairies and Atlantic Canada
In the wide-open Prairies, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, sports are a true community affair. Football, curling, and hockey rule here, with entire towns showing up to cheer for their local teams.
Over in Atlantic Canada, hockey is a way of life too. Local leagues and youth programs keep the game alive, often in small rinks where everyone knows everyone, and where the post-game chatter is as important as the score.
Ontario and Quebec
Welcome to the epicentre of Canada’s pro sports scene. Ontario and Quebec are where big-city energy meets deep-rooted tradition.
In Toronto, fans have plenty to choose from, the Maple Leafs, Raptors, Blue Jays, and Argonauts all call the city home. Meanwhile, Montreal combines its legendary hockey culture with growing excitement around soccer and baseball’s comeback.
No matter your sport, these provinces are where the biggest crowds, and the loudest cheers, can be found.
Western and Northern Canada
Out west, in British Columbia, it’s all about the outdoors. Between the ocean, forests, and mountains, sports here stretch beyond the rink.
Locals spend their weekends mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, or skiing, with hockey still close to the heart. And farther north, in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, communities embrace traditional winter games and the magic of hockey played under the northern lights.
Sports for everyone: Inclusion, youth, and diversity
If there’s one thing that truly defines Canadian sports, it’s that everyone gets a chance to play. Canada’s sporting spirit is built on fairness, inclusion, and the belief that sport is for everyone, no matter your age, background, or ability.
Women leading the way
Canadian women continue to make history and inspire future generations. From Olympic gold in hockey and soccer to world titles in curling, rowing, and basketball, their achievements have reshaped what sports look like in Canada.
Across the country, more girls and women are joining local leagues, stepping into coaching roles, and showing that sports belong to everyone.
Accessible and adaptive sports
Canada also leads the way in creating opportunities for athletes with disabilities. Sports like sledge hockey, wheelchair basketball, and sitting volleyball have passionate communities that prove athleticism isn’t one-size-fits-all. Inclusive leagues and programs focus on connection as much as competition, celebrating resilience, teamwork, and joy.
Youth and community sports
For many Canadians, the love of sport begins at school. From playground games to varsity championships, sports teach teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. Schools and universities offer diverse programs, and for newcomers, community leagues provide a welcoming space where kids can build confidence, make friends, and feel part of something bigger.
Canada’s proudest sports moments and events
From legendary goals to championship wins, Canada’s sports history is full of moments that brought the whole country to its feet, and sometimes even to tears.
Historic highlights that shaped a nation
Some memories are so powerful, they’re passed down like family stories. Ask any Canadian about the 1972 Summit Series, when Team Canada beat the Soviet Union, and you’ll see that pride still flickers. Jump ahead to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, when Sidney Crosby’s “Golden Goal” sealed hockey gold on home ice, cue nationwide celebration.
And it’s not just hockey. When the Toronto Raptors clinched the 2019 NBA Championship, the entire country cheered as one. Add in the women’s soccer team’s Olympic gold and the men’s return to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and it’s clear Canadian pride stretches far beyond the rink.
Annual events that bring everyone together
You don’t have to wait decades for these moments, Canada’s sports calendar is packed with traditions that unite fans every year. The Grey Cup in November turns football into a national celebration, while Stanley Cup Playoff nights fill bars and living rooms with cheers.
In Montreal, the Canadian Grand Prix draws racing fans from around the world, while Calgary’s Stampede brings rodeo, concerts, and cowboy spirit to the summer. Even local marathons, charity runs, and weekend tournaments become celebrations of community and perseverance.
And with Canada co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the country is ready to write its next great sports story.
Find your place in Canada’s sports story
From frozen ponds to community fields, sports in Canada are a way to belong. They turn neighbours into teammates and help newcomers feel right at home. Whether you’re cheering, playing, or just watching with friends, there’s always room for one more.
At Remitly, we know that finding connection and community is such a big part of feeling at home. And in Canada, there’s no better way to do that than through the joy of sport.
FAQs
What is the most popular sport in Canada?
Hockey is Canada’s most popular sport, followed closely by soccer and basketball in participation.
How can newcomers get involved in sports in Canada?
Local recreation centres, community leagues, and school programs offer beginner-friendly opportunities year-round.
Is curling really popular in Canada?
Yes. Curling is a beloved social sport, especially in smaller towns, and many clubs welcome beginners.
What sports are growing fastest in Canada?
Basketball and soccer are growing fastest, thanks to accessibility, diversity, and international success.