Sports are a massive part of Canadian (and North American) culture, and no, it’s not just hockey here. Canadians are enthusiastic about all kinds of sports, from lacrosse and baseball to extreme winter sports and everything in between.
This guide is for international visitors, newcomers, sports fans, and anyone curious about Canada’s sporting culture.
Hockey is definitely Canada’s most beloved sport and has become a symbol of cultural significance. The sport is at the top of the list of things synonymous with Canada and our heritage. Visitors can catch NHL or local league games in any city and almost every town. Outdoor ice hockey is a popular way for Canadians to spend time outdoors in the freezing winters–a silver lining while coping with long dark nights and subzero temperatures.
Canada owes recognition to the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy) First Nations for inventing the country’s official summer sport. The Cherokee and Choctaw Nations also played variations of the sport.
Lacrosse, which is still very popular, was originally called “baggataway” or “tewaarathon”. Historically, it was more than just a sport, it was a ceremonial practice used for conflict resolution, healing, and honouring the Creator. Games could involve hundreds of players and last for days.
The 17th-century French settlers initially named the game “lacrosse” because they thought the stick looked like a bishop's crozier.
Curling, figure skating, and baseball deserve honourable mentions as crucial aspects of Canadian sports culture, as these sports have garnered national followings.
Canada is vast and its terrains are varied. This has led to the development of a variety of different sporting activities based on the region.
Skiing and snowboarding in Whistler, the Rockies, and other popular mountainous areas.
Hiking, trekking and mountain biking in the mountains of BC and Alberta.
Sailing
Rowing
Ice hockey (indoor and outdoor)
One-foot high kick
Two-foot high kick
Alaskan high kick
Knuckle hop
Arm pull
Airplane
Seal hop
Head pull
Dene stick pull
Snow snake
Toe kick
Sledge jump
Blanket toss
Dog sledding
Basketball (Toronto is home to the Raptors)
Baseball (again, the Toronto Blue Jays are the big Canadian team)
Canadian Football (CFL)
Canadian sports teams are part of several major leagues, including the National Hockey League, the Canadian Football League, Major League Baseball, and the National Basketball Association.
Tickets for major league games can be purchased through Ticketmaster, online through official websites for individual teams, or through resale sites such as Stub Hub. The price for a major league ticket in Canada starts as low as CA$25 for MLB and CFL games and can go as high as CA$500 depending on the seats, whether it's playoffs or finals, and the popularity of the team. Some NHL tickets can even cost up to CA$1,000.
To say Canadian sports fans are enthusiastic would be an understatement. The passionate crowds, an array of food vendors, tempting merch stands, and the dazzling pre-game shows all help to create an emotive, unforgettable cultural experience in Canada.
To get the most out of your visit to Canada, check out several sports experiences tied to Canada’s unique landscape and culture:
Friendly learn-to-curl sessions hosted by local clubs.
All-level ski and snowboarding schools in Canada’s epic mountain ranges.
Guided canoe or kayak trips on lakes and waterways.
Snowshoeing in beautiful winter surroundings.
Dog sledging tours in the Arctic.
People were playing sports in Canada centuries before “Canada” even existed. Traditional Indigenous games are a crucial part of the culture and help to uphold community connection and expression.
Visitors are welcome to witness the North American Indigenous Games which combine sports, art and ceremony as part of First Nations heritage. Attend these events with openness, humility and respect, and you can learn from and engage with Indigenous cultures in a meaningful and insightful way.
A riot broke out in Montreal after NHL star Maurice "Rocket" Richard was suspended by league president Clarence Campbell. Fans (especially French Canadians) were outraged, and the riot became a symbol of the rise of Quebec nationalism.
There are times when sports and politics overlap. During the Cold War, Canada and the Soviet Union competed in an 8-game hockey series that, while remaining non-violent, carried a strong political charge.
Paul Henderson scored the final goal of the series. This emotional moment became permanently lodged in the memories and hearts of proud Canadians and was a significant contributor to national pride during the war.
Sprinter Ben Johnson won Olympic gold in Seoul and then was stripped of his medal once officials discovered his steroid use during the competition.
This was one of Canada’s major historical sports scandals and helped to further the conversation around sports ethics.
When we said that Canadians take hockey very seriously, we meant it. Riots broke out in downtown Vancouver after the Canucks lost Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals in 1994.
Properties were damaged and citizens were left unsettled. Needless to say, no matter how emotional one may feel about their team, violence and damage are never a great idea.
At the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, snowboarder Ross Rebagliati won the first-ever Olympic gold medal in snowboarding. Right after his win, he tested positive for cannabis and had his medal taken away (temporarily). The final decision was, however, overturned as cannabis was not officially banned by the International Olympic Committee at the time. The incident contributed to the ongoing debate of cannabis policies in sports and turned Rebagliati into an unlikely pop culture icon in Canada–20 years before the federal legalisation of cannabis.
The opposite of a riot, inspired peaceful mass celebrations after Canada won gold in men's hockey and topped the gold medal count.
A second, more destructive riot occurred after another Game 7 Stanley Cup Final loss.
The 2011 riot caused millions in damage and over 100 arrests, despite being a pre-planned public viewing event. Again, such emotional and destructive reactions are uncalled for and not a great use of taxpayers' money.
People travel far and wide to attend some of Canada's biggest and most popular events If you are planning to visit Canada with the intent to catch some big games or tournaments, book your flights and accommodations well in advance.
Here are some of the top events on the Canadian sports calendar:
Stanley Cup playoffs: This Championship Tournament for the National Hockey League is held every spring.
Grey Cup: The annual championship game of the Canadian Football League (CFL), held each November, featuring a week-long festival
Rogers Cup: A premier professional tennis tournament (also known as the National Bank Open), held annually in Toronto and Montreal, alternating men’s and women’s events between cities.
Canada Winter Games: A multi-sport event held every four years, featuring young athletes from across Canada competing in winter sports.
International Competitions: Canada has hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup and past Olympics (1988 Calgary Winter Games and the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games)
Sports have always been an effective way to make friends, immerse in a new community, and get a feel for local pastimes and traditions. Luckily Canadians are known for their friendliness, and newcomers are welcome to join local leagues and clubs. If you love sports and are itching to play, join a local recreation centre which offers opportunities to participate in sporting events. Regional Facebook groups are a great way to find information about local sporting action.
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