Canada's most popular sports: Which are the most famous sports in Canada?

Canada's most popular sports: Which are the most famous sports in Canada?

Sospeter Itolondo
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:19 PM

Canada has diverse climate seasons hence the wide range of games that can be played. They participate in both winter and summer games, which are lucrative due to the incredible support from the fans. Ice Hockey is one of Canada's most popular sports. Which other sports are popular in Canada? Let's find out.

Canada's most popular sports
Canada's national flag. Photo: Matt Anderson Photography
Source: Getty Images

Canada has some of the most talented athletes winning medals and trophies in different leagues and games. Their recent achievement is their FIFA 2022 World Cup appearance, where they were kicked out in the group stages. Here are some of the most popular sports in Canada, alongside football and ice hockey.

The country has different climates enabling it to accommodate all kinds of sports. Their vast population also contributes to the pool of talented athletes ready to represent their country. Here are the most popular sports played in Canada:

10. Curling

The sport might be less famous in other countries compared to Canada. Established in Scotland, the game has gained popularity and is sometimes referred to as chess on ice due to its mentally intense nature. It mainly involves sliding huge stones to a targeted area that looks like a bull's eye. The sport is organised by Curling Canada, which prepares curling championships. It is mainly played in the Prairie Provinces, Manitoba and Alberta.

Most popular sports in Canada
Jennifer Jones guides her team during the round-robin game of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games curling competition against China, in Beijing, on February 16, 2022. Photo: Lillian Suwanrumpha
Source: Getty Images

9. Basketball

Despite the sport's inventor being from the country, it has yet to be a top sport. They boast a massive pool of incredible basketball players participating in competitions such as the NBA, FIBA Basketball World Cup and the summer Olympics. Their team, Toronto Raptors, won the 2019 NBA Championship after beating the Golden State Warriors.

What are the most popular sports in Canada?
Fred VanVleet of the Toronto Raptors during the warm-up before the game against Philadelphia 7ers NBA regular season game at Scotiabank Arena on October 28, 2022, in Toronto. Photo: Anatoliy Cherkasov
Source: Getty Images

8. Rugby

The Rugby Union has made strides in making the sport more popular in Canada. Both young and senior players have shown interest and participate in the leagues and tournaments such as the Canadian Rugby Championship, Americas Rugby Championship, among others.

most popular sports played in Canada
Canada's Harry Jones looks to pass the ball in the men's pool B rugby sevens match against Fiji during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Tokyo Stadium in Tokyo, on July 26, 2021. Photo: Ben Stansall
Source: Getty Images

7. Tennis

It is one of the country's most popular games, attracting more than 6 million amateur and professional players. They have provided elite athletes such as Milos Raonic, who peaked as world number three.

Greatest sports in Canada
Felix Auger-Aliassime plays a forehand against Oscar Otte of Germany during the Davis Cup match at Palacio de Los Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena on November 24, 2022. Photo: Sanjin Strukic
Source: Getty Images

6. Football (Soccer)

They have the Canadian Premier League and Major League Soccer which facilitate the sport in the country. It is one of the most popular games in the country, with their country being ranked number 41 in the world, which is incredible. Their national team boasts great footballers such as Alphonso Davies.

Which sport are Canadians known for?
Alphonso Davies shows dejection after the 1-2 defeat at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group F match against Morocco at Al Thumama Stadium, on December 1, 2022, in Doha, Qatar. Photo: Adam Pretty
Source: Getty Images

As of 2006, more than 2.6 million people played soccer professionally in Canada, with the first match ever happening in 1876, making it one of the greatest sports in Canada.

5. Cricket

The sport has been in the country since 1892, attracting more than 40,000 professional cricket players. They have domestic championships, such as the National T20 Championship and Scotia Shield U-19, which attract even more athletes to grace the sport.

Canada's most popular sports
Ben Calitz of Canada during the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Plate Quarter Final 3 match against Zimbabwe at Ibbies Oval on January 28, 2020, in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Photo: Sydney Seshibedi
Source: Getty Images

4. Baseball

As a close cousin to cricket, baseball had to be represented. Major League Baseball (MLB) and other championships propel the sport forward. Baseball Canada reported that an estimated 120,000 players were attracted to the sport in 2016.

What are the most popular sports in Canada?
Jordan Romano of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches to the Boston Red Sox in the ninth inning during their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on October 2, 2022, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Photo: Mark Blinch
Source: Getty Images

3. Canadian football

The game is similar to rugby and American football. It has its origins in the 1860s. It has two opposing teams of twelve members. The country's professional league is called the Canadian Football League. The sport is so massive in the country that in 2014, 33% of the population watched the Grey Cup.

Most popular sports played in Canada
Jamal Davis of the Montreal Alouettes on the sidelines during a game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Percival Molson Stadium on November 6, 2022, in Montreal, Canada. Photo: John E. Sokolowski
Source: Getty Images

2. Lacrosse

The sport is less widespread outside Canada than in North American nations. It has roots in the 17th century, and fills Canadians with thrill and adrenaline. Canada is also one of the most lethal countries to play the sport, especially after enthralling the United States in a fierce match to win the World Lacrosse Championship, which they had missed in 28 years.

Greatest sports in Canada
Megan Kinna (C) leads celebrations after their 8-6 victory against Australia during the 2017 FIL Rathbones Women's Lacrosse World Cup on July 20th. Photo: Michael Steele
Source: Getty Images

1. Ice Hockey

So, what is the most common sport in Canada? Of course, it is ice hockey. It is one of the most watched games in Canada; for example, the 2018 NHL playoffs attracted a massive 68% of the population to watch. The NHL has seven teams. The country's climate and infrastructure allow the sport to grow exponentially.

Which sport are Canadians known for?
Hoilett of the Calgary Hitmen jumps into a pile of plush toys after scoring during the annual Teddy Bear Toss game at the Scotiabank Saddledome on December 4, 2022, in Alberta. Photo: Leah Hennel
Source: Getty Images

The country has many games that they fancy. Their top popular games include ice hockey, Lacrosse, Canadian football, baseball, cricket, soccer, tennis, rugby, basketball and curling.

What sport is Canada known for?

Ice hockey is Canada's top national sport. This is due to the tradition and infrastructure developed over time, together with the fans' support.

What is the number 1 sport in Canada, and why?

Ice hockey is the number one sport in the country due to the large following and fans it attracts. It is so massive that 68% of the population watched the 2018 NHL playoffs. It is also their national sport.

What is the number 1 sport in the world?

Football is the world's most popular sport. It attracts over 3.5 billion followers worldwide. It has legendary stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappe and many others who have amassed millions of followers through the sport. The game's most-watched event is the World Cup which happens every four years.

What are the most popular sports in Canada?
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal controls the ball during the Portugal Training Session at Grand Hamad Stadium on December 1, 2022, in Doha, Qatar. Photo: Mohamed Farag
Source: Getty Images

What is Canada's nickname?

The country has hundreds of nicknames, such as "Land of Maple Syrup", "America's hat", "Victorialand", "Canuc", among others. However, the nickname that stands out the most is the "Great White North".

Ice hockey comes out on the list of Canada's most popular sports. The country also enjoys other game options such as Lacrosse, cricket, soccer, Canadian football and curling.

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