Canada is a country with a rich history of sports driven by passion, tradition, and diversity. While ice hockey remains the undisputed national pastime and winter sport, the country has a lot of other ingenious sports as well that are widely lived across the country.
Sports unite Canadians across regions and backgrounds, and this dynamic interplay of heritage and modernity shows its athletic excellence. So let’s take a look at the top 4 most popular sports in Canada.
Ice Hockey
Ice Hockey is deeply embedded in Canadian culture and is considered the country’s national winter sport. Its history dates back to the 19th century, influenced by European stick-and-ball games. The first indoor game was played in 1875, and it quickly gained popularity due to the country’s cold climate, which allowed people to play the game.
Over time, it has become a significant part of the country’s sports history, and the national team has achieved promising milestones like winning the World Cup of Hockey twice. They also recently won the 4 Nations Face-Off, contributing to its worldwide dominance.
Lacrosse
Lacrosse is Canada’s official summer sport. It has indigenous origins, and the country is among the first nations to play this sport. The modern version of the sport was codified in Canada during the 19th century by Dr. William George Beers.
He established standardized rules and promoted its popularity. While ice hockey remains the most popular sport, lacrosse isn’t behind either with millions of fans and aspirants.
Soccer
Soccer has grown rapidly in popularity across Canada in recent decades. Although the game was overshadowed by hockey and lacrosse historically, the establishment of professional leagues like Major League Soccer (MLS) has contributed to the growing popularity of the game.
The country is also set to co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, which is expected to further elevate its popularity. It stands as one of the most popular team sports among Canadians, with approximately one million registered players surpassing hockey in terms of participation.
Basketball
Basketball in Canada has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. While initially developed in the United States, it has gained a significant name in Canada, too. The sport experienced a surge in popularity in the early 21st century, specifically after the Toronto Raptors won their first NBA championship in 2019. This win not only boosted the national interest but also highlighted Canadian talent in the NBA.
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