Canadians, like every other country, are very much interested in professional sports. And here we have listed top or most popular sports in Canada country.
It is reported that more than a million Canadians play ice hockey games. Apart from ice hockey, Canadians are very active when it comes to sports both as a pastime and as a profession.
Top 10 most popular sports in Canada
This article shows the most popular sports in Canada. Let’s proceed the lists.
10. Golf Sports
Golf was introduced into Canada in the 15th century. Since its inception, there’s no doubt that Canadians love this sport.
Canada has a lot of pro golfers who excite fans with their amazing antics. Moreover, Canada can boast of having more than a hundred golf courses.
The golf tournament called The Canadian Open as well as other notable tournaments, brings in professional golfers from all around the world into Canadian soil.
9. Curling Sports Game
Although curling may be unfamiliar to other countries, in Canada, it is well known and well played.
The origin of curling began in Scotland during the medieval period.
This chess on ice game is played mostly in Manitoba, Prairie Provinces and Alberta.
Curling Canada organizes the national curling championship every year, and the Canada Club Championship attracts public attention from all over the world.
9. Basketball
James Naismith; a Canadian, invented basketball. However, according to our statistics, it is the 8th most popular sport in Canada.
In 2019, Toronto Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors and won the NBA championship. The game had an audience of 15.9 million Canadians which is over 44% of the country’s population.
Canada basketball players also compete on an international level, like during the Summer Olympics and also in the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
7. Rugby Sports
Rugby began in 1823 and has gained so much popularity in Canada.
Internationally, Canada is a two tier rugby country with over 29,000 players with 13,000 players.
These players’ participation in tournaments like Canada Rugby Championship and Americas Rugby Championship has made rugby popular in the country.
Also Check: Top 10 Most Popular Sports in Australia
6. Soccer Sports
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. However, it is the 6th most popular sport in Canada.
Since the inception of soccer in 1876, soccer has been popular ever since then.
Canada undoubtedly has so many soccer lovers with more than 3 million professional players as of now. With the high number of players, there’s no doubt that soccer is the most popular sport in Canada when it comes to participation.
The Canadian Soccer Association; a body that governs the sport, takes charge over the Major League Soccer and the Canadian Premier League where players compete for the championship trophy.
5. Cricket Sports Game
In Canada, there are more than 40,000 cricketers and it is the 5th most popular sport.
This sport which began in 1892 has risen to a new level with so many fans and supporters in the country.
Tournaments like Scotia Shield U -19 and the National T20 championship continue to draw people into the sport.
4. Baseball
Were you waiting for us to say baseball? Well you have it now.
Baseball is very popular in Canada. It is the 4th most popular sport in the country.
Apart from the fact that many MLB stars trace their beginnings to Canada, today, the sport attracts a lot of audience, fans and supporters.
As of 2016, Baseball players in Canada are more than 120,000 and today have increased so significantly.
3. Canadian Football Sports Game
Canadian football originated from rugby in the early 1860s. It is played by two teams of 12 players each.
Canadian Football League (CFL) governs the sport’s professional league and the championship games are always attracting massive turnouts and media coverage.
In 2014, the Grey Cup had an audience of 33% of the country’s population.
Football Canada is in charge of Canadian football amateur games.
The sport is also played by minors in junior, high school and college. Minors also play professionally in the Canadian Junior Football League.
2. Lacrosse
A sport very popular in North America, which began in the 17th century. Canadians have always loved lacrosse and the country’s team is considered a big opponent to lacrosse players in other countries.
Known to be a Canadian summer sport, this sport has many lovers in Canada and in the summer Olympics.
Canada will forever go down in history for winning the 2006 World Lacrosse Championship after winning the US.
1. Ice Hockey Sports
We’ve come to our top 1 most popular sport in Canada and yes, you guessed right. Ice Hockey!
There are seven NHL teams in Canada. The Canadian climate is a perfect atmosphere for the sport to be played.
68%of the country’s population turned out for the 2018 NHL playoffs and it is no doubt that Ice Hockey is the most popular sport in Canada.
Conclusion
We’ve shown you the top 10 most popular sports in Canada. Each sport comes with its own thrills and excitement for fans and viewers. Did your favorite sport make the list ?
Do let us know in the comment section. Please share.
