Sports in Canada

Sports are a huge part of Canadian culture, and getting into local sports — whether as a player or a fan — is a fantastic way to connect with your community and feel at home. Canada has two official national sports: lacrosse (summer) and ice hockey (winter). But hockey is really the sport that defines the Canadian spirit more than any other.

Ice hockey is almost a religion in Canada. The National Hockey League (NHL) has seven Canadian teams: the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, Ottawa Senators, and the Winnipeg Jets. Hockey fans here are passionate, knowledgeable, and deeply loyal. Even if you've never watched a game before, attending a live NHL game is an unforgettable experience.

Canada is also a powerhouse in international sports. The Canadian men's and women's national hockey teams have won multiple Olympic gold medals. Canada's women's soccer team famously won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Canadian athletes have excelled in basketball (Canada's NBA team, the Toronto Raptors, won the championship in 2019), curling, skiing, swimming, and many track and field events.

Football — Canadian Football League (CFL) style, which is slightly different from American football — also has a devoted fan base. The Grey Cup, awarded to the CFL champion each year, is one of Canada's oldest and most celebrated sporting traditions. Baseball fans have the Toronto Blue Jays to cheer for, and basketball fans support the Toronto Raptors.

Beyond professional sports, Canadians love recreational activities. Skiing and snowboarding in the Rockies, cycling on extensive trail networks, hiking in national parks, canoeing, and playing recreational hockey at community rinks are all popular pastimes. Many communities have free or low-cost recreational programs that are a great way for newcomers to get active and make friends.