There are regional differences in the popularity of sports, and the sports that are popular in Canada can be very different to elsewhere around the world. Here is a discussion and lists of the most popular sports in Canada. See more lists of top sports by country.

Most Popular Searches

One measure of popularity is the number of times a sport is searched for online. Using only sport name searches over a four year period, has found the most popular sport in Canada based on search volume is: Ice Hockey. No surprises there.

"Ice hockey's dominance in Canadian search data reflects its deep cultural significance. Unlike many countries where multiple sports compete for attention, hockey in Canada transcends mere popularity - it's part of the national identity."
— Robert J. Wood, PhD, Founder of Topend Sports

Popular Sports in Canada

Some of the popular sports in Canada include the following:

  • Ice Hockey - This is the most popular sport in Canada, with passionate fans from coast to coast. The NHL features seven Canadian teams, and hockey is deeply embedded in Canadian culture.
  • Lacrosse - This sport is played with teams of ten players each. It was declared Canada's national summer sport in 1994, and has Native American roots predating European contact.
  • Curling - This sport is played on an ice rink with two teams of four players each. Canada has won numerous Olympic medals in curling and hosts major international competitions.
  • Snowshoeing - A traditional winter activity that has evolved into a competitive sport, particularly popular in Quebec and other snowy regions.
  • Skiing - Both alpine and cross-country skiing are popular across Canada, with world-class resorts in British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec.
  • Canoeing - This sport is played on lakes and rivers throughout Canada, reflecting the country's vast wilderness and waterway traditions.

Pro Tip: When analyzing sports popularity by country, search data provides objective measurement compared to surveys which can be influenced by how questions are framed.

Canada's Unique Sporting Identity

Canada's sporting preferences are shaped by its climate, geography, and cultural heritage. Winter sports naturally dominate due to the long, cold winters experienced across most of the country. The 1994 National Sports of Canada Act officially recognized ice hockey as the national winter sport and lacrosse as the national summer sport.

Beyond the traditional favorites, Canadians also show strong interest in:

  • Canadian Football - The CFL has a dedicated following with unique rules differing from American football
  • Baseball - The Toronto Blue Jays maintain a strong fanbase as Canada's only MLB team
  • Basketball - Interest has surged following the Toronto Raptors' 2019 NBA Championship
  • Soccer - Growing rapidly, especially with Canada co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup
"The upcoming 2026 World Cup will be a watershed moment for Canadian soccer. We're already seeing increased search interest for soccer-related terms across Canada."
— Robert Wood, Sports Data Analyst at Topend Sports