Top 10 Most Popular Sports in Canada

Rugby originated in England, and in 1823, it was introduced to Canada by the British Army, settlers, and the Royal Navy. Over the years, rugby has become one of the strongest sports in Canada, with the country excelling in international competitions. The development of national coaching programs has greatly contributed to the sport's growth and success in the nation.

Lacrosse is one of the oldest sports in Canada. The National Lacrosse Association of Canada was the country's first sports body, established in 1867. In 1994, lacrosse was officially recognized as the national summer sport of Canada. On the world stage, both the men's and women's national lacrosse teams are highly regarded. The Canadian women's team, in particular, is considered one of the best globally. In 2013, they reached the FIL World Cup finals, facing the United States and securing a silver medal.

Although baseball is considered the national sport of the United States, its popularity has spread across the border into Canada. In the land of the red maple leaf, baseball is one of the most beloved summer sports. Most of Canada's baseball players are passionate university students, full of youthful energy and sports enthusiasm. The sport reached its peak in Canada during the 1990s, when the Toronto Blue Jays won back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993. In 1997, Larry Walker of the Colorado Rockies became the first Canadian to be awarded the prestigious title of World Baseball's Most Valuable Player.

Cricket is becoming increasingly popular in Canada. In 1968, Canada joined the International Cricket Council (ICC), enhancing its chances of participating in international tournaments. The Canadian national cricket team regularly competes in global events, having participated in five ICC Cricket World Cups, with the most recent one in 2016. Today, Canada is actively expanding its cricket programs, training initiatives, and related activities.

Curling is one of the top 10 most popular sports in Canada. The game involves two teams, each with four players, who use brooms to slide stones across ice toward a target. The first curling club in Canada was founded in 1807, marking the sport's early roots. Both men and women participate in curling, making it one of the most-watched women's sports on television in the country.

Tennis Canada is the governing body for tennis in the country, dedicated to promoting the sport at local, national, and international levels. Tennis has become one of Canada's favorite recreational activities, with nearly 3 million people playing across the nation, over half of whom are young individuals. The organization focuses on encouraging participation in tennis and fostering talent across all age groups.

Scotland is the birthplace of golf, a sport associated with nobility. When Scottish immigrants arrived in Canada, they brought golf with them, introducing it to the Canadian public. In October 1973, the first golf club in Canada, the Montreal Golf Club (MGC), was founded by a young Scottish man, Alexander Dennistoun, who also served as the club's first president and captain. This landmark event helped fuel the growth of golf courses across Canada, and today, the country is considered one of the top golf-playing nations in the world.

Hockey is the most popular sport in Canada and holds the status of the country's official national sport. It is widely practiced both for domestic leagues and international competitions. The Canadian National Hockey League (NHL), which has expanded into both Canada and the U.S., is home to many prominent teams. Today, Canada boasts well-known NHL teams such as Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Ottawa.

Basketball, a team sport, was invented in 1891 by Canadian James Naismith. This laid the foundation for the development of professional basketball worldwide. The official governing body for basketball in Canada, Canada Basketball, was founded in 1928. Basketball had already spread across Canada before 1900 and continues to attract participants today, with many young, talented players undergoing training to compete professionally on the international stage.

Soccer, the world's most popular sport, has been a fixture in Canada for many years. Although Canada has its own set of unique rules for soccer, the core principles of the game are largely maintained. The first soccer match in Canada took place in Toronto in October 1876, featuring two local teams. While soccer hasn't reached the same level of popularity in Canada as in Europe, Canada's women's soccer team has achieved significant success in international competitions. In 2015, Canada hosted the FIFA Women's World Cup and enjoyed considerable success.