10. MMA
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport based on striking, grappling, and ground fighting that incorporates techniques from various combat sports such as boxing, kickboxing, and martial arts worldwide. It is also known as cage fighting; no holds barred, and ultimate fighting. Athletes from Canada have been among the most elite fighters in the profession since organized MMA fights. Canadian MMA competitors are among the finest globally, as evidenced by their achievements. Many Canadian MMA fighters have dominated the sport for years, whether they competed in the UFC, Bellator, or other organizations. It is believed that UFC has managed to make MMA one of Canada’s favorite sports.
9. Curling
Curling is a popular sport in Canada, particularly in the Prairie Provinces, where several well-known teams are located in Alberta and Manitoba. Tim Hortons Brier is the name of the men’s national curling championship. Women also play this game, and it is one of the most televised women’s sports in Canada. Scotties Tournament of Hearts is the name of the women’s championship. Since 1995, Ford Canada has sponsored the world curling tournament, previously known as the Ford World Curling Championship. Curling has traditionally been associated with the military in Canada, and it was brought here from Scotland.
8. Basketball
Basketball has a deep history with the Canadians, as it was created in 1891 by a Canadian named James Naismith. Naismith created the sport while he was looking for a safe pastime that would require talent. Basketball has evolved into what it is now, and it has become one of the world’s most skilled sports.
In 1928, “Basketball Canada” was established as the sport’s official governing body in Canada. The NBA of the United States handed two franchises to two Canadian clubs, the Vancouver Grizzlies and the Toronto Raptors, in 11994, and the new generation of Canadian basketball overcame this. Basketball is one of the most popular recreational activities in Canada.
7. Rugby
Rugby was most likely introduced to Canada by the Royal Navy in 1823, which aided in its spread across the country. Even though the game had entirely vanished from the country, it was brought back by developing a national squad and a rudimentary domestic league. Rugby union is a prominent sport in Canada.
Despite being a fairly popular sport, Canada competes in several international tournaments, including the Rugby World Cup the Churchill Cup. Canada does not have a full-time professional league as a tier two rugby nation.
6. Cricket
Cricket was the most popular sport in Canada until the popularity of ice hockey grew in the early twentieth century. Due to its popularity, it was proclaimed Canada’s national sport by John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister. It is now Canada’s fastest-growing sport, with over 40,000 active players.
In 1979, 2003, 2007, and 2011, Canada competed in four Cricket World Cups. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has yet to permit Canada to play test matches. The country features a strong women’s cricket squad and a U-19 team that has competed in three U-19 World Cup games.
5. Soccer
Soccer is the most popular sport on the planet, having enthusiasts in every country. Soccer games in Canada are known for their passion and emotions. The game can be traced back to 1876, when the first match was held.
Since then, Canada has risen to prominence as a soccer tournament contender. In 2006, over 2,695,712 people played professional soccer in Canada, according to FIFA, the world soccer regulatory body. Soccer is the most popular sport in the region regarding the participation rate.
Soccer is played in two leagues in Canada: the Canadian Premier League and Major League Soccer. The Canadian Soccer Association governs the sport.
4. Baseball
Baseball also has a long history associated with Canada, just like basketball, and its popularity has risen in recent years. Big League Baseball is a significant competition that features all of the country’s best clubs.
There are always Canadian clubs in the American League and several semi-professional and amateur teams that compete in other local leagues and championships. Labatt Park in Ontario, Canada, is home to the world’s oldest baseball park.
3. Canadian Football
Canadian football is placed third on the list of most popular sports in Canada. Furthermore, the Grey Cup, Canada’s annual football championship, is one of the country’s most significant yearly sporting events. Many gambling platforms provide tempting deals on online casinos for real money during the Grey Cup celebration, allowing fans to gain a substantial sum of money. It’s entertaining and helps you connect with the game better.
Even though Canadian football evolved from rugby in the early 1860s, Canadians created their modern football. On November 9, 1861, the University of Toronto hosted the first known football game. The Canadian Football League is the country’s national football league (CFL).
2. Lacrosse
Lacrosse is a game that the Canadians have enjoyed for as long as they can remember, dating back to the 17th century. Lacrosse was designated as Canada’s national sport in 1859 and as a summer sport in 1994. It has attracted the attention of tens of thousands of people all around the country.
In the United States, there are two professional lacrosse leagues: the National Lacrosse League for box lacrosse and the Major League Lacrosse for field lacrosse. The 2006 World Lacrosse Championship was won by Canada, who ended the United States’ 28-year winning streak with a 15-10 victory in the final.
1. Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is the most popular sport in Canada, and the activity has been designated as the country’s official national sport. In both Canada and the United States, the “National Hockey League (NHL)” is a professional ice hockey league. Canada’s national winter sport is ice hockey. Ice hockey is a popular sport to play and follow at the highest level because of the environment in Canada. Most Canadians watch the National Hockey League (NHL), consisting of seven teams: Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton, Montreal, and Calgary. The 2018 NHL playoffs were watched by almost 68 percent of Canadians. This fact further cements ice hockey’s position as Canada’s most popular sport.