When most people think of Canadian sports, hockey is usually the first thing that comes to mind. It’s true that hockey holds a special place in Canadian hearts, but the country’s sporting landscape is much richer and more diverse than many realize.
In this blog, I’ll introduce you to 18 Canadian sports that aren’t hockey.
Lacrosse
Lacrosse is actually Canada’s official summer sport. It was originally played by Indigenous peoples and later adopted by European settlers. The game involves using a stick with a net to catch, carry, and throw a small rubber ball into the opponent’s goal. Lacrosse is known for its fast pace and requires a combination of speed, strength, and strategy.
Curling
Curling is a popular winter sport played on ice. Players slide heavy, polished granite stones towards a target area. Team members use brooms to sweep the ice in front of the moving stone, affecting its speed and direction. Curling is often called “chess on ice” because of the strategic thinking involved.
Canadian football
Canadian football is similar to American football but with some key differences. The field is larger, teams have 12 players instead of 11, and there are only three downs to advance the ball. The game is played professionally in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and is also popular at the college and high school levels.
Ringette
Ringette is a fast-paced ice sport primarily played by women and girls. Players use a straight stick to pass, carry, and shoot a rubber ring into the opponent’s net. Unlike hockey, there’s no physical contact allowed, which emphasizes skating skills and teamwork.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is both a recreational activity and a competitive sport in Canada. It involves walking over snow with special footwear that distributes weight over a larger area. Competitive snowshoeing includes races of various distances. This sport is accessible to people of all ages and is a great way to enjoy Canada’s winter landscapes.
Bandy
Bandy is played on ice like hockey but uses a ball instead of a puck. Players use curved sticks to hit the ball into the opponent’s goal. The game is played on a field the size of a soccer pitch and involves 11 players per team. Bandy is especially popular in northern Canada.
Broomball
Broomball is played on ice but without skates. Players wear special rubber-soled shoes and use “brooms” (actually sticks with molded ends) to hit a small ball into the opponent’s net. The game is less about speed and more about balance and teamwork. It’s a fun alternative for those who find ice skating challenging.
Canoe polo
Canoe polo combines canoeing with elements of water polo and basketball. Players paddle in kayaks and try to score goals by throwing a ball into elevated nets. The game requires excellent paddling skills, good aim, and the ability to work as a team. It’s played in pools and on lakes across Canada.
Ultimate frisbee
While not uniquely Canadian, ultimate frisbee has a huge following in Canada. Teams try to score points by passing a flying disc to a player in the end zone. The game is self-officiated, even at high levels, which promotes sportsmanship. Ultimate is known for its inclusive community and is played both casually and competitively.
5-pin bowling
5-pin bowling is a uniquely Canadian variation of bowling. It uses smaller balls without finger holes and five pins instead of ten. The pins are worth different point values, adding strategy to the game. This version of bowling was invented in Toronto and remains popular across Canada.
Pickleball
Pickleball has gained massive popularity in Canada, especially among older adults. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Players use solid paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over a net on a smaller court. The game is easy to learn but offers plenty of room for skill development.
Snowsnake
Snowsnake is a traditional Indigenous game played in winter. Players throw long wooden “snakes” along snow tracks, aiming for distance. The game requires skill in both creating the snake and throwing it correctly. Snowsnake competitions still take place in some Indigenous communities and cultural events.
Log rolling
Log rolling or birling, involves two competitors balancing on a floating log while trying to knock each other off. It originated from the logging industry but has become a competitive sport. Log rolling requires incredible balance, agility, and quick footwork. Competitions are held in various parts of Canada, especially near logging communities.
Sepak takraw
Sepak takraw, a Southeast Asian sport, has gained popularity in Canada’s diverse cities. It’s similar to volleyball but played with the feet and a rattan ball. Players use incredible acrobatic moves to keep the ball in the air and score points. The sport showcases Canada’s multicultural influences in athletics.
Kin-ball
Kin-ball was invented in Quebec and involves three teams playing simultaneously. Players use a huge inflatable ball, working together to serve and catch it. The game promotes inclusivity as it requires participation from all team members. Kin-ball is now played in schools across Canada and has international competitions.
Ice canoeing
Ice canoeing is a unique sport that originated in Quebec City. Teams alternate between paddling through icy waters and pushing their canoe across ice floes. This challenging sport requires strength, teamwork, and adaptability to changing ice conditions. Annual races attract both participants and spectators to the St. Lawrence River.
Skijoring
Skijoring involves a person on skis being pulled by a horse, dog, or motor vehicle. It combines elements of cross-country skiing with the thrill of being towed at high speeds. The sport is popular in snowy regions of Canada and requires a strong bond between the skier and the animal (if using horses or dogs). Skijoring competitions test both speed and obstacle navigation skills.
Shinny
Shinny is an informal version of ice hockey often played on frozen ponds or outdoor rinks. It typically has minimal equipment and loose rules. Players might use a tennis ball instead of a puck for safety. Shinny is a beloved Canadian pastime that brings communities together during winter months.
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