Sports are a major part of the fabric of Canadian culture, and the country’s national identity and history.
Sure, people are aware Canadians are fanatical about ice hockey — but there’s another sport the country is just as mad about.
So here’s an intriguing question: “What is Canada’s national sport?” In this article, we’re going to try to provide an answer.
We’ll look at the stories behind Canada’s official national sports and how they’ve shaped the country’s cultural identity.
What Is the National Sport of Canada?
Canada is the only country with two national sports.
In 1994, the government named ice hockey as the national winter sport and lacrosse as the national summer sport, acknowledging the cultural significance of each.
Hockey is a symbol of winter weather and civic pride; lacrosse is rooted in Indigenous traditions and holds a place as the oldest organized sport in the country.
Together, they highlight two different aspects of the country’s identity — and provide a starting point to explore the rules, history, and myths behind each.
Lacrosse – Canada’s National Summer Sport
Lacrosse isn’t just a sport in Canada—it’s a connection to its past. First played by the Indigenous population, it became a form of cultural identity and community.
Not only is it the oldest organized sport in the country, but has been around for centuries before we started keeping records.
This unique combination of history and present-day growth is part of the reason why it remains Canada’s official national summer sport.
Rules of Lacrosse
The game of lacrosse is simple—you score by shooting a small ball into the opponent’s net.
Team size varies depending on whether you are playing field lacrosse (which has 10 players) or indoor “box” lacrosse (which has 6).
Players use lacrosse sticks, or crosses, and equipment such as helmets and shoulder pads while on the field.
The game changes a lot based on where you play it — field vs. box — and as a result the playing styles and strategies are quite different.
Representative Figures
Gaylord Powless: Inducted into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1990 and remembered as one of the sport’s greatest Indigenous players.
Gary Gait: Winner of multiple NCAA championships with Syracuse, NLL MVP titles, and inducted into both the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame (2014) and U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame (2005).
Paul Gait: Also a multiple NCAA champion, NLL All-Star, and inducted into both the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame (2014) and U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame (2005).
Ice Hockey – Canada’s National Winter Sport
Ice hockey isn’t just a sport in Canada – it’s a life force.
With a long and storied history, it has managed to captivate and thrill the entire country.
Whether it’s a friendly game of shinny on a frozen pond, or a professional game in the big city, hockey is something that unites us.
Besides being its most recognizable sport, hockey is a part of Canada’s identity on the world stage.
Rules of Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is fast-paced, exciting, and has some fascinating rules.
There are six players on each team, who try to score on each other’s nets.
The game consists of three periods of 20 minutes, as the teams essentially play against the clock and each other to score the most points.
It’s played on a rink, with a puck, and everyone wears pads to protect from injuries.
The pace of the game can shift rapidly, especially when penalties are involved, creating power plays where one team has temporary advantage. It’s all about teamwork and tactics.
Representative Figures
Wayne Gretzky: Winner of four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers, nine Hart Trophies as league MVP, and inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame immediately after retiring.
Hayley Wickenheiser: Captured four Olympic gold medals and one silver with Team Canada, named IIHF Female Player of the Year, and inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2019.
Carey Price: Awarded the Hart Trophy (MVP), Vezina Trophy (best goalie), and an Olympic gold medal in 2014, as well as a World Cup of Hockey title with Team Canada.
4 Fun Facts About The National Sports
1. The Ancient Origins of Lacrosse
Lacrosse goes back even further than modern Canada.
As a spiritual ritual and a form of conflict resolution for Indigenous communities, the extravagant contests included hundreds of players that would play out on fields stretching miles.
For the sport to have developed from this to the one we know today is truly remarkable. It’s a nod to Canada’s rich and ancient cultural past.
2. Hockey’s First Pucks Were Frozen Horse Manure
Hockey pucks used to be made of frozen horse manure.
When hockey was first played, players simply wanted to play, and frozen animal waste was one of the items they could use to play.
If it’s any consolation, the first pucks were all that was available. Luckily, they are now made of vulcanized rubber.
Just a funny testament to how the sport was something people did for fun and how spontaneous and creative its beginnings were.
3. The Longest Professional Hockey Game in History
The longest professional hockey game lasted 176 minutes and 30 seconds.
In 1936, the Detroit Red Wings faced off against the Montreal Maroons in this marathon game.
They played six full overtime periods with nobody able to score, so a single goal broke the tie six hours later.
The endurance that hockey players have is truly impressive.
4. Lacrosse Began as a Spiritual Ritual
Once upon a time, lacrosse was played by the hundreds, on fields that stretched for miles.
In its earliest form, lacrosse was more than a game—it was a ritual and a deeply spiritual ceremony.
Picture a divinely chaotic scene of hundreds of men traversing the fields, with goals scattered hundreds of yards away.
But a scene of such grand and immense scale is a window into what lacrosse looked like at its inception, and how deeply it was embedded into society.
3 Popular Sports in Canada
1. Basketball
Basketball is growing in popularity and some of the country’s larger cities have a strong basketball culture.
The NBA is quite popular and Canada has had a number of elite players who have made it big in the league.
Many of these athletes have won NBA titles or earned spots in the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame.
Famous Canadian Basketball Players
Players like Steve Nash, a two-time NBA MVP, and young up-and-comers Andrew Wiggins and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander highlight the skill and enthusiasm that Canada has for the sport.
2. Curling
Curling is close to the hearts of many Canadians, especially in rural areas and small towns.
The sport is connected to Canada in a way that lends even non-Canadians to become fascinated by its strategic complexity.
Major events, such as the Brier Championship and the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, attract fans and participants from everywhere.
Famous Canadian Curlers
Some of the most famous curlers are Kevin Martin, Jennifer Jones, and Rachel Homan.
These curlers have made their marks on the country and have helped to shift the perception of curling.
3. Canadian Football
The Grey Cup, which serves as Canada’s sporting event of the year, is a great example of just how intense Canadian football can be.
It brings together fans nationwide in a celebration that blends tradition, rivalry, and spectacle.
Famous Canadian Football Players
Legendary players such as Doug Flutie made their mark in the CFL, while homegrown stars like Russ Jackson and Anthony Calvillo became household names.
Tips for Travelers and Sports Enthusiasts
Experience a Hockey Game Live
There is nothing more exciting than being at a hockey game in person.
From an NHL game with fans chanting to a wild junior league one, the excitement in the building is palpable.
If you are in Canada, this is a must in order to understand just how much the country loves this sport.
Visit Sports Museums
If you’re interested in Canadian sports history, there are some great museums.
The Hall of Fame and Museum in Toronto (all Hall of Fames and Museums here) is a must.
You can learn about the history and see the memorabilia of Canada national sport. It’s a really interesting place to visit.
Try Playing the Sports
In just about every community center you’ll find in Canada, you can take beginner lessons for hockey or lacrosse (or take your first shift in a pair of skates).
Playing the national sports is one of the best ways to experience the culture. And, of course, it’s a great way to meet locals and make friends.
Respect Indigenous Roots
Lacrosse is more than just a game; it’s an important symbol of Indigenous culture and history in Canada.
Make it a point to look for Indigenous perspectives if you want to appreciate the cultural importance of the sport. Be prepared to listen with an open heart and mind.
The insights you’ll gain from these exchanges can be eye-opening and enrich your appreciation of Canada’s multifaceted history.
FAQ
1. Which Canadian universities are known for strong lacrosse programs?
Universities like McGill, Trent, and Brock have well-established lacrosse programs with national recognition.
2. Are there national halls of fame for both hockey and lacrosse?
Yes, the Hockey Hall of Fame is in Toronto, and the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame is in New Westminster, BC.
3. Which Canadian cities have the strongest lacrosse fan base?
Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Hamilton have strong professional and amateur lacrosse followings.
4. Do Canada’s national sports appear in school textbooks or curricula?
Yes, both hockey and lacrosse are often mentioned in Canadian history and physical education materials.
5. How has television shaped the popularity of hockey in Canada?
Broadcasts like “Hockey Night in Canada” made the sport a shared weekly ritual nationwide.
Conclusion
Canada has two official national sports, ice hockey and lacrosse. They are more than popular pastimes: they are central parts of the nation’s culture and national identity.
Hockey represents winter in Canada and community spirit, while lacrosse gives travelers insight into the Indigenous peoples of the land.
When you visit Canada, catching a game — pro or pickup, on the ice or on the field—will really enrich your experience.