It is very interesting that different parts of the world prefer different sports. For example, cricket is the most popular one in Southeast Asia, baseball in northern America and Japan, while European countries are known for their passion for soccer.
When it comes to Canada, there are some sports with a long tradition. On the other hand, the diversity is also great, and that is leading to the expansion of leagues in different areas. Betting on domestic leagues can also be quite interesting because of the flexibility. However, you should first choose a reliable betting platform. In that matter, check out BestSportsBettingCanada.
The term “National Sport” is related to the most popular one where a country has the biggest achievements. Also, that can be related to the sport that is getting the most attention by the public. Here are the national sports in Canada.
Hockey
It should not be a surprise that this one is the first pick in our list. Canada is known as one of the top countries in the world when it comes to famous players and titles won in international competitions. One of the main factors that led to the expansion of this sport is the weather.
The roots can be found in the 19th century, when first tournaments were organized in Montreal. Today, best Canadian clubs are part of the National Hockey League combined with the teams from the US. There are many legendary players from this country that left a big influence on the sport, such as Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux, and Mark Messier.
While other sports are getting more attention in recent years, most people are visiting hockey events all the time, and even lower league matches are always crowded. The atmosphere on these events can match basketball and soccer tournaments.
Lacrosse
The roots of this game are especially interesting. Before Europeans started making their colonies in this part of the world, the game was played by native people. However, it was quite different when compared to the modern one known today.
It was quite a spectacle back then because the rules were a bit chaotic. For example, a team could have over 100 players, and there were cases where teams were reaching a number of 1,000. Also, the field was huge, up to 3 kilometers. The game could last for days.
Lacrosse was more than just a game for native tribes. It had deep connection to their religion and culture. The modern rules were established in the 19th century. Since then, Lacrosse is among the most popular sports in the country.
Curling
This is another game that is related to the weather conditions. It is played on ice. Therefore, it is not a surprise that the biggest popularity is seen in northern countries like Iceland, Canada, Norway, and Finland.
Canada is one of the best teams on the international level, with many trophies won in various competitions like the Olympics, World Cups, and more. There is also a link to the values praised by local people, such as accuracy, calmness, and strategy, which are essential for this game.
Canadian Football
The dominance of football as a sport is well-known, and it belongs to the US. However, Canada has their own league as well, and what makes it interesting is related to some differences from the NFL. For example, there is a bigger field, with three downs during the game.
Some of the best teams are Calgary Stampeders, Toronto Argonauts, and Edmonton Elks. If you are planning to visit Canada soon, you should check out some of these events because the ambient will be quite different from the one in the US.
Baseball
The best team is Toronto Blue Jays, and it participate in the MLB. The biggest achievement of this club was two championships in a row in 1992 and 1993. They are decent in recent years as well.
Moreover, visiting the even when Toronto is playing against other clubs in the league will ensure an amazing experience. The reason is the cheering and the passion the fans have. It is not a surprise since each time this club is playing, it can be seen as a national game because there are the only Canadian club.
Basketball
The development of Basketball in the country can be compared to the one in the US. There is a similarity with baseball since there is only one team in the NBA, the Toronto Raptors. This club managed to get many achievements in their not-so-long history since they were established in 1995.
The biggest achievement was the championship won in 2019. Also, they have 7 division titles. Also, some of the most popular players played there, such as Hakeem Olajuwon, Chris Bosh, Tracy McGrady, while some of the best players at the moment are Dennis Schroder, Siakam, VanVleet, and more.
Soccer
The most popular sport in the world is also getting more attention on a local level as well. The increased immigration and diversity is one of the main factors. While that was not the case 10 years ago, we have Canadian players in some of the best European teams today.
The biggest star at the moment is Alphonso Davis who is playing for Bayern Munich. This player is recognized as one of the best fullbacks at the moment. There are other well-known names as well, like Junior Hoilett, Jonathan David, Milan Borjan, and more.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to the national sports, Lacrosse and Hockey are keeping the first place, and that will remain for a long time. On the other side, we can see serious improvements in other areas, and players from different sports are getting more recognized in the world.
That will lead to a higher popularity of these sports in Canada, leading to even more talents and world-established names in the end. The recent results are the best proof of that, especially the bronze in Basketball World Cup this year.
