Sport in Canada
Canada is a leading sport nation. How sport is practiced in Canada today is influenced by a number of factors, including our four seasons, and our geographic and social diversity. For example, lacrosse, our national summer sport, has been played by Indigenous peoples for close to a thousand years. Hockey, our national winter sport, was invented in Canada in the 1800s, and basketball was invented by Canadian Dr. James Naismith in 1891 to condition young athletes during the winter. Today, soccer is the most popular sport among Canadian children.
Our sport system allows Canadians from all segments of society to get involved in sport activities at all levels and in all forms of participation. From childhood to adulthood, sport is part of a healthy, active lifestyle.
Canadian Sport System
Many organizations make up Canada’s sport system, each playing their own role. Some provide Canadians with access to sport and help athletes participate and succeed in competitions. Others are responsible for hosting sport events.
- National Multisport Service Organizations
- National Sport Organizations
- Canadian Sport Centres and Institutes
Government Participation in Sport
As the single largest investor in Canada’s amateur sport system, the Government of Canada plays an important role in this system. Through Sport Canada, it develops programs and policies to help the sport system meet the needs of Canadians.
Provincial and territorial governments, as well as the private and not-for-profit sectors, also provide programs and funding that support participation and excellence in sport.
Canadian Sport Policy
The third edition of the Canadian Sport Policy (2025-2035) is now available.
Read the full text of the policy.
The Canadian Sport Policy helps identify Canadian sport priorities and guides how federal, provincial and territorial governments advance sport. It provides a shared framework for working together to ensure sport contributes positively to the lives of individuals, communities and the country.
For more information about Sport in Canada, please contact Sport Canada.