10 Most Watched Sports Events in Canada in 2025 by Attendance

Canada breathes sports. It thrives on the roar of a packed stadium, the chill of an outdoor hockey rink, and the crowd’s synchronized cheer during national anthems. Sports are more than games in Canada, they are national rituals tied closely to community spirit, heritage, and seasonal rhythm.

Attendance figures offer more than numbers; they reflect passion, participation, and the communal pull of large-scale events.

Tourism agencies, local businesses, and media coverage converge on these events annually. Ticket sales and packed venues signal cultural strength and serve as economic drivers.

Sports events in Canada also bolster local hospitality sectors, raise city profiles, and reinforce traditions passed down through generations.

Let’s discuss the most popular ones out there.

1. NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs (Ice Hockey)

Canada’s heartbeat thunders in unison when the Stanley Cup Playoffs arrive. It’s not just about hockey; it’s about legacy, rivalries, and national pride.

Cities like Toronto, Edmonton, Montreal, and Winnipeg transform into electrified zones buzzing with anticipation and hope.

Crowds pour into arenas or gather at outdoor viewing parties, where every game becomes a communal ritual. The numbers say it all:

• Total series attendance easily crosses several hundred thousand.
• Each game typically draws sold-out crowds.
• Public screenings attract tens of thousands of fans.

Lifelong fans and newcomers alike don jerseys, paint faces, and chant their teams’ battle cries. What’s being celebrated is more than athletic skill — it’s the cultural memory of backyard rinks, small-town heroes, and families huddled around TVs for generations.

The impact extends far past the ice:

• Bars overflow onto streets.
• Merchandise sells out quickly.
• Television ratings reach national highs.
• Local businesses experience a sharp increase in revenue.

Few spectacles unify Canadians like playoff hockey. It is more than a sporting event; it’s a pulse running through the veins of the nation every spring.

2. Calgary Stampede (Rodeo & Equestrian Events)

Canada’s heartbeat thunders in unison when the Stanley Cup Playoffs arrive. It’s not just about hockey; it’s about legacy, rivalries, and national pride.

Cities like Toronto, Edmonton, Montreal, and Winnipeg transform into electrified zones buzzing with anticipation and hope.

Crowds pour into arenas or gather at outdoor viewing parties, where every game becomes a communal ritual. The numbers say it all:

• Total series attendance easily crosses several hundred thousand.
• Each game typically draws sold-out crowds.
• Public screenings attract tens of thousands of fans.

Lifelong fans and newcomers alike don jerseys, paint faces, and chant their teams’ battle cries.

What’s being celebrated is more than athletic skill — it’s the cultural memory of backyard rinks, small-town heroes, and families huddled around TVs for generations.

The impact extends far past the ice:

• Bars overflow onto streets.
• Merchandise sells out quickly.
• Television ratings reach national highs.
• Local businesses experience a sharp increase in revenue.

Few spectacles unify Canadians like playoff hockey. It is more than a sporting event; it’s a pulse running through the veins of the nation every spring.

3. Canadian Grand Prix (Formula 1 – Montreal)

Montreal bursts into action every June with the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.

One of Formula 1’s marquee North American stops, the event draws over 300,000 fans during race weekend.

Excitement peaks across the city:

• Practice, qualifying, and race days attract full grandstands.
• Crescent Street hosts a weekend-long street party.
• Luxury hotels and restaurants overflow with international guests.

On the track:

• World-renowned drivers navigate sharp turns and high-speed straights.
• Cutting-edge technology is on full display.
• Precision driving keeps fans on the edge of their seats.

Montreal’s nightlife and culinary scene complement the race:

• Nightclubs host exclusive afterparties.
• Outdoor concerts and pop-up lounges enhance the festival feel.

For Canadians seeking high-stakes excitement from the comfort of their homes, online casinos have become a fast-growing option.

It doesn’t matter if you’re into classic table games, immersive live dealer experiences, or jackpot slots; top-rated platforms offer a world of digital play with fast withdrawals and generous bonuses.

Explore Casinobeats.com for a trusted guide to the best online casinos in Canada, with expert comparisons, safety tips, and exclusive offers tailored to Canadian players.

4. CFL Grey Cup Championship (Canadian Football)

In November, the Canadian Football League reaches its grand finale: the Grey Cup Championship.

Winnipeg’s IG Field becomes the heartbeat of Canadian football as over 33,000 fans fill the stadium.

It’s more than a match:

• Fans travel cross-country in team gear and war paint.
• Bars, living rooms, and community halls buzz with pre-game rituals.
• Television ratings hit annual highs.

The build-up transforms into a week-long festival:

• Fan zones, live concerts, and parades line the streets.
• Alumni appearances and public meetups connect generations.
• Local beer gardens and vendor markets thrive.

Economically:

• Hotels see a sharp rise in bookings.
• Restaurants and shops benefit from tourism.#
• Media coverage draws national attention.

The Grey Cup is tradition, spectacle, and national celebration woven into one unforgettable event.

5. Toronto Blue Jays Home Games (MLB – Baseball)

Summer nights in Toronto pulse to the rhythm of baseball at Rogers Centre.

Home to the Toronto Blue Jays, the stadium welcomes tens of thousands each game.

Crowd patterns reveal the sport’s pull:

• Average attendance ranges from 30,000 to 45,000.
• Matchups with Yankees or Red Sox often reach capacity.
• Canada Day and Pride Night games turn into cultural milestones.

The experience blends sport with social gathering:

• Retractable roof ensures play regardless of weather.
• Proximity to CN Tower adds visual flair.
• Families, tourists, and corporate groups fill the seats.

Game day energizes the downtown core:

• Restaurants fill with pre-game diners.
• Hotels see increased occupancy on busy weekends.
• Merchandise shops do brisk business.

Blue Jays baseball offers more than innings, it creates lasting memories woven into Canadian summers.

6. National Lacrosse League (NLL) Finals

Box lacrosse dominates winter sports calendars during the NLL season, culminating in intense playoff showdowns.

Teams like the Toronto Rock, Halifax Thunderbirds, and Calgary Roughnecks draw fierce support.

Finals energize arenas:

• Attendance spikes to 10,000–20,000 fans per game.
• Home-court advantage turns venues into cauldrons of noise.
• Chants, flags, and coordinated drumlines fuel the experience.

Gameplay blends physical grit with high-speed finesse:

• Fast-paced action mirrors hockey in intensity.
• Basketball-like movement adds dynamic strategy.
• Hard hits and quick transitions keep fans riveted.

Community programming adds depth:

• Youth clinics during finals week.
• Fan festivals connect players with supporters.
• Merchandise and food vendors thrive on game days.

Box lacrosse’s steady rise ensures the NLL finals remain a major fixture on Canada’s sports calendar.

7. Spruce Meadows International Tournaments (Equestrian)

Spruce Meadows, found just outside Calgary, holds its reputation as a world-class equestrian destination.

International Tournaments between May and September attract over 150,000 fans across the season.

Show jumping takes center stage:

• World-ranked riders and top horses compete.
• Grandstands and lawns provide immersive viewing.
• Precision and power define each round.

Family-friendly attractions complete the event:

• Pony rides and children’s play zones.
• Live music and international food vendors.
• Artisan markets offer unique finds.

Economic impact ripples through Calgary:

• Hotels and restaurants benefit from influx.
• Corporate exhibitions and conferences accompany the tournaments.
• Tourism spikes during peak events.

Spruce Meadows combines sport and spectacle, delivering weekends that appeal across generations and continents.

8. Rogers Cup (Tennis – Toronto and Montreal)

The Rogers Cup brings the ATP and WTA circuits to Canada each summer, alternating between Toronto and Montreal. The event routinely welcomes nearly 200,000 spectators.

Star power dominates center court:

• International icons like Djokovic and Świątek headline matches.
• Canadian stars like Andreescu and Auger-Aliassime electrify home fans.
• Fans cheer every rally under summer skies.

On the grounds:

• Multiple courts host back-to-back matches.
• Sponsor zones and entertainment areas offer all-day activities.
• Food trucks and local vendors create a festive feel.

Economic and media momentum:

• Hotels and transport services operate at capacity.
• National broadcasters provide extensive live coverage.
• Local businesses benefit from tournament buzz.

The Rogers Cup continues to grow tennis culture across Canada, showcasing athletic excellence on a global stage.

9. Canadian Premier League Finals (Soccer)

Canadian Premier League Finals reflect the surge of soccer passion building toward 2026’s World Cup.

Stadiums brim with over 20,000 fans, creating an electric match-day experience.

The atmosphere buzzes:

• Supporters’ sections erupt with coordinated chants.
• Smoke displays and team flags fill the air.
• Local DJs, mascots, and youth matches animate the pregame vibe.

What unfolds on the field:

• High-intensity matches feature a blend of Canadian and international talent.
• Playoff drama delivers goals, tension, and triumph.
• Clubs like Forge FC and Cavalry FC showcase elite development.

Citywide engagement deepens:

• Pop-up fan zones and viewing parties.
• Partnered youth clinics grow grassroots soccer.
• Media coverage and influencer buzz heighten anticipation.

CPL Finals are not just a season conclusion — they mark the rise of soccer as a force in Canadian sport.

10. Curling Championships (Tim Hortons Brier & Scotties Tournament of Hearts)

Curling championships create a surge of energy across host cities.

Events like the Tim Hortons Brier and Scotties Tournament of Hearts rotate annually, drawing over 100,000 fans collectively.

In-arena action captivates:

• Precision shot-making and strategic brilliance dominate every end.
• Crowds clad in provincial colors roar after every double takeout.
• Tension builds with every draw and hammer shot.

Beyond the sheets:

• The “Patch” serves as a party zone with music, food, and drink.
• Curling legends mingle with fans and share stories.
• Civic pride is on full display across banners, murals, and pop-ups.

Economic boosts follow:

• Hotel stays and restaurant reservations increase.
• Local curling clubs see post-tournament sign-ups surge.
• Volunteerism and event logistics bring cities together.

Curling may glide quietly across ice, but it grips hearts with fierce loyalty and an annual celebration of Canada’s strategic sport spirit.

Summary

Canada’s most attended sports events paint a vivid picture of national enthusiasm, tradition, and growing international influence.

They drive tourism, fuel hospitality industries, and create shared experiences that resonate across generations.