In 2026, Canada will be one of three host nations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Along with the USA and Mexico, the country will jointly hold the most important soccer tournament of all.
This will give the wider world a chance to see exactly what Canada has to offer in terms of sports tourism as well as online betting. It’s an exciting time, but many travelers, along with all sports-mad locals, already know that this is a top destination.
Here are the best sports locations across Canada.
Toronto
The Scotiabank Arena is the home of the Toronto Maple Leafs who compete in the elite level National Hockey League. The team are among a number of Canadian representatives in the NHL, and they have a proud record which includes no fewer than 13 Stanley Cup wins.
The Maple Leaf’s continuing to compete at the highest level, and they are generally listed among the top sides in sports betting Canada markets. At the very least, visitors can always guarantee a great game of hockey when they travel here.
The Scotiabank Arena is a multi-sport complex which also hosts basketball. Tenants the Toronto Raptors are Canada’s only franchise team in the NBA.
Concerts are held here, and there is a wide choice of bars and restaurants to enjoy. As a tourist destination, Toronto is a must-see, with a host of top sights including the CN Tower, parks, aquariums, museums and the iconic Niagara Falls.
Away from the Scotiabank Arena, there are other top sporting venues. Toronto FC compete in Major League Soccer and their home stadium is situated at BMO Field. The Toronto Blue Jays play in Major League Baseball, and they are hosted at the Rogers Center in downtown.
As it’s also penciled in to become a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Toronto should be the first port of call for Canadian sports tourists.
Montreal
Montreal has a proud sporting heritage, and it’s home to a number of top teams. However, the city only has one side competing in any of America’s big four leagues. The Montreal Canadiens is another national side with a strong record in the NHL, winning 24 Stanley Cup titles between 1916 and 1993.
The Canadiens play at the Bell Centre which opened in 1996 as another multi-sport facility. Basketball takes place here, and there is the regular mix of rock concerts, together with shopping, bars and restaurants.
The Montreal Canadiens may be the only city representative in the big four leagues, but there is a local soccer team playing in MLS. CF Montreal were formed in 1993 and are a competitive side in Major League Soccer. The Saputo Stadium in Sherbrooke Street is the location for CF Montreal’s home games.
Among the many regular sports to be played here, there is something a little more niche. Australian Rules Football has a loyal, if unlikely following and the main team to watch is the Quebec Saints. AFL Quebec is the governing body, and there are a number of grounds across the city.
While taking in the best of Montreal sports, why not pay a visit to some top tourist attractions including Mount Royal Park, McGill University and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
Vancouver
Along with Montreal, Vancouver is down to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Soccer is an important sport here, with the Whitecaps competing in MLS. The Vancouver Whitecaps play at BC Place which, with its capacity in excess of 54,000, is a perfect spot for major soccer games.
The stadium is also home to the BC Lions who are one of the most successful football teams in the CFL. Along with BC Place, sports tourists can also visit grounds in Vancouver that play host to hockey and basketball.
Edmonton
As we have already seen, Canadian teams have a proud tradition in the National Hockey League. The Edmonton Oilers are another strong team in the NHL, with five Stanley Cup wins between 1984 and 1990.
Oilers’ home games can be watched at Rogers Place which opened in 2016. A vast arena, basketball is also played here. Rogers Place is one of four main sports venues in the city. Visitors to Edmonton can also take in CFL games at the Commonwealth Stadium, soccer at the Clarke Stadium and basketball at the Expo Centre.
Winnipeg
Helping to complete the list of Canadian hockey teams are the Winnipeg Jets. They have yet to win the Stanley Cup, but this is a competitive and entertaining unit who play their home matches at the Canada Life Centre. While the record attendance here was for a Metallica concert, sport prevails, and the center also hosts basketball and indoor soccer.
This may not be the biggest hub of sport in the country, but the diverse mix of man-made and natural tourist attractions make Winnipeg a hugely popular destination.
