Pickleball Boom in Canada: Across Canada, sports like pickleball, padel, and climbing are booming as people look for fun, social, and easy ways to stay active. On warm evenings, Canadians can be seen playing pickleball, scaling climbing walls, or rallying on padel courts in cities and parks.
New Ways to Get Moving
These activities were once seen as hobbies. Now, they are part of a bigger trend. Canadians want options that help them exercise, connect with others, and improve their health. Many are choosing games that feel less strict than traditional sports.
Sports such as disc golf, cricket, ultimate frisbee, stand-up paddleboarding, and spikeball are becoming popular. They offer fitness for any age or skill level.
The Role of the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic changed how people exercised. When gyms closed, Canadians moved workouts to parks, driveways, and community spaces. What started as temporary soon became lasting habits.
Videos on TikTok and Instagram showing tips and funny moments made these sports even more appealing. More people were inspired to give them a try.
Pickleball and Padel on the Rise
According to Pickleball Canada, 1.54 million Canadians are now playing pickleball in 2025. That is a 57% increase over three years.
Padel, a sport combining tennis and squash, is also growing quickly in Toronto and Vancouver. It is easy to learn and attracts beginners.
Sales of paddleboards are up. The debut of sport climbing at the Tokyo Olympics brought more attention to climbing. Spikeball has become a backyard favorite.
More Than Just Fitness
Exercise has clear benefits for health. But many Canadians still do not meet the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines. These guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of activity a week, plus strength training and good sleep.
New sports can help close this gap. They improve strength, balance, and heart health. They also support mental well-being.
A recent study by Canadian researchers reviewed 28 studies about adult pickleball players. The results found “positive social and psychological effects — in addition to health and fitness benefits — were evident, particularly for older adults.”
Sports That Build Community
Pickleball, padel, and ultimate frisbee are popular because they bring people together. Players often talk, laugh, and share food after games. This helps build strong friendships.
Climbing and bouldering have other benefits. They teach problem-solving and resilience. Players often try routes many times before they succeed. This builds confidence and keeps them engaged.
When activities are fun and social, people are more likely to stick with them. This is called intrinsic motivation, which means people stay active because they enjoy it.
Easy for Anyone to Try
These sports are beginner-friendly. People don’t need fancy gear or top fitness levels. Often, they just need shoes and rentals. Activities are low-pressure and work for all ages.
They also build physical literacy, which means learning to move well and stay active for life. This helps prevent health problems later on.
Cities Are Joining In
Canadian cities are investing in spaces for these sports. Parks and empty buildings are being turned into pickleball and padel courts. An industry journal reported that the number of climbing gyms rose from 136 in 2021 to 169 in 2024.
News in Brief: Pickleball Boom in Canada
Non-traditional sports like pickleball and padel are booming across Canada. Driven by the pandemic and social media, these fun and easy activities help people stay fit and connected. Cities are adding courts and climbing gyms to meet the demand for accessible exercise.
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