Greater Victoria Pickleball Boom: Pickleball is booming in Greater Victoria, British Columbia, as the sport draws in players of all ages. With over 1.5 million players across Canada and a 57 percent increase since 2022, local communities are rapidly building courts to keep up with demand. The Victoria Regional Pickleball Association is helping lead the charge.
Courts and Growth Across the Region
Greater Victoria now has 39 outdoor pickleball courts across 17 locations and 32 indoor courts at 12 facilities. New courts continue to open, including six added in 2024 at Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre.
More courts are on the way. Fowler Park in Saanich is set to open six new courts by early 2026, and Topaz Park in Victoria is planning 11 more courts by fall.
The rapid growth mirrors national trends. A January 2025 survey by Pickleball Canada shows the sport has grown to 1.54 million players across the country.
How It All Started for One Local Leader
Roger Graves, president of the Victoria Regional Pickleball Association (VRPA), first learned about pickleball from a curling teammate.
“She was 75, maybe five feet tall, and she kept asking me, ‘Have you ever tried pickleball?’” Roger Graves said. “Eventually, I figured I’d better try it before she asked me again. I watched a few videos, ordered a paddle and shoes, and jumped in.”
Now a Level 2 certified instructor, Roger Graves said the sport is easy to pick up and fun to play.
“In 90 minutes, I can take someone who’s never touched a paddle to playing a recognizable game of pickleball,” Roger Graves said. “It’s quick to learn, it’s fun, and people laugh when they mess up. There’s a joy to it.”
A Sport for All Ages
Pickleball’s smaller court and slower pace make it easier for older players to join in. Compared to tennis or badminton, it puts less strain on the body.
“Tennis courts are huge,” Roger Graves said. “With pickleball, especially playing doubles, you’re only covering 10 feet of space. For most people, it’s three steps. And unlike badminton, which is brutal on shoulders, pickleball is a lot easier on the body.”
Bringing Pickleball into Schools
The VRPA has also helped introduce pickleball to young players. In spring 2025, the group trained over 600 students at three schools in the area.
“That’s where the next wave will come from,” Roger Graves said. “Once kids realize it’s a real sport and fun, they’ll stick with it. And when teachers can pick it up quickly too, it makes it that much easier to integrate.”
Facing the Future
Even with new courts, demand keeps growing. Roger Graves compared it to a busy highway.
“Think of it like Highway 401 in Toronto,” he said. “They added more lanes, and the traffic just kept growing. That’s what it’s like with pickleball right now. The more space we create, the more people want to play.”
Challenges like noise complaints are being addressed with quieter paddles and 3D-printed balls.
At the heart of it all, Roger Graves believes pickleball is more than just a sport.
“It’s like table tennis, but you’re standing on the table,” he said. “It’s fun, it’s inclusive, and it brings people together. Especially for older adults – who maybe aren’t getting out as much – pickleball is the perfect way to move your body, meet new people, and feel part of something again.”
With new courts being added across the region, more people are joining in—one paddle at a time.
News in Brief: Greater Victoria Pickleball Boom
Pickleball is booming in Greater Victoria with new courts, growing school programs, and rising player numbers. The Victoria Regional Pickleball Association and local leaders like Roger Graves are helping grow the sport for all ages. More facilities and innovations are on the way to meet the growing demand.
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