Hockey remains Canada’s most popular sport, a new Leger survey reveals, despite the FIFA World Cup’s heightened profile and Canada’s strong performance in the tournament.
The poll, conducted July 10-12 for the Association of Canadian Studies, found hockey leads across most demographics, though soccer is gaining traction, particularly among younger fans.
Hockey’s dominance across age groups
Hockey ranks highest among Canadians aged 18-24, with 43% naming it their top sport. Interest dips slightly in older age groups, according to Jack Jedwab, president of the Association of Canadian Studies.
“Sports preferences likely diversify after age 25,” Jedwab said. “While hockey stays on top, Canadians aged 25-44 split their attention among soccer, basketball, baseball, and football, reflecting broader exposure to professional and international sports.”
Regional and demographic divides
Hockey’s popularity varies by region, dominating in Quebec (45%), Atlantic Canada (36%), Manitoba/Saskatchewan/Alberta (40%), and British Columbia (37%). Ontario, with its “more diverse menu” of sports, lags at 29%, Jedwab noted.
Soccer performs best among non-English, non-French speakers, while baseball resonates more with English Canadians. Education also plays a role: hockey preference drops from 41% among high school graduates to 31% for university degree holders. Soccer sees a slight inverse trend, with 12% of university graduates favoring it.
