Canadians love sports and our country has always been a hot ticket for tourists who share that passion.
We love and respect each other but that changes whenever the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs face off against each other. On the west side of the country, the Battle of Alberta between the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers has created several memorable fireworks. In the CFL, nobody will ever accuse the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Saskatchewan Roughriders of being friends.
Regional rivalries aside, we come together for each other in big moments. The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics were a success for Canada and our athletes — despite our women’s and men’s hockey teams coming up short against those nettlesome Americans. The second big story of the year is the FIFA World Cup, hosted trilaterally by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The massive event is expected to draw millions of fans to the our host cities of Vancouver and Toronto.
While there is excitement about FIFA, the journey has been challenging because of the political situation south of the border. The Trump Administration has turned a joyous occasion into a problematic one with immigration policies stemming from the tactics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Many countries have been banned from sending fans to the United States at a time when most people are trying to finalize their plans to attend. How this uncertainty will impact Canada and Mexico is anyone’s guess.
Despite these concerns, excitement is building. Hotels are booked, restaurants are counting on a big revenue boost from FIFA matches, and fans are gearing up to cheer for Canada and the nations of their heritage. For those reasons, we have selected the top five Canadian cities sports fans need to visit for sports in 2026.
OUR TOP FIVE PICKS
1. TORONTO
Now that was a parade! The Snowbirds were in the skies over Toronto to help the city celebrate the Raptors historic first NBA championship. Toronto will add to its list of memories when it hosts FIFA this summer. (Photo Courtesy Snowbirds Facebook Page)
Main Event: FIFA World Cup
Dates: June 11 to July 19
Toronto earns the top spot on our list because of FIFA. Toronto will host Ghana, Panama, Germany, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia and Senegal. The second reason why Toronto is tops is because the city continues to be Canada’s number one sporting destination, especially when you take into account the sheer number of events.
In the Bullpen: FIFA World Cup, Blue Jays (MLB), Raptors (NBA), RBC Canadian Open, Tempo (WNBA), Canadian Indoor Track & Field Championships, 2026 Canada Summer Games, Toronto FC (MLS), Argonauts, Raptors 905, Sceptres (PWHL), Toronto Rock (NLL), National Bank Open (Tennis) in Montreal and Toronto
The Blue Jays’ Trey Yesavage warms up in the bullpen prior to Game 1 of the 2025 World Series. The rookie pitcher is one of the reasons the team is exciting fans from around Canada. (Adrian Brijbassi photo for Vacay.ca)
Why you should skate over to Toronto: It’s hard not to admire Toronto’s accomplishments. Last year, the Blue Jays came oh so close to a World Series title, losing an epic Game 7 in heartbreaking fashion to the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was an amazing season that united the country. The team is off to a bit of a tough start this year, but a ballgame at Rogers Centre is always a lot of fun.
“The world needs more Canada, and it just got it”
Former Raptors Head Coach Nick Nurse during 2019 victory rally
The Raptors of the NBA have been on a tear, with a successful season and Scottie Barnes heading to the All-Star Game. After a few difficult rebuilding years, the Raps are opening the playoffs with a rematch against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Not-So Hidden Gem: Be sure to check out the Hockey Hall of Fame. Here you can get up close and personal with some of the greatest Canadians to have ever played the game, including Bobby Orr, Jean Béliveau, Maurice Richard, Hayley Wickenheiser, Mario Lemieux, and Gordie Howe. Visiting the Hall of Fame with my brother was an unforgettable experience. My favourite artifacts were the iconic goalie masks — from Gerry Cheevers’ famous “stitches” design to Jacques Plante’s pioneering creation, as well as those worn by Ed Belfour and Mike Richter. Of course, nothing compared to seeing the main attraction: Lord Stanley’s Cup.
Hidden Gem: It’s an awesome time for women’s sports in the big city. The Toronto Tempo of the WNBA will kick off their inaugural season this year. Fans of women’s hockey can watch the Toronto Sceptres.
Cool Sport Quote: “We The North” — Battle cry for the Toronto Raptors.
2. VANCOUVER
Main Event: FIFA World Cup
Dates: June 11 to July 19
Calm down, Vancouver — you are without question one of the best sports destinations on the planet. As with Toronto, the big story in Vancouver this year is FIFA. Vancouver is scheduled to welcome Australia, Qatar, Egypt, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Belgium, along with thousands of fans from around the world.
In the Bullpen: FIFA World Cup, Canucks (NHL), Whitecaps FC (MLS), Canadians (Blue Jays’ minor-league affiliate), Bandits (basketball), BC Lions (CFL), Warriors (lacrosse), and Giants (WHL hockey).
Why you should skate over to Vancouver: With its natural beauty, Vancouver is no stranger to hosting major events. The city gave the world the 2010 Winter Olympics. It was historic for Canada’s record-setting 14 gold medals (most by any nation that year), the first-ever Olympic hockey gold on home soil, and being the first Winter Games to hold the opening ceremony indoors. Vancouver did an outstanding job with the event and it is a source of national pride that resonates to this day.
“If I ran to a doctor every time I got a little cyst or abrasion, I’d still be in Nova Scotia.”
Terry Fox, Canadian athlete and humanitarian who launched the “Marathon of Hope”
The beloved Canucks are a huge draw in the city, as well as the CFL’s BC Lions. Now in its fifth decade of existence, BC Place is a stunning piece of architecture and a popular venue to enjoy games. It will host seven FIFA matches as the tournament captures the imagination of the city. Attractions such as Science World are also getting into the action. The venerable facility that introduces natural and manmade wonders to children features a special exhibition from the FIFA Museum in Zurich called “Science and Technology”, which will run until September 7.
Vancouver’s Science World will appear in the shape and colours of the official FIFA soccer ball during the World Cup. (Adrian Brijbassi photo for Vacay.ca)
Not-So Hidden Gems: BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is an inspiring place to fit in during your stay in Vancouver. Key inductees include soccer legend Christine Sinclair, hockey star Trevor Linden, figure skater Karen Magnussen, and multi-sport builder Bob Ackles. Just outside of Vancouver is the Olympic Experience at Richmond Olympic Oval, the first Olympic Museum Network member in North America. Spanning three levels with over 30 exhibits, it offers an interactive journey through the history and spirit of the Olympic Games.
With over 400 hectares of scenic trails and beautiful beaches, Stanley Park is teeming with natural beauty and wildlife. It is home to Canada’s largest aquarium and one of North America’s most beloved urban parks. It’s also an amazing place to rent a bike and go for a ride. While we may not associate Stanley Park as a major draw for sport enthusiasts, the truth is the natural wonder is a great spot to get the blood moving and enjoy nature. You can also find a statue of the man whose name is on hockey’s most celebrated trophy.
Cool Sport Quote: “I had a blast. Fans were unbelievable and I am just happy that I was able to win this for Canada, Vancouver and myself.” — Former Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo, reflecting on a thrilling victory during the 2010 Winter Games.
3. EDMONTON
The enthusiastic watch parties for the Edmonton Oilers’ playoff games, which took place in the ICE District plaza, have become a fan favourite. (Photo courtesy of Explore Edmonton)
Main Event: Edmonton Oilers
Dates: NHL Playoffs are still going and although the Edmonton Oilers bowed out earlier than expected, they are still one of the buzziest teams in the game. Much of that clout is thanks to captain Connor McDavid, who led the team to the Stanley Cup Finals in each of the last two seasons. It’s been a glorious but frustrating ride for the Oilers, with two straight deep playoff runs and Finals appearances. Sadly, no championship yet, but the performances and McDavid’s exploits have reinvigorated talk of Edmonton being worthy of the title of “City of Champions”.
In the Bullpen: Oilers, Elks (CFL), Oil Kings (WHL hockey), Stingers (CEBL basketball), and Riverhawks (WCL baseball)
Why you should skate over to Edmonton: Hockey fans won’t have to wait long for the next big event after the NHL Playoffs with the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships arriving in winter. The 50th edition of the Juniors were held in Minneapolis-Saint Paul last year, with Sweden winning its third championship.
“All hockey players are bilingual. They know English and profanity”
Gordie Howe, arguably the most greatest hockey player to play the game
Not So Hidden Gems: Even if you aren’t an Oilers fan, make it a priority to see one of Canada’s best teams while McDavid is in uniform. If you can get a ticket for the 2026-27 season, get to Rogers Place and see the Copper and Blue in action. It doesn’t matter what team you cheer for in the CFL, sports fans should check out an Edmonton Elks game.
Hidden Gem: For a unique on-ice experience, head over to the West Edmonton Mall, where you can play hockey or skate. The Ice Palace is inside the West Edmonton Mall, considered the largest shopping mall in North America, covering more than 5 million square feet and featuring over 800 stores and services.
Cool Sport Quote: “I don’t need a break, or a fresh start. I just want to be in Edmonton, playing hockey,” Connor McDavid in a personal essay published by The Players’ Tribune.
4. CALGARY
Bull riding is one of several events that thrill crowds at the Calgary Stampede. (Covey Moore photo)
Main Event: Grey Cup Festival
Dates: November 8-14
The big story in Calgary in 2026 is the 113th edition of the Grey Cup. It will be the sixth time that Calgary has hosted the Grey Cup, with the most recent being in 2019. Grey Cup Week celebrations are always fun but there is something about Calgary with its pancake breakfasts and intense (yet friendly) fans that makes it stand out.
In the Bullpen: Stampeders (CFL), Flames (NHL), Wranglers (AHL), Roughnecks (NLL)
Why you should skate over to Calgary: The Calgary Stampede is and always will be one of the greatest reasons to visit Calgary. Every summer, thousands of fans descend on the city for the world’s largest outdoor rodeo. Events include barrel racing, bull riding, and steer wrestling, alongside evening chuckwagon races and the Grandstand Show. ‘
“I never quit until my head hit the ground.”
J.B. Mauney, legendary two-time Calgary Stampede champion (2009, 2013)
Not-So Hidden Gem: The Scotiabank Saddledome is one of the most unique stadiums in the world. A multi-purpose indoor arena located in Stampede Park, the Saddledome was built in 1983 to replace the Stampede Corral as the home of the Flames. If visiting the city take a tour of one of Canada’s favourite arenas.
Hidden Gem: Thrill-seekers can utilize WinSport (Canada Olympic Park) for year-round, high-adrenaline, Olympic-level training facilities.
Cool Sport Quote: “The public doesn’t care about my size. It’s just something for the media to talk about.” CFL quarterback legend and Stampede MVP Doug Flutie.
5. MONTREAL
The Montreal Expos were the first Major League Baseball franchise located outside of the United States. They played in the National League from 1969 until 2004 before moving to Washington, D.C.. And yes, it still hurts. (Paul Knowles photo for Vacay.ca)
Main Event: Montreal Grand Prix
Dates: May 22-24
The Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix is Montréal’s largest annual sporting event, hosted at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on Parc Jean-Drapeau. Every year hundreds of thousands of race fans and gear heads transform the city into a three-day celebration of motorsport, nightlife, and festival culture.
In the Bullpen: Alouettes (CFL), Canadiens (NHL), CF Montréal (MLS), Victoire (PWHL), Alliance (basketball).
Why you should skate over to Montreal: The Montreal Canadiens are the big draw and you should try and see a game regardless if you are a fan. The Habs are in the Eastern Conference Finals of the NHL Playoffs and with each passing game they win over more and more fans from outside of Quebec.
The Canadian Open (tennis) will be shared between Montreal and Toronto. The UCI Road World Championships and the Grand Prix Cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal are taking place this year.
“I owe more to Canadians than they’ll ever know. In my baseball career they were the first to make me feel my natural self.”
Baseball Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson, famous for breaking the Major League Baseball colour barrier, played his first season of integrated baseball with the International League’s Montreal Royals before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Many memorable moments in sports have happened in Montreal. Nadia Comăneci’s performance at the 1976 Montreal Summer Olympic Games, racing great Gilles Villeneuve‘s riveting driving, and the Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Durán clash at Olympic Stadium are only a handful of unforgettable memories.
My favourite Canadian historical sporting moment occurred when pioneer and Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson played with the International League’s Montreal Royals in 1946. It was his first season of integrated baseball before breaking Major League Baseball’s colour barrier the following year.
Not-So Hidden Gem: Montreal’s Olympic Stadium was built in the mid-1970s as the main venue for the 1976 Summer Olympics, and is indeed known as “The Big O.”
Hidden Gem: For readers who have dreamed of swinging on a flying trapeze, the Montréal Circus Academy has you covered. Feeling bored with gravity? Sign up for a 90-minute flying trapeze class.
Cool Sport Quote: “I will drive flat out all the time. I love racing,” Gilles Villeneuve, winner of six Grands Prix titles with Ferrari.
