Sports in Toronto are not only a pastime for athletes but also a beloved activity for many locals. It’s common to see someone jogging on the streets or training in sports facilities during the day. Toronto stands out as one of the few cities in Canada where various sports are equally developed. Below, learn more about the most popular ones on itoronto.
Figure Skating
Figure skating emerged in Toronto during the 18th century. Initially, it was merely a recreational activity. Residents organized races and crafted holiday ice sculptures, paving the way for figure skating competitions in the city.
In the early 1880s, Norwegians C. Werner and A. Paulsen created specialized skating shoes, which popularized the sport across Toronto and other Canadian cities. The first figure skating clubs opened, and within a few years, teams were formed. Starting in 1983, Torontonians began participating in the annual Canadian Synchronized Skating Championships. An additional tradition became flooding outdoor rinks at the start of winter. The most popular rink is situated on the city’s main square, directly opposite Toronto’s iconic sign.
Every winter holiday season, children and adults gather there to skate. Other skating locations include the Evergreen Brickworks Nature Centre, Donald Chinguacousy Park, and Mississauga’s downtown square.
Hockey
Hockey isn’t just Canada’s national sport; it’s also a favorite pastime for Torontonians, especially among the youth. Like figure skating, hockey has been played in Toronto since the 1750s. Some claim that hockey began as a game where players raced across ice with sticks, although its exact origins remain disputed. Others suggest that it was influenced by British or Indigenous stick-and-ball games.
Toronto’s first professional hockey club, the Maple Leaf Hockey Club, was established in 1906. By 1870, its players began hosting public matches, eventually competing in national championships. To learn more about Toronto’s hockey history and notable players, visit the Hockey Hall of Fame at 30 Yonge Street.
Hockey games in Toronto are hosted at major venues, including Scotiabank Arena, Air Canada Centre, Rogers Centre, and Molson Amphitheatre.
Basketball
Basketball, while having a shorter history than other sports, is highly popular among Toronto’s youth. The game was invented by Canadian James Naismith. In 1993, the professional basketball team Toronto Raptors was founded. Their first game, on November 3, 1995, was a victory against the New Jersey Nets. This success led to the creation of the city’s basketball association, with members competing in regional and international tournaments.
Basketball games in Toronto take place at venues such as Victoria Village Arena and local stadiums. The sport’s rise in popularity can be credited to standout Toronto Raptors players and their impressive victories.
Cricket
Cricket, a sport involving a bat and ball, originated in England in the 16th century before gaining traction worldwide. In 1834, Toronto residents learned about the game, and a club was established. By 1840, Toronto and New York clubs competed in the first-ever international cricket tournament. In 1842, the Canadian Cricket Association was founded in Toronto.
John Davison, one of Canada’s most renowned cricket players, represented the country at the Cricket World Cup from 2003 to 2007. This helped cement cricket’s place as a professional sport in Toronto.
Soccer
The history of soccer in Canada began in Toronto. The city is home to North America’s first soccer team, the Toronto Argonauts. Their debut match against Ottawa resulted in a resounding victory. The Argonauts continued their winning streak, earning multiple trophies. Soccer broadcasts from Toronto often dominated television ratings, solidifying the sport’s popularity.
In 2005, Toronto officially registered a professional soccer team to participate in championships. Soccer fields can be found not only in stadiums and pavilions but also in parks and on Toronto’s islands, where locals gather to play or watch matches.
Baseball
Professional baseball has been played in Toronto since 1896, thanks to the Blue Jays team from the International League. Their early victories led to the establishment of the Canadian Baseball League.
Since 1989, the Blue Jays have hosted games at Toronto’s Rogers Centre. Notably, from 1991 to 1993, the team became consecutive world champions and went on to win several regional tournaments across Canada.
Although baseball originated in America, its rules, developed by New Yorker Alexander Cartwright, quickly spread to other countries, including Canada. Torontonians enjoy playing baseball in indoor facilities and on smaller sports fields throughout the city.
Tennis
Unlike many other sports, tennis arrived in Toronto much later. Canadians learned about it as it gained popularity worldwide. The simplicity of the game quickly attracted athletes and casual enthusiasts.
In 1874, Toronto opened its first tennis club, founded by Isidore Frederick Hellmuth. A Cambridge University alumnus, Hellmuth had learned tennis abroad and later became a trainer.
The club hosted its inaugural tournament, sparking regular men’s and women’s competitions in Toronto. Although wartime halted sports activities, tennis made a comeback in the 1950s. From 1971 to 1990, Toronto hosted the annual international tennis championship, the Molson Light Challenge.
Horse Racing
Horse racing captivates audiences of all ages. Since 1956, races have been held at Woodbine Racetrack, located just outside Toronto. It’s the only racetrack in North America to host daily competitions.
A fascinating fact about Woodbine is that in 1996, it became the first and only venue outside the U.S. to host a world championship dedicated to horse racing. Most of its patrons are affluent individuals, and horse owners often receive valuable prizes.
In 1993, Woodbine underwent extensive renovations, adding new facilities to accommodate various types of horse races.