The Most Popular Hobby in Canada: Is Yours on the List?

Canada is one of the most beautiful countries on the planet and that combined with its multiculturalism, laid back lifestyle and passionate hobbyists means it’s a really intriguing nation when it comes to what we get up to in our spare time.

A solid work-life balance is a must in the country and there are tons of activities that Canadians today love, from the more traditional pastimes to the growing number of digital hobbies.

So, what exactly are the top hobbies in Canada? We take a closer look…

Outdoor pursuits

Of course, we’re going to start with outdoor activities. After all, when you live in a nation that’s full of rugged mountain ranges, breathtaking lakes and vast forests you’re going to want to spend some time in them.

The likes of Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and the Atlantic provinces, activities such as hiking, trail running, camping and fishing, not to mention skiing and snowboarding, are all hugely popular and are perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of urban life.

There’s a real strong will to reconnect with nature in Canada and that continues to be passed down from generation to generation. And that’s backed up in the stats too.

StatsCAN highlights: “Over 8 in 10 (82%) households in British Columbia participated in outdoor activities, tops among provinces, while just over 7 in 10 (72%) households in Manitoba did. Overall, 78% of households in census metropolitan areas (CMAs) and 77% of households outside of CMAs participated in outdoor activities close to home.”

Online gaming and gambling

Gaming online is hugely popular across Canada today in a range of different forms. Firstly, there’s video gaming, with the huge rise of eSports, but then there is also online gambling, an industry which has grown exponentially over the last few years.

The gambling industry in Canada has become a place where there’s something for everyone, from minimum 10$ deposit casino sites to high stakes casinos, bingo and many that specialise in slots.

Sites like SlotsJudge, who review the best online casinos, have noticed a huge rise in players in recent years as more provinces legalize and regulate online gambling platforms.

Sports

The Great White North is fanatical about sports, and that largely revolves around hockey. No list of Canadian hobbies would be complete without hockey, from children playing in organized leagues to work teams, beer-leagues and, of course, watching the pro game live.

The sport is the heartbeat of many communities and there are few sports in the world that connect people like hockey does in Canada.

Elsewhere, soccer and basketball have enjoyed real surges in popularity, with the Raptors doing well in the NBA, while baseball is also a popular major league game.

There’s also a growing focus on wellness and active lifestyles across Canada, with running and going to the gym also now among the top pastimes for natives in the country.

Arts and Crafts

Helped by the lockdown of a few years ago, where there was an arts and crafts boom, that has continued over the last few years with a real fascination with the likes of knitting, woodworking, pottery and photography.

In the case of the latter, many hobbyists look to combine it with outdoor pursuits, capturing the incredible landscapes that can be encountered, whether it be the great waterfalls, mountains or even cityscapes.

Activities like pottery and knitting are perfect for when the weather gets a little bleaker and the mental health benefits have been instrumental in why more Canadians are taking them up.

Music

Music in Canada has always provided a rich tapestry and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights claims the country’s musicians has been a catalyst to inspire change and a focal point for “important conversations and movements for human rights were developing across Canada, including women’s rights, Indigenous rights, linguistic rights, LGBTTQ* rights, along with commitments to international human rights treaties and humanitarian aid.”

Artists like Neil Young, Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell are worldwide heroes for that, alongside their great songs, while even today the music scene in major cities is thriving.

Canadians love a gig or a festival and there are some fantastic events across the year right throughout the country.

Missed your favorite pastime? Let us know

Of course, there are so many more pastimes out there that Canadians enjoy that don’t make our list, so why not leave a comment and tell us what you love?

Alternatively, if you’ve yet to try a spin of the slot reels or picking up the knitting needles, why not give some of these great pastimes a try. They could be just what you’re looking for!