The Most Popular Hobby in Canada, Ranked

Choose the hobby you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:40
In a country as culturally and geographically diverse as Canada, hobbies take on many forms, reflecting the varied interests of its people. Establishing which hobby tops the list is not only a matter of curiosity but also serves a practical purpose. By identifying the most popular activities, new residents or visitors can find easier ways to connect with local communities and engage in widely enjoyed pastimes. This dynamic ranking is shaped by your votes, providing an up-to-date reflection of what hobbies are currently capturing the interest of Canadians. Whether you're looking to dive into a new activity or see where your favorite pastime stands, your participation helps paint a clearer picture of Canada's leisure landscape. Cast your vote and see how your preferences compare with others across the nation.

What Is the Most Popular Hobby in Canada?

  1. 1
    17
    votes
    Ice hockey
    Fabien Perissinotto · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Ice hockey is often considered Canada's national sport and is deeply ingrained in Canadian culture. It has a long history in Canada and is played at all levels, from amateur to professional.
    Ice hockey is a fast-paced team sport played on ice, in which two teams of skaters use sticks to shoot a rubber puck into the opponent's net to score points. It is known for its physicality, speed, and skilled maneuvers.
    • Number of Players: Each team consists of six players, including one goaltender.
    • Playing Surface: The game is played on a rectangular ice rink.
    • Duration: A typical game consists of three periods of 20 minutes each.
    • Equipment: Players wear a variety of protective gear, including helmets, shoulder pads, gloves, and skates.
    • Puck: The rubber disc used in ice hockey weighs about 6 ounces and is 1 inch thick.
    Ice hockey in other rankings
  2. 2
    33
    votes
    Canada is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Camping and hiking are popular hobbies among Canadians who enjoy exploring the country's national parks, forests, and wilderness areas.
    Camping and hiking is a popular outdoor recreational activity in Canada that combines the exploration of natural landscapes with physical exercise and adventure. It involves setting up temporary campsites and backpacking through trails in wilderness areas, national parks, and other remote locations. Camping and hiking allow individuals to immerse themselves in nature, disconnect from the stresses of modern life, and engage in various outdoor activities such as wildlife observation, fishing, and photography.
    • Accessibility: Suitable for all skill levels
    • Gear: Requires camping and hiking gear (tent, sleeping bag, backpack, etc.)
    • Locations: Numerous camping and hiking destinations throughout Canada
    • Duration: Can range from a few hours to several days or weeks
    • Physical activity: Involves moderate to strenuous physical exertion
  3. 3
    16
    votes
    Canada has some of the world's best ski resorts and is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Skiing and snowboarding are enjoyed by both amateurs and professionals, with opportunities for downhill, cross-country, and backcountry skiing.
    Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter sports activities in Canada. They involve sliding down snow-covered slopes using specialized equipment. Skiing and snowboarding offer thrilling experiences, allowing individuals to glide through the snow and enjoy the beautiful winter landscapes.
    • Activity Type: Outdoor winter sports
    • Equipment: Skis, ski boots, ski poles, snowboards, snowboard boots
    • Terrains: Mountains, hills, snow parks
    • Difficulty Levels: Beginner, intermediate, advanced
    • Styles: Alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding
  4. 4
    7
    votes
    Canada has an abundance of freshwater lakes and rivers, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. From salmon to trout, Canadians enjoy catching a variety of fish species in their local waters.
    Fishing is a merit badge that introduces scouts to the art and science of catching fish. It encourages outdoor experiences and teaches skills required to safely enjoy the activity of fishing.
    • Age Requirements: Available to all Boy Scouts
    • Difficulty Level: Moderate
    • Prerequisites: None
    • Duration: Variable, depending on individual progress
    • Required Equipment: Fishing tackle, bait, personal camping gear
  5. 5
    17
    votes
    With its stunning landscapes and natural beauty, Canada is a photographer's paradise. From wildlife to cityscapes, Canadians enjoy capturing the beauty of their country through photography.
    Photography is the art, science, and practice of capturing visually appealing images using a camera. It encompasses various techniques and equipment to capture and manipulate light, resulting in stunning visual representations of the world. Photographs can evoke emotions, tell stories, and provide a means of creative expression for both amateurs and professionals alike.
    • Camera Types: Digital, film, instant, DSLR, mirrorless
    • Aperture: Controls the amount of light entering the camera lens
    • Shutter Speed: Determines the duration of time the camera sensor is exposed to light
    • ISO Sensitivity: Defines the camera's sensitivity to light
    • Focal Length: Determines the field of view and magnification of the lens
  6. 6
    12
    votes
    Cycling is a popular hobby in Canada, with many cities boasting dedicated bike lanes and trails. From leisurely rides to competitive racing, Canadians enjoy getting out on their bikes and exploring their surroundings.
    Cycling is a popular aerobic exercise that involves riding a bicycle to improve cardiovascular health, build endurance, and strengthen lower body muscles. It can be done both outdoors and indoors on stationary bikes. Cycling is enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels.
    • Cardiovascular Benefits: It helps improve heart health and increase lung capacity.
    • Muscle Strengthening: It targets the muscles in the legs, thighs, hips, and buttocks.
    • Low-Impact Exercise: Cycling is gentle on the joints and reduces the risk of injury.
    • Calorie Burn: It is an effective way to burn calories and lose weight.
    • Improved Coordination: Cycling requires balance and coordination, enhancing motor skills.
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    Canada's short growing season doesn't deter green-thumbed Canadians from enjoying gardening. From vegetable gardens to flower beds, Canadians enjoy cultivating their own outdoor spaces.
    Gardening is a popular hobby that involves cultivating and tending to plants, whether it's in a backyard, balcony, or indoor space. It provides individuals with the opportunity to connect with nature, enhance their surroundings, and enjoy the rewards of nurturing plant life.
    • Plant variety: Gardening allows for a wide range of plants to be grown, including flowers, vegetables, herbs, fruits, and ornamental plants.
    • Location: It can be practiced in various locations such as home gardens, community gardens, allotments, or even in containers and vertical spaces for urban gardening.
    • Seasonality: Gardening can be a year-round activity, with different plants thriving in different seasons and climates.
    • Physical activity: It involves physical tasks like digging, planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting, which provide exercise and an opportunity to connect with the earth.
    • Creativity: Gardeners have the freedom to design and create unique landscapes using various plants, colors, textures, and structures.
  8. 8
    12
    votes
    With the rise of online gaming, video games have become a popular hobby in Canada. Canadians enjoy everything from console games to mobile apps, with many communities hosting gaming events and competitions.
    Gaming is a popular YouTube video category that features a wide range of content related to video games. It includes gameplay footage, reviews, tutorials, and discussions about various gaming-related topics. The content creators showcase their gaming skills, provide tips and tricks, and share their thoughts and opinions on different games and gaming platforms.
    • Content Type: Gameplay footage, reviews, tutorials, discussions
    • Game Genres: Action, adventure, sports, strategy, RPG, etc.
    • Platforms: PC, console (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, etc.), mobile
    • Subscriber Base: Millions of subscribers
    • Engagement Level: High interaction through comments, likes, and shares
  9. 9
    10
    votes
    Canadians are known for their love of literature, with many famous authors hailing from Canada. Canadians enjoy everything from classic literature to contemporary fiction, with many public libraries offering extensive collections.
  10. 10
    8
    votes
    With its vast size and diverse regions, Canada offers endless opportunities for travel and exploration. Canadians enjoy traveling both domestically and internationally, with many taking road trips or camping trips to explore their own country.
    Traveling is the act of journeying from one place to another, typically to explore different destinations, experience new cultures, or engage in leisure activities. It involves the physical movement of individuals or groups, often with the purpose of visiting tourist attractions, historical sites, natural wonders, or simply enjoying a change of scenery.
    • Mode of transport: Varies (e.g., by car, plane, train, etc.)
    • Duration: Can range from a few hours to several months
    • Purpose: Leisure, exploration, business, education, etc.
    • Destinations: Unlimited worldwide options
    • Accommodation: Hotels, hostels, resorts, camping, etc.

Missing your favorite hobby?

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Ranking factors for popular hobby

  1. Participation rate
    The number of people who actively engage in the hobby regularly or occasionally should be considered to determine its popularity.
  2. Accessibility
    How available and accessible the resources, equipment, and venues required for the hobby are, such as clubs, organizations, or parks.
  3. Demographics
    The age, gender, and cultural background of people participating in the hobby should also be taken into account. A diverse range of people engaging in the hobby could suggest its widespread popularity.
  4. Media coverage and online presence
    The amount of media coverage, including TV, radio, print, and online content, dedicated to the hobby, can be an indicator of its popularity. Also, consider the presence and activity of social media groups related to the hobby.
  5. Economic impact
    The amount of money spent on the hobby, such as the purchase of equipment, membership fees, or entry fees in competitions, can show how popular a hobby is.
  6. Growth trends
    It is essential to look at whether the hobby is growing in popularity or declining over time. Analyzing participation rates and media coverage over time can provide insights into a hobby's trend.
  7. Competitive scene
    If the hobby has a strong competitive scene, such as leagues, tournaments, and championships with high engagement, it could indicate its popularity.
  8. Hobbies with social/cultural significance
    Consider the impact of regional, cultural, or historical factors that might make a hobby particularly popular in the Canadian context.
  9. Health benefits
    Hobbies that promote a healthy lifestyle or mental well-being can contribute to their popularity.
  10. Educational or skill-building component
    Hobbies that teach new skills or knowledge can be popular due to their educational value or ability to foster personal growth.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular hobby in Canada. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or hobby is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2420 views
  • 135 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each hobby once every 24 hours. The rank of each hobby is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular hobby in canada

Canada is known for its multiculturalism and vast landscapes, which offer ample opportunities for various hobbies and recreational activities. As per recent surveys, the most popular hobby among Canadians is outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing. The country's diverse geography and climate provide an excellent backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy various activities. Additionally, indoor hobbies such as reading, watching movies, and playing video games also have a significant following in Canada. With its diverse population and varied interests, Canada is a hub for hobbyists, and the options are endless.

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