Hockey Remains Canada’s Favorite Sport
A recent Leger poll, commissioned by the Association of Canadian Studies, surveyed 1,505 Canadians in July to gauge sport preferences across the country. The findings show that, despite the global spotlight on soccer during the FIFA World Cup, hockey continues to dominate as the nation’s most popular sport.
The sport enjoys especially strong support in Quebec, where it tops the list of favored activities, and among Canadians aged 18 to 24, a demographic that has grown up with the game’s culture embedded in schools and community leagues.
Soccer’s Quiet Gains
Soccer is attracting more attention, particularly among younger viewers, yet its overall popularity still lags behind hockey. While the World Cup has boosted visibility, the shift in fan engagement remains modest.
The data also reveal regional nuances. In Ontario, where a wide array of sports compete for attention, hockey’s share of preference dips compared with other provinces. Similarly, individuals with lower levels of formal education are more likely to name hockey as their primary sport.
Income level appears to influence sport following as well, with higher‑earning Canadians more inclined to track sports events and leagues. These patterns suggest that both regional culture and socioeconomic factors shape how Canadians engage with athletics.
Methodology and Margin of Error
The survey, conducted by Leger, used a probability sample of 1,505 respondents, yielding a margin of error of approximately ±2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Such a sample size provides a reliable snapshot of national attitudes, though it does not capture every sub‑group in exhaustive detail.