Maple syrup is one of Canada’s most iconic sweet treats, loved for its unique flavour and natural origin. However,...
Major sporting events in Canada
Sport plays a big part in the lives of Canadians. There are several major sporting events which are followed by a significant part of the population. The most popular sports are ice hockey and Canadian football (a form of rugby close to American football). Golf, motor sports, tennis and basketball are also very popular.
The Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is the trophy awarded each year to the champion of the Canadian national hockey league, the NHL. It is the oldest major sporting event in Canada and North America: it has been held every year since 1893. The Stanley Cup was initiated by the governor general at the time, Lord Stanley of Preston. He himself donated the trophy which is passed to the new winner each year.
At its beginnings, the competition only concerned Canadian teams, but it opened to teams from the United States in 1914. The NHL took control of this competition from 1926. The team having won the trophy the most time in Stanley Cup history is that of the Montreal Canadiens.
Canadian football (rugby): The Gray Cup
The Gray Cup is an annual Canadian football competition (between rugby and American football) during which the two best teams from the east and west of the Canadian Football League (CFL) compete. This is one of the sport events the most followed in Canada and it takes place during the month of November in Toronto, Ontario. The Toronto Argonauts team has the most victories to date.
The competition has existed since 1909, following the initiative of Governor General Earl Grey. The cup was created by the Birks jewelry store and General Earl Gray donated it to become the official trophy of the event. The competition was open to American teams from 1993 to 1995 and the cup was even won by the Baltimore Stallions in 1995.
H2: Motorsport
THE sports mechanics and especially automobiles enjoy great popularity in Canada. The Grand Prix and IndyCar are particularly followed.
The Canadian Grand Prix
This Formula 1 competition has attracted more than 100,000 spectators every year since 1961. The 2005 edition was the most watched F1 competition in the world.
THE Canada Grand Prix first took place at Parc Mosport in Bowmanville and at the Circuit Mont Tremblant until 1978. Today, it is held at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal on the island of Notre-Dame.
Among its most famous winners are Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, with 7 victories each. The last winner is Max Verstappen, in 2022 and 2023. The most competitive houses are Ferrari and McLaren, with 14 and 13 victories respectively.
The Honda Indy Toronto
Also called the Toronto Grand Prix, the Honda Indy Toronto has been held annually in the city of Toronto, Ontario since 1986. The event is part of the IndyCar series and it is also the 2nd longest type automobile race. IndyCar.
This international car race takes place on a 2.8 km circuit at Exhibition Place. It was first called the Molson Indy Toronto and only took its final name of “Honda Indy Toronto” in 2009, following the purchase of the rights to the competition by Andretti Green Racing.
After the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 editions due to the pandemic, the competition resumed in 2022. The winner for 2023 was Christian Lundgaard of Rahal Letterman Laningan Racing for the Honda house. However, we note that Chevrolet accumulates more victories than any other house.
The Canadian Open
Also called the Canadian Open, this international golf competition has taken place every year at the Glen Abbey Golf Club in Okville, Ontario since 1904. It is organized by Golf Canada and the PGA Tour. Famous winners include Leo Diegel, Tiger Woods, Billy Casper and Harry Cooper.
In 2023, Canadian Nick Taylor will win, the first at home in 69 years.
Basketball: NBA tournaments
Among the 30 NBA teams, there is a Canadian team, the Toronto Raptors. After the Toronto Huskies, the Toronto Raptors and the Vancouver Grizzlies were the first NBA franchises in Canada. However, the Grizzlies franchise moved to Memphis in 2001. Thus, Toronto Raptors remains the only non-American team in the NBA to this day. It plays in the Eastern Conference, in the Atlantic division and has participated in competitions since 2000.
The Raptors team enjoys great popularity in the country. Many Canadians feel very proud of this team which represents them in the most followed basketball competition in the world.
Tennis: The Canadian Open
The Canadian Open is an annual 10-day tournament held in Ontario and Quebec. The competitions are divided between ATP Masters 1000 for the ATP Tour for men and WTA 1000 for the WTP Tour for women.
After Wimbledon, the Canadian Open is the oldest tennis tournament still active today. Competitions for men have existed since 1881 and those for women since 1892. Since 2011, the two competitions - previously separate - have taken place during the same week in August.
The Canadian Open has been won by big names in tennis such as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for men and Serena Williams for women. The winners in 2023 are Jannik Sinner and Jessica Pegula.
Cycling: Cycling Grand Prix of Quebec and Montreal
The two Grands Prix – organized by GPCQM Events – both began in 2010 as World Tour events and are aimed at professionals. They mark the country's great return to the International Cycling Union, after an absence of more than 18 years.
These two road competitions take place during the month of September each year and each last one day. The Montreal Cycling Grand Prix is held 2 days after that of Quebec. The races take place in the streets of these two Quebec cities. They attract a large number of spectators every year.
Rodeo: Calgary Stampede
Starting in 1923, the event that would become the Calgary Stampede took place every year. During the month of July, the biggest rodeo fans come to this Alberta city to attend this rodeo competition, but also the events organized in parallel.
With its festival, the Calgary Stampede attracts more than a million visitors every year for 10 days. It is one of the largest rodeos in the world, with 6 major disciplines. These are bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, calf roping, bareback bronc and saddle bronc.
Maple syrup, condiments, drinks: stock up on delicious, authentic Canadian products in our online store. You will also find decorative items, cosmetics and many others.
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