For generations, Canadian sports travel meant one thing: buying a ticket, sitting in the stands, and watching professionals compete. But a powerful new trend is reshaping the industry. In 2026, more Canadians are lacing up their own skates, picking up their own clubs, and hitting the road not just to watch, but to do.
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According to the latest travel data, 57 per cent of Canadian travellers now say they want to participate in local sports or outdoor activities as part of their vacation — a sharp increase from previous years. This emerging “Fan Voyage” trend reflects a broader cultural shift toward experiential travel, where doing beats watching.
Among the most popular participatory sports for Canadian travellers is curling. Once dismissed as a niche winter activity, curling has seen a resurgence in travel interest, with booking platforms reporting increased demand for “curling getaway” packages at clubs across Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Travellers can book learn-to-curl clinics, join mixed doubles spiels, or simply rent ice time with friends.
“The Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021) gave surfing a massive boost, and the Milano Cortina 2026 Games are doing the same for curling,” said a spokesperson for a Canadian tour operator specializing in active travel. “People see athletes on TV and think, ‘I want to try that.’”
Other participatory sports are also gaining traction. Golf travel within Canada remains strong, with destinations like Cabot Cape Breton in Nova Scotia and Fairmont Banff Springs in Alberta attracting enthusiasts willing to travel hundreds of kilometres for world-class courses. Hiking and trail running have surged in popularity, with national parks reporting record visitation for self-guided outdoor adventures. Even niche activities like rock climbing, mountain biking, and paddling are seeing double-digit increases in travel-related bookings.
