Sports

Canada has a rich history in sport. From municipal leagues to international competition, winter to summer, sports have been woven into our national fabric. An emphasis on healthy living allows Canadians to enjoy their involvement in the many sports activities this country has to offer.

Canada's travel and recreation attractions also promise the visitor a unique experience and offer outdoor enthusiasts a multitude of activities all year round, from mountain hiking to dogsledding.

Winter is a magical season of celebration. Abundant snow makes Canada a dream destination for anyone who enjoys the pleasures of winter-with cross country ski trails stretching for miles into the wilderness and downhill ski resorts ranking among the world's top ten winter vacation destinations. Skaters, snowshoes, ice climbers and snowmobilers.

In summer, the many lakes and rivers welcome swimmers, fishing enthusiasts and pleasure craft of all sorts; for those who prefer their watersports on the adventurous side, there is whitewater rafting. Golfers can choose from a variety of golf clubs, and a whole new excitement awaits mountain bikers and paragliders.

Around the world, Canada is associated with excellence in hockey. Yet, with more than 60 national sports teams participating in international competition, Canada is emerging as a leader in a much broader range of activities including swimming, downhill and cross-country skiing, diving, motorsports, skating, baseball, tennis and basketball, among many other sports.

Sport Canada supports the achievement of high performance excellence and the development of the Canadian sport system to strengthen the unique contribution that sport makes to Canadian identity, culture and society.

Canada currently invests approximately $75 million annually for a range of sports' activities. Some of the most popular sports activities that Canadians participate in include golf, ice hockey, baseball, swimming, basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, skiing and cycling.

After hosting the Montreal summer Olympics in 1976 and the 1988 winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada is once again ready to host the world as the 2010 winter games come to Vancouver - Whistler, British Colombia.