Each year, Pickleball Canada commissions a Canadian research firm to analyze participation trends in pickleball across the country. This year’s survey estimates that approximately 1.80 million Canadians are currently playing pickleball.
The survey is conducted with a sample of 2,000 Canadian households and focuses on three core questions:
- How often participants play pickleball
- Why they play pickleball
- What barriers they face in participating
In 2025, the survey estimated 1.54 million participants, meaning the increase to 1.80 million represents a 14% year-over-year growth rate. Looking further back, participation has grown significantly since 2022, when only 1 million Canadians were estimated to be playing the sport at an 80% increase in participation over three years.
Participation levels across provinces generally align with population distribution. Ontario leads the country with an estimated 702,000 players, followed by Quebec with 432,000, and British Columbia with 306,000.
Pickleball Canada’s membership growth reflects similar national trends. In 2025, Pickleball Canada reached 93,888 paid members, up from 85,329 at the end of 2024, representing 10% growth year over year. Provincially, Ontario leads membership totals with 23,820 members, followed by British Columbia (22,178) and Quebec (20,074). While these provinces hold the highest membership numbers overall, Pickleball New Brunswick experienced the strongest growth, increasing membership by 49% compared to last year.
Age-based participation data shows particularly strong growth among younger demographics. Gen Z recorded the highest increase, with an 85% rise in participation, while Gen X participation increased by 27%.Across all demographics, enjoyment and fun remain the primary motivation for playing pickleball, cited by 85% of respondents. Health and fitness continue to be the second-leading reason at 48%, a trend that remains consistent across age groups and regions. Among Gen X (1965 – 1980) players, the competitive nature of the sport emerged more prominently, with 30% identifying competition as a key reason for participation.
The survey also identified ongoing barriers to participation. The two most reported challenges remain a lack of information about the sport (17%) and a shortage of facilities (15%). While the shortage of facilities remains unchanged from last year, the percentage of respondents citing lack of information decreased from 21% to 17%, indicating progress in awareness efforts.
Pickleball Canada continues to address these barriers through initiatives such as the Pickleball Canada Ambassador Program, which currently has open applications, and the release of the Facility Guidebook which is a practical resource designed to support communities in advocating for the construction of pickleball facilities. This initiative can be found on our website through resources.
Overall, pickleball participation in Canada continues to rise, with strong national growth, expanding demographics, and increasing engagement across provinces. The sport’s upward trajectory shows no signs of slowing.
For more information, please contact: info@pickleballcanada.org