What are the 2026 Pickleball Canada National Championships?
The Pickleball Canada National Championships are the premier national pickleball competition in Canada, bringing together the country’s top athletes to compete for national titles across multiple age and skill categories.
When and where will the event take place?
The 2026 Pickleball Canada National Championships will take place August 24–30, 2026 at Pickleplex Social Club Downsview and Pickleplex Social Club Vaughan in the Greater Toronto Area.
Where can I find official event information and updates?
All official event information, updates, and announcements can be found on the Pickleball Canada National Championships webpage: https://pickleballcanada.org/tournaments/pickleball-canada-national-championships/
When will registration close?
Registration will close promptly on August 10, 2026 at 10:00 pm EST.
Are registration fees refundable?
Prior to August 10, 2026, a refund less a $15 administration fee will be provided. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after August 10, 2026. No refunds will be granted after this date for any reason, including illness, injury, or unforeseen circumstances.
Who is eligible to compete?
This event is limited to participants who possess one of the following, proof of which will be required at check-in:
- Valid Canadian passport or Nexus card
- Secure Certificate of Indian Status
- Permanent Resident Card
- Canadian Birth Certificate
- Canadian Citizenship Certificate
- Canadian Citizenship Card
All participants must be current members of Pickleball Canada
What rules will be used?
All matches will be played under the 2026 Official Rulebook
What type of scoring will be used?
All events will be side out scoring. There will be NO rally scoring.
When should I arrive before my scheduled event?
Athletes are encouraged to arrive at the venue at least 45 minutes before their first scheduled match. This will ensure you have enough time to complete check-in and be ready to play at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time. Arriving early also provides time to familiarize yourself with the venue and locate key event areas before competition begins.
How will I know my court assignment?
Court assignments will be sent by SMS text message and can also be viewed by scanning the QR codes displayed on the TVs throughout the venue.
Do I need to check in every day?
Yes. All athletes must complete tournament check-in each day before competing. Athlete check-in will be located at the front entrance of each competition venue and is MANDATORY before competition begins.
When does athlete check-in open each morning?
Athlete check-in opens daily at 7:00 AM at both Pickleplex Downsview and Pickleplex Vaughan. All athletes are encouraged to arrive with plenty of time to check in and be ready for their scheduled matches.
Will there be an Athlete’s “Swag Bag”?
Yes. Upon checking in on the first day of your competition, each registered athlete will receive one Athlete Swag Bag containing gifts and promotional items from Pickleball Canada, Pickleplex, and our event partners. Each registered athlete is entitled to one swag bag only and must be collected.
What should I bring to the competition?
Please bring:
- Valid ID for check-in
- Valid Canadian passport or Nexus card
- Secure Certificate of Indian Status
- Permanent Resident Card
- Canadian Birth Certificate
- Canadian Citizenship Certificate
- Canadian Citizenship Card
- A mobile phone with active Canadian cell service that can receive SMS texts
- Your competition paddle(s)
- Court shoes
- Athletic clothing suitable for competition
- Reusable water bottle
- Any personal medications or medical supplies
- Portable phone charger (recommended)
Is parking on site available?
Yes. Complimentary parking is available at both venues on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that parking may be busier on Saturday and Sunday due to the Downsview Market. Participants are encouraged to allow extra travel time on these days
Are spectators permitted?
Yes. Spectator admission is free throughout the Championships. All spectators must sign a waiver at the Pickleplex Front Desk before entering the venue.
Please Note: The Vaughan location has strict venue maximum occupancy limits. If the venue reaches capacity, priority will be given to registered participants. Spectators may be restricted from entering or asked to leave to ensure athletes, officials, and event personnel can access the facility. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us provide a safe and efficient event for everyone.
Is transportation provided for participants?
No. Athletes are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from both competition venues.
Can I bring my own chair?
No. Personal folding chairs, lawn chairs, and portable seating are not permitted inside either venue for participants and spectators. Anyone bringing in a personal chair will be asked to remove it from the venue by a Tournament Staff.
Will food be available?
Both Pickleplex Downsview and Pickleplex Vaughan will have water, Gatorade, assorted beverages, snacks, muffins, protein balls, and other light items available for purchase throughout the event. Please note that hot food will not be available for purchase on site. An athlete nutrition station offering complimentary light snacks and fruit will be available at both venues. Athletes are encouraged to bring their own meals and additional snacks, as well as a reusable water bottle. Water refill stations will be available throughout both venues.
Can I bring in alcohol on site?
No. Athletes, spectators, volunteers, and officials are not permitted to bring or consume outside alcohol anywhere on the facility grounds, including inside the venue or in the parking lots. A designated Pickleball Canada Wine Partner will be on-site offering product samples in an approved sampling area; however, all outside alcohol is strictly prohibited. Anyone found bringing or consuming unauthorized alcohol on the premises may be asked to remove it or leave the facility.
Can I bring my own water bottle?
Yes. Water refill stations will be available at both venues.
Are there changerooms on site?
Yes. Change rooms are available on site at both venues; however, space is limited. Please note that the change rooms do not include showers or bag storage and are intended for changing purposes only.
How many bags should I bring?
Participants are encouraged to bring only one bag for their event. Space is limited on site, and there will be no dedicated bag storage area.
Who is responsible for lost or stolen items?
Pickleball Canada and Pickleplex are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings during the Championships. Participants are responsible for keeping their personal belongings with them at all times and should not leave valuables unattended. There will be no secure bag or personal item storage available on site.
Is there an Athlete Lounge?
Yes. The IG Wealth Management Athlete Lounge will be available exclusively at Pickleplex Downsview for competing athletes to relax between matches.
Will there be vendors?
Yes. The Vendor Village will be located exclusively at Pickleplex Downsview in the front entrance hallway. It will feature a variety of Pickleball Canada partners representing different industries, offering opportunities to explore products and services, participate in interactive activations, receive complimentary giveaways, and connect with event sponsors throughout the Championships.
Can I purchase official Nationals merchandise?
Yes. Official Nationals event merchandise will be available on site at the Downsview location throughout the week while supplies last.
Can I practice at the Pickleplex venues before the Championships?
No. Dedicated pre-event practice court time at either Pickleplex venue will not be available prior to the Championships.
Are practice courts available during the Championships?
No. Dedicated practice courts will not be available during the Championships. Athletes may warm up only on their assigned competition court immediately before the start of their match.
Will all matches have referees?
Yes. Every match at both competition venues will be officiated for the entire duration of the Championships.
What ball will be used?
The official tournament ball for the Championships is the Franklin X-40 in Optic Yellow.
Is there a certain Paddle I can use for Nationals?
All paddles and equipment must be listed on the USA Pickleball Approved Paddle List. Before each match, referees have the authority to inspect paddles and may ask athletes to provide proof that their paddle is approved. Athletes are encouraged to have this information ready before arriving on court to help prevent match delays.
What happens if I need to withdraw during the event?
If you need to withdraw during the event, please notify the Tournament Operations Desk as soon as possible.
Will medical services be available?
Yes. Certified medical and physiotherapy personnel will be available at both venues throughout the Championships to provide first aid, injury assessment, taping and emergency response.
Can I leave the venue between matches?
Yes. Athletes and spectators are welcome to leave the venue between matches. However, athletes are responsible for monitoring their own match schedule and ensuring they return in time for their next match. Failure to report to the court when called may result in a default in accordance with the tournament rules.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes. Complimentary public Wi-Fi will be available at both venues.
Can I charge my phone?
Electrical outlets will not be available for personal device charging. Athletes are encouraged to bring a portable power bank or phone charger.
Is there a Player Social?
Yes! The Player Social will take place on Saturday, August 29, at 8:00 p.m. at Pickleplex Downsview, following the day’s competition. The evening will feature music, games, prizes, complimentary food and drink. It will be a fun, casual opportunity for athletes, volunteers, and event organizers to connect and socialize outside of competition.
Is there an entrance fee for the Player Social?
The Player Social is free for all registered athletes competing in the Championships. Athletes are welcome to bring guests for an admission fee of $20 per person, payable at the entrance. Debit and Visa are the preferred methods of payment. Tickets will not be available in advance and may only be purchased at the door.
Can I bring guests to the Player Social?
Yes. Registered athletes are welcome to bring guests to the Player Social. Please note that this event is intended as an evening social gathering for participants & adults. It is not recommended that athletes bring young children to the social.
Where will medal ceremonies take place?
Medal ceremonies will be held at the venue where your event concludes. If you are competing at Pickleplex Vaughan, your medal ceremony will take place at Vaughan. If you are competing at Pickleplex Downsview, your medal ceremony will take place at Downsview. Please remain at your competition venue following the completion of your event if you qualify for a medal, as ceremonies will begin as soon as practical after play concludes.
Where can I find recommended accommodations and travel?
A list of recommended hotels, booking information and flight discount codes will be published on Pickleball Canada’s nationals event site. Website https://pickleballcanada.org/tournaments/pickleball-canada-national-championships/
Is there a Code of Conduct?
Yes. All athletes, coaches, spectators, and participants are expected to comply with the Pickleball Canada Code of Conduct throughout the Championships.
Where can I find important event updates?
Official event communications will be sent by email before and during the Championships. During the event, updates will also be available on the tournament website and through tournament communications.
Who can I contact if I have questions before the Championships?
Please contact info@pickleballcanada.org if you have any questions prior to your arrival.