Sport and Free Time in Canada

Canada is a country made for sport, in every season. In winter, millions of Canadians play ice hockey — on frozen lakes, on streets and in huge indoor arenas. For many families, hockey is more than a game: it is part of who they are. Lacrosse, a fast and physical team sport, is the official summer sport. First Nations 1— choose —playedwatchedsold it for hundreds of years before Europeans arrived in North America. Even basketball has Canadian roots: James Naismith, who 2— choose —discoveredinventedpainted the game in 1891, was born in Ontario.

Right now, as autumn turns to winter, Canadian communities are preparing for the cold months. City workers are flooding outdoor ice rinks, and children are waiting for the first frost to play outside again. Every weekend, families head to the 3— choose —desertcoastmountains to ski or snowboard. In Ottawa, some people even skate to work on the frozen 4— choose —ThamesRideauSeine Canal.

When they are not playing sport, Canadians spend their free time outdoors. In summer they hike, camp and 5— choose —canoeharvestcommute in the wilderness. In autumn, many simply watch the forests turn 6— choose —blueredpurple and gold. Sport and nature go together in Canada — and visitors are always 7— choose —lateunwelcomewelcome to join in. So if you ever go, pack your skates and your sense of adventure — you will 8— choose —missneedavoid both of them.