What Is Padel and Why It’s Gaining Popularity in Canada?

Padel, a fast-paced racquet sport that blends elements of tennis and squash, is quickly making its mark across Canada. Once mostly popular in Spain and South America, padel is now one of the fastest-growing sports in North America, with dozens of new courts opening in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and beyond.

In this guide, we'll explain what padel is, why it’s exploding in popularity, and where Canadians can try it in 2025.

🎾 What Is Padel?

Padel is a dynamic and fast-paced racquet sport that combines the best elements of tennis and squash. Played primarily in doubles format, it takes place on a smaller, enclosed court with glass walls that players can use to bounce the ball, adding a tactical layer to the game. Unlike tennis, players use a solid paddle (with no strings) and serve underhand, which makes the game easier to pick up for beginners.

The sport originated in Mexico in the 1960s and exploded in popularity in Spain and Argentina. Over the last few years, it has made significant inroads in Europe and the Americas, including a growing presence in Canada. Thanks to its inclusive, accessible nature, padel has become a social sport that appeals to players of all ages and skill levels.

Key Rules & Features:

• Played in doubles format (2 vs. 2)
• Court size: 20m x 10m (smaller than tennis)
• Walls/glass are part of the game (like squash)
• Underhand serve required
• Scoring is the same as tennis (15/30/40/game)

Padel emphasizes strategy, reflexes, and teamwork over brute strength, making it fun and accessible for all ages.

📈 Why Is Padel Growing So Fast in Canada?

Padel has been one of the fastest-growing sports globally, and Canada is no exception. Its rising popularity is fueled by several key factors:

1. 🚀 Explosive Market Growth

• Globally, the padel market was valued at USD 0.25 billion in 2024 and is expected to double to USD 0.5 billion by 2033, with an 8–10% annual growth rate.
• About 40,000 padel courts already exist worldwide, and that number is projected to increase by 26% through 2025.
• Although Canada currently has around 29 courts for ~50,000 players, new facilities are in active development in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and other regions.

2. 🌆 Space Efficiency and Urban Appeal

-Padel courts are compact (about one-third the size of a tennis court), making them perfect for dense urban spaces—including rooftops, parking lots, and multi-use recreation centers.

3. 👥 Social, Inclusive & Easy to Learn

-Padel is traditionally played in doubles, which promotes social interaction.
-Underhand serves and aspect of wall play make it accessible for beginners, families, and mixed-age groups

4. 🕒 Year-Round Playability

-With the rise of indoor facilities in provinces like Quebec and Ontario, padel can now be played regardless of weather, even during long Canadian winters.

5. 🏋️♂️ Health and Fitness Benefits

-Padel provides a full-body, low-impact cardiovascular workout—ideal for adults, older players, and those seeking fitness without stress on joints.

6. 🤝 Investment & Celebrity Influence

-Companies like Epic Padel aim to open 100 new courts across North America by end of 2025
-High-profile athletes and celebrities investing in padel clubs are also driving awareness and enthusiasm.

7. 🧭 Community & Club Investments

-Large-scale indoor padel clubs are being launched in places like Oakville—the “largest indoor padel & pickleball club in the world”.
-Municipal and private sports organizations are embracing padel infrastructure and programming.

With its blend of social play, compact design, and accessible skill level, padel is perfectly suited to Canada's communities. Whether you're a tennis lover or totally new to racquet sports, the timing has never

📍 Where to Play Padel in Canada

Padel is rapidly gaining momentum across Canada, with new courts and clubs opening in major cities. Here are the top places to play in 2025:

🇨🇦 Ontario & Toronto Area

• T.10 Padel (Vaughan) – Located in the TRIO Sportsplex, this indoor club offers court rentals, group lessons, round robins, and tournaments year-round. Book via Playtomic – ideal for both new and competitive players.
• The Pad | Toronto Padel Club (Cherry St, Toronto) – Outdoor courts in downtown Toronto, complete with equipment rentals and lessons. Great for exploring padel at a casual level.
• COURTX (Oakville) – One of the largest indoor padel & pickleball fitness hubs in Canada, with top-tier courts and coaching programs.
• North Padel Club (Toronto) – Indoor facility offering courts, coaching, and events, part of the growing Toronto padel community.

🇨🇦 Quebec & Montreal Area

• Padel FVR (Dorval/West Island, Montreal) – A modern indoor facility with three padel courts, lounges, and high-end amenities.
• Prestige Padel / Padel Ranch (Laval) – Two to three courts with open play sessions, leagues, and classes available for all skill levels.
• Club Padel Montreal (Longueuil) – Another excellent spot with three courts, rentals, and local league play.

🇨🇦 Western Canada & Emerging Markets

• Aforza (Calgary) – Features Calgary’s first indoor padel courts (three available), offering public access and organized programs.
• Padel Alberta / Padel Canada Affiliates (Calgary) – The provincial association supports court access and clinics for new players.
• Upcoming Clubs (Vancouver, Winnipeg, Ottawa) – New indoor/outdoor courts are planned for 2025, signaling national expansion.

🗝️ Tips for Booking & Playing

• Booking apps: Most clubs (like T.10, Prestige) use platforms such as Playtomic or Matchi for easy court reservations.
• Beginner-friendly options: Look for “round robin” sessions or intro clinics—many clubs offer free or discounted trial classes.
• Year-round play: Indoor clubs in Quebec and Ontario ensure you can play through Canada’s winter freeze.
• Community engagement: Join local padel leagues or beginner groups to connect with other players and improve your game.

Padel in Canada is still in its boom phase! Whether you're in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, or smaller cities, there’s now a local club waiting for you—with more opening soon. Ready to try something new? Let me know if you'd like help finding gear or booking your first session! 🎾

🛍️ Best Gear to Get Started with Padel

Getting started with padel doesn’t require a huge investment, but having the right gear can significantly improve your performance and enjoyment. Here’s what you need to begin:

·        Padel Rackets: Unlike tennis racquets, padel rackets have no strings. They are made of composite materials and have perforations for better control and maneuverability. For beginners, look for a racket with a round head shape for maximum forgiveness and control.

·        Padel Balls: These look like tennis balls but have lower pressure, making them slightly slower and more suitable for the enclosed padel court. Using official padel balls is essential to get the right bounce and pace during play.

·        Non-marking Court Shoes: Padel involves quick lateral movements, so choose shoes with good grip and lateral stability. Many indoor tennis or squash shoes work well for padel courts.

·        Comfortable Athletic Wear: Breathable, moisture-wicking clothes help keep you cool during intense rallies, especially in indoor facilities. Consider wearing wristbands or headbands for sweat control.

·        Optional Accessories: Vibration dampeners, overgrips for paddles, and small backpacks to carry your gear can also make your padel experience more enjoyable.

Shop beginner-friendly gear at TennisNetPro — your Canadian source for top padel brands.

✅ Final Thoughts

Padel is more than just a trend — it’s a global movement that fits perfectly into the Canadian lifestyle. It's social, inclusive, active, and suitable for all seasons thanks to indoor clubs. Whether you're a tennis player looking for something new or a total beginner, now is the perfect time to try padel in Canada.

Ready to join the movement? Explore Padel Gear →