When you’re a student in Canada, school isn’t just about sitting in classrooms and prepping for tests. Canadian schools and campuses are buzzing with great events, fun times and opportunities for fresh starts. From sports leagues to cultural festivals, from outdoor activities to creative communities, there’s something for everyone. Let’s take a look at what makes student life in Canada so unique and why students are raving about these awesome experiences.
Sports That Bring Students Together
The Most Popular Winter Sport in Canada is Ice Hockey
Canadians in winter and ice hockey go hand-in-hand. Nearly every school has a hockey team, and students crowd into the stands to root for their classmates. Even if you’re a newcomer, lots of schools have beginners programs where you can learn to skate and hold a hockey stick.
Whether listening to loud, animated students at hockey games or attending a high-intensity school event, I was never without the energy of my fellow students. Students use face paint in school colors, make banners and cheer throughout the game. Even so, many schools have rivalries with their neighboring counterparts spanning several decades which makes the games even more special.
In addition to watching, many students play in recreational hockey leagues. And those leagues are geared more toward fun than competition, as a way to keep active during the frigid Canadian winters.
Basketball and Volleyball Leagues
Indoor sports, including basketball and volleyball, are wildly popular — particularly during the school year. In Canada, you usually have girls teams and boys teams unless it is mixed and everyone plays together which is similar for most Canadian schools.
What’s particularly nice about these sports is that they’re not just for the shining-star athletes. Overall, schools may have more than one tier of teams — competitive for the most skilled players and recreational for anyone who wants to take a shot. So you can join even if you’re learning.
There are also intramural leagues, in which classes or sections of the same school compete against each other. These social events ensure that students meet other kids in different grades and give the school a sense of connection as a whole.
Soccer and Ultimate Frisbee
In warmer months, outdoor sports kick in. Soccer is played throughout Canadian schools at almost every level of ability. Fall and spring soccer seasons are ushering students outside for practice and competition.
Ultimate Frisbee has been growing in popularity among Canadian students in recent years. This adrenaline-fueled game involves running, throwing and teamwork. It’s wildly popular with students, who love it because it’s easy to learn, doesn’t require costly equipment and focuses on fair play and respect.
The Cultural Celebrations That Make Canada Unique
Multicultural Food Festivals
Canada is made up of people from around the world and schools honor this diversity with incredible food festivals. These occasions allow students to bring dishes from their family’s culture, while also experiencing foods they have never eaten before.
It is a festival students spend weeks preparing for. Perhaps they cook traditional dishes with a parent, create displays explaining where their family comes from or do traditional dances. Stroll through any Canadian school at the time of a multicultural festival and you’ll feel as though you’ve taken a trip around the world without ever leaving the building.
These feasts are not only a source of full bellies for everybody. They teach students to have an understanding of other cultures, to break down stereotypes and they make international students feel welcomed and valued.
International Week Activities
A lot of schools in Canada spend a full week celebrating world cultures. Every day can focus on a different part of the world. Pupils wear national dress, learn how to say greetings in different languages and among other things take part in language-focused activities from a range of countries.
Popular International Week activities include:
- Hennas so students can get temporary tattoos
- Calligraphy classes in how to write Chinese or Arabic
- Dance classes that focus on some moves of a country
- Storytelling sessions swapping folktales from all over the world
- Fashion shows displaying traditional outfits
Indigenous Heritage Events
Canadian schools are now making time to discuss and honor Indigenous lifestyles and perspectives with special events and activities. These could take the shape of drum circles, bannock-making workshops, traditional dance performances and storytelling sessions with Indigenous elders.
Students are taught about the First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples who were the “original inhabitants” of Canada. These events are intended to make all students aware of and appreciative for Indigenous history, customs and contributions to Canadian life.
Clubs You Can Create to Showcase Your Talents
Drama Productions and Theater
School drama productions and musicals are always big events in Canadian schools. It’s the result of dozens of students coming together for months to create a show like no other. You don’t need to be an actor to take part — students also help make costumes and sets, do lighting and sound, apply makeup and promote the shows.
Drama production can also be a valuable learning experience in public speaking, collaboration and time management. It also fosters lifelong friendships since you spend so much time working toward a common goal.
At most schools, students there put on two or three productions a year — classic plays, modern musicals and student-written shows. It’s always a big deal on opening night, when the auditorium is packed with families and friends who have come to root for the participants.
Art Clubs and Exhibitions
Canadian schools usually have art clubs for students who are passionate about drawing, painting and anything to do with visual art! You might experiment with painting, sculpture, photography, digital art or printmaking.
Art clubs frequently sponsor exhibitions in which students have the opportunity to exhibit their work. These presentations could take place in the school hallway or a neighborhood community center, or even at an actual art gallery. There is no greater feeling in the world than seeing your art up on a wall where others can enjoy it.
Some schools are also involved in inter-school art competitions and have their articles put up for regional contests. It’s not all about winning – it’s also about expressing yourself and refining your craft.
Music Bands and Choir Groups
There are fantastic music programs in schools across Canada. If you play an instrument or enjoy singing, there are groups to join. School bands may also play during assemblies, athletic events or local community appearances. Choirs are a common feature at concerts, festivals and shopping malls during the holidays.
Most schools have jazz bands, concert bands, rock bands or acoustic ensembles. If you want to learn an instrument, most schools will provide lessons or put you in touch with a teacher.
Concerts are big events held throughout the year at which parents, teachers and community members listen to students perform music. They are the concerts that represent months of hard work and practice.
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Competitions for Academic Minds
Science Fairs and STEM Challenges
Science fairs are serious business in Canadian schools. Students develop experiments, construct projects and present findings to judges. Subjects range from testing which paper airplane designs go the furthest, to studying how pollution impacts a nearby water source.
School fair winners then move on to regional and even national competitions. But you don’t have to walk away a winner to benefit — science fairs are workshops in research, problem-solving and, especially, how to communicate complex ideas clearly.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) challenges are also big. Students might construct robots, write computer code, design bridges out of popsicle sticks or develop apps to solve real-world problems.
Debate Tournaments
Debate clubs instruct students on how to research topics, structure arguments and speak persuasively. Debate formats vary from formal parliamentary and competitive debates to informal lunchtime discussions on current events in Canadian schools.
Debate tournaments are composed of schools from a region or province. Students compete throughout rounds, debating given topics. And even if you don’t win, you gain critical thinking skills that are useful in all your classes and in life.
Many of us remember debate as one of the most rewarding things we did in school, precisely because, by learning to look at all sides of an issue logically and reasonably, it made us more sophisticated thinkers.
Math Contests and Olympiads
For kids who like numbers and love a challenge, math contests are exciting. The Canadian Mathematical Society runs a number of competitions each year at varying levels for all grades.
These are not the kind of math tests you’re used to. Challenges need good thinking and there is more than one answer. Students may work alone or in teams, depending on the competition.
Math clubs assist students in this preparation by understanding problem-solving strategy and learning topics not taught at the regular school classes. Even pupils who don’t think of themselves as “math people” find themselves lured by the game-like qualities of competition problems.
Outdoor Adventures in the Beautiful Nature of Canada
Camping Trips and Wilderness Expeditions
Such a beautiful country, why not make as much use of Canada’s natural beauty? These can be day trips to the provincial parks in your neighborhood or week-long excursions in more distant regions.
Practical skills — like setting up tents, cooking over campfires, reading maps and hiking safely — are the forte of students. They also log off phones and social media, a relief for many students.
At a campfire at night, the students exchange stories and roast marshmallows and see stars in ways not possible in cities. These trips forge deep connections with classmates and lasting memories.
Skiing and Snowboarding Programs
Due to the long, cold winters and mountain ranges, both skiing and snowboarding are popular student activities in Canada. Some schools near mountains organize day trips, and a few have ski clubs that venture out one or more times each week of winter.
No problem if you’ve never skied before — plenty of programs include lessons for beginners. Instructors teach you the fundamentals before you tackle any actual hills. Many students find that with good humor and practice, they can learn enough ski or snowboard skills to have fun on the slope.
For students in provinces like British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec, ski trips are a winter highlight. On spring break, even students from provinces that don’t boast great skiing may take multi-day trips to the mountains.
Canoeing and Kayaking Expeditions
With thousands of lakes and rivers, Canada is ideal for water sports. Schools offer canoeing and kayaking in the warmer months. They include calm afternoon paddles and difficult multi-day trips.
Students are taught how to paddle, learn about water safety and practice cooperation. Most canoes require two people to paddle in order to move efficiently, which encourages teamwork and cooperation.
These water trips give students a view of Canada they might otherwise never see — lakes off the beaten track, wildlife in its natural state and the tranquility of being surrounded by nature.
Community Service Ideas That Help Keep Your Community Entertained
Food Bank Volunteering
A lot of Canadian students work at food banks, which gather and hand out food for families that need help. Students could be tasked with sorting donations, packing boxes or delivering food to those in the community.
These learning experiences can educate students about poverty and food insecurity, while helping them appreciate what they have. And many students were saying that when they volunteer at food banks, it changed their perception of waste and need.
Food drives, often done at schools in which students contribute non-perishable items from home. It is pride of accomplishment to see how many boxes your school fills for a good cause.
Environmental Cleanup Initiatives
Students around Canada hold cleanup days where they collect garbage in parks, at the beach or from neighborhood streets. These events are often held during Earth Day in April, but many schools do cleanups at other times of the year.
Students contribute to maintaining a clean and beautiful environment on their campuses while learning about environmental stewardship. At some, the schools strive to beat their own record for the amount of garbage they gather.
Environmental clubs also tackle bigger projects, such as planting trees, starting school gardens and cutting back on plastic use in their cafeterias. Students can actually see the change taking place as a result of their efforts with these ongoing projects.
Visits to Nursing Homes
Time spent with elderly is some good volunteer work. Students could go to nursing homes and hang out with the residents, play games, read books or put on music and skits.
These intergenerational connections benefit everyone. Older people benefit from the vitality and presence of the young, but they can also learn a lot from older generations. Several students develop lasting friendships with seniors they’ve met through these programs.
Student groups frequently put on special holiday events at nursing homes, for which they bring decorations, treats and entertainment to residents who may not have family in the area.
Technology and Innovation Activities
Coding Clubs and Hackathons
As technology grows more crucial, coding clubs are springing up in school settings across Canada. Students are taught to code in languages like Python, JavaScript or Scratch. They make games, websites, apps and other digital projects.
At hackathons, students compete in groups to create a project within just one or two days. Such competitions are thrilling and demanding, leading students to think outside the box and perform under pressure.
Many coding clubs work with local tech companies, providing students mentorship from professional programmers and exposure to future jobs.
Robotics Competitions
Robotics is a mix of engineering, computer programming and working together as a team. Students construct and program robots to accomplish a challenge. Some well-known competitions include FIRST Robotics and VEX Robotics.
Teams practice for months getting ready for competitions, having meetings after school and on the weekends. The day of competition results in robots fighting their way through obstacle courses, playing games against other robots or finding solutions to difficult problem sets.
Win or lose, robotics builds grit, technical skills and the ability to work effectively in teams. Roughly half the students who do robotics will have engineering or technology careers.
Digital Media and Film Production
These days it has become easier than ever to make videos, thanks in part to smartphones, and affordable editing software. Film clubs and digital media programs allow students to write scripts, film shots, edit videos and produce content.
Some schools are submitting student films to festivals; others screen the films at movie night. Short films, documentaries about school or community issues, music videos and comedy sketches are also potential projects students might produce.
These are the projects that teach storytelling, which develop technical skills and encourage collaboration. Even a brief video, students learn, takes planning, patience and problem-solving.
Fun School Spirit Days and Events That Are Community-Building
Pep Rallies and Spirit Weeks
Pep rallies galvanize excitement in the lead-up to a sports game or large event. The gym erupts with students cheering, chanting and exalting their school. Mascots show up, cheerleaders cheer, teams trot out and occasionally there are silly competitions between grades or teachers.
Spirit weeks have daily themes where students get to dress up. Monday is “Pajama Day,” Tuesday might be “Decade Day,” Wednesday could call for everyone to have a twin, as friends wear the same clothes and Friday generally comes with school colors. These enjoyable traditions are a way to make students feel they belong to a school community.
School Dances and Proms
That’s a big deal, and in high school dance world, there are no bigger deals. Middle schools may hold an informal dance every couple of months, while high schools have more formal dances, like winter formals and prom.
Prom is the school’s most elaborate dance, typically late in the spring and for graduating students. Prom is when students put on gowns and tuxes, roll up to the big dance in fancy cars and dance until dawn. Proms are usually hosted at hotels, banquet halls or other event spaces by schools.
Student councils put a lot of effort into planning these affairs, selecting themes, decorating rooms and arranging entertainment. Though dances can be intimidating, most kids seem to remember them as fun nights spent with friends.
Talent Shows
Talent shows allow students to display skills that may not fit into the regular school day. Students might sing, dance, perform magic tricks, do comedy routines, play unusual instruments or exhibit other skills.
Without variety, talent shows become quite boring. You could have a classical violinist, and then you have that followed by a hip-hop dance, and then it’s somebody juggling doing poetry. They always do, you know, even supportive classmates — all cheering for every performer.
Many students said the experience of performing in a talent show, even if they had still felt nervous, helped build self-confidence that made life easier in other aspects.
Canadian Student Event Calendar
| Month | Popular Events & Activities | Typical Grade Levels |
|---|---|---|
| September | Welcome back BBQs, Club sign-ups, Terry Fox Runs | All |
| October | Halloween dances, Fall sports tournaments, Thanksgiving food drives | All |
| November | Remembrance Day ceremonies, Science fair prep begins | All |
| December | Winter concerts, Holiday craft fairs, Toy drives | All |
| January | Winter carnivals, New Year goal-setting workshops | All |
| February | Winter sports competitions, Valentine’s Day fundraisers, Pink Shirt Day | All |
| March | March Break ski trips, Drama productions, Science fairs | All |
| April | Earth Day cleanups, Spring sports begin, Multicultural week | All |
| May | School fun days, Art exhibitions, Provincial championships | All |
| June | Grad ceremonies, Year-end trips, Awards assemblies | All |
Leadership Opportunities for Students
Student Council Positions
Student councils help to give students a voice in their school decisions. Students’ elected representatives meet regularly with teachers and the principal to talk about student concerns, organize events, and make life at school better.
Student council teaches campaign skills, public speaking and leadership. Council teaches responsibility, how to manage time and how organizations function. Many students say their council experience led them to seek leadership roles in the future.
Councils plan and run big school events such as dances, fundraisers and spirit weeks. They also push for changes students request, such as more options in the cafeteria, better facilities and new clubs and programs.
Peer Mentoring Programs
Older students also frequently mentor younger ones — to help them adjust to new schools, or navigate difficulties. Newbies are matched with more experienced students in these programs, leading to positive relationships.
Mentors could introduce new students around, have lunch with them until they make friends, assist with homework or simply be someone for them to talk to. For the mentors, these programs foster empathy, patience and communication.
For many international students, it is especially important to have a peer mentor who can unpack cultural differences and make them feel less alone in a new country.
Leadership Camps and Conferences
Special camps and conferences are held to train student leaders. These are maybe weekend or even weeklong events during which students from various schools gather.
Activities include team-building exercises; workshops on communication and conflict resolution; conversations about leadership styles and the skills needed to be a good leader, as well as planning projects that can improve schools or communities. Students come back from these reboots jazzed and full of ideas.
Leadership training benefits students in every part of life, not just school. Students are supposed to pick up social skills, too — including how to motivate others, work out conflicts and make progress toward a goal — that leave them better prepared for jobs, relationships and community involvement.
Seasonal Festivals and Celebrations
Winter Carnival Celebrations
Canadian schools both have their own winter carnival days. These can be winter fun activities like ice-skating outside, building snowman competitions, sleigh rides, hot chocolate stations and even snow sculpture competitions.
And some schools even bring in snow, regardless of whether it fell naturally, to turn schoolyards into winter wonderlands. With students bundled in warm clothing, they join together in activities that aren’t about enduring the chill but are instead about making cold weather enjoyable.
Crafts, games and winter-themed performances could be among the indoor carnival activities. These seasonal celebrations help students enjoy Canada’s unique seasons instead of wanting it to be summer all year.
Canada Day Activities
Schools are typically not in session on July 1st, which is Canada Day. Schools often close for events held late in June. Students may have red-and-white themed days, study Canadian history and symbols, or witness citizenship ceremonies should their school have newcomers to Canada.
In the majority of cases, communities put on larger Canada Day celebrations which include concerts, fireworks and fairs/carnivals that many students from the school usually attend with family and friends. It also highlights Canadian values of diversity, inclusion and community.
Terry Fox Runs
Schools — and people of all walks of life — across Canada take part in Terry Fox Runs every September to commemorate the legacy of Terry Fox, a young Canadian who ran across the country to raise money for cancer research after having his leg amputated because it had cancer.
These runs aren’t competitive races. Students walk or run as far as they can while raising money to fight cancer. Some schools have made this an all-school event and students do it together.
Reading about Terry Fox’s courage and generosity is a real motivator for students: one person can change the world! School Terry Fox Runs have raised millions of dollars over the years.
Creative Writing and Journalism Opportunities
School Newspapers and Yearbooks
School newspapers cover school events, profile students and teachers, review books and movies, and see what’s happening with other schools in town. The school paper is where students learn research, writing, interviewing, editing, and meeting deadlines.
Yearbook committees have the important task of memorializing the school year in a book students will treasure for life. Yearbook staff choose the pictures, write captions and lay out spreads, making sure every student is included in some way. It is a huge responsibility and takes organization and attention to detail.
Both newspapers and yearbooks impart useful skills applicable to a variety of careers, including journalism, marketing and publishing.
Poetry Slams and Writing Contests
Poetry slams are lively occasions at which students recite their original poems. Unlike reading quietly from the page, slam poets perform with emotion, rhythm and gesture. The audience snaps their fingers or claps when impressed.
These events make space for students to share how they feel about things that matter – the subjects of social justice, identity, environment and relationships or anything else. The positive environment motivates students to share their heartfelt, original writing.
Writing contests provide pupils with a platform to win prizes and gain recognition. Some are school-wide, some are provincial and others national. It is a high to see your writing published or win an award if you’re a young writer.
Literary Magazines
Schools that produce literary magazines publish student writing about creative literature. It is considered an honor to be chosen for publication and a sign of quality writing.
Students also learn about how work gets published, selecting and editing, the look of the page and distribution. These skills are applicable to numerous professional domains.
By reading the creative work of their classmates, students gain an opportunity to experience new perspectives and forms of writing while also developing appreciation for peers’ talents.
Health and Wellness Programs
Mental Health Awareness Campaigns
Canadian schools are getting better at acknowledging mental health. Students plan awareness campaigns that cut through the stigma and persuade classmates to get help when they are struggling.
Activities could include mindfulness workshops, stress management sessions, speeches by mental health professionals or information about anxiety, depression and other commonly faced problems. Some schools have wellness rooms where students can take peaceful breaks if they feel overwhelmed.
Peer support programs educate students on how to tell when a friend might need assistance and help them access appropriate resources. These efforts build caring school cultures in which asking for help is a sign of strength — not of weakness.
Fitness Challenges and Wellness Days
Fitness challenges that promote healthy habits are coordinated through schools. These can be step-counting challenges, yoga classes, nutrition lectures or wide-scale fitness events.
Wellness days might include meditation, cooking demonstrations with healthy recipes, lessons on the importance of sleep or talks about living a balanced lifestyle. These events remind students that health is a balance of physical, mental and emotional wellness.
Unlike traditional sport, anyone can participate in wellness programs whatever their level of physicality. They focus on self-improvement and positive habits, rather than winning or being the best.
Sports Days and Track Meets
Once a year, sports days see the whole school come together for good-natured physical contests. And activities run the gamut from conventional track races to fun events like three-legged races, water balloon tosses or tug-of-war.
Students are divided into teams or houses to encourage schoolwide rivalry and community building. Even students who are not taking part in sports usually volunteer, as there are activities at the games for all levels of skill.
More serious athletic competitions such as track and field meets see talented runners, jumpers and throwers vie against other schools. It’s meets like these that scout for talents for track and field, which could eventually lead to provincial or national competition.
Student Life in Canada: Frequently Asked Questions about Student Activities
Q: Are there certain things I have to be good at in order to join a club or an activity?
A: Not at all! The majority are open to beginners, at all levels. Whether you are passionate about sports, arts, academics or anything else, there are generally competitive options for experienced students and recreational options for newbies. The key to the program is curiosity and desire; they are not actual skills.
Q: What is the cost of student activities in Canada?
A: Lots of school activities are free or low cost. Most clubs tend to not charge dues. Some activities, such as sports teams, ski trips and travel competitions, have associated costs for such things as equipment and transportation or entry fees. But Canadian schools usually provide financial aid or scholarships to make sure everyone can attend, regardless of their family’s income. If cost is an issue, speak to teachers or counselors.
Q: Are foreign students eligible for any or all of the programs and activities?
A: Yes! It’s easy to attend schools in Canada as an international student. All are welcome at any activity. Many schools also offer programs that are designed to help international students acclimate and make friends. In fact, getting involved is one of the most effective ways for international students to improve English or French, meet Canadian students and feel comfortable in their new country.
Q: How can I see what my school offers?
A: Many schools have activity fairs or club days at the start of each year, when all clubs and activities set up tables to attract new recruits. Look on your school’s website, in announcements, posters hanging in hallways or ask teachers or student council members. There’s also the option of asking your guidance counselor, who should have access to all available activities and be able to help you find something that suits your interests.
Q: Will attending these activities affect my grades?
A: In fact, research has indicated that students engaged in extracurricular activities frequently have higher grade point averages than those who aren’t. Activities promote time management, peace of mind and motivation. If you manage your time properly (reasonable amount of time spent) activities help, not hurt performance. They also make you a more rounded person which is important for applications to university.
Q: What if I’m shy and get nervous when it comes to participating in certain activities alone?
A: You are so not alone in this feeling! Consider coming with a friend so you won’t be alone, or keep in mind that there will be all sorts of other students out there who are joining in by themselves, too. Activity leaders and teachers tend to be very open and will help you become acclimated. You also might dip your toes in with smaller clubs, quieter activities before you tackle bigger, more social ones. The majority of students report that participating in activities did indeed help them become less shy over time.
Q: What if there is something I want to do but my school does not have a club for it?
A: It’s allowed — and in some cases, encouraged — at most Canadian schools. In general, you will need a teacher who is willing to sponsor the club and some students who want to participate. Ask your student council or a trusted teacher about the process at your school. Starting a club demonstrates leadership and initiative that will look good on college applications.
Q: Do activities meet only during school or at other times?
A: It varies. A few clubs meet at lunch or during free periods in the school day. Some meet after school or on weekends. Sports teams typically practice after school and compete on weeknights or weekends. Before you sign up, verify the time commitment to make sure it is manageable with your schedule, family obligations and part-time work if you have a part-time job.
Getting the Most Out of Your Time in Canadian Schools
The experience of being a student in Canada is full of diversity. No matter if you’re into sports, arts, science, community service or trying out new things, you’ll find activities that motivate and excite you. It’s all about stepping outside of your comfort zone & trying things even if they seem intimidating at first.
“Our favorite memories from school are usually not those that came through classes — the play we were in, the tournament we performed in, the volunteer project where we actually made a difference or when we found our hive of friends sitting around at table in that club,” many parents wrote. They literally form the person you become and connections that last far past your school years.
You don’t have to be perfect or the best at everything. What’s important is participating, doing your best, cheering on your classmates and having fun. Canadian student programs encourage participation in a friendly and fun atmosphere.
So give it a try when you see a flyer for an event, get invited to do something new or think about joining a club. Say yes to new experiences. Join your school community. The friends you make and the skills you learn will be with you for life.
There are so many student groups and communities in Canada: you’ll definitely find your tribe. It is an opportunity that will show you how to experience these remarkable years of education as an adventure in learning and personal growth, friendships formed that become a priceless part of your life. There are dozens of spots – just get out and discover them!
