Because Nothing Brings Canadians Together Like Dinking and Saying “Sorry” After Every Smash
TL;DR: What Is Pickleball and Why Is Everyone in Canada Obsessed?
Pickleball is Canada’s new national obsession (sorry, hockey 🏒). It's a paddle sport that's equal parts tennis, ping pong and pure serotonin. Whether you're in Vancouver, Toronto or tiny-town Saskatchewan — if you haven't played yet, you're either injured… or about to.
The best part? It’s inclusive, affordable and 100% addictive. Guaranteed.
👉 Shop the best pickleball paddles in Canada
👉 Grab a pickleball bag so your gear stops living in your car trunk
A Brief History of Pickleball (Yes, That’s Really Its Name)
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three dads trying to keep their kids entertained. They mixed bits of tennis, ping pong and badminton. Then someone’s wife was like, “This is giving leftover rowing team energy — call it pickleball.”
And the name stuck. You’re welcome.
Why Pickleball Is Booming in Canada
Here’s the tea, eh:
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Pickleball Canada reported over 1 million players and counting.
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Courts are popping up faster than Tim Hortons drive-thrus.
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It's a low-impact sport that's high-key fun.
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You don’t have to be athletic — just slightly coordinated and polite.
Even better: it’s perfect for all ages, all skill levels and all provinces (yes, even Nunavut — we checked).
Pickleball Basics (for Total Newbies)
Picture this:
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You’re on a badminton-sized court.
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You’re holding a paddle bigger than a ping pong one, smaller than a tennis racquet.
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You’re whacking a perforated plastic ball (aka wiffle ball) over a low net.
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The goal? Get to 11 points and feel superior.
Quick beginner tip:
✔ The ball must bounce once on each side before volleying.
✖ Don’t smash it in the kitchen (aka non-volley zone).
Want to dive deeper? Explore what is the Kitchen in Pickleball?
Essential Gear for Playing Pickleball in Canada
The Paddle
Don’t use a $12 one from the hardware store. Get a quality paddle like:
👉 Nilk Signature Paddle – stylish, lightweight, beginner-friendly
The Pickleball Bag
Let’s get real. You need a bag. Especially if your current setup involves a grocery tote and tears.
Check out our faves:
The Pickleball Ball
Indoor, outdoor, winter, summer — Canada has weather mood swings. Luckily NILK offers both premium indoor and the best outdoor pickleball balls to suit all seasons. So come rain or shine, your pickleball addiction is a 365 day affair.
Check out pickleball balls indoor vs outdoor to learn more.
Pickleball Court Dimensions (It’s Giving Mini Tennis)
Standard court:
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20 ft wide x 44 ft long
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Net height: 36” at the sides, 34” in the middle
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Includes a non-volley zone 7 ft from the net (don’t stand in it unless you're vibing after a drop shot)
What to Wear
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Moisture-wicking everything
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Court shoes (not running shoes!)
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Bonus points if your outfit matches your paddle
Want to go full pickleball princess? Check our top-rated pickleball bags for women
Rules You Absolutely Need to Know
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Games go to 11 points, must win by 2
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Only the serving team scores
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Serves must be underhand and diagonal
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Stay out of the kitchen unless the ball has bounced
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The double bounce rule is real — and yes, it matters
Social Side of Pickleball (It’s Basically Pickleball & Chill)
Pickleball is a vibe. It's about community, connection and that moment someone yells "Nice dink!" and nobody laughs because we’re all mature now.
Join a league. Play in a tourney. Or just show up at your local rec centre and make 3 new best friends.
The Future of Pickleball in Canada
Spoiler alert: It’s only getting bigger. With national tournaments, pro leagues and actual fashion collabs, pickleball is becoming a lifestyle.
NILK is here for it. From premium pickleball paddles, bags and accessories to blog content that slaps — we’re Canada’s most stylish way to serve.
👉 Browse NILK’s full collection
👉 Read: Best Pickleball Paddles of 2025
Final Word: Why Canada Can’t Stop Playing Pickleball
It’s fun. It’s social. It’s weirdly addictive. And it gives you an excuse to yell “OUT!” at strangers without consequences.
Whether you’re just starting or ready to compete, pickleball in Canada is more than a game — it’s a movement.
So get a paddle, grab a friend and join the dink side.
Check out pickleball courts near me in Mississauga.