And just like that, 2025 is behind us.
The year showed us that despite the many, many choices TV viewers in Canada have for what to watch next, there are still special events that can unite audiences in their millions.
For example, last year more than 10 million Canadians watched the Stanley Cup final, 7.2 million watched at least some of the Oscars, and back in February, a huge 16.6 million tuned into the Super Bowl at some time during the broadcast.
While these viewing figures do include linear viewership, brands advertising on streaming platforms should still be paying attention – according to our research, 43% of TV streamers watch cable channels through streaming services, and 16% regularly stream live broadcasts.
Put them in your calendar now – here are 19 of the most anticipated TV and major sporting events that Canadians will be watching in 2026.
We’ve included major holidays throughout the year too, to help with your planning. Our research among more than 1,700 Canadians found that 94% of streamers celebrate or observe at least one religious holiday, watch major sports games, or participate in the biggest annual shopping events.
Note: All information is accurate at the time of writing.
Sunday 4: Big Brother Célébrités (season 6, Noovo/CraveTV) – One of the biggest rating shows among young Quebecers, the 2024 final of the reality show pulled up to 1.1 million viewers.
Sunday 18: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (season debut of the Game of Thrones prequel, Max)
Tuesday 27: Wonder Man (season debut, Disney+)
Sunday 1: 68th Grammy Awards (Paramount+) – In 2025, around 1.5 million Canadians watched the awards.
Friday 6–Sunday 22: Winter Olympics (CBC Gem/ICI TOU.TV) – The last Winter Olympics, the Beijing Games in 2022, were the most-streamed Games on CBC Gem, with 70% of all Canadians tuning in. More than one in five (20.5%) of Canadians watched at least a minute of the closing ceremony.
Sunday 8: Super Bowl LX (DAZN, TSN) – More than a quarter (28%) of Canadian streamers told us they watch the Super Bowl. Last year’s event, Super Bowl LIX, drew an average of 8.5 million Canadian viewers, with 16.6 million watching some or all of the game.
Saturday 14: Valentine’s Day – Just under half of streamers (47%) told us they observe this loved-up holiday.
Tuesday 17–Wednesday 18 March: Ramadan – Our research found that 3% of streamers observe Ramadan.
Tuesday 17: Lunar New Year – According to our research, 6% of streamers celebrate Chinese or Lunar New Year.
Friday 6–Sunday 15: Winter Paralympics (CBC Gem, ICI TOU.TV) – Global viewership for the Winter Paralympics is growing, with the last Games drawing more TV viewers than ever before.
Sunday 15: 98th Academy Awards (CTV) – In 2025, 7.2 million Canadians tuned into the awards for at least a minute.
Sunday 5: Easter Sunday – More than half (57%) of Canadian streamers celebrate Easter.
Wednesday 8: The Boys (final season debut, Prime Video)
Sunday 10: Mother’s Day – Nearly two-thirds (63%) of streamers celebrate moms on Mother’s Day.
Friday 15–Sunday 31: IIHF World Championship (TSN)
TBC: Stanley Cup final – In 2025, 10.7 million Canadians tuned into the Stanley Cup final. As a whole, the series reached 45% of Canadians. Our research found that just over a
third (35%) of streamers will be watching.
Thursday 11–Sunday 19 July: Men’s FIFA World Cup (TSN+, CTV) – One to keep an eye on, as Canada will be co-hosting the tournament with Mexico and the US this year. Expect big audiences, too – according to nlogic, just over a quarter (28%) of Canadians – 10.7 million, in fact – tuned into the 2022 final between Argentina and France.
Sunday 21: Father’s Day – More than half (56%) of streamers observe Father’s Day, according to our research.
Friday 26–Saturday 27: 2026 NHL Entry Draft
Wednesday 1: Canada Day – Happy 159th birthday, Canada!
Thursday 23–Sunday 2 August: Commonwealth Games (CBC Gem)
Thursday 13–Sunday 16: IFAF Women’s American Football Championships
End of the month, into September: Back to school – 15% of streamers told us they stock up on school supplies at this time of year.
Wednesday 9–Saturday 19: Ottawa 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships
Monday 12: Thanksgiving (Canada)
Friday 23: World Series – In 2025, the Blue Jays vs. LA Dodgers games drew an average audience of 8.1 million viewers and reached 25 million Canadians, according to Numeris.
Saturday 31: Halloween – More than half (56%) of streamers celebrate the spookiest night of the year.
Sunday 8: Diwali – 3% of streamers celebrate Diwali, according to our research.
Sunday 15: 113th Grey Cup (TSN) – In 2025, 10 million fans tuned into the CFL Grey Cup.
Thursday 26: Thanksgiving (US)
Friday 27: Black Friday – Just over a third (34%) of streamers told us they get involved with this shopping event.
Monday 30: Cyber Monday
Tuesday 1: Giving Tuesday
Friday 4–Saturday 12: Hanukkah – 2% of streamers celebrate Hanukkah, according to our research.
Friday 25: Christmas Day – 4 in 5 streamers (79%) celebrate Christmas.
Saturday 26: Boxing Day
Thursday 31: New Year’s Eve – More than two-thirds (68%) of streamers observe New Year’s Eve.
Thursday 31: Bye Bye 2026 (ICI TOU.TV) – In 2024, nearly 3 million Quebecers tuned into the New Year’s Eve French-language sketch show.
Whilst you may not be sponsoring large events such as cup finals and anticipated TV show releases, streamers still come through the Connected TV home screen before they enter the broadcast. Treat the TV home screen as an advertising billboard - build your brand as everyone sits down together before these great events.
Special moments such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Thanksgiving are also huge opportunites that bring streamers together. Consider playing a part in these moments by sponsoring a themed playlist, curating a branded collection of TV shows or movies, or creating interactive ads providing consumers with brand offers. Read more about Unmissable Moments here, and get in touch with us to find out more.