Lacrosse events, matches and tournaments in Ontario

History of lacrosse

Lacrosse is widely considered the oldest sport in North America, with a rich history in Canada and Ontario.

It was first documented in the 1630s, when the Iroquoian-speaking First Nation, the Huron-Wendat, played an original version of the game. The sport held a rich cultural and spiritual importance as it was played to honour elders, heal individuals and unite adversaries.

Lacrosse was named Canada’s national sport in 1859. The National Lacrosse Association was formed shortly after in 1867, becoming the first national sport governing body on the continent.

Since then, lacrosse has undergone many alterations to compete against the exponential rise of hockey, basketball, soccer and other sports across the country. What began as a sport predominantly played on a large field morphed into a version of the game played on a smaller paved hockey rink called box lacrosse. The smaller playing area provides faster-paced action in a climate-controlled environment.

The National Lacrosse League

The highest level of North American box (indoor) lacrosse competition is the National Lacrosse League (NLL). Comprised of 14 teams, including three from Ontario, the NLL is known for fast-paced action and unpredictability.

The league operates under a fall to spring season model, with the first game of the campaign usually taking place during the final week of November. The eight teams with the most points after the regular season make the playoffs, which are held in April and May.

The following teams call Ontario home.

Toronto Rock

Toronto Rock is the most-followed lacrosse team in Canada, with over 15,000 fans who regularly attend home matches at TD Coliseum. “The Rock,” as they are commonly known, share the record for the most National Lacrosse League championships with the Buffalo Bandits, with both teams having won seven titles.

The Rock performs best with a passionate fanbase cheering them on. Help the team secure its eighth championship and become the league’s most decorated franchise by purchasing season tickets.

Oshawa Firewolves

The NLL’s Oshawa FireWolves recently completed their first season in Oshawa after relocating from Albany, New York. The Wolves play at the Tribute Communities Centre, where they sold out four of the nine home games during the 2025-2026 season.

Season tickets for the 2026-2027 season are available now.

Ottawa Black Bears

Canada’s capital city is home to the Black Bears, a team in search of their first NLL championship. The Bears staff and community often organize theme games where fans are invited to participate in various coordinated outfits. Country night during the 2026 season was popular with both the fans and the players, who wore cowboy hats and boots in style.

Visit the team shop to prepare for theme games next season.

Celebrating women’s lacrosse teams

Women’s major series lacrosse

Formerly known as the Ontario Women’s Box Lacrosse League (OWBLL), the Women’s Major Series Lacrosse (WMSL) is a competitive league comprising teams throughout the province. With over 150 athletes and eleven clubs battling it out for over 15 seasons, the competition is fierce and makes for exciting sports entertainment.

Ontario women’s field lacrosse

While box lacrosse may have taken the game to new heights, field lacrosse was where it began. The Ontario Women’s Field Lacrosse (OWFL) Association provides girls and women of all ages the opportunity to participate in Canada’s national sport.

Matches take place throughout Ontario and Canada. Take a look at the league’s schedule to support potential superstars near you.

Ignite your lacrosse fandom

Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame

Learn all there is to know about lacrosse in Ontario by travelling through the sport’s illustrious history. Located in St. Catharines, the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame highlights the greatest lacrosse players of all time.

Since its establishment in 1997, multiple exhibits have shaped the community discourse around the sport, showcasing the inspiring cultural and athletic contributions to Ontario and Canada.

Ontario lacrosse events

The Ontario Lacrosse Association hosts a variety of events that celebrate the commitment, talent and passion shared by both players and fans for this Canadian pastime.

The Ontario Lacrosse Festival is the headline event. Fans are invited to watch lacrosse games played by kids and teens. From July 31 to August 9, 2026, tune in to see the game’s future superstars in action.

Support your local team

Aside from professional teams in the NLL, many semi-pro and local teams produce electrifying matches. The Arena Lacrosse League, in partnership with the NLL, provides lacrosse youngsters with professional aspirations a platform to hone their skills. This all-Canadian league features eight Ontario-based teams throughout the province.

Cheer on your hometown team and get into the action with lacrosse games, events, exhibits and more in Ontario.