Staying Active in Real Estate: The Best Sports for Canadian Realtors
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Published April 16, 2025 | MaxWell Realty Blogs | Ron Alfred De Guzman
As a realtor in Canada, balancing your professional life with personal wellness can feel like showing a house while renovations are still underway—challenging but necessary. With Spring blooming and Summer on the horizon, now is the perfect time to incorporate sports into your busy schedule. Not only do these activities promote physical health, but they also offer mental clarity, networking opportunities, and a deeper connection to the communities you serve.
Game, Set, Match: Why Tennis Serves Realtors Well
Tennis offers the perfect blend of flexibility and intensity for the bustling realtor. Whether you're scheduling early morning rallies before showings or unwinding with evening matches after closing deals, tennis adapts to your timetable.
"I've closed more deals through connections made on the tennis court than at formal networking events. It's where relationships feel natural." - says a Top-Performing Realtor, MaxWell Realty Vancouver
Canada's tennis scene is thriving, ranking as the 4th most popular sport in terms of interest and 5th in participation, with approximately 5 million players nationwide as of 2023 (Vancouver Tennis Society, 2023). With Canadian stars like Milos Raonic and Bianca Andreescu making international headlines, the sport's popularity continues to soar.
Pro Tip for Realtors: Many Canadian cities have public courts in residential neighborhoods—perfect for familiarizing yourself with different communities while staying active. Schedule 30-minute sessions between property viewings for a quick workout and area reconnaissance.
Pickleball: The Fastest-Growing Networking Opportunity
If tennis seems too intensive, pickleball might be your perfect match. This paddle sport has experienced explosive growth, with 1.54 million Canadians playing monthly as of January 2025—a remarkable 57% increase since 2022 (Pickleball Canada, 2025).
What makes pickleball particularly suitable for realtors?
- Shorter games that fit into break times between client meetings
- Lower learning curve than tennis, making it accessible even for beginners
- Doubles format that encourages conversation and relationship-building
- Indoor and outdoor options for year-round play regardless of Canadian weather
Fun Fact: The name "pickleball" originated from the founder's dog, Pickles, who would chase the ball during early games (Pickleball Canada, 2025). This conversation starter alone might help break the ice with potential clients!
Research shows pickleball is especially popular among the 35-54 age demographic—coincidentally the prime homebuying and selling years. By participating in local pickleball leagues, you position yourself within a community of potential clients while maintaining your physical health.
Volleyball: Team Building in the Real Estate Game
For realtors who thrive in team environments, volleyball—particularly beach volleyball during the Summer months—offers a perfect outlet. This sport develops communication skills and strategic thinking that translate directly to navigating complex real estate transactions.
Canada's volleyball community is robust, with events like the 2025 Youth Nationals and Canada Cup highlighting the sport's prominence (Volleyball Canada, 2025). Beach volleyball, which became an Olympic sport in 1996 with Canada participating in every Olympics since, provides a refreshing Summer activity with sand courts available in most major Canadian cities.
Realtor Connection: Just as successful property transactions require coordination between multiple parties, volleyball demands seamless teamwork. The skills developed on the court—communication, anticipation, and adaptability—mirror those needed in complex real estate negotiations.
Golf: Where Business and Leisure Meet on the Greens
Golf has long been synonymous with business networking, making it particularly valuable for real estate professionals. Canada boasts over 2,400 golf courses—more per capita than almost any country in the world (Golf Canada, 2024)—creating abundant opportunities for realtors to connect with clients in a relaxed setting.
"I've finalized more luxury property deals on the back nine than in my office. Golf provides the uninterrupted time needed to build genuine client relationships." - says a Luxury Property Specialist, MaxWell Realty
The Canadian golf season aligns perfectly with the real estate market's busiest months. As properties bloom with Spring curb appeal, golf courses across the country open their greens, creating natural opportunities to discuss real estate in a pressure-free environment.
Fun Fact: Canada is home to the oldest golf club in North America—the Royal Montreal Golf Club, established in 1873 (Golf Canada, 2024). This rich history parallels Canada's mature real estate market, where understanding local heritage often translates to property value insights.
Pro Tip for Realtors: Many prestigious neighborhoods are built around golf courses, offering an organic way to showcase luxury properties while enjoying a round. Consider scheduling viewings before or after tee times to maximize your day's productivity.
Beyond the Court and Green: Other Sports for the Active Realtor
While tennis, pickleball, and volleyball offer excellent options for the real estate professional, several other activities complement the realtor lifestyle:
Hiking
Canada's breathtaking landscapes provide endless opportunities for hiking, from urban trails to national parks. As a realtor, hiking allows you to explore neighborhoods from a different perspective while connecting with nature. With over 40 national parks across the country, including the iconic Bruce Trail stretching 885 kilometers along the Niagara Escarpment, you're never far from a trail (Parks Canada, 2024).
Cycling
Cycling offers both a workout and a practical way to preview properties and neighborhoods. Cities like Vancouver and Montreal feature extensive bike paths, making this an efficient way to familiarize yourself with local real estate landscapes. The Trans Canada Trail, spanning over 28,000 kilometers across every province and territory, provides endless exploration opportunities (Sports and Leisure Activities in Canada, 2024).
Yoga
For stress management—a crucial skill in the fast-paced real estate market—yoga provides a perfect balance. Short 15-20 minute sessions can be integrated between client calls, improving mental clarity and physical wellbeing. Research confirms yoga reduces cortisol levels, helping realtors maintain composure during high-pressure negotiations (Sports and Leisure Activities in Canada, 2024).
Seasonal Considerations for the Canadian Realtor
As we transition from Spring to Summer 2025, outdoor activities become increasingly accessible. The table below helps prioritize sports based on your professional needs:
| Activity | Schedule Flexibility | Seasonal Suitability | Networking Potential | Stress Relief |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennis | High | Excellent (Spring/Summer) | Medium | High |
| Pickleball | High | Excellent (Indoor/Outdoor) | High | High |
| Volleyball | Medium | Excellent (Beach in Summer) | High | Medium |
| Golf | Medium | Excellent (Spring/Summer) | Very High | Medium |
| Hiking | High | Excellent (Spring/Summer) | Medium | High |
| Cycling | High | Excellent (Spring/Summer) | Medium | Medium |
| Yoga | High | Good (Indoor/Outdoor) | Low | High |
Connecting Sports to Your Real Estate Practice
The Canadian real estate market demands adaptability, endurance, and relationship-building—qualities that these sports help develop. Consider these creative ways to integrate sports into your professional practice:
- Host client appreciation events at local tennis clubs or beach volleyball courts
- Create a "MaxWell Realty Pickleball League" for clients and colleagues
- Organize property showcases around golf tournaments or sponsor a hole at charity golf events
- Sponsor local sports tournaments to increase community visibility
- Lead "property tours by bike" for environmentally-conscious clients
- Offer yoga sessions at open houses to demonstrate lifestyle benefits of the property
Conclusion: The Winning Strategy
For Canadian realtors, integrating sports like tennis, pickleball, and volleyball into your routine isn't just about staying physically active—it's about building a sustainable career that balances professional demands with personal wellbeing. As the Spring and Summer seasons unfold across Canada's provinces, take advantage of the warmer weather to explore these activities.
Remember, in real estate as in sports, consistency yields results. Whether you're serving on the tennis court, spiking on the volleyball sand, or paddling on the pickleball court, your investment in physical activity will pay dividends in your professional performance and personal satisfaction.
References
Golf Canada. (2024). Canadian Golf Participation Report. Retrieved from golfcanada.ca.
Parks Canada. (2024). Sports and Outdoor Activities. Retrieved from Parks Canada.
Pickleball Canada. (2025). Pickleball in Canada – January 2025 Survey. Retrieved from pickleballcanada.org.
Royal Montreal Golf Club. (2024). Club History. Retrieved from rmgc.org.
Sports and Leisure Activities in Canada for Indian Expats. (2024). Retrieved from Activity Canada.
Tennis Canada. (2023). Tennis Participation in Canada. Retrieved from Tennis Canada.
Vancouver Tennis Society. (2023). Tennis Canada Report: 5 Million Tennis Players in 2023. Retrieved from vantennis.ca.
Volleyball Canada. (2025). 2025 Youth Nationals & Canada Cup. Retrieved from volleyball.ca.