Canada’s tennis calendar ranges from one of the biggest events outside the Grand Slams to smaller professional tournaments where rising players fight for ranking points. The main attraction is the National Bank Open, held in Toronto and Montreal, but it is far from the only chance to see high-level tennis in the country.
Whether you are planning a summer trip, looking for a local tournament or hoping to catch future stars before they reach the main tour, it helps to know how Canada’s events fit together. Here is a practical guide to the major tournaments, where they are played and what to expect.
The National Bank Open: Canada’s Biggest Tennis Tournament
The National Bank Open is the centerpiece of professional tennis in Canada. It is part of the ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 tours, placing it among the most important regular-season events outside the four Grand Slams. The tournament dates back to 1881 and is one of the oldest in tennis.
It is hosted in Toronto and Montreal, with the men’s and women’s draws switching cities each year. In 2026, the women’s event is scheduled for Toronto and the men’s for Montreal; the arrangement reverses in 2027. Because dates and formats can change, check the tournament’s official schedule before booking travel.
The event draws many of the world’s leading players, though the fields can shift because of injuries, form and the demands of the season. For fans, the city rotation is part of the appeal: the tournament combines top-level tennis with two very different city experiences.
What makes the National Bank Open distinctive?
- Elite competition: Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 events offer strong fields and valuable ranking points.
- Outdoor hard courts: The tournament takes place during the North American hard-court swing, ahead of the US Open.
- Close-up viewing: Early rounds can be especially rewarding. You may see several well-known players on outer courts, often at a closer range than in the later rounds.
- A useful form check: Players use the event to test their hard-court game under pressure before the final major of the season.
The surface can reward aggressive serving and first-strike tennis, but it is not simply a contest of power. A player who returns well and redirects the ball early can take time away from a big hitter. Watch how players handle the first two shots of each rally: that often reveals who is controlling the match.
Other Professional Tennis Tournaments in Canada
Below the main tour, Canada hosts professional events that give developing players a route toward higher rankings. Challenger tournaments and ITF events may not have the same star power as the National Bank Open, but they can offer terrific tennis and a more relaxed setting.
| Event type | What to expect | Why it may appeal to fans |
|---|---|---|
| National Bank Open | Top-level ATP and WTA competition in Toronto and Montreal | Major names, large crowds and a festival atmosphere |
| ATP Challenger events | Professional men’s tournaments below the ATP Tour | Competitive matches and a chance to watch future tour regulars |
| ITF World Tennis Tour events | Smaller professional tournaments for men and women | Accessible venues and emerging players building their careers |
| Canadian national championships | Age-group and national-level competition, with events varying by category | A look at the country’s strongest domestic players |
Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg and Granby have hosted professional events in recent seasons. Tournament names, dates, categories and locations can change from year to year, so treat these as places to check on the current calendar rather than a guarantee of an event every season. The ATP, WTA and ITF calendars, along with Tennis Canada’s event listings, are the best places to confirm what is scheduled.
Challenger tennis has its own atmosphere. The crowds are usually smaller, and you can often follow the action from courtside without the planning required for a major event. The players are still competing for important ranking points, so the intensity is real. A close match between two players trying to break into the top 100 can be every bit as gripping as a famous-name matchup.
Canadian Championships and Local Events
Professional tournaments are only one part of tennis in Canada. Tennis Canada and provincial or local associations also run national championships, junior events and adult competitions. The format and host location depend on the age group and category. These events matter to players developing their games, even when they attract fewer spectators than a tour tournament.
At a local level, clubs and community organizations run leagues, weekend draws and recreational tournaments throughout the playing season. They are a good option if you want to compete rather than watch. Check your provincial tennis association or a nearby club for registration details, level requirements and upcoming dates.
How to Plan a Visit to a Canadian Tennis Tournament
- Confirm the city and year: The National Bank Open’s men’s and women’s tournaments rotate between Toronto and Montreal. Smaller events can also change venues or dates.
- Choose your session carefully: Early rounds usually provide more matches and a better chance of seeing several players. Late rounds focus on fewer, higher-stakes matches.
- Look beyond the main court: Outer courts can offer excellent viewing, particularly in early rounds when top players may be scheduled across the grounds.
- Plan for summer weather: Bring sun protection and water, and check the venue’s rules about bags and outside food before you go.
- Buy from official sources: Use the tournament’s ticketing links to check seating, session times and resale policies.
If you are following a particular player, check the daily order of play rather than assuming they will play in the evening. Match schedules can shift, and a player’s court or start time may not be known until shortly before the session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest tennis tournament in Canada?
The National Bank Open is Canada’s largest and most prominent professional tournament. It is an ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event, hosted in Toronto and Montreal.
Where is the National Bank Open held in 2026?
The 2026 edition follows the alternating-city arrangement: the women’s tournament is scheduled for Toronto and the men’s for Montreal. Check the official tournament site for confirmed dates and session details.
Are there tennis tournaments in Canada outside Toronto and Montreal?
Yes. Canada hosts Challenger and ITF professional events, as well as national, junior and local competitions. Cities including Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg and Granby have hosted professional tournaments, but the calendar varies by year.
Can beginners play in Canadian tennis tournaments?
Many local clubs and associations offer recreational leagues and events for different skill levels. Professional tournaments are for ranked players, but community competitions are a practical way for beginners and club players to get match experience.
Final Thoughts
Canada offers tennis at several levels, from the star-filled National Bank Open to smaller events where up-and-coming players are working their way onto the main tour. Start with the National Bank Open if you want a major summer tennis experience, then check the current Challenger, ITF and local calendars for more intimate competition. Confirm dates and venues before making plans, as the schedule can change from one season to the next.
