The pop of wiffle balls against paddles is becoming a regular soundtrack across Greater Victoria – and for good reason. Pickleball is exploding.
What started as a backyard invention on Bainbridge Island nearly 60 years ago is now one of Canada’s fastest-growing sports, and Victoria is riding the wave.
According to a January 2025 Pickleball Canada survey, the sport now boasts 1.54 million players nationwide – a 57 per cent increase since 2022.
The region currently features 39 outdoor courts spread across 17 locations, and 32 indoor courts at 12 facilities.
Just last year, six new courts opened at Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre. Even more are on the way – Saanich's Fowler Park is adding six courts by early 2026, while Victoria’s Topaz Park is slated for 11 more by fall.
Roger Graves has had a front-row seat to the rise. The president of the Victoria Regional Pickleball Association (VRPA) first picked up a paddle after some friendly pressure from a curling teammate.
“She was 75, maybe five feet tall, and she kept asking me, ‘Have you ever tried pickleball?’” Graves recalled. “Eventually, I figured I’d better try it before she asked me again. I watched a few videos, ordered a paddle and shoes, and jumped in.”
He hasn’t looked back. Now a certified Level 2 instructor, Graves says the sport’s accessibility is a huge draw.
“In 90 minutes, I can take someone who’s never touched a paddle to playing a recognizable game of pickleball,” he said. “It’s quick to learn, it’s fun, and people laugh when they mess up. There’s a joy to it.”
That immediate payoff – paired with low-impact movement – makes it appealing across generations. The smaller court size compared to tennis or badminton means less running, fewer injuries, and a gentler physical toll, especially for older players.
“Tennis courts are huge,” Graves said. “With pickleball, especially playing doubles, you’re only covering 10 feet of space. For most people, it’s three steps. And unlike badminton, which is brutal on shoulders, pickleball is a lot easier on the body.”
The sport’s growth has now reached schools.
In spring 2025, the VRPA helped train over 600 students across three sites, introducing the game into PE curriculums.
“That’s where the next wave will come from,” he said. “Once kids realize it’s a real sport and fun, they’ll stick with it. And when teachers can pick it up quickly too, it makes it that much easier to integrate.”
According to Graves, building more pickleball courts is just one part of the sport’s upward trajectory.
“Think of it like Highway 401 in Toronto,” he said. “They added more lanes, and the traffic just kept growing. That’s what it’s like with pickleball right now. The more space we create, the more people want to play.”
There are still challenges – especially around noise complaints – but new technologies like quieter paddles and 3D-printed balls are emerging quickly.
At its core, Graves says, the real appeal isn’t just athletic – it’s social.
“It’s like table tennis, but you’re standing on the table,” he said. “It’s fun, it’s inclusive, and it brings people together. Especially for older adults – who maybe aren’t getting out as much – pickleball is the perfect way to move your body, meet new people, and feel part of something again.”
And as more courts go up across Greater Victoria, more people are finding their way to the net – one pop at a time.
