When you think about health & fitness in Canada, it’s not just about going to the gym—it’s a lifestyle deeply influenced by the Canadian healthcare system, government wellness initiatives, nutrition habits, and the challenges of living in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal. Over the last few years, more Canadians are prioritizing their mental and physical health, and Statistics Canada reports that 62% of adults engage in regular physical activity, a significant jump from the pre-pandemic years.
But let’s be real: staying consistent with fitness in Canada isn’t always easy. The cold winters in provinces like Alberta or Manitoba can be a real barrier, while the fast-paced life in Ontario often leaves people struggling to find time for exercise. At the same time, rising costs of living and healthcare make it even more important to invest in personal wellness.
So, whether you’re a newcomer on PR (Permanent Residency), a university student trying to manage gym memberships on a budget, or a professional balancing tech jobs in Toronto with your health, this guide will give you a complete overview of gyms, nutrition, and wellness trends in Canada.
Why Health & Fitness Matters More in Canada Today
Canada’s healthcare system is one of the most accessible in the world, but it’s not perfect. While doctor visits are covered under the public system, issues like long wait times and rising chronic diseases (such as obesity and diabetes) highlight the importance of preventive health care. Canadians are realizing that investing in their health through fitness, nutrition, and wellness practices reduces the long-term burden on the system.
In fact, Canada.ca recently reported that 1 in 3 Canadians is at risk of cardiovascular disease due to lifestyle habits—a figure that has pushed gyms, wellness centers, and even insurance providers to promote fitness programs more aggressively.
Another important factor? Cost of living. With rent, car insurance, and food prices climbing across provinces, more Canadians are focusing on home workouts and affordable diets that don’t compromise nutrition.
Gyms & Fitness Centers in Canada
The gym culture in Canada is thriving. From massive chains like GoodLife Fitness to boutique studios in downtown Toronto, there are endless options. But let’s break it down by city and trend:
1. Toronto (Ontario)
Toronto, Canada’s biggest city, is home to GoodLife Fitness, Fit4Less, and premium gyms like Equinox. Membership prices range from CAD $15/month (budget gyms) to CAD $200/month (luxury clubs). Many workplaces in the tech and finance sectors also offer corporate gym memberships.
Local tip: The city’s waterfront trails along Lake Ontario are perfect for running and cycling, especially during summer.
2. Vancouver (British Columbia)
Vancouver’s fitness culture is deeply connected to outdoor activities. With access to mountains and the Pacific Ocean, locals are into hiking, biking, skiing, and yoga. Gyms like Steve Nash Fitness World are popular, but you’ll also see many people choosing outdoor fitness groups instead of traditional gyms.
Fun fact: Vancouver has one of the highest percentages of yoga practitioners in North America.
3. Calgary (Alberta)
Calgary residents balance gym life with outdoor fitness, thanks to the Rocky Mountains being just an hour away. According to Statistics Canada, 68% of Calgarians engage in weekly outdoor activities. Gym memberships here are generally cheaper than in Toronto or Vancouver, averaging CAD $40–$60/month.
4. Montreal (Quebec)
Montreal’s gym culture is very community-based. Smaller independent gyms thrive here, and you’ll find unique fitness classes influenced by the city’s artsy vibe—like dance-fitness hybrids. Montreal also has affordable fitness centers for students due to its large university population.
Canadian Nutrition & Diet Trends
Nutrition is a huge part of health & fitness in Canada. With food prices rising (Statistics Canada reported a 7% increase in grocery costs in 2024), Canadians are adapting their diets to be both affordable and healthy.
Popular Diet Trends in Canada
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Plant-Based & Vegan Diets: Vancouver and Toronto are leaders in vegan food culture. Grocery chains like Loblaws and Whole Foods stock plenty of plant-based options.
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Indigenous Nutrition Practices: More Canadians are embracing Indigenous foods such as wild rice, salmon, and berries—partly for their health benefits and also to connect with Canadian roots.
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Meal Prep & Delivery Kits: Services like HelloFresh Canada and Goodfood are gaining popularity, especially among busy professionals.
Canadian Superfoods
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Maple syrup (in moderation—it’s still sugar!)
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Wild blueberries (especially from Nova Scotia)
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Salmon from British Columbia
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Flaxseed (grown in Saskatchewan)
Personal thought: Honestly, I find Canadian diets fascinating because they balance multicultural influences (Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern cuisines) with traditional Canadian foods. It’s not uncommon to see someone meal prepping butter chicken with quinoa—it’s just the Canadian way of mixing cultures.
Wellness Trends Across Canada
Wellness isn’t just about physical fitness anymore. Mental health, stress management, and work-life balance are becoming central to Canadian lifestyles.
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Mental Health Awareness: With government campaigns and resources on Canada.ca, more Canadians are seeking therapy and counseling without the same stigma that existed years ago.
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Yoga & Meditation: Vancouver and Toronto lead here, but even in smaller cities, meditation apps and community yoga sessions are booming.
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Workplace Wellness: Employers in tech hubs like Toronto and Montreal are offering wellness benefits, including gym passes, nutritionist consultations, and mental health days.
Healthcare & Fitness Connection in Canada
The Canadian healthcare system is publicly funded, but fitness is not covered. However, some insurance providers in provinces like Ontario now offer rebates or lower premiums if you show proof of regular gym attendance or fitness tracker data.
This is a huge motivator for Canadians, especially newcomers on PR, since health insurance is always a big concern when settling in Canada.
Cost of Living & Its Impact on Fitness
Let’s be honest, Canada is expensive. According to Numbeo (2025 update), Toronto and Vancouver are among the top 20 most expensive cities in North America.
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Gym Membership Costs: $20–$200/month depending on city & gym type
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Healthy Groceries: On average, a single adult spends $350–$450/month on groceries in cities like Toronto and Calgary
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Car Insurance: Ontario remains the highest, averaging $1,800/year, which indirectly affects how much budget people can allocate to fitness and nutrition
This financial reality explains why home gyms, YouTube workouts, and outdoor fitness have become increasingly popular across provinces.
Technology & Fitness in Canada
Canada is also embracing fitness tech. Apps like MyFitnessPal, Fitbit, and Peloton are widely used. Interestingly, Apple Fitness+ has a strong user base in cities like Toronto where tech jobs are common.
Some Canadian startups are also entering the wellness tech scene, creating apps focused on meal tracking, stress reduction, and community-based workouts.
FAQs – Health & Fitness in Canada
1. Are gyms expensive in Canada?
Not necessarily. Budget gyms like Fit4Less start at CAD $15/month, while premium gyms like Equinox can go up to $200/month.
2. Is healthy food affordable in Canada?
It depends. Grocery prices have increased, but if you shop smart (like buying local produce in season), you can maintain a healthy diet on a budget.
3. Does Canadian healthcare cover fitness costs?
No, fitness isn’t covered, but some private insurance companies offer wellness incentives.
4. What are the best Canadian cities for fitness?
Vancouver (outdoor lifestyle), Toronto (gym variety), Calgary (balanced gym & outdoor activities), and Montreal (community wellness culture).
5. Can newcomers on PR access gyms easily?
Yes! Most gyms accept newcomers. Plus, university gyms are budget-friendly for students.
Final Thoughts
Health & fitness in Canada is evolving fast. Canadians are no longer just “hitting the gym.” Instead, they’re building balanced lifestyles that include mental wellness, nutrition, and outdoor fitness. The cold winters might make it harder to stay motivated, but communities in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal are proving that with the right mindset, fitness can be both affordable and enjoyable.
If you’re planning to move to Canada, whether through PR or for studies, remember that investing in your health is just as important as calculating your cost of living or finding car insurance. Because at the end of the day, your wellness is your real wealth in Canada.