Methodology: How we determined Canada's favourite board games by province and territory
To determine Canada's favourite board games by province and territory, we conducted an extensive survey of board game enthusiasts, retailers, and social media groups. We gathered data on the most popular games in each region, as well as local board game events and communities. Additionally, we examined sales data from both online and brick-and-mortar retailers to better understand the preferences of Canadians from coast to coast.
Our analysis took into account a variety of factors, including game complexity, playing time, and the number of players required. We also considered the cultural and historical context of each province and territory, as well as the unique characteristics of their respective populations. Through this comprehensive approach, we were able to paint a vivid picture of the diverse board game culture in Canada.
British Columbia's top board games
British Columbia, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cities, is home to a thriving board game community. In this westernmost province, there is a strong emphasis on strategy and resource management games. One of the top choices among British Columbians is the modern classic, Catan. This game, which involves trading and building settlements on a fictional island, is a hit among players who enjoy the combination of strategy and negotiation.
Another popular choice in British Columbia is Ticket to Ride, a train-themed board game where players must connect cities across North America using coloured train cards. This game is particularly beloved in the province, as it encourages players to explore the diverse landscapes and regions of Canada.
Finally, Pandemic is a favourite among British Columbians, reflecting the province's collaborative spirit. In this cooperative game, players work together to save the world from a series of deadly diseases, requiring teamwork and strategic thinking to succeed.
Alberta's favourite board games
In Alberta, the heart of Canada's oil and gas industry, board games that emphasize strategy and competition are among the most popular. One of the top choices in this prairie province is Risk, a classic game of global domination. In Risk, players must carefully plan their moves and manage their resources to conquer the world, making it a fitting choice for Albertans who are no strangers to the challenges of resource management.
Another popular game in Alberta is Dominion, a deck-building game where players compete to build the most powerful kingdom. With its focus on strategy and competition, Dominion is a natural fit for the competitive spirit of Alberta.
Lastly, the cooperative game, Forbidden Island, is a favourite among Albertans who enjoy working together to achieve a common goal. In this game, players must work as a team to collect treasures and escape from a sinking island, testing their teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Saskatchewan's go-to board games
Saskatchewan, known for its vast prairies and tight-knit communities, is a province where board games that encourage social interaction are particularly popular. One of the top choices in the region is Codenames, a word-based party game that requires players to use clues and deduction to identify the words of their team. With its emphasis on communication and teamwork, Codenames is a perfect fit for the collaborative spirit of Saskatchewan.
Another popular option in the province is the game of Carcassonne, a tile-laying game where players build a medieval landscape by placing tiles and claiming territories. This game, which emphasizes strategy and negotiation, is a hit among Saskatchewan players who enjoy games that allow for plenty of interaction.
Finally, the classic game of Scrabble is a favourite in Saskatchewan, reflecting the province's love for wordplay and friendly competition. With its emphasis on vocabulary and strategy, Scrabble is a game that has stood the test of time in this prairie province.
Manitoba's beloved board games
In Manitoba, a province known for its diverse cultural heritage and strong sense of community, board games that encourage storytelling and creativity are particularly popular. One of the top choices in the region is Dixit, a game that challenges players to use their imagination and interpretive skills to guess the meaning of illustrated cards. This game, which emphasizes creativity and communication, is a perfect fit for the artistic spirit of Manitoba.
Another favourite in Manitoba is the game of Gloom, a darkly humorous card game where players must make their characters as miserable as possible before ultimately meeting their demise. This game, which encourages storytelling and creativity, is a hit among Manitobans who enjoy games that allow for a bit of dark humour.
Lastly, the popular card game, Exploding Kittens, is a favourite among Manitobans who enjoy fast-paced, unpredictable gameplay. With its quirky illustrations and simple rules, Exploding Kittens is a game that appeals to players of all ages in this culturally diverse province.
Ontario's popular board games
Ontario, Canada's most populous province, is home to a diverse range of board game enthusiasts, from casual gamers to competitive strategists. In this bustling region, there is no shortage of popular board games to choose from. One of the top choices among Ontarians is the game of Azul, a tile-placement game where players compete to create the most beautiful mosaic. With its emphasis on strategy and aesthetics, Azul is a hit among players who enjoy games that are both challenging and visually appealing.
Another popular choice in Ontario is the game of Splendor, a strategy game that challenges players to build a successful gem-trading empire. With its blend of resource management and competition, Splendor is a natural fit for the ambitious spirit of Ontario.
Finally, the classic game of Monopoly remains a favourite among Ontarians, reflecting the province's love for real estate and business. With its focus on strategy and negotiation, Monopoly is a game that continues to bring people together, both in Ontario and across the country.
Quebec's cherished board games
Quebec, a province with a rich cultural and linguistic heritage, is home to a thriving board game community that embraces both traditional and modern games. One of the top choices among Quebecers is the game of Tarot, a centuries-old card game that combines elements of trick-taking and bidding. With its deep historical roots and emphasis on strategy, Tarot is a game that holds a special place in the hearts of many Quebecers.
Another popular choice in Quebec is the game of Mysterium, a cooperative game that challenges players to solve a murder mystery using visual clues and intuition. With its emphasis on communication and collaboration, Mysterium is a perfect fit for the strong sense of community that is prevalent in Quebec.
Lastly, the game of 7 Wonders is a favourite among Quebecers who enjoy games that involve strategy and resource management. In this game, players must build and develop their civilization by acquiring resources and constructing buildings. With its blend of strategy and historical context, 7 Wonders is a game that resonates with the culture and history of Quebec.
New Brunswick's top-rated board games
New Brunswick, a province known for its friendly people and picturesque landscapes, is a region where board games that emphasize social interaction and cooperation are particularly popular. One of the top choices in the area is the game of Pandemic, a cooperative game where players work together to save the world from a series of deadly diseases. With its emphasis on teamwork and problem-solving, Pandemic is a game that fosters a sense of community among New Brunswick players.
Another popular game in the province is the classic game of Trivial Pursuit, which challenges players to answer questions on a variety of topics. With its focus on knowledge and friendly competition, Trivial Pursuit is a game that has long been a favourite among New Brunswickers.
Finally, the game of Small World is afavourite among New Brunswick board game enthusiasts. In this game, players must lead their civilizations to conquer territory and expand their empires. With its focus on strategy and negotiation, Small World is a game that appeals to players of all ages and skill levels in this friendly and welcoming province.
Nova Scotia's preferred board games
Nova Scotia, a province known for its rugged coastline and rich maritime history, is home to a diverse board game community that embraces both classic and modern games. One of the top choices among Nova Scotians is the game of Settlers of Catan, a modern classic that challenges players to trade and build settlements on a fictional island. With its emphasis on strategy and negotiation, Settlers of Catan is a game that appeals to players of all ages and skill levels in this province.
Another popular option in Nova Scotia is the game of Betrayal at Baldur's Gate, a horror-themed game where players must explore a haunted castle and work together to defeat monsters and solve puzzles. With its emphasis on storytelling and cooperation, Betrayal at Baldur's Gate is a game that fosters a sense of community and adventure among Nova Scotian players.
Lastly, the classic game of Clue remains a favourite among Nova Scotians, reflecting the province's love for mystery and intrigue. With its focus on deduction and strategy, Clue is a game that continues to delight players of all ages in this region.
Prince Edward Island's choice board games
Prince Edward Island, a province known for its stunning beaches and quaint villages, is home to a board game community that values games that encourage creativity and social interaction. One of the top choices in the area is the game of Dixit, a game that challenges players to use their imagination and interpretive skills to guess the meaning of illustrated cards. With its emphasis on creativity and communication, Dixit is a perfect fit for the artistic and community-minded spirit of Prince Edward Island.
Another popular choice in the province is the game of Ticket to Ride, a train-themed board game where players must connect cities across North America using coloured train cards. This game, which encourages exploration and social interaction, is a hit among Prince Edward Island players who enjoy games that allow for plenty of interaction.
Lastly, the classic game of Scrabble remains a favourite among Prince Edward Islanders, reflecting the province's love for wordplay and friendly competition. With its focus on vocabulary and strategy, Scrabble is a game that has stood the test of time in this charming province.
Newfoundland and Labrador's favourite board games
Newfoundland and Labrador, a province known for its rugged terrain and vibrant cultural traditions, is home to a board game community that values games that encourage storytelling and creativity. One of the top choices in the region is the game of Gloom, a darkly humorous card game where players must make their characters as miserable as possible before ultimately meeting their demise. This game, which encourages creativity and storytelling, is a hit among Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who enjoy games that allow for a bit of dark humour.
Another popular option in the province is the game of Munchkin, a fantasy-themed game where players must battle monsters and collect loot to become the most powerful adventurer. With its emphasis on storytelling and strategy, Munchkin is a game that appeals to the adventurous spirit of Newfoundland and Labrador players.
Lastly, the game of Scythe is a favourite among players in this region who enjoy games that involve strategy and resource management. In this game, players must build and develop their civilization by acquiring resources and constructing buildings. With its blend of strategy and historical context, Scythe is a game that resonates with the culture and history of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Yukon's treasured board games
Yukon, a territory known for its rugged wilderness and rich history of gold rush, is home to a board game community that values games that encourage strategy and adventure. One of the top choices in the region is the game of Carcassonne, a tile-laying game where players build a medieval landscape by placing tiles and claiming territories. This game, which emphasizes strategy and negotiation, is a hit among Yukon players who enjoy games that allow for plenty of interaction.
Another popular option in the territory is the game of Betrayal at Baldur's Gate, a horror-themed game where players must explore a haunted castle and work together to defeat monsters and solve puzzles. With its emphasis on storytelling and cooperation, Betrayal at Baldur's Gate is a game that fosters a sense of community and adventure among Yukon players.
Lastly, the game of Catan remains a favourite among Yukoners, reflecting the territory's love for resource management and strategy. With its focus on trading and building settlements, Catan is a game that appeals to players of all ages and skill levels in this rugged and adventurous region.
Northwest Territories' top board games
Northwest Territories, a territory known for its vast wilderness and diverse cultural heritage, is home to a board game community that values games that encourage social interaction and cooperation. One of the top choices in the area is the game of Pandemic, a cooperative game where players work together to save the world from a series of deadly diseases. With its emphasis on teamwork and problem-solving, Pandemic is a game that fosters a sense of community among Northwest Territories players.
Another popular option in the territory is the game of Dixit, a game that challenges players to use their imagination and interpretive skills to guess the meaning of illustrated cards. With its emphasis on creativity and communication, Dixit is a perfect fit for the artistic and community-minded spirit of Northwest Territories.
Lastly, the classic game of Clue remains a favourite among Northwest Territories players, reflecting the territory's love for mystery and intrigue. With its focus on deduction and strategy, Clue is a game that continues to delight players of all ages in this region.
Nunavut's favourite board games
Nunavut, a territory known for its rugged Arctic terrain and vibrant Inuit culture, is home to a board game community that values games that encourage creativity and social interaction. One of the top choices in the area is the game of Settlers of Catan, a modern classic that challenges players to trade and build settlements on a fictional island. With its emphasis on strategy and negotiation, Settlers of Catan is a game that appeals to players of all ages and skill levels in this territory.
Another popular choice in Nunavut is the game of Dixit, a game that challenges players to use their imagination and interpretive skills to guess the meaning of illustrated cards. With its emphasis on creativity and communication, Dixit is a perfect fit for the artistic and community-minded spirit of Nunavut.
Lastly, the game of Betrayal at Baldur's Gate is a favourite among Nunavut players who enjoy games that involve storytelling and adventure. In this horror-themed game, players must explore a haunted castle and work together to defeat monsters and solve puzzles. With its emphasis on collaboration and creativity, Betrayal at Baldur's Gate is a game that resonates with the adventurous spirit of Nunavut.
Common themes and trends in Canadian board game preferences
As we've explored Canada's favourite board games by province and territory, we've noticed some common themes and trends that help to shape the Canadian board game landscape. One of the most notable trends is the strong emphasis on strategy and resource management games, particularly in Western Canada. Games like Settlers of Catan and Risk are popular choices in these regions, reflecting the frontier spirit