The Green Bay Packers are not just a dominant NFL franchise — they’re a cultural institution. Their influence transcends Wisconsin, reaching deep into regions far beyond U.S. borders. In Canada, and particularly in Ontario, the Packers have become a powerful force within football culture. Their legacy, iconic branding, fan rituals and grassroots impact have all played a role in inspiring Canadian football enthusiasts.
The Packers’ Canadian Fanbase
The Packers have built a passionate Canadian fanbase, especially in Ontario. With proximity to the U.S. border and access to American media, Ontario has emerged as a central hub for Packers fandom in Canada. Local fan groups have organized Packers watch parties across Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, and Windsor, with thousands attending games in Lambeau Field annually.
The Ontario Cheeseheads — a Facebook group of over 28,000 Packers fans — has even partnered with local bars to stream every game live during the NFL season. This grassroots movement strengthens the team’s visibility in the region.
Packers Merchandise Surge in Canada
Green Bay Packers merchandise has seen a significant uptick in Canadian retail, with Ontario being the top province for sales outside of the U.S. According to licensed NFL merchandise distributors, Packers gear ranked third in total NFL team sales across Canada in 2024.
Jerseys bearing Aaron Rodgers’ and Brett Favre’s names continue to dominate the racks, but in recent years, sales of Jordan Love merchandise have exploded by 48% in Ontario alone. Local sportswear stores report that green-and-gold apparel consistently outsells gear from CFL teams in several cities.
Cross-Border Packers Events
The Green Bay Packers have actively participated in cross-border events with Canadian institutions. In 2023, the team partnered with the Ontario Football Alliance to host a youth football clinic in London, Ontario, with over 400 kids in attendance. Packers alumni, including Donald Driver and Ahman Green, led drills and Q&A sessions.
Additionally, the team sponsored a “Packers Weekend” at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, attracting more than 25,000 visitors. The event included meet-and-greets, a pop-up Hall of Fame exhibit, and official gear giveaways, deepening engagement with Ontario fans.
Impact on Canadian Football Participation
The Packers’ influence has extended to youth football participation rates in Ontario. Following the team’s 2020 virtual outreach program, youth football leagues in the province saw a 17% increase in registration.
The Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) specifically credited the Packers’ promotional efforts for the boost. Green Bay’s success and visibility have served as motivation for young players, with several Ontario high schools now modeling their team names and color schemes after the Packers. Schools like the Guelph Packers and the Oshawa Baymen now use green and yellow branding as a tribute.
Packers Influence on CFL Dynamics
While the CFL remains Canada’s national league, the Packers’ presence is influencing viewership trends. In Ontario, TSN reports that NFL games featuring the Packers draw 21% more viewers than average CFL matchups. The 2024 Week 4 Packers vs. Lions game, for example, outperformed the Grey Cup broadcast in the Toronto market.
This trend has prompted CFL teams like the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to adopt some of the Packers’ marketing tactics, including community meet-ups and alumni tours. The Packers’ storied legacy resonates with Ontario fans, many of whom engage with regional sportsbooks to feel closer to the action during the NFL season.
Regional Sports Betting Ties
Ontario’s regulated sportsbooks have embraced the Packers’ popularity. According to Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) data, Packers games are consistently among the top 5 most wagered-on NFL matchups weekly.
During the 2023-24 NFL season, 61% of Ontario bettors placed at least one bet on a Packers game. BetRivers Ontario reported that Packers win/loss lines received more action than any other team besides the Buffalo Bills. This betting enthusiasm has led sportsbooks to offer specialized Packers promos and odds boosts targeting their Canadian fans.
Packers Community Outreach in Canada
Beyond sports, the Packers have contributed to charitable initiatives in Ontario. In collaboration with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, the team donated $250,000 in 2022 to support underprivileged youth in Toronto’s inner suburbs. The funds provided new football equipment, coaching resources, and field refurbishments.
Green Bay’s outreach has also included mental health workshops for young athletes and seminars on safe sports practices. These programs have helped cement the Packers’ identity not just as a football team, but as a force for good within Canadian communities.
Packers Watch Party Phenomenon
Packers game days have become cultural events in many Ontario cities. Bars like Real Sports in Toronto and The Honest Lawyer in Windsor are known for converting their interiors into mini-Lambeaus every Sunday. They serve Wisconsin-style cheese curds and beer specials branded after Green Bay players.
Some venues report 500+ patrons during rivalry matchups such as Packers vs. Bears or Packers vs. Vikings. These watch parties not only attract Canadian fans but also visiting Wisconsinites, creating a vibrant, mixed cross-border game day experience.
Canadian Packers Superfans
Several Ontarians have gained notoriety as Packers superfans. Jason “Frozen Tundra” Gervais from Barrie owns over 170 pieces of Packers memorabilia and has traveled to Lambeau Field 14 times since 2010.
Natalie Singh from Mississauga was featured in the Green & Gold Nation documentary after converting her entire basement into a Lambeau Field replica, complete with bleachers and turf. These superfans have become local legends and are often featured during NFL Canada broadcasts, bringing further visibility to Packers culture in the region.
Long-Term Cultural Influence
Over the decades, the Packers have helped shape football’s cultural identity in Ontario. From the way teams design uniforms to the chants heard in amateur stadiums, elements of Green Bay’s presence are woven into the local football experience. Ontario-based sports radio hosts frequently compare CFL teams to the Packers when explaining tactics or discipline.
The Packers’ consistent emphasis on community, loyalty, and legacy has inspired similar values within Ontario’s football ecosystem, solidifying a connection that goes beyond the field.
Future Growth and Collaboration
Looking forward, the Packers plan to deepen ties with Canadian fans. The team has submitted proposals to expand their annual “Packers Canada Tour” beyond Ontario to include Alberta and British Columbia. There are also discussions about hosting a pre-season NFL game in Toronto, pending league approvals and logistical coordination.
Additionally, Packers management is exploring permanent fan zone kiosks in Canadian stadiums to offer real-time merchandise access and engagement opportunities. These initiatives highlight a commitment to growing their brand and cultural influence across Canadian soil.