Canadian-Made Board Games You Need to Try

Canada is home to a thriving board game design community, producing some of the most innovative and entertaining tabletop experiences. Here's a curated list of must-try Canadian-made board games that will elevate your next game night.

1. Pandemic

Pandemic board game setup with cards, tokens, and a world map board

Designed by Matt Leacock and published by Z-Man Games, Pandemic is a cooperative game where players work together to save the world from disease outbreaks. This globally acclaimed game showcases Canadian ingenuity in game design.

2. Jaipur

Jaipur game components including colorful cards and tokens representing goods

Created by Sébastien Pauchon and published by Filosofia Éditions, Jaipur is a two-player card game set in India. Players compete as merchants, buying and selling goods to become the Maharaja's personal trader.

3. Brass: Birmingham

Brass: Birmingham game board depicting an industrial landscape with player pieces

Co-designed by Gavan Brown and published by Roxley Games, Brass: Birmingham is an economic strategy game set during the industrial revolution. This game has received critical acclaim for its deep gameplay and beautiful production.

4. Sagrada

Sagrada game setup with colorful dice and player boards representing stained glass windows

Designed by Adrian Adamescu and Daryl Andrews, published by Floodgate Games, Sagrada is a dice-drafting and pattern-building game inspired by the Sagrada Família cathedral in Barcelona.

5. Train of Thought

Train of Thought game components including word cards and a timer

Created by the team at Québec-based FoxMind Games, Train of Thought is a fast-paced word association party game that will challenge your creativity and quick thinking skills.

6. Akrotiri

Akrotiri game board depicting Greek islands with ships and temples

Designed by Jay Cormier and Sen-Foong Lim, published by Z-Man Games, Akrotiri is a two-player game of exploration and discovery in the Aegean Sea. Players take on the roles of Greek explorers searching for lost temples.

7. Belfort

Belfort game board showing a medieval city with player pieces and resource tokens

Another creation by Jay Cormier and Sen-Foong Lim, published by Tasty Minstrel Games, Belfort is a worker placement and area control game set in a fantasy medieval city.

These Canadian-made board games showcase the diversity and creativity of the country's game design community. Whether you're looking for cooperative experiences, strategic challenges, or party games, there's something for every taste. Next time you're planning a game night with friends or looking to expand your collection, consider supporting these talented Canadian designers and publishers.