Should you play pickleball or tennis in Markham?Both sports are easy to play in Markham. The City lists 28 public tennis locations with 78 courts, 12 of them with lights, and 10 public pickleball locations. Outdoor courts for both are generally open 7 a.m. to dark, with lit courts until 11 p.m. Pickleball is usually easier for beginners, with a smaller court, slower ball and underhand serve, and it is very social. Tennis offers more courts, local tennis clubs and a bigger workout. Many players enjoy both.
Markham has strong communities for both sports. The right choice depends on your fitness, how quickly you want to rally and who you want to play with.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, compared the two for families and newcomers choosing an activity, or a neighbourhood near the courts.
Courts in Markham
| Tennis | Pickleball | |
|---|---|---|
| Public locations | 28 locations, 78 courts | 10 locations |
| Lit locations | 12 | Duncan Park, Morgan Park, Cornell |
| Typical hours | 7 a.m. to dark; lit courts to 11 p.m. | 7 a.m. to dark; lit courts to 11 p.m. |
| Cost | Public courts generally free; club fees vary | Free outdoors; drop-ins from $5.17 |
| Clubs | Armadale, Unionville, German Mills, Pomona Valley, Markham, Boxgrove | Markham Pickleball Club; private indoor clubs |
Court rules
- Tennis: when courts are busy, foursomes are required and play is limited to one hour. Some locations have club-reserved times.
- Pickleball at Cornell: when players are waiting, doubles only, one game to 11 or 20 minutes, using a rotation board.
- Both: private lessons are not permitted on public courts unless approved.
Looking for a home near courts and parks?
Michael John Lau can show you neighbourhoods close to tennis and pickleball courts.
Book a consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Which is easier for beginners
| Pickleball | Tennis | |
|---|---|---|
| Court size | Smaller | Larger |
| Serve | Underhand | Overhand, harder to learn |
| Learning curve | Rallies in the first session | Takes longer |
| Workout | Moderate | Higher |
| Social style | Doubles and rotation | Singles or doubles |
Costs to start
Both need a paddle or racquet, balls and court shoes. Public courts are free for both. For winter, City drop-ins and indoor clubs offer pickleball, and Premier Racquet Club has indoor courts for both sports.
Choosing for your family
- Choose pickleball for quick fun, mixed ages and a social game.
- Choose tennis for a bigger workout and youth competition pathways.
- Try both at your nearest park before buying equipment.
See pickleball for beginners in Markham. Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before you pick a sport.
In Markham, there is room on the court for both. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Is pickleball easier than tennis?
For most beginners, yes. The court is smaller, the ball slower and the serve underhand.
How many public tennis courts does Markham have?
The City lists 28 locations with 78 courts, 12 of them lit.
Are Markham tennis courts free?
Public courts are generally free to use. Tennis clubs charge membership fees and reserve some court times.
Can I play pickleball on tennis courts in Markham?
The City's tennis page says its courts are for tennis or pickleball. Check signs at each location.
Which sport is better exercise?
Tennis is usually a bigger workout; pickleball is moderate and easier on beginners.
Where can I play either in winter?
Indoor clubs such as Premier Racquet Club, and City drop-ins for pickleball.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Tennis court counts and rules are from the City of Markham tennis page (2026). Outdoor court locations, hours and Cornell rules are from the City of Markham pickleball page (updated May 19, 2026). Drop-in and pass fees are from the City of Markham (effective September 1, 2026, plus HST). This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
