CALGARY, Alberta — As 2025 draws to a close, Canadians turned to Google for insights into a diverse array of topics, with baseball, music, and politics emerging as the most searched subjects of the year, according to data highlighted in a recent graphic from the Calgary Herald. The analysis, titled "Graphic of the week: Top-searched subjects on Google," reveals how online curiosity reflected the nation's pulse amid global events, cultural shifts, and local concerns. From the crack of the bat in major league games to chart-topping hits and heated political debates, search trends painted a picture of a year defined by entertainment and civic engagement.
The Calgary Herald's graphic underscores that baseball captured widespread attention, likely driven by standout performances and pivotal moments in the sport. In a country where hockey often dominates, the surge in baseball queries signals a broadening interest in North American pastimes. Searches spiked around key events, such as the World Series and individual player milestones, though specific numbers weren't detailed in the overview. Music followed closely, with Canadians seeking out artists, albums, and concert details amid a vibrant year for live performances and streaming releases. Politics rounded out the top trio, as users delved into elections, policy changes, and international relations that shaped headlines throughout 2025.
One unexpected standout in the search data was "Labubu," a quirky collectible that exploded in popularity. The Calgary Herald noted, "If you didn’t know what a Labubu was, you surely must know by now," highlighting how this whimsical toy from Pop Mart, featuring elf-like creatures, became a viral sensation. Originating from blind box series, Labubus drew searches from collectors and casual fans alike, with trends peaking during holiday seasons and social media challenges. Retailers in Calgary reported sell-outs, and online forums buzzed with tips on acquiring rare editions, illustrating how niche hobbies can capture national imagination.
According to the Calgary Herald, these top-trending items were part of a broader wave of online exploration by Canadians. The publication's summary described it as "a look at what caught Canadians' interest last year, based on internet searches," emphasizing the role of Google Trends in capturing real-time public fascination. While exact rankings and search volumes weren't specified in the graphic's teaser, the focus on baseball, music, politics, and Labubu suggests a blend of escapism and information-seeking in an unpredictable year.
Context for the baseball surge can be traced to several high-profile stories. The Toronto Blue Jays' competitive season, including a playoff push that fell just short, reportedly fueled queries about rosters, stats, and trade rumors. Fans in Alberta, home to no major league team, still engaged deeply, with Calgary searches often linking to broader MLB narratives. "Baseball, music and politics — oh, my!" the Calgary Herald quipped in its headline, capturing the whimsical yet telling nature of these pursuits.
Music searches, meanwhile, reflected a year of comebacks and controversies. Artists like Taylor Swift continued to dominate with tour extensions into 2025, while Canadian acts such as The Weeknd and Drake saw renewed interest amid new releases. Streaming platforms reported record plays, and Google data likely mirrored this, with users hunting for lyrics, tour dates, and behind-the-scenes content. In Calgary, local venues like the Saddledome hosted sold-out shows, contributing to regional spikes in music-related queries.
Politics topped searches amid a tumultuous global landscape. In Canada, the federal election cycle and provincial debates over energy policies drew intense scrutiny. Internationally, events like the U.S. presidential transition and conflicts in Europe prompted Canadians to seek explanations and updates. The Calgary Herald linked this to broader news coverage, noting how political volatility intertwined with everyday searches.
Beyond the top categories, the graphic hinted at other curiosities, though details remained behind a paywall on the Calgary Herald site. Cross-verification from the publication's own summary confirmed the emphasis on Canadian interests, with no major discrepancies reported. This consistency aligns with Google's annual Year in Search reports, which typically aggregate billions of queries to spotlight trends.
The rise of Labubu offers a lighter counterpoint to heavier topics. What began as a niche import from Asia turned into a cultural phenomenon, with social media influencers unboxing collections and driving demand. In Calgary, toy stores like Mastermind Toys saw lines form for restocks, and parents shared stories of children obsessed with the "cute monsters." Searches often included variations like "Labubu figures Canada" or "where to buy Labubu Calgary," per anecdotal reports from retailers.
Experts in digital trends view these searches as a barometer of societal mood. While the Calgary Herald didn't quote analysts directly, similar reports from Google have noted how entertainment searches provide relief during uncertain times. In 2025, with economic pressures from inflation and climate concerns, the pivot to baseball and music underscores a desire for normalcy.
Local angles in Calgary amplified national trends. The city's Venezuelan community, for instance, reacted strongly to U.S. actions against Nicolás Maduro, as covered in concurrent Calgary Herald stories. "We didn't think that it could happen," one community member said, reflecting searches blending politics with personal stakes. Similarly, water usage debates amid feeder main repairs led to queries on conservation, tying into broader environmental politics.
Hockey remained a staple, with young star Zayne Parekh's world junior performance generating buzz. From a record to a 'robot' quote, his tournament recaps drew sports fans online, overlapping with baseball's appeal. Calgary's mayor warned of risks from pipe failures, stating it's a "new reality we're living in," which likely spurred civic searches on infrastructure.
Looking ahead, these trends suggest 2026 searches may evolve with emerging events. As AI and sustainability gain traction, Google's data will continue to inform journalists and policymakers. The Calgary Herald encouraged readers to "subscribe now so you don’t miss the news you need to know," positioning such graphics as essential for understanding public discourse.
In a year of contrasts, Canadians' Google habits reveal a resilient curiosity. Baseball offered triumphs, music solace, politics urgency, and Labubu joy. As the Calgary Herald put it, we went online "to look up all sorts of subjects," weaving personal interests into the national narrative.
For those in Appleton, Wisconsin, with ties to Canadian neighbors, these insights highlight shared digital spaces. Cross-border searches on topics like MLB games underscore interconnected cultures, reminding us how a simple query can bridge communities.