The Western Intercollegiate Athletic Association was founded in 1920, but regular competition between schools at the time were often unfeasible due to the high costs of travel and existing rivalries with American colleges. In fact, Simon Fraser did not compete in CIAU/CIS until 2002, after a failed attempt to join the U.S. NCAA. Even then, Simon Fraser only partially joined CIS; most Simon Fraser teams still compete in the U.S. NAIA, and their men's wrestling program competes in both organizations. In 1971, the WIAA was split into the Canada West Universities Athletic Association and the Great Plains Athletic Association, the latter consisting of schools primarily from Manitoba. In 1988, the GPAA was absorbed into Canada West.

Member schools

• Brandon Bobcats (Brandon University)
• Alberta Golden Bears, Alberta Pandas (University of Alberta)
• UBC Thunderbirds (University of British Columbia)
• Calgary Dinos (University of Calgary)
• Lethbridge Pronghorns (University of Lethbridge)
• Manitoba Bisons (University of Manitoba)
• Regina Rams (football only), Regina Cougars (University of Regina)
• Saskatchewan Huskies (University of Saskatchewan)
• Simon Fraser Clan (Simon Fraser University)
• Thompson Rivers WolfPack (Thompson Rivers University) (New in 2005/06 season.)
• Trinity Western Spartans (Trinity Western University)
• Victoria Vikes (University of Victoria)
• Winnipeg Wesmen (University of Winnipeg)

In the spring of 2005, CIS and Canada West approved the membership of the Fraser Valley Cascades (University College of the Fraser Valley), who will begin play in men's and women's basketball and soccer in the fall of 2006.

In May 2005, UBC made a formal bid to join the NCAA. The NCAA has not yet made a decision on whether to admit UBC. See the UBC article for more details.