Each year, the league uses a playoff format to determine the overall champion.
From 2002 until 2009 the league also operated an Eastern and Western Conference followed by an International and National Division.
Thirteen clubs have won the CSL Championship: Toronto Croatia (6 times), FC Continentals (3), York Region Shooters (3), St. Catharines Wolves (2), Serbian White Eagles (2), Scarborough SC (2), Brampton Hitmen, Brantford Galaxy, Oakville Blue Devils, Ottawa Wizards, SC Waterloo Region, Toronto Olympians, and Trois-Rivieres Attak.
The highest-ranked CSL Golden Boot goalscorer is Gus Kouzmanis with 33 goals during the league's inaugural season.
Trinidadian Kevin Nelson was the first foreigner to win the award in 2001.