Experience the Best Sports Tourism Landmarks in Toronto – A Must-Visit for Every Sports Enthusiast (2024)

Toronto is a vibrant and bustling city home to a thriving sports culture. This popular Canadian city is home to a plethora of sports-related activities and attractions. Toronto is known for several professional sports teams and a diverse array of sports-related activities that attract crowds from around the world. Whether you are a sports enthusiast or someone who is just introducing themselves to sports, a visit to Toronto is a must for you. The several sports-related tourist attractions here will captivate visitors of all ages and interests.

For sports lovers who are interested in Hockey, the Hockey Hall of Fame is no less than a wonderland. A visit here will allow visitors to learn about the history of the sport and see some of the greatest players of all time. Similarly, baseball lovers can enjoy the game of Toronto Blue Jays while visiting the Rogers Center. Visitors can also enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium. Not just that, but the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto attracts basketball lovers. Sports lovers in unlimited in Toronto and a range of other sports-related landmarks boast endless other opportunities. Whether it is about watching a live match or enjoying guided tours of the stadium/ museum, there’s something for every sports lover in Toronto. 

Join us in this article, and we will explore some of the best possible sports tourism landmarks in Toronto. Whether you are a die-hard fan or just started your interest in sports, these landmarks will definitely excite you. 

Experience the Best Sports Tourism Landmarks in Toronto – A Must-Visit for Every Sports Enthusiast

1. Tourism Experience of Watching a Toronto Raptors Game in Toronto

Watching a Toronto Raptors basketball game at Scotiabank Arena is a dream come true for many fans. The Canadian professional basketball team is a must-see, and experiencing them play on their home ground is an unforgettable experience. There’s nothing quite like being part of a Raptors game and feeling the electric atmosphere inside Scotiabank Arena. The energetic pre-game show is definitely a highlight. 

The Scotiabank Arena is a state-of-the-art facility, a multi-purpose indoor arena. It serves as the home ground to the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League (NLL), and the National Hockey League (NHL). The seating arrangement here is so well planned that every seat offers an excellent view. In addition, the high-quality sound system and large scoreboard at the arena add to viewers’ experience. The pre-game rituals, including the ‘O Canada’ national anthem along with ‘We The North’ chants, bring out extreme enthusiasm. During a game, it is obvious to watch dynamic basketball players with their world-class gaming skills. 

Besides watching a game of basketball game at Scotiabank Arena, visitors can also take guided tours and enjoy behind the scenes. A visit to the media room or an up-close look at the Raptors’ locker room is surely exciting. Or, if there aren’t any basketball game schedules, visitors can involve in concerts, comedy shows, and other sporting events depending on the annual calendar. 

Right outside Scotiabank Arena is Maple Leaf Square, a surrounding neighborhood. This area is full of bars, shops, and restaurants and is especially popular amongst Arena visitors. Or check out Real Sports Bar & Grill, right adjacent to the arena, for a wide selection of food and drinks.

2. Tourism Experience of Watching Toronto Blue Jays game at Rogers Center

Another incredible sports tourism experience in Toronto is watching a game of baseball at Rogers Center. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Rogers Center is the home stadium of the Toronto Blue Jays Major League Baseball team. This multi-purpose venue also serves concerts and other public events. However, watching a Toronto Blue Jays game at Rogers Center is the most incredible tourism experience of them all. Especially for baseball fans and sports enthusiasts, it is a once-in-life-time kind of experience that no one surely would want to miss.

Rogers Center was the first stadium to have a fully retractable roof making sure no weather conditions could stop the game. Once you step inside the stadium, the iconic CN Tower will greet you, providing a stunning backdrop. The Rogers center in itself is a modern and state-of-the-art facility and has hosted several other high-profile events over the years. It witnessed a visit from the Pope in 2002, some of the biggest names in music, and majorly opening and closing ceremonies of the 2015 Pan American Games. 

While the Toronto Blue Jays play, the stadium atmosphere becomes electric. The local, as well as visiting fans, are extremely passionate and supportive of their team and ensure managing that energy and enthusiasm throughout. In addition, the pre-game Canadian National Anthem ritual and OK Blue Jays song before the game add unforgettable moments to the experience. While watching a game where you can surely expect to see some of the world’s best baseball players competing at the highest level. Whether it was the lightning-quick base running of Bo Bichette or the powerful hitting of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the stadium has always witnessed some jaw-dropping moments. 

Besides attending a baseball game at Rogers, visitors can indulge in a lot of other activities as well. For instance, enjoy guided tours of the stadium or get a chance to walk on the field. Individuals can also check out the Level of Excellence Museum, which is on the 100 level of the stadium. The museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the Toronto Blue Jays through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and a collection of memorabilia. In addition to hosting baseball games, Rogers center also hosts concerts, trade shows, and a variety of special events throughout the year. Or, dine at Arriba Restaurant inside the stadium. Here you can enjoy a wide selection of Mexican-inspired cuisine and drinks while observing an undisputed stadium view. 

3. Tour the Hockey Hall of Fame

Whether you are a sports enthusiast or not, a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame is advisable for all. However, checking out this tourist landmark is an exciting and educational experience for hockey enthusiasts of all ages and regions. The Hockey Hall of Fame is nestled in downtown Toronto at the corner of Yonge Street and Front Street. Reaching here is possible through public transit, with the Union Station subway, or one can also prefer to drive. The museum is open daily, but visitors must buy tickets well in advance to avoid long queues.

A tour of the Hockey Hall of Fame will introduce you to a vast collection of hockey memorabilia. Here you will come across the finest collection of hockey artifacts in the world that truly forms a wonderland. Their collection includes everything from pucks, hockey sticks, jerseys, and other items which were once the tool of the greatest hockey players in history. The museum has a large dedicated section housing the Stanley Cup. This most iconic item on display is the oldest trophy in professional sports. Housed inside the Great Hall, Stanley Cup sits alongside Hart Memorial Trophy and the Vezina Trophy, two other prestigious hockey trophies. Visitors in the museum can get a chance to get clicked with Stanley Cup and take back captured memories home. 

In addition to that, the Hockey Hall of Fame also features a range of interactive exhibits and video highlights. As you observe them, you will come across the evolution of the sport from its earliest days to the present. Or visitors can also touch a piece of the actual ice surface from the 2002 Winter Olympics. In addition, get a chance to test your skills in a simulated game against some of the best hockey players. 

The facility is also home to a state-of-the-art theatre where visitors gather to enjoy screens hockey-themed films. There’s also an on-site gift shop full of souvenirs and merchandise. Lastly, do check out the on-site restaurant for some classic Canadian fare. 

Other Popular Places/ Events Of Sports Tourism in Toronto

Toronto FC Soccer Games: Toronto FC Soccer is a professional soccer team of Toronto who plays home games at BMO Field. This soccer-specific stadium is located in downtown Toronto featuring a seating capacity of approximately 30,000. Sports lovers can enjoy an intimate and exciting atmosphere of soccer games here. In addition to that, the stadium also hosts other sporting events and concerts throughout the year. 

Don Valley Golf Course: Nestled in the heart of Don Valley, the Don Valley Golf Course is a picturesque landmark in Toronto. This 18-hole public golf course championship-level golf is open to the public from April to November. It attracts golf enthusiasts of all skill levels, whether beginner or seasoned. The golf course also features a driving range and a practice putting green. There’s also a clubhouse featuring a full-service restaurant and bar. Since Don Valley Golf Course is situated in the heart of the city, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape from here. The vistas of Don River and the Toronto skyline from the golf course grounds are definitely to be seen. 

Aviva Center: This state-of-the-art tennis facility in Toronto is home to Rogers Cup, a prestigious tennis tournament involving the best players from worldwide. The center is home to nearly 16 tennis courts and a 12,500-seat stadium court. It is equipped with a retractable roof and also has multiple indoor and outdoor courts for public use. A lot of Tennis tournaments annually organize here, especially during the month of August. It is also a part of the ATP World Tour and the WTA Tour.