Plan your next vacation around Toronto’s top 5 summer sports events and nearby restaurant recommendations for pregame fueling.
Looking for some action? Then plan your next Toronto vacation around these can’t-miss sports events that’ll have you on the edge of your seat. Of course, you’ll want to feed that adrenaline rush with pre- or post-game neighbourhood grub, so check out our resto picks to streamline your game day or weekend!
Honda Indy Toronto at Exhibition Place
Thrill to the roar of Honda Indy (July 15–17, 2022) racecars zooming around the 11-turn track that circles the streets around Exhibition Place. From Honda Fan Friday (think autograph sessions and off-track entertainment) to the races, you’ll have loads to get revved up about.
Nearby nosh: Walk to the Liberty Village neighbourhood for cold beers and pub fare like wings, ribs, charcuterie and fish ‘n’ chips at Brazen Head Irish Pub, Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery and Something in the Water Brewing Co.
Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre
Keep your fingers crossed for good weather so the Rogers Centre dome will be open for your Toronto Blue Jays game. In July, the Jays meet the Detroit Tigers in an epic four-game matchup (July 28–31, 2022), so you just know there’s going to be some great action on the field.
Nearby nosh: If you haven’t filled up on hotdogs at the game, walk to Taverna Mercatto for Italian, 360 Restaurant for contemporary cuisine and sky-high city views from the CN Tower, or Byblos Downtown for a modern Eastern Mediterranean menu (think manti dumplings and wagyu lahmeh pide).
National Bank Open at Sobeys Stadium
The women’s event of tennis’ National Bank Open (formerly known as the Rogers Cup, August 6–14, 2022) returns to Toronto this summer, with top seeds taking the court at Downsview’s Sobeys Stadium. Past champs have included Serena Williams, Simona Halep and Mississauga native Bianca Andreescu.
Nearby nosh: The stadium offers Voilà by Sobeys in-seat ordering, but if you’re looking for a bite before or after the match, options a short drive away include Indian Style Hakka Chinese cuisine at Royal Jade, dumplings or hand-pulled noodles at Dumpling King or fried chicken and tacos at El Jefe de Pollo.
Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field
Get in on that arch-rival action! The Toronto Argonauts play the Hamilton Tigercats twice this summer on home turf (August 6 and 26, 2022). With team newcomer Ja’Gared Davis (who’s made it to the Grey Cup every season he’s played in the CFL), will the Argos make it to the big final game? The 2017 champs are looking to add another Grey Cup to the trophy case, so fingers crossed!
Nearby nosh: Go casual with pub fare on the patio at Liberty Village’s Local Public Eatery, sushi or bibimbap at Sushi & Bowl or pad thai at Chiang Mai.
The Queen’s Plate at Woodbine Racetrack
Pull out your fascinator because Canada’s oldest Thoroughbred horse race, the Queen’s Plate, returns to Woodbine Racetrack (August 21, 2022). Now in its 163rd year, the competition showcases Canada’s top three-year-old Thoroughbreds in an event that’s as much about the people-watching as it is the race itself.
Nearby nosh: Woodbine Racetrack hosts 10 restaurants and bars, including the casual Champion’s Bar and chef-inspired Woodbine Club Restaurant, both of which boast racetrack views from their patio and dining room, respectively.
WWE Raw at Scotiabank Arena
Ready to rumble? WWE brings the action back to Scotiabank Arena (August 22, 2022) for the first time in three years. It’s Cody Rhodes and Seth “Freakin” Rollins in the ring, but fan favourites including Bianca Belair and AJ Styles will be there too.
Nearby nosh: Get pumped up for WWE Monday Night Raw at Real Sports, where you’ll find more than 100 beers on tap and pub fare faves. Or, indulge in vino and American classics at E11even.
Toronto FC at BMO Field
The Reds have returned! Pack your crimson attire for the always fast-paced Toronto FC games at BMO Field this summer. Make your trip over the Labour Day weekend (September 4, 2022), and you’ll be able to catch them on the field with one of their biggest rivals, CF Montreal.
Nearby nosh: Catch an early dinner pre-match at the Drake Hotel—where you’ll find steak frites and sushi—or grab burgers and nachos at The Craft Brasserie & Grille.
