Score big by planning your next vacation around the Blue Jays, Toronto FC, Argonauts or other top sports faves, with restaurant reccos for pregame meals.
Looking for some action? Plan your summer 2023 vacation around these can’t-miss sports events that’ll have you on the edge of your seat.
Besides being one of North America’s best sports cities, Toronto is a winner for its amazing pre- or post-game neighbourhood grub, so check out our resto picks to streamline your game day or weekend.
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 June, the Jays meet the Houston Astros in an epic four-game matchup (June 5–8, 2023), 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 Turkish manti dumplings and wagyu lahmeh pide).
Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field
Get in on that arch-rival action! The Toronto Argonauts play the Hamilton Tiger-Cats twice this season on home turf (June 18 and September 23, 2023). Former Argos star Ja’Gared Davis (who’s made it to the Grey Cup every season he’s played in the CFL), has moved to the Ticats, adding extra drama to the field as the 2022 champs look to add another Grey Cup to Toronto’s trophy case.
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.
Honda Indy Toronto at Exhibition Place
Thrill to the roar of Honda Indy (July 14–16, 2023) race cars 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.
National Bank Open at Sobeys Stadium
The men’s event of tennis’s National Bank Open (formerly known as the Rogers Cup, August 5–13, 2023) returns to Toronto this summer, with top seeds taking the court at Downsview’s Sobeys Stadium. Past champs have included Daniil Medvedev, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
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, surf, turf and plant-based proteins at Chop Steakhouse & Bar, or fried chicken and tacos at El Jefe de Pollo.
WWE Friday Night SmackDown at Scotiabank Arena
Ready to rumble? WWE brings Friday Night SmackDown to Scotiabank Arena (August 18, 2023). Catch the biggest stars in the ring, including Charlotte Flair, Sami Zayn, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso and more. Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan will be defending their women’s tag team championship belts and Drew McIntyre will be bringing his patented Claymore to thrill fans of all ages.
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.
The King’s Plate at Woodbine Racetrack
Pull out your fascinator because Canada’s oldest Thoroughbred horse race returns to Woodbine Racetrack (August 20, 2023). Now in its 164th year, the competition—newly renamed the King’s Plate, in honour of King Charles III’s ascension—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 ten 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.
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. Catch them on the field against two of their biggest rivals CF Montreal (August 20, 2023) and the Vancouver Whitecaps (September 16, 2023).
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.
