Explore Toronto’s Epic Sports Scene

Toronto is Canada’s ultimate sports city. With four major league sports teams, a thriving niche sports scene (esports, anyone?), big-city sports bars and hyper-active fan bases, it’s easy to get caught up in sports fever here—and year-round, not just during playoffs.

No matter your interests, you’ll find your crew and your niche here. Here are five ways to dive into Toronto’s sports scene.

#1: Major League action

Toronto is the only Canadian city with National Basketball Association (NBA) and Major League Baseball (MLB) teams: the Toronto Raptors (2019 NBA champions) and the Toronto Blue Jays (1992 and 1993 World Series champs).

Toronto is also home to one of Canada’s only two Major League Soccer (MLS) teams, Toronto FC, the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) Toronto Argonauts and the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Toronto Maple Leafs.

Each of our pro sports teams has a dynamic following in town, with fan viewing parties, gatherings and tailgates on game days—which kick into overdrive during their respective playoff seasons.

With epic sports stadiums like the Scotiabank Arena (home to the Raptors and Leafs, which also hosts MMA and boxing events), the recently renovated Rogers Centre (home field to the Jays) and BMO Field (where the Toronto FC and Argos play), the city is well-equipped to handle the hordes of fans who come to cheer on our home teams.

#2: Sports bars & fan gatherings

Whether you’re joining other fans to catch an away game (or you missed out on tickets to home field) match days are huge social opportunities at Toronto sports bars.

From viewing NBA action on the city’s largest screen (the 39-foot screen at RS) or talking shop with other Jays fans in a memorabilia-lined hangout at Dock Ellis, there’s a sports bar for your type of fandom.

Superfans can also make noise and socialize outdoors with tailgate parties outside BMO Field during Argos home games, or by cheering on the Raptors at Jurassic Park, the courtyard outside Scotiabank Arena, which comes alive when the team makes the playoffs.

#3: Sports culture

As Canada’s sports capital, Toronto is home to major league attractions, such as the crowd-fave Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF).

This 6,500-square-foot temple to ice hockey hosts unique hands-on activities and simulations. Where else can you face off against animated versions of today’s leading NHL goalies and shooters, record your own play-by-play commentary, and take your photo with the actual Stanley Cup? (Answer: nowhere.)

HHOF also hosts the annual Induction Weekend, which honours today's best and brightest players and includes the star-studded Legends Classic hockey match.

For those who seek cinematic and cerebral sports experiences, the annual Canadian Sport Film Festival (November 7–9, 2024) shines a spotlight on Canadian and international sports through a documentary lens. It is hosted by the Toronto International Film Festival at the TIFF Lightbox.

#4: Niche sports leagues and activities

There’s more to sports than the big-ticket leagues. Toronto is also home to unique niche teams and events that have rabid followings, from rugby’s Toronto Wolfpack to local esports teams.

The latter has been growing in recent years, with Toronto home to two pro league teams: the Overwatch League’s Toronto Defiant and Call of Duty League’s Toronto Ultra. Follow the teams on social media to keep abreast of events taking place in the city.

Toronto is also a surprisingly urban triathlon hotspot. For those who want to compete near the pros, the annual Toronto Triathlon Festival hosts multiple multisport events, including the provincial, national and university championships, alongside triathlon and relay events for amateurs to elites.

#5: Sports memorabilia & shopping

Finally, let’s talk about team merch. Besides the official tees, sweats, bags and bobbleheads you’ll find on sale at major league sports events, Real Sports Apparel inside RS sports bar, and at the HHOF, Toronto is home to an unrivalled collector scene.

If you’re looking for cool ways to display your team affiliation, check out Peace Collective (with shops inside Union Station and the Distillery District) for cool minimalist Toronto Blue Jays clothing, funky retro Raptors gear and whimsical Toronto FC tops.

The 6ix-centric Spacing Store carries a super cute blue jay tote bag alongside stickers of cartoonish raptors, raccoons and other Toronto wildlife.

Avid collectors will find splurge-worthy finds at The Sport Gallery (think reproduction vintage Maple Leafs cardigans and limited-edition archival sports photos). Or, Fastball Collectibles for autographed sports trading cards and rare memorabilia like tickets from the Jays’ 1992 American League playoff games, which led to their epic MLB championship.