Plan the ultimate baseball getaway to Toronto. Here’s how to hit all the hotspots in one major league weekend.
Warm weather means baseball season in Toronto, so pull on your Jays jersey and get ready to sing “OK Blue Jays!” As a long-time baseball mom, I have spent hours at Little League games in Toronto parks and my family always loves attending action-packed Major League Baseball (MLB) games.
The Toronto Blue Jays played their first game in 1977 at Exhibition Stadium, and to the thrill of fans attending in the frigid snow, they won! The Jays—the only non-US MLB team—have a dedicated fan base and have claimed iconic players like Roy Halladay and Jose Bautista.
Looking for the ultimate grand slam baseball weekend for fans of all ages? Keep reading for my fan picks.
Saturday: Explore the city
Before arriving in Toronto, secure Toronto Blue Jays game day tickets from their 2024 schedule. The Jays play at Rogers Centre in the bustling Entertainment District. Fan Central has the latest contests and updates to get game day ready. You’ll also find the coolest gear at the Jays Shop.
Check into Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel—located in the Rogers Centre at 1 Blue Jays Way, it’s the closest you can get to the baseball action. Its stadium view rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of the field. Bring a bathing suit for a swim in their indoor heated pool.
Where to eat
Marriott’s Sportsnet Grill has an all you can eat family friendly breakfast buffet and unparalleled views of the baseball diamond. Known for game day food deals, you can return for a sports themed dinner.
Other nearby meal options are Planta Queen, a healthy vegan Asian restaurant using seasonal ingredients (try their famous Bang Bang Broccoli!), plus a bowling alley turned restaurant, The Ballroom, which offers bowling, games, and 50+ screens playing the big game(s).
What to see
If it’s your first time in the 6ix, consider City Sightseeing Toronto’s hop-on hop-off tour which takes place on red double-decker buses. The bus stops at major attractions and museums including the Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario. Don’t forget to hop off at Kensington Market to search for Blue Jays souvenirs at Blue Banana and to dig into a sweet treat next door at Bunners Bakeshop.
Bonus: during the warmer months, City Sightseeing also offers a Harbour and Islands Cruise in Lake Ontario.
What to do
For families that want to play baseball, head north to Baseline Sports, Toronto’s biggest indoor baseball facility. Near Downsview Park subway station, it has eight batting cages, pitching machines, and a world-renowned HitTRAX baseball/softball simulator.
Or, for free outdoor fun, bring your bat and mitt one of the many Toronto city parks that feature a baseball and softball diamond including Queen Street West’s Trinity Bellwoods Park and Koreatown’s Christie Pits Park.
Sunday: Cheer on the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre
Today’s game day! If you’re a newbie, you can familiarize yourself with baseball lingo and Jays trivia beforehand. Did you know MLB’s two-time World Series champs (1992 and 1993) have produced multiple Hall of Famers over the years?
When planning your Jays weekend, take note of free souvenir giveaways throughout the season, including replica jerseys and hats and bobbleheads.
Where to eat
Sunday games at Rogers Centre typically start just past 1:30pm so keep the tradition alive and grab ballpark hot dogs for lunch (plant-based options available.) Save room for yummy baseball snacks such as peanuts, chips, famous Bavarian pretzels, or souvenir popcorn buckets. Other food options include classic food-truck inspired eats at Park Social, and The Stop for poke bowls, Jamaican patties and pre-game drinks.
If you get the munchies before heading back to your hotel, keep the sports night going at Real Sports (RS), fan central in Toronto.
What to see
Before the game, stretch your legs by walking to Nathan Phillips Square to pay homage to the famous TORONTO sign. It’s steps from one of the city’s top shopping destinations, the Toronto Eaton Centre.
If it rains, head down to the PATH, Toronto’s underground pedestrian walkway, which spans 30 kilometres with plenty of restaurants, shopping and entertainment on offer. For a vintage Blue Jays sweatshirt, check out Peace Collective at Union Station.
What to do
It’s game day! After painting your face blue (optional), walk to the ballpark ready to manifest multiple home runs.
Rogers Centre (fresh off a $300-million renovation) has a retractable roof that’s open during nice weather, through which you can take in stellar views of the CN Tower.
Don’t forget your mitt for a chance to catch a ball at Rogers Landing, the standing room only spot beside the visitor’s bullpen.
And if your kids are eager to hit the field themselves, they can run the bases (pre-registration required) at all Sunday summer home games. Additional Jr. Jays Sundays games and activities for kids age 14 and under will take place throughout the stadium.
I still remember the cheering crowds on Yonge Street when the Blue Jays won their World Series titles in 1992 and 1993. The Jays electrify fans all season long. Don’t miss your opportunity to create MLB memories with your fam in 2024. Go Jays!
