Experience the thrill of Toronto’s vibrant neighborhoods, iconic landmarks and unique attractions beyond the ballpark
For many, the game of baseball is a driving factor behind a first-time visit to our Canadian neighbors to the north. Though baseball may be synonymous with Cracker Jacks, Chevrolet, and all things America, that doesn’t mean “America’s pastime” hasn’t become a part of the culture in other cities outside of the United States. Canada has enjoyed our brand of baseball since the late 1960s when the Montreal Expos (now the Washington Nationals) joined Major League Baseball as an expansion team. In 1977, Canada scored a second MLB franchise, the Toronto Blue Jays. With a home base at Rogers Centre, located in the shadows of Toronto’s iconic CN Tower, the Blue Jays routinely welcome Americans during every home game.
Whether your favorite team is the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, or any of the other 29 teams based in the US, a visit to Toronto is a chance to experience baseball in another country. It’s also an opportunity to extend your visit by a few days to explore one of North America’s most exciting tourist destinations. With a population of more than 3 million residents, the streets are always bustling with activity and the area has no shortage of amazing restaurants, amusing museums, and historic sites to enjoy.
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Getting To and Around Toronto
The Canadian border is much closer than you may realize. Detroit baseball fans were out in full force during my visit this summer. The Blue Jays were hosting the Tigers for a series and many in attendance made the easy road trip up north from Motor City. I flew into Pearson International Airport from St. Louis on a flight that lasted less than two hours. (Though a taxi ride into the city can add an extra 30-40 minutes.)
For an even quicker gateway to downtown Toronto, Billy Bishop Airport is an alternate option, though inbound flight options are much more limited. Traffic can be difficult and stressful in Toronto, so driving in the city may not be your best bet. From the airport, you’ll be able to use notable ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. Toronto also has public transportation, though it’s best utilized once you’re already in the city center. If you’re a fan of walking, Toronto is an extremely walkable city. I walked nearly everywhere—though some of my journeys were quite lengthy. It’s still the best way to explore and see a city, and I found Toronto to be quite safe and easy to navigate both during the day and at night. Having the CN tower as a navigational beacon makes it easy to find your way back if you know how to get there from your hotel.
Seeing A Baseball Game in Toronto
The Rogers Centre has been around since 1989. While the exterior of the stadium doesn’t provide much excitement, inside you’ll find a wonderful atmosphere for baseball with an all-around great vibe for fans. From the scoreboards to the skyline, Toronto really is a great place to see a baseball game. Plenty of restaurants are available within walking distance of the stadium. Steam Whistle Kitchen is across the street and features mouthwatering burgers along with a mix of Canadian beers and wines. Real Sports Bar is also a short walk from Rogers Centre and serves an upscale variety of “bar food” and drinks with a mind-boggling amount of TV screens and sports updates rotating on a digital board on the ceiling. Marriott’s City Centre Hotel is literally connected to the stadium for visitors looking to stay or dine as close as possible to the stadium. Sportsnet Grill features windows that look directly into the ballpark. The same outfield views are also available in a select number of guest suites. The hotel boasts some of the largest guest rooms in the city.
The Blue Jays are notoriously a sub-par baseball team so getting tickets at a reasonable price shouldn’t be an issue. That doesn’t mean the stadium will be empty as they still have an enthusiastic fan base. However, it’s not unusual to have a good representation for visiting teams in the seats. While watching a game during my visit, I found the Blue Jays fans to be gracious and welcoming to visitors. And one of my favorite moments happened before the game even started. Watching (and hearing) the Canadian National Anthem performed by thousands of patriotic Canadians was truly memorable. While I’ve heard the anthem before on American soil during baseball and hockey games, it’s a different experience hearing it in their home country.
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Other Exciting Things to Do in Toronto Besides Baseball
It was my first visit to Toronto and though seeing a baseball game was at the top of my list, I wanted to enjoy as many experiences as I could during the three days I was in town. There were lots of things I wanted to see and thankfully with a little planning I was able to check off nearly every attraction I had on my list.
- CN Tower—Over 1,800 feet tall, Toronto’s CN Tower has been an iconic part of the city’s skyline since 1976. A visit to the top of the tower is a must for a first-time visitor to the city. It’s located right next to the Rogers Centre but you should consider visiting first thing in the morning instead of before or after a baseball game. The lines can get crazy long in the summer so going first thing in the morning is a good idea. There are two observation decks with 360-degree views of the region.
- Toronto Harbour Tour—This seemed a bit touristy, but I really enjoyed the one-hour excursion that gives you great views of Toronto from Lake Ontario. The guided boat tour provides some interesting history and humor. You’ll also have a chance to see the Toronto Islands which are located directly across from downtown. Tickets can be purchased in advance or found at a kiosk near the waterfront near Harbour Square.
- Hockey Hall of Fame—I’m not even a huge fan of hockey but found this place incredibly interesting! So if you enjoy hockey, you’ll be blown away at the amount of artifacts on display from notable players and teams. You’ll find interactive exhibits in the museum as well as a chance to have your picture taken with the ultimate prize in hockey—The Stanley Cup.
- Royal Ontario Museum—Recognized as one of the top cultural institutions in North America, the Royal Ontario Museum is also Canada’s largest museum. It’s impossible to see everything in one visit—from artwork to natural history specimens and more—featured in 40 different galleries and exhibition spaces.
- Bata Shoe Museum—I’m always up for a quirky attraction and what’s more quirky than a museum full of shoes? The Bata Shoe Museum is a history of shoes—from ancient Egyptian sandals to shoes that were must-haves at shopping malls in the 1980s. Jelly Shoes, anyone? The museum has over 15,000 shoes on display in their four-story building.
- Little Canada—Arguably the coolest attraction in Toronto and one that’s under the radar is called Little Canada. (Almost none of the locals I spoke with had ever heard of it.) Located near Dundas Square, this 45,000 square foot exhibit features Canada completely in miniature form. The craftsmanship and intricate details of the displays are amazing. There are more than 40,000 “little” people; tiny cars that not only drive on the streets but use turn signals as they change lanes; and views of cities in both day and night.
- Casa Loma—Toronto is home to one of the only castles in North America. Built in 1914 as a private residence, the property is now owned by the City of Toronto. Over 650,000 tourists visit each year to explore the property’s 98 rooms that are decorated with authentic period furnishings and antiques. Don’t miss the stairs that take you up to the top of the castle for a view of downtown Toronto or the beautiful gardens out back.
To learn more about Toronto and its many attractions, neighborhoods, and restaurants-visit: Destination Toronto. (destinationtoronto.com)
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