Toronto Maple Leaf fans, is this FINALLY the year? We’ll keep your spirits high. A recent Expedia survey revealed almost half of Canadian hockey fans (46%) have taken a trip to see a game for an anniversary or couples trip.
Whether you’ve been here, live here, or have lived here, and no matter your opinions on the city there is no doubt that Toronto is the most sought after city in the world for Canadian hockey fans.
At the start of winter sports season, Expedia Group commissioned a survey examining the attitudes and tendencies of travelling sports fans. In Canada, sports fans reported they were most interested in/already planning to travel for hockey games (47%) in the most in the next 12 months, followed by baseball and soccer games (23% each)1.
Check out the itinerary below for the perfect hockey-lover date ideas, whether you’e staying for a while or just need a night out!
Hockey-themed date ideas
Hockey Hall of Fame
Home to hockey’s most iconic hero’s, the sprawling museum houses jerseys from around the world, the original Stanley Cup, and even allows fans to strap on the pads or test their shot in the interactive zone.
Scotiabank Arena
Experience the thrill of live, professional hockey and take in a Toronto Maple Leafs game in the heart of Toronto’s downtown core.
Mattamy Athletic Centre/Maple Leaf Gardens
Visit the historic site of Maple Leaf Gardens which hosted the first ever NHL All-Star game in 1947, and where the Leafs claimed 11 Stanley Cup titles. Get your hockey fix by taking in a game of the newly formed PWHL.
Real Sports Restaurant
Just steps from Scotiabank Arena, Real Sports claims to house the largest screen in Toronto at 39 ft. high, making it a great place to watch a game while indulging in delicious eats.
Tim Hortons HHOF
This special addition of Canada’s favourite coffee chain is located just outside the Hockey Hall of Fame. Fans can browse hockey artifact displays while munching on the exclusive Hall of Fame donut
The SPORT Gallery
Fans looking for unique hockey merch need look no further – The Distillery District shop focuses on artistic prints and vintage-inspired gear and decor while also offering artisan coffee and craft brews at its Arena Coffee Bar.
Where to stay
Athletes are doing some serious influencing! 64% of hockey fans said they feel inspired by athletes and team social media accounts when it comes to planning their sports trip-itineraries; cause we obviously are going to the same place Auston Matthews went for dinner!
Having a hotel close to the arena is an important part of things (59% thought so) and we already know Toronto has some gems when it comes to vacations and staycations in the city. Here’s some top picks just steps from Scotiabank Arena:
Le Germain Hotel Maple Leaf Square
Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto
Westin Harbour Castle
One King West
Fairmont Royal York
Here’s some tips to save on your next sports trip
Book airfare on a Sunday to save up to 24%
According to Expedia’s Air Travel Hacks report3, travellers who book on Sundays instead of Fridays tend to save, on average, around 17% on domestic flights and 24% on international flights.
Book domestic flights at least a month before to save 33%
Travellers that booked 25 days prior to departure saved 33% on average compared to those who waited until the last minute. For international airfare, avoid booking too early as prices are comparatively high 106 days out. However, prices also tend to increase 20 days prior to departure. For optimal availability, selection and savings, book 30-37 days out.
Depart on a Thursday to save up to 13%
Avoid departing on Sundays, which are the priciest days, on average, to start a trip.
Think you need to immerse yourself in Toronto sports soon? Here’s more things to do in the city while you’re looking!
Data sources:
1The survey about sports travel was conducted online among 1,000 Canadian sports fans from September 13-21, 2023, by OnePoll on behalf of Expedia Group.
2Based on flight bookings on Expedia.ca to Nashville, Tennessee, from June 22-27, 2023, compared to June 15-20, 2023.
3 Sourced from ARC’s global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
