The Lions second stop on their east coast road trip is Toronto. This is Orlando City’s first trip to the 6 this season and is an important match up as the Lions make their push for the playoffs.
The Venue
Toronto FC plays all their home games at BMO Field. It may look a bit different from last season after having done renovations in the off season that included the addition of a canopied roof that cover all three stands and added seats making their new seating capacity 30,226.
Toronto FC has six (I see what you did there) recognized supporter groups: The Red Patch Boys, U-Sector, Kings in the North, Inebriatti, Original 109 and Tribal Rhythm Nation.
BMO Field has several public transportation options to make getting there easier, including Bathurst Streetcar #511, Harbourfront Streetcar #509, or the #29 Dufferin Bus.
Things To Do
Rogers Centre
Much like the MLS, the MLB regular season is soon going to be coming to a close as teams look ahead to playoffs. Check out the Toronto Blue Jays as they host the Baltimore Orioles for 3 games as both teams try to score a postseason wildcard spot.
CN Tower
If you’re unfamiliar with this building, you may recognize it from Drakes latest album cover ‘Views’. It’s the most prominent attraction in Toronto and the tallest free-standing structure in the western hemisphere. Standing at 1,815 feet tall it has been designated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. And just like our boy, Drake, you too can sit on the ledge of the tower with Edgewalk.
Hockey Hall of Fame
Hockey Hall of Fame
With the NHL season just around the corner, pay a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame featuring the most elaborate collection of hockey memorabilia and gear from across the globe, as well as interactive game, multimedia stations and exhibits on the game’s greatest players. And make sure you get a selfie with Stanley, one of the most coveted prizes in professional sports.
Bars and Restaurants
Sneaky Dee’s
If you want the quintessential dive bar experience in Toronto, Sneaky Dee’s is one of the best spots in the city to get it. It’s a restaurant, known citywide for its monster nacho plates and wallet-friendly Tex-Mex, and a live music venue with an upstairs stage that has seen the likes of Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene. Opened in 1987, Sneaky Dee’s will never go out of style -- no matter the bar trend of the moment. It’s where you go for cheap nachos, good music, and packed parties -- and then a greasy breakfast in the morning to temper the hangover.
Bang Bang Ice Cream and Bakery
Bang Bang makes all of their ice cream in house in unique flavours like burnt toffee, London fog, and cinnamon toast, as well as the variety of cookies that ice cream gets crammed between. Use them to customize the ultimate ice cream sandwich, one that, trust me, will be worth lining up for.
The Horseshoe Tavern
You can’t have a list of important bars in Toronto and not include the Horseshoe. The much-loved institution has been open since 1947 but the property dates back to 1861 when it was a blacksmith shop. You don’t come here to eat, you don’t come here to watch the game, you come here to drink and listen to music. The Horseshoe is hands down one of the best small venues for catching live shows in Toronto and it consistently packs ‘em in for both indie acts and bigger names.
Carousel Bakery
Pay this shop a visit for their famous peameal bacon sandwich. If Anthony Bourdain says you gotta eat it, well, then what choice do you have? But seriously, this is an iconic Toronto food item for a reason. The deceptively simple sandwich consists of griddled peameal on a bun. No more, no less. The goal here is to highlight the salty, smoky goodness of the bacon.
