Sports Fans: Canada’s Top Three Sporting Experiences You Need According To JustFly

Canada has seemed some major sports moments happen on their soil. From three Olympic Games, World Series baseball, and multiple Stanley Cup playoffs, Canada has a blessed sports history. Along with being home to some of the world’s most accomplished athletes, Canada continues to carry on a sporting tradition that is nearly unmatched globally.

For sports fans looking to experience sporting drama and intrigue, online travel agency JustFly says Canada is just the place. I asked them what their three must-see teams in Canada are.

The Toronto Maple Leafs

One of the most valuable and recognizable sports franchises in the world, The Toronto Maple Leafs are an institution in the city of Toronto, Ontario. Founded in 1917 as the Toronto Arenas, the Maple Leafs were also called the St. Patricks from 1919-1927 before being called the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Not only does the team have an illustrious history as a franchise, but they also called one of the most legendary ice hockey arenas in the World home. Maple Leaf Gardens was the home field for the Maple Leafs franchise from 1931 to 1999 before settling in at their current home, The Air Canada Centre.

Maple Leaf Gardens, the former home of the Toronto Maple Leafs by Neal Jennings

In terms of on-ice success, The Leaf did have a strong history of winning in it’s earlier years, but currently holds one of the longest streaks of mediocrity in professional sports, having not won a Stanley Cup since 1967.

The team is also famous for its impact on popular culture in Canada, with many children reading The Hockey Sweater, a story about a child forced to wear a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey amongst his friends who wore the jersey of our next team.

Mats Sundin is the Maple Leafs all-time leader in goals and points by Håkan Dahlström

The Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens are the age-old rival of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Founded in 1909, the Canadiens have been a fixture in Montreal for over a century. The winningest team in the NHL with 24 Stanley Cups according to JustFly’s review, The Montreal Canadiens are one of the most successful teams in North American sports history.

Currently playing out of the Bell Centre, The Canadiens had a famous home for much of their existence. From 1926 to 1996 the Canadiens called The Montreal Forum home. The building was named a National Historic Site Of Canada in 1997.

The Montreal Forum, Canada by Jeangagnon

The Toronto Blue Jays

Off the ice, Canada can hold their own too. While baseball is America’s national pastime, the MLB’s World Series was won on the Canadian side of the border in 1992 and 1993 by The Toronto Blue Jays. Founded in 1977, Toronto’s boys of Summer have bounced back into the limelight thanks to the excitement generated by their 2015 season.

The hottest ticket in Canada last year, games at The Rogers Centre, which used to have a way cooler name (The SkyDome), became big time commodities in the city. 2016 is expected to be another great year, and a trip to the game is highly recommended by JustFly

Rogers Center (Skydome), Toronto, Canada by Binche