The greatest ice hockey arenas in Canada
Let’s not fool ourselves; we all love a big ice hockey arena! We adore the venues we visit to watch hockey matches just as much as the game with all of its excitement and colour.
Many of us originally went to our hometown rink as kids to witness our favourite players, who seemed larger than life. I recall the intense lighting, the aroma of the food and drink, the music blasted into the arena or, if you were old enough, played on an organ, and the distinctive shouts of our hometown team.
I could spend a whole day watching the rink when I was a teenager; honestly, that feeling hasn’t changed. Considering ice hockey is Canada’s national sport, it is no wonder some of the greatest arenas in the world are under our flag!
I know it’s hard to compare an all-time classic like Maple Leaf Gardens with a new gem like the Consol Energy Center. Still, I did my best to pick the largest and the most significant arenas, so check out my top below!
The vintage Montreal Forum
The Montreal Forum has witnessed more magical moments in hockey history than any other rink. From 1924 to 1938, it housed the Montreal Maroons, then from 1926 until 1996, the Montreal Canadiens.
While residing in the Forum, the Canadiens won 22 Stanley Cups, including five from 1956 to 1960 and four from 1976 to 1979. The 1928 Rangers and the 1989 Flames were the only away teams to win the Stanley Cup at Montreal Forum.
Because of all the great players that had played there, Canadiens supporters referred to them as the "ghosts of the Forum." Howie Morenz's burial was held at the Forum after he passed away unexpectedly from the effects of a 1937 leg break.
The eternal Maple Leaf Gardens
From 1931 through 1999, the Toronto Maple Leafs played their home games at Maple Leaf Gardens, which hosted many of the greatest hockey-related events.
The MLG was once the biggest hockey arena in Canada when it first opened, and it underwent multiple expansions before the team stopped using it. The arena became famous as the first NHL arena with separate penalty boxes for each team.
In their first year in the Gardens, the Maple Leafs won the Stanley Cup, winning 11 titles between then and 1967. It’s an arena that will always host its eternal ice hockey flame.
The evergreen Air Canada Centre
The Air Canada Centre, home to one of Canada's most renowned hockey teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs, is listed as the second-best hockey arena in the world. Only 110 fewer people can fit there than at Rogers Arena.
Nothing brings Toronto’s spirit closer to its citizens than the all-adored Air Canada Centre. The arena offers the best sense of community and infuses the rink with the heart of Toronto. You’ll indeed have the time of your life on the GO train or the subway; if you shout "Go Leafs!" a few stops from the arena.
Make time to visit Maple Leaf Square, where you can interact with hundreds of other fans and grab a pint at the Real Sports Bar and Grill, which boasts more TVs than employees (can you say pre-game coverage?).
While you watch warm-ups, grab a drink or some pre-game snacks. The concession stand offers treat inspired by Toronto neighbourhoods. Use the arena's downtown location to your advantage when the final buzzer screeches - walking distance from the Harbourfront, CN Tower, and Hockey Hall of Fame.
An atmosphere to remember: Scotiabank Saddledome
The Scotiabank Saddledome is perhaps one of the most distinctive arenas in the entire globe, not just in Canada. The structure itself has a saddle-like design to honour Calgary's horse-racing past. Тhis arena, which serves as the Calgary Flames' home, has the fifth-largest ice hockey arena seating capacity in the world, and its fame is well-deserved.
To be honest, the architecture is still a lot of fun, even without the surrounding setting. The arena has been able to sell out every Flames game since the 2005–06 season, as if its shape wasn't unique enough.
The Stampede Grounds is conveniently close to "The Red Mile," named after the Flames' 2004 playoff run. Here, you'll discover a big selection of bars and clubs serving the pre-game drink.
Get a glass of heroin beer once you are at the arena. Even though the rumours regarding its potency have been disproven, some locals insist that it is the most robust draft you will ever try.
You won't be bored during intermission because the Saddledome's walls are nearly wallpapered with memorabilia and awards. Oh, and you can't leave the stadium without having a pocket dawg, a hot dog that's been sandwiched inside a baguette!
Most convenient and accessible location: Rogers Arena
Vancouver features a massive hockey rink, the eleventh-largest arena in the world. The arena houses the elite Vancouver Canucks team and can hold 18,910 spectators.
Although several hockey rinks in Canada boast accessibility, Rogers Arena may be the most practical one. Use the underground parking garage or one of the numerous spaces within a 15-minute walk if you drive to the game.
If you intend to do some good old-fashioned game-time drinking, the Skytrain Stadium Chinatown station is a terrific way to arrive (and get home). It's only a minute's walk away.
Want to have a feast before the game's opening puck? Numerous restaurants in Vancouver are within a ten-minute walk or less. The venue is unique, and the views are straightforward thanks to on-ice displays and LED in the glass.
Old but gold: Rexall Place
No wonder Edmonton is known as the “City of Champions.” Many titles have been won in Rexall Place, the oldest NHL arena in Canada. The venue offers some of the most affordable beer and any NHL arena food pricing.
As you approach the arena, you'll pass a giant statue of Wayne Gretzky. To honour the region's significant Ukrainian background, don't forget to order a pierogi dumpling at the stadium.
Visit the team's home arena to honour the 1980s squad that the Hockey Hall of Fame designated as a dynasty. Enjoy Edmonton's other attractions, including the historic Old Strathcona neighbourhood and the biggest mall in North America, while you're there for a game.
The most extraordinary fan support: MTS Centre
You'll have a blast at every hockey game in Canada, but the MTS likely offers the best fan experience in the league. The atmosphere between the fans and the food is hard to match.
Ninety minutes before the puck drop, the restaurant opens.
Another fantastic place to meet is the sports pub Tavern United, which is close to the arena and features a rooftop happy hour. Order a Jumbo Jet Dog if you are peckish while watching the game; the raucous fan can be appeased with bacon bits, chilli, nacho cheese, and pierogi toppings.
When the game starts, get ready for the boisterous and ecstatic Jets supporters, who will undoubtedly go bonkers as soon as their team steps onto the ice. The arena is filled with jubilant "Go, Jets, go!" chants before the national anthem has even been sung.
A visit worth the trip: Centre Bell
If you’re after a weekend getaway or a game with some sightseeing, there’s no better city than Montreal to escape. In the centre of the bustling city's downtown area stands the Centre Bell, the proud home of the Montreal Canadiens.
Most likely, you already know that Montreal is home to the largest hockey arena in the world, which can seat 21,288 people, but that’s not all that makes it unique; the location certainly contributes to its popularity!
It's safe to say that there are plenty of things to do in Montreal on the weekends. You will be close to Centre Bell if you treat yourself to a stay at some of the close hotels that booking sites offer.
Take a paid tour of the Canadiens Hall of Fame before entering the arena for the game. Then, proceed around Centre Bell to select a seat as all four levels honour the team's numerous Stanley Cup victories.
As kickoff draws near, the team's introduction is quite the show, and fan participation is motivating. You may even tour the venue during your weekend getaway to see Stanley Cup banners and the backstage areas.
The best view possible: Canadian Tire Centre
The Canadian Tire Centre is notable for its outside tailgating scene and for providing every fan with the greatest seat in the house. The eighth-largest hockey arena in the world is home to one of the most beloved Canadian teams - the Ottawa Senators.
Even if there aren't many restaurants or walking eateries close by due to the venue's suburban location, you may still meet other hockey fans in the parking lot before the game! Take a $6 shuttle from downtown Ottawa if you don't want to drive. You are welcome to hang out at Bert's, the official residence of the Sens Army (a.k.a. the team's ardent fanbase).
What I missed the most was the voice of Lyndon Slewidge, a retired OPP officer who used to perform the national anthem before the game. Throwback Thursday games allow fans to see the Sens play in vintage jerseys while enjoying cheap concession delights.
The newest and shiniest gem: Canada Life Centre
The home arena of NHL's Winnipeg Jets, the former Bell MTS Place, bursts the centre of Winnipeg with loyal Jets fans. High glass walls, bright lights, and a tidy, well-organized concourse make this a pleasant space.
Although the arena is considered relatively small with its 16.000 capacity, it truly offers one of the most thrilling and energizing hockey experiences. The environment is truly electric!
It has skywalks connecting various parking lots and other buildings so that you can escape the cold heading to a game. The chairs are cozy, and the viewing angles are ideal for hockey games. I've sat in various locations, and every seat has a good perspective of the action.
So there you have it: my top 10 of the best arenas in Canada, modern and vintage, big and bigger, urban and suburban, but without a doubt, all memorable! Don’t hesitate to share your top in the comments below!