The best ways to commute for Toronto Maple Leafs games at Scotiabank Arena

As someone who grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, moved to midtown, and has been to more Toronto Maple Leafs games than I can count (a massive fortune, I am well aware), I feel qualified to explain the best way to commute to watch the Leafs in person. 

Spoiler alert: Do. Not. Drive. 

But I need to drive!

If you absolutely insist on driving or have no other option, here is the best way to do it: 

1. If you can, avoid the downtown core. Anywhere basically south of Dundas St. and in between Spadina Ave. and Jarvis St., before and after a Leafs game, is standstill traffic. In the past, I have had some success parking near Yonge St. & Front St., at the parking lot right next to Biff’s Bistro. This only works, however, if you go east after the game and do not need to get on the Gardiner, which brings me to my next point. 
2. Avoid the Gardiner Expressway. This highway, I think, was designed specifically to cause immense frustration and anger in the human species. Getting onto the Gardiner, after any sporting event/concert/festival in downtown Toronto, is an exercise in futility. And even after you do get on, you’re rewarded with bumper-to-bumper traffic that ends up on the Don Valley Parkway, a very apt name for this thoroughfare. 
3. Either leave early or late. It certainly feels bad to leave before a game is done, especially given the prices of tickets. But just remember that after the final whistle is blown, you and ~19k fellow fans are all going to be trying to get home. Getting a head start on most of them usually pays off. 
4. Prepare to wait. Moving through downtown Toronto on game day is a test of patience. If you can, remain as calm as possible behind the wheel. Trust me, you getting upset isn’t going to change anyone’s behaviour, and will probably just make you feel worse. 

Your other options

“Fine, Imran,” you say, “I won’t drive to the game, but how else do I get there?” 

Well, I’m glad you asked! Toronto has the unique honour in Canada of actually having a relatively well-functioning and effective public transit system. My far and away favourite method of getting to games, and the one I employ basically every single time, is the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). 

Scotiabank Arena is very conveniently located (looking at you, Ottawa). It’s literally physically connected to Union Station, Toronto’s main transit hub. You don’t even have to go outside to get to the game, avoiding the slush and wind that we here call “winter”. 

If you’re coming from within the city, take transit. Beyond being better for the environment, it’s also just significantly more convenient. 

If you’re coming from outside the city, also take transit! The GO train network is fairly comprehensive. Plus, there’s also always the option to drive to a train station and leave your car there for the return. GO trains come into Union Station, which, as mentioned above, is where Scotiabank Arena is located. 

With the season starting very soon, look out for more content such as places to eat before a game, and even where to watch the Leafs downtown if you can’t secure a ticket. Go Leafs Go and see you at Scotiabank!