Maple Leaf Gardens

Maple Leaf Gardens Visiting Hours, Tickets & Toronto Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Maple Leaf Gardens is a Toronto icon—a living testament to Canada’s hockey passion, architectural ingenuity, and dynamic cultural history. Opened in 1931, this legendary arena was home to the Toronto Maple Leafs for nearly 70 years and hosted countless historic moments, from electrifying Stanley Cup victories to concerts by global superstars like The Beatles and Elvis Presley. Today, after thoughtful preservation and adaptive reuse, Maple Leaf Gardens thrives as a multi-purpose facility, housing the Mattamy Athletic Centre and a flagship Loblaws supermarket, while retaining its rich legacy as a National Historic Site of Canada.

This comprehensive guide details Maple Leaf Gardens’ historical significance, architectural highlights, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, nearby attractions, and practical tips to optimize your visit. Whether you’re a hockey enthusiast, history lover, or traveler exploring Toronto’s historical sites, this resource is your key to experiencing one of Canada’s most storied urban treasures.

For official visitor information and historical context, refer to Parks Canada, the Mattamy Athletic Centre official website, and Heritage Toronto.

Carlton Street and Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto circa 1934 with streetcars and vintage buildings

Conn Smythe enlisting for military service at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto 1939

Portrait of Conn Smythe in military uniform

Construction site at the northeast corner of Church and Carlton streets

East facade of the old Maple Leaf Gardens building

East facade of the old Maple Leaf Gardens building on a winter day

East facade of the old Maple Leaf Gardens building exterior in 2013

East facade of the old Maple Leaf Gardens historic building in Toronto

East facade of the old Maple Leaf Gardens building in Toronto

East facade of the old Maple Leaf Gardens building in 2013

East facade of the old Maple Leaf Gardens showing architectural details and surrounding area

East facade of the historic old Maple Leaf Gardens building in Toronto

Maple Leaf Gardens and construction at Northeast corner of Church and Carlton on May 17, 2019

Maple Leaf Gardens and construction at NE corner of Church and Carlton

Maple Leaf Gardens with construction at northeast corner of Church and Carlton in Toronto, 2019

Maple Leaf Gardens building with construction at NE corner of Church and Carlton

Introduction
Historical Overview
Visiting Maple Leaf Gardens
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Enhance Your Visit: Visuals & Experiences
Conclusion & Call to Action
References

Historical Overview

Origins & Construction

Maple Leaf Gardens was born out of Toronto’s fervor for hockey and the ambition of Conn Smythe, owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Constructed in just under six months during the Great Depression, the arena opened its doors on November 12, 1931. Financing was innovative: workers received a portion of their wages in company stock, creating a sense of shared ownership and urgency (Parks Canada, Heritage Matters).

The Gardens was designed by Ross and Macdonald, also responsible for other Toronto landmarks. Its Art Deco and Art Moderne elements include a robust yellow-brick façade, geometric ornamentation, and a clear-span domed roof—a marvel of engineering that provided unobstructed views for over 13,000 spectators (Heritage Matters, Wikipedia).

Hockey Heritage & Beyond

From 1931 to 1999, Maple Leaf Gardens was the “cathedral of hockey.” The Toronto Maple Leafs won 11 Stanley Cups here, and the arena saw the first NHL All-Star Game in 1947. It was also the site of the first NBA game in 1946, and hosted international hockey, boxing, basketball, wrestling, and figure skating (Wikipedia, NBA First Game).

Cultural & Musical Milestones

Beyond sports, the Gardens hosted concerts by Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Queen, and other world-renowned acts. It was a stage for political rallies, speeches by Winston Churchill and Pierre Trudeau, religious gatherings, and civic celebrations. Its central location and design attracted a broad, diverse audience, shaping Toronto’s civic identity (Heritage Toronto, Ontario Heritage Trust).

National Historic Site Designation

Recognizing its architectural and cultural significance, Maple Leaf Gardens was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2007—the only hockey arena in Canada with this distinction (Parks Canada).

Adaptive Reuse & Ongoing Legacy

After the Maple Leafs’ move in 1999, the Gardens underwent a remarkable transformation. The lower level became a Loblaws supermarket, while the upper floors evolved into the Mattamy Athletic Centre, home to Toronto Metropolitan University’s varsity teams and community events. Key features such as the original marquee, centre ice marker, and iconic blue seats have been preserved, providing a tangible link to the past (Mattamy Athletic Centre, Itinerant Fan).

Visiting Maple Leaf Gardens

Visiting Hours

Mattamy Athletic Centre: Hours depend on events, public skating, and fitness centre schedules. Gates open about one hour before events; always check the Mattamy Athletic Centre website for the latest updates.
Loblaws: Open daily, typically from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (verify on the Loblaws website for holiday hours).

Tickets & Entry

General Access: Entry to Loblaws and public spaces is free.
Events & Tours: Tickets are required for varsity games, special events, and guided tours. Prices typically range from CAD 10–20 for events; guided tours (when available) are about CAD 15/adult, CAD 10 for seniors/students. Buy tickets via the Mattamy Athletic Centre or Ticketmaster.
Group Bookings: Contact [email protected] for group sales.

Accessibility

Maple Leaf Gardens is fully accessible, with elevators, ramps, accessible washrooms, and designated seating. Guests with disabilities are encouraged to contact guest services in advance for specific needs (Mattamy Athletic Centre Visitor Info).

Location & Getting There

Address: 60 Carlton Street (Loblaws) / 50 Carlton Street (MAC), Toronto.
Transit: Steps from College subway station (Line 1), with TTC streetcar and bus routes nearby.
Parking: Limited paid parking in the area; public transit is highly recommended due to downtown congestion.
Cycling: Bike racks and Bike Share Toronto stations are close by.

Guided Tours & Events

Occasional guided tours provide access to preserved heritage features and memorabilia. Self-guided exploration is encouraged—interpretive panels and displays throughout Loblaws and the Mattamy Athletic Centre highlight historical milestones (Plan and Tour).

Amenities & Tips

Guest Services: Located on the 4th floor of the MAC during events.
Food & Drink: Loblaws offers a wide range of food options; concessions are available during events.
Security: Bag checks and photo ID for alcohol purchases; check the venue’s current policies online.
Photo Ops: Don’t miss the centre ice marker in aisle 25 of Loblaws (Toronto Star) and memorabilia displays in both venues.

Nearby Attractions

Eaton Centre
Yonge-Dundas Square
Ryerson University Campus
St. Lawrence Market
Allan Gardens

All are within walking distance and complement a visit to Maple Leaf Gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the typical visiting hours for Maple Leaf Gardens?
A: Loblaws is usually open 7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. daily; Mattamy Athletic Centre hours vary—check their official website for event schedules.

Q: How can I purchase tickets for Maple Leaf Gardens events?
A: Buy tickets online via the Mattamy Athletic Centre, Ticketmaster, or at the box office during events.

Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with elevators, ramps, accessible washrooms, and seating.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Guided tours are offered occasionally; check the MAC’s event calendar or contact guest services.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Limited paid parking is nearby; public transit is recommended.

Enhance Your Visit: Visuals & Interactive Experiences

Explore virtual tours and photo galleries on the Mattamy Athletic Centre and Heritage Toronto websites. Capture memories at the preserved Art Deco façade, the historic centre ice marker, and unique memorabilia displays. Share your experiences with #MapleLeafGardens on social media.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Maple Leaf Gardens stands as a vibrant symbol of Toronto’s—and Canada’s—deep-rooted sporting, architectural, and cultural legacy. Its transformation into the Mattamy Athletic Centre and Loblaws exemplifies successful heritage preservation and adaptive reuse, allowing visitors to experience both its storied past and dynamic present. Whether you’re attending a hockey game, shopping in a historic setting, or admiring architectural details, Maple Leaf Gardens offers an authentic window into the city’s evolving identity.

For the latest information on visiting hours, events, and tickets, visit the Mattamy Athletic Centre website. Enhance your experience by downloading the Audiala app for real-time updates, personalized tours, and exclusive offers. Follow us on social media for insider tips and event news.