Tips for Fans Visiting Every Stadium
There’s nothing like the thrill of a live CFL game. Sports betting fans roar. Chants echo. Stadium food fills the air. Canadian football isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life.
For die-hard fans, one dream stands tall. A road trip to all nine CFL stadiums. It’s a true bucket list adventure.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just love travel and sports, this journey is for you.
From Vancouver to Montreal, this guide has it all. Pro tips. Travel advice. Local food. Fun stadium facts. Everything you need for an unforgettable CFL tour.
1. Plan Your Route Smartly
Canada is huge. Like, really huge. Unless you’re flying, the travel distances between cities can be pretty intense. So consider grouping your stops regionally or timing your trip with the schedule to catch back-to-back games in the West or East.
Sample Route:
- Start in BC: BC Place, Vancouver
- Head to Alberta: McMahon Stadium (Calgary), then Commonwealth Stadium (Edmonton)
- Swing through the Prairies: Mosaic Stadium (Regina), IG Field (Winnipeg)
- Make your way East: Tim Hortons Field (Hamilton), BMO Field (Toronto), TD Place (Ottawa)
- Finish in Quebec: Percival Molson Stadium (Montreal)
Make use of the CFL schedule to line up game dates that make logistical sense. Weekends are golden—grab tickets in advance for rivalry games and marquee matchups.
2. Get to Know the Stadium Vibes
Each CFL stadium has its own personality, quirks, and fan traditions. Here’s what you need to know:
BC Place – Vancouver, BC
- Vibe: Urban, high-tech, and indoors. Rain? No problem.
- Pro tip: Explore nearby Yaletown or grab sushi pre-game—Vancouver does it best.
McMahon Stadium – Calgary, AB
- Vibe: Classic college-style stadium with a strong local crowd.
- Pro tip: If you’re in town during the Stampede, it’s a two-for-one party.
Commonwealth Stadium – Edmonton, AB
- Vibe: One of the largest stadiums in Canada, lots of seating and space.
- Pro tip: Check out the tailgating scene—it’s one of the more underrated ones in the league.
Mosaic Stadium – Regina, SK
- Vibe: Loud, green, and proud. Rider Nation brings it.
- Pro tip: Buy your green gear ahead of time—or risk looking like an outsider.
IG Field – Winnipeg, MB
- Vibe: Modern with an intense fan base, especially during the Banjo Bowl.
- Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying a Fatboy burger or perogies nearby.
Tim Hortons Field – Hamilton, ON
- Vibe: Gritty, loyal, loud. The Hammer loves its Ticats.
- Pro tip: Explore the food trucks and the local beer garden near the stadium.
BMO Field – Toronto, ON
- Vibe: Soccer/football hybrid, laid-back but lively when full.
- Pro tip: Go early and hit up Liberty Village for food and drinks.
TD Place – Ottawa, ON
- Vibe: Picturesque setting by the canal, newer crowd but growing fast.
- Pro tip: Walk the surrounding Lansdowne area—it’s one of the best stadium districts in the league.
Percival Molson Stadium – Montreal, QC
- Vibe: Intimate and unique, built into Mount Royal. City views for days.
- Pro tip: Post-game poutine and smoked meat sandwiches are a must.
3. Dive Into the Tailgate Culture
Tailgating in the CFL isn’t as massive as in the NFL, but it’s still a proud part of the experience, especially in Regina, Winnipeg, and Calgary. Bring a flag, wear your colors, and be ready to talk football with strangers who’ll treat you like family.
Some stadiums (like Toronto and Montreal) might not have sprawling tailgate areas, but local pubs and fan zones nearby more than make up for it.
Must-pack items for tailgating:
- Team jersey (represent!)
- CFL folding chair
- Cooler with local brews
- Bluetooth speaker for pump-up tunes
- Your best trash-talk (in good fun, of course)
4. Get Social: Connect with Local Fans
One of the best parts of this road trip is the people you’ll meet. CFL fans are passionate, knowledgeable, and full of pride for their cities. Join Facebook fan groups, follow team subreddits, or connect via CFL Twitter/X before you arrive. You might score a tailgate invite, a couch to crash on, or insider tips from locals.
Want to go big? Bring a CFL-themed flag or sign and try to get featured on TSN. You’ll become a legend by the time you hit your last stadium.
5. Embrace the Local Flavor
Sure, you’re there for football—but every stop is a cultural adventure. Here are a few can’t-miss experiences in each city:
- Vancouver: Stanley Park bike ride + ramen on Robson Street
- Calgary: Bow River walk + cowboy steakhouse
- Edmonton: West Edmonton Mall + craft beer crawl
- Regina: Saskatchewan Science Centre + Bushwakker Brewpub
- Winnipeg: Human Rights Museum + The Forks
- Hamilton: Waterfall hike + local breweries
- Toronto: CN Tower + Kensington Market eats
- Ottawa: Parliament Hill + ByWard Market
- Montreal: Old Port stroll + late-night jazz bar
6. Budgeting & Travel Tips
- Accommodations: Try mid-range hotels or trusted Airbnbs. Book early for game weekends.
- Flights vs. Driving: Flying might save you time, but if you’re into scenic drives, Canada offers some epic road trip views (especially through the Rockies or Ontario lake country).
- Game Tickets: CFL tickets are generally affordable, but get them early for high-demand games like Labour Day Classics or playoffs.
- Merch: Budget for team gear—every stadium has something unique, from retro hats to local collabs.
7. Capture the Journey
Turn your road trip into a story. Start a blog, TikTok series, or Instagram account dedicated to your travels across the CFL universe. Share fan stories, stadium reviews, food finds, and those candid moments that make live football unforgettable. You never know—your journey might inspire the next wave of fans to do the same.
Final Word
The CFL may be small on the world stage. But it has heart. It has history. And it has a loyal, unmatched community.A full stadium tour is more than football. It’s about Canada. Coast to coast. It’s about meeting fans. Feeling the pride. Living the game like never before.So pack your bags. Plan your route. Throw on your jersey. Get ready.The Ultimate CFL Road Trip isn’t just a dream. It’s real. And it’s waiting for you.
