We may not live long enough to see the Leafs win the Cup again; Toronto FC is a failure at footy and the Raptors’ rebuilding plan still has a long way to go. When you want a sports thrill without the heavy dose of heartbreak, check out these alternative options for summer spectator sports.
Each summer, thousands of athletes descend upon Lake Ontario to vie for the title of best dragon boat team. It’s a thrilling, two-day competition that features pro and recreational athletes alike, with colourful boats and elaborate costumes. You can take part in games, festivities, arts and crafts and contests, all while taking in the competition for free at the water’s edge.
Two of the three races that comprise the Canadian Triple Crown are held here: the Queen’s Plate and the Breeders’ Stakes. Woodbine routinely hosts some of the best thoroughbreds and jockeys in the world and has witnessed the exploits of such legends as Canadian Triple Crown winner, Wando; Prince of Wales Stakes and Breeders’ Stakes winner, Pender Harbour; and jockey Patrick Husbands. Best of all, admission and parking are free.
It’s been more than 20 years since they last won the World Series, but when the boys of summer enter the Rogers Centre those championship memories come flooding back. While the fake turf is an affront to the game’s heritage and the selection of food can leave something to be desired, you can’t beat a cheap seat in 500 Level and the thrill of watching the roof retract on a gorgeous summer day.
This course was established in 1929 and from day one, the Stanley Thompson design was ranked among the best in the country and the world. It was 30th on Golf Digest’s 2014 list of the world’s top 100 courses, thanks to its distinct architecture and narrow, challenging holes. It’s also played host to the PGA Canadian Men’s Open and LPGA Canadian Women’s Open five times each, as well as other major national and international events.
One weekend every summer the lakefront Exhibition grounds are transformed into a 2.84 km, 11-turn race track where the best drivers compete. The Honda Indy street course is where big names like Alex Tagliani and Patrick Carpentier add another jewel to their crowns, and young racers try to make a name for themselves. Ticket prices are more than reasonable, and you can avoid paying a premium on drinks by bringing your own empty water bottle.
Cheer on your favourite spikers and setters as they volley back and forth in an effort to win the championship title. The volleyball league is run under the umbrella of the Ontario Volleyball Association and has been at Ashbridges Bay since the mid-‘90s, giving this league some serious cred. And, with games starting around 6:45 p.m. and ending around 8:30, you can also watch the setting sun wash over the sandy horizon in magnificent reds, oranges and yellows.
