As we make our way out of downtown Toronto, we pass Scotiabank Arena, one of the busiest and most recognizable sports and entertainment venues in Canada. Many still remember it by its former name, the Air Canada Centre.
The arena opened in 1999, with its first hockey game played just two years after construction began. Today, it is home to three major professional teams: the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto Raptors, and the Toronto Rock.
Over the years, Scotiabank Arena has hosted thousands of events, from playoff games and sold-out concerts to conventions and major international events, regularly welcoming tens of thousands of visitors at a time.
What makes this building especially unique is its connection to Toronto’s past. The arena was built on the site of a historic Canada Post delivery building dating back to 1941. While most of that structure was removed, parts of its original Art Deco façade were preserved and are still visible today, protected under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Covering 665,000 square feet, the arena is massive, and at one point ranked among the busiest venues in the world. Whether it’s hockey, basketball, or a major concert, this is one of the places where Toronto comes together.
As we leave downtown Toronto, Scotiabank Arena is part of the cluster of major venues that define the city’s core. Alongside nearby landmarks like the CN Tower, it reflects Toronto’s role as a center for sports, entertainment, and large-scale events before the scenery shifts on the drive toward Niagara Falls.
Planning a Niagara Falls day trip from Toronto? Explore the rest of our site to see what’s included, optional experiences, and the landmarks you’ll encounter along the way.
When you’re ready, use the booking button to reserve your seat with Chariots of Fire and experience the journey from Toronto to Niagara Falls for yourself.
Best Niagara Falls tour in Canada for 20 years.
