Hockey Hall of Fame - Toronto Travel Guide

Okay, so a lot of Americans have a hard time relating to the absolute frustration and utter depression that I feel over this hockey lock-out. Canadians, on the other hand, understand perfectly, and they have non-pro hockey and college hockey to fall back on. Even being from the city of the Stanley Cup Champions, I do not have that luxury.
So, it was with that puck-loving gusto that I went to the Hockey Hall of Fame. These people have their priorities straight because the hall is right next to the main train station. The HHOF is accessed through the BCE building, an ultra-modern shopping centre that is pretty much empty save for a Roots store, some food shacks, and the HHOF that connects to the historic Bank of Toronto, which is also part of the HHOF.
When you enter the hall, there's a real danger of experiencing some sensory overload. There is a track of memorabilia that includes the historic - near Godly - 1980 Team USA / CCCP jerseys, jerseys worn by the original - the legend - Gordie Howe, and recent treasures like Khabibulin's gear from when he played with Team Russia.
An ultra-cheesy replica of the Team Canada locker room is a good place to sit and cool off and listen to Don Cherry voice-overs before moving on.
The next part of the hall is full of interactive things that didn't really interest me, but kids seemed to like it. There was a really neat was this booth they have where you can record a message for Canadian television. A very good place to complain about the lock-out.
The last part of the hall is the holy grail - the trophy room. Located under the stained-glass dome of the old Bank of Toronto building, the travel replica of Lord Stanley is directly in the middle of the room. Etched glass panels with portraits of hockey legends surround it on two large walls. With the Conn Smythe trophy meters away, it is really a sight to behold. Just off the side is a vault that holds the original Lord Stanley. They room is small and cramped, but it gives the trophy a really reverence.
Good God Almighty.

Twelve Canadian dollars is all you need for admission into Mecca. Bring a camera and maybe some smelling salts.

Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto

Toronto Hotels

Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto

Visiting Toronto?

Visiting Toronto?

Toronto Hotels