7 Best Things to Do Near BMO Field (Toronto 2026)
(FIFA World Cup 2026 Guide)
Canada will be one of the most important host nations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with thousands of fans expected to travel from around the world. Toronto, in particular, will serve as a key venue — and while matchdays will be the main attraction, the city has far more to offer than just football. From the iconic CN Tower to world-class museums, vibrant neighborhoods, and even a day trip to Niagara Falls, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your itinerary. Many top attractions are just a short drive from BMO Field or directly accessible by public transit, making it easy to explore without overcomplicating your plans. So if you’re staying near BMO Field, you’ll find plenty to do on non-match days — whether you’re looking for culture, sightseeing, nature, or just a break from the stadium atmosphere.
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7 Best Things to Do Near BMO Field
1. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
450 m from BMO Field | CAD $80.95
Nearest Public Transport: Exhibition GO Station
Located just 450m from BMO Field, Medieval Times Toronto delivers a highly immersive dinner show that many describe as “professional wrestling with horses.” The storyline mixes jousting, sword fighting, and hand-to-hand combat inside a castle-themed arena, and the performers stay in character from the moment you enter the Hall of Arms. You can browse medieval weapons and armor before the show begins, and most days offer three time slots (around 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 7:00 PM).
Dinner is served alongside the performance and follows a four-course, utensil-free format to match the theme. The standard feast usually includes garlic bread, tomato bisque (served in a handled bowl), half a roasted chicken, sweet corn, and a herb-basted potato. Portions are large and filling, but the flavors lean simple and lightly seasoned. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available on request.
The arena atmosphere is loud and fun, with guests divided into color-coded cheering sections to support their assigned knight. Tickets cover the show and the meal, though add-ons like alcoholic drinks (often in souvenir glasses) and merchandise can increase the total cost. The pre-show area gets crowded, so arriving early helps, and parents often recommend bringing their own light-up toys for kids instead of buying them inside the venue.
For showtimes, availability, and group bookings, visit the official Medieval Times Toronto website.
2. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
3.5 km from BMO Field | CAD $41
Nearest Public Transport: Union Station
Located at the base of the CN Tower and within walking distance of Union Station, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is a central downtown attraction featuring nine galleries and more than 20,000 marine animals. The highlight for most visitors is the Dangerous Lagoon — an underwater tunnel with a moving sidewalk where sharks, sea turtles, and sawfish glide overhead. The large jellyfish displays and interactive touch tanks (for rays and horseshoe crabs) are also frequently mentioned as favourites.
The aquarium is generally seen as well-organized and educational, but it does get busy, especially on weekends or holidays. Many people recommend buying timed-entry tickets in advance or visiting during “Sharks After Dark” evening hours (typically after 5 PM or 7 PM), which can be quieter and sometimes cheaper. While admission is on the higher side, the immersive lighting and overall quality of the exhibits make it worth it for many visitors.
It’s a solid choice for families with kids, but adults often enjoy it just as much, thanks to dramatic sections like Planet Jellies and the tunnel experience.
Tickets are also available on GetYourGuide, with flexible cancellation and instant confirmation.
3. CN Tower
3.5 km from BMO Field | CAD $47+
Nearest Public Transport: Union Station
The CN Tower is Toronto’s most iconic landmark, soaring 553.3m above downtown and attracting millions of visitors each year. Most people ride the glass-front elevator up to the Main Observation Level, where floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass floor reveal sweeping views of the skyline, Lake Ontario, and planes taking off from Billy Bishop Airport. Many visitors suggest timing your trip for sunset or going after dark to catch the city lit up below. If you want to go even higher, you can pay extra for the SkyPod at 447m, which ranks among the highest public observation platforms in the world.
For a slower-paced experience, the 360 Restaurant rotates once every 72 minutes at roughly 350m above the ground. A dining reservation includes complimentary access to the Main Observation Level and allows you to bypass the standard ticket lines, which many see as a better overall value than buying a standalone ticket. The tower is usually well-organized and staff are efficient, but it’s also one of Toronto’s busiest attractions, so booking timed-entry tickets online is smart—especially during peak travel seasons.
Whether you’re stepping onto the glass floor or sitting down for dinner with a view, the CN Tower is widely considered a must for first-time visitors. Its location also makes it easy to pair with nearby spots like Ripley’s Aquarium or a game at Rogers Centre, giving you a unique vantage point over the city and the lake.
You can also purchase a Toronto CityPASS if you plan to visit the CN Tower along with other top attractions, as it bundles tickets at a discounted rate.
4. Art Gallery of Ontario
4.5 km from BMO Field | CAD $30
Nearest Public Transport: St. Patrick Station
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of the most impressive art museums in North America, and the building itself is part of the experience. Frank Gehry’s renovation introduced sweeping wooden staircases and the light-filled Galleria Italia, giving the gallery an open, architectural character. Inside, the collection spans more than 90,000 pieces—from Monet and Picasso to a deep selection of Canadian and Indigenous art.
Visitors often mention how large the AGO is, and it’s easy to spend three or more hours exploring photography, contemporary installations, sculpture, and even a quirky ship model collection. It’s not the kind of museum you want to rush.
Accessibility and pricing are also a major draw. The AGO is free for everyone on Wednesday evenings from 6 PM to 9 PM (with online reservations), and Ontario residents under 25 can get a free annual pass. For everyone else, the $40 annual pass is only slightly more than a single-day ticket, and makes return visits worthwhile.
Whether you’re an art lover or just looking for a visually interesting space to wander, the AGO is one of Toronto’s most rewarding cultural stops.
You can purchase Art Gallery of Ontario tickets here.
5. Royal Ontario Museum
7 km from BMO Field | CAD $26
Nearest Public Transport: Museum Station
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada’s largest museum, and the building alone sparks conversation. The famous “Crystal” — a jagged glass addition that slices out of the original 1914 structure — sets the tone before you even step inside. The museum’s collection is enormous, spanning dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, Indigenous art, gemstones, world cultures, and more. With over 18 million objects, most visitors suggest “picking your battles” — the dinosaur galleries and the Bat Cave are popular first stops if you’re short on time.
One of the most useful tips from visitors is the Third Tuesday Night Free program. On the third Tuesday of each month, general admission is free from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM, though timed entry tickets must be reserved online in advance, and they tend to disappear fast once released. For regular visits, the museum’s online Plan Ahead Pricing often saves a few dollars compared to buying at the door.
The ROM sits at the edge of the University of Toronto campus, directly beside Museum Station, making it convenient to pair with a walk through Yorkville or the campus grounds. Whether you’re a history fan or just curious to see the Crystal from the inside, it’s a cultural staple that blends academic depth with something fun for casual visitors too.
You can purchase single-entry tickets to the Royal Ontario Museum or bundle your visit with other top attractions by using the Toronto CityPASS.
6. Little Canada
7.4 km from BMO Field | CAD $36
Nearest Public Transport: Dundas Station
If you’ve ever wanted to see all of Canada in about two hours, Little Canada is the place to do it. Located right at Yonge-Dundas Square, it’s one of Toronto’s most surprising attractions. It isn’t just a room full of models — it’s a 45,000-square-foot miniature world with working subways, moving cars, and a “day-to-night” cycle that happens every 15 minutes. Watching the Little Toronto skyline light up at “sunset” is a genuine highlight, and the level of detail borders on obsessive — you can even catch tiny highlights from last night’s Blue Jays game playing inside the miniature Rogers Centre.
Many visitors also mention how interactive the experience is. There’s a “Littlization Station” where you can get 3D-scanned to create a miniature version of yourself to place in the display (or take home), and kids love the scavenger hunt to find Maurice the Moose, who’s hiding somewhere in every scene.
Plan for about 90 minutes to two hours. The $36 walk-up price can feel steep for a miniature museum, but most people agree it’s worth it for the craftsmanship alone. Pro tip: book tickets online to save around $4 per person, and students and seniors can get discounted tickets for roughly $28. It’s the perfect indoor activity for escaping the Toronto humidity or filling a rainy afternoon.
You can reserve tickets and find additional visitor information on the official Little Canada website.
7. Casa Loma
7.9 km from BMO Field | CAD $40
Nearest Public Transport: Dupont Station
Casa Loma is a Gothic Revival mansion in midtown Toronto that feels like stepping into a European castle, complete with grand halls, secret tunnels, and sweeping city views. Built in 1914 for financier Sir Henry Pellatt, the castle is now a historic landmark and one of the city’s most unique attractions. Inside, visitors highlight the ornate Great Hall, richly decorated suites, and the 800-foot underground tunnel leading to the stables — a detail that surprises many first-timers.
Because of its distinctive architecture, Casa Loma is a frequent filming location for major productions like X-Men, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and Ready or Not. Seasonal events, particularly the holiday light displays and Christmas decorations, are also a major draw. The museum is well-organized, though visitors recommend wearing comfortable shoes as there are many stairs and levels to explore over a typical 2–3 hour visit.
Casa Loma is also included in the Toronto CityPASS, which makes it a great value if you’re planning to visit the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium as well. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or film trivia, the castle offers a memorable and photogenic break from the modern downtown skyline.
You can purchase a ticket here at GetYourGuide.
More Things to Do Near BMO Field in Toronto
Beyond the top 7 highlights, there are still plenty of worthwhile spots near BMO Field that are easy to reach. These extras offer even more ways to fill your non-match days with sightseeing, relaxing, or exploring.
Things to Know Before Visiting Toronto for Matches & Major Events
1. Consider a CityPASS for Better Value
If you’re planning to stay in Toronto for more than just match days and want to experience the city’s major attractions, it’s worth considering the Toronto CityPASS. It bundles places like the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, and Casa Loma at a discounted rate, and can save you over 38% compared to buying individual tickets. For anyone spending multiple days exploring beyond the stadium, it’s a smart way to reduce both cost and planning time.
2. Use Public Transit for Faster and Cheaper Travel
Toronto’s TTC system (subway, streetcar, and bus) is generally the most convenient way to get around the city. On match days, traffic near stadiums and major venues can get heavy, and parking can be expensive or limited. Public transit is typically cheaper, often faster, and a safer option late at night after big events. Stations and stops are located throughout the downtown core, making it easy to connect between attractions without dealing with road congestion.
3. Group Nearby Attractions on the Same Day
Toronto’s top attractions are clustered in walkable areas, so planning your days around neighborhoods makes exploring more efficient. For example, the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Rogers Centre, and Eaton Centre are all within walking distance of each other. The same applies to the city’s major museums, which are located close together near the University of Toronto campus. Grouping activities this way saves time and allows you to see more without constantly hopping on transit or sitting in traffic.
4. Take Advantage of Free Museum Admission Windows
Toronto offers several opportunities to visit top-tier museums without paying full admission, which is especially helpful for budget-conscious travelers and families. Free days and hours include:
ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) — Third Tuesday of each month, free admission from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) — Wednesday nights free from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM; Ontario residents under 25 are always free
Gardiner Museum — Sundays offer free admission for kids under 18, plus family clay-making activities
Aga Khan Museum — Wednesday nights free from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with limited tickets released at 9:00 AM each Wednesday
Planning your visit around these time slots can significantly reduce costs, especially if you’re in town for multiple days and want to experience more than just the match-day atmosphere.
5. Be Mindful of Bags if You’re Also Visiting BMO Field
If you’re planning to combine sightseeing with a match at BMO Field on the same day, avoid carrying too many items. The stadium enforces a strict clear bag policy, and non-compliant bags aren’t allowed past security. If you do have luggage or larger bags, BMO Field offers locker facilities near Gate 3, which provides a convenient option for travelers coming directly from hotels, transit, or nearby attractions without having to backtrack first.
FAQs About Visiting BMO Field & Nearby Toronto Attractions
Can I reach BMO Field using public transportation?
Yes. BMO Field is directly served by the TTC streetcar (509/511) and is also close to Exhibition GO Station, making it easy to reach from downtown or Union Station without dealing with traffic or parking.
How far are the main attractions from BMO Field?
Many major attractions are within a 10–15 minute drive, or 15–25 minutes by transit, including the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, Casa Loma, and downtown neighborhoods like Queen West and Harbourfront.
Are there family-friendly things to do near BMO Field?
Yes. Families often visit Ontario Place, Ripley’s Aquarium, Little Canada, the Toronto Railway Museum, High Park Zoo, and the Harbourfront Centre, all of which are easy to reach by transit or a short ride.
Should I buy a Toronto attraction pass?
If you plan to visit multiple attractions over a few days, the Toronto CityPASS can save you over 38% compared to buying single tickets. It’s especially useful if you’re combining CN Tower, Casa Loma, ROM, and Ripley’s Aquarium during your stay.
Is public transit better than driving on match days?
Often yes. Traffic and parking around BMO Field can get congested on match days. Public transit is typically cheaper, faster, and avoids parking hassles, especially if you’re staying downtown.
Are there hotels near BMO Field?
Yes. There are several hotels near BMO Field, including options within walking distance and others with direct public transit access to the stadium. If you’re deciding where to stay, you can check out our guides to the best budget hotels near BMO Field and the best luxury hotels near BMO Field for detailed recommendations.
Is Niagara Falls close enough for a day trip?
Yes. Niagara Falls is about 1.5 to 2 hours away. On non-match days, you can take the Niagara Falls GO Train directly from Union Station or join one of the many shuttle tours that depart from downtown.