Canadian football season in Ontario
Hamilton Tiger-Cats | John Sokolowski, Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The game of North American football is a competitive sport in which two teams attempt to score points by advancing the oval-shaped ball across the field into the opposing team’s end zone, which is marked by goalposts. In the battle for territorial control, players pass, throw, kick or run with the ball while the opposing team does everything possible to intercept it, including some rough tackles.
Canadian football is a uniquely Canadian brand of the game, with several differences from its American counterpart. Learn about the sport and join fellow fans in the excitement, anticipation and energy at a Canadian football match in Ontario.
Difference between Canadian and American football
Notable differences between American and Canadian football in design, rules and regulations result in distinct play styles and strategies. Key differences include:
Field size: At 101 metres by 59 metres (110 yards by 65 yards), the Canadian field of play is larger than the American football field (100 yards by 53.3 yards wide).
End zones: Canadian end zones are deeper at 20 yards compared to 10 yards in American football.
Number of players: In Canada, each team has 12 players, whereas American football teams have 11 players.
Number of downs: Canadian football teams are allowed three attempts, or downs, to move the ball forward down the field, at least ten yards with each attempt. American football allows for four downs.
Play clock: The play clock in Canadian football is 20 seconds, compared to 40 seconds in American football.
Motion: In Canadian football, multiple players can be in motion before the snap, while in American football, only one player can be in motion.
Fair catch: There is no fair catch rule in Canadian football; instead, there is a five-yard "no-yards" rule on punt returns.
Scoring: Canadian football includes a scoring play called a "rouge" or single point, awarded when the ball is kicked into the end zone and not returned out. This does not exist in American football.
From the longer field to the shorter time between plays, many consider Canadian football to be a faster and more exciting variation.
History of Canadian football
Canadian football dates back to the mid-1800s when the first documented game was played at the University of Toronto on November 9, 1861. The first American football game wasn’t recorded until eight years later, in 1869, making Canadian football officially older.
Since then, the sport has evolved and grown to captivate the entire country. The Canadian Football Hall of Fame is worth a visit for history buffs and football fans.
Canadian Football Hall of Fame and Museum
Dedicated to celebrating achievements in Canadian football, The Canadian Football Hall of Fame (CFHOF) is in Hamilton’s Tim Hortons Field—home of the city’s football team, the Tiger-Cats.
The museum features three display areas. At Gate 3 is the Grey Cup display and the iconic metal sculpture entitled Touchdown. Peruse the Media Hall of Fame Wing in the press box area. The main display in the premium-level concourse showcases almost 300 Hall of Fame busts and rotating football-related artifacts.
The displays are accessible during Hamilton Tiger-Cats home games, Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
Location: 64 Melrose Avenue North, Hamilton
Canadian Football League
The Canadian Football League (CFL) is Canada's major professional football league.
The regular Canadian football season begins mid-June, with nine professional teams competing at home and away games until early November.
From there, six teams move on to the playoffs, culminating in the deciding match for the CFL champion and winner of Canadian football’s highest prize: The Grey Cup. Typically held in late November, The Grey Cup is one of the nation’s largest sporting events, drawing a large television audience. It has been awarded annually to the top CFL team since 1909 and heralds its name from the former governor-general Earl Grey (1851 - 1917).
Ontario is home to three of the nine professional CFL teams: the Toronto Argos, Hamilton Ticats and Ottawa REDBLACKS.
Learn more about each team, their home game stadiums, how to get tickets, where to shop for team merch and the best sports bars to cheer at.
Toronto Argonauts fan guide
Founded in 1873, the Toronto Argonauts, or Argos as they’re locally known, is the oldest professional sports team in North America still using its original name.
Over the course of their long history, the Argos have won The Grey Cup a record 18 times, most recently in 2022, making them one of the CFL’s most exciting teams to watch.
The Argos have a dedicated fanbase that has developed fun traditions, including tailgate parties and their rallying fight song, “Go Argos Go.” Wear blue, the team’s official colour when attending a game, and cheer with the co-ed cheerleading squad.
Where to watch Argo home games
Catch Argo home pages at BMO Field in downtown Toronto.
The modern stadium features barrier-free seating, accessible washrooms and plenty of food concessions, from crispy fried chicken sandwiches to jerk chicken poutine and cold craft beer.
Note that BMO is a contactless venue that only accepts credit and debit cards and has a restricted bag policy. Find directions and parking information, including transit details and a parking map.
Location: 170 Princes' Boulevard, Toronto
How to buy Toronto Argos tickets
Purchase Toronto Argos tickets directly from the official Argonauts website. Choose single-game tickets or, for extra fun, get 10 or more friends together and purchase a group ticket.
You can also purchase tickets through Ticketmaster.
Shop for Toronto Argonauts merchandise
From classic Toronto Argonauts jerseys to special edition Pride socks, Real Sports Apparel has the latest in official team-licensed products and apparel. The Scotiabank Arena store will undergo renovations throughout the summer of 2024. In the meantime, shop for your two-tone blue gear online.
In addition to T-shirts, hoodies and jackets, Lids offers a variety of unique merch. From personalized keychains and bracelets to branded mini Adirondack chairs, find fun ways to show your love for the team. Shop at in-store locations or online.
Popular Toronto Argonauts bars
RS
Real Sports (RS) is a sprawling sports bar with two unique spaces to enjoy the game. The Arena has a 39-foot TV screen—the largest in Toronto—and a 100-foot bar. The Resto offers an upscale lounge experience serving elevated pub dishes and creative spins on international classics.
Location: 15 York Street, Toronto
Queen and Beaver Public House
With five large-screen HD TVs over two floors, the Queen and Beaver Public House is a great place to catch an Argos game and enjoy great food. Try the crowd-pleasing chicken tikka masala pot pie. Or if you’re with a larger group of five or more, call ahead to have the kitchen prepare you a traditional English roast beef dinner with Yorkshire pudding.
Location: 35 Elm Street, Toronto
Hamilton Tiger-Cats fan guide
Locally known as the Ticats, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats started in the late 1800s and have developed a diehard fan base over the years.
Before heading to your seats on game day, visit Stipley, Canada’s largest outdoor bar to sample the famous Saltlick sandwich and learn the Ticats’ official chant:
“Oskee wee wee
Oskee wah wah
Holy Mackinaw
Tigers, eat 'em raw!”
Where to watch Ticats home games
In Hamilton, the Tiger-Cats play at Tim Hortons Field.
Nicknamed “the donut box,” the stadium has hosted the Ticats since its doors opened in 2014. One game day, visit La Balsama taco stand and enjoy a craft beer from Bench Brewing or head to Stelco North End, a sports bar located in the end zone, under Canada’s largest video screen.
For the kids, check out Stripes’ Jungle, a playground located in the Family Zone. After the game, take part in Families on the Field and see what it’s like on the gridiron.
Location: 64 Melrose Avenue North, Hamilton
How to buy Tiger-Cat tickets
Get your tickets from the official Tiger-Cats website. If you can round up 20 or more of your friends, take advantage of group ticket discounts.
Tickets are also available at Ticketmaster.
Shop for Hamilton Tiger-Cats merchandise
In the southeast corner of Tim Hortons Field at Gate 1, Tiger-Cats Shop
is the official store for all things Tiger-Cats. Find everything from a bucket hat to a customizable jersey or a set of coasters. For those who really want to show their Ticats pride, check out the “Made in the Hammer” line of apparel. Online shopping is also available.
SportChek carries a variety of official Ticats gear. Show your support with jerseys, hats and tees. To make a Ticats-inspired fashion statement, check out the glitter tank tops. Shop in-person at one of these SportChek locations or online.
Popular Hamilton Tiger-Cats bars
ODDS
Owned by members of Hamilton’s favourite band, the Arkells, ODDS brings a unique twist to the sports bar scene and boasts “the most inclusive spot to watch the game”. Enjoy pub-fare faves like the signature pizza pocket bao with a local craft beer. For families, ODDS offers a kids’ menu.
Location: 164 James Street South, Hamilton
Wildcat Tavern
A newcomer to the Hamilton bar scene, Wildcat Tavern opened its doors in 2023 and has become a go-to spot for Ticats fans. With several TVs, this laid-back, welcoming environment is a great place to watch the game and enjoy a meal. Choose from a variety of hot dog options or take advantage of pierogi night on Wednesdays. And try the signature Caesar, complete with a Dorito salt rim.
Location: 353 Barton Street East, Hamilton
Ottawa REDBLACKS fan guide
Since the Ottawa REDBLACKS made their debut in 2014, the team has won one Grey Cup and amassed a huge fan following.
In fact, the team has two distinct sets of fans. Depending on where you sit in the stadium, you’ll either be among North Side or South Side fans.
Because of this rivalry, you’ll hear competing chants from either side of the stadium, creating a truly unique atmosphere. Of course, there are chants shared by both sides. The one to know is the field goal chant: point toward the sky, and yell “YES!”.
Where to watch Ottawa REDBLACKS home games
Head to TD Place Stadium in Ottawa’s Lansdowne Park to see the REDBLACKS play.
When it comes to food, there are several concessions at the arena. enjoy a brisket quesadilla from The Smoking Pig or try a slice of REDBLACKS pizza from Gabriel’s. And treat yourself to the yummy mini doughnuts at Lois N Frima’s.
TD Place Stadium is an accessible environment.
Location: 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa
How to buy REDBLACKS tickets
Purchase single-game or group tickets from the official REDBLACK’s website. New 12-ticket birthday packages are also available. With these packages, the ticket price includes food and drink.
You can also purchase tickets through Ticketmaster.
Shop for Ottawa REDBLACKS merchandise
Find a great selection of official team merch at Lansdowne Sports, including over 20 different styles of REDBLACKS caps, fun shot glasses and even hair scrunchies. 2024 marks the 10-year anniversary of the REDBLACKS, so check out the limited edition merch to commemorate this milestone. Shop in-person or online.
Another great spot for official REDBLACKS merch is Fanatics. This online store has all your fan gear staples including caps, jerseys and toques. For something unique, check out their Ottawa Rough Riders T-shirts, the team’s original name.
Popular Ottawa REDBLACKS bars
The Senate Tavern
All three Senate Tavern locations are popular with Ottawa sports fans. Several HD TVs ensure you won’t miss a REDBLACKS pass, punt or play. From the menu, nachos, tacos and burgers are all crowd-pleasers, with vegetarian options. And consider the Band Street location on Sunday afternoon for the BBQ Brunch.
Locations:
33 Clarence Street, Ottawa
1159 Bank Street, Ottawa
1008 Wellington Street, Ottawa
Local Public Eatery
Located just outside the REDBLACKS’ stadium and featuring multiple TVs, Local Public Eatery (LPE) prides itself on being the “before, during and after destination” for game days. LPE is known for its hand-pressed burgers served on freshly baked buns and draught taps pouring local craft brews.
Location: 826 Exhibition Way, Ottawa
Canadian Junior Football League
Another great way to enjoy Canadian football is to watch Ontario’s rising stars in the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL).
The CJFL is a national amateur league for young players aged 17 to 22 to participate in highly competitive football after high school. Ontario is home to six of the 19 teams in the league. The provincial teams face off against one another before moving on to compete against the British Columbia and Prairie divisions. The best two teams go head-to-head annually in November in hopes of winning the Canadian Bowl.
Many CJFL players have gone on to professional football careers in the CFL and elsewhere, making this a great opportunity to watch future stars.
Last updated: December 20, 2024