Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors Travel Guide: Scotiabank Arena

How to Get There

• Flying In: You have two options. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the massive global hub located about 15 miles northwest of downtown, highly accessible from anywhere in the world. Alternatively, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is a smaller regional airport located right on an island in the downtown harbor. It is an incredible, scenic option if you are flying in from Northeast or Midwest markets on Air Canada or Porter Airlines.

• Airport Transit: If you fly into Pearson, do not take a rideshare or taxi into the city—the traffic on the Gardiner Expressway is notoriously brutal. Instead, take the UP Express train directly from the airport terminal. It is incredibly efficient, relatively inexpensive, and drops you right at Union Station in exactly 25 minutes. If you fly into Billy Bishop, you simply walk through the pedestrian tunnel to the mainland and take a 5-minute taxi or streetcar ride to your hotel.

Where to Stay

Scotiabank Arena is uniquely integrated into the massive Union Station transit hub in the heart of Downtown Toronto. Staying in the immediate South Core or Financial District gives you direct access to the arena, world-class dining, and the city's legendary indoor pedestrian network.

Budget/Mid-Range Options

• Delta Hotels Toronto: Located directly across the street from the arena in the South Core, this towering, modern hotel offers fantastic views of the CN Tower and Lake Ontario. It is highly convenient and generally requires 40,000 to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

• The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto: Situated just a few blocks south right on the edge of Lake Ontario, this massive property offers great waterfront views and an easy walk up to the arena gates. Redemptions typically range from 30,000 to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Higher-End Options

• Fairmont Royal York: This is one of the most famous and historic hotels in Canada. Located directly across from Union Station on Front Street, it features incredible old-world architecture, the fantastic Clockwork lobby bar, and puts you right in the center of the action.

• The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto: For the ultimate luxury weekend, this 5-star hotel sits a short walk away on Wellington Street. It features an incredible spa, legendary service, and the high-end TOCA restaurant. Expect redemptions to hover around 80,000 to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Nearby Activities

• The CN Tower & Ripley's Aquarium: Located literally right next door to Scotiabank Arena. You can easily ride to the top of the iconic 1,815-foot tower for panoramic views of the city, or walk through the massive underwater tunnels at the aquarium.

• Hockey Hall of Fame: Located just a few blocks away inside the stunning Brookfield Place. Even if you are in town for basketball, seeing the Stanley Cup and walking through the interactive exhibits is a must-do in Toronto.

Pregame Food and Drink

• RS (Real Sports): Located in Maple Leaf Square just steps from the arena doors, this is widely considered one of the best sports bars in North America. It features a massive two-story high-definition screen, dozens of taps, and a premium, high-energy atmosphere. It gets completely packed, so arriving early is essential.

• Loose Moose: Situated right on Front Street a short walk from the arena, this legendary pub boasts one of the largest draft beer selections in downtown Toronto. It is loud, unpretentious, and a massive staple of the pregame scene.

• Kellys Landing: Located practically across the street from Union Station, this bright, modern spot offers elevated pub fare, a great patio, and an excellent atmosphere for grabbing a quick bite before heading through the security gates.

Getting to the Event

• The PATH Network: Toronto winters can be brutal, but the city features the PATH—a massive, 19-mile underground pedestrian walkway system connecting office towers, transit stops, and hotels. If you stay at the Delta, the Fairmont Royal York, or the Ritz-Carlton, you can walk entirely indoors straight into the Scotiabank Arena concourse without ever putting on a winter coat.

• TTC (Subway): If you are staying further north in the city (like in Yorkville or the Entertainment District), you can take the TTC Subway Line 1 directly to Union Station, which physically connects to the arena.

• Walking: If the weather is nice, walking through the South Core and into the Maple Leaf Square plaza (often dubbed "Jurassic Park" during the playoffs) is highly energized and incredibly safe.

Where to Sit at Scotiabank Arena

• The Raptors Bench: The home team sits in front of Section 118.  

• Away Fans: If you are traveling to support the visiting team, you want to target Section 120, which sits directly behind the visitor's bench.  

• The Premium Club Experience: For upscale luxury, target the Platinum Club or Scotiabank Club (Sections 107-109 and 118-120). These seats offer some of the best center-court sightlines in the NBA, wider padded seating, and access to highly exclusive, world-class dining lounges located under the stands.

• The Sweet Spot: To get great lower-bowl energy without the steep center-court premium club prices, look at the corner sections, specifically Sections 106, 111, 117, or 122.

• The Budget Seats: The 300-level provides the most affordable tickets. Raptors fans in the upper deck are notoriously passionate and loud. For the best balance of price and center-court views, aim for the lower rows of Sections 308-310 or 320-322.