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Hockey Hall of Fame
Category: Arts & Entertainment Museums Museums [Edit]
Brookfield Pl30 Yonge St
Toronto, ON M5E 1X8
Neighbourhoods: St. Lawrence, Downtown Core
(416) 360-7765
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 5 pm
Sat 9:30 am - 6 pm
Sun 10:30 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
48 reviews for Hockey Hall of Fame
Review Highlights
"Most importantly, you get to see and touch the Stanley Cup."
(in 24 reviews)
"We really loved the interactive games."
(in 6 reviews)
"...of the game (not just the NHL) this was an absolute perfect..."
(in 10 reviews)
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47 reviews in English
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Review from Glenn F.
10/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Seriously? the shrine of Hockey, can I say anything bad? Well mayeb, how about some more Sabres stuff lol!
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Review from Randy H.
Montréal, QC
11/11/2011
The HHOF was ok, there was nothing really extraordinary about the place even for a hockey fan like me. Of course you have all the stuff you would expect and I'll quickly go through some highlights. There was a somewhat interesting but totally dated shooting gallery where you take wrist shots at a virtual goalie. Unless you shoot the inside post, nothing is going in. It didn't help that I kept shooting at his chest. I rang one that looked like the inside of the post and in but it didn't register. Me thinks me rusty : p
Now, for the part that you didn't know and the most interesting for me was all the countries who actually have hockey teams. You expect Canada, Russia, US and European countries but it seems that hockey goes beyond these countries albeit in small amounts. Here are some cools international jerseys from places that are far, far away from any bodies of ice. -
Review from Steve G.
1/12/2012
IMRHO, the clear winner among the major sports Halls of Fame. Unlike the others, the Hockey Hall of Fame is located in the heart of downtown. Their personnel are outgoing and truly helpful. As with the other sports HOF's, player acknowledgments are in one area and memorabilia occupies the majority of the floor space. When that memorabilia includes the fabled Stanley Cup, you know that the effort to assemble a true fan's paradise is genuine. The Hockey Hall of Fame is very well organized, and excels in its interactive sports displays. Sure, these areas are crowded with loud children (and louder parents), but even watching them enjoy themselves is a thrill. Outstanding!
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Review from Kirk M.
12/12/2011
My family and I were in Toronto for a mini vacation. Our main reason to visit was to satisfy our craving to visit the shrine to our favorite sport. We ventured up to the old bank to get a glimps of Lord Stanleys Cup. The place was interesting but over priced. But what would you be willing to pay to touch and photograph the treasure of your heroes... Its a "have to see it" but once will surfice... Plan on about two hours if your gonna.play all the games.. queer enterance through lower level of attached mall. Its history.
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Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
6/9/2011
Much like many years ago....
I get bored reading about History
Much like many years ago....
I get itchy looking at static objects
Much like many years ago....
I headed straight to the Interactive area
Much like many years ago....
I suck at Hockey
Much like many years ago....
I don't realize how lucky/spoiled I am to have HHOF in my city
Somethings never changeListed in: T.O.urist in Town
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Review from Noel D.
7/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I absolutely LOVE hockey. It's by far my most favourite sport and I am so thrilled that the Hall of Fame is right here in downtown Toronto. I went here a couple of times when I was a teenager and was living outside the city. When I moved to Toronto 11 years ago I never really gave much thought to returning to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
A few months ago I walked by at night and could see a few trophies and inductees through the window of the closed Hall. Something came over me and I was shocked at myself for never returning to this legendary building since moving to the city. I had to make a return.
Finally went back on my birthday! Admission was just under 20 bucks, which is a deal in my opinion. The girl working the ticket counter was incredibly friendly and welcoming. As soon as you walk in you're greeted by hockey history... Tons of goalie masks, jerseys, milestone pucks and sticks. I remember one of the first displays that dropped my jaw was game-worn jerseys of Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe and Mario Lemieux all in one case -- simply mind-blowing.
The replica Montreal Canadiens dressing room is always a highlight for me, seeing as I am a big Habs supporter. It had been a long time since I had been to the Hall of Fame but I seem to think they have increased the amount of interactive activities. The line-ups were huge to take shots and make saves against computer generated back-drops, but I wasn't too bothered to begin with. That stuff is definitely more for the kids. But they did have a classic tabletop hockey game that me and my friends pumped a few loonies into. Although the plastic puck did get jammed on our last game, which was a bit of a downer.
Obviously the main highlight is the Great Hall which contains all the classic awards such as the Vezina, Conn Smythe and of course the incredible Stanley Cup! Sometimes it's the replica Cup and sometimes it's the real presentation version, but regardless it's a sight to behold. And fans are more than welcome to touch it, and even kiss it!
I could go on and on... They even have Wayne's 802nd goal honoured with the puck, stick and even the entire net! There is so much memorabilia that it's quite overwhelming. You actually reach a point where you think "Big deal. Yet another jersey or another puck" and you lose sight of its significance. Making the trip to the Hockey Hall of Fame is something you only need to do once every few years -- but absolutely essential for all hockey fans. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
I love watching Hockey. I still hope one day the Maple Leafs would bring the Stanley Cup home.
While walking around Hockey Hall of Fame, I saw the good old days when the Leafs was the Champion... but it was 1967... more than 40 years ago...
I love to watch all the old uniforms and all the old hockey equipments... The staffs here are all hockey fans as they always has a story or 2 to tell about each exhibits..
Wayne G, Steve Y, Mario L, Mark M, Patrick R, Scott S just to name a few of my favourite players over the years that got inducted into the Hall of Fame....
I find out I am not that a bad hockey player while playing the interactive game.. especially as a goalie... I just need to stand still and the imaginary pucks would just hit me......and I made all those standing marvellous saves!
I can imagine visiting the HHOF would inspired all these future hockey players and how little boys and girls would have a fun and educated visit... Hey even I felt inspired to laced up my hockey skates and go for a spin and shoot some pucks!Listed in: You can get EVERYTHING you…
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Review from Cat C.
8/2/2011
Hockey is my absolute favorite sport, so when I found out I was going to Toronto on vacation, obviously I had to come to the Hall of Fame.
The guy working the ticket counter was super nice. Asked where I was visiting from, and for the first time in recent memory, I didn't get any crap for being a hockey fan from Texas. Instead, he asked if I'd gotten down to Houston or Austin to see the minor league teams there, and if I was a Stars fan. Super awesome guy.
I went with my mom, who knows literally nothing about hockey, so I kept having to explain stuff to her. We watched the video at the theatre, which was about the Stanley Cup - its origins, history, and the most recent championship (Vancouver v. Boston).
The interactive exhibits look fun (there were a bunch of kids in line, and I wasn't about to be the 20-something waiting in line with them), and there's a little broadcast booth where you can record your own version of a play-by-play. There's tons of cool stuff to see there, hockey artifacts, sweaters, pucks, sticks, everything you can imagine.
Of course the highlight is seeing the Stanley Cup. My silly superstitions wouldn't allow me to touch it or take a photo with it, but I did take a photo OF it at least. All the trophies are in the Great Hall, and my mom commented on how hockey trophies have so much personality. They all look different, and are just cool.
We also got a kick out of the international hockey area, seeing all the other countries in the world that are members of the IIHF.
And, of course, the gift shop. They have stuff from all 30 teams (although the amount of stuff is relative - for example, I could count with both hands how much Stars stuff they had). There's obviously a Canadian bias with the products in the store, which makes sense given the location. I still spent $100 there, so it clearly didn't matter too much to me.
Worth a stop if you're a hockey fan or with a hockey fan. I doubt my mom would have gone on her own, but she had a good time with me there to explain stuff to her. -
Review from Simon K.
12/24/2010 2 photos
If, or even if you are not a hockey fan, you have to come here, as one of those tourist things to do in this city, and in Canada. The history of this sport we know to love is evident in here. It truly is a shrine for all "puck heads". I have always wanted to come here, located right in the heart of downtown, right in Brookfield Place (the old BCE building), on the lower level, it is fairly hidden if your on the inside of the building, but there is an attachment that is recognizable to everyone that this is the "Hall of Fame".
There is so much history within this place, that this is a puckhead's dream come true walking in here. When you start at the entrance, you see a wall of pucks from different teams, events and eras. You also see some real goalie mask (and if you've followed any hockey, you will recognize one of them). You walk through hallways, and corridors filled with old jerseys and pictures, and realize just how far this game has come, to starting on a pond and a sheet of ice, to the grand stadium's and multi-million dollar contracts now.
Some think that this is only a shrine for the NHL, but no, this pays homage to every part of the sport, from juniors, to even world leagues. I remember going to the world exhibit, and was amazed at some countries that you would not think of that had hockey teams. Being from Vancouver, the only miff that I must say is that there is a picture of Trevor Linden, but he is in a New York Islanders jersey, which is odd, cause he is known and for being captain Canuck!
The final part of the tour for me was actually seeing the trophies up in the hall. The size of each trophy was stunning, as to the sheer workmanship of each curve and cut. The Stanley Cup was amazing, as this is one of those trophies, due to a team winning it every year, grows with an extra ring on the bottom, and all the names of teams from yesteryear, and the players and the coach's on it, is truly one of the greatest sports trophies of all time.
If your in Toronto, and you are looking for one of those tourist things to do, this is probably it. Your camera will also get a workout in here as well. -
Review from Katya M.
Winnipeg, MB
10/19/2011
I wa shere with a friend. It is a neat place for hockey fans to see various jerseys and read information. At the time they had a big event with Montreal Canadiens and even had an imitation locker room setting to walk through. The only thing I found ridiculous was to take a picture with the stanley cup $50 dollars. Merchandise is average priced for hockey stuff. It is very family oriented. Also has various types of hockey games whether it be person vs person or being in net against a machine shooting pucks and also video games
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Review from Mel U.
12/9/2010 1 Check-in Here
**Amazing museum. Much love for our Penguins' Mario & Crosby here.**
Talk about overwhelming the senses! I wasn't NEARLY expecting this much hockey on display. Each wing twisted and circled with more-and-more memorabilia from all angles, mediums, eras, countries and positions. Coaches and refs get love too, as well as an expansive exhibition on Olympic competitors.
I could have stood in the center, watching the Mario Lemieux video over and over and over again. Or licked his skates. Whatever.
And... and... is that THE Stanley Cup? I almost fainted. But mostly because we almost left. Until I talked AB into seeing "what's up these stairs" when looking for the exit.
What an amazing museum dedicated to the sport, its athletes (and women hockey players too -- woohoo!) and legends. Great way to get out of the harsh cold for a few hours -- for both impassioned hockey fans and novices alike. ;) -
Review from Marcus D.
2/23/2011
This is the Mount Olympus of the hockey gods.
It's a Gothic jewel-box of a building, and under the great stained glass dome are the trophies, cups and bowls I've only seen on television - even the Lady Byng is impressive in person - and being inside the vault that holds Lord Stanley's original Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup is something best experienced than described.
My only complaint is that Bobby Hull is crammed into a corner and you could easily walk by - come on, even a ref on the opposite side of Bobby Hull gets way more respect.
My eyes filled up at the sight of Eddie Shore's jersey.
The replica Habs locker room doesn't smell like old hockey bags, as I'm sure the real one does. -
Review from Cheri d.
A few weeks ago my Dad was in town for a visit. He's a hockey fan from the old days when he was growning up in Montreal. He just LOVED this place! We spent a good 3 or 4 hours in the HHOF.
I'm not really a major sports fan at all. I went for my Dad and I actually really enjoyed it too! There is TONS of stuff in here. When i got to reading the historical bits about hockey waaaaay back when, i was hooked. Plus there is so much Canadian stuff that you can't help but be a little patriotic when you walk through this place. Professional hockey, amateur hockey, Olympic hockey, they've got it all!
The replica Canadiens dressing room was pretty cool, especially for my Dad. They were playing some cool little videos in there as well and it's a good spot to sit for a few minutes.
We really loved the interactive games. Because we went during the day on a Tuesday we didn't have to wait in long line ups to play the games. We blocked shots on goal, we took shots, we played some old fashioned table hockey. It was awesome.
The grand finale was of course the trophy room, in the Grand Hall of the old Bank of Montreal building. The stained glass domed roof is amazingly beautiful! The original Stanley Cup is housed, fittingly, in one of the old bank vaults.
The admission of $15 was well worth it for the hours we spent here. -
Review from Kenny L.
9/14/2010
Granted, this is my first Hall of Fame of any sport and... Granted Hockey isn't my favorite sport nor is it on my radar often except for playoffs and the Olympics.
However, I have been to a traveling exhibit of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and even if I am not a hockey fan, I love the history of all sports.
In the end, this place was a little bit underwhelming.
First, this place is a little hard to find, looking at all of the tourist maps of Downtown Toronto I thought this was something easily accessible from street level. If you were to use Google Maps or GPS and enter their Yonge Street address, you'll get lost. The entrance is underground and is actually easily accessible from Union Subway Station, I just wish the signage was better underground, because I was wandering around aimlessly looking for this after leaving Union Station.
Still, after entering it felt like it was jersey overload. Although everything was organized by NHL, Minor Leagues, International, College/Youth, it felt a little bit scattershot and not fully indicative of rich history of the sport One of the electronic displays in the International section didn't seem to work right at all.
I would have loved a section dedicated the evolution of the equipment of the game. Like baseball and football, the equipment in hockey has changed a lot since the rules were codified over a century ago. The movies were nice, but could be built upon.
Still, making up for these flaws is the hall that showcases the Stanley Cup. The original cup is actually displayed in a re-purposed Bank Vault. One of the most hallowed trophies in all of pro sports anywhere is shown in a setting that befits it. If only the rest of the Hall of Fame could be like that. I am glad I made the trip, but the next time I am in Toronto, you won't see me here. -
Review from Van D.
8/21/2011
5 stars if you are hockey fan, 4 stars if you are not. As a hockey fan, not much more than you can ask for. I have been here several times over the years and it seems to have changed every time. Good to see that they are trying to change things up and make things better. Very impressed with the international area as well as the focus on college hockey, junior hockey, and the minors. Great selection of memorabilia and of course so awesome to see the trophies. Great touch to place them in an old bank/vault.
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Review from Steve S.
6/3/2011
I was a little underwhelmed myself. Seeing old jerseys was fun, but they over do it a bit. The Stanley Cup and Trophy Room is the best part and worth the trip. But, to see all of the hall of famers profiles on what amounts to plexiglass is a letdown. You mean to tell me they can't spring for bronze statues or plaques? Being in a mall is a letdown too.
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Review from Feisty O.
8/9/2010
I must have died and went to hockey heaven! And Maurice "The Rocket" Richard was St. Peter!!
If you want to know about the sport of hockey, go here!
This place is truly unique and totally dedicated to puck heads. Hockey Hall of Fame is located in the heart of Toronto and inside the BCM Centre. Upon arriving to the front desk, you can tell you were in for a special treat.
Everything hockey is in here. Whether it's the National Hockey League (NHL), World Hockey League (WHL), or just regional hockey, you'll find it. Huge walls showcased all the teams pucks, glass display cases filled with goalie masks belonging to big name NHL goalies, plus a huge section dedicated to international hockey (filled with team jerseys).
Famous hockey players such as Bobby Orr, Bobby Hull, Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Mario Leumieux are immortalized with their own showcases filled with jerseys worn, hockey sticks used, personal items, and awards/accolades. What I really enjoy was the lesser known history of the sport and the athletes themselves. There's also a full scale replica of the Montreal Canadiens locker room which includes jerseys with players' names and equipment.
Going upstairs was the real treat: the trophy room which includes the original Stanley Cup. The Cup is encased in bulletproof glass placed inside this huge bank vault (HHF used to be a bank). It amazed me that I was looking at the real thing. Instead of machining, the players' names were hand-etched onto the Cup. You're not even allowed to take flash photography of the Cup! Along the walls of the vault were name bands that was taken off the travelling Stanley Cup to make room for winner's names. Outside the vault were the post season hockey trophies awarded yearly to those well-deserved NHL players.
I've been there thrice and yet I feel I haven't seen it all. There's still much to see that you can literally spend a whole day there. The exhibits changes so every visit wasn't the same. -
Review from Rebecca W.
7/24/2011
Amazing. I got to touch the Stanley Cup...there was some other stuff too but did I mention I got to touch the Stanley Cup!
The whole thing was seriously neat. Lots of cool history, amazing exhibits, and the interactive stuff was awesome. Seeing the cup and all the trophies in the trophy room was the best part though. You always hear them talking about how the cup has an energy of it's own but actually being near it you realize how true that is.
A must do for any hockey fan. -
Review from Wilhelm Y.
8/8/2008 4 photos
Housed inside a beautiful building with a dome assembled of stained glass sits my favorite Toronto destination, the Hockey Hall of Fame. Inside you'll find amazing artifacts from legendary games and athletes not just from the National Hockey League but from throughout the world. The museum is always changing as new artifacts are acquired on a regular basis.
There is an interactive area where you can suit up to be a goalie and have a puck fired towards you, and you can test your slapshot skills on the opposite side as well by taking a shot towards a computer-generated goalie.
All of the fabulous NHL trophies are on display including Lord Stanley's Cup which you can pose for a photo with. Look for and learn about some of the greatest players ever to have played the game. Statues, artwork, anything and everything related to hockey is on display. The Hartland Molson Theatre is fairly new and seats about 120 people with an always changing program of films and documentaries. I visited the theatre for the first time earlier this year, and I loved the experience.
The museum can get crowded because there is lots to see in a rather small space. Since I often go in the winter months when everything outside is frozen solid the crowds seem to be thinner as well. I've posted a handful of photos from past visits. -
Review from roderick A.
8/7/2008
I am a huge hockey fan. Everybody knows that. But coming here, I have to say, kind of disappointed me. This is the only sports Hall of Fame that I've been to, and it just did not overwhelm me like I thought it would.
Yes, all the Stanley Cups are here, which is awesome. Of course I had to get some pix of the 1994 Stanley Cup of my New York Rangers. and for my former roommate I got some shots of the Cups of the New Jersey Devils. Yes, apparently the Devils actually have fans, and my roommate was one of them.
Of course seeing all the players inducted into the Hall of Fame is amazing. Gretzky had just been inducted when I went, so I had to read his plaque. But of course, since this was Canadia and since this was Gretzky, he had his own section in the Hall of Fame. His first jersey, his first hockey stick, home videos of him playing in youth hockey games. Everything you could imagine about Gretzky, it was in the Gretzky wing.
There were alot of interactive sections for the kiddies, since this is a family oriented place. I, for one, cannot stand little kids running around causing mayhem and chaos. If only I could've shot some pucks at them, but oh well. Call me an old curmedgeon, I don't care. I'll laugh myself all the way to Tim Hortons. -
Review from Grant C.
5/27/2009
I've been to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio and the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum in Cooperstown, New York, so I couldn't miss the Hockey Hall of Fame while in Toronto. I just need to drive to Springfield, Mass., for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and I'm done!
Anyway, I'm sad to say the HHOF doesn't hold a candle to its counterparts in Canton or Cooperstown, disappointing for a game with such a rich history. There just isn't much to it; it's small, with a nice collection of old uniforms and trophies, but not enough to really tell you the history of the game and I had a hard time even finding the inductees. There's nothing like the plaques or busts at the other HOFs. My favorite part ended up being the display of international uniforms. Who knew Israel and Mexico have hockey teams? -
Review from DandA T.
5/10/2011
I am not a hockey fan at all, but this is a place that you definitely need to visit when you're in Toronto. Located right in the heart of downtown and easily walked to from most of the downtown hotels.
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Review from Andrew Y.
1/7/2010
Seriously, why did it take me so long to go here. This place is like disneyworld! Anything you can think of (except the President's trophy) is there. World hockey teams, minor hockey teams and of course the NHL teams. So much history, so little time. Sticks, pucks, helmets, gloves, it's all there. There is even a replica Canadiens locker room. Then there is the trophy room. In it you will find all the various post season awards, except for the aforementioned. Most importantly, you get to see and touch the Stanley Cup. Not the real one. Adam Deadmarsh is spelled correctly.
Anyway, totally amazing, will do it again. The admission is $15 for adults. The store is a little expensive but has a wide selection of items for all teams with monthly specials (I think). This month, Schenn tshirt for $15!
There's no cheap way to go here though. We parked in a garage and it ended up being $25. Oh, and don't forget that the entrance is down the escalator along the "PATH". -
Review from Beck N.
9/2/2008 2 photos
Definitely a place to check out at least once, though I definitely was underwhelmed. Of course, there were tons of sports gear, memorabilia & factoids everywhere, but I guess I was just expecting something that would give it the "wow" factor.
They do have some interactive parts of the exhibit - hockey trivia game, edit your own video & you can even gear up & play goalie (though I'm pretty certain this part costs extra). It was cool to see the Stanley cup throughout the years....& it was all inside what used to be an old bank vault, so that was pretty cool, too. -
Review from Chris P.
12/9/2009
I was here for a private event which was a great experience as before the event began I had 2 hours to essentially have the whole place to myself while the staff was setting up. On this particular day they had an exhibit with all of the medals from every modern Olympic games which was really interesting to see.
When the guests arrived we started in the great hall where everyone enjoyed some cocktails and could get their picture taken with the Stanley Cup (the replica not the original). After that we moved downstairs to have dinner and access to all of the exhibits and interactive games.
This was a great opportunity to relive some of my hockey memories as a kid and see some of the memorabilia from the greatest players. -
Review from Emma G.
2/4/2010
As a hockey fan, this place was a must-see on my list of things to do in Toronto.
The entrance is really out of the way and hard to find, which is a shame; it seems so hidden.
But this place is hockey heaven! I love that they include junior, minor and international hockey in their displays, and not just NHL. The replica Canadiens room is SO cool. There's lots to see and interact with.
My only issue was that I bought a cute Canucks piggy bank at the gift shop, and while toonies and loonies fit through the slot in the top, they won't fit out the bottom, meaning I'll have to smash him eventually! So sad. :(
Really, though, this is a must see for any hockey fan. -
Review from Wil Y.
10/19/2010 2 photos
Great fun, a must for most hockey fans. Lots to see and do in this place. Formerly a bank, A very nice one in fact they are still renovating that place as far as I can see. This place is also very photographer friendly with little restriction that I could tell (flash away). I liked the fact that they let you take your own photos of the Stanley Cup with out having to pay to stand next to it but they had a nice gentleman from the hall there if you did want a professional one too.
Listed in: Toronto, The one in Canada
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Review from Eric B.
9/4/2008
Growing up in Iowa, my parents would occasionally take us to the "Big City" - Minneapolis to see the old Minnesota North Stars Hockey Team (now the Dallas Stars) play. Those were the days of Jude Drouin, Jean-Paul Parise, Danny Grant, Bill Goldsworthy, and of course Gump Worsley (one the last goalies to go without a mask). My fondest game memory was watching a Yvan Cournoyer (Montreal) slap shot rip Cesar Maniago's mask off and throw him into the net at the same time. Wow.
Anyway, I still enjoy watching hockey (especially in Canada during the Stanley Cup) and going to an occasional San Jose Sharks game, but of course it isn't the same.
But besides endless viewing of "Slap Shot" in which I can quote most of the movie lines (Gloves off, stick down, he challenged the Chiefs!), I know a good bar here, the Palm Isle....), there is a hockey mecca - The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto (and especially since Maple Leaf Gardens and the Forum in Montreal are gone). It's a well organized museum in a very handsome domed building. And it's worth every penny of the admission price.
And I got to touch the actual Stanley Cup! And all the memoribilia and other trophies are cool too. -
Review from Alex N.
10/26/2010
Great museum, finally made it here after wanting to for years. The location's a little odd, it's in an underground mall downtown. Tons of awesome memorabilia from every level of professional hockey, jerseys of all sorts and two theaters showing very interesting historical movies. Plenty of pucks that set various records, an outstanding IIHF/Olympics exhibit, a replica of the Canadiens dressing room and plenty of stuff to keep kids amused. The TSN/RDS broadcasting exhibit was interesting (and as a broadcasting professional I thought it was really cool to dedicate a portion of the museum to that.) They have interactive games where you can test your slapshot and mine topped out at an embarrassing 46 mph, wide by a mile. My excuse is that I used to play goal and never had much of a slap shot anyway. And I'm ridiculously jealous that Canadian elementary school students get to come here on a field trip.
The Cup is kept in a separate area, a beautiful, grand room with all the major NHL hardware. I didn't touch the Cup but you can (I won't touch it before the Sabres do.) All the player trophies (Vezina, Richard, etc) are available for viewing too. The original Cup and the removed rings are kept in a vault. Definitely enough to occupy the whole day.
As a fan of the game (not just the NHL) this was an absolute perfect way to spend a day. One day when the Cup comes to Buffalo I'll go back and give it a big hug. But I might be waiting a while... -
Review from Jocelyn G.
2/22/2009
How can you not love a place that puts its trophy under stained glass and lets you get right up next to it? Either way, its slightly smaller than I thought it would be, but well done with panels for each team (both major and minor league), artifacts from the ages, and many games for people to play.
Well worth a visit to at least take a photo with the Cup and marvel at the difference in uniforms over the years. -
Review from Amy S.
1/28/2010 4 photos
I love hockey. So on a recent trip to Toronto, I knew that I must make a pilgrimage to the holiest of hockey shrines.
I went on a Friday afternoon and as such, it wasn't busy. There were maybe 20 people in the place and from the expressions, I'm pretty sure that I was the only woman not dragged there by a husband or boyfriend. I walked around for a good 2 hours, took pictures, watched films and spent a decent amount of time in the gift shop wondering how I could justify purchasing a hockey lampshade.
There is so much history in this place. Everyone who is a hockey fan has a favorite team and you'll find them all represented here. National teams also have a place here. I think I must have taken a picture of every representation of US Olympic hockey that I could find!
It is in a strange place to find. I would have gotten lost trying to find the entrance if it wasn't for a very nice gentleman who offered to walk me there! Also, its location (attached to a shopping center?) seems to demean the importance of the history of hockey especially in Canada. It is so small that I took a second pass through because I was sure that I missed something. I'm glad that I went, I just feel like I was missing something... -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
10/17/2008
Normally you go to museums to be educated in actual high school-learned history or some aspect of science that has toured itself into vogue. But for sports fans and fans of the game of hockey, this place is more than a museum, but a Mecca that has to be visited.
Best appreciated as an adult, I took my dad to look at the items on display. There's definitely tons of memorabilia that needs to be perused so book your time accordingly. Admittedly after a while one hockey shirt begins to look like the next, but there's still something really nice about seeing a Gretzky or Lemieux shirt hanging behind the glass. There's pucks, sticks, and basically anything that was used in key games throughout the game's history.
What stands out about this place is the interactive portions of the hall. Through the wonders of simulation you're able to play goalie and attempt to stop shots by Gretzky and Messier, to which I say "Good luck with that." You can also take shots on top goalies as well. The previous "good luck" statement still stands. For keen observers of the game who have given up the active side of the sport, you're able to select a memorable goal in hockey history and call the play-by-play. It warms the heart to hear your mother scream at a TV screen "He shoots, he scores!"
There's also a Stanley Cup on display. I say 'a' Stanley Cup as I'm pretty sure that it must be a replica. People who have won the cup are the ones that get to touch it, not someone who paid $13.00 admission. All the same, bring your camera. -
Review from Dana B.
9/24/2008
I'll be honest. I could give two hoots about hockey. I like watching them slam in to each other and fall. Thats about it. But I am also the type of person that can have fun in pretty much any museum.
I wrote a rave review about the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA which was interactive and exciting and had all sorts of different displays.
At the hockey hall of fame it was ...here is another case with some players jersey...and another case...and another case...and yet another case. They had the stanley cup there and you could take pictures with it but that was the coolest part. -
Review from Curtis L.
9/27/2010
This is a hockey fans must see. Lots of memorabilia, history and interactive activities. You get to learn about the history of hockey, hall of fame members, see the Stanley cup and try out your hockey skill or lack there of. I enjoyed the video presentation on the history of hockey and reading about the dynasties. Line were too long for the hockey activities so I skipped the. It was just nice to learn about a sport I was not too familiar with. Allow a minimum of 2 hours to take it all in. We used a 2 for 1 coupon from the entertainment book to get in. You can go in and out all day with a hand stamp. Fun thing to do if you have any interest in hockey.
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Review from cailen s.
Oakville, ON
3/30/2009
I haven't been here since I was a kid but something tells me I would still enjoy it. It is filled with tonnes of awesome displays and enough interactive elements to keep you engaged while you're there.
My favourite was the broadcast booth where you can record your voice over famous goals in hockey history.
If you are even remotely interested in hockey and in Toronto then this is well worth it. -
Review from Ryan C.
8/26/2008
A mecca for any true hockey fan, I was able to visit the HHOF on a recent trip to Toronto. The memoribilia is extensive...including game worn equipment for Gretzk'ys 802nd goal, historical team jerseys, signficant milestones...definately worth the 13 dollar admission for just the meuseum hall, but then of course, there's the cup.
In the trophy room are the major NHL awards, including art ross, hart memorial and vezinas to name a few...but at the apex of the central ramp is Lord Stanley's Cup...well one of them at least. The original is actually in the vault on the right side (it was too fragile for continued use). The replica cup will be there during the summer when the authentic cup is travelling with the winning team or otherwise in transit. Not sure if you're seeing the real cup? Look for corrections on the rings...if it's perfect, it's the replica.
The interactive attractions are more of a distraction than anything, and are in a bit of disrepair, but really aren't the major draw here.
An absolutely must visit for anyone going to Toronto. -
Review from Chantal S.
10/17/2010
If you're a hockey fan, going here makes you feel all giddy and happy. You turn into a little kid again. You keep saying "Whoa look at this!" and "Wait but look at that!"
It was so cool to see all of that stuff. I couldn't believe some of the cool stuff they had in there. And I went on Thanksgiving so it was nice and quiet. I could just take my time a look at everything.
One part that I thought was really cool was where they have the jerseys from around the world. It was really awesome to see some of those that I would have never seen otherwise.
And then being able to stand with the Stanley Cup and get up close and personal with it was probably one of the coolest things ever.
The hockey simulation games are also pretty fun and a good reason to bring kids. They'd love it. Next to those is a bunch of old NHL memorabilia that was fun to look at.
Over all I'd love to take fellow hockey lovers there. -
Review from Jon K.
9/9/2010
I'm home
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Review from Michael U.
11/16/2009
I've been to the hall 10+ times and this year had the opportunity to witness Luc, Stevey-Y, Brett, and Leetch get inducted in person. A long time Robitaille fan and growing up watching the other three legends regularly both on TV and at Joe Louis Arena it was a special night for the players and one of the most memorable ones of my life - I love the Hall and would recommend it to anyone visiting Toronto. For the dedicated hockey fan, however, I'd recommend the induction ceremony as a truly special once-in-a-lifetime moment.
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Review from Brian l.
8/22/2009
Being an avid hockey fan, every trip I've made here has been fun. There's a lot to see and it'll definitely takes me a long time since i sit there in awe over the many jerseys, exhibits, and such. They also have this neat interactive area where you can play a goalie or player and it's pretty fun. Since I don't go to Toronto often at all, I'm sure it'll be a stop on my trip every time I go.
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