On Friday, September 4th, 2026, I met up with CFL Fans Fight Cancer for their annual walk, starting at BMO Field in Toronto and ending at Hamilton Stadium on Monday, September 7th, 2026, for the annual Labour Day Classic between the Toronto Argonauts and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
This was the 3rd annual walk.
Last year, I read an article by Toronto Argonauts writer Mike Hogan. The article was about the 2nd annual walk and can be seen here.
After reading the article, I connected with Dallas via a text message. I informed him that what he accomplished with Connor was truly remarkable. Furthermore, I was interested in embarking on the same journey, as I was inspired and humbled to contribute to this event.
Fast forward to the here-and-now moment; that same journey was now.
Day 1: Friday, September 4th, 2026 - The walk to Hamilton begins.
Before the walk, I was fortunate enough to meet up with the crew at the Canadian National Exhibition grounds, or as the locals call it, the CNE.
We met up with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) at BMO Field, as they wanted to conduct a short video promo before we walked from BMO Field. It was also a chance to enter BMO Field and absorb the stadium feeling in its raw form from the centre-field point of view.
An empty stadium all to ourselves.
At BMO Field
At approximately 11:20 am, we left BMO Field and began our walk, predominantly westward, following Lake Shore Boulevard West.
Walking a bridge at the Toronto Harbour
At approximately 12:08 pm, we arrived at Sunnyside Beach.
Sunnyside Beach has a rich history in Toronto. At one point, it was Toronto’s version of New York’s Coney Island. Along with Sunnyside Beach was Toronto Island. Both had the same feel.
Although Sunnyside Beach remains, it has shrunk dramatically, with dwindling attendance year by year after 1950.
Another reason was a new vision by Frederick Goldwin Gardiner. Frederick (Fred) Goldwin Gardiner was the first Chairman of Metropolitan Toronto Council, the governing body for the Municipality of Metro Toronto from 1953 to 1961. During his tenure, sections of the beach were removed to make way for the Gardiner Expressway as we know it. The project was done in increments.
At Sunnyside Beach
At approximately 2:55 pm, we arrived at Kipling and Lake Shore.
At approximately 3:35 pm, we entered Mississauga, Ontario.
Entering Mississauga, Ontario
Having a break in Mississauga
At approximately 4:46 pm, we arrived at Port Credit.
Entering Port Credit
This would be our final stop of the day. Day one ends at 20km.
My fatigue level is a 6 out of 10.
The group meets at the Donegal Arms Irish Pub for some food and socials. It has great staff and good food and beverages. If you are ever in Port Credit, stop by Donegal Arms.
Day 2: Saturday, September 5th, 2026.
The meetup is at approximately 11:00 am. After a good night’s rest, my fatigue level is a 3 out of 10.
At approximately 11:06 am, the walk began from the Donegal Arms Irish Pub.
At approximately 1:21 pm, we arrived in Oakville, Ontario.
Entering Oakville, Ontario
At approximately 5:58 pm, we ended our journey at Bronte GO Station. The day ended with 40 kilometres covered.
My fatigue level was an 8 out of 10. It was a rigorous walk. The heat was intense, even with consistent hydration. I ended the day with Connor and Clay; others in the group continued further in their journey.
Day 3: Sunday, September 6th, 2026.
My fatigue level at the start is a 6 out of 10. Even after a good rest, my body feels the aftermath of 40km, along with the rigorous head from yesterday.
At approximately 10:17 am, we began walking from Third Line and Lake Shore W.
At Third Line and Lake Shore W.
At approximately 11:48 am, we entered Burlington, Ontario.
Entering Burlington, Ontario
Relaxing at the Burlington Harbour
At approximately 5:49 pm, we arrived at the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology. This was our last stop for the day. At this point, we hit 22km for a total of 62km.
At the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology
My fatigue level is high: 8 out of 10.
We doubled back to Burlington, Ontario, via various forms of transportation and arrived at Joe Dog's Gasbar Grill to watch the Saskatchewan Roughriders vs. the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Labour Day Classic.
At Joe Dog's Gasbar Grill
Day 4: Monday, September 7th, 2026.
I woke up with the obvious fatigue from the last three days. My fatigue level was about a 7 out of 10. Furthermore, I was half an hour late to the meet at the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology. Rather than slow the group, I began my walk at the Hamilton GO Centre.
Mathematically, with some doubling back and forth, there were more kilometres accumulated, and the estimated end distance would be in the neighbourhood of 70km – 80km when it is all said and done.
On that note, I began my last few steps solo at approximately 9:40 am.
At approximately 10:23 am, I touched the northwest corner of the Hamilton Stadium wall located at Beechwood Ave and Melrose Ave. North. It was a shorter route than the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology.
Touching the wall
On that note, I walked more to kill time and eventually met up with the group.
At approximately 10:55 am, I met up with the group. We shared some laughs, were in a positive spirit, and were exhausted.
Now it was rest mode before the 2 pm kickoff.
The Tailgate
While at the tailgate, we were rewarded with food and beverages.
The environment was spectacular. It was loud and energetic, with both Toronto and Hamilton fans.
Acknowledgments
To Dallas, thank you so much for inviting me to experience this great cause. I will forever remember this. It was challenging. There were great, comical conversations along the way.
To Connor, thank you for the tips when I asked what to expect in the next 20 km or so. I put that into my toolbox. I’m glad you liked my Kimbo Espresso.
To Catherine, Greg, and Dave: I love the passion of a Saskatchewan fan’s perspective. It was great talking about the CFL, past or present. I look forward to doing this again.
To Clay, Doug, and Nick: It was great talking about CFL football and music. Nick, you brought me a new way of thinking about how good mustard can be. It was nice meeting your parents. I’ll see you guys at the tailgates for Argo games.
To Phil and Randy, the two Tiger-Cat fans, it was a great ride.
And last but not least, a very special thank you to both Cathy and Steve. You went above and beyond, meeting up with us at various locations and handing us fresh fruit, water, and Gatorade for our travels. Steve, I love your CFL spreadsheet on how some scores (although the amount is small) have never occurred in history.
To everyone in the football world. At any point in life, some of us, or most of us, for that matter, will be affected directly or indirectly by cancer.
Support CFL Fans Fight Cancer. For more information regarding the history, events, and merchandise, click the link:
Please note that there is a goal of $6,500 for the current walk. You can donate using the following link: