There are nine teams in the Canadian Football League, and every one of them plays in a stadium with its own character. From the green sea of Rider Nation in Regina to the roar of Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton and the view of Mount Royal from Montreal's Molson Stadium, a CFL road trip is one of the great sporting journeys in Canada.
Whether you want to tick off all nine stadiums over a few seasons or plan one big summer trip, here is a fan's guide to where to go, which games to plan around and how to get the most out of every game day.
Plan around the schedule
The regular season runs from June into the autumn, followed by the playoffs and the Grey Cup in late November. Summer games are the easiest to combine into a trip, with warm evenings and long days for exploring each city. Late season games bring playoff stakes and, on the Prairies, a real chance of cold weather, which some fans consider part of the experience.
The West Division
BC Place in Vancouver offers a roof and a downtown location close to everything. McMahon Stadium in Calgary is a classic open-air venue, and Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton is the league's biggest, with room for around 56,000 fans. Mosaic Stadium in Regina is home to the Saskatchewan Roughriders and some of the most passionate fans in the country, while Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg hosts the Blue Bombers.
The East Division
Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton is a proper football stadium with fans close to the action. BMO Field in Toronto hosts the Argonauts on the shore of Lake Ontario, TD Place in Ottawa sits in the lively Lansdowne area, and Percival Molson Memorial Stadium in Montreal is set on the slopes of Mount Royal, one of the most scenic settings in the league.
Rivalry games worth planning around
Labour Day weekend is the highlight of the season, with the classic rivalries of Calgary against Edmonton, Hamilton against Toronto and Saskatchewan against Winnipeg in Regina. The following weekend, Winnipeg hosts Saskatchewan in the Banjo Bowl. These games sell out quickly and bring the best atmosphere of the year, so they are worth building a trip around.
Tickets and resale
Buy from the team's official ticketing partner when you can, since that is the safest option and often the cheapest for regular games. For sold-out rivalry games, the resale market is the only way in. Resale and hotel booking sites can show different fees and prices depending on where you browse from, and travel agencies that build CFL trips for fans in the US and Europe check those prices from each market through the ProxyWing proxy provider or similar services before quoting a package. For your own purchase, compare the final price including fees, and avoid sellers on social media who ask for payment by bank transfer.
Travelling between cities
Some stadiums pair up nicely. Calgary and Edmonton are about three hours apart by road, Toronto and Hamilton are close enough for two games in one weekend, and Ottawa and Montreal are an easy train or car ride apart. Crossing from the Prairies to the East or the coast usually means a flight, so many fans split their road trip over two seasons.
Driving across the Prairies is an experience in itself, with long straight highways, grain elevators and enormous skies between Winnipeg, Regina and the Alberta cities. If you have the time, a Prairie leg by car becomes part of the adventure rather than a gap between games.
Game day tips
Arrive early for tailgating, especially in Regina and Edmonton, where it is part of the tradition.
Dress for the weather, which can change fast at open-air stadiums late in the season.
Learn the team chants and colours; home fans love visitors who join in.
Check each stadium's bag policy before you go.
Plan transport home in advance, since taxis and rideshares get busy after the final whistle.
Combine football with the city
Every CFL city deserves more than a game day. A Calgary game in early July can be paired with the Calgary Stampede, Montreal rewards a long weekend of smoked meat, bagels and old town walks, and Vancouver adds mountains and the sea to a trip to BC Place. In Regina and Winnipeg, the football is the main event, and the welcome from locals is part of what makes the trip memorable.
Grey Cup week
If you can only make one trip, consider Grey Cup week. The host city turns into a week-long festival, with fan zones, team parties and events that bring supporters of every club together. Tickets and hotels go quickly once the host city is confirmed, so plan early, and pack for November weather.
When you cannot travel
Not every season allows a road trip. In Canada, games are broadcast nationally, and the league offers official streaming options for fans in other countries, so check the league's guide for where you live. Watching with a local supporters' group or a fan bar can recreate some of the atmosphere until the next trip.
Tips for fans from abroad
Visitors from outside Canada should check entry requirements early. Many travellers from visa-exempt countries need an Electronic Travel Authorization to fly to Canada. Plan your budget in Canadian dollars, remember that tipping is expected in restaurants, and do not be surprised if locals take the time to explain the three downs, the bigger field and the rouge to a newcomer.
FAQ
How many CFL stadiums are there?
Nine, one for each team, from Vancouver in the west to Montreal in the east.
What is the best CFL game to attend?
The Labour Day rivalry games and the Banjo Bowl offer some of the best atmospheres of the season.
Do I need a car for a CFL road trip?
Not in every city, but it helps on the Prairies, where distances are long and public transport between cities is limited.
When is the Grey Cup played?
In late November, at the end of the playoffs, with a week of fan events in the host city.
Which is the largest CFL stadium?
Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, with room for around 56,000 fans.