Hockey Hall of Fame

The Hockey Hall of Fame pays tribute to the heroes of Canada’s ice hockey league as well as to important moments in the game’s history. You’ll come face to face with trophies, famous player’s old hockey sticks and statues of the greats.

The collection began its days in Kingston before moving to Toronto in the late 50s. It wasn’t until 1993 that it was showcased as a museum, when the grand building which formerly housed the Bank of Montreal opened its doors.

The Hall of Fame was first conceived in 1945, and today contains some 300 names. Pictures of players, officials and other pioneering figures are on display for all to see.

You can also get up-close and personal with some of the game’s trophies, including the Stanley Cup and the Calder Memorial Trophy. The real treasure is in Lord Stanley’s Vault, where you’ll find the very first Stanley Cup Bowl.

The NHLPA Be A Player Zone is one of the major highlights of the museum. Here you can pick up a stick and puck and try your luck against the computer-animated goalie. Then swap over and have a go at being in goal while computer versions of Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier take shots at you.

In the NHL Zone you’ll come across larger than life-sized statues of Cyclone Taylor and Ken Dryden, while in the NHL Legends section, you’ll be able to check out equipment and strips that once belonged to members of the Hall of Fame. The NHL Milestones section is where you’ll learn about the most memorable moments in the game’s history, such as Darryl Sittler’s 10-point game in 1976.

Every year, new players are added to the Hall of Fame during the Induction Day ceremony. The Hall of Fame is, in fact, closed on this day, but it’s a great chance to get autographs from the stars of the show.

The museum is in Toronto city centre and is easy to get to from Union station. It is open every day except Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Induction Day. Check the website for opening hours as the museum stays open longer during school holidays.