Hockey Hall of Fame

The Hockey Hall of Fame sits at 30 Yonge Street in Toronto's Financial District, inside the BCE Place complex and partly within a restored Bank of Montreal building from 1885. The domed Great Hall, with its stained glass and marble, now displays the Stanley Cup in the Bell Great Hall, and visitors can see the original trophy bowl and the names engraved on it. The museum covers hockey at every level, from the National Hockey League to women's, international and Olympic play, with galleries of jerseys, skates, goalie masks and equipment from different eras. Interactive stations let visitors try shooting at virtual goalies or call a game from a broadcast booth, and a replica of the Montreal Canadiens dressing room is a favourite stop. A visit usually takes about two hours, though dedicated fans can stay longer. The Hall is open daily, generally from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with longer hours in summer and over holidays. Weekday afternoons tend to be quieter than weekends, while school breaks and Maple Leafs game days draw more families. The attraction connects to Union Station and the underground PATH walkway through BCE Place, so it can be reached without going outside in Ontario's winter. The best photographs are of the Stanley Cup display and the Great Hall's ceiling, though flash may be restricted around fragile items. The gift shop sells hockey memorabilia and apparel, and the museum is a natural pairing with a visit to the nearby St. Lawrence Market or a walk along the waterfront. It appeals most to hockey fans, but the interactive games make it approachable for casual visitors and children.