A pro venue, shown from the inside. I like the Leafs and Raptors locker rooms and the behind-the-scenes Foster Hewitt Media Gondola access that makes the arena feel like a working machine, not just a building.

You’ll also get a guide who threads in arena stories and context as you walk through key spaces, usually with plenty of photo stops along the way. One drawback to plan around: Leafs and Raptors dressing rooms are not available on their home game days, so check the schedule if that’s a must.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• Locker-room access for both teams (on non–home game days): great for photos and that locker-room feel.
• Raptors in-arena practice court: see the court space up close, even when there’s no game on.
• Media Gondola views: exclusive access to the press area tied to Foster Hewitt.
• Guides with crowd-friendly energy: names like Winnie, Chuck, Jackie, Gabby, Holly, and Mike come up in recent guide feedback.
• A day-of discount at Real Sports: you get 10% off at Real Sports and Real Sports Apparel with your ticket.

Getting In Through the Galleria and Gate 1

Scotiabank Arena tours start at the Galleria, where you’ll check in at the tour kiosk by Gate 1. This is one of those places where arriving a few minutes early helps you avoid the pre-tour shuffle.

The tour runs about 1 hour to 90 minutes depending on the session. If you’re trying to fit this into a busy day (CN Tower, distillery area, Rogers Centre baseball nearby), that time range makes it easier to slot in.

A few practical rules matter here:

• Small bags are allowed, but there’s no luggage and no bag check.
• Water bottles are the only exception if you’re thinking of bringing food or drinks.
• Non-commercial photography is permitted, so you can take plenty of pictures without feeling like you’re breaking rules.
• Strollers are allowed, which is helpful for families.

What $29 Really Buys Inside Scotiabank Arena

At around $29 per person, this tour feels like a smart “value” stop for Toronto because you’re paying for access that most people never see. You’re not just looking at seating—this is a guided walk through operational spaces, team zones, and event-level areas.

Here’s the trade-off: the experience quality can depend on what the arena is doing that day. The tour includes an element of surprise (you might see the basketball court being built or the ice being prepared), but the exact timing is up to the arena schedule.

You also get a built-in bonus after the tour. If you’re walking toward lunch or a souvenir stop, the 10% discount at Real Sports and Real Sports Apparel is a nice way to turn the tour ticket into real savings.

The Leafs and Raptors Locker Rooms: The Stop Most People Talk About

If you care about the game-day vibe, this is the headliner. You’ll have access to the Toronto Maple Leafs dressing room and the Raptors dressing room on days when the teams are not playing at home. And yes—this is where the photos happen. The lighting, the benches, the team details, and the simple fact that you’re standing where players get ready all add up fast.

A big caution: locker rooms are not available on the teams’ respective home game days. That doesn’t mean the tour is ruined, but if your goal is a specific dressing room, plan around the schedule first, then book.

There’s also a reason this stop sticks with families and fans. One of the fun parts of arena tours is how kids react when they see a space that feels “real.” A couple of guides have been called out for making the locker-room walk interactive—asking questions, timing pauses for photos, and keeping people moving so you don’t feel herded.

Raptors Practice Court: More Than Just a Photo Op

After the team-zone parts of the tour, you get access to the Raptors in-arena practice court. This is a cool moment for basketball fans because you can see the court setting in a way you can’t from the stands.

Two things to keep in mind so your expectations match the tour:

• This isn’t a full basketball history lecture. You’ll get context and points of interest, but the tour is built around access and arena operations as much as sports lore.
• If your main goal is ice hockey, you may wish the itinerary leaned even more toward that side. The court stop is a strong highlight, and it naturally pulls the spotlight to basketball.

For most people, though, the practice-court access hits the sweet spot: it’s visually impressive, it’s practical for photos, and it helps you understand how the arena shifts between events.

The Foster Hewitt Media Gondola and Press-Level Access

The most unique part of the experience for many fans is the behind-the-scenes walk up to the Media Gondola, connected to the legendary Foster Hewitt. This is the part that makes the tour feel like you’re seeing how coverage and event operations work from the inside.

You’ll also pass through or access event-level areas and luxury suites, which helps you understand the full scale of what Scotiabank Arena handles. It’s one thing to watch a concert from the floor; it’s another to stand near the spaces where media and staff do their jobs, where sightlines, movement, and timing matter.

Guides named in recent feedback—like Chuck and Jackie—are often praised for bringing the arena’s stories to life, especially around how the venue supports both sports and major events.

Arena History, Banners, and the Stories Your Guide Brings

This tour works best when you let your guide do their thing. You get a guided look at the arena’s 25-year history, with context around defining moments tied to the Leafs, Raptors, and big events hosted at the venue.

What I appreciate here as a traveler is the balance: it’s not only about one team. The tour threads through multiple sides of the building so you’re not stuck hearing the same talking points the entire time. Even if you’re not a hard-core fan, you can still enjoy how the venue runs and how it became the city’s big showstopper.

It also tends to feel more fun when the guide is comfortable with interaction. In feedback, tour hosts like Winnie (described as friendly and humorous) and Gabby (praised for keeping people included) are often singled out for making the experience feel less like a lecture and more like a guided walkthrough with stories.

Photo Opportunities and How to Make the Most of Them

The tour includes photo opportunities, and you’ll feel the timing built around that. The locker rooms and practice court naturally give you clear places to stop, frame shots, and take pictures without rushing.

A practical tip: keep your phone ready but don’t block the group. The arena asks visitors to refrain from shouting, running, and rowdy behavior, so move with the flow and let your guide manage the pace.

Also, since non-commercial photography is permitted, you can relax about taking normal vacation photos. Just avoid staging behavior that slows down the tour group through secured areas.

Real Sports Discounts: A Small Thing That Adds Real Value

One of the easiest “value boosters” is the 10% discount at:

• Real Sports
• Real Sports Apparel

You get the discount by presenting your tour ticket on the day of the tour at the store counter. If you’re already planning food after your tour (or you want a Raptors or Leafs hat), this is a simple way to make your money stretch.

Because the tour ends near sports culture hotspots, it’s also a good launching point for a game-night vibe without needing to score game tickets. Even if there’s no match that day, the area around the arena has the energy of a place that hosts major things regularly.

Timing Your Visit: When Locker Rooms and Extras Work Best

Two things shape what you’ll experience day-to-day:

1. Home game schedules (important for dressing room access).
2. What the arena is preparing at that moment.

The tour can include a surprise element—things like the basketball court being built or ice being prepared—because arena crews are always in “setup mode” between events. That’s part of the charm. You’re seeing a living venue, not a static museum.

If you want the maximum access, aim for a non–home game day. That’s when you’re most likely to get both locker rooms. If your travel dates line up with a game day, you may still have an excellent tour, but you should accept that the dressing room access could be limited.

Group size can also matter for comfort. On slower dates, tours can feel more relaxed, with more time for questions. If you like a calmer pace, consider booking sessions that look less crowded.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This is a strong pick if:

• You love stadium energy and want the “how it works” side of a major arena.
• You want access to locker rooms and press areas without needing a game ticket.
• You’re traveling with kids who get a kick out of seeing the spaces behind the curtain.
• You want a guided activity that fits into a short window, since it’s about 1 hour to 90 minutes.

It may be less perfect if:

• Your top priority is one specific locker room, and your dates line up with a home game. Check the schedule before you book.
• You want a heavy deep-ice hockey focus only; this tour includes an in-arena practice court stop, which naturally leans into basketball too.

Good news: it’s wheelchair accessible, and strollers are allowed, so it’s easier for families and mixed mobility groups than many venue experiences.

Should You Book This Scotiabank Arena Tour?

I think you should book if you want a practical, insider-style arena visit that doesn’t require game-day tickets. For around $29, you’re getting exclusive access to places that most visitors never see: locker rooms (when available), the Raptors practice court, and the Media Gondola.

Book with confidence if:

• You’re visiting on a day when the teams are not hosting at home.
• You want photos and real backstage access rather than just a seating walkthrough.
• You’d enjoy stopping at Real Sports afterward for the 10% discount.

Skip it—or at least adjust expectations—if your schedule is locked to a Leafs or Raptors home game and the dressing room access is your main goal. In that case, check the arena access rules first, then decide.

FAQ

How long is the Scotiabank Arena guided tour?

The tour lasts about 1 hour to 90 minutes, depending on the starting time and availability.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Enter through the Galleria, and look for the check-in kiosk by Gate 1 for the tours by Gate 1.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Are the Leafs and Raptors dressing rooms available on game days?

No. The Leafs and Raptors dressing rooms are not available on their respective home game days.

Is food included in the tour price?

No. Meals are not included.

Are outside food and drinks allowed inside the arena?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted, except water bottles.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Yes. Non-commercial photography is permitted.

What discounts do I get after the tour?

You receive a 10% discount at Real Sports and Real Sports Apparel on the day of the tour, by presenting your ticket at the store counter.

You Might Also Enjoy

Toronto: Guided Harbour and Islands Sightseeing CruiseToronto: Niagara Falls Tour, Boat, Journey Behind Falls & TowerFrom Toronto: Niagara Falls Full-Day Bus Tour & Winery StopNiagara Falls Day Tour from Toronto