As the play-by-play voice of the B.C. Lions, a question that I get asked quite a bit is B次元官网网址淲hat is your favorite CFL city to visit?B次元官网网址�
ItB次元官网网址檚 a tough question to answer depending on the benchmarks but IB次元官网网址檓 going to take a run it anyway using my own criteria. The rankings are going to be based on what the city has to offer and the game experience.
1. Montreal
This one is a slam dunk. The history of the city and its architecture are amazing as you almost feel like you are in Europe. The restaurants in Montreal are exquisite (our favorite being MorettiB次元官网网址檚 in Griffintown) and a visit to Crescent Street for its nightlife is a must. Make sure to visit SchwartzB次元官网网址檚 Deli for their world-famous smoked meat. As for the game experience, the stadium is antiquated but the views of the city are spectacular.
2. Ottawa
Our nationB次元官网网址檚 capital is underrated. YouB次元官网网址檙e within walking distance of the Parliament Buildings and The Market District, which has a great choice of patios to enjoy dinner and drinks. TD Place Stadium has a good atmosphere B次元官网网址� and it would be even better if the Red Blacks could manage some wins.
3. Toronto
The highlight of this trip is dinner at Mama CaravattaB次元官网网址檚. As someone who lost his mom a while ago, itB次元官网网址檚 so nice to see the interaction between our colour analyst Giulio Caravatta and his mom. As for the six-course home-made meal, itB次元官网网址檚 legendary. Everything is made from scratch and eating the food is like having angels dancing on your tongue. Throw in a Leafs game if youB次元官网网址檙e lucky and youB次元官网网址檙e set.
4. Calgary
We usually stay in the Eau Claire District, which is a nice part of downtown. YouB次元官网网址檇 expect a more vibrant downtown core but given the vacancy rates in the office buildings in Calgary, itB次元官网网址檚 understandable why itB次元官网网址檚 kind of quiet. We always make sure to visit the Vintage Chophouse and Tavern which happens to be one of the best restaurants on the circuit, and of course SpolumboB次元官网网址檚 Deli. DonB次元官网网址檛 expect too much from a game at McMahon Stadium though. It desperately needs to be replaced.
5. Regina
I know what youB次元官网网址檙e thinking - Regina? Are you nuts? Maybe itB次元官网网址檚 the smoked old fashioneds at the Hotel Saskatchewan. Maybe itB次元官网网址檚 because you know youB次元官网网址檙e in Riderville as soon as you step off the plane. Or maybe because itB次元官网网址檚 the best stadium atmosphere in the league, but Regina gets a thumbs up from me.
6. Hamilton
Hamilton is greasy but a blue-collar greasy with some great character. ItB次元官网网址檚 a tough town but it has so much character it makes a stay enjoyable and a game at Tim HortonB次元官网网址檚 Field a memorable one.
7. Edmonton
I think the 50-minute bus ride from the airport to downtown kind of sets the tone for the trip. To me, Edmonton is a step above Winnipeg but it just seems so dreary no matter what time of year you visit. And a clash at the cavernous Commonwealth Stadium doesnB次元官网网址檛 lend itself to the best game experience.
8. Winnipeg
One of the better stadium experiences in the league. As for the rest, if you donB次元官网网址檛 have anything nice to say about someone or something, donB次元官网网址檛 say anything at all.
Veteran B.C. sports personality Bob B次元官网网址渢he MojB次元官网网址� Marjanovich writes twice weekly for Black Press Media. And check out his weekly podcast every Monday at or your local Black Press Media website.
