Toronto Gold Stars is a blog series that focuses on the new or obscure locations in Toronto. As a business, we’re dedicated to delivering the best service and prices for our clients, but we’re also committed to helping them know our city! Every few weeks, we set out to explore the nooks and crannies of our city to uncover hidden gems and other well-kept secrets. Imagine it as urban prospecting—our way of finding the hidden gold stars of our city and sharing it with you all!
BATL – Toronto West – Galleria Mall – 1245 Dupont Street, Toronto, ON
When a friend asks you if you want to go axe-throwing this coming weekend, chances are, you’d ask if you were going to a Medieval Fair. Most likely though, you’ll probably be taken to the Backyard Axe Throwing League (BATL) with a few other friends, where the lot of you will be hurling hatchets into targets and competing against each other in a round robin tournament to see who earns the most points.
Competitive axe-throwing has been a growing trend in Toronto for the past few years, with BATL having already established several locations in Toronto. While the business started back in 2006, the now nation-wide chain had fairly recently opened their West End location in the Galleria Mall at 1245 Dupont Street in 2016.
After going through their doors for the first time, some might think they are stepping into a laid-back college pub rather than an axe-throwing gallery. Inside is a wide, brightly lit and spacious area with decorated walls and mahogany wood flooring, with a pool table and arcade games on one end. A wet bar serving beer and other alcoholic beverages sits right across from the axe-throwing booths.
Beer and sharp objects don’t typically make a good combination, but the staff maintains a strict code of conduct for all throwers. Before every tournament, a staff member takes a moment to instruct first timers on the throwing technique and gives everyone practice runs before the contest begins. A quick run through of the scoring system is also given and every game is monitored and scored by the staff.
Each session can host a tournament of up to 30 people and can last for several hours. Depending on the day of the week, prices range from $37.90 to $42.86 per person. While the idea of axe-throwing can sound dangerous or even frightening to some, BATL managed to create a fun and safe environment which made it excellent for large gatherings and other special events. Not to mention, obliterating a target with a sharp axe makes the perfect stress reliever for those who’ve had a rough week! This venue will literally give you an axe to grind!