EVERY ORIGINAL HAS AN ORIGIN
Started in a backyard, now we’re here
BATL isn’t just a cool-sounding acronym – and let’s be honest, it sounds really damn cool – it’s also the true declaration of where we started. BATL Stands for The Backyard Axe Throwing League and that's how our small business began. Now with 18 Locations we support a vibrant community of axe throwers, team-building and social experiences for large and small business alike, and millions of people who just want a great date night or night out with friends.
In 2006, our CEO Matt Wilson founded BATL in his backyard. At first, it was just a personal passion he discovered while at a cottage. Today, nearly 5 million people have experienced the thrill of axe throwing at our locations.
We were the first in the world to offer an urban axe throwing venue experience. And we’re proud of that. Now, we offer leagues, walk-ins, and group parties – like stags, bachelor, bachelorette, and team building events.
The sport of axe throwing has grown, and we continue to playing the leading role. We’re also a founding member of the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF) - a global organization dedicated to regulating and supporting the growth of axe throwing as a sport.
The History of BATL Axe Throwing
2006
The Backyard Axe Throwing League is born, starting off in the – you guessed it – backyard of our founder’s home.
2011
Our first warehouse location opens in Toronto. Now everyone can experience the thrill of axe throwing.
2013
One location in Toronto turns into three. BATL takes over the 6ix.
2015
We start going national, letting all of Canada become a part of the community.
2017
BATL expands into the USA (now 6 locations & growing).
MISSIONS SHOULDN’T BE IMPOSSIBLE
Our guiding principle is simple: to show people the power of being good to each other, using the axe as a tool to build community. Our Code of Conduct is available for our guests to help promote a safe environment.
Values: They're Not Just For Points
Community
Be good to each other and you're welcome in our backyard.
EMPOWERING
Always be your best and have a good fun time while you do it.
HEART
We believe in the positivity. Come share our love for throwing.
INNOVATION
We started urban axe throwing and continue to evolve it.
INTEGRITY
We promise to always live and operate our venues by our values.
THERE’S NO FAKE NEWS HERE
Look, we’re awesome, and it’s not just us saying that. It’s also all of these fine people and publications.
FEATURED ON KAYAK TRAVEL GUIDES
KAYAK TRAVEL GUIDES
XTRA CHATS WITH TORONTO’S
LGBT AXE THROWERS
Daily Extra
WANT TO GRAB A BEER AND
THROW A FEW AXES?
PLAYBOY
WHEN IT COMES TO THROWING AXES, CELEBRITIES ARE JUST LIKE US!
We're proud to have taught hundreds of celebrities how to throw axes safely and skillfully at our BATL Axe Throwing locations.
Meaghan Mikkelson
Vin Diesel
Sam Roberts Band
Terri clark
Steve Harvey
Niagara Ice Dogs
Tyrone Edwards
Darren Pang
Ottawa Redblacks
Rick Fox
Rick Mercer
Ruby Rose
Meghan Patrick
Killswitch engage
Jon Montgomery
Ivar Vikings
Max Holloway
Hockey wives
Gerard Butler
Mike Cammalleri
Canaan Smith
ET CANADA
Eddi Haung
Amon Amarth
Bastille
Bo Levi Mitchell
Brianne Tutt
George Parros
George Armstrong
Oshawa Generals
Chicago Bears
William Nylander
Daquan Jones
Spike
Delaney Holley
Sheamus
Shaq
Joe Mande
Hannibel Buress
Zach Hyman
Anson Carter
Morgan Wallen
Clive Standen
Shadow Hunters
Another Round
Natalie Spooner
Working moms
WE AREN’T JUST SOME SOCIAL MEDIA GROUP
The word ‘community’ is thrown around way too much online. And while we do realize the irony of saying that on our online website, BATL is truly a community in the traditional sense of the word – in real life.
It may just seem like throwing axes and hitting bullseyes (that part is awesome, to be fair), but our top priority is being good to one another.