Canada, the second-largest country in the world, is not only known for its breathtaking landscapes and friendly locals but also for its vibrant and diverse nightlife. From bustling cities to charming towns, Canada offers a plethora of entertainment options to suit every taste and preference. A night out in Canada is likely to be centered around eating, and the country’s considerable ethnic diversity means you’re in for a treat, with an enormous variety of food available. Vancouver is the place to head for sushi, while Montreal is renowned for poutine – a stodgy dish of fries smothered in cheese curds and gravy.
Canadians also love hanging out at coffee bars and these tend to stay open late, making a nice alternative to sitting in the pub. Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Winnipeg are centers for ballet, opera, and classical music, with visits from leading orchestras and internationally renowned performers. Entertainment in the more remote towns is scarce, but it’s always worth having a few beers in the local bar where you’re likely to encounter a few characters.
Whether you’re a night owl seeking exciting adventures or a culture enthusiast looking to immerse yourself in the arts, Canada’s nightlife has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the nightlife scene in Canada and highlight some of the best cities to experience it.
Toronto
With pockets of nightclubs, venues, and theaters all over the city, the vibrant nightlife scene is definitely something you’ll notice, especially if you’re a late-night reveler that’s looking for the next stop to continue your night out. Whether it’s dancing or food and drink you seek, these late-night spots have you covered. From underground cellar bars and warehouse clubs to British-style pubs and glitzy cocktail bars, Toronto’s nightlife is nothing if not diverse. The music scene has its roots in rock, blues, jazz, and dance, but the city’s young and cosmopolitan population has driven a growing interest in alternative and experimental genres. A combination of big international acts and eclectic locals.
Best Areas For Nightlife In Toronto
Toronto, the vibrant and multicultural city of Canada, offers an exciting nightlife scene that caters to diverse tastes. Whether you’re a party enthusiast, a live music lover, or someone who enjoys laid-back evenings with friends, Toronto has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the best areas in Toronto for an unforgettable nightlife experience. So, let’s dive in and discover where the city comes alive after the sun sets!
Richmond Street
Richmond Street is not much to look at during the day, but on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, it is transformed as the streets become filled with eager club-goers. This is the main area of downtown Toronto where one can find nightlife enthusiasts in high-heels, short skirts, slicked-back hair, and open-dress shirts. Richmond Street is Toronto’s Mecca for flashy large dance clubs. Many of these buildings are large warehouses turned into clubs, with names and ownerships changing faster than the blink of an eye. For those who enjoy loud dance, techno, or top 40 beats, strobe lights, and atmosphere fog, then Richmond Street is for you.
King Street West
King Street West is another district in Toronto worth visiting for the nightlife. It is exciting all the same and caters to a slightly older and more mature crowd compared to the larger clubs of Richmond Street. There are a variety of different and interesting night establishments to find here, from martini bars to places specializing in imported beers. King Street is overall a very classy nightlife area of Toronto where people can enjoy good music, drinks, and conversation. It’s ideal for couples, large groups of friends, and the slightly older crowd who wants to dress upscale casual.
Ossington Avenue
Ossington Avenue in downtown Toronto. The nightlife establishments along Ossington are arguably less classy than what you might find on King Street West, yet has experienced improvements over recent years as it once was a run-down street to avoid. Many different people find themselves partying on Ossington as there are now artsy alternative bars, dance venues, lounges, and profitable hole-in-the-wall pubs and bars. There is a reputation for the majority of night-lifers being “hipsters with trust funds”; simply meaning, people who like the “street creed” of Ossington, but have the money to party.
Things To Do At Night In Toronto
Toronto, the bustling metropolis of Canada, offers a plethora of exciting activities and experiences to enjoy after the sun sets. Whether you’re a night owl, a culture enthusiast, or someone who loves to indulge in great food and entertainment, Toronto has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best things to do at night in this vibrant city. Get ready to experience the magic of Toronto after dark!
Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour
Niagara Falls is the Las Vegas of Canada. Besides the giant horseshoe waterfall, there are casinos, clubs, bars, and neon lights. After being picked up from your Toronto hotel, you’ll be driven 1.5 hours South to the Fallsview Casino for a luxurious buffet dinner overlooking the falls. Then, watch the colorful illuminated lights show dance on the water.
Indoor Skydiving
iFly Toronto is the place for you. It’s 100% safe to free-fall in this wind tunnel, and it gives you a taste of what actual skydiving would feel like. This package includes full orientation and instruction of how to fly, all equipment necessary, and then 2 flights per person. In the simulated fall, you’re taught how to hold your body and how to conquer your fear.
Pub Crawl
It wouldn’t be a night out in Toronto if you didn’t experience the variety of local and imported beers available on a pub tour. Meet up with your pub guide in the Entertainment District downtown and get to know Toronto’s cultural center. Visit pubs with over 50 beers on tap, then try out one of Toronto’s legendary rooftop bars. Listen as your guide shares Toronto’s rich history in beer brewing and shows you the most notable sights in that history.
Haunted Toronto Walking Tour
Toronto is full of dark history and creepy folklore. Take a tour of the distillery district where people were once hanged, and learn about restaurants that have consistent ghost sightings. The tour starts after dark, and the guide is dressed appropriately with a black hooded cape and holding a lamppost.
Skating at Nathan Philip Square
For a winter night out, you can’t beat skating at Nathan Philip Square as the holiday lights sparkle around you. Rental skates are available if you don’t have your own, and there are usually food trucks on standby for when you need a snack.
Sleep with the fishes at Ripley's Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium is a tourist attraction staple for anyone visiting Toronto. The variety of fish and sea life is extensive as are the gorgeous aquarium displays. The best way to experience Ripley’s is at night, in a sleeping bag under the sea. Sleepover nights happen every couple months and spots must be reserved in advance.
Food Tours
Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, and it’s evident in the variety of cuisines available downtown. Sign up for a walking food tour of the neighborhood of your choice, and be immediately immersed in that area’s culture. From Greektown to Chinatown, to Little India, the list of cultural cuisines is endless. Allow your tour guide to explain a little about the history of the area, as well as which restaurants are a must-try.
Bonfire at Scarborough Bluffs
The Scarborough Bluffs are where city folk get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the great outdoors. In addition to taking a dip in the lake, you can have an evening bonfire under the stars with your friends. The fire pits are already designated, you just have to bring your own wood, hot dogs, and camper chairs.
Evening Cruise
If you’re feeling a romantic night out with your significant other, then look no further than an evening cruise down at the harbor front. There are a variety of cruise lines to choose from, most will take you on a tour of Toronto Island as well as take you to the best spots to view the skyline. Enjoy a gourmet dinner with some champagne as you slowly dance under the stars.
Watch & Eat at CN Tower
Enjoy a steak at the 360 Restaurant as the city lights dance and dazzle below. Head over to the Glass Floor to test your fear of heights. Or, go up to the SkyPod, the highest observation deck in CN Tower, and relish in the view. The CN Tower is perfect for a night you won’t forget.
Comedy Club
Toronto is world renowned for producing some of the funniest comedians around. From Russell Peters, to Naomi Snieckus, there is no shortage of hilarious talent in the 6ix. Spend a night at one the many comedy clubs and see some crowd favorites or up-and-comers on stage.
Live Music
Toronto has no shortage of musical talent, and venues to enjoy that talent at. For big-name headliners, you can check out the Air Canada Centre. But for a more local, authentic Toronto experience, check out Horseshoe Tavern or The Phoenix. Both are well known venues in the indie music scene. For a cozy night of live jazz music, try The Rex or The Reservoir.
Vancouver
Vancouver’s diverse nightlife is a low-key mix of stylish cocktail lounges, neighborhood pubs, and hip live-music venues. Vancouverites are just as likely to hang out in a late-night coffee bar or cool art gallery. You can taste the latest brews and spirits at tasting rooms in many of the city’s microbreweries and small-batch distilleries.
Granville Street
Think of Granville Street as Vancouver’s equivalent of the Vegas Strip: a neon-lit drag packed with people, energy and plenty of bars and clubs that stay open until the wee hours. The city’s original entertainment district, Granville Street caters to a younger, university crowd with block after block of pubs, dance clubs and live music venues.
Yaletown
A former downtown warehouse district, Yaletown is home to a robust nightlife scene. If Granville Street’s scene targets the twenty-somethings, Yaletown skews about 10 years older, meaning that you’re more likely to find couples toasting the end of the work-week with a designer cocktail and well-dressed friends getting together at exclusive lounges.
Gastown
Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, Gastown has been reborn in recent years as a place to go after dark. While Granville Street is the place to go for clubs, Gastown’s scene is more about bars. This is an excellent place to go for a cocktail, but you’ll also find Irish pubs, wine bars, and beer halls. If you’re looking for a more refined atmosphere, many of the coolest restaurants turn into de facto bars later in the evening.
Kitsilano
Being a beach-side neighborhood, you would expect Kitsilano to be a bit more laidback than its downtown cousins, and it is. In general, the nightlife here tends to focus on smaller spots filled with locals; you’ll find lots of pubs to grab a beer and watch the game, or neighborhood bistros that offer a killer cocktail program or wine list. Most spots are along West Fourth or Broadway, but you’ll also find clusters of hotspots along streets such as Yew that lead down to the beach.
Davie Village
The heart of the West End, locally known as Davie Village, this gay-friendly neighborhood has a “come-as-you-are” vibe and a diverse selection of bars whose appeal transcends the LGBTQ community. Offerings range from intimate, neighborhood spots perfect for another glass of wine after dinner, to hot and sweaty clubs and ultra-stylish lounges. The common denominator is an open attitude and commitment to having a great time.
Main Street
The Main Street district has a “hipster hangout” reputation, and it’s not entirely unfair. As the heart of the city’s craft brewing community, the area is home to plenty of chilled-out tasting rooms filled with beer nerds and cool kids. The neighborhood’s farm-to-table restaurants offer bespoke cocktails for those looking for a nightcap, but there are also hole-in-the-wall gems that make you feel like you’ve stumbled on a secret. If you’re looking for a dancefloor, a couple of clubs offer a friendly place to try out your moves.
Late Night Bowling
Even if you’re terrible, it is a sure-fire way to get your friends laughing and having a merry time. Places to check out include the Commodore Lanes & Billiards on Granville Street and Grandview Lanes on Commercial Drive.
Vancouver Ghost Tour
If you love all things spooky, then this is the perfect paranormal night activity. They have them in Gastown, Downtown, and in New Westminster.
After Dark At Science World
This informative facility is jam-packed with interactive activities, and these are a ton of fun to enjoy with your adult friends with a bevy or two.
Enjoy Some Laughs
Vancouver hosts a myriad of fantastic local and international jokesters all year round. If you aren’t able to catch a big name act, there are multiple venues that are always showing amateur talent that is sure to leave you in stitches.
VanDusen Botanical Garden
There’s nothing like a stroll through this incredible garden during a festive season. This year, VanDusen made the garden glow with pumpkins galore, and over the holiday season, it hosts thousands of people that come to see its sparkling lights. During this time they have hot coco and other festive treats available to warm you up and keep you smiling when it is chilly.
Late Night Skiing
The view from most of the local ski hills is spectacular by day, there’s something magical about a night view. Gazing out at a sea of stars over the city lights with the snow glistening all around makes for a pretty magical experience.
Go For A Night Drive
There are so many beautiful drives to take in Vancouver. The city is pure panoramic majesty, and there are plenty of viewpoints to stop at along the way. To make the affair even better, stop along the way to sample snacks from all of Vancouver’s diverse neighborhoods
Venture Into An Escape Room
There are a multitude of experiences to choose from, and some of them are pretty freaky. These activities challenge your wit and usually involve creepy actors or disturbing settings to get your heart pumping.
Whistler
Friendly and boisterous, Whistler’s nightlife is casual and fun-loving. There is no need to dress up you won’t be alone if you show up in your ski pants and boots and everything is walkable. Revelers start early, go hard, and then head home to the hot tub.
Quebec City
Quebec City is the perfect place to relax with friends or meet new people, especially when the sun goes down. After spending the day exploring the local attractions, head out to one of the city’s many bars or dance clubs to enjoy the cool drinks and great music that make up the Quebec City nightlife. While visiting Old Quebec, you should definitely stop by one of the very traditional “boites chansons”. These small lively bars feature singers and groups playing a range of Quebecois folk music. Those who are in the mood for more artistic entertainment can attend a performance at the city’s incredible theater.
Ottawa
Ottawa awakens when the sun goes down, meeting the needs of every reveler. The ByWard Market district home to local farmers, artisans, and boutique shops during the day transforms into the epicenter of the city’s nightlife. Countless bars and lounges are located within “the Market”, as well as hotspots to catch live entertainment such as Zaphod Beeblebrox and The Mercury Lounge