Toronto Nightlife - 17 Amazing Things to Do After Dark

The next time you’re looking for things to do in Toronto at night, why not embark on one of these adventures at dusk?

Our neighbors to the North may be best known for ice hockey, poutine, and Niagara Falls, but the international metropolis of Toronto offers epic excitement seven nights a week. From sports bars to crave-worthy craft beer, the Six is overflowing with after-dark activities. Follow along to discover the best of Toronto nightlife.

Whether you are looking for a sweaty night of live music and cheap cocktails on Queen Street West or want to soak in spellbinding CN Tower views, nightlife in Toronto is unbeatable.

Dine like medieval royalty or brace for some belly laughs at Second City Toronto. No matter if you are on the hunt for culture, sports, or some family-friendly fun, this Canadian mecca is all ‘aboot’ that evening entertainment.

Toronto Hotels

Ready to make your mark on Toronto, Canada nightlife? Before you hit up the neon lit dance floors or watch tropical fish swim languidly by, you’ll need to secure some superior Toronto lodgings. Make the most of your time in Hogtown when you extend your stay and book any of our top-tier Toronto Hotels.

Relax and recharge with luxury amenities, flat-screen TVs, and indoor heated pools in North York, or stay just a short drive from the show-stopping Niagara Falls. As always, make your reservation worry-free, knowing you are guaranteed our lowest rates online.

Nightlife in Toronto Canada

After a day of spotting dinosaurs at the ROM and exploring the beaches of Lake Ontario, it’s time to paint the town red! Jam out to Aerosmith at the Scotiabank Arena, or make it rain in a King West club. Wherever the wee hours of the evening take you, Toronto is always a good time.

Catch a Game or Concert at the Scotiabank Arena

Show some love to the Maple Leafs or Raptors when you catch a game at the Scotiabank Arena. One of the city’s premier entertainment and music venues, this multi-purpose arena is located in the South Core district of downtown.

In addition to watching your favorite champions take to the ice or pitching mound, the arena also boasts a swoon-worthy lineup of live music events. Try to score tickets ahead of time, and you could be blessed with concert performances by such legends as Stevie Nicks, Drake, Aerosmith, and LL Cool J.

Roy Thomson Hall

An icon of the entertainment district, Roy Thomson Hall is home to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, and the Toronto Defiant. For over 40 years, this renown venue has made a name for itself, showcasing artists of international acclaim.

Scout their website for the event’s schedule, and find yourself savoring performances by Sigor Ros or the concertos of Vivaldi.

Sample Suds at a Brewery

Do you flip over sampling the latest in sours, pilsners, ales, and IPAs? Put your beer snob knowledge to the test when you go crazy sampling the bounty of suds at Toronto’s top breweries.

Northern Maverick Brewing Co. – an elevated brewery experience complete with a 400-seat restaurant; locals and tourists alike congregate here to chow down on house-made charcuterie and truffle fries all washed down with their creamy Coffee Porter.
Amsterdam Brewhouse – Toronto’s largest waterfront craft brewery, is the perfect spot to soak in some sun thanks to its four large patios. Sip on a fruit-forward Neon Haze as you capture stunning panoramic views of the Toronto Islands.
Left Field Brewery – a baseball-themed brewery located on Toronto’s east side, Left Field has won the approval of craft beer connoisseurs with their full-flavored IPAs and easy-drinking ales.
Bandit Brewery – conveniently found on trendy Dundas West, Bandit is the ideal spot for an early evening lager or late night dry hopped IPA. Modeled after the German style of beer garden, their relaxed, airy, outdoor atmosphere always draws a crowd.

Rec Room

Show off those air hockey or skeeball skills when you combine your drinking with some old school arcade games at Rec Room. Boasting a sports bar feel but equally kid friendly, Rec Room lets gamers of all ages indulge in their competitive side.

Challenge your foe to a Ping Pong tournament or team up for a round of pool. After you’ve worked up an appetite, snag a table at Shed and devour pub favorites such as Buffalo Chicken Poutine or Philly Cheesesteak Spring Rolls.

Grab a drink on Queen Street West

Live music plus an ice-cold cocktail or beer. What could be a better pairing? Set yourself up for a night of sweaty success when you get ready to groove out at any of the best watering holes on Queen Street West.

An epicenter of hipsters, trendsetters, and charming dive bars, this neighborhood is flush with places to watch burlesque or nurse your whiskey sour.

The Painted Lady – this cheeky saloon’s mahogany bar and miniature-sized stage features a well-developed lineup of burlesque, Djs, and live music. Feeling like showing off your own singing chops? Try belting it out on their open mic night on Mondays.
Sweaty Bettys – an unpretentious and LGBTQ-friendly bar, Sweaty Betty’s cozy patio is the perfect place to knock back a pickle-back shot or groove out to the queer dance party tunes.
Lobby – switch up your PBRs for some fine dining and cocktails when you class it up at Lobby. Their enchanted atmosphere features lush hanging flora. This only further compliments their expertly prepared libations, such as the wood-smoked Fire Show or fruit-forward Sex on a Peach.

The Second City Toronto

For over 60 years, Second City has churned out some of comedy’s most beloved players. In fact, the Toronto Second City location counts both Eugene Levy and Catharine O’Hara as some of their most illustrious alums.

Swing by their training and improv center on York Street for some inspired laughs and deadpan Canuck humor. Opt for a rated R sketch comedy and revue. Or celebrate 50 years of the North of the Border laughs with the special Second City Toronto’s 50th Anniversary show.

Here chuckle hounds can LOL along to sketches created by Canadian comedy icons like Mike Myers, Catherine O’Hara, John Candy, and Colin Mochrie.

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

Calling all lords and ladies! Infuse your evening escapades with some royal flair when you dine at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. The nation’s longest-running dinner attraction provides fanfare for all ages.

Cheer on your champion as you watch knights compete in games of skill and strength. From sword fights to trained hawks, you will be in awe of this Medieval-style spectacle and feast.

Visit Ripley’s Aquarium

Ready to come face to fin with some scaly friends? Spend a night with the fishes, when you enjoy an evening at Ripley’s Aquarium. Now featuring extended hours through September. You’ll have even more opportunities to watch the mesmerizing Moon Jellies or witness a Ray Bay feeding.

Spot the prickly Porcupine Fish of Rainbow Reef. Or keep your eyes peeled for predators, when you visit the aptly named Dangerous Lagoon. Don’t forget to check the aquarium’s schedule to stay abreast on special events such as Jazz and Paint Nite.

Dine at the CN Tower

The CN Tower deserves a stop on any Toronto itinerary. However, for an unforgettable epicurean experience paired with a view, you must dine at the 360 Restaurant. This award-winning destination boasts jaw-dropping panoramas and is home to the world’s highest wine cellar.

Snag yourself a reservation, and delight in a prix fixe supper of fresh artisanal sourdough, local sunchoke, and potato soup, and seared albacore tuna. Take a break from your noshing to snap endless selfies. As the restaurant will complete a full rotation every 72 minutes.

Toronto Nightlife Clubs

Bottle service, throbbing beats, and just a splash of star power. The Queen City’s newest late-night spots will have even the most reluctant wallflowers hitting the dance floor.

Call Her Juliet – on the hunt for your Romeo? See if true love is alive and well on the dance floor when you take your best moves to Call Her Juliet. This lower-level club features sensual art, bottle service, and sizzling DJs spinning everything from top 40 hits to hip hop and afro beats.
Coda – they say variety is the spice of life. So why limit your rabble-rousing to just one genre? Known for their eclectic dance parties, Coda’s iconic neon stairs and stage have hosted a wide mix of live acts ranging from hip hop to death metal.
44 Toronto – rub elbows with the who’s who of TO when you stop by one of the 6’s most star-studded new dance clubs. Already blessed by a Drake visit. This King West hot spot lets patrons splash out with bottle service, Pink LAMBORGHINI Parade Packages, laser shows, and more.

A multi-cultural mecca just bursting with museums, festivals, and national landmarks. Tourists from all over will be in awe of the Big Smoke’s many offerings.

While visits to the CN Tower or the Hockey Hall of Fame may take up your days, come sunset, it’s time to sprinkle a little spice into your TDot plans.

Swear you’ve been transported to Bavarian Germany when you sip a creamy Imperial Stout on the Bandit Brewery patio. Or take your Friday night plans back to middle school with a visit to an adult approved arcade.

Try your hand hitting the racetrack with a VRX Car simulator. Or show off your artistic prowess when you paint aquatic creatures and enjoy a cash bar at the Aquarium.

From cheering on the Raptors to victory to a 360 degree champagne toast at the CN Tower. There’s no wrong way to enjoy Toronto night life.

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Written by Isis Maya Nissman

A New York native, Isis-Maya spent most of her professional life working in TV production until a vacation whisked her away to Central...

Nightlife in Toronto – 17 Amazing Things to Do After Dark