Fun and entertainment Canada

They appreciate the blues and the ragtime.

The little brother of Roy Thomson Hall, Massey Hall presents high-quality musical performances. But after more than a century of existence and thousands of performances, the hall undertook a huge restoration project in the summer of 2018. And the task was daunting, affecting everything from the seating to the 100-plus stained glass windows to the restoration of the Art Deco-style lobby. The reopening took place with great fanfare in November 2021. Also to be discovered on site: the TD Music Hall, a new, more intimate performance hall located on the^4th floor.

Located in Eaton's Centre, Mr. GreenJeans is a reference in Toronto since its opening in 1975. An ideal place to meet friends and relax while sipping its favourite cocktail or enjoying one of the many beers in this bar.

Black Eagle is a dark bar that does not make lace. If you are connected leather, uniform, SM and all tralala, you are necessarily at the right address. Located on 2 floors, it has a terrace open even in the winter. In the corners, televisions broadcast porn videos, history to put you in the mood. Special "Black Eagle" dress required on Friday and Saturday. To learn more about the "leather" community in Toronto, go surfing at www.mrlt.com

Located in the trendy area of Small Italy, this bar attracts B.C.B.G. of Toronto. The atmosphere is pleasant, but the prices of the cocktails are quite high. Careful attire is required. Otherwise you will not feel in your place.

The Velvet Underground, the legendary former industrial music club on Queen Street West, closed its doors for a while before reopening with great fanfare in February 2016. In its new, beautiful premises, still in the same location, the emphasis is now on live concerts and DJ performances. So no more clubbing parties! The Velvet Undergound therefore offers an eclectic programming around current music, whatever the musical style. Very nice place for independent music.

We love this coffee shop located not far from Danforth Avenue. We love the look of the place with some retro items, the kindness of the employees and, especially, the coffee that is prepared with love thanks to the La Pavoni machine, a guarantee of quality. To accompany your espresso or cortado, the team concocts homemade delicacies such as scones, muffins, pastries, cookies, etc. To top it off, the coffee shop has a penchant for the visual arts and organizes discussions with artists in addition to displaying works of art on its walls.

If you're a lover of the pleasures of Bacchus, here's an address that will appeal to you, or rather two, as the wine bar has a branch on Geary Avenue. In both cases, you can enjoy excellent wines, including house wines, as Paradise Grapevine finally has its own facility on Geary. To accompany your drink, the Bloor Street location offers snacks, while the other offers a gourmet menu. For those who aren't too wine savvy, craft beers, ciders, seltzers and more are also on the slate.

Located in the Davenport district, off the beaten path, this microbrewery piqued our curiosity. We had heard a lot about it and we did not regret our visit. It occupies the premises of a century old barn that has been completely renovated. As for the beers, about twenty are proposed on cask, from sour beers to hoppy IPAs, including Lagers and Stouts. If the house vintages are delicious, wait until you taste the gourmet cuisine of Beast (the aromas are incredible). An address to discover!

Reyna on King is first and foremost a cocktail bar and a gourmet spot serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes. It's a daytime hangout, while in the evening, the lights are dimmed, the cocktails flow, the snacks are shared, and the 1990s hip-hop music sets the mood. If the menu is tempting during the day or at night, we recommend the brunch experience with its grilled cheese with lamb shank or its salmon tasting board. To discover: its little sister, Bar Reyna, located in the Yorkville district.

Located a stone's throw from its big brother, the French restaurant Pompette, this Little Italy bar specializes in signature cocktails, with an experienced mixologist at the helm. And these include several ingredients that smell of France, such as cognac from the House of Courvoisier or truffles from the Périgord. On sunny days, we recommend the Nitro Colada cocktail, a rather tasty version of the famous Pina Colada. There is also a nice selection of wines, not forgetting the small gourmet dishes, to share or not.

Located in the heart of the Entertainment District, this location brings together three specialties under one roof. It offers coffee from local roasters, a selection of oysters that changes every day it's open and the largest collection of bubbles in the city. Chef Olivia Seymour prepares succulent gourmet dishes that pair perfectly with the liquor menu: caviar, cheese and charcuterie, tuna tartar, beef carpaccio, fried chicken and more. Mention should also be made of the refined and chic decor and of the secret restaurant, À Toi.

Craft beer lovers, you won't be disappointed here! The place claims to have the largest selection in the province, with some 160 beers on tap. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy it all in the 250 seat beer garden! Otherwise the place is gigantic, spread over two floors, and attracts crowds at all hours, especially during Happy Hours. You can also have a good meal with an international menu (tacos, poke bowls, Korean fried chicken, burgers, etc.). Other branches in the country.

Open since summer 2022, this cocktail bar is THE new trendy spot in Yorkville to have a drink in an incredible decor evoking the Mid-century style, all signed by designer Lisa Ho. The cocktail list is broken down into categories including martinis, bubbles, vintage reserves, classics and more. The quality is there, as is the luxury if we judge by the Sazerac cocktail which also includes a portion of caviar. At the bar, the atmosphere is relaxed and subdued, and in the lounge, you can sway to the sound of the DJ.

Opened in 2015 in the Bloordale Village neighborhood, Burdock Microbrewery draws its inspiration from refreshing beers, whether they're Pale Ale, Sour (sour), Saison or German Lager, for example. It also produces Grape Ales, one of its specialties, which is a fusion between beer and wine, like its Lees aged with the lees of Chardonnay. We also recommend trying the house cuisine, which includes snacks (oysters, cheeses, cold cuts, etc.), burgers and seasonal dishes. Brunch on weekends.

Established in the Little Portugal neighborhood, Cry Baby Gallery is a standout address in Toronto, uniting the arts with cocktails. Indeed, when you step inside, the front room is an art gallery with exhibitions that change over the weeks and months (see Instagram page for programming). In the back, behind a thick curtain, is the hidden speakeasy-style bar. Hyper-subdued atmosphere, industrial chic look and nice choice of signature cocktails to chill out between two exhibitions.

In the Corktown neighborhood, there's an address that's worth a visit, opened by two friends with a passion for coffee, cocktails and good food. And that's what Henrietta Lane is all about: coffee by day, cocktails by night and tasty snacks for those little munchies. The menu also includes craft beers (very nice selection), seltzers, ciders, wines (by the glass or by the bottle) and tutti quanti. A small food menu accompanies the whole without forgetting the corner provisions to bring back at home all kinds of greedy products and alcohols.

Located in the Entertainment District, this address unites coffee, wine and good food in one place. A gourmet menu with Italian accents is offered on weekdays from 11am (2pm on weekends), and the weekend brunch is in the same vein with its frittata of the day or its Italian-style French toast. If in the morning you come to enjoy an espresso prepared according to the rules of the art, in the evening you can opt for one of the excellent wines served by the glass or by the bottle. Bonus: the place also has a bottega where you can buy fine products and wine to take away.

Open since 2007 on the shores of Lake Ontario, BMO Field is the official home of the Argonauts American football team, a member in good standing of the Canadian Football League. This is also the home of the professional soccer team, Toronto FC, a member of Major League Soccer. Namely, the venue is only open during the seasons of each of these two teams (March to October for soccer, June to November for football), plus pre-season games and championships after the regular season.

The originality of this sports complex lies in its fully retractable roof (the operation takes 20 minutes and costs a few hundred dollars). The Rogers Centre is the home of the local baseball team, the Blue Jays. In fact, from some of the rooms at the Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel and from the Sportsnet Grill restaurant, you will have a breathtaking view of the ballpark. The hotel also hosts a variety of shows and events. For shows and events, visit Live Nation.

Formerly the Air Canada Centre, this large complex, with a maximum capacity of nearly 20,000, hosts many major shows. From music to youth shows to ice prowess, there is something for everyone. Scotiabank Arena is also well known as the home of the Maple Leafs (NHL professional field hockey players), the Raptors (NBA professional basketball players) and the Rocks (lacrosse, members of the National Lacrosse League). Stores and restaurants on site.

A historic address in the Griffintown area, a neighbourhood that has been on the rise in recent years. This concert hall is already the darling of big names in international electronic music. It has been ranked on a number of occasions as one of the best clubs in the country according to DJ Mag, a renowned British monthly magazine in the field. The sound equipment is at the cutting edge of technology and the atmosphere is in full swing as soon as the doors open. Here, fans of this musical genre will not be disappointed!

Open since the end of 2017, this microbrewery attracts crowds in a decor reminiscent of the tropical atmosphere of the islands: pastel colors, green plants everywhere (up to the ceiling), wallpaper with palm trees.... In the glass, for example, a Berliner Weisse with raspberries and cherries, a juicy NEIPA, a well-malted Porter or a gin barrel-aged Pale Ale. On the plate, gourmet dishes, many with international inspiration. Cheers!

It's a Mecca for scotch, rare scotch that can fetch upwards of CAN$100 a glass. But lovers of a sweeter malt are not left out, and have only to choose from the selection of cask ales. The pub also offers a wide selection of gins. If you want to take it easy on a sunny afternoon and enjoy the trendy decor with your favorite alcoholic beverage in hand, L'Île Noire really is the ideal destination. For the evenings, you'll need to arrive early and hold on to your chair, or be prepared to elbow your way to a seat.

Putting a café in a laundromat, that's what we call combining business with pleasure! One of the few laundromats in the neighborhood, and not just any laundromat. While your laundry is spinning in one of the self-service machines, you can enjoy a delicious coffee with a carefully selected blend or a dish made by the Italian chef. Every day, the room is scented with fresh market produce, so it doesn't smell so much like a laundry room. The big plus: the garden in summer, and you don't need to have laundry to come!

The all-graffiti sign is both intriguing and vaguely scary. The atmosphere is electric and friendly, and the live concerts energetic (check the website for the program and the theme nights). Well-known place of the punk-rock scene, the bar is frequented by a rather young population. A classic place to party until late (3am-4am, which is rare in Toronto!) and listen to good "indie" sound. Sneaky Dee's also serves a tex-mex cuisine as copious as cheap.

Slowly, the small room fills up, giving the place a comfortable warmth, conducive to reflection and boiling brains. On stage, the actors take possession of original texts by authors from here and elsewhere, developing a singular aesthetic. The audience is invited to discuss their impressions with the authors. Also, for over 35 years, the theatre has programmed General Auditions for new artists who have the chance to be seen and heard by the cultural community.

A veritable salsa institution in Montreal for over 30 years. Whether you're in the first Steps of Latin or professional dance in this area, each of them uses its charms in this cruising bar. Needless to say, you do not need a partner: you will find several on site. Many mirrors, neon lights and illuminated dance floor: It's almost like the decor of Saturday Night Fever. DJs and orchestras book the evenings. An crowded dance trail, an buzzing atmosphere: perfect to get out between friends and celebrate!

A few years ago, Barraca got a facelift, from a more vibrant decor to a new façade, a tropical-looking backyard and a new logo on the outside. In the glass and on the plate, more change. While the rums are still the big star of the place, the cocktail station (many of them tiki style) is just as popular. To accompany your drink, cod acras, tacos or Cuban sandwiches will satisfy your appetite, many of which are also offered in a sharing format.

We no longer present this veritable cocktail laboratory, which now has four addresses. Here, everyone will find what they are looking for. The list is long, but the staff will be happy to guide the choices, according to each person's tastes and mood. Let's mention the Hurricane, a blend of Bacardi Superior rum, passion fruit purée, lime juice, demerara syrup, homemade grenadine and orange juice... delicious! For those with a thirst, cocktails can be served in a Mason jar to double the pleasure. A convivial and well appreciated place!

The show starts even before the performance begins. The decorative elements that adorn the beautiful hall are reminiscent of the great mythical texts presented by this theatre and are references to the classical repertoire. Under the spotlight, the actors play works by Dumas, Goldoni or Molière. The theatre also houses the Fred-Barry Hall, which is dedicated to more contemporary and emerging plays. A place to discover, why not after a meal in one of the good addresses of this less touristic area.

First a fire station, then home to the Carbone 14 dance troupe, then the Omnibus company, Espace Libre is now occupied by the Joe Jack and John company and the Nouveau Théâtre Expérimental. The place has a hall for large scale shows and smaller rooms, ideal for more intimate evenings of public reading, poetry, small theatre productions or workshops. The Espace Libre is also at the origin of the Comité spectateurs-trice-s project, which aims to introduce selected citizens to the theatre each year.

Since the closing of the Institut des Jeunes and the École des beaux-arts, the center wishes more than ever to assert its role as an artistic presenter, by offering theater, music and film performances, as well as cultural and artistic events for the community. The center is very involved in the transmission of knowledge to the young (and not so young) by offering courses in theater, dance, music, circus and Jewish arts

A multidisciplinary presenter of professional contemporary art, it presents original creations in dance, music, theatre (in French and English), visual and media arts. As the only venue in Montreal to offer such a diverse program, MAI is committed to a mission that promotes intercultural exchange and dialogue in the arts community. Also on the program: post-show discussions, workshops, guided tours of exhibitions, animated events, etc.

A cozy yet relaxed atmosphere where jazz resonates and explores new territories. It goes without saying that the place is very popular during the International Jazz Festival in the summer, but also throughout the year with its amazing program. The kitchen serves decadent burgers, grilled meats and other gourmet dishes. The ideal address for a pleasant evening of music and to discover new and renowned artists.

For over 45 years, the Ligue Nationale d'Improvisation has been an integral part of Quebec's theatrical universe. Every year, the Charade Cup hosts improv matches on a miniature field hockey rink (without ice). The original LNI concept is still as successful as ever, although other forms of play are constantly being proposed. The latest concept is L'Usine de théâtre potentiel, where the spectator chooses the constraints via an interactive platform.

This mythical theatre in the South-West district, inaugurated in 1912, is a historical jewel. Very popular until the 1960s, then threatened with demolition, it has been once again at the heart of artistic life in this district in full transformation. It welcomes musicians-composers-performers, musical groups of all genres, multidisciplinary shows and artists in residence from here and abroad. The programming is quite specialized. Special and private events are also organized there.

Located in the chic neighbourhood of Outremont, the theatre has welcomed within its walls renowned artists such as Félix Leclerc, Paul Piché, Beau Dommage and Diane Dufresne. A launching pad for many singers and a mecca for repertory films in the 1970s and 1980s, the theatre had to close in the late 1980s, before reopening its beautiful doors in 2001. The venue is dedicated to song, music, comedy, theatre and film, among other things. A great idea for a night out, after a drink or a meal in one of the fine restaurants in the area

Housed in the InterContinental Montreal Hotel, this lovely absinthe bar is named after Sarah Bernhardt, Queen of French Tragedy, who gave a memorable performance here in 1880. More than 140 years later, this woman is immortalized here. Absinthe reigns supreme here. For those who will not be tempted by the "green fairy", other cocktails are on the menu, to be accompanied by a selection of Provençal bites finely prepared on the premises. An address to discover for a drink at the end of the day.

Ideally located on the banks of the Lachine Canal, this brand new microbrewery offers a very pleasant setting to spend a good evening with friends. Although the kitsch decoration may not be to everyone's taste, the real asset of this bar is in the relaxed atmosphere that reigns there. And the numerous self-service games are not for nothing. Ping-pong tables, table soccer, arcade games, air field hockey or even board games, the place was created for the children in us to have fun freely. Well, kids who drink (good) beer anyway...

Opened a few years ago just above its big brother, the Khao San Road Thai restaurant, Bang Sue Bar specializes in cocktails and craft beer (mostly from Ontario). It also serves Thai and Asian-inspired snacks like fish balls with yellow curry sauce and fried chicken with sriracha hot sauce. Oysters are also featured on the slate on a regular basis. Mention should be made of the décor with its colorful lighting and the large mural by artist Jimmy Chiale. An address to discover!

If you want to have a drink away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist industry and meet some locals, this is the place to come! All wood and brick, with a vintage touch here and there, this little place is pretty cool and quiet when it opens before getting crowded later in the evening during live shows. We tasted craft beers and house cocktails, all to the sound of an excellent local band that made us stay up late... A huge favorite for this new address off the beaten track!