Fun and entertainment Canada

The name of the bar leaves no doubt: kitsch decor - without going overboard - and vintage, extravagant rum-based cocktails and Polynesian-inspired cuisine revisited are here to be found. No need to fly south to feel out of place, the atmosphere there will do the job! Originally located in Little Italy, the bar has moved to a hidden room in the Idole bar. It regularly hosts theme evenings and special events. Optional Hawaiian shirt, or not!

A small cousin of the Dominion Square Tavern and the Balsam Inn, this beautiful two-story neighborhood bar offers a slate focused on privately imported wines, many of which are natural and organic, and house cocktails, as well as a few beers from Quebec microbreweries. A gourmet menu inspired by Portugal is also offered with, among others, fresh oysters, roasted octopus, cod brandade, batata au gratin, Portuguese sandwiches... without forgetting the famous pasteis de nata. A place to discover for a gourmet happy hour.

A nice café, not far from the waterfront, Tamp Coffee offers a nice selection of hot drinks and clever mixes for coffee cocktails. If dairy products are not your cup of tea, it is possible to have your drink with almond or soy milk. Small pastries, pastries and sandwiches are also on the menu. You can sit by the windows and watch the people go by in this trendy part of Burlington. Another location on Brant Street.

Wondering where the locals can go in such a touristic place? Here is your answer. This microbrewery, located in an old church, offers a friendly, rather young and relaxed atmosphere. The kitchen is installed on the altar, the church benches have been requisitioned, the barrels are wedged under the large stained glass windows. But not everything is only in the decor: Silversmith also wins awards for its superb selection of homemade beers.

Clearly our new favorite place in town to enjoy a good craft beer, Counterpart Brewing is a refreshing new addition. Open since 2019, this microbrewery, set back from the hustle and bustle of Niagara Falls, concocts tasty nectars with a clear penchant for IPAs. You can accompany it all with a gourmet dish with generous portions such as a fried chicken sandwich, grilled fish tacos or one of the daily specials. Bonus: there's a store on site where you can take home hop souvenirs.

Located in the heart of James Street, where the city's best addresses are located, the Merit microbrewery is worth a visit. We like the tasting room with its large wooden tables that we share with the other guests. In the glass, house nectars that go from Imperial Stout brewed with Ethiopian coffee from the Detour Coffee roaster to the cold hopped Saison brewed with orange peels and Indian coriander. It is accompanied by a tasty dish such as mac & cheese or homemade sausages.

Tucked away in the British Empire Building (late 19th century), Tommy Café wows anyone who sets foot inside. A beautiful historical stamp with mouldings galore, huge windows and an impressive ceiling height, different levels, nooks and crannies, greenery, mismatched chairs, carefully chosen objects... The result is superb! Both a café and a bar, it is as much an address for early risers in search of caffeine and a good croissant as for colleagues who want to have a drink after work.

The team behind this micro-torreactor strives to source its supplies from the source by visiting one of its producers every year. It also carries out private imports and collaborates with cooperatives in different coffee-growing regions of the world. The criteria are simple: no pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and a fair wage for the producers. The nectars can be discovered in one of the Saint-Henri cafés, via the online shop or in one of the many points of sale. Courses are also offered to the general public.

On the banks of the Lachine Canal, an unattractive vacant site has given way to this open-air bar adjacent to the Canada Malting silos. On site, there is an ice cream food truck as well as Café Malté offering cold brew nitro coffees, homemade iced tea and all the typical classics of a^3rd wave type café. You can also grab a bite to eat (pizza, salmon tartar, etc.) and have a drink. A lot of parties with DJ, musical shows and other festive events are organized there. A top address!

Born as a street truck, this popular micro-torreactor now has three branches. The emphasis is definitely on coffee and everything related to it in this uncluttered premises. Here, everything from the bean to your cup is done responsibly and fairly, and the team is happy to discuss and even demonstrate. Bags of coffee beans or ground coffee are also available for home use. The place also serves all sorts of goodies to get you in the mood.

When you enter, you'd think you were in a plant store; that's normal, that's the case. In addition to being for sale, the numerous plants create a particularly cosy atmosphere in this hybrid place. Bachata classes, openings, live model classes or open-mic nights, the events follow one another. The rest of the time, it's simply a café where it's always pleasant to come and rest. And on Sundays it's brunch day, with music please! A jazz concert is played for the occasion, in the middle of the plants...

A mecca for song, it's known for its Festival en chanson, held every summer. Renowned for its incomparable hospitality, it was supported by some of the biggest names in song when the building burned down in 2017. Pending its planned reopening in 2025, the performing arts have taken up temporary residence in a marquee set up for the cause, as well as in other local venues. We can't wait to see the new installations for the 2025 season!

Who would have thought that a band of Quebec acrobats playing stilts in Baie-Saint-Paul would end up creating the Cirque du Soleil in Montreal, revolutionizing the codes of the traditional circus? From success to success, from colourful acrobatics to technical prowess, the troupe is today one of the oldest representatives of the modern circus. While its creations, ever more beautiful and crazy, enchant audiences all over the world, the Cirque has not forgotten its origins and presents at least one show in the city every year.

You'll probably hear about it before you get there. It's THE spot in Tremblant for après-ski and partying. A typical mountain decor and atmosphere, five bar counters, a dance floor, a beautiful terrace... What more could you ask for? They also serve several appetizers as well as gourmet dishes and even a menu specially designed for the youngest. Add to that musical shows, parties and the famous Caribou Cup, and you'll understand why the place is always busy.

The café, opened in 2022, has already undoubtedly its place in the neighborhood. The retro decoration is composed with second hand furniture. The atmosphere is soft and warm. The menu presents many creations to drink as varied as original such as the coconut coffee or even the mango coffee. The sweet snacks are unfortunately not made on the spot but they come from Montreal pastry shops and bakeries. You can spend a pleasant moment in one of the sofas, surrounded by plants and antiques.

A multifunctional complex, it features a 10,000-seat amphitheatre for a variety of shows, concerts and events, a National Hockey League-standard training rink (home to the Montreal Canadiens' training club, the Laval Rocket), and an Olympic-size rink for disciplines such as short-track speed skating, figure skating and synchronized skating. Time slots are also reserved for the general public for skating and field hockey (by reservation).

The ambition of Dave Longbottom, owner of this microbrewery open since 2017, is to share his experience as a great traveler and beer lover. In this former garage converted into a bar, he offers a nice variety of house beers such as his Northeast IPA, his dry-hopped sour beer or his Imperial Stout (a store corner allows you to fill up to take away). There is also a gourmet menu with perogies, duck confit, pan-fried cod, etc., all topped off with delicious desserts such as the white chocolate cheesecake.

This performing arts center belongs to Queen's University. The building itself is worth a visit, the first project on Canadian soil by the renowned Norwegian architect Snøhetta in collaboration with the Ottawa firm N45. It presents different concert series ranging from symphonic ensembles to chamber music, jazz, shows for young audiences, etc. The Kingston Canadian Film Festival presents some of its programming here.

Luc "Bim" Lafontaine, former brewmaster at Dieu du Ciel in Montreal, opened his own brewery in east Toronto after spending some time in Japan. The country of the Rising Sun is the inspiration for several of the brews (green tea IPA, yuzu Saison...), while the gourmet side of things is provided by the Italian restaurant Mattachioni. The microbrewery has also developed a nice range of Czech lagers. As for the decor, it is resolutely industrial with a few nods to Japan, of course.

Probably the best place in town to taste craft beers made in Ontario. More than 20 different beers from the province are on the menu, always including at least one cask beer. You'll find little gems from Bellwoods, Bench, Blood Brothers, Godspeed, The Exchange and Wellington, among others. For those who are a little peckish, a gastro-pub type menu is offered with a nice selection of regional or homemade products. A nice address to discover!

Part grocery store, part café, part refreshment bar, the place imagined by Lara and Dimitry has become an essential landmark in the life of the neighborhood. Open non-stop, people drop in both to stock up on great local produce and to enjoy the adorable surroundings. Breakfast is served in the morning, followed by sandwiches for a quick lunch break, then hot drinks, fresh juices and sweet treats. On Fridays, Super Boogie DJ set evenings are organized where natural wines and microbrewery beers share the spotlight with the turntables.

Located just a few steps from Kensington Market, this little place is worth a visit. During the day, it's mainly for its good specialty coffees and gourmet dishes (cheese platter, sandwiches of all kinds, Tex-Mex nachos, etc.), while in the evening, the place transforms into a cocktail bar with a selection that will surely please the amateurs. Ontario craft beers and privately imported wines are also offered, to be consumed on site or to take away. Small boutique corner with gourmet products.

A proud representative of the Quebec brewing industry, Le Balthazar will appeal to beer lovers and neophytes alike. With a fine selection of hand-picked beers on tap and in bottle, it may take you a while to make up your mind. But don't worry, the team will help you discover the best Quebec has to offer, including non-alcoholic vintages. To accompany all this, the pub offers a menu of local products, with a fine selection of beer dishes.

It is a major presenter of the arts in Laval, mainly performing arts. Professional and emerging artists present comedy, music and theatre shows for all ages. The programming of the corporation's various venues also includes dance, OSL concerts, film conferences, repertory films from here and abroad, visual art, activities and shows for young audiences, etc. Its room was renovated in 2016, for an acoustic quality that is now much better.

The Orchestre symphonique de Laval was under the direction of conductor and artistic director Alain Trudel from 2006 to 2022. In place of this great maestro, several guest conductors take turns leading the various concerts. The OSL's annual program offers a true voyage to the heart of music, while respecting its duty to awaken and disseminate. It is divided into Grand Concerts, Chamber Players and the Winter Classical Festival.

The all-wooden hall can accommodate more than 2,000 spectators on several levels of balconies. Since 2021, the talented Venezuelan conductor Rafael Payare has taken over the musical direction, he offers a rich repertoire with multiple influences. Several concerts are also broadcast digitally, a low-cost alternative. The orchestra also organizes events outside of its walls, and when the weather is fine, it doesn't hesitate to take over different places in the city.

The National Monument is Canada's oldest performing arts venue. The building is now owned by the National Theatre School of Canada and hosts part of the NTS festival. The site has several performance halls (Salle Ludger-Duvernay, Studio Hydro-Québec...) and multiple spaces (the Salon rouge, the café...) for various events ranging from theatre to music, humour and dance. An exhibition space is dedicated to the presentation of photography, painting, drawing and print media practices in contemporary art.

This craft brewery in Old Rosemont brews more than fifteen beers: Czech Pilsner, Kölsh, Weizen, IPA, Porter, Imperial Stout... The slate also displays some imported brewery jewels, ciders, several whiskies and gins, wines and cocktails. For the little ones, the menu puts the emphasis on regional products. We love the impressive ceiling height, the furniture built by a local cabinetmaker and the superb custom-made painting by artist Renaud Hébert. A beautiful place where you want to put down roots!

The inhabitants of the district and the thirsty bièrophiles for novelties welcomed this first artisanal brewery of the south-east of the island, opened in 2012. On the menu were homemade beers and a fine selection of Quebec beers that changes with the seasons. The warm place also hosts various events and exhibitions. Good to know: you can find some of their beers in cans (produced all year round) and limited editions in bottles (brewed once a year).

This hop headquarters opened its doors on the site of Marguerite d'Youville's original religious congregation, the Grey Nuns. It serves a range of draught beers, all brewed on site, as well as wine and cocktails. On the food side: quesadillas, tacos, tapas and comfort food (hot-smoked salmon, crispy chicken burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, ribs with BBQ and maple sauce) or plates to share for a touch of conviviality.

Palais Royal, Théâtre des Familles, Théâtre Palais Royal, Cinéma de Paris, Cinéma Midi-Minuit, Les Folies de Paris... Many names and vocations have "brightened" this historic hall for decades. The Imperial Bell is now entirely devoted to the performing arts, whether it be music, comedy or even literary cabaret. Artists from Quebec, Canada and abroad take turns without a break. To have a drink or a bite to eat, you will find the District Saint-Joseph on site, with a small performance hall.

Québec City's new multi-purpose amphitheatre has the second-largest capacity of its kind in Quebec. It is the venue for major junior league field hockey games with the Quebec Remparts. When it comes to shows and concerts, a host of big names perform here. The Centre Vidéotron is located on the ExpoCité event site, which hosts numerous trade shows and fairs. The Grand Marché de Québec is located here, and is well worth a visit.

With its eyes riveted on the St. Lawrence and Île d'Orléans, this microbrewery is a first on the road between Quebec City and Charlevoix. On the slate, house beers and four-glass tasting palettes are available to maximize discoveries. A bistro menu is offered, ranging from nibbles to more substantial dishes such as tartes flambées, grilled sandwiches, cheese platters... A great home base in the Quebec City region!

Housed in a beautiful ancestral home, Bonté Divine is the best place in town to enjoy a coffee prepared according to the rules of the art. In addition to a full range of specialty coffees, teas, herbal teas, hot chocolates and a variety of iced drinks are also on the menu, not to mention snacks such as viennoiseries, bagels with cream cheese and croque-monsieur. Coffee accessories are also available. Bonus: Bonté Divine has three other branches, in Lévis, Montmagny and La Pocatière.

The ultimate speakeasy experience. Out of nowhere, a member of the family greets visitors and seats them in this tiny, dark room. There's no menu here. The bartender on duty asks several questions and concocts tasty cocktails, inspired by the tastes and desires of each guest. A dream place for those wishing to escape noisy happy hours, this secret bar has only a few seats and the music volume is simply perfect. In short, it's a no-brainer!

It is a French couple who opened this café which quickly became a comforting place for all the inhabitants. She is in the kitchen and he is at the counter. The homemade pastries and cookies are created according to inspiration and are always a hit. Cookies, cheesecake, scones... just like grandma's! Sandwiches and savory snacks are also prepared daily. Sit down at one of the tables in the room (or on the terrace) and you'll probably see all the regulars from the neighborhood coming in for a coffee or a chat.

Just outside the offices, this bar in Old Montreal with its clean style is full of colleagues who meet there for happy hour. They come here to drink a beer, nibble on a plate of deli meats or a plate of Quebec cheeses, just enough time to remake the world after a hard day's work. Some people go there in the evening, with friends, to drink a cocktail or a glass of wine and discuss the hours leaning at the bar or comfortably seated on a couch. A friendly and relaxed atmosphere and a cheerful service.

In Old Dublin there are nearly thirty cask beers and 200 scotches and whiskies, including some "single malt" aged around thirty years. During the day, the place is mostly frequented by business people, but in the evening, students and young professionals take over the pub to chat over a drink and a burger and listen to the music bands that play there almost every day of the week from 9.30 pm. Enjoy your meal... and cheers!

Its name reminds us of a small neighbourhood bar, but make no mistake about it, Buvette Chez Simone is at the cutting edge of fashion. This old-fashioned name appeals to the clientele of young professionals who like to get together outside the office for a friendly happy hour, a good glass of wine in hand, and a few snacks to nibble on the table. The prices are not cheap, but the atmosphere makes up for it. In the evening, the atmosphere is resolutely bistro-resto, friendly and cheerful, with plates for all tastes. In short, a neighbourhood classic to try!

Located on the second floor, Stogies welcomes a business clientele in their 30s. From the top of the terrace, you can watch the surrounding crowd come and go on a street where the main activity is relaxing in a bar from 5pm. A glassed-in room holds plenty of cigars, and the martini menu boasts no less than 101 different choices, plus an impressive selection of scotches. Customers can also bring their own cigars. Note that the prices are not inflated and are retail prices.

Located in the heart of Old Montreal, in the magnificent historic building of what was the first Stock Exchange in Canada, the Centaur Theatre has been presenting plays in English since 1969. In addition to its regular annual programming, it also hosts the Wildside Festival and children's series, among others. Classical or more contemporary plays, with a large place reserved for Quebec creations and emerging artists, Centaur Theatre entertains with a selection of innovative and contemporary works.

Founded in 1957, Les Grands Ballets has never ceased to open up new territories for dance lovers from near and far. The artistic direction of the company is oriented towards a classical repertoire with iconic and timeless shows such as The Nutcracker or Carmen, but also superb modern creations. The place also has studios where à la carte dance classes are given for all levels.

Ideally located in the heart of the Village, on lively rue Sainte-Catherine, the Olympia is a superb concert venue housed in a former 1920s theater. Daniel Bélanger, Isabelle Boulay, Ariane Moffatt, Alain Souchon, Feist, Eminem and Chilly Gonzales (to name but a few!) have performed in this multi-purpose venue with its warm acoustics, hosting performances in all styles, from comedy to music to theater. Contemporary shows in a historic venue that has retained all its character.

La Maison Théâtre is the only theatre in Montreal that specializes in shows for young audiences (children and teenagers). The works presented are classified by age group, to facilitate the selection of those that will suit a particular audience. Created in 1984, the Maison Théâtre brings together an association of nearly 30 theatre companies from all over Quebec, and keeps a watchful eye on the development of theatre for young people. It also offers other activities (parent-child workshops, meetings, etc.).

A bistro with a contemporary decor that contrasts with the more traditional establishments in the area. You can sit down at the large bar to remake the world over a good glass of wine, beer (a selection of Quebec microbrews), or a more than respectable cocktail. The ambiance has a je-ne-sais-quoi that makes you want to spend more than one evening there. The gourmet menu is well worth the detour, with platters to share, tartars and gravlax, mac & cheese and other delights. An address that perfectly illustrates the growth of the Old Rosemont district.

Spread over three floors, the Pullman welcomes its guests in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. It shares a common passion: the love of wine and all that goes with it. The wine bar offers over 400 wines on its menu, mostly available by the bottle. Enough to make wine lovers happy! To accompany your glass, the bar offers tasting platters (charcuterie, cheese, salmon gravlax, etc.), savory and sweet amuse-bouches, and bistro-style dishes.

The decoration, designed by Zebulon Robert Perron of Materia Design, gives an air of refinement and good taste in a friendly and unpretentious space. The alcohol list is well stocked, including signature cocktails, scotches, wines and bubbles. Appetizers are also available, such as duck rillettes, salmon gravlax, a plate of charcuterie (organic Charlevoix meats) or cheese (3 types of cheese). When summer arrives, its pretty back terrace, green and far from the noise of the avenue, becomes the place of predilection.

With its pleasant atmosphere, charm and enviable geographical location, Quai des Brumes has become one of the most popular entertainment bars in French-speaking Montreal. Open on the sidewalk of Saint-Denis Street, it is impossible to miss the urban wildlife that sits there without interruption. You will find a great diversity in the choice of groups coming to perform there. We are sure we will never be alone. You will also be able to enjoy excellent visual, literary, poetic or musical performances (complete online programming).

Created in 1979, this puppet theater has a long history of artistic creation behind it. The performances, mainly for young audiences, are exceptionally inventive. The creative studio is a haven for artists and independent companies who present their art in this intimate venue. Each year, a show is created that takes into account every detail of the staging.