Fun and entertainment Ontario

This brewpub in the Distillery Historic District is a must-see, especially during the summer months. One part of the building houses the brewery and pub, while the other, the Beer Hall, was added about ten years ago. It features an open kitchen (pub-style menu, brunch on weekends) and a large modern room that doubles in size with a lounge terrace in the summer. A perfect stop for an aperitif during your stroll in the neighborhood. Guided tour of the facilities available upon reservation ($10 CAN per person). Store on site.

The Beer Bistro is a trendy place where business people flock at lunchtime and at the end of the day, but it takes on a whole new look as the evening begins. As its name suggests, the house specializes in beer in all its variations, and its menu travels to the four corners of the globe. It's enough to make the connoisseur dream! And let us tell you that the staff is knowledgeable, a big plus! If you're fluent in the language of Shakespeare, take a look at the descriptions of the beers written by a connoisseur.

Open since 2012, this microbrewery has carved out a nice place for itself in the capital's brewing landscape. A large tasting room, flanked by a magnificent and enormous mural, is attached to the brewing facilities to allow guests to taste the house vintages. To top it all off, the place also offers a menu for those who are hungry, starting with all sorts of succulent meats smoked on site. Want to bring back a souvenir? The store sells the beers, but also the Beyond the Pale merchandise.

In January 2012, Mill Street Brewpub, already present in Toronto, moved to Ottawa, along the Ottawa River, in the historic Thompson-Perkins & Bronson mill mill. There are about artisanales beer on site, including special editions, only available in this branch. Visit of the brewery offered every day and shop on site.

We love this café in the lively street of Kensington, installed in a pretty turquoise house typical of the neighborhood. Quite a contrast with the Scandinavian-inspired interior. In summer, you can enjoy its beautiful terrace. In winter, its large bay window allows us to observe, in the warmth, the colorful crowd of Kensington Market. The coffees and pastries are excellent, as well as the sweets that make you want to overindulge (mention the Mardi Gras Semla). A nice little place to get away from the bustle of the neighborhood.

Definitely our best place in Windsor for coffee. Anchor sources coffee from Canadian roasters including Chance Coffee (Windsor, Ontario), Monogram and Phil & Sebastian (Calgary, Alberta). The place also concocts sweets (scones, cookies, etc.), some homemade breakfasts like the frittata, the scone-sandwich with fried egg or the vegetarian bagel, as well as on-the-go lunches (soups, salads, sandwiches, etc.), always fresh from the day. Accessories and coffees for sale on site and online.

This francophone theater center is home to four local companies that present different plays throughout the season, as well as guest companies. Music, dance and other events are part of the annual program. Since 2016, La Nouvelle Scène has been housed in new premises with, among other things, a beautiful interior garden, a 173-seat auditorium, an 80-seat auditorium and a multifunctional studio.

The Théâtre français de Toronto is a professional French-language repertory and creation theater. From comedy to contemporary creation, through classical and modern repertoire, the repertoire is vast. An eclectic company, it creates, produces and hosts theatrical productions from here and abroad. The majority of performances are held at the Berkeley Street Theatre, just outside the Distillery Historic District.

Located in the Distillery Historic District, this centre dedicated to the performing arts presents theatre, music, dance, spoken word and any emerging art form. Created by George Brown College and the Soulpepper Theatre Company (both provide a year-round stage presence), the venue is intended as a gathering place for Toronto's arts community. The ideal place to see both renowned and emerging artists.

The Mirvish Group is the owner of several major theaters in Toronto, including the CAA Theatre (651 Yonge Street), the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre (244 Victoria Street), the Princess of Wales Theatre (300 King Street West) and the Royal Alexandra Theatre (260 King Street West). Theaters and musicals include such classics as Cats, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and The Phantom of the Opera. To see the full program, visit the Mirvish Productions website.

A relaxed place, located near the St. Lawrence Market, it offers different atmospheres according to their tastes. If you like jazz, rock and folk, or blues, Indian bands come here regularly (some shows are prix fixe, others have a suggested donation). If you like craft beer, the bar has dozens of varieties on tap, many of them home-brewed. To accompany your hoppy delights, pub-style cuisine is offered with some international flavors as well. A favorite address!

It is a huge complex located on 78 hectares of land on the shores of Lake Ontario. Shows, sports events (including the Toronto FC for soccer and the Argonauts for American soccer), conventions, fairs and exhibitions are organized there all year long. There are also restaurants and the Hotel X Toronto, for example. From mid-August to the beginning of September, the Canadian National Exhibition takes place, a gigantic fair with rides, a farm, exhibitions, a casino, artistic performances of all kinds and tons of other activities.

Open for about 15 years, this coffee shop is a classic in the area, located just in front of the beautiful Trinity Bellwoods Park. The place attracts coffee lovers, of course, as the coffee is certified organic and fair trade. Its other flagship product is Greg's ice cream, available in a dozen delicious flavors. For a snack, the place prepares homemade pastries and sweets, breakfast sandwiches, empanadas and other small dishes.

This friendly café-bar in The Danforth is located on the first floor of The Only Backpacker's Inn. It's a favorite spot for travelers and locals alike to start the day off right with a tasty coffee and a sweet treat. While the atmosphere is rather quiet during the day, the place takes on a festive air in the evening. It also offers a nice selection of craft beers, as well as a few events over the weeks, including musical performances. Mention should be made of the superb back terrace.

Founded in 1947 by Jack Starr, a local entrepreneur, the place was intended to be a roast beef restaurant with occasional shows, hence the name. Over the years, the Horseshoe Tavern has become a legendary show bar, featuring rock and folk music. As you enter, you are greeted by a long wooden bar with everything you need to quench your thirst. At the back of the hall, the small stage with a space for those who want to wiggle their hips. A must-see address in Toronto!

Imagine being able to witness the creation of Niagara Falls in 4D! A highly interactive and sensory experience that will take you as far back as the Ice Age. This attraction is located in the same complex as Journey Behind the Falls. You will also find many services on site, from restaurants to souvenir stores. Niagara's Fury is part of the activities included in the Niagara Falls Wonder Pass (sold at a cost of $45 CAN). A must-see attraction in Niagara Falls!

Located in the trendy Riverside district, a few steps away from the Broadview Hotel and the good addresses of Queen East, this roaster founded in 2006 enjoys a great reputation in the Queen City. You can savour its vintages on site at its large communal tables or fill up on coffee beans or ground coffee for home or hotel use. A few options for snacking, including paninis for a lunch on the go. The location also has five other branches throughout the city, proof of its success.

Crave provides a great gourmet break with a slate of hot beverages, including coffee and tea, as well as tasty smoothies. All sorts of delicacies are spread out on the counter like bagels, pastries, muffins, scones, pastries and tutti quanti, not to mention some healthy fruit. The place also prepares waffles, available in about ten versions (try the maple and bacon version).

Sometimes we make unexpected discoveries while wandering through the city. And what a nice surprise this nice microbrewery located right next to the Broadview Hotel! We loved the Let's Go Exploring, a double IPA with pine, citrus and melon flavors, as well as the Justacuppacawfee, an oatmeal coffee stout. For any beer craze, there is a refrigerated area next to the bar where you can take home the beers you liked. You can also have a snack on the spot (mention the weekend brunch, kitchen closed on Monday).

Opening in the summer of 2019, this address stands out from the rest. Firstly, the decor: trees inside and small strings of white lights hanging that give us the impression of being on the terrace. Secondly, the prices: several cocktails at low prices without forgetting the pizzas and other nibbles. Third, the atmosphere: punk-rock music during our passage with the old episodes of the famous Canadian series Degrassi on the TV screens (nostalgia, when you hold us!). In short, we loved it!

Opened a few years ago, it is one of the best places to go out in the Danforth district. As soon as you step in, you'll know that the place is specialized with its refrigerators full of craft beers. For those who want a stronger aperitif, the house offers whiskies, bourbons, gins and the like. There is also a small food menu, with snacks, poutines, sandwiches, burgers, etc. We love the back room, which gives the impression of being on a terrace, with its large wooden tables and its string of lights on the ceiling.

From amateur brewers to professionals of the beer world, Stéphane and Shehzad are behind the beautiful project that is Bandit Brewery. Established in the heart of Roncesvalles, the microbrewery has not been empty since its opening, and for good reason. The place is beautiful, especially in summer when you can enjoy your pint in the beer garden. In the glass, beers of all styles including a sour beer with cherries and blackberries, an IPA with wildflower honey or barley wine aged in bourbon barrels. The gourmet menu is also up to the task.

Another good address in the Old East Village neighborhood is this small independent coffee shop. The place specializes inpour-over coffee, a highly fashionable trend in third-wave coffee shops, as well as espresso made with coffees from Ontario roaster Trebilcock Coffee Roasters Inc. 10Eighteen also offers homemade or artisanal food from local artisans, such as toast, breakfast sandwiches, healthy bowls, cinnamon buns, etc. Perfect for a break!

This jazz and blues club plunges you into a singular musical atmosphere, with a touch of nostalgia. Is it because of the historic district, the Flatiron Building just a stone's throw from the establishment, or is it because celebrities like Prince or Tom Jones have trodden its stage? Still, this historic club and its hushed atmosphere make it a point of honour to welcome a different group every evening. And you know what they say, when the music's good... The place also offers a menu with tapas, pizzas, sandwiches and other small dishes.

Located in the Delta Toronto Hotel, this beautiful design establishment is a whisky mecca, offering the largest selection of Canadian whiskies in Toronto. We recommend the tasting palettes, each of which is declined according to an origin or a brand, such as the palette dedicated to Nikka products. The place also concocts an array of classic and signature cocktails, and some wines and beers are on the slate. For those who are a little peckish, gourmet dishes are offered (definitely try the salted caramel and whiskey cake).

A nice little café on Queen Street that works in a social economy perspective, notably by offering tasty fair trade coffees and small gourmet dishes made with healthy and seasonal products. To accompany your latte or espresso, you can choose a pastry, a salad or a good sandwich like the Original Breakfast with fried egg, bacon, lettuce and cheese. There are also a few options for vegetarians and gluten intolerant people. Bonus: the place displays the works of local artists on its walls.

It's hard to miss the building of this microbrewery: it is covered with large murals. Art is highlighted here, even on the labels of the beers featuring indie music bands and visual artists. To discover the delicious house nectars, nothing beats a trip to the superb beer garden adjacent to the installations (several places inside as well). The place also concocts artisanal ciders, gins and rums, not to mention a second branch in Toronto to double the pleasure.

Founded in 2005, Nickel Brook has a great reputation on the Ontario brewing scene. What's more, for the past few years, the microbrewery has been experimenting with small batches for its limited editions, in addition to using bourbon and pinot noir barrels to age its beers. Its brand new tasting room offers about twenty beers in barrels, without forgetting the boutique corner where you can stock up on homemade nectars and items bearing the effigy of the microbrewery. Another branch in Etobicoke.

This microbrewery specializes in hoppy, sour and spontaneously fermented beers, not to mention barrel-aged nectars made with Niagara wines. To discover them, a tasting room is set up on site and offers the house wines as well as small and large dishes to satisfy any appetite. A beer garden and a hop field complete the picture. To top it all off, a boutique area allows you to buy your favorite beers as well as items bearing the Bench logo.

Emblematic address of the Queen City, flanked by its colorful and graffiti-filled frontage, Lee's Palace is a show bar that is really worth a visit. The place is divided into two levels, depending on whether you want to be quiet with your beer or to sway in front of the stage. Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins and Oasis have already played at Lee's. The Dance Cave, a nightclub open on Friday and Saturday and offering alternative and indie music, is also on site.

Since its creation in the early 1990s, this bar with its more than original decoration has seduced lovers of rock, retro 80's, punk, glam, metal, funk from the 70's and British pop. The front is quite, shall we say, interesting, since it is surrounded by bicycle carcasses and other scrap metal of unknown origin. Impossible to pass by without noticing her! The interior is in the same tone, garage atmosphere. A sign of good health, the bar is crowded, and people are elbowing each other to order their beer. Nice evening entertainment program.

Located in the heart of the trendy Yorkville district, Hemingway's New Zealand bar is the ideal place to have a good time. The four terraces in the summer are very popular with regulars who come to relax with friends or couples. Open for more than 40 years, it is a true institution in Toronto. Bonus: shows, quiz nights and sports games on giant screens. Don't miss: the celebrations of the national holidays of Australia and New Zealand as well as St. Patrick's Day.

Located in an alley, one could easily pass by the brewery without seeing it. We thank the poster put on Greenwood which indicates us the way! The place reminds us of the American breweries with its tasting room installed a few steps from the tanks. Knowing that the brewery enjoys a good reputation, we wanted to taste everything. We liked the Greenwood IPA with its juicy flavours, as well as the Squeeze Play Bumbleberry, a sour beer with field fruits, and the If You Hear Any Noise, a sour beer with a black forest cake taste.

This is one of our favorite breweries, a must in Barrie. First of all, because we love their beers, then to savor their vintages in the tasting room and to stock up on souvenirs in the store, liquid or not. Free guided tours are offered several times a day on weekends (1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.) and will take you from the brewhouse to the bottling plant. We thank the team for the VIP visit outside the visiting hours!

A tiny place too cute with its tapestries and retro frames, or with its mismatched chairs in the room next to the main bar. Eulalie's Corner Store is an address to discover if you like craft beer and cocktails. The selection may not be exhaustive, but it is perfect for a drink with friends. The food is also worth a visit, offering the fried chicken sandwich, the grilled vegetable wrap, the American Southwestern burger or the mac & cheese with fried Brussels sprouts.

When the mercury rises, a seasonal bar sets up shop in the hidden courtyard of the Museum of Fine Arts. For a drink with friends or loved ones, this is clearly the place to go! The bar is also known for its gourmet menu including poke bowls, oysters, charcuterie boards, tartars and delicious pizzas. Bonus: live entertainment and two other bars, Tavern on the Falls (Ottawa River Falls) and Tavern on the Hill (Major's Hill Park).

The Ministry of Coffee and Social Affairs is a trendy coffee shop in the Hintonburg neighborhood that is also trendy. It's one of those beautiful industrial-chic places that many other coffee shops are adopting. Its coffees are sourced from the best roasters in the area, the country and even around the world. We also love its hot chocolate with Nutella... a delight! Three other locations in Ottawa and two affiliated locations in Qatar.

Open since early January 2020, this trendy address stands in drastic contrast to the Chinatown businesses around, Spark Beer is a small craft brewery that loves hops and surette, but not only. To accompany our pint, the house offers tasty pizzas prepared with regional products like cheeses from St. Albert or sausages from Valley Sausage Co. In addition, there is a program of events such as the Happy Hour Drag, vinyl nights, etc. An address often crowded with people, that's a good sign!

Occupying the former premises of a South-East Asian grocery store (we are here in the heart of Chinatown), Corner Peach is a trendy spot to have a drink and eat well. At noon, they serve small gourmet plates, before giving way to the bar in the middle of the afternoon with some snacks on the slate. In the evening, one comes here to have a drink or to savor a delicious local cuisine. You should also discover its gourmet store that sells homemade products such as sauces, dips, prepared dishes, sweets, etc.

If beer is not your cup of tea, you'll have to pass. Otherwise, you're in heaven. While there are about 20 beers available at the pumps, the majority of which are from Ontario, the bottle menu is quite impressive. The beers are classified by style, including an amazing selection of lambics. If you don't find what you're looking for here, there's no way around it. In addition, there is a very nice selection of natural wines and a menu that includes cheeses and charcuterie and seasonal dishes that are reminiscent of Mediterranean cuisine.

Two friends with a passion for coffee started this micro-coffee shop in the Glebe district where the first branch is still located (801 Bank Street). There, as in their downtown location, everything is centered around coffee, its origin, its quality but also the respect of its small producers. In a pretty white and uncluttered room, you can choose to taste your coffee immediately or buy it in beans or ground for home. Several sweets are also available to accompany your coffee.

It is in a pretty historical building that the small brewery Gan Brewing Company has settled. The interior, just as warm, gives the air of a mountain chalet. Adjacent to the brewing facilities, the tasting room allows you to discover the house vintages. At the time of writing, nearly a dozen beers were available in cans (Lager, American Pale Ale, IPA, Stout, etc.), but other beers are added to the slate according to the seasons and experiments. A nice stop in the heart of the village!