Fun and entertainment Toronto

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.

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.

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!

When you set foot inside, you feel like you're in a beer garden, with large wooden tables and small white lights hanging from the ceiling. Actually, that's pretty much the concept. In this spirit, it is not surprising to see the long list of beers from Canada, the United States and Europe. And, of course, a nice selection of homemade sausages is on the slate for both small and large appetites (vegetarian options available). A nice place to go out, which we recommend

Oenophiles have found their address in town! In this cozy little bar-resto, the wooden shelves showcase a fine selection of wines, from Tuscany to small European producers. The kitchen offers a few dishes, such as raw kanpachi (lime) fish, that pair perfectly with the tasty elixirs. All wines are selected with love and are available by the glass. A big plus, which allows to vary the pleasures, without ruining oneself.

Named after the famous fake jazzman, played by Sean Penn in Agreements and Disagreements, The Emmet Ray is a place for jazz and whiskey enthusiasts. On the menu: a selection of 230 bottles. It must be said that the owner knows all about it. The whiskies come from all over the world. To satisfy a small hunger, try the famous Ray Reuben sandwich, a real delight. Whether it's in the lounge, near the big glass window overlooking the street, or in the small back room, where the different bands play, it feels like home.

Mostly frequented by a student population, a few meters from Cabana Pool Bar (same owners), Rebel is spread over a huge space with a stage more than 20 meters long. Facing Lake Ontario, with a view on the skyline, here we saw things in a big way: performances, real sound and light shows, video projections... To see it, it's here. Music: Top 40, hip-hop, R&B, Soca, live shows. Check the website for the evening's schedule and ticket prices (if applicable).

What was Uniun until 2018 has made way for the Toybox club, run by the same team behind Rebel, Cabana Pool Bar and Cube Nightclub. Housed in an incredible space, where state-of-the-art technology aesthetically blends with industrial architecture, you'll see great art in terms of visual projections and move to the beat of the sound of a state-of-the-art multi-dimensional system. Alternating between local and international DJs, the nightclub is, at the time of writing, a "place to be" in Toronto.

This vast cultural center is located directly on the waterfront of Toronto. The venue hosts music, dance and theater performances. You will not fail to notice its immense glass surface, a work of art entitled Waterglass and created by Canadian artist Sarah Hall. Harbourfront Centre is home to several performance venues such as the Fleck Dance Theatre and the Harbourfront Centre Theatre, as well as art galleries (including The Power Plant) and even restaurants.

Founded in 1970, the theatre's mission is to promote exclusively Canadian works, which has made it a highly coveted base camp for Canadian artists over the past 50 years. It is also an ideal place for emerging Canadians to present original, high-quality pieces. Trying to valorize emerging and different paths, here is a nice address to make discoveries. Mention of the two buildings that house the theatre, which are part of the city's heritage.

This is the club in Toronto to sway to the rhythm of world music. Latino, salsa, bachata, reggae, jazz, etc. all styles are represented and the atmosphere is really joyful. It must be said that live musicians - not to mention DJs - are often in charge of the musical entertainment. Lula Lounge also offers a dinner show on Fridays and Saturdays as well as an à la carte menu for lunch and dinner at its Havana Lounge (three restaurants in a pop-up formula). An address that contrasts sharply with the atmosphere of the downtown clubs.

Coda is THE place to listen to house music at full throttle, but also to the Top 40, techno (the place received the big names of Detroit techno in December 2019!) and other EDM-type music. The club regularly displays a beautiful program of internationally recognized artists. For those who don't like to be glued together too tightly, be aware that the dance floor is huge and leaves plenty of room to breathe. Consult the website for the evening program and ticket prices (if applicable).

The formula is simple: take a bunch of friends, a passion for food, wine and beer and you get Boxcar Social, one of Toronto's trendy coffee bars. This Riverside location, just before Leslieville, is the second spot opened by the trendy little company. You'll find a nice selection of draught beers, as well as a beautiful wine rack, which has replaced the books in this former bookstore. Beautiful design and a love of doing things right are ingredients that work quite well. Other locations in Toronto.

One of The Annex's best craft beer spots, Crafty Coyote offers a great selection of beers, mostly from Ontario microbreweries, on draft or in cans, as well as house beers, ciders and a slate of gourmet dishes. The latter is in the style of pub food, offering burgers, fish & chips, grilled meats, poutine and deli meats with sides. Without a doubt, a very popular place in the neighborhood. To be discovered!

Tallboy's claims it has one of the largest selections of Ontario beers. And we have to admit, that alone would be enough to convince us to pay a visit. But that's not all. The bar is located in the rapidly changing Koreatown neighbourhood, which the owners make a point of celebrating. Try their great Koreatown-style burger and follow the advice of these beer enthusiasts.

Lost And Found is a trendy address focused on top 40 music and hip-hop. The population is mainly made up of hipsters and young professionals, reflecting the image of the neighbourhood. If you don't want to stand in line for hours, we suggest you register on the guest list. Please note that before midnight, admission is always free for ladies, and for gentlemen, admission is reduced to $10 CAN. Consult the website for the evening program and ticket prices (if applicable).

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.

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.

Located in Yorkville, the chic Windsor Arms Hotel has been offering the famous afternoon tea ritual for almost a century. A true gourmet tradition, it offers a superb selection of teas, including fair trade and/or organic, but also infusions, cocktails and even decaffeinated teas. As far as delicacies are concerned, the great classics are on the menu: tasty scones, home-made pastries, small sandwiches, etc. And what about the two superb rooms where you can enjoy everything!

If you have to elbow your way through the small space, you'll soon be compensated by the excellent atmosphere and, above all, by the menu of craft beers (scotch and whisky lovers will also be pleased). More than twenty beers on tap are offered, most of them from Ontario. The menu also includes a nice selection of bottled beers, including several private imports. On the plate, there are snacks, dishes to share and flavours from around the world, not to mention the oysters at $1 CAN on Monday and Tuesday.

A family-owned and operated nanobrewery since 1985, Volo is one of the pioneers of Toronto's craft brewing scene (St. Nicholas Street). It is joined by Birreria Volo in the Little Italy neighborhood. Nearly 30 beers are on tap, mostly from Ontario. But its big asset is its beer cellar called Cantina where you can find many great beers from Europe (Belgium) and the United States in private importation. On the food side, the house serves a variety of small dishes inspired by Italy.

Get Well specializes in Ontario craft beers, with about 15 types on tap, not to mention a menu of bottled beers with North American and European vintages. We would like to say that the list of bottles is really long and well stocked, despite a few vintages from large industrial breweries that we could have done without. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a vintage decor and a section of old arcades that will please the nostalgic. Mention should also be made of the succulent homemade pizzas.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.