Top Things to do in Toronto at Night

Top Things to Do in Toronto at Night

Toronto is the capital of the famous Canadian province of Ontario and the most populous city in Canada, with an estimated population of 2,832,718. It is primarily known for its iconic skyline, gigantic skyscrapers, and remarkable landmarks. The city also houses ancient buildings and castles whose stunning architecture is praised worldwide. And let’s not forget the presence of world-class art galleries and museums that attract thousands of art enthusiasts.

If you thought this Canadian city was fantastic during the daytime, wait until after dark. As the sun goes down, the city transforms into a lively and vibrant space for nightlife enthusiasts. However, these night activities are not only limited to bars and clubs; late-night shows, theatrical performances, concerts, and sporting events are some of the few options available. You can also explore several must-visit attractions. Hence, let’s dive into these top things to do in Toronto at night.

Enjoy Nighttime Views From The CN Tower

CN Tower
Get the best panoramic nighttime views of Toronto from the CN Tower.

We start our list with the iconic CN Tower, Canada’s National Tower. This gigantic skyscraper is 553 meters tall and has 147 floors. It is the tenth-tallest free-standing structure on land and third tallest tower. Moreover, it was the world’s tallest freestanding structure from its completion from 1976 to 2009. Dubai‘s Burj Khalifa claimed the position in 2009. The CN Tower is also the center of the city’s telecommunications, serving over 17 Canadian television and FM radio stations.

Canada’s National Tower offers unobstructed views of Toronto. It looks incredibly alluring at night when buildings are covered in colorful lights. From the observation deck, you can see the twinkling lights of downtown Toronto and beyond. If you are feeling adventurous, try the Edgewalk. You will walk hands-free to the tower’s ledge with nothing but a harness securing you. Being 116 stories above Toronto is a one-of-a-kind experience and is not for faint hearts.

Wander Through The Distillery District

Distillery District
Explore the Distillery District after dark.

Are you looking for an ultimate entertainment destination in Toronto? Then, the Distillery District is where you must be. This historic district in the heart of the old downtown features brick-lined streets and many restored Victorian Industrial buildings. Part of these buildings were once used by the Gooderham and Worts Distillery, once the largest distillery in the British Empire. They have been transformed into spaces for art, shopping, and catering. These red-brick buildings embody their original Victorian architecture, stunning 21st-century design, and creativity.

The pedestrian-only Distillery District has many hip indie restaurants, cafes, bars, galleries, studios, and one-of-a-kind shops. It is lively at any time of the day. This place has over 40 boutiques where you can shop till you drop. You can also grab a quick fix or enjoy award-winning dishes in restaurants. Furthermore, this district hosts world-renowned festivals and events every other weekend. Your evening will never be dull in this vibrant neighborhood.

Visit Casa Loma After Dark

Casa Loma
Marvel at the gothic architecture of Casa Loma.

Toronto’s Casa Loma is an architectural masterpiece with decades of history. This Gothic Revival castle-style mansion was built from 1911 to 1914. Initially a private residence, it became a popular filming location and wedding venue. Furthermore, this castle’s Oak Room is the most decorated room, with Grinling Gibbbons-styled wood panels and a highly ornamented plaster ceiling. It also has five acres of gardens, a hunting lodge, and stables.

Castles often have their stories to tell, and so does Casa Loma. It is said that a mysterious woman in white haunts this historic building. Other ghost stories include sightings of a man tending to the garden in the indoor conservatory, sounds of children’s voices, and even sightings of the original owner, Sir Henry Pellatt. If you are brave, visit this mansion after dark. Or better, attend the Legends of Horror in October. You will tour the castle grounds and experience a night of terror.

Sunset Canoe Tour of the Toronto Islands

Sunset Canoe Tour of the Toronto Islands
Set for sunset sail of the Toronto Islands. (Source: Viator)
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Price: $72.23~
  • Free Cancellation

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Are you ready to enjoy a romantic sunset cruise? The Sunset Canoe Tour of the Toronto Islands is a perfect activity for those looking forward to enjoying a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. This one-hour Viator tour takes you to the Toronto Islands, a group of 15 small islands in Lake Ontario. It features sandy beaches, summer houses, clear blue skies, and a 200-year-old lighthouse. You can enjoy many water activities here, including swimming, surfing, and kayaking.

This sunset canoe tour involves paddling at sunset, with an unmatched view of the city skyline on the horizon. You will board a Voyageur Canoe at Centre Island and get a briefing about paddling in a team. You will then take off with your team and pass by some of the must-see places in the Toronto Islands. Your guide will lead you to paddle through the shelters and picturesque channels and answer any questions about canoeing or the island. This tour also offers many Instagramable photo opportunities.

Watch Toronto Maple Leafs Play At Scotiabank Arena

Scotiabank Arena
Catch games, concerts, and more events at Scotiabank Arena. (Source: Scotiabank Arena Facebook)

Are you a sports fan? Then, you know how exhilarating watching the live games is. You can catch live sporting events at Scotiabank Arena. It is the home of the Toronto Maple Leafs, a famous National Hockey League team. Knowing how much Canadians love ice hockey, you must experience it firsthand. The arena will be full of loud cheers, shouting, and enthusiastic residents.

You can catch basketball or other live events at Scotiabank Arena, even if you are not an ice hockey fan. This place is also home to the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association. In addition, it often hosts concerts, tours, video game competitions, and political conventions. You can even rent spaces for your special day, meeting, or gala inside the arena. The event team will help you execute your big day.

Visit The Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
See cuttlefish and other aquatic specimens at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada.

We are halfway through our list of the top things to do in Toronto at night, and it’s time for Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. It is open from 9 AM to 9 PM, making it a perfect evening destination. You can take your kids to visit thousands of awe-inspiring aquatic animals. This aquarium features hundreds of underwater habitats, from the extraordinary alewives to velvety red anemones, sea urchins, and the giant Pacific octopus. It houses a white-spotted rose anemone, red king crab, American lobster, lumpfish, lake sturgeon, bowfin, giant acorn barnacle, etc.

You can also get up and close and interact with marvelous sea creatures. Visitors can touch four species of stingrays: Cownose Ray, Southern Stingray, Roughtail Stingray, and Spotted Eagle Ray. Furthermore, the aquarium’s upper level houses the Canadian Waters, Kelp Forest, and Shoreline Gallery. The lower level features many exhibits, including Rainbow Reef, Dangerous Lagoon, Planet Jellies, Ray Bay, Dragons, Life Support Systems, The Gallery, and Discovery Center.

See Art Exhibits At The Art Gallery of Ontario

Art Gallery Of Ontario
Take time to visit the iconic Art Gallery Of Ontario.

Toronto is home to many world-class art galleries and museums, including the Art Gallery of Ontario. It is located on Dundas Street West in the Garange Park neighborhood of Downtown Toronto. This museum is spread across 583,000 square feet and features over 90,000 works of art. Its permanent AGO collection holds over 120,000 works, ranging from cutting-edge contemporary art to European masterpieces and excellent works by Canadian and Indigenous artists.

The Art Gallery of Ontario is usually closed by five or 5:30 PM unless it is Wednesday or Friday. On those days, it is open until 9 PM. You can check out exhibitions till late with your friends and families. Furthermore, the AGO hosts a monthly late-night art event on the first Thursday of every month. Many artists come with their works. You can also participate in free art-making, listen to live music and DJs, and indulge in food and drinks.

Toronto: Dark History Nighttime Walking Tour

Toronto: Dark History Nighttime Walking Tour
Learn about spooky tales surrounding several Toronto attractions in this tour. (Source: GetYourGuide)
  • Duration: 75 minutes
  • Price: $20.97~
  • Free Cancellation

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Venture beyond the stereotypical nighttime activities with this Toronto: Dark History Nighttime Walking Tour. It takes you to explore the city’s darker side at night. Expect spooky and haunted tales and mysteries surrounding them. Moreover, you can choose your adventure with four seasonal guided tour options. The first is the Original Haunted Walk of Toronto. Beginning at the Hockey Hall of Fame, you will depart to the Mackenzie House, a late-Georgian home shrouded in chilling tales.

The second option is Campus Secrets and Spectres. This 75-minute walking tour will lead you to unearth the dark history and ghostly tales of the University of Toronto. The third Spirits of the Distillery tells you tales of gruesome accidents, the world of whiskey-making, and the 1812 war. Finally, Black Creek Pioneer Village explores the supernatural side of this historic pioneer village. Each tour offers a memorable experience and informs visitors about the dark history surrounding Toronto.

Eat And Drink Your Way Through Kensington Market

Kensington Market
Enjoy late-night snacks at Kensington Market.

Food tours are not time-limited and are the best activity for daytime and night. A perfect location for that will be Kensington Market. This Toronto’s oldest and most reputed market features diverse atmospheres and styles. This market has everything whether you want shopping, tasty eats, or festivals and fairs. You can easily reach the market by bus or subway.

Kensington Market is a foodie paradise featuring local eateries and Michelin-starred restaurants. They serve everything from fish & chips to tacos, crispy fried chicken, empanadas, pasta, churros, and beef patty sandwiches. It’s not all about carnivorous; several vegan and vegetarian restaurants also exist. Most of all, the food here is affordable and doesn’t have skyrocketing prices. You can wander through the market and sample local delicacies during the evening.

Get Pub Crawl Experience In Toronto

Pub Crawl Toronto
Book a Pub Crawl Toronto tour. (Source: Viator)

Who doesn’t love a good old pub crawl tour in Toronto? You will visit some of the city’s best bars and pubs and try beers and local liquors. Moreover, a knowledgeable guide will accompany you throughout the trip, guiding you through the famous establishments and hidden gems. These tours also help you make new friends and enjoy a fantastic time with other guests. On top of that, you will get free entry to every bar and club you visit on the tour.

If you want to explore Toronto’s bars alone, that’s also okay. The city features many tourist-friendly establishments, from rooftop bars to sexy cocktail lounges. Blood Brothers Brewing is the best place to drink craft beer. The Comedy Bar and Absolute Comedy are your destinations if you want a bar with entertaining performances. And, for our karaoke lovers, we recommend the Bar+ Karaoke Lounge.

Dance The Night Away In Toronto’s Nightclubs

Toronto nightclubs
Bring out your party animal in Toronto nightclubs.

We can’t end our list of the top things to do in Toronto at night without mentioning the city’s top clubs. The best street to enjoy nightlife is King Street West. It has many cocktail bars, nightclubs, rooftop bars, and jazz clubs. From Vegas-style lounges to after-house nightclubs, we have picked the best options.

  • Rebel: 11 Polson St First Floor, Toronto, ON M5A 1A4, Canada; 10 PM – 4 AM
  • 44 Toronto: 627 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M5, Canada; 11 PM – 3 AM
  • Coda: 794 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5R 3G1, Canada; 10 PM – 5 AM
  • Bodega On King: 510 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K4, Canada; 10 PM – 2 AM
  • El Convento Rico: 750 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1C4, Canada; 10 PM – 3 AM
  • NEST: 423 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1T1, Canada; 10 PM – 3 AM
  • Door Three: 667 King St W #2, Toronto, ON M5V 1M9, Canada; 10:30 PM – 2 AM

Toronto’s vibrant nightlife caters to diverse audiences. Whether you want to go clubbing or enjoy a family-friendly nighttime activity, this city has it all. Moreover, these things don’t have to be expensive. You can find clubs with affordable rates in Toronto. Clubbing can cost somewhere between $20 and $50 per person. However, be mindful of drinks; they can be expensive inside the club. Also, you can enjoy the best nightlife in the Entertainment District. It is all about food, drink, and spectacle.

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