Things To Do In Toronto At Night

Written by Jordan Carter

Toronto is a city that truly comes alive after dark, offering a wide range of activities and experiences to suit every taste. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the vibrant nightlife, explore cultural attractions, or simply relax and take in the city’s stunning skyline, there’s no shortage of things to do in Toronto at night. From trendy bars and clubs to theaters, live music venues, and late-night eateries, the city has something for everyone.

For those eager to explore the best nighttime activities in Toronto, here’s a guide to some of the top things to do in the city after the sun goes down.

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What To Do At Night?

See The Lights On A Scenic Night Tour

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Seeing the lights on a scenic night tour of Toronto allows you to experience the city’s iconic sights illuminated after dark. This tour includes stops at the Distillery District, Nathan Phillips Square, and the CN Tower, providing breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

Location: Various pickup points across Toronto

How to get there: Pickup locations are typically in central Toronto and can be reached via public transportation or taxi.

Review: Visitors frequently describe the night tour as a mesmerizing experience, highlighting the beautifully lit Distillery District with its charming historic buildings, the vibrant lights of Nathan Phillips Square, and the breathtaking views from the CN Tower. The tour is often praised for offering a comprehensive and magical view of Toronto’s nightscape.

Toronto Island

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Toronto Island offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, even more enchanting at night. You can enjoy a leisurely evening walk, admire the city skyline from across the water, or have a quiet picnic under the stars.

Location: Toronto Island, accessible via ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, 9 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON

How to get there: Take the ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, which is easily accessible by public transportation or taxi.

Review: Reviews often mention the peacefulness of Toronto Island at night, with many enjoying the quiet walks along the shoreline and the stunning, unobstructed views of the city skyline. The tranquility and the chance to see the twinkling city lights reflected on the water are frequently cited as highlights.

Casa Loma 

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Casa Loma is a majestic castle that looks even more magical at night. Lit up beautifully, it offers nighttime tours that allow you to explore the historic building and its gardens in a different light, literally.

Location: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON

How to get there: Take the subway to Dupont Station and walk a short distance to Casa Loma.

Review: Many guests love the enchanting atmosphere of Casa Loma at night. The castle’s illuminated exterior and beautifully lit gardens create a fairy-tale setting. The nighttime tours, with historical stories and the castle’s unique architecture, provide a memorable and magical experience.

TIFF Bell Lightbox

Image credit: TIFF Bell Lightbox (via Pinterest)

TIFF Bell Lightbox is the heart of Toronto’s film culture, hosting film screenings, events, and exhibitions. At night, it becomes a vibrant hub for movie enthusiasts.

Location: 350 King Street West, Toronto, ON

How to get there: Easily accessible by streetcar or a short walk from St. Andrew subway station.

Review: Movie enthusiasts often highlight the diverse film selections and special screenings at TIFF Bell Lightbox. The venue’s modern design and comfortable seating enhance the viewing experience. The vibrant night-time atmosphere, with film buffs gathering for discussions and events, adds to the appeal.

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Fly Above Toronto In A Helicopter

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Flying above Toronto in a helicopter offers a unique and thrilling way to see the city. The night flights provide stunning aerial views of Toronto’s illuminated skyline, landmarks, and waterfront.

Location: Toronto Heli Tours, 2 Eireann Quay, Toronto, ON

How to get there: The helipad is accessible via taxi or a short walk from the nearest streetcar stop.

Review: The helicopter tour is frequently described as a thrilling adventure, offering spectacular aerial views of Toronto’s lit-up skyline, including landmarks like the CN Tower and Rogers Centre. The experience of seeing the city from above, especially with all the lights shimmering, is often noted as breathtaking and unforgettable.

Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre

Image credit: Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre (via Flickr)

The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre is a beautifully restored historic theatre that hosts a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts. At night, the theatre’s ornate interiors and lighting create a captivating atmosphere.

Location: 189 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON

How to get there: Easily accessible by subway, getting off at Queen Station and walking a short distance to the theatre.

Review: Attendees often praise the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre for its stunning architectural details, including the intricate design and beautiful lighting. The intimate and ornate setting greatly enhances the performances, making every show a special experience.

Visit Some Clubs

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Toronto’s nightlife is renowned for its variety of clubs, offering everything from live music and DJ sets to themed nights and dance parties. Some popular spots include Rebel, CODA, and Baro.

Location: Various locations across Toronto

How to get there: Most clubs are centrally located and can be reached by public transportation or taxi.

Review: Club-goers often commend the diverse and lively atmosphere of Toronto’s clubs. Popular venues like Rebel and CODA are highlighted for their impressive sound systems and energetic crowds. The variety of music genres and themed nights keep the nightlife exciting and dynamic.

RendezViews

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RendezViews is one of Toronto’s largest outdoor patios, offering a fun and lively space to enjoy food, drinks, and live entertainment. The colorful setting and relaxed vibe make it a popular evening destination.

Location: 229 Richmond Street West, Toronto, ON

How to get there: Accessible by streetcar or a short walk from Osgoode or St. Andrew subway stations.

Review: Visitors to RendezViews frequently mention the vibrant and colorful patio setup, with comfortable seating and great views of the city. Popular activities include playing sports like pickleball, watching live sports on big screens, enjoying live music performances, and participating in themed events. The food is also highly praised, with favorites being the gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizzas, and crispy chicken tacos. The wide selection of craft beers and creative cocktails also adds to the appeal, making it a top spot for a fun and relaxing evening.

Toronto comes alive at night with a wide range of activities. Enjoy scenic night tours of illuminated landmarks, peaceful retreats on Toronto Island, and enchanting nighttime tours of Casa Loma. Experience the vibrant film culture at TIFF Bell Lightbox, thrilling helicopter rides, and captivating performances at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre. Explore the lively nightlife scene with top clubs and outdoor patios like RendezViews. Whether you’re into cultural attractions, live entertainment, or dancing, Toronto’s nighttime offerings promise unforgettable experiences.

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