10 Things to Do in Toronto at Night

One of the best ways to discover Toronto, besides touring its wide green spaces and seeing its skyscrapers, is to take part in the nightlife activities that this destination has to offer. As the capital of Ontario, one of Canada's main provinces, it is considered to never sleep, so far from fading away, after sunset Toronto shows one of its best faces.

Some of the best things to do in Toronto at night include taking a ride on the sightseeing cruises, going on a helicopter tour, seeing the Distillery District, having a beer experience on a guided tour, exploring Chinatown and dining at a street stall, discovering the views from the observation deck of the CN Tower and visiting the bars of Queens Victoria West.

If you want to experience one of the traditional faces of Toronto, you can't miss a nighttime ride on the city's best sightseeing cruises. This experience will allow you to see the illuminated sights that reveal the true essence of the local skyscrapers, as well as discover how the waters of Lake Ontario are illuminated by the reflection of the buildings, creating an unmissable atmosphere.

From the waterfront you can admire Toronto's skyline, where the CN Tower stands majestically like a modern lighthouse guiding the night-time crossing. However, it's not just this vast structure that you'll see during your tour, as you'll also be able to visit iconic sites such as the Harbourfront Centre, where the nightlife comes alive with cultural and artistic events.

The cruise will also take you on a tour of the Rogers Centre and the Air Canada Centre, home to the city's top sports teams, which are illuminated at night. Viewing these stadiums from the water adds a whole new dimension to their architectural grandeur, combining urban bustle with the serenity of sweeping views from the water.

Exploring Toronto aboard a helicopter during a night tour is an experience that will literally take you to new heights. As the sun sets and the city lights come on, this tour will allow you to discover the majesty of a city that stands out for its skyscraper-studded skyline.

During one of the best helicopter tours in Toronto, you'll have the chance to fly over the famous CN Tower, once the tallest building in the world, discover the twinkling lights on the waters of Lake Ontario and even spot the imaginary border between Canada and the United States, which sits on the 49th parallel. This tour will also reveal Toronto's illuminated neighbourhoods and bustling streets.

The helicopter tour, which usually lasts an average of 10 minutes, will also take you over the financial district, where corporate skyscrapers stand out with their flashing lights, creating a futuristic landscape that contrasts with the tranquillity of the surrounding lake, in one of the most fascinating experiences Toronto has to offer.

Toronto is much more than a cutting-edge city guarded by tall, luxurious skyscrapers, it's also a popular site once associated with the distilling of spirits. On an evening tour of the Distillery District, you can discover this local facet that tells much about the tradition of Ontario's capital.

As you walk the illuminated cobblestones of this district, you'll find yourself surrounded by 19th century industrial architecture, now home to art galleries and trendy restaurants. However, the highlight of this site is the Gooderham & Worts factory, a former whisky distillery that still stands in the heart of the district.

During this tour, which is often included in the best Toronto tours, you can also visit El Catrin, a Mexican cantina that offers a unique culinary experience in an artistic and vibrant setting. Soft lighting and live music create a welcoming atmosphere that complements the delicious food. You can also visit the Spirit of York Distillery, where craft spirits and gin are produced.

With its cobblestone streets and illuminated historic buildings, the Distillery District is an ideal setting for an alternative facet of Toronto's founding era.

Chinatown is one of Toronto's most popular neighbourhoods, partly because of its large Sino-American community, but also because it's a haven of oriental culture, enticing aromas and eye-catching colours. Walking through its bustling streets, you'll find yourself immersed in the rich Chinese heritage that manifests itself in the architecture, markets and local businesses.

From exotic goods shops to traditional restaurants, Chinatown offers a sensory experience that awakens the senses, but certainly one of the most authentic ways to experience Chinatown is to sample the local food at a street stall. Often included in the itineraries of Toronto's best food tours, these stalls offer a unique opportunity to sample authentic Chinese cuisine in a casual and authentic setting.

Among Chinatown's most popular eateries is the Dumpling House, known for its steamed dumplings filled with intense flavours. You can also try aromatic noodle dishes or tasty spring rolls, prepared right in front of you with fresh ingredients and ancient spices.

The CN Tower is Canada's most famous skyscraper and for over 30 years was the tallest structure in the world at 554 metres. Discovering the nighttime views from the observation deck is one of the best things to do in this destination at night.

On a visit to the CN Tower you can use the glass elevator to discover the history of the construction of this building, which was completed in 1975. From the observation deck you can see everything from the financial district to Lake Ontario, which is the equivalent of seeing both ends of one of Canada's most important cities from a single vantage point.

At night, Toronto's skyscrapers are lit up in vibrant colours, creating an urban kaleidoscope that captures the city's modernity and diversity, and you can also enjoy dinner at the 360 restaurant at the top, which slowly rotates to provide ever-changing panoramic views.

If you plan to visit Toronto over Christmas, you'll also be able to catch a glimpse of Toronto's signature holiday warmth.

Interesting details

• Price: Admission to the observation deck costs approximately 30 euros per person.
• Opening hours: daily from 9.30am to 9pm.
• Location: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto.

If you really want to discover Toronto's nightlife, then you can't miss the Entertainment District. The epicentre of Toronto's culture, entertainment and local social life, it is known for being home to theatres, restaurants and clubs that embody the pulse of the city.

A must-see stop on your evening tour of the Entertainment District is the famous Roy Thomson Hall, an iconic venue dedicated to classical and contemporary music. If you get the chance to attend a concert there, you'll experience world-class acoustics in an elegant and modern setting.

In addition, you can also visit the TIFF Bell Lightbox, the home of the Toronto International Film Festival, which celebrates the film industry in a way that lights up the night with special screenings and activities. You can attend this event if you plan to visit the city in September.

Dining options in the Entertainment District are equally varied. From fine dining restaurants to quaint bistros, there's something for everyone. The newly renovated concert venue The Rec Room also offers a unique mix of entertainment, with options ranging from arcade games to themed theatres.

Toronto is an ideal city to discover at night, but its size and wide variety of offerings can be overwhelming. The solution to this drawback may be to opt for a night driving tour. This way you can discover a whole new perspective of the city as its lights twinkle and its landmarks are illuminated, from the iconic Harbourfront to the financial Downtown.

These tours allow you to discover how modern and futuristic architecture merges with history in the corridor linking Lake Ontario to the financial district. A stroll along Yonge Street, the world's longest street, will allow you to appreciate the energy and vibrancy of the local nightlife, whether you visit Toronto during the summer or winter.

These tours usually also include a visit to Kensington Market, which comes alive at night with hanging lights and artistic murals. The narrow alleyways and illuminated stalls of this market allow you to discover a bohemian and multicultural experience in one of the most traditional sites in Ontario's capital city.

Are you up for immersing yourself in Toronto's dark and mysterious side? If the answer is yes, then you can't miss out on a thrilling ghost tour at night. This intriguing tour will take you through the haunted corners of the city, exploring its rich paranormal history and haunting legends.

One of the highlights of this tour is historic Old Town Toronto, where cobblestone alleyways and old buildings tell stories of its past, full of tragedy and unsolved mysteries. St. Lawrence Market, a bustling place during the day, takes on a completely different atmosphere after dark. Tales of haunting spirits and spectral apparitions add a supernatural tinge to this popular culinary destination.

The Distillery District, known for its historic charm, is also a perfect setting for ghost stories. Re-purposed industrial buildings harbour tales of paranormal events, making for a fascinating experience on the night tour.

These tours usually end at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, where moonlit gravestones and centuries-old burial monuments, stories of lost souls and intertwining local legends create an atmosphere shrouded in mystery.

Delving into Toronto's nightlife is an unparalleled experience, and Queen Street West stands out as an epicentre of diversity and style. One of the city's most famous streets, Queen Street West is home to an eclectic array of bars offering everything from craft cocktails to draft beers and live music.

The Drake Hotel, a hybrid of boutique hotel and walk-up bar that offers a unique experience with its décor and lively atmosphere, is one of the must-visit stops on your nightly tour. Famous for its themed cocktails, you'll find one of Toronto's busiest bars and dance till dawn on its dance floors.

Cameron House, a landmark with over 30 years of history, is a bar known for its bohemian atmosphere and for being the stage for local talent in live music shows. If you're looking for a quiet alternative in the heart of Toronto's bustling nightlife, this is an option not to be missed.

If you're looking for a more traditional experience, Horseshoe Tavern is an unmissable stop. This historic bar has hosted legendary musicians and bands over the years, establishing itself as a mainstay of Toronto's music scene. Its relaxed atmosphere and varied concert line-up make it an ideal choice for live music lovers.

Toronto is not only known for its cocktails and whisky distilleries, but also for its extensive local brewing industry. If you want to discover this profile of the city, one of the best alternatives is to take part in a tasting tour of the main brewery sites.

In these experiences you can visit Steam Whistle Brewery, a brewery located in a historic building, which offers pilsner style beer and guided tours that will allow you to learn about the brewing process.

You can also visit Amsterdam BrewHouse, which is located on the waterfront. Here you can sample local craft beers while gazing at the lights of Lake Ontario. Not only does this place offer a wide variety of beers, but also a lively atmosphere and panoramic views.

If, in addition to the beers, you want to discover the local cuisine as well, you can include in your tour the Bar Hop Brewco, a place that combines an extensive selection of draft beverages with local dishes, which rescue a combination of French, English and American traditions.