Toronto is a lively city filled with exciting attractions for all kinds of tourists. The capital city of Canada is the home of the iconic CN Tower, which offers stunning views from one of the tallest structures in the world. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is another landmark to visit with family to see thousands of sea creatures.
For nature lovers, High Park provides scenic trails, a zoo, and a famous cherry blossom festival in spring. Not far from the city, the majestic Niagara Falls is a must-see.
Toronto also has vibrant cultural spots like Kensington Market, known for its international food, and Casa Loma, a Gothic Revival mansion, perfect for history and art enthusiasts.
Talk about art, history, and culture, Toronto has the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) to visit. Toronto is also famous for its annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), while the sports fans shouldn’t miss Hockey Hall of Fame.
Those activities are available during the day, but Toronto has a different charm at night. While bars and clubs are usually the go-to, Toronto offers much more for those of us who prefer a laid-back and relaxing evening.
Movie Night in Toronto
Image by TIFF
If you’re a cinephile, Toronto is a great place for a movie night. The city offers many cinemas with different vibes, facilities, and movie line-ups, from the latest blockbusters to retrospective collections.
For those who enjoy the comfort and advanced cinema technology, Landmark Cinemas in the Westside and Vaugh Mills, part of the best cinema chains in Canada, would be excellent choices.
You can also catch a movie at Cineplex Cinema Yonge-Dundas, which features IMAX and D-BOX for a sophisticated movie night. the alternative for more budget-friendly would be Cineplex Cinemas Etobicoke.
For a true indie cinephile experience, visit The Royal Cinema or The Revue Cinema. These historic venues often show classics, foreign movies, and documentaries. They offer a more personal and laid-back experience than commercial chains.
If you’re in Toronto during the summer, outdoor screenings at the Aga Khan Museum and Ontario Place will step up your movie night. In September, you can experience the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) at the TIFF Bell Lightbox on King St W.
Special Event at ROM After Dark
Image by ROM
📍 Location
🎟️ Ticket Info
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) After Dark is a popular event series featuring themed evenings with live music, food, drinks, and special exhibitions. It’s the closest thing to going to a bar or lounge for a drink, but definitely way cooler. ROM After Dark is typically held on Friday evenings and is open to adults only.
Experience ROM After Dark during your night in Toronto, where the museum transforms into a stylish, unique, and upscale “nightclub.” The atmosphere is usually laid-back and sophisticated at the same time. It won’t be as loud or chaotic as a typical nightclub; the experience offers a perfect balance of fun and culture.
Always check their social media or official website for more information on upcoming events. Some themes might be specific, so you may want to dress accordingly.
Here are some notes if you are interested in ROM After Dark:
- Event Time: 7.30 pm – 11.30 pm (last entry 10.30 pm)
- Entry Price: $40 (One drink is included with the ticket.)
- Extra food and drink are available for purchase for 10$ per item.
- Ticket will not be available at the door, purchase it in advance.
Walkthrough in The Distillery District
Image Source: Travel Destination Canada
📍 Location
The Distillery District is a pedestrian-only area that has preserved its 19th-century buildings, with cobblestone streets and historic architecture. Once home to a large whiskey distillery, it feels like walking through old warehouses or factories, now transformed into restaurants, cafes, and shops.
At night, the Distillery District becomes a romantic and cozy spot, with its warm white light along the streets and venues.
If you’re looking for a romantic night out in Toronto with your significant other, the Distillery District could be perfect. You can dine at stylish restaurants like Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie, El Catrin Destileria, or Pure Spirits Oyster House. It’s best to make a reservation to ensure a smooth dining experience.
You can also grab takeout, ice cream, sweets, or a drink from places like Palgong Tea while strolling around the district. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes for the full experience.
The Distillery District is also a great spot for seasonal events, from Oktoberfest and movie nights to live music, art festivals, and special holiday celebrations. It’s a vibrant and lively district all year round in Toronto.
Culinary in World Food Market
Image Source: blogTO
📍 Location
Open Hours
Monday – Wednesday: 11.30 am – 11.00 pm
Thursday and Sunday: 11.30 am – 12.00 am
Friday and Saturday: 11.30 am – 1.00 am
Consistently living up to its name, World Food Market is the best place to explore culinary around the world in one place. Recalling the diversity among their citizens, it only makes sense there would be vendors that offer authentic culinary selections.
World Food Market offers affordable foods and beverages, with comfortable, cozy, and lively seating area. It is comfortable even during a hot day thanks to the shades, so it couldn’t be any better during the night.
Many visitors both local and tourists love to eat Indian foods here, one of the popular vendors is Karma’s Kitchen. Mexican food is also visitors’ favorite. But there are also Chinese, Japanese, other Southeast Asia foods, and European desserts.
Here are some tips before you visit World Food Market:
- With so many delicious options to choose from, you’ll want to come hungry to eat and get a little sample of everything.
- The market can be quite crowded, so wearing comfortable shoes would be a wise choice.
- Don’t forget to bring cash because there are still many vendors here who only accept cash.
- The market can be quite crowded, so be prepared to share tables with other visitors.
- World Food Market often hosts special events, so you may want to check their social media while planning your itinerary.
Explore Yonge-Dundas Square Toronto
Image Source: NOW Toronto
Not far from World Food Market, you can continue your sightseeing at Dundas Square in Toronto. The city square is similar to Times Square in New York. While it’s not as big or crowded as its U.S. counterpart, it’s still the heart of Toronto and hard to miss during your visit.
After feasting at the World Food Market, the skyscrapers and shops around Dundas Square will be lit up, making the area even more lively to explore. For night photographers, this is the perfect spot to capture the charm of Toronto’s iconic city square, with its illuminated buildings and city lights against the dark sky.
As the capital of the multicultural country, Toronto’s nightlife has its own charm. From fulfilling food lovers with culinary around the world, vibrant city squares and parks, and unique districts that offer a little bit of everything, also a very cultured city for art and movie enthusiasts. Nightlife in Toronto is beyond bars and fancy nightclubs, there are various interesting activities you can discover and explore in the city.