Things to do at night in Toronto to experience the city like a local
Being the largest city in the country, Toronto has a wide variety of attractions and cultural offerings that make it perfect for a night out. Whether it's live music or a revered institution like the Royal Ontario Museum, you'll have an easy time putting together the perfect evening for any vibe. If you time things right, you can hit up the Toronto International Film Festival in early September, and the Toronto Islands are great things to do at night in the summer.
If you're looking to get around Toronto more easily, you can stash any excess items or luggage. Bounce has a Toronto location near essentially every major transit facility and top neighborhoods, so you'll be able to use the mobile app or website to arrange luggage storage before that romantic evening or night out with your friends.
What to do in Toronto at night if you’re looking for…
Because of the friendly locals and navigable city center, Toronto is an easy place to put together a nighttime itinerary. Downtown and other neighborhoods are generally very safe and you'll find big-city variety in terms of what you can get into. Toronto is equal parts cosmopolitan and folksy, which only adds to its appeal for both trendy travelers and families. Here are a few ideas:
The quintessential Toronto experience
Sometimes a fun night out in Toronto involves the “greatest hits” that epitomize the city’s culture. There are plenty of top attractions situated right in downtown and are perfect for family-friendly fun on a Friday night.
Second City Toronto
If you look into it, Canada has (perhaps) the most prolific comedic heritage of any country. Some of the funniest people ever have come through the Toronto comedy scene. The top comedy club in the city is the sister institution to Chicago's Second City. Go up and down any SNL cast and you'll find Second City alums all over the list. The Toronto club has seen legends like Martin Short, Mike Myers, Catherine O’Hara, and Eugene Levy perform on its stage, but you never know what rising star you'll see at one of its improv shows.
Pro tip: You can book luggage storage ahead of time using the Bounce mobile app so you can quickly drop your bags off before you head to the theater.
Take a stroll through Toronto Music Gardens
Situated on the lakefront, this green oasis is the perfect place to take in the lights of the surrounding city skyline. At night, you'll get to enjoy the sounds of classical music while you admire the lights illuminating the gardens.
Catch a Maple Leafs or Raptors Game
In case you aren’t familiar with Canada at all, this country loves hockey. The Hall of Fame is situated right downtown near the lakefront and transit facilities like Union Station. If you want to see history in the making, you can head to Toronto's Scotiabank Arena to see the Maple Leafs play NHL hockey or the Raptors take on the NBA’s best. The bag policy is tight, so you'll want to leave any larger items with a nearby Bounce location.
Pro tip: Even if you're not into sports, don't rule out this venue as one of the best things to do at night in Toronto. The arena also hosts frequent blue-chip concerts or other events, so there's something happening here almost every night.
A romantic evening
There are plenty of ways to put together a romantic itinerary to celebrate an anniversary or treat that special someone. Downtown is a great way to start as you'll be able to admire the sunset along Lake Ontario, but you can also head to a neighborhood like Little Italy for dinner if you want something more low-key. Queen Street West stands out for couples who enjoy a lively atmosphere - it's perched on the edge of Toronto's Entertainment District.
Catch the best views from CN Tower
By far Toronto’s most famous building, the observation deck at the CN Tower is the perfect way to admire the city lights of downtown Toronto, and it makes for a wonderful way to cap off date night. It was the tallest building in the world, but losing that honor to the Burj Khalifa has done nothing to damper its luster. You may want to make sure your luggage is kept elsewhere as there are strict security requirements, which is where Bounce can help.
Pro tip: Don't let the CN Tower's status as a major tourist attraction turn you off. Even locals find themselves visiting this iconic venue at least once, especially for special occasions.
Skate at the Nathan Phillips Square
If your skating skills are up to Canadian standards and you want to impress your date, this popular downtown square turns into a skating rink during the winter months. The surrounding gardens are adorned with a Christmas tree and lights, and you'll be able to warm up with some hot chocolate.
Pro tip: Want to keep the date night fun going? Head to the Cineplex movie theatre at Yonge and Dundas (less than a 10-minute walk away).
A night out with friends
Toronto's nightlife scene is one of the best in Canada, and being such a large city, you'll have your pick of just about anything you can think of. There are craft breweries and distilleries along with trendy cocktail bars, and sweaty nightclubs. Canadian nightlife culture is about as friendly and approachable as it gets, so don't hesitate to strike up a conversation with your neighbor (or should we say neighbour) at the bar! Ubers and public transportation are also easy to access for getting around.
Queen Street West
This stretch (just north of downtown) is home to some of the top bars and nightclubs in Toronto. Local institution Drake Underground is where you'll be able to catch standup or hit the dance floor during live performances by local talent. The popular Rhino Bar and Grill will also give you an insight into the area's nightlife.
Pro tip: If these are too crowded, you'll be able to find a fun alternative just by walking down Queen Street. Keep an eye out for a patio if you're visiting during the summer.
… Or King Street West
If you want a trendy night out in Toronto, head to King Street West to check out a cocktail bar or restaurant. The food scene in Toronto is as diverse as you'll find anywhere, and King Street does a good job encapsulating this with a wide variety of street food and fine dining options.
Catch a show at one of Toronto’s music venues
Not only does Toronto have a thriving local music scene, but it's a can't-skip stop on any tour for major artists. The city has almost a dozen world-class music venues throughout its neighborhoods and downtown. For the classics, Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar is your top spot. Danforth Music Hall and Massey Hall are two of the top spots for catching Indie rock bands, or up-and-coming pop stars. All of these venues have strict bag policies, so arranging luggage storage before you head to the show is imperative. This makes Bounce’s flexible booking all the more useful.
Pro tip: If you visit Toronto during the summer, you'll be able to enjoy the breeze off the lake at the Budweiser Stage’s outdoor amphitheater. Check the summer events schedule before you commit too early to something else.
For a lot of visitors, especially those from the US, Toronto has become a revelation as a travel destination. Not only are the locals as friendly as you can get, but the variety of cosmopolitan experiences and beauty of the lakefront make Canada's largest city the perfect place for a fabulous night out.