Toronto is an amazing international city with plenty of great restaurant, bars and clubs. Alongside Vancouver, the city has also been the music capital of Canada for decades. With so many options, it’s easy to fall into a routine of going to the same few places you know you love, or trying to visit every place you’ve heard about and ending up at some duds. If you’re just visiting Toronto, you have even less time to experience the nightlife on offer.
If you want to avoid the trap of just visiting the top places recommended on Yelp, or prefer to branch out instead of just going to the places near your apartment or hotel, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll direct you to some of the best nightlife spots in Toronto that you haven’t tried before.
Woodbine Casino and Racetrack
Making the drive out to Woodbine Casino and Racetrack brings you to a nightlife destination that is well worth the trip. Located on the outskirts of Toronto, Woodbine Casino is a world-class casino. There are multiple restaurants and bars on site, including a noodle bar that’s open until 1am on the weekends.
They feature over 3,000 slots and offer all of the top table games, alongside some more unique variants. So, if you get tired of blackjack, you can switch to Blazing 7s Blackjack. Or, if poker is your game of choice, you can move between Mississippi Stud, Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker, Texas Hold’em and High Card Flush.
If you can’t make it out to Woodbine, playing at an online casino is a great alternative. You might have to settle for late-night takeaway noodles to complete the experience but online casinos offer all the same games as traditional casinos and usually have more variety. There is also the added convenience of not having to go anywhere to play.
Bambi’s
If you love to dance but hate that so many clubs have a meat market vibe, Bambi’s could be the spot for you. This underground dance club is all about dancing and having fun. When we say underground, we mean it literally – Bambi’s is located in a basement and the exposed brickwork adds to the cool and slightly edgy atmosphere of the venue.
The music at Bambi’s is mainly techno. There’s enough variety, though, to appeal to most patrons. The club hosts a variety of DJs, ranging from local names to big stars. This is not an ideal venue for those looking for an early night.
Communist’s Daughter
Everybody loves a dive bar – their camaraderie and lack of pretentiousness make them the perfect destination for a chill night out. The Communist’s Daughter has been named one of Toronto’s top bars on multiple occasions. The bar has been drawing in locals and those looking for a welcoming atmosphere for nearly 20 years.
The drink offerings are simple but solid. There’s also a classic jukebox to keep patrons entertained and they’ve recently added live music on the weekends. And don’t be put off by the name – it’s a reference to a song by 90s indie darlings Neutral Milk Hotel.
Night cruise
Toronto is located on the shores of Lake Ontario and the harbor is protected by a series of park islands. Harbor cruises are popular with visitors during the day but many don’t realize that night cruises are also a great experience.
The most popular night cruises are dinner cruises that offer a fine dining experience while taking in the sunset and watching the city light up as night falls. Many are buffet style so that you can sample a bit of everything as you float along. Some also offer dancing during the late-night cruises on the weekends. These cruises are perfect for a romantic date night.
The Piston
If themed music nights are your thing – or if you just love great music – The Piston is for you. This venue is known for the variety of nights they host. There are new acts and local bands that make an appearance from time to time but the biggest attraction is the decade nights.
Friday nights at The Piston are disco nights and are incredibly popular with a crowd that loves to dance and get down. Saturday nights mix things up – sometimes Saturday is a 1960s Motown and soul party, other times it’s a 90s music video dance party. No matter what day it is or what decade is playing, you’re guaranteed a fun night!
