Kent BrownTired of cliche getaways? It’s probably time to break from the mundane and beeline to the 6ix’s trippy installations, mind-blowing tech showcases, and more.
From Immersive Van Gogh’s surreal displays of iconic paintings to Jurassic World: The Exhibition’s terrifyingly life-sized dino exhibits, Toronto is a hotbed of immersive experiences that crews and lone wolves shouldn’t skip.
If you want the inside track on all the best spots, we got you! All the essentials you seek are in this guide, from locations and exhibit highlights to a few nifty tips!
Faulty Towers
Address: Lighthouse Artspace, 1 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E 1W7
Why settle for a ho-hum dinner when you can laugh your heart out with the hilarious Faulty Towers experience?
For two hours, the classic trio of Basil, Sybil, and Manuel will dish out a 3-course meal paired with jokes and sketches—70% of which are improvised.
Their goal is to make you feel like a part of the much-loved BBC show Fawlty Towers, and they usually hit their mark!
Faulty Towers will run from March 6, 2024, to March 17, 2024.
| Tip: Check the website for date availability, and snag your tickets pronto. This experience is in high demand! |
Candlelight: Favorite Anime Themes
– From theparkdalehall
Address: Paradise Theater, 1006c Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1M2
Contact Details: (416) 306-8134
Candlelight: Favorite Anime Themes is the gig to hit if you’re ready to vibe with your favorite anime jams in an enchanting setting.
Upon entering, you’ll see Paradise Theater bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, creating an ambiance that’s almost as epic as the anime (anime stores toronto) themes themselves.
Speaking of the anime themes, expect both headbanging bangers and tear-jerking songs heard in shows like Naruto, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Attack on Titan, and One Piece.
| Tip: Optimize your experience by selecting dates/times directly in the ticket selector. You can also watch the show privately by booking here. |
Jurassic World: The Exhibition
Address: 199 Rathburn Rd W, Mississauga, ON L5B 4C1
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 10 am to 7 pm
- Tue to Wed – Closed
- Thu to Sun – 10 am to 7 pm
Distance From Toronto: 28.1 km
Jurassic World: The Exhibition is where dino enthusiasts of all ages can finally get up close and personal with the ferocious and gigantic creatures of the hit Jurassic Park franchise.
As you walk through exhibits featuring these Jurassic giants that once ruled Earth, you’ll marvel at dinosaur models that move and roar, from the majestic Brachiosaurus to the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex.
Tickets for this dino-rific experience start at a wallet-friendly $21.49. Guests three and under can get in for free (free things to do toronto)!
| Tip: Don’t venture in on an empty stomach! Remember, no food or drinks are allowed once you’re inside the exhibition. |
Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
– From paradiseonbloor
Address: Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, 115 Simpson Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1A1
Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer delivers the maestro’s most legendary compositions in a multi-sensory experience involving flickering candlelight casting golden lighting in a pitch-black venue.
From the mentally stimulating beats of “Time” from Inception to the regal sounds of “This Land” from The Lion King, every note takes you on a ride—one that will make you feel you’re inside the movie and not just a spectator.
Prices for this visually and musically jaw-dropping experience range from $53 to $67, depending on the seating zone. In terms of date, the show will start on Feb 22, 2024, and will last until March 28, 2024.
| Tip: Gift your loved ones a Candlelight gift card for an unforgettable experience with friends and family. |
Immersive Disney Animation
Address: 1 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E 1E6
In Immersive Disney Animation, the magic isn’t just on the screen; it’s all around you.
Here, you can visit cutting-edge locations from the studio’s renowned films, from Lion King’s “Pride Rock” to Encanto’s “Casa Madrigal.” Each exhibit is a virtual and sonic wonder, boasting cutting-edge animation and immersive musical scores.
The magical experience kicks off on February 9, 2024, and will run until March 24, 2024. Tickets vary per date, so be sure to check the ticketing website for the detailed fees.
| Tip: Keep an eye on the website for occasional discounts. Checking regularly can help you snag some savings! |
Arcadia Earth
Address: 486 Front St W building C, Toronto, ON M5V 0V2
Contact Details:
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed to Thu – 12 pm to 7 pm
- Fri – 2 pm to 9 pm
- Sat – 11 am to 9 pm
- Sun – 11 am to 6 pm
The dream-like world of Arcadia Earth is a feast for the eyes that transports guests through sensory-engaging fantastical landscapes, underwater realms, and mind-bending art installations.
Additionally, exhibits here aren’t just for show; they utilize augmented reality, virtual reality, and other futuristic tech to inspire an eco-conscious lifestyle.
From pro-green practices to the bleak future awaiting us if we don’t change our ways, Arcadia Eart shows it all.
The exhibit will end on March 24, 2024, though, so you better score your tickets now. To secure your schedule, you’ll have to drop around $24 to $39.
| Tip: Those rolling with a group of 10 or more must make reservations. Their staff might grant reduced group rates as well, but you have to email Arcadia Earth at [email protected] for the deets. |
Immersive Van Gogh
Address: Lighthouse Artspace, 1 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E 1E5
Immersive Van Gogh is a futuristic take on the legendary painter’s magnum opuses. This exhibit isn’t your average museum stroll; this is like getting lost in a universe of swirling colors and animated brushstrokes.
Step inside, and you’re in for 500,000 cubic feet of timeless art and futuristic tech, where Van Gogh’s sun-drenched landscapes, mysterious night scenes, soulful portraits, and detailed still-life paintings come to life.
The haunting “Mangeurs de pommes de terre” (The Potato Eaters) and the extraordinary “Nuit étoilée” (Starry Night)—you’ll witness all these masterpieces in a new light starting February 9, 2024 until March 24, 2024.
| Tip: Prices change daily. Stay updated by checking their website. |
Winter Wonderland Spectacular
Address: 28 Gristmill Lane, Toronto, Ontario M5A 3C4
Contact Details: 404-341-1000
The spirit of Christmas is always alive at the Illuminarium’s annual Winter Wonderland Spectacular. From an interactive Santa-themed castle to reenactments of snowstorms and the Northern Lights, this immersive experience lives up to its name.
Beyond the highlights, you’ll also enjoy a 360-degree immersive show, photo ops with Santa or Mrs. Klaus, and free hot cocoa at their chocolate station!
Unfortunately, this spot already closed last January 7, 2024. Don’t worry though; you can anticipate a reopening around mid-November this year!
| Tip: You better stay tuned for price and schedule-related announcements as the November approaches! |
