Cathy MerrittA day in Toronto can be a blast. There’s tons of stuff to do and places to check out!
But what about when the sun takes a break?
Well even then, no worries, because Toronto’s nightlife is just as buzzing as the daytime scene! In fact, the next time you’re wondering what to do in Toronto after the sun goes down, why not dive into one of these cool adventures after dark?
- Head to the CN Tower to see the city lights
- Take a nighttime adventure in downtown Toronto
- Explore lights and escape rooms at Casa Loma
- Hit up the ROM After Dark
- Go on a shopping spree at the Eaton Centre
- Get spooked on a haunted walking tour
- Experience a Toronto night market
- Set up a bonfire bash at Trillium Park
- Have a blast at the Rec Room
- Take a night ride on a bike
- Go ice skating in winter
- Swing into fun with mini golf
- Dive into Ripley’s Aquarium at night
- Chill out at the Docks Driving Range
- Sip cocktails under the stars
Head to the CN Tower to see the city lights
Website: https://www.cntower.ca/en-ca/home.html
Address: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-868-6937
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Checking out the CN Tower is one of the coolest things you can do at night in downtown Toronto. It’s the tallest building in the city, and the views from the top are just awesome, especially after dark when all the lights come on.
With the city lights sparkling below, it’s like you’re on top of the world! It’s also the perfect spot for a quick and fun family night out, especially if you want a break from your typical weekend outings.
But if you’re in the mood for a more romantic night, hit up the CN Tower’s 360 Restaurant. Situated at the top of the tower, you’ll be treated to a fabulous meal with views of the city all around you.
Take a nighttime adventure in downtown Toronto
– Media by unapologeticallyurban
Looking to spice up your night in the city without spending a cent? Well, you can simply wander around the lit-up downtown streets – that’s if you manage to resist buying something tasty along the way!
Good news for you – there are many awesome spots to take a stroll in Toronto after dark. One hot spot is along the Harbourfront (Queen’s Quay), where you can soak in the cool views of Lake Ontario while checking out the city lights.
Additionally, the Distillery District in Old Town Toronto is all decked out with cozy string lights, giving off a chill and romantic vibe. Think of this area if you’ve run out of places to take your date to!
However, if you want a vibrant atmosphere with lots of energy around, (a game or a performance, perhaps?), stroll the streets of Toronto’s Entertainment District.
Explore lights and escape rooms at Casa Loma
Website: http://www.casaloma.ca/
Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-923-1171
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Another cool spot in Toronto is Casa Loma, aka ‘Hill House,’ a fancy mansion from the late 1800s with a view of downtown. Even though most tours happen in the daytime, Casa Loma throws some fun weekend events too at night.
One of the classics is the Casa Loma Night of Terror in October, which turns the place into a haunted house with all sorts of spooky stuff.
But for those seeking a more thrilling experience, Casa Loma has themed escape rooms for a late-night adventure. Just remember, you’ll need a reservation for this, so check out their website to secure your spot!
Now, if you want to bring the whole family, time your visit during the holidays. Don’t miss the Christmas Lights display when the mansion sparkles under the stars every winter.
Hit up the ROM After Dark
Website: https://www.rom.on.ca/en/whats-on/rom-after-dark
Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-586-8000
Operating hours: Select Fridays: 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
ROM After Dark is this special activity that the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) holds on some Fridays. It’s basically when they keep the place open longer and offer fun stuff for folks 19 and older all over the museum.
During this, you can roam around the museum’s galleries and exhibits at a more relaxed pace with fewer people around. The more exciting parts are the extras such as live music, interactive displays, and tasty food and drinks.
So if you want to have fun minus the typical bar noise and packed dancefloors, why not drop by ROM instead? It’s perfect for a chill date night or late fun sessions with friends and you don’t get that awful hangover that’ll have you late for class!
Go on a shopping spree at the Eaton Centre
Website: https://www.cfshops.com/toronto-eaton-centre.html?cid=lis_tec_en_hp_gb
Address: 220 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 2H1, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-598-8560
Operating hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
If you want to do an activity at night but hate going outdoors, why not go indoors for a quick shopping trip? Eaton Centre is packed with many stores and boutiques and you can shop to your heart’s desire until late into the night (well, until 9:00 PM, that is).
With over 230 stores and restaurants, you won’t run out of things to check out. Shop, take a bite, and shop again until the cycle tires you out!
Additionally, the Eaton Centre is conveniently close to many of Toronto’s other top attractions. With shopping bags in your hands, you can then wrap up your day with hours of sightseeing – as long as your wrists don’t give up on you!
Get spooked on a haunted walking tour
– Media by sgallsworthy and milenne_habas
Website: https://hauntedwalk.com/experience/original-haunted-walk-of-toronto/
Address: 11 Gristmill Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-238-1473
Apart from the hair-raising cost of living in Toronto, haunted walking tours will also frighten you out of your wits! Picture yourself hunting for ghosts, strolling through graveyards, and hearing chilling tales of hangings – pretty fun for our fright-loving friends.
There are a bunch of options, but the most famous one is the Original Haunted Walk.
With this, you’ll uncover mysteries in haunted Toronto theaters. You’ll also explore spine-chilling campus secrets at the University of Toronto – because nothing is scarier than failed grades, right?
However, if you want to do a haunted adventure on your own, one of the creepiest places to visit is Black Creek Pioneer Village. It’s a place with 40 buildings recreated to resemble a typical town in the 1860s because nothing will haunt you better than the past – okay that’s the last one!
Experience a Toronto night market
Night Market Toronto: https://nightmarkettoronto.com/
Stackt Market: https://stacktmarket.com/
If you’re eager to dive into Toronto’s cultural street food and market scene, checking out the city’s night markets is a must. Night Market Toronto, for example, has stores offering everything from delicious street food to handmade crafts, fresh produce, and unique gifts.
On the other hand, there’s Stackt Market, proudly holding the title of North America’s largest shipping container market. The place features an array of pop-up stores, boutiques, and eateries.
Just so you’re in the loop, these night markets typically happen on select weekends during the summer months, some during the Christmas season.
Beyond the variety of stores and items you can buy, you can also expect a vibrant atmosphere with music, entertainment, and cultural performances. It’s literally a melting pot of all the possible activities you can think of.
Set up a bonfire bash at Trillium Park
– Media by jgazze
Website: https://ontarioplace.com/en/whats-on/trillium-park-and-william-g-davis-trail/
Address: 955 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, ON M6K 3B9, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-314-9900
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Trillium Park over at Ontario Place is this chill, tree-filled spot by the waterfront with amazing views of the skyline and Lake Ontario. They have bike trails and open spaces, and guess what? You can even rent a bonfire for a super comfy Toronto night!
Here’s the deal: you have two windows to book it – either at 5:30 PM to catch that sunset magic or at 8:30 PM for some marshmallow-roasting action under the stars.
Quick heads up though, they don’t throw in firewood and marshmallows with the booking (you’d have to take care of those yourself). But don’t worry, you can snag yourself some bonfire packages from the park’s partners instead.
Have a blast at the Rec Room
– Media by yahvi_and_mum
Website: http://www.therecroom.com/
Address: 255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3M9, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-815-0086
Operating hours: Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Tuesday – Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM | Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM | Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
For a lively evening in downtown Toronto, swing by the Rec Room just south of the CN Tower.
This huge entertainment complex can also be a fun night-out venue for the family, as it’s packed with all sorts of fun activities. Your fam can check out arcades and virtual reality experiences or try your game at bowling and more.
For the grown-ups, they have a bar and restaurant, plus a cool patio with views of the CN Tower. It’s also the best spot to catch live performances in the evenings or cheer for your favorite team on the big screens.
Take a night ride on a bike
Website: https://torontobicycletours.com/tours/island-tours/
Address: 124 St Patrick St, Toronto, ON M5T 2X8, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-477-2184
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
If you’re up for a good time (and a bit of exercise), why not cruise around the Toronto Islands at night on a guided cycling tour? It’s the largest car-free community in North America, so you can pedal around safely.
Just hook yourself up with a Twilight Bike Tour from Toronto Bicycle Tours. This one lets you experience the islands after the sun sets and check out the twinkling Toronto skyline as it lights up.
On top of that, you might even make pit stops to explore the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse and drop by the Royal Canadian Yacht Club.
Go ice skating in winter
Address: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N1, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-392-2489
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Hitting the ice at Nathan Phillips Square is a must-do winter activity for any tourist in the city (or local, for that matter). The rink stays open during the winter months and is free for everyone to use – yes, free!
While you skate, you can enjoy the view of Toronto’s skyscrapers. Plus, you’ll be treated to festive vibes with holiday lights and a massive Christmas tree decorating the rink.
Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, you can enjoy this activity safely. It’s perfect for all ages, so you can bring the little ones along or grab your closest, bestest buddies for a night out.
Swing into fun with mini golf
Website: https://parteeputt.com/toronto
Address: 26 Duncan St, Toronto, ON M5V 2B8, Canada
Contact details: +1 647-952-9594
Operating hours: Sunday – Thursday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 3:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Bring back those childhood memories with a round of mini-golf and drinks at Par-Tee-Putt – a spot that’s part restaurant, part bar, and all mini-golf, housed under one roof! Your whole gang can chill here until late at night as it closes at 11:00 PM or even at 1:00 AM sometimes.
Take your pick from a variety of themed holes, from a CN Tower setup to a college party theme. As you play, they’ll hook you up with delightful drinks and delicious eats, so don’t worry about having an empty stomach.
Just a heads up – make sure to snag a reservation because tee times fill up fast!
Dive into Ripley’s Aquarium at night
Website: https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/canada/
Address: 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada
Contact details: +1 647-351-3474
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sure, going to Ripley’s Aquarium during the day is pretty awesome, but hitting it up in the evening is even cooler.
Whether you roll in for their regular evening hours or catch a special night event, spending the night with majestic sea creatures is always a fun way to end your day.
It could be a family thing, a hangout with friends, or a sweet date night. With interactive exhibits, plus deep-sea lighting, the aquarium is a unique location for your evening trip in the city.
Now, don’t worry about getting hungry as you stroll around: there’s an onsite cafe. Just remember, they’re a bit strict about outside food and drinks, so leave those at home.
Chill out at the Docks Driving Range
Website: https://www.thedocks.com/
Address: 176 Cherry St, Toronto, ON M5A 3L2, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-465-4653
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
This cool spot used to be an old industrial dockland, but now it’s a laid-back open-air driving range right by Lake Ontario.
You can either bring your own club or, if you’re unable to do so, they do have a selection of clubs available to rent onsite.
Beyond golf, there’s a spacious patio where your crew can grab a bite, sip drinks, and groove to live entertainment. And if everyone is still up for more, the driving range has a drive-in cinema and beach volleyball courts you can rent for the night.
Sip cocktails under the stars
Website: https://theporchto.com/
Address: 250 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5H 1X6, Canada
Contact details: +1 437-747-5906
Chill out on a rooftop in downtown Toronto at The Porch, an open-air rooftop bar with a view of the CN Tower. They’re well-known for their extensive cocktail menu, which is perfect for enjoying with your whole crew on their rooftop patio.
But it’s not just about drinking here – the Porch offers an additional feature called SkySkate, which transforms a whole patio into a skating rink! If you’re not in the mood to drink, think maybe you’re in the mood to skate? Just don’t do it drunk though!
