As the sun sets on Toronto the city’s eclectic night scene comes to life, with a burgeoning theater district, including the truly unique double-decker Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre, and an exciting range of bars and clubs ideal for the Elite Traveler. The city is also well known for its music scene (most notably offering up names as varied as Drake, Neil Young and the eponymous Toronto), with the Toronto Jazz Festival being one of the Canadian city’s most widely lauded events.
Whether it’s a cinematic experience at the Toronto International Film Festival or watching a spectacular opera performance, Toronto is fast emerging as Canada’s hotspot for the discerning elite. And with a huge selection of amazing restaurants you’ll never be pushed for things to do.
Live Jazz At The Rex Hotel
As one of the jazz capitals of the world, it’s no surprise Toronto has a budding music scene. While the annual Toronto Jazz Festival is obviously the city’s mainstay in terms of live performances, the wide array of venues across the city is still a major draw for music-lovers, and while the selection of venues may seem somewhat overwhelming to those who don’t know their Charlie Parker from their Charles Mingus, but if you speak to any local Torontonian you will hear them wax lyrical about the wonderful jazz bar at the Rex Hotel. With a retro interior and a huge variety of draught beer on offer, The Rex is the perfect destination for those looking to hear some cutting edge musicians alongside some more well-known faces. While The Rex may fail to pull in big names (that often come with big ticket prices) you will find that the talent on display is second to none, with the bar widely regarded as the place jazz musicians go to watch jazz musicians.
Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre
An experience unique to Toronto, the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre is the world’s largest operating double-decker vaudeville theater. Opened in 1913, the venue was meticulously restored to its original grandeur by the Ontario Heritage Trust in 1981. Offering some of the best in musical, comedic and operatic performances, the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre is a truly impressive performance venue. The lower house, the Elgin, blends gilded detailing, faux marble and damask wall fabrics to magnificent effect. Seven stories up, the Winter Garden Theatre is equally beautiful, boasting hand-painted garden scenes, columns disguised as tree trunks and a ceiling hung with astonishing real beech leaves, cotton blossoms and garden lanterns. As well as outstanding performances, the Theatre also offers in-depth, expert tours of both venues.
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Canadian Opera Company
For an artistic evening, Toronto’s own Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in the country. The COC is dedicated to producing a diverse range of operas, regularly collaborating with leading opera companies and festivals. The Four Seasons Centre is a purpose-built opera house, the first and only in Canada, hosts opera and ballet performances. In the Isadore and Rosalie Sharp City Room, guests can enjoy views of Toronto from this glass-enclosed main lobby that glows with the city lights at night.
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Cocktails
Atop the Park Hyatt Toronto, the Roof Lounge combines an elegant setting with breathtaking panoramic views. Granite-topped tables, rich suede, leather accents and a wonderfully inviting fireplace make the Roof Lounge the perfect place for to relax and enjoy a cocktail while taking in the magnificent 18th floor sights. Sip on an artisan cocktail like the Black Manhattan while enjoying light bites from the bar menu. The heated patio welcomes guests to experience the outdoors in winter or summer.
BarChef
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Pushing the boundaries of the traditional cocktail experience, Toronto’s BarChef involves the senses from a cocktail journey. Set in a dimly lit, intimate environment, mixologist craft signature cocktails using a selection over more than 5,000 oz of bitters. Choose from a shared punch bowls, sweet and sour selections, sipping spirits or the innovative molecular program. While the cocktail menu changes with the seasons, the Vanilla and Hickory Smoked Manhattan is always a must.
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Distillery District
For a little bit of everything, the historic Distillery District is home to brew pubs, wine bars and oyster bars. Here you’ll find art galleries and performance studios as well as shops and restaurants. The Distillery Districts frequently hosts concerts and festivals and is also the location of the Stirling Room club.
Soho House Toronto
The well-known members’ only club founded in London now has exclusive Soho House locations across the globe, including Toronto. Members are granted access to club spaces and facilities, including the drawing room, restaurant, and roof terrace and event programming calendar. The Club Bar delights with sumptuous, vintage bar stools and sofas while the library offers a quiet place for reading or conversing. Italian and Canadian food is served all day at the restaurant, while the Pantry Bar offers a variety of meats, cheeses and candies. Enjoy live music at the Pretzel Bell Bar or look out over downtown Toronto from the rooftop.
