- Visit a scenic casino
- Try a night time sewer walk
- Visit a drive-in cinema
- Visit a toi
- Listen to Live Music at Reservoir Lounge
If you’re anything like me, the last couple of years have taken their toll on our social life. It’s not that long ago that going out and enjoying bars, restaurants and casinos was seen as taboo. Now of course there are no restrictions on how we can spend our time, but there’s still a reticence there amongst a lot of people.
Whether it’s the lack of muscle memory or the stasis of staying at home that has accounted for that we couldn’t say. What we do know though is that going out and enjoying yourself in the evening is something that we should all prioritise.
If like me, you’ve found yourself stuck for ideas of what to do on a Friday or Saturday night, read on as I’ve profiled 5 great ways to spend an evening in Ontario…
Visit a Scenic Casino
The Fallsview Casino Resort doesn’t just have some of the best casino facilities in Canada, but it also has one of the best views on the planet. Situated on Fallsview Boulevard it overlooks the world-famous Horseshoe Falls in Niagara.
The gambling industry is on the rise in Canada, thanks largely to the improvement of the iGaming sector. The best online casinos in Canada at Onlinecasino.ca offer games like blackjack, roulette and poker with the added convenience of not having to travel and no expensive overheads.
But one thing they can’t compete with is the views venues like The Fallsview Casino offers, so if you’re looking for a great night out idea in Ontario, it’s best to leave the online alternative behind and visit one of the country’s most spectacular bricks and mortar casinos.
So, get there before the sunsets, drink in the view and then gamble away to your hearts content.
Try a night-time sewer walk
Armando Iannucci, the man behind Veep! Wrote this incredible line for his fictional character Malcolm Tucker, “It’s going to like the Shawshank Redemption, with less redemption and more tunnelling through sh*t!”
Whilst you’re laughing at that undoubtedly hilarious line, I’m going to slip in this night out idea under the radar because at first, you might find it a little odd – a night time sewer walk! Yes it sounds utterly vile and disgusting, but the sewers of Toronto tour is absolutely fantastic.
It opens your eyes to the underground network of tunnels beneath the streets of Toronto and gives you a glimpse into the past of the city. Don’t worry though, the area you’ll be touring is not still active so there’ll be no bad smells to endure.
Visit a drive-in cinema
In the 1950s and 1960s drive in cinemas were huge in Canada and the United States. As time went on these drive through movie halls died out as more and more people opted for the comfort of indoor facilities.
In recent years though drive-in cinemas have made a comeback, particularly here in Ontario so why not go and experience a movie 1950s style. It offers real bang for your buck too with most drive in theaters showing double headers.
Visit a toi
Described as a speakeasy and cocktail bar, a toi is a hidden gem in Toronto. Designed to look and feel like a 1920s Parisian bar this venue will instantly make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time. If you’ve recent watched the HBO retelling of Interview With a Vampire, you’ll start to feel like Louis de Pointe du Lac after 10 minutes in this bar.
The venue also prides itself on ‘hidden entertainment’. We won’t spoil the fun by telling you what that consists of but needless to say, it will make you want to keep coming back to a toi time and time again.
(This bar has the same vibe as Louis’ in HBO series Interview With a Vampire.)
Listen to Live Music at Reservoir Lounge
Toronto is a city that is known for its live music scene and one of the best spots to relax and enjoy great music is Reservoir Lounge. Again described as a speakeasy, this venue is small and cramped with capacity for just 100 people, but this all adds to the intimate feel when a great jazz artist gets up to perform.
Be sure to check their website before visiting to see what events are on as some evenings feature more laid back acts whereas others can see bands and performers encouraging patrons to get up and dance, so pick a night that suits your tastes.