City: Downtown West
Top Things to do in Downtown West
What to do and see in Downtown West, Canada: The Best Concerts & Shows
We've heard Toronto described as "New York City run by the Swiss," and it's true—you can find world-class theater, shopping and restaurants here, but the sidewalks are clean and the people are friendly. The best place to start is literally at the top—the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere.
Restaurants in Toronto
1. Come From Away
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By hockeymom2222 - Red Deer, Canada
I was visiting Toronto on a hockey trip and made a super last-minute decision to buy a ticket and head downtown! What a roller coaster of emotions and I am soooo glad I went!! I’ll be telling my Alberta friends this is a ‘must-see’ in Calgary!
2. Roy Thomson Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
This curved glass structure, a downtown architectural landmark, is a well-known concert hall.
Reviewed By ChefDorisFin - Toronto, Canada
Since TSO Soundcheck began offering 19-35 year olds $19 tickets to concerts every month, I have been attending a lot more symphonies and getting my dose of musical therapy. I love this location, the structure makes for balanced acoustics and their movie nights accompanied by orchestra are especially worthwhile to attend. The location is easy to access from the subway (just a walk up the stairs, never needing to step foot outside...great for winter) and easy to find parking in the area. For anyone parking before Nov 1st 2018, use code "kingpilot" on the green p parking app for 2 free hours of parking anywhere near king street.
3. Royal Alexandra Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,403 reviews
A masterpiece of beaux-arts architecture, the historic Royal Alexandra is Toronto's senior theatre and, at 101, never having been converted to any other use, the oldest continuously operating legitimate theatre in North America.The Royal Alexandra is also North America's first truly "royal" theatre - "royal" by patent from Edward VII - named with royal permission for his consort, Alexandra, a Danish princess and great-grandmother of the present queen.
Reviewed By jimbS8651DH
There are many excellent musicals around, all entertaining. But Come From Away eclipses them all. It’s not based on a fictitious story line, but on a real event. If that’s not enough, it’s one of those events that most of the audience members recall personally. “I remember what I was doing when...”. Add to that the amazing performances of the talented cast members, effortlessly transitioning from one character to another; the excellent musical score; the mood swings from laughter to tears and back again; the superb lighting changes; the random acts of kindness; and the fact it’s unabashedly Canadian. See it, and tell your friends!!
4. Fleck Dance Theatre
5. The Second City Toronto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 878 reviews
The Second City is renown as the world's premier comedy theatre, with critically-acclaimed live improv and sketch comedy shows on stage every night. Enjoy a night of laughs and up-to-the-minute satire from the legendary comedy troupe that inspired Saturday Night Live, SCTV, and Whose Line Is It Anyway! The Second City's list of alumni include entertainment legends such as Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Gilda Radner, John Candy, Andrea Martin, Mike Myers, Colin Mochrie, and many more. Tickets are only $14 - $32, making The Second City the best entertainment value in Toronto. Located in the heart of Toronto's Entertainment District, The Second City's intimate cabaret theatre offers table service of a affordable bar and food menu, as well as pre-show dinner packages.
Reviewed By mrryangorman - Sydney, Australia
Caught a show here whilst staying in Toronto for the weekend. The show itself was fantastic and the performers/ comedians were really on point with some great improv bits weaved beautifully into their script. The venue and service made this an all-round top notch night. Highly recommend getting front row seats if you can, meaning you can walk in and skip the line to be seated right away. Will go again when next in Toronto.
6. Glenn Gould Studio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
This 340-seat radio concert hall offers chamber, jazz, and spoken-word performances. Its name celebrates the great, eccentric Toronto pianist whose life was cut short by a stroke in 1982.
7. Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 297 reviews
Founded in 1922, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra is one of Canada’s leading cultural institutions. Today, more than 225,000 patrons and over 50,000 students visit the Orchestra at Roy Thomson Hall each year, and an additional five million Canadians tune in to concert broadcasts on CBC Radio. Under the leadership of Music Director Peter Oundjian, the Orchestra has increased recording and touring projects to include a self-produced record label, and performances throughout the US and Canada. The Orchestra continues to develop its international presence by being an active commissioning body for new Canadian and international works, as well as attracting distinguished guest artists and conductors to performances at Roy Thomson Hall.
Reviewed By Brooksje - Lambton Shores, Canada
I went with two teenagers to see the symphony. They were performing works by American composers. The orchestra is an excellent group of very talented musicians. The venue has amazing acoustics and the program was very well thought out and orchestrated. Definitely a good place to go to see world class musicians
8. The National Ballet of Canada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
One of the top international ballet companies, The National Ballet of Canada was founded in 1951 by Celia Franca. A company of 70 dancers with its own orchestra, the National Ballet has been led by Artistic Director Karen Kain, one of the greatest ballerinas of her generation, since 2005. Renowned for its diverse repertoire, the company performs traditional full-length classics, embraces contemporary work and encourages the creation of new ballets as well as the development of Canadian choreographers.
Reviewed By PavlaPavla - Chrudim, Czech Republic
My partner and I saw The Nutcracker performance at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts on December 24th, 2019. It was the third time I saw this performance. And I liked it very much again. The James Kudelka's version is absolutely different than versions, you can see in Europe. The story is set in 19th century Russia. The first act is so nice! Showing a celebration of Christmas in a large village barn was a wonderful idea. (Normally this act takes place in a big room with a Christmas tree.) I liked the dance of Bears and the Horse, cannon firing confetti into the audience - another lovely idea. The Sugar Plum Fairy appeared on the stage in a huge golden Fabergé egg, the Snow Queen danced not only with Snow Flakes but with two men - Icicles, dance of the Waiters was simply amazing! Flower Waltz showes a Bee flying in the meadow from flower to flower. I really loved all the costumes. Santo Loquasto did a great job on them. Dancers were great, Koto Ishihara as the Sugar Plum Fairy (it was her debut that day) was so beautiful and I really appreciated her ballet technique. I would like to mention the orchestra - the musicians played very well, the sound of the music was clear and nice. I found very lovely and funny the gesture of the conductor, when he put during final curtain call a red nose on his nose. This the Nutcracker version is very unique and absolutely amazing. I would like to see it again and again when I'm back in Toronto during Christmas holidays.
9. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Canada's first purpose-built opera house was completed in 2006 and is the home of the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada. Highlights of the Four Seasons Centre include the world's longest freespan glass staircase and a horseshoe-shaped, European style auditorium featuring phenomenal advancements in modern engineering and acoustical design. Facility tours are available. For upcoming opera and ballet performances, visit the Canadian Opera Company and The National Ballet of Canada websites.
Reviewed By pilot172 - Toronto, Canada
Just attended the matinee performance of the Nutcracker on December 08, 2018. I highly recommend this attraction that continues through to December 30, 2018 whether you are a fan of the ballet or not. A fine example of modern day theatrical magic and wonder for all ages. Easy access in the heart of Toronto by nearby TTC subway university line at the corner of University and Queen St w. If you prefer to drive, there is parking available in the parking garage entry from York St. We were able to park inside, and leave our coats in the car, walk through the warm parking garage and take the elevator up to the theater entrance. There is a large bright lobby with some areas to sit and relax before the doors open to the theater. Refreshment is available and you can pre-order for the intermission.
10. Princess of Wales Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,595 reviews
The Princess of Wales Theatre is a 2000-seat playhouse built by the father and son producing team of David and Ed Mirvish, just a block away from their historic Royal Alexandra Theatre. The Princess of Wales is the first privately owned and financed theatre built in Canada since 1907 - and the first anywhere in North America in over 30 years. Construction began on August 6, 1991, and the building opened to the public with the musical Miss Saigon on May 26, 1993.The theatre was built with maximum flexibility in mind. Its stage is one of the widest and deepest in North America - large enough to accommodate the most spectacular theatrical productions - and its technical facilities are state-of-the-art.
Reviewed By 143maureend - Bowmanville, Canada
From the front entrance it doesn't look like such a grand place but once you go into the theatre it is. We found the seating very comfortable. Look up and you see the beautiful ceiling. Look around and it's breathtaking! Balcony seating on the sides. The staff were very helpful. We saw Riverdance which was fantastic. Such a lovely time was had we just booked tickets for Les Miserables!
