It might come as a surprise to tourists, but when the sun goes down and the nightclubs open up, Ontarians strip off their flannel and get ready to party! Guests of Ontario should take a night or two to experience a bit of the nightlife in the province – it’s a side of us many people don’t know we have!
Each city has its own nightlife culture, and each section within each city reveals various sub-cultures, often depending on which street you are on. Here is a list of some notable nightclubs by city. Depending on what mood you’re in, you can find many options to satisfy your love for boogie!
TORONTO
Since Toronto is the largest city in Canada, there are thousands of bars and nightclubs to accommodate even the most specific of interests. Here are a few that tourists are especially attracted to.
This venue is best suited for those undecided between relaxing pub atmosphere and dance club. This bar named the front pub area LeVack, and the back dance area, The Block. The front room contains wrought iron, exposed brick and a bar made from an old bank teller’s counter. Located in the up-and-coming Dundas-Ossington area, LeVack Block is perfect for people who can’t make up their minds.
Mad Bar caters to a diverse clientele of trendy lovers of house music – one of many Toronto bars that do. The lower level often hosts CD release parties, and some of the world’s greatest DJs. For a truly unique nightclubbing experience try Mad Bar, located on Richmond Street East.
Bar 751 is located on trendy Queen Street West and hosts musically themed nights such as hip hop and Motown nights. 751 is great for people who want to dance and have a good time on the weekend, but mostly it is a cool, dark, not-so-chic place for locals to kick back. On any weeknight, you will find a relaxed atmosphere at 751; on Friday and Saturday they tend to let loose.
OTTAWA
During the day, Eri Cafe’s menu contains traditional African food from the country of Eritrea, which borders on Sudan and Ethiopia. On weekend nights it becomes a cozy, fully-licensed bar that is great to relax in with some food. Eri Cafe is perfect for people who want to nibble on food while enjoying a few drinks.
This club caters to a mature 25+ crowd on Fridays and Saturdays, with a special event every month. Parents – ditch your kids and enjoy a night on the town!
Featuring themed Thursdays and Sundays, Paraiso Nightclub is a great venue for good, old-fashioned busting a move. Located in downtown Ottawa, this club has weekend nights reserved for any and all who want to just dance!
KINGSTON
Typical of university towns, Philthy McNasty’s is a bar-turned-nightclub caters to those who linger there after dinner until the DJ gets there. The crowd is mostly university students, which makes for inexpensive food and drinks. Complete with dancefloor, Philthy McNasty’s is great for everyone.
Toniq Gin Mill always has a large crowd with a packed dance floor. DJs vary in music genres, but always get the crown dancing in this nightclub atmosphere. Toniq is definitely a must-see for visitors of Kingston.
This bar has DJs playing hip-hop, house, reggae and rock and roll on any given night, as well as local featured musicians every day of the week.
Geared toward a younger crowd (inexpensive drinks and daily deals throughout the week), MyBar gives a good dance party to anyone who wants to party! They also cater to special events and hold “holiday” parties such as St. Patrick’s Day, Canada Day and more.
Probably Kingston’s most popular bar for the nightclub crowd, Stages features various local DJs, special events, and various daily deals. Often tailored to the university students, Stages is one of the more inexpensive bars in the area.
GUELPH
The Palace is Guelph’s largest dance venue and is packed every weekend with party-goers. Popular to the local students, The Palace features daily deals, various events, and Top 40 music.
Located in the heart of the club and nightlife district, Van Gogh’s Ear has 3 floors on which to party. It attracts the university crowd but still appeals to the locals who have known the bar since its inception in 1994.
KITCHENER-WATERLOO
Rev comes closest to representing a “big city bar,” as it is huge and always packed with people. Local DJs playing Top 40 hits make this an all-around good time!
KW’s gay bar is one of the most fun venues in the region. Special events such as pageants keep things interesting, and the club is a fun dance party every weekend.
Not a nightclub in appearance, Weaver’s Arms is a sit-down pub in the basement of university residences. But don’t let that turn you off! Weaver’s Arms features nightly live music from local artists nearly every night, including open mic nights.
LONDON
Held near and dear to University of Western Ontario students, The Ceeps bar became second-home to thousands of people. A pub-style bar, Ceeps offers a nice place to relax and unwind with a drink.
Barney’s features something fun every night of the week, from football to DJs, to cheap wings and beer. Pub atmosphere during the week, Barney’s becomes a nightclub on the weekends, home to a number of DJs.
JBR’s is decorated like a log cabin and is a great place to relax and feel like you’re in the wilderness, being waited on by friendly faces.
HAMILTON
Hamilton’s newest hotspot, Barcode is open till 5am every night and features a rooftop patio. Barcode is perfect for those who want to dance the night away into the wee hours of the morning.
Club Absinthe has stunning ambiance with their chandelier and wide staircase in the middle of the room. It is a fun club with themed nights such as motown, rock, and a punk-disco combination on Saturdays.
The Funky Munkey Rib House & Discotheque
In the heart of Hamilton’s Hess Village (chock-full of entertainment), Funky Munkey attracts an eclectic crowd who can choose from any of the three sections of the main floor. Funky Munkey is a bar, lounge and dance club, so you can enjoy the kind of night you want!
PETERBOROUGH
Located in the heart of downtown Peterborough, this venue has the prefect combination of high-energy music, DJs and dancing.
As the name suggests, Sin City promises a wild night for everyone. Each night is a dance party, complete with regular theme nights, fundraisers and an annual New Year’s Eve party.
Student discounts, pool, dinner, poker, karaoke, charity auctions and more. The White House also has dancing and DJs on the weekends. This is perfect for a one-stop party shop.
