Summary
Toronto is a top destination for theater enthusiasts where both Canadians and Americans gather to experience a rich array of Broadway-style musicals, plays, and concerts. It is less expensive than Chicago or New York City, while still offering a range of productions along with superior accommodation, shopping, and dining options. In addition to the two large stadium venues, the Rogers Centre and the Air Canada Centre, Toronto boasts some of the finest live theaters. These theaters, whether historic or modern, provide an excellent venue for catching a captivating show.
Toronto Centre for the Arts
The Toronto Centre for the Arts features a 1,700-seat and a 1,000-seat theatre, catering to larger scale dramatic, musical, dance, and opera performances. There is also an intimate studio theatre available for smaller shows.
Address: 5040 Yonge Street (North of central downtown, conveniently close to North York Centre or Sheppard subway stops)
Phone: (855) 305-4877
St Lawrence Centre for the Arts
This elegant venue features two theatres that host a variety of performances including opera, classical and contemporary music, as well as comedy and improvisation. Located in the historic St Lawrence neighborhood—one of the oldest in the city—it’s a must-visit destination.
Address: 27 Front St E
Phone: 416-366-7723 or 1-800-708-6754
Young Centre for the Performing Arts
Since its inception in 1997, the Young Centre for the Performing Arts has been home to the Soulpepper Theatre Company. This renowned artist-founded classical repertory theatre company presents iconic world theatrical masterpieces with a uniquely Canadian perspective, while also offering crucial mentorship and classical training to emerging theatre artists.
Address: 54 Mill Street (located in the Distillery Historic District)
Phone: (416) 203-6264, Box Office: (416) 866-8666
The Sony Centre
The Sony Centre is designed to host a variety of performing arts, particularly excelling in large-scale musical theater. It showcases a diverse roster of ballet, opera, and prominent national and international artists. Additionally, the centre is committed to nurturing younger audiences through family programming, educational workshops, and community initiatives, enhancing its connection with the city.
Address: 1 Front Street East (Just two blocks away from Union Station.)
Phone: (416) 393-7469, Box office:(416) 393-7476
Massey Hall
Officially recognized as a heritage building during the 1970s, Massey Hall is a significant landmark in Toronto’s cultural landscape. Renowned artists like Harry Connick, Jr. have praised its fantastic acoustics, making it a beloved venue.
Address: 178 Victoria Street
Phone: (416) 593-4828
Roy Thomson Hall
Opened in 1982, Roy Thomson Hall serves as a central venue in Toronto’s King St. theatre district. Its iconic curvilinear design and sloping glass canopy have made it a true architectural gem. This 2,800-seat theatre is the proud home of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.
Address: 60 Simcoe Street
Phone: (416) 872-4255
The Princess of Wales Theatre
The Princess of Wales Theatre boasts one of the largest stages in North America, designed to accommodate spectacular theatrical productions with state-of-the-art technical facilities. This venue holds 2,000 seats, offering an intimate setting where no audience member is more than 85 feet from the stage, all while enjoying excellent sightlines and acoustics.
Address: 300 King Street W
Phone: (416) 872-1212
The Royal Alexandra Theatre
A remarkable example of beaux-arts architecture, the historic Royal Alexandra Theatre is Toronto’s oldest continuously operating legitimate theatre in North America.
Address: 260 King St.
Phone: 416-872-3333
Ed Mirvish Theatre
The historic Ed Mirvish Theatre, originally a vaudeville and movie theatre established in the 1920s, was once the largest and most extravagant theatre in Canada. Formerly called the Pantages Theatre, it continues to host prominent performances in its grand setting.
Address: 244 Victoria St. (located near Yonge and Dundas, across from the Eaton Centre)
Phone: (416) 872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333
The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre
The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres, situated in the heart of downtown Toronto, are surrounded by convenient shopping, lodging, and public transport options, with numerous parking facilities nearby. This National Historic Site is committed to delivering a wide range of Canadian and international entertainment, featuring musicals, comedies, concerts, operas, and dramas.
Address: 189 Yonge Street
Phone: (416) 872-5555