8 Best Nightlife in Ontario, Canada

Known as much for its industrial-chic pastel interior as it is for its reliable selection of small-batch beers, this modern brewery is proudly local-first. Many of its brews are made from 99% Ontario ingredients, and the staff grow produce and herbs for stellar seasonal small plates in a rooftop garden.

C'est What?. C'est What? has a wide selection of exclusively Canadian craft brews. 67 Front St. E, at Church, Old Town, Toronto, ON, M5E 1B5. 416/867–9499. www.cestwhat.com. King.

Five minutes from downtown Ottawa, sitting on the shores of Lake Leamy, this upscale casino has more than 1,900 slot machines, 60 gaming tables, and an electronic horse-racing track. The Théatre du Casino attracts a diverse mix of crooners and comedians, mostly popular Québécois performers.

Finding a quiet place to relax and listen to great music is not so common in Toronto but, luckily, there's the Jazz Bistro. The sound system is state-of-the-art and the beautiful Steinway piano is affectionately referred to by regulars as the Red Pops. Blues, jazz, Latin, and world music acts perform almost every night. There's food, too.

This late-19th-century vaudeville theater retains some of its original charm, most notably in its proscenium arch over the stage. The 900-capacity venue hosts internationally touring acts of all genres. Locals like to reminisce about seeing such diverse acts as Nirvana, Lucinda Williams, Kings of Leon, LCD Soundsystem, M.I.A., and the Black Keys here.

Toronto's British heritage thrives at this classy bar with a full restaurant, where the black-and-white photos on the walls reveal its true passion: soccer. A Manchester United game is never missed, though NHL and other sporting events are also shown. The wine list is admirable for a pub while the beer and cider selection is focused on Ontario brews. Dressed-up British staples—available in the bar or ground-floor dining room—range from Scotch eggs to an excellent hand-chopped beef burger.

The Relic could easily sub in for the stage of a festival production with its minimalist, rustic design that harkens back to Old Havana. Like in the Cuban capital, rum is the spirit of choice with an extensive cocktail list featuring classic tiki drinks and modern mixology wizardry. Guest bartenders and acoustic jazz ensembles are also known for making appearances.

This hotel's sceney rooftop bar has become a bona fide party destination. The lounge space is encased in a glass pyramid that allows for stunning views of the surrounding city, with a wraparound open-air deck. While you're feasting your eyes on that panorama, enjoy a house cocktail, local beer, or some of the kitchen's globe-spanning small plates.