Best Performing Arts in Toronto

Declared a national historic site in 1982, this structure represents the last stacked Edwardian theater in the world, meaning one theater on top of the other. It was built in 1913 as the first of the Loews vaudeville theatre chain. Located downstairs, the 1,500-seat Elgin Theatre makes for a lavish gathering with royal boxes and charming gilded plaster details. The upstairs 1,000-seat Winter Garden features trompe-l'oeil paintings of pastoral scenes and a spectacular fireproof garden hanging from the roof. Catch some of the most awaited theater productions at this spectacular venue.

Home to the Canadian Opera Company, the Four Seasons Center for the Performing Arts is a gorgeous building both inside and out. The exterior features a glass wall allowing light to shine in or out depending on the time of day, and the inside is a spectacular open space with four balconies. It also houses the longest free-spanning glass staircase in the world. Besides being beautiful, it is also quite functional with the main room holding over 2,000 spectators. The smaller amphitheater provides free shows throughout the year.

The Princess of Wales Theater, located in the Entertainment District, elegantly combines contemporary and traditional architectural design thus hosting some of the city's finest performances. The 2000-seat showplace was built by the father and son production team of Ed and David Mirvish, Toronto mainstays who have contributed greatly to the entertainment scene in the city. They're also responsible for the Royal Alexandra Theatre only a block away.

Theatre Aquarius boasts the best in art and entertainment in the city of Hamilton. This charitable organization hosts some of the most successful theatrical performances around, all of which are hosted in one of two intimate settings, promising great views of the stage no matter where you're seated. The goal of Theatre Aquarius is to "entertain, challenge, and educate," and past shows have included Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Fun for the whole family, Theatre Aquarius is an excellent addition to any Hamilton itinerary.

Used primarily as the city's industrial docklands for decades, the Harbourfront area has been developed over the last 30 years into a recreational and cultural attraction that now draws more than three million visitors per year. Harbourfront's attraction is many things to many people. Some shop at the Queens Quay Terminal and the others take in an outdoor concert at Concert Stage or attend a festival at the York Quay Centre. While others turn out for the annual book reading events. A place buzzing with diverse activities!

Given to Toronto by the Massey family in the late 1800s, the Massey Hall and the building was declared a heritage site in the 1970s. Today, it hosts more than 100 events annually, ranging from jazz, classical, folk and rock music to international dance. Comedy and theater troupes as well as opera choirs have performed here to appreciative audiences. Ticket prices vary, depending on seat and performance so call ahead for details for more.

Young Centre For The Performing Arts nourishes and promotes art in a big way in Toronto. Their repertoire is vast and includes poetry recitals, readings, stand-up shows, classical and contemporary concerts, ballet, opera and even visual arts. If you reach before showtime, stop by their in-house cafe bar which serves up very palatable refreshments and drinks. Besides theatrical productions, the theater can also be rental out for private events and corporate conferences.

This massive arts center serves as the focal point of the North York arts community. Aside from three theaters, the Main Stage, George Weston Recital Hall and the Studio are all buzzing with various events in music, art, theater and more . Toronto Centre for the Arts is host to a whole range of performance art, from lavish musical theater at the Main Stage to more intimate individual recitals at the George Weston and Studio Theaters.

Formerly the Hummingbird Center, this multi-purpose structure ranks as Canada's largest performing arts building and one of its most diversified. Hosting a range of acts from the National Ballet and the Canadian Opera Company to 'Riverdance' and Bill Cosby (six times and counting), there's a show for every preference and age group at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. With more than 3,000 seats, there's an area that suits both your mood and budget. Ticket prices depend on on the event and choice of seating.