255 Best Bars in Canada

A good re-creation of the quintessential Dublin pub, this place has a buzzing atmosphere, good food, and live music Wednesday through Saturday—a mix of Irish, rock, and easy listening. On some weekend afternoons, except in summer, local Celtic musicians get together here for an informal seisun (jam).

This pub has been a top spot for entertainment for more than 30 years, with something going on every weekend, mostly in the form of live traditional Maritimes music or rock. It draws a mixed crowd of all ages and is open until 2 am on Friday and Saturday night.

This delightfully divey dive, on a relatively quiet stretch of the Danforth, is known as one of the city's best beer bars, with 25 taps plus dozens of bottles and cans; nearly everything is local. The atmosphere is dim and raucous, with 1990s alt-rock blasting on the stereo. Can't snag a bar stool? Pull up a chair in the adjoining two storefronts, which serve as an all-day café and a cocktail bar.

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, and the Black Keys here.

Affectionately known as Papi's, this cocktail bar is a treat for all the senses. The ivy-covered walls and colorful local and Indigenous artwork create an intimate space in which to enjoy visually enticing cocktails with thoughtful flavor combinations. 

This entertainment mecca encompasses a casino, two high-end hotels, several excellent dining options, and a spa. The 72,000-square-foot gaming space features 600 machines and Fortune high-limit slots, as well as table games that span two floors. Access to the casino is 24/7.

You can grab a glass of one of Philémon's well-priced private import selection of Cava, Prosecco, or Champagne to accompany the menu at this bar, which serves more than the usual pub fare (oysters, anyone?). It's packed with locals Thursday through Saturday—in fact, it's become quite the singles hangout. Bouncers keep the ratio of guys to gals at a comfortable level.

This fun tasting room/community hub with a massive patio overlooking the St. John River is a great place to sample Picaroon's multiaward-winning brews and a range of brews from other local breweries. They occasionally have live music, and great food, too. 

Nautical kitsch and a friendly maritime vibe attract many a person to the Portside Pub. Live bands, weekend DJs, and whiskey on tap turn the two-level bar into a packed venue. Pub eats are above par, but lines start early and get long.

The brick-and-beam 1910 architecture, antiques, and a 38-foot bar are in keeping with the menu of classic cocktails. Most are inspired by the 1862 bartending bible How to Mix Drinks by Jerry Thomas, the first bartending manual ever to put oral traditions to print, with recipes such as a Tom Collins. There's also live music several days of the week.

In addition to the list of house brews, which have won a whole slew of awards and are now sold internationally, and a long and varied food menu, they often host bands at weekends and sometimes on weeknights, too (mostly classic rock and oldies). 

Two-hour shows here bring some well-known touring comedians to Saint John as well as showcase local and regional talent.

Cheers to Québec City's vibrant beer scene! The Festibière de Québec, held annually in mid-August at the Old Port, is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. This lively festival celebrates craft breweries from across the province and beyond, offering a huge selection of unique beers, ciders, and local food. Enjoy live music and a fantastic atmosphere by the water.

Toronto’s British heritage thrives at this classic neighborhood pub, where 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, and the beer and cider selection focuses on Ontario brews. Dressed-up British staples—served in the bar or the ground-floor dining room—range from Scotch eggs to a standout hand-chopped beef burger.

No hole-in-the-wall sports bar, this sleek 25,000-square-foot space adjacent to the Scotiabank Arena lights up with almost 200 high-definition flat-screen TVs and amazing sightlines from every club-style booth, table, or stool at one of the three bars. Head to the second floor to watch a game on the biggest TV, an HDTV screen two stories high. For popular sporting events, or any day or night the Jays, Leafs, or Raptors play, it's best to make a reservation (accepted up to three weeks in advance), though the bar does keep a third of its seats for walk-in traffic an hour before face-off.

A club for the crowds featuring a sunken dance floor and a mix of styles including reggae, salsa, hip-hop, merengue, and top-40 favorites. 

A pub during the evening and a music lounge on weekend nights, this unique downtown Edmonton institution is perfect for a date night or an early evening get together with friends. The Red Star offers a comfortable pub-like ambience, a creative menu of excellent food, and an impressive selection of bottled and draft beer and spirits. Try the Pembina pork pasta.

Designed to look like a truck stop, Red Truck Beer Company serves beer and pub fare like wings, burgers, chili, and fries. They also have an all-day breakfast menu that includes dishes like corned beef hash and southern fried eggs. There's always something fun happening here—from sports on the TV to live music (they have an outdoor summer concert series) to events like bike meetups or axe throwing.

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.

Big brother to the bistro Tendresse, this stylish bar with huge ceiling mirrors that make the space appear twice as large gets packed in the evenings. Despite its prime location in the Village, Renard appeals to a diverse clientele who love its inclusive, convivial atmosphere, festive happy hours, and signature seasonal cocktails.

This classy tequila bar was ahead of the bar buzz on Ossington (it opened in 2007) and is still going strong. The dark wood, large windows, big back patio, and mix of DJs and live jazz set the tone for a serious list of tequilas meant to be sipped, not slammed. There are also enjoyable Mexican nibbles like ceviche and tacos. Reposado has also expanded into a bodega next door with enviable bottles available for takeout.

Legendary on the Toronto jazz circuit since it opened in the 1980s, the Rex has two live shows every night, and multiple acts on weekend afternoons and evenings. Shows range from free (bring some cash for when the band passes the tip jar) to C$30. The kitchen serves diner fare, and there are even affordable hotel rooms available on-site.

One of Queen West's oldest venues, the Rivoli showcases indie music, theater, and comedy. Arcade Fire, Adele, and Tori Amos all graced the intimate back room's stage early in their careers, and for a cover charge (usually under C$20), you can catch what might be Toronto's next big thing. The low-lit front dining room offers a cozy atmosphere for snacking on their famous "wookie" balls or pad Thai, while the front patio is prime real estate for watching eclectic Torontonians go about their days. Head upstairs to shoot some pool at one of 11 pay-by-the-hour tables.

This hotel's sceney rooftop bar has become a bona fide party destination—especially when DJs spin on weekends. 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 simple-yet-flavorful house cocktail, a local beer, or some of the kitchen's globe-spanning small plates.

This small brewery right in Market Square often has live music and is a fun place to grab a pint and chat with locals. They don't serve food, but you're welcome to bring food in. 

Though neon lights and disco balls abound, this flashy 70s-style club is all about the Latin lover—dance lover, that is. Merengue, bachata, reggaeton, and salsa (of course) are the specialties, but themed evenings keep things interesting with R&B, reggae, and Top 40 hits. Check the website to learn the week's schedule and sign up for the guest list to avoid a cover.