255 Best Bars in Canada

You can take in lofty views of the city at this lounge on the 18th floor of the Chateau Victoria Hotel. By day, the interior feels a bit bland. By night, the atmosphere takes on a different vibe, albeit on the conservative side, with live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

A former art deco movie palace, the Vogue hosts a variety of concerts by local and visiting performers.

Known for its happy hour, this bar, café, and cigar lounge is elegant but unpretentious—it's the perfect spot for a romantic rendezvous. The selection of more than 150 varieties of Scotch, plus an impressive choice of wines, Champagnes, and ports, leaves most everyone's thirst quenched.

The Wine Room is devoted to nurturing the inner oenophile in all of us by offering wines usually only available by the bottle—this is one of a growing number of bars offering by-the-glass service, thanks to cutting-edge, wine-dispensing technology. It's part of the Joey Bentall One restaurant.

A predominantly upscale crowd of men—most in their twenties to forties—frequents this cavernous pub and its brother bar Sailor, where DJs mix nearly every night. The Toronto gay institution is known for Best Chest and Best Butt contests, which are hosted by some of the city's most beloved drag queens, as well as raucous dance parties. The exterior was used on the television show Queer as Folk.

Home to all things country, The Yale attracts a friendly crowd. There's Southern-style family eats from a huge in-house smoker, rockabilly music, and even a mechanical bull. Line dancing lessons and live music gets raucous on some nights.

In a renovated warehouse with a glassed-in brewery turning out several tasty beers, this always-crowded gastropub and patio has a lively singles scene and reliable happy hour. Even though it's super popular, it still feels like a neighborhood place.

Part of a Canadian comedy franchise, this venue headlines stand-up comedians on the rise (Jim Carrey and Russell Peters performed here on their way up), with covers usually between C$10 and C$26. Admission is C$5 on Tuesday for amateur night. The small space is often packed; getting cozy with your neighbors and sitting within spitting distance of the comedians is part of the appeal. Booking a dinner-and-show package guarantees better seats.

In business on The Main since 1991, this restaurant, lounge, and weekend supper club continues to pull out all the stops. There's top-notch Italian cuisine, a comprehensive wine list, well-known DJs, and even a concierge. Celebrities are known to drop by when in town.

Located in the heart of the Financial District, this culinary oasis is popular with the business suits that work in the area. Don't let that keep you away though, because this downtown hotspot offers a sun-filled patio that's hidden from the hustle and bustle of Wellington Street. Bartenders whip up phenomenal cocktails while the kitchen creates harmonious textures and flavors on your plate.

Music (including cabaret), food, gambling: there's something for everyone at the Casino de Montréal, which is open around the clock. On Île Notre-Dame, it's easily accessible by car, bicycle, or bus. The casino has more than 3,000 slot machines, a keno lounge, a high-stakes gaming area, and 120 tables for baccarat, craps, blackjack, roulette, and various types of poker, as well as four new restaurants and three new bars.

There may not be a better place in the city for a brewery and pub than in the brick-laned pedestrian-only Distillery District. Sixteen house-brewed beers are on tap; be sure to sample the signature trilogy: Organic, Tank House Ale and Wit. After a proper tasting, head to the on-site beer boutique where you can purchase some of your favorites. The pub serves dressed-up fare: beer-braised ribs, lobster grilled cheese and beer-steamed mussels. Alfresco tables are prime real estate in warm weather.