4 Best Performing Arts Venues in Canada

One of Canada's premier ballet companies, Les Grands have been moving audiences since 1957. Under the artistic direction of Ivan Cavallari, the company has continued to evolve a rich body of both classic and contemporary work. Its annual presentation of The Nutcracker, which often sells out, is a longstanding Christmas tradition. Performances take place at the Place des Arts.

Innovative dances and timeless classics by internationally acclaimed choreographers are presented by Ballet British Columbia. Most performances are at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Hamilton Street. 

Under French artistic director Alexandra Damiani, BJM Danse Montréal fuses contemporary music and visual arts with extraordinary technique. Performances are held at Place des Arts and Agora de la Danse, and there are free shows at Théâtre de Verdure in Parc Lafontaine during the summer months.

Canada's internationally recognized classical-ballet company was founded in 1951 and is made up of more than 70 dancers and its own orchestra boasting alumnus Karen Kain as artistic director. It's the only company in Canada to perform a full range of traditional full-length ballet classics, including frequent stagings of Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. The company also performs contemporary works and is dedicated to the development of Canadian choreography. The season runs late fall through spring at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Canada's first purpose-built ballet opera house.