Toronto’s waterside entertainment district promises world-class concerts against an impressive cityscape.
Apart from being home to two of Toronto’s top music venues, it’s worth visiting Ontario Place just for a stroll. Take in the impressive Toronto skyline, get up close to the landmark Cinesphere or have a wander along the marina and check out the yachts moored there.
The entertainment district was opened in 1971 on three manmade islands on Lake Ontario. In 2012, new plans were released to regenerate the complex, with a view to launching the revamped site in 2017 to coincide with Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations. As a result of these plans, a large part of the attractions are currently closed, including the water park and the Cinesphere. However, the marina, Echo Beach and the amphitheatre are still open, as well as the private events pavilion so the area still has more than enough to keep visitors entertained.
Echo Beach is a 5,000-capacity outdoor venue for live concerts. It has hosted the likes of Ed Sheeran and Marina and the Diamonds, and is rated as one of Toronto’s top concert arenas. The incredible cityscape which forms its backdrop only adds to the effect.
The amphitheatre is also a well-known music venue. At 16,000 seats, it can accommodate larger audiences than Echo Beach, and has seen top acts such as Bryan Adams and Dave Matthews Band play here.
Sailing enthusiasts should head down to the marina which is open from May until mid-October. The docks here can provide mooring for some 240 yachts and boats, so this might be a good place to try and charter a boat if you’re planning any water-based trips.
Although the Cinesphere is closed, you might like to get a closer look at its enormous dome which looks like a golf ball. Nearby, you can go and check out the Banquet Hall and its panoramic views of Toronto city centre and Lake Ontario.
Ontario Place is off the north shore of Lake Ontario, and about 10 minutes by car to the west of Toronto city centre. Parking is limited however, so public transport might be a more hassle-free option. Trains stop at Exhibition Place, and it’s about 10 minutes on foot from there.
Check the Echo Beach website for concert listings, and check the Live Nation website for details of what's going on at the amphitheatre.
