8 Amazing (and Accessible) Entertainment Venues in Toronto

by | Aug 4, 2025 | Places

interior of grand princess of wales theatre. red seating and gold lighting.

Toronto’s cultural scene is thriving, from symphony halls to historic theatres to stadium-sized concerts. But how accessible are these spaces for people with disabilities? Whether you’re planning a night at the opera or dancing to your favourite artist, here are some of the city’s best entertainment venues that are stepping up for access—without compromising on atmosphere.

1. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

interior of performing arts centre. all light wood with many levels.

📍 145 Queen St W
🎭 Toronto’s purpose-built opera house and home of the Canadian Opera Company and National Ballet of Canada

The Four Seasons Centre is a crown jewel in the city’s arts scene. Its stunning five-tier auditorium is acoustically designed for unamplified sound, making it a rare and revered venue for opera and ballet.

Accessibility Highlights:

  • Step-free entrance with automatic doors

  • Elevators to all levels of seating

  • Wheelchair-accessible seating in multiple sections

  • Accessible washrooms on multiple floors

  • Subway access directly within the building

  • Companion seat is provided free of charge

Pro Tip:
Look out for relaxed performances, and sensory-friendly shows.

2. Princess of Wales Theatre

Interior view of the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto, showing rows of plush red seats, multiple balcony levels with ornate gold railings, and a vibrant abstract mural on the ceiling. The theatre is empty and warmly lit, showcasing its grand architecture and classic design.

📍 300 King St W
🎟 A Broadway-style theatre known for large-scale musicals and Mirvish blockbusters

Designed in the 1990s, the Princess of Wales was the first privately built theatre in Toronto in over a century—and it’s as grand as they come, with gilded murals and massive balcony views.

Accessibility Highlights:

  • Barrier-free entrance on King Street with automatic doors

  • Elevators to orchestra and dress circle

  • Accessible washrooms

  • Wheelchair and companion seating available, including swing away arm rests and removeable seats

  • Relaxed performances, quiet spaces and sensory friendly options
  • Audio guides

Pro Tip:
Seats for shows like Hamilton and Harry Potter can sell out fast—call ahead to request accessible seating and confirm level access to your section.

3. Roy Thomson Hall

A sunny view of downtown Toronto with Roy Thomson Hall in the foreground. The concert hall features a distinctive sloped, domed glass exterior.

📍 60 Simcoe St
🎼 The home of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and host to TIFF gala screenings

Known for its distinctive circular architecture and glass canopy, Roy Thomson Hall is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the ears.

Accessibility Highlights:

  • Power-operated entrances and elevator access throughout

  • Wheelchair seating in both orchestra and mezzanine

  • Accessible washrooms

  • Infrared hearing system available

  • Companion seating available

Pro Tip:
If attending a film screening during TIFF, use the Wellington Street entrance for a less crowded, fully accessible arrival.

4. History

A modern concert venue with moody lighting and an upscale lounge-style balcony. The image shows intimate seating areas with round tables and upholstered chairs overlooking a stage lit by beams of white spotlights. A sleek bar with illuminated shelves is visible in the background. The atmosphere is stylish and sophisticated, designed for a comfortable viewing experience

📍 1663 Queen St E
🎤 A trendy concert venue co-developed by Drake

With room for 2,500 fans, this east-end venue offers big energy in a barrier-free space—and it’s one of the most accessible concert experiences in the city.

Accessibility Highlights:

  • Step-free access and wide, open layout

  • Accessible washrooms

  • Dedicated viewing area with unobstructed sightlines on second floor.

  • Companion seats available free of charge

  • Staff available to assist upon request

Pro Tip:
Contact the venue in advance to reserve a space in the accessible viewing section, it fills up quickly for high-profile shows.

5. Budweiser Stage

A large crowd watches a concert under the expansive open-air roof of History Toronto. The audience is silhouetted against the bright stage lights, which glow orange and red, casting dramatic beams upward. The venue's steel roof structure and support beams are illuminated, with exit signs visible along the walls. The energy is electric as hands are raised and people dance to the music.

📍 909 Lake Shore Blvd W
🎸 Toronto’s iconic outdoor amphitheatre for summer concerts and waterfront festivals

Budweiser Stage is a beloved summer destination where music meets open skies. The vibe is electric, especially when the sun sets.

Accessibility Highlights:

  • Step-free entrances and accessible pathways

  • Designated accessible seating in multiple areas

  • The 300-level section offers roof covered seating (everything beyond the 300s is open-air and not protected from weather)

  • Accessible washrooms available

  • Live Nation staff provide personalized assistance from entrance to seat and will help escort guests at the end of the show to navigate crowds

Pro Tip:
When booking, request accessible seating in the 300s if shelter is important, and prioritze the raised seating areas to avoid obstructed views from people standing in front. 

6. Meridian Hall (formerly Sony Centre)

The space features wide aisles and neatly aligned rows of grey cushioned seats with wooden armrests. The venue has multiple tiers, including a balcony and mezzanine, and distinctive curved wooden paneling along the walls. The atmosphere is grand and contemporary, with well-distributed overhead lighting creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

📍 1 Front St E
🎬 A landmark venue for concerts, global dance, and touring theatre productions

As one of the city’s largest soft-seat theatres, Meridian Hall combines mid-century architecture with updated accessibility features.

Accessibility Highlights:

  • Step-free entry and power-assisted doors

  • Elevators to orchestra and mezzanine

  • Accessible washrooms on multiple levels

  • Wheelchair and companion seating available (show dependent)

  • Some shows offer ASL, audio description, and relaxed performance options

Pro Tip:
Use the Yonge Street entrance for smoother access and check the event listing to confirm which accommodations are available.

7. TIFF Bell Lightbox

Exterior view of the TIFF Bell Lightbox in downtown Toronto at night. The modern glass building is brightly lit with blue and purple lights, and people are gathered outside, some in red volunteer shirts. The entrance is accessible with automatic doors and a wide, step-free pathway. A cyclist rides past in the foreground, while others walk or stand nearby, creating a lively, urban atmosphere. The TIFF shop is visible through the glass on the left.

📍 350 King St W
📽 Home to the Toronto International Film Festival – a fully accessible cinema and cultural hub in the heart of downtown

TIFF Bell Lightbox is one of Toronto’s most accessible venues, with five cinemas designed for barrier-free access, inclusive programming, and supportive staff. Most accessible seating is located in the middle or rear of each theatre.

Accessibility Highlights:

  • Step-free entry, automatic doors and 2 elevators with touch to operate screens

  • Reserved wheelchair seating in every theatre 

  • Companion tickets are available free of charge

  • Accessible washrooms on every floor

  • Assistive listening, closed captioning, and described video devices available

Pro Tip:
Stay for a bite—O&B Canteen (main floor) and Luma (3rd floor) are both accessible restaurants located right inside the venue.

8. The Great Hall

Interior of a vintage-style performance venue with an elegant wooden floor, a raised stage framed by white pillars and red velvet curtains, and a decorative golden wallpapered backdrop. The space is empty and lit with purple and blue accent lights. A balcony with black railings wraps around the upper level, and chandeliers hang from the high, white ceiling. The venue has a mix of classic and modern features, and the main floor appears step-free.

📍 1087 Queen St W
🎻 A restored Victorian venue with indie charm and heritage aesthetics

This atmospheric venue hosts everything from concerts to community talks. While historic, it’s made important strides in improving access.

Accessibility Highlights:

  • Step-free entrance to the main floor

  • Elevator access to second-floor venues (confirm with host)

  • Accessible washroom on the ground level

Pro Tip:
Because The Great Hall has multiple rooms, accessibility may vary depending on the event. Call ahead to verify elevator access and space setup.

 

Planning a More Accessible Night Out?

Toronto’s cultural institutions are catching up—but there’s still progress to be made. To set yourself up for a stress-free experience:

  • Use the AccessNow app for real-time accessibility info and crowd-sourced reviews

  • Contact venues directly to confirm details or request assistance

  • Ask about companion seating, many venues provide it free of charge

  • Arrive early to avoid crowds and take advantage of guided support when available

Explore all these accessible places and many more on AccessNow app.

bio photo of maayan smiling kindly. she has short brown hair and wears a navy blue shirt.
About Our Founder 

A photographer turned tech entrepreneur living with Muscular Dystrophy, Maayan Ziv launched AccessNow in 2015. Maayan is an avid travel enthusiast and a fierce disability advocate. She is credited as one of the forces behind #RightsOnFlights, lobbying for increased accessibility in air travel globally.

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