Formerly the Limelight, this is truly the club that won't die. People have been coming in from the suburbs forever to dance, play pool, and lounge, and they show no signs of stopping. No jeans.

The unfinished metal-and-rivet decor gives this space an industrial feel. A young PVC-clad crowd dances to R&B and soul on the first floor, and to house and hip-hop on the second.

Established in 1979, this "gay, lesbian and queer" theater company produces edgy and provocative new Canadian works. Their work is not for everyone (the list of upcoming productions identifies shows that are "not for the faint of heart," and they mean it), but Buddies produces shows that you simply won't see anywhere else. The theater also stages Canadian adaptations of some well-known works, such as Ibsen's Hedda Gabler. American Sky Gilbert has helped build the theater's cutting-edge reputation.

The CanStage company performs an eclectic variety of Canadian and international plays. Recent productions include Urinetown, The Glass Menagerie, and the late Pulitzer Prize-winning author Carol Shield's Larry's Party. They perform at the St. Lawrence Centre, seating 500 to 600, and the Berkeley Theatre, a more avant-garde, intimate space. CanStage also presents open-air summer theater -- traditionally Shakespeare -- in High Park. It's known as the Dream in High Park. The company plans to focus more on Canadian-written works in the near future.

Home to the subtitled set, the Carlton plays films -- many of them superb -- that frequently don't see the light of day anywhere else. Many of the offerings originate in France, Italy, Russia, or China; there's also a smattering of independent North American films. Buy tickets early on weekends.

Artistic director Serge Bennathan's nine-person company has gained international recognition for its provocative mix of stylized physical movement and theater. One of the best-known works in its repertoire is Sable/Sand, which won a Dora Award for choreography.

The choreography of this local dance favorite is noted for its athleticism, theatricality, humor, and passionate social vision. The company performs both new works and revivals of modern-dance classics. Refreshing, fun, and exuberant.

Since it opened in 1970, the Factory Theatre has focused on presenting Canadian plays, from political dramas to over-the-top comedies. The 2004-05 season marks the theater's 35th anniversary, and the season promises to be the most fascinating yet. Performances showcase up-and-coming scribes as well as established playwrights. George F. Walker started his career at the Factory, and two of his top works -- Adult Entertainment and The End of Civilization -- will be revived in 2005.

This group mounts unique, visually fantastic "black light" shows. Famous People Players is renowned not just for the quality of its shows, but also for bringing out the creative potential in performers with disabilities. The price of the show includes a four-course dinner and backstage tour.

From May to September, Kingswood's open-air theater plays host to diverse, top-notch talent. Don Henley, the Beach Boys, the Scorpions, Barry Manilow, and Public Enemy have all played here. The bandshell is covered, but the lawn seats aren't -- so beware in bad weather.

Versailles this ain't. Still, that hasn't deterred the crème de la crème of the alternative music scene. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Tragically Hip, and Alanis have performed here. Despite the graffiti grunge, Lee's does boast the best sight lines in town. The audience is young and rarely tires of slam dancing in the mosh pit in front of the stage.

Toronto's such a theater town that even tiny tots (and the rest of the family) get their own performance center. The always-enjoyable Lorraine Kimsa Theatre (formerly known as the Young Peoples Theatre) mounts whimsical productions such as Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang (by the late great Mordecai Richler), and children's classics such as Pinocchio and The Miracle Worker. This theater company is particularly committed to diversity in its programming and in its artists.

Affectionately known as the Maddy, this is a popular Annex bar. The crowd, which includes many students from nearby U of T, fills every floor and terrace. The newest development is the billiard room, with 10 tables. Everyone in the friendly crowd seems to know everyone else.

Space cadets, unite: house music plays in a "Jetsons"-like futuristic space. The crowd here is too young to have seen 2001: A Space Odyssey the first time around, but video screens offer glimpses. If you think a theme bar sounds like fun, this is your place; if you've been there and done that, go elsewhere.

This small company is dedicated to performing works that express and dramatize the native Canadian experience. Playwright Thomson Highway, who authored Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing, was one of the company's founders.

One of the oldest dance halls in Toronto, the Phoenix attracts an all-ages, all-races crowd that includes straights and gays. As a rock venue, it showcases such artists as Screaming Headless Torsos and Patti Smith. On the weekends, it gets the crowds dancing with a mixture of retro, Latin, alternative, and funk.

Built in the early 1990s, this 2000-seat theater boasts state-of-the-art stage and acoustics, as well as murals by renowned artist Frank Stella.

Designated a historic landmark, this is the city's oldest tavern -- it's been in operation since 1849.

The Toronto Truck Theatre is the home of Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, now in its 29th year.

The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir is Canada's world-renowned large vocal ensemble. Founded in 1894 by Dr. Augustus S. Vogt as an extension of his Jarvis St. Baptist Church choir, the Choir presented its first concert in Massey Hall (as part of the hall's inaugural season) on January 15, 1895.

Toronto Dance Theatre, under the inspired direction of choreographer Christopher House, is internationally recognized for its passionate, intelligent contemporary dance.

An Irish pub

A mix of bars, dance clubs and sports venues.

Meet the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and their steeds up close through a tour of this specialized riding stable.

Don't just walk through this museum, but push buttons and pull levers as you experience science and technology first-hand.

This bridge linking Ottawa and Hull is a nice place to walk, bike and take pictures.

This historic residence served as the Prime Minister's home before 24 Sussex Drive.

This pretty park is located near several museums, churches and the Ottawa River.

Historic home of Braddish and Lamira Billings, built circa 1827-1828, who were founding settlers of Ottawa.