The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres
The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres
4.5
About
The last operating double-decker theatre in the world. Built in 1913 and restored and renovated by the Ontario Heritage Trust in the 1980s today the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres are home to a diverse and variety of entertainment in Toronto. The downstairs auditorium is the elegant Elgin Theatre red and gold in Edwardian design. The upstairs theatre is the whimsical Winter Garden a unique botanical rooftop garden that blooms year around. Join us for musicals, operas, comedy and films. Public tours happen throughout the year check webpage for specific dates, times and tickets.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Old Toronto
How to get there
- Queen • 1 min walk
- Dundas • 5 min walk
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4.5
356 reviews
Excellent
252
Very good
91
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
3
autom
Toronto, Canada51 contributions
Mar 2019
Opera Atelier, one of my favourite Canadian opera companies, performs at The Elgin all the time. This theatre is imbued with lovely, decandent retro stylings (art deco?) with a beautifully intimate atmosphere, comfortable seating (both orchestra and balcony) and the accoustics are quite fine. I quite like the intimacy of this well renowned Toronto performance venue. So you're in luck if a show you're looking to watch happens to be playing here.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mikeofguildwood
Toronto, Canada114 contributions
Aug 2019
I've heard so much about this show and it lived up to our expectations. We saw it several months ago, but I noticed that I hadn't completed this review. Come From Away is a story that we are all familiar with, but the presentation was superb. From the simplicity (yet effectiveness) of the sets, to the music, the theme and the story telling, there was never a dull moment. I believe that it's moved to another location, so find it and go see it. Two thumbs up here!
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kym s
Toronto, Canada78 contributions
Feb 2020
Recently saw Caroline and change. The winter garden is a magical place. Seats were accommodating and comfortable. You feel like a nymph is a Shakespearean play sitting below the canopy of trees and leaves.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
caroline
16 contributions
Jan 2021
Just an absolutely amazing theatre! We came to see Come From Away a while back and the show, cast, and performance was astonishing. Hands down the best play I’ve ever seen but I have to mention the two theatres... They’re beautiful works of art, the most unique theatres I’ve ever seen. Once it’s safe to return, you bet I will be!
Written 15 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
44HADSON
Toronto, Canada8 contributions
Dec 2021
The Elgin is an iconic institution located in downtown Toronto. It hosts various events from live theatre, music, to film. Visited it to see a TIFF flick and had a great time. Seats are spacious, plenty of leg room. There is a smell of fresh hipster musk and nostalgia upon entering the main theatre. The decor is classic North American urban 20th century grand theatre, similar to the greats in Detroit. Had a great experience and looking forward to going again.
Written 23 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David R
Victoria, Canada48 contributions
Mar 2019
You get a real sense of old-style theatre houses. Nice woodwork, brass brightwork, chandeliers...atmosphere.
I found the seats a bit tight, but I'm over 6' tall. And the upper balconies are quite steeply raked which might be a little uncomfortable for those who easily feel vertigo.
I found the seats a bit tight, but I'm over 6' tall. And the upper balconies are quite steeply raked which might be a little uncomfortable for those who easily feel vertigo.
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ParajoLoco
Aurora, Canada120 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We have often been to the Elgin theatre but this was our first occasion to discover the Winter Garden theatre. It is an incredible location with an amazing decor. Located above the Elgin it is a smaller original venue. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit!
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LaChatNoir
West Lafayette, IN1,813 contributions
Must-see for architecture buffs and theater lovers. This stacked theater was incredible with an amazing history. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and informative. The extravagant Elgin Theatre on the first floor was gilded and opulent, completely restored. The Winter Garden Theatre (seven stories up) was otherworldly. Branches and leaves adorn the ceilings and columns have been turned into tree trunks. The 90 tour was well with the admission price to a national treasure and truly unique site. Exquisitely restored, these two theaters are real gems.
Written 9 October 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B K
Newfoundland, Canada19 contributions
Aug 2019
Beautiful theatre; small, which means all seats are essentially good ones. We saw Come From Away and it was beyond phenomenal.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John T
Portland, OR33 contributions
Oct 2019
The architecture and interior design of this theater is absolutely spectacular. We were in town for a few days and were lucky enough to get tickets to a wonderful musical, Come From Away at the last minute. Great seats too! Really isn't a bad seat in the house.
Written 17 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, can you tell me whether your theatre offer back stage tour and/or behind the scene experience regarding lighting, scene/stage setup, etc. for children?
Thank you.
Written 23 September 2024
Don’t know that it’s the cheapest but we use the parking under Dundas Square. Easy to get to reasonably priced after 6pm and close to theatre.
Written 9 March 2020
Has anyone sat in the front row (AA) for Come From Away? I know we'll need to crank our head a little, but wondered if anyone had any experience with them? Thanks in advance!
Written 30 September 2019
We sat in row BB, left side of stage & it was fine. Some props obstructed the view but the performers are always up front & centre & you can appreciate their expressions up close. I'll post a photo of the stage from our seats.
Written 24 February 2020
Typically 2 reds, 2 whites, several beers, and spirits.Price is $8. Expect a long line at the bar during intermission so I usually get a drink before the show starts. Also you can take it to your seat.
Written 3 May 2019
I'm thinking of getting seats on the left hand side. Do you think the view will be ok? row DD? TIA
Written 31 March 2019
Yes i suppose so .. Same as on other side. The action on stage takes into account audiences on both sides of theatre.
Written 1 April 2019
How are the box seat views for Come from Away? Would you be better row O orchestra?
Written 29 March 2019
I agree with the above. We were in the mezzanine, close to the box seats on the right, and noticed that (in my opinion) our seats were better. I was so engrossed in the show that I didn’t notice if they were being used, but I did note that there was a bank of stage lights closely over the box seats, which would be annoying.
Written 31 March 2019
How is the view from the less expensive seats?
Written 1 February 2019
I have never bought less expensive seats but I agree with the previous writer: the theatre is set out in such a way that you could see from just about anywhere.
Written 1 February 2019
What hotels are close to the Elgin Theatre
Written 2 August 2018
It appears that another traveler has answered your question and covered all the nearby hotels.
Written 3 August 2018
merilynswan2018
Moncton, Canada
Would like to know if the hop on hop off stop is close to the theatre ..for a matinee show would like to do both
Written 31 May 2018
There was a subway entrance close by if that’s what you mean. It’s also right across the road from the famous Toronto Eaton Center.
Written 1 June 2018
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