Entertainment In Canada

Entertainment in Canada boasts all the sophistication tourists have come to expect from a major North American country, coupled with delightful rural entertainments in relaxing local venues. Covering mainstream world-class productions in Ottawa and the larger cities, Canada also offers the latest in alternative acts and traditional artforms, particularly in its exceptional folk music heritage.

Music of the highest quality, both classical and modern, is offered throughout the country, and major cities provide first-rate theater, dance, and film, not to mention many musical shows and film festivals.

INFORMATION

PROVINCIAL DAILY newspapers are the most reliable sources of information about forthcoming events; the Vancouver Sun, Montreal Gazette, Ottawa Citizen, and Toronto Star are the most popular. Listings are usually published at least once a week. The Globe & Mail and National Post are produced in Toronto but are sold countrywide and have excellent arts sections containing reviews of the latest attractions. Tourist offices are helpful; some operators may assist in booking tickets. Visitor centers and hotel lobbies have weekly entertainment guides, such as Where, a magazine covering Vancouver. In Quebec, French-language entertainment is chronicled by two papers, La Presse and Le Devoir.

Macleans is a national weekly magazine with arts coverage.

BOOKING

TICKET MASTER outlets are found in many shopping malls and represent major halls across the country.

Tickets to venues in Quebec are available from Admission Network. Different offices cater to different sports and artistic events in each city. Most venues, however, can be contacted directly for tickets.

DISABLED VISITORS

MAJOR CANADIAN venues are well equipped to deal with wheelchair users. All interior halls contain ramps and restroom access. Parking lots will have designated disabled spaces nearby. A hearing loop system is available at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre, and at most other major venues. Call ahead to check their availability. Outside ramps and elevators are provided to reach concerts halls and theaters at most large centers.