Hot up in the 6ix: Toronto overtakes Montreal as Canada’s party capital

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    Waterfront residents opposing 49-storey tower at the foot of Spadina

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    Forget the CNE. Torontonians will have a chance to experience some unique food items at Scotiabank Arena. Plus, the City of Toronto is Canada's party capital. Your interesting stories chat with Erica Natividad and Richard Southern.

    By Lucas Casaletto

    Montreal has long been labelled Canada’s best party city, but according to spending habits in 2022, Torontonians are giving them a run for their money.

    According to a new report from Square, a payment processing company, consumers in Toronto lead nighttime activity in Canada’s bars, cafes and restaurants.

    The data shows that the share of in-person payments made in Toronto between 7 p.m. and 4 a.m. in 2022 (38.5 per cent)
    is “considerably higher” than in Vancouver (33.8 per cent) and Montreal (24.7 per cent).

    Looking at the U.S., Toronto ranks in line with Miami (40 per cent) when it comes to spending at bars and restaurants, and the 6ix is well ahead of Los Angeles (34 per cent).

    It falls below New York City (42 per cent), giving proper homage to the city that never sleeps.

    The data shows that the nightlife spending habits in Toronto gradually increased every year, dating back to 2019 when it was 24 per cent.

    toronto spending data

    Photo courtesy: Square.


    toronto spending data

    Photo: Square.


    Similar to other global, populous cities, 2022 has shown a considerable pandemic recovery.

    “All cities have seen year-over-year growth, reflecting a consumer shift to nighttime spending as Canadian bars, cafes and restaurants recover from the pandemic,” a Square data analyst said.

    After two years of COVID-19 restrictions curbing Halloween, Canadians are expected to ramp up celebrations this year.

    New research by the Retail Council of Canada suggests 86 per cent of Canadians will spend the same or more on Halloween this year compared with last year, with many making purchases a month ahead.

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