Palais Royale, Historic dance hall on Lake Shore Boulevard, Toronto, Canada.
Palais Royale is an entertainment venue featuring a barrel-vaulted ceiling, ornate chandeliers, and a spacious ballroom that overlooks Lake Ontario. The building has a two-tiered deck and landscaped grounds that accommodate outdoor events alongside its formal indoor spaces.
Originally constructed in 1922 as Dean's Boat Works, the building later became a dance hall and hosted notable musicians like Count Basie and Duke Ellington during the 1930s. This period established the venue as a major music destination in Toronto.
The venue became central to Toronto's social transformation when community movements in the 1950s challenged and ended racial segregation. Today, visitors experience the site of these important changes in the city's past.
The venue sits on the waterfront and is easily accessible with parking available and outdoor areas suitable for various weather conditions. Guests should plan time to explore both the indoor and outdoor spaces, as the grounds feature multiple levels.
A memorable moment in the venue's history occurred in 1933 when a single orchestra performance drew thousands of attendees in one evening. This event revealed the immense pulling power the place had for music lovers of the time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
