Kandice VincentThe Best Drive-In Theatres Near Toronto
Buckle up, fellow movie buffs! Toronto's drive-in theatres are here to save us from the tyranny of uncomfortable cinema seats and overpriced popcorn.
As you wrestle with your car's temperamental FM radio and wonder if you've packed enough bug spray, know that you're about to enjoy a movie retro-style. These drive-ins are like a cozy time warp, allowing us to take a breather in this fast-paced digital world.
Let's hit the rewind button on cinematic nostalgia and explore the best drive-in theatres in the Toronto area.
The Best Drive-In Theatres Near Toronto
The 5 Drive-In Theatre
— From: @5driveinoakville
Website: http://5drivein.com/
Address: 2332 Ninth Line, Oakville, ON L6H 7G9, Canada
Contact details: +1 905-257-8272
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 6:30PM onwards
Terms and conditions: No outside food, no refunds or rainchecks
Prices:
- Single (1 Adult, 1 Car): $13.00
- Single Parent (1 Adult, 1-2 Kids, 1 Car): $16.00
- Single Parent (1 Adult, 3-4 Kids, 1 Car): $20.00
- Couples (2 Adults, 1 Car): $26.00
- Family 1 (2 Adults, 1-2 Kids, 1 Car): 29.00
- Family 2 (2 Adults, 3-4 Kids, 1 Car): 35.00
- 3 Adults: $37.00
- 4 Adults: $48.00
- 5 Adults: $59.00
- 6 Adults: $70.00
- Child: Free
The 5 Drive-In has been a beloved part of Oakville since the swinging sixties. With a history that spans decades, this iconic drive-in movie theatre still holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
This theatre keeps the silver screen alive with recent releases, which will play rain or shine. Each of its three screens lights up with two different movies every night, giving you a choice of six films in total.
For families, they’ve got an on-site kids’ play area, so the little ones can have a blast before the show begins. There’s also a snack bar serving up all the classics – buttery popcorn, fluffy cotton candy, juicy hamburgers, and sizzling hot dogs.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning a visit to the 5 Drive-In, book your tickets in advance and consider arriving early. This place is super popular, and the lines at the concession stands can get pretty long as the movie start time approaches.
Port Hope Drive-In
— From: @porthopedrivein
Website: https://porthopedrivein.com/
Address: 2141 Theatre Rd S, Cobourg, ON K9A 4J7, Canada
Contact details: +1 905-434-8233
Operating hours: Friday to Sunday – 7:30 PM onwards
Terms and conditions: No outside food, no car lights, no smoking within 9 meters 32 feet, poop and scoop, hatches must be kept in line with your roof, large vehicles such as vans, trucks, and SUVs are not allowed in the first three rows, no speeding in the lot
Prices:
- Regular: $15.00
- Child (6-12): $5.00
- Infant (0-5): Free
Port Hope Drive-In, a classic drive-in cinema just a stone’s throw from Toronto, offers a combo of first-run movies and delectable treats. It typically screens two movies on a standard night, but keep an eye out for those special triple-feature nights!
You don’t need to eat dinner beforehand since they’ve got all the essentials such as burgers, poutine, and candy – we recommend their onion rings with a poutine twist.
They even have a designated dog-walking area for your furry friends.
Because this fantastic drive-in stays afloat through its concession sales, they kindly request you to respect their no outside food policy. Those caught sneaking in food might be asked to leave with no refunds, so be forewarned.
Pro tip:
If you happen to find yourself with a free Sunday, you’re in for a treat. Check out their “fill a car” special – it’s just $20 per carload, which is quite a steal!
The Mustang Drive-In
— From: @mustangdrivein1
Website: https://premiertheatres.ca/mustang
Address: 2551 Wilton Grove Rd, London, ON N6N 1M7
Contact details: +1 519-644-1160
Operating hours: Monday: 8 PM–12 AM
Tue-Thurs: 8–11:30 PM
Friday: 7 PM–11:30 PM
Saturday: 7–11:30 PM
Sunday: 8:15–11:30 PM
Terms and conditions: Taller vehicles (1.6m and over) are to park in the back half of the theatre between yellow poles, no outside food, cash transactions only
Prices:
- Single: $13.00
- Single Parent Deals: $16.00-$20.00
- Couples: $26.00
- Family Deals: $29.00-$35.00
- Group Deals: $37.00-$70.00
- Child: Free
Imagine watching a new movie under the stars from the comfort of your car. That’s exactly what you get at Mustang Drive-In, just an hour from Toronto. This drive-in theatre is a summer hangout favorite, especially among locals.
As you park, the movie’s sound will play clearly through the car radio. If you’re feeling a bit cramped in your car, you can also bring camp chairs and create a cosy set-up outside your vehicle – make sure not to block another visitor’s view.
This drive-in is kid-friendly and there’s a snack bar with tasty treats like popcorn, hotdogs, and ice cream. One important thing to remember: Mustang Drive-In only accepts cash, so have some Canadian dollars on hand!
Pro tip:
If you’re on a budget, you can visit the drive-in on Thursdays for their Carload Thursdays promo wherein you can bring a carload of friends or family for only $24. It’s an affordable and relaxing way to enjoy your night.
The Starlite Drive-in Theatre
— From: @starlitehamilton
Website: https://premiertheatres.ca/starlite
Address: 59 Green Mountain Rd E, Stoney Creek, ON L8J 2V5, Canada
Contact details: +1 905-662-4800
Operating hours: Thurs-Sun: 6:00 PM onwards
Terms and conditions: No outside food and drinks
Prices:
- Single: Regular – $13.00; Holiday – $13.00
- Couples: Regular – $26.00; Holiday – $31.00
- 4 Adults: Regular -$48.00; Holiday – $52.00
- Child: Free
Starlite Drive-In offers a lineup of blockbuster releases for the grown-ups and recently added family-friendly films. Plus, they sweeten the deal with combo deals on concessions meals that won’t break the bank, making it a breeze for family budgets.
The drive-in has three screens, and each night, you can catch two recently released movies on each screen, for a total of six films to choose from. As a bonus, both films playing on the same screen are included in the admission price.
This gem is also conveniently located near other daytime fun activities, including golf clubs, so you can make a day out of it. Here’s the best part – you can bring your furry friend along since the venue is pet-friendly.
Pro tip:
We suggest you forgo the classic movie fare of popcorn and hotdogs and instead, indulge in deep-fried pickles, pulled pork sandwiches, and funnel cakes from the concession stand. We promise you won’t regret sampling these treats!
Sunset Barrie Drive-In
— From: @tourismbarrie
Website: https://premiertheatres.ca/sunsetbarrie
Address: 134 Line 4 S, Barrie, ON L0L 2L0
Contact details: +1 705-487-3758
Operating hours: Thurs-Sun: 6:00 PM onwards
Terms and conditions: No outside food
Prices:
- Single: Regular – $13.00; Holiday – $13.00
- Couples: Regular – $26.00; Holiday – $31.00
- 4 Adults: Regular -$48.00; Holiday – $52.00
- Child: Free
There’s a reason they call it Sunset Barrie Drive-In, and it’s not just because of the movies. If you arrive early, you’ll see a spectacular sunset painting the sky behind the screen.
Now, here’s the cool part: this place has been doing its thing for over 40 years, and it hasn’t changed a bit. It has three screens, a snack bar, a few arcade games, and a playground – perfect for family nights or casual dates!
Unlike other drive-in theatres that only show new movies, they screen both new and old movies, making it a community hub for movie lovers of all ages. Plus, if your car radio isn’t working properly, you can rent a radio for just $5.
Pro tip:
Here’s the one thing you absolutely must remember: bring your bug spray. Mosquitoes love this place almost as much as we do, so come prepared for a bite-free night of entertainment!
The Boonies Drive-In Theatre
— From: @the_boonies_drive_in
Website: https://www.thebooniesdrivein.com/
Address: 4625 Richardson Side Rd, Tilbury, ON N0P 2L0
Contact details: +1 519-682-1010
Operating hours:
Friday and Saturday: 1st movie starts at 7:30 PM
Sunday: 1st movie starts at 6:30 PM
Terms and conditions: Lights off – those with lights when the movie comes on will be asked to leave, no outside food, no refunds
Price: $25 per carload
Nestled in South Western Ontario is the Boonies Drive-In Theatre, a family-owned and operated treasure that’s been showing movies for years. You can catch blockbusters and classic movies for only $25 a carload!
Even though outside food is not allowed, their concession offerings make up for it – popcorn, nachos, pretzels, slush puppies, burgers, fries, hot dogs, poutine, mozzarella sticks, and more. They even have a designated section for those who enjoy a smoke.
What makes this drive-in truly unique is that they offer camping on the premises during the summer! Imagine a night under the stars watching a movie, then settling into your cozy camping spot – sounds quite lovely.
Pro tip:
Their inside concession building can host holiday or event parties. With plenty of tables, free arcade games for the kids, an indoor movie screen, and a kitchen, it would be a great setting for kiddie birthdays or family reunions!
The Stardust Drive-In Theatre
— From: @sweet_sophia_the_dog
Website: https://www.facebook.com/StardustDriveInNewmarket/
Address: 893 Mount Albert Rd, Sharon, ON L0G 1V0
Contact details: +1 905-836-4444
Operating hours: Fri-Sun: From 6:30PM onwards
Terms and conditions: Hatches should be lowered, no outside snacks
Prices: Single: $13.00
Couples (2 Adults, 1 Car): $26.00
Child: Free
Special Promos:
- Single Parent (1 Adult, 1-2 Kids, 1 Car): $16.00
- Single Parent (1 Adult, 3-4 Kids, 1 Car): $20.00
- Family 1 (2 Adults, 1-2 Kids, 1 Car): 29.00
- Family 2 (2 Adults, 3-4 Kids, 1 Car): 35.00
- 3 Adults: $37.00
- 4 Adults: $48.00
- 5 Adults: $59.00
- 6 Adults: $70.00
The Stardust Drive-In Theatre boasts three screens to showcase the latest releases plus a snack bar. The magic begins as the sun sets, so movie start times vary depending on Mother Nature’s schedule.
We suggest buying tickets in advance and keeping in mind that each one covers an entire car – if you’re rolling in solo, just select a quantity of 1. No ticket combining is allowed, but you can totally bring a convoy of cars and load up.
Plus, don’t forget a trusty flashlight for those nighttime bathroom trips as the location of the toilets is a bit far off. The venue might be a bit lacking in the light department, but it’s all part of the drive-in charm.
Pro tip:
While you’re enjoying the movie magic, keep an eye out for the deep potholes on the grounds or you or your car might get stuck in the dark. So, watch your step and your wheels, and let’s hope the management smooth things over soon.
