9 Best Drive-In Theatres Near Toronto 2024

Looking for something fun and different to do this summer in Toronto? Why not plan a fun visit to a local drive-in theatre?

Take some time to appreciate the simplicity of watching a movie or two from the comfort of your car with your family (and even your pets) while indulging in an extra-large bucket of popcorn!

What’s the Closest Drive-In Theatre to Toronto?

There are no longer any permanent drive-in movie theatres within the city of Toronto.

The three closest drive-in theatres to Toronto are:
⭐️ 5-Drive Movie Theatre in Oakville
⭐️ Starlight Drive-in Movie Theatre in Hamilton
⭐️ Stardust Drive-in Movie Theatre in Newmarket

Read on to find out more specifics about each of these drive-in theatres in Toronto and across Ontario.

Here is my list of the best drive-in movie theatres close to Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

1. The 5 Drive-In Movie Theatre (Oakville)

About 25 kilometres west of Toronto, in Oakville, you’ll find the 5 Drive-In Movie Theatre. There are two recent release movies running on each of its three movie screens every night, for a total of six films each night. Movies play rain or shine.

The 5 Drive-In Movie Theatre has a great takeaway concession stand with all the classic movie snacks, including popcorn, cotton candy, hamburgers, and hot dogs, even though outside food is not allowed.

It is recommended that you arrive early to the 5 Drive-In as it is a very popular location and there can be long lines at the concession stands ahead of the movie start time. The box office opens at 6:45 p.m.

5 Drive-In Tip: Buy your tickets online and arrive early, as this is a popular spot close to Toronto.

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2. Starlite Drive-In Movie Theatre (Hamilton)

About 40 kilometres west of Toronto, in Hamilton, is where you’ll find The Starlite. There are two recent release movies running on each of its three movie screens every night, for a total of six films each night. Both films, which are being shown on the same screen, are included in the admission price.

No outside food is allowed in the theatre, but they have a large concession stand where you can not only purchase the usual popcorn, hamburgers, and hotdogs, but you can also buy deep-fried pickles, pulled pork sandwiches, and funnel cakes too!

Starlite Drive-In Tip: Arrive early, as the concession stand line can be quite long and you don’t want to miss the start of the movie waiting in line!

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3. The Stardust Drive-In Movie Theatre (Newmarket)

The Stardust is located in Newmarket, about 40 kilometres north of the city. The Stardust drive-in movie theatre has 3 movie screens, with two showing on each screen each night. Your ticket covers the cost of both movies playing on the same screen. The movie lineup includes current box-office hits.

No outside food is allowed, but the reviews for food are excellent, and there are lots of great food options on the menu.

Stardust Drive-In Tip: Drive very carefully as there are lots of potholes near the entrance and exit of this drive-in theatre!

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Drive-In Theatres in Greater Ontario Area

The 5-Drive-In Movie Theatre, the Starlight, and the Stardust are all within an hour’s drive from the city of Toronto. However, there are many more excellent drive-in movie theatre options in Southern Ontario that are worth visiting.

Whether you are driving from Toronto or perhaps you are camping or cottaging in Ontario, a trip to a local drive-in movie is a fun way to spend the evening with family or perhaps on a romantic date!

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4. The Oxford Drive-In Theatre (Woodstock)

Recently purchased by a local family, the Oxford Drive-In Theatre and they have done an excellent job with several improvements.

Their prices are also very reasonable. For example, a car with two adults and two kids is $30. They also have carload specials for just $20. You can also bring in your own snacks if you choose.

The field has marked rows for different types of vehicles, keeping the larger trucks and SUVs to the back and giving cars the best viewing options. Concessions are delivered to your car. You place your paper order on the windshield and a runner will come and deliver your food. You can pay cash, debit, or credit at your car.

The screen is large and clean, and the projector is bright. The radio is easy to tune into and it supports stereo audio for even higher quality sound.

There is a food wagon and newly renovated washrooms. This family and pet-friendly drive-in theatre is definitely one to add to your list!

5. Lindsay Twin Drive-In Movie Theatre (Lindsay)

The Lindsay Twin Drive-In movie theatre has two screens and plays newly released movies. The snack bar has lots of great food options, including prime rib burgers, all-beef hotdogs, supersized fries, onion rings, deep-fried pickles, and slushies. 

The Lindsay Drive-In has a small playground that children can enjoy prior to the start of the movie.

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6. Mustang Drive-In Theatre (Guelph)

The Mustang Drive-in Theatre is located in Guelph, Ontario. The Mustang has one screen that plays two movies each night. Parking spots are on a first-come, first-served basis. They have a special Sunday Night Carload for $25. The movie line-up includes current box office hits.

Lots of food options are available at the concession stand, including hamburgers, hotdogs, poutine, onion rings, ice cream, candy, and of course, popcorn! The Mustang Drive-In is a pet-friendly theatre that has a small playground as well. 

Mustang Drive-In Tip: The Mustang Drive-In is a cash-only venue. There is an ATM on site, but it is best to bring some cash with you!

7. Can-View (Skyway) Drive-In Movie Theatre (St. Catharine’s)

With new ownership in 2023, this drive-in theatre is the largest drive-in movie theatre in Ontario with four screens. When searching online, this theatre has two names – Skyway is likely the new name under the new management.

Can-View (Skyway) Drive-In Tip: Reviews for the concession stand at the start of the 2023 season are not great! Complaints about high prices and mediocre food. Bring your patience.

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8. Sunset Drive-In Movie Theatre (Barrie)

Sunset Drive-In Tip: This drive-in is named Sunset for a reason – come early to watch the spectacular sunset behind the screen.

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9. Muskoka Drive-In Movie Theatre (Muskoka)

The Muskoka Drive-In Movie theatre is a cash-only facility, although they do have an ATM on site. Movies play rain or shine.

Muskoka Drive-In Tip: The box office closes at the start of the first movie. There is no admission after the first movie starts, so arrive early.

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CLOSED: Port Hope Drive-In Movie Theatre (Port Hope)

This location is now permanently closed.

What happened to the drive-in theatre at The Docks in Toronto?

The final drive-in theatre that existed in the city of Toronto was located at The Docks, near Cherry Beach and Polson Pier on the waterfront.

Sadly, The Docks theatre in Toronto shut its doors in 2018. The golf facilities and driving range in the neighbourhood were expanded, and the movie theatre is now a parking lot full of boats!

Not to worry, though; there are plenty of excellent drive-in theatres across Ontario and not far from Toronto for those who want this fun entertainment experience.

How To Maximize The Drive-In Movie Theatre Experience

The iconic drive-in movie theatre experience, which can be enjoyed with friends, family, or even a first date, has something special to offer. Bring your lawn chairs, pillows, sleeping bags, blankets, games, and even lawn chairs if you want to relax before the film. The relaxed atmosphere and shared experience makes for a fun and memorable night out.

In order to have a great night out at the drive-in theatre, here are some top planning tips.

1. Arrive Early

Arrive early for the best drive-in movie theatre experience. You’ll be able to choose the ideal parking space and have plenty of time to stop by the concession stand before the movie starts. There is nothing worse than having the movie start and you are still waiting in line for popcorn!

2. Know how to Turn Off Your Car Lights

In order for everyone to truly appreciate the drive-in movie theatre experience, car lights need to be turned off. In many cases, you will listen to the movie through your car radio, so you will need to know how to use the utility mode on your car to power the radio while keeping your lights off. 

If you cannot turn off your running lights, you will want to bring something to cover your lights such as a blanket, cardboard, or duct tape.

3. Keep an Eye On Your Car Battery

To hear the audio of the movie, you will need to tune in to a particular radio station. Keeping your radio on but your car off will require power from your car battery. A good battery should likely be good for a 2 hour movie, but, if you decide to stay for the double-header, your car battery might not last 4 hours.

While some drive-in movie theatres are prepared for dead car batteries and are prepared to help out visitors whose car batteries have died (some for a fee), in other cases you’ll be “hoping” for a kind staff member or movie neighbour to give you a boost. It’s always a good idea to have booster cables in your car, just in case.

To avoid a dead battery start up your car for 15-20 minutes half way through the movie or even better, bring a battery powered radio so you don’t even have to use your car radio. Note that radio apps on your phone will not work.

4. Bring Bug Spray

Whether you want to watch the movie in lawn chairs, or perhaps the bed of your truck, if you are outside at dusk in Ontario, you are going to be fighting the mosquitoes. Be sure to pack some bug spray so you can enjoy the park, sit outside, or even stand in line at the concession stand!

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FAQ: Drive-In theatres Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The Wrap-Up: Drive-In Theatres in Toronto

As a child, I remember going to the drive-in movie theatre with my parents. We packed the car with blankets and pillows, arrived early to find the best spot, eagerly waited in line to purchase buttery popcorn and a frozen slushie, and then nestled in as the movie began on the extra-large screen. I have such fond memories of this special experience I shared with my family.

With so many theatre possibilities in Toronto and Southern Ontario, there is no better time than now to plan your own drive-in theatre Toronto trip!

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