You know how some cities just have a “thing”? For Toronto, that thing is definitely comedy. There’s a certain creative energy here that turns the city into a vibrant melting pot of incredible talent. It’s a place where legends were born, and where the next big names are cutting their teeth right now.
That’s exactly why this isn’t just a random list. It’s your ultimate guide—a handpicked selection of the established pros, the new voices, and the must-see rising stars.
We’ll take you on a journey through different styles of humor, from observational brilliance to wild, unpredictable absurdity, so you know exactly what to look for the next time you’re heading out for a night of laughs. So, if you’re looking for a great comedian in Toronto, this guide is for you.
The Masters: Toronto’s Comedy Hall of Fame
Every comedy scene has its founding figures—the people who paved the way and set the bar. Toronto’s is no different. These two comedians have become household names both in Canada and around the world, proving that Canadian humor has a place on the global stage.
Russell Peters: The Global Juggernaut
Russell Peters is a name that’s synonymous with international comedy. His style is a high-energy, observational take on cultural differences and stereotypes. What makes him stand out is his incredible ability to connect with audiences from all backgrounds, weaving in impressions and conversational crowd work that feels both spontaneous and perfectly timed.
His material on his Indo-Canadian upbringing and his father’s parenting style is particularly iconic.
Peters’ legacy is monumental. He’s not just a successful comedian; he’s a trailblazer who showed the world that a comedian in Toronto could sell out stadiums and become a global superstar.
His success opened countless doors for a new generation of diverse voices in comedy. While he doesn’t perform in clubs anymore, you can catch him on massive world tours and through his comedy specials, which are available on streaming platforms like Netflix.
Harland Williams: The Sultan of Surreal
If Russell Peters is a master of the relatable, Harland Williams is the king of the completely absurd. His comedy is delightfully unpredictable, often veering into bizarre, improvised tangents and outlandish characters that make you question what’s real. There are no rules in a Harland Williams show—just a whirlwind of non-sequitur jokes, bizarre sounds, and a healthy dose of pure, unadulterated silliness.
Beyond the stage, Williams has an impressive filmography, with iconic roles in movies like Dumb and Dumber and Half Baked. He’s one of those rare talents who can steal a scene with a single line or facial expression.
Seeing him live is a rare and special treat; it’s a completely unique experience that can’t be replicated. While he tours frequently across North America, catching him on a stage in Toronto is a homecoming for this comedy legend.
The A-Listers: Current Titans of the Toronto Scene
While the legends continue to tour, a new guard of comedians is defining Toronto’s scene right now. These are the workhorses and headliners you can consistently find in clubs, honing their craft and building devoted fan bases. Each brings a distinct style that represents the diverse and modern sound of comedy in the city.
Daniel Woodrow: The Storyteller
When you watch Daniel Woodrow, it feels less like a performance and more like you’re hanging out with a hilarious friend. His comedy is rooted in clever, observational humor and relatable storytelling. He has a dry, charismatic style that draws you in, making even mundane topics seem incredibly funny.
Woodrow is a true staple of the Toronto comedy circuit, a familiar and beloved face at clubs across the city. His hard work has paid off with appearances on popular shows like Roast Battle Canada and at major festivals like Just for Laughs. He’s also a prominent figure on SiriusXM and is a co-founder of the Unknown Comedy Club, proving he’s dedicated to both his own career and the growth of the community.
Leonard Chan: The Witty Wordsmith
Leonard Chan is an intellectual and witty comedian who uses his past as an engineer to great comedic effect. His humor is smart and self-deprecating, often playing on his experiences as an Asian-Canadian.
He’s the type of toronto comedian who can make you laugh and think at the same time, using punchlines that are as sharp as they are unexpected.
Chan’s resume is incredibly impressive, with writing credits for the hit show Kim’s Convenience and numerous appearances at major comedy festivals, including Just for Laughs, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and the Halifax Comedy Festival.
Julie Kim: The Energetic Observer
Julie Kim is a powerhouse on stage, known for her sharp wit, energetic stage presence, and clever humor. She has a way of turning everyday observations about family, relationships, and modern life into relatable and hilarious material.
Julie is one of the most in-demand headliners in Canada and has proven her talent on a global scale. She has performed for Just for Laughs and has opened for comedy giants like Ronny Chieng. She is also a writer for the Juno Awards, showing her versatility as a creative force in the industry.
The Rising Stars: Comedians on the Cusp of Greatness
Toronto’s comedy scene isn’t just about the names you already know. There’s an exciting new generation of comics who are fearlessly pushing boundaries and creating fresh, original material. Keep an eye out for these rising stars—they are the future of comedy in the city.
Courtney Gilmour: The Fearless Trailblazer
Courtney Gilmour is a truly brilliant and boundary-pushing comedian. Her work is a powerful blend of honesty and fearlessness, drawing from her personal experiences as a congenital triple amputee.
Instead of shying away from it, she tackles the topic with a hilarious, clever, and often shocking wit that redefines what’s possible in stand-up. A standout toronto comedian, she was the co-winner of the prestigious Just for Laughs Homegrown Comics competition and has earned multiple JUNO Award nominations for her albums, solidifying her place as a major talent to watch.
Aliya Kanani: The Human Connector
Aliya Kanani has a dynamic and highly personal storytelling style that feels like a conversation with an old friend. Her comedy explores themes of identity, belonging, and her nomadic upbringing, all delivered with a playful charm and mischievous personality.
Her one-woman show, “Where You From, From?”, has won awards and sold out festivals around the world, proving that her humor resonates with audiences far and wide. She’s a fantastic toronto comedian who connects with her audience on a deep, human level while making them roar with laughter.
Hisham Kelati: The Master Storyteller
Hisham Kelati is a gifted storyteller with a unique and intelligent perspective. His comedy often delves into topics of cultural identity and social observations, all wrapped in a vivid, engaging narrative.
Kelati has made a name for himself with his clever writing and distinctive voice, earning him a place on the Just for Laughs New Faces showcase. He’s also a JUNO Award-nominated comic, a writer on shows like TallBoyz, and a fan favorite on CBC’s The Debaters. You can feel his thoughtful approach in every joke he tells.
The Ecosystem: Where Comedy is Made in Toronto
Knowing who to watch is only half the battle; knowing where to find them is key. Toronto’s comedy landscape is built on the foundations of some truly iconic venues, but it’s the new, independent clubs that are fostering a fresh wave of talent. Here’s a look at the places that make this city a must-visit for any comedy fan.
The Historic Hubs: Icons of the Scene
Long before the internet made viral clips a thing, these venues were the proving grounds for every major toronto comedian.
- Yuk Yuk’s: Founded in 1976 by Mark Breslin, Yuk Yuk’s is the undisputed heavyweight champion of Canadian stand-up. It’s a national chain with its roots firmly planted in Toronto. This is the stage where countless legends, including Jim Carrey and Russell Peters himself, honed their craft. It’s a no-frills, traditional comedy club experience with a focus on pure stand-up, which is exactly what makes it a landmark.
- The Second City: While it’s known as an improv and sketch comedy powerhouse with a global reputation, The Second City’s Toronto location has been a comedy incubator since 1973. It’s the training ground for some of the biggest names in Canadian entertainment, including Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, and John Candy. If you want to see performers who can build an entire show on the fly from a single suggestion, this is the place to be.
The New School: The Independent Spirit
The city’s younger comedy scene thrives in more intimate, often experimental settings. These clubs are the heart of Toronto’s indie movement, focusing on diverse voices and alternative styles.
- Comedy Bar: Widely considered the hub of Toronto’s independent comedy scene, Comedy Bar offers a relaxed, creative atmosphere. It’s known for its packed schedule of stand-up, improv, and sketch shows almost every night of the week. This is where you’ll find a blend of seasoned pros and up-and-coming talent, all working on new material in a supportive and fun environment.
- Other Noteworthy Spots: The city’s comedy community is vast and supportive. You can also catch amazing shows at places like The Comedy Lab, a black-owned club dedicated to providing a home for diverse comedic talent, and The Corner Comedy Club, a cozy, intimate spot that’s famous for its raw, high-energy stand-up shows. The Backroom Comedy Club is another intimate, speakeasy-style venue that provides a unique experience for both comedians and audience members alike.
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Conclusion: A City That Never Stops Laughing
The Toronto comedy scene is a truly remarkable place, full of a diverse array of talent and venues that cater to every taste. From the global legends who started here to the trailblazers who are redefining the art form, the city is a breeding ground for comedic greatness.
This rich and varied ecosystem, spanning everything from classic stand-up to cutting-edge improv and sketch comedy, ensures there’s a show for everyone, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a first-timer. We hope this guide has given you a fresh perspective on the talent that calls Toronto home.
The next time you’re looking for a night out, consider checking out a local show. Your presence is what helps fuel this incredible community. You’re not just a spectator; you’re a vital part of the energy that helps a comedian in Toronto develop their craft, perfect their jokes, and grow their careers.
So go ahead, be a part of the fun. Who are your favorite comedians in Toronto right now?
