Updated: Sat Jan. 31 2009 6:34:21 PM

CTV Toronto

Of all the places for an international celebrity to hold a birthday bash, the Greater Toronto Area is not always the first choice.

But Nick Carter, member of the hugely popular music group the Backstreet Boys, chose to celebrate his birthday Thursday night in Richmond Hill.

Hundreds of fans turned out on a bitterly cold night to celebrate Carter's 29th birthday at Nava Restaurant and Bar.

The venue provided an intimate setting, giving fans the opportunity to get up close and personal with the star.

Carter has taken a liking to the club. This was not the first time he has been to Nava. This past summer, Carter and fellow band member Howie Dorough held an after-party at Nava after playing a sold-out concert in Toronto that night.

This time there was no concert. The singer just flew in Thursday morning to celebrate his birthday the Canadian way.

"I enjoy it here. There are so many great friends and fans. This is a great spot to be at. I love Nava. The last time we came here we had a great time. I love the owners here and I enjoy the music," Carter told CTV Toronto.
 
Michael Wilson, Nava's owner, was pleased to host Carter.

"Nick Carter just had such a good time. He loves Canada. He loves the people here and he also loves Nava. He actually asked to come back and have his birthday party here, so that was pretty cool," Wilson said.

Hundreds of blinding camera flashes and the deafening screams of fans greeted Carter.

They later serenaded him with Happy Birthday.

Carter partied in the central VIP section of the venue, giving everyone a good view to snap photos and even get the chance to meet the heartthrob. 

Midway through the night, Carter proved he could do more than just sing. He showed off his DJ skills, taking over the turntables for a complete set. He later got on the microphone to thank his Toronto fans for celebrating his birthday with him.

During the night he answered questions about the Backstreet Boys and what fans could expect. Carter says the group is currently in the process of recording their seventh album and working on new collaborations.

"We're redoing everything with the sound. We're going back to what we do best when it comes to pop, R&B and dance. This time we're linking up with new producers. We're collaborating with people like NeYo, Chris Brown and Akon," he said.

Carter started his career with the Backstreet Boys when he was just 12. Sixteen years later, fans still cannot get enough. 

"We feel like we've still got a lot left in us as a group. It's exciting to be around for so many years."

The band has been on an eight-month world tour titled Unbreakable, promoting their sixth album of the same name.

"We went to Japan, China and Europe. We toured Canada and America. Now we're going to South America -- so I guess that means we've still got it," Carter said.
 
The Backstreet Boys hit international success in 1997 and has since then sold over 100 million albums world wide, making them one of the best-selling music groups of all time.

Carter loves his Canadian fans. Based on the reception he received Thursday night, the singer says he will definitely be back.