Hotel swimming pools in Toronto will have you cooling off in the lap of luxury. There's no need to rely on city-owned spaces and crowded beaches, these swimming sanctuaries will have you hanging poolside in style.

Here are hotel swimming pools open to the public in Toronto.

Sheraton Centre

The Financial District hotel has a large indoor/outdoor heated pool. There's also lots of space for lounging on deck, which means fighting over chairs is just a slight possibility. If you're aren't a guest you can purchase a monthly pass.

Radisson Hotel

They open their outdoor pool seasonally, along with its patio and lounge area with a fabulous view of the Harbourfront. The pool is open to non-hotel guests for a fee of $40. It's open daily until 10 p.m.

InterContinental

This hotel near Union Station flaunts a massive 48-foot saltwater swimming pool. Once you've gone for a dip, take advantage of the steam room and saltwater hot tub for total relaxation. Score a day pass for $25.

The Westin Harbour Castle

This Harbourfront hotel is one of the largest in the city and boasts a giant pool with a seasonal sundeck. If you're not staying at the hotel, passes cost $25 and that gets you in for the day. 

The Toronto Islands have a deep and rich history that affirms there's no place quite like it.

Over the last 200 years, the sandy strip of land has evolved from a pond and wildflower-covered peninsula, to a summer playground paradise complete with rides, beaches and other amusements.

Over its history, the natural landscape of the islands and its waterways have been extensively altered. It's doubtful anyone who rode the wooden roller coaster at Hanlan's Point way back in the day would recognize the topography of the Toronto Islands today.

Here are some quirky things to know about the Toronto Islands.

The Islands used to have a name

Toronto is full of painfully unimaginative names. Where is The Ex held? Exhibition Place. What should we call the new square at Yonge and Dundas? Yonge-Dundas Square.

The Toronto Islands fall into that same category, but for a while the area had a semi-official name: Island of Hiawatha, after an early First Nations leader and co-founder of the Iroquois Confederacy.

The name appeared on maps as late as 1924 as a collective name for all the Toronto Islands.

The Islands used to be a peninsula

The Toronto Islands were, until a particularly strong storm in 1858, linked to the mainland.

Before the marshy mouth of the Don River was turned into the Port Lands, a nine km spit of eroded Scarborough Bluff sand stretched from the foot of Leslie Street to roughly Bathurst Street, forming a "narrow neck of ground," in the words of Elizabeth Simcoe, wife of York founder John Graves Simcoe.

The sand bar, which is now the Islands, was covered in small ponds, wild flowers, vines, fir and poplar trees. It was also an important ground for First Nations hunters and fishers.

The first lighthouse keeper was murdered

Poor unfortunate John Paul Radelmüller has had a rough ride. Lazily accused by some historians of being mixed up with bootleggers and crooks before his murder in 1815, it seems the unfortunate German-born lighthouse keeper likely met his end as the victim of a robbery.

As writer Sarah B. Hood wrote in the winter 2012 issue of Spacing, Radelmüller was responsible for collecting import duties and he may have been killed for the tax revenue in his possession.

No one was ever convicted of the crime and over the centuries the death has been embellished to include ghouls and bloody staircases.

The Islands used to be a popular location for mansions

The boardwalk on the lake side of Centre Island roughly follows the path of Lake Shore Avenue, a lost road that used to be Toronto's mansion row.

The city's richest people — investment banker Arthur Massey, city engineer Charles Rust, and Gooderham and Worts president Gordon Gooderham — built large summer homes along the street that afforded expansive views of the lake.

The church of St. Andrew by-the-Lake, built in 1884, is a conspicuous relic of this time.

Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run at Hanlan's Point

In 1914, before he was the Bambino or the Sultan of Swat, George Herman Ruth was a minor leaguer with the Providence Grays. During a game at the 18,000-capacity Hanlan's Point Stadium against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ruth belted one into right field, the first of many home runs in his professional career.

No-one is sure where the ball went. It could have dropped into the water, been collected by a fan, or simply thrown back onto the field. Either way, the Holy Grail of baseball is long gone now.

The Islands could have had a manmade neighbour

Harbour City was one of the most ambitious unbuilt projects in Toronto. The chain of manmade islands were supposed to include offshore housing for some 60,000 people, a network of artificial lagoons and canals for recreation and transportation, and commercial properties.

Part of the development would be in the lake opposite Exhibition Place, the rest on what would become former airport land (see below.) Harbour City died with the Spadina Expressway project in the early 1970s.

The Island airport could have been in the Port Lands

STOLports were all the rage in the 1960s. Short for "short take-off and landing," the miniature air strips were designed for special city-hopping aircrafts that were able to use extremely short runways. The Toronto STOLport was supposed to have been built on the tip of the Leslie St. Spit.

From there, the planes — De Havilland DHC-7s — could reach cities up to 800 km away, including New York, Chicago, Quebec, and Louisville. The plans fizzled, but eventually led to the expansion of the existing Island airport into its current size.

There used to be a lot more people living on the Islands

Today, there are about 260 homes on the Toronto Islands, but until the 1950s, there were as many as 8,000 people living offshore.

The decline is the result of a lengthy legal dispute between the various owners of the Islands, who would rather the area become parkland, and the existing residents.

The feud was most recently settled in 1982 with a decision that allowed existing islanders to lease land from the city until 2092.

Hanlan's Point used to be Toronto's Coney Island

While the eastern portion of Centre Island was an area popular with the city's highest earners, Hanlan's Point was Toronto's working class playground.

An amusement park with a massive wooden roller coaster, miniature railway, whiplash-inducing "whip," circular roller rink, and baseball stadium drew massive crowds until the late 1920s, when the park fell into decline amid competition from Sunnyside and financial pressure brought about by the Great Depression.

It closed for good in 1930s and was replaced by the Island Airport.

The airport ferry is one of the shortest in the world

The Island airport ferry is ridiculous. At 121 metres, the gap between the mainland and the terminal is so short that the Port Authority could technically park a longer vessel in the gap and have people walk on the front and step off the back.

For complex political reasons, the city was unable to build a fixed vehicle or pedestrian link to the Island until the opening of the pedestrian tunnel in 2015. 

Perhaps the most iconic sleuth of all time (sorry Inspector Gadget), the detective Sherlock Holmes has long fascinated generations of readers with his wit and style. 

While many recognize the Holmes brand, few are very familiar with the character's author Arthur Conan Doyle, who in fact was a prolific writer who dabbled in plenty of other literary genres aside from fictional crime. 

The British author was so prolific, in fact, his legacy has warranted its own collection and showroom in the Toronto Reference Library. Located on the fifth floor, it can be accessed through the Marilyn & Charles Baillie Special Collections Centre. 

According to library source (shh) the collection was sold at a very cheap price to the library by a collector of Doyles works – so many that the Reference Library decided to provide the books their own section, accessible anytime during library hours. 

No bags or water are permitted in this area, even in the corner of the Centre's rotunda just outside the glass-fronted room lined. Here you'll find two walls with books from ceiling to floor, plus a round table with a useable Sherlock Holmes-themed chess set.

Within the glass-fronted room (which is known in the library Room 221B) is a Victorian-styled home truly reminiscent of what you'd expect from a Sherlock Holmes scene, replete with a fireplace, pipe, and plenty of busts. 

Following renovations to the library in 2014, the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection includes editions of the authors books as well as secondary material like biographies, criticisms, and books inspired by Doyle's work, even in languages like Japanese. 
You'll find all types of Doylean publications in this room, from his classic Holmes tales to his books on history, true crime, spirituality, and current affairs.

The best part about this display is that it's not all see-see no touch: any works that catch your fancy can be taken out of the room and brought to the table outside for, ahem, further inspection. 

Free events in Toronto this week mark the opening of CITE, a celebration of skateboard arts and culture inside of one of the city's newest public spaces. It's also the start of Indie Fridays in YDS and there's a special Canada Day screening at the Christie Pits Film Fest.

The Toronto Islands are unlike any other destination in the city. What feels like heading to a far-off destination, a land of dreamy beaches and amusement rides, is in reality just a 15-minute ferry ride away from the downtown core. 

While the entirety of this archipelago can realistically be explored in one day, chances are you won't be able to visit all the attractions and enjoy them to the max.

If you are, however, gung-ho to see it all at Centre Island, Hanlan's Point and Ward's Island in one go, here's a roundup of things you should check out while you're there. 

Hanlan's Point

The most westernmost side of the Islands, Hanlan's, is best known for its clothing optional beach where you can rid yourself of all the trappings of city life and  swim butt-naked in the lake. 

The Ned Hanlan Memorial sits right at the Hanlan's Point ferry docks. 

But aside from that, this section has a handful of unique sight-seeing hot spots worth stopping by, like the sexy memorial of the island's namesake, Ned Hanlan, who according to the plaque was "one of Canada's greatest oarsmen." 

You can buy boozy refreshments at the Mermaid Cafe. 

There's the Mermaid Cafe, a small licensed counter with a patio selling some cheap brews and little snacks. You'll likely hear the music from this stop before you see it; equipped with bathrooms it makes for a good pit stop after Ned Hanlan's Memorial. 

The Gibraltar Point Lighthouse is one of Toronto's oldest buildings. 

The Gibraltar Point Lighthouse is a must. One of Toronto's oldest buildings (it was built in 1808), this brick structure is also the oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes.

All sorts of artists complete their artist residencies at the creative space Artscape Gibraltar Point. 

Directly across from it is the old public school-turned-artists' getaway Artscape Gibraltar Point, where thousands of people have churned out their craft through the seclusion of artist residencies and studio spaces.

A boardwalk leads you to Gibraltar Point Beach where you can admire the sand dunes. 

Further on the path heading east you'll spot a sudden boardwalk to your right leading you toward the lake. Here is where you'll the sand dunes of Gibraltar Point Beach. 

To the west on Gibraltar Beach you'll find an inaccessible walkway jutting out into the lake. 

Constantly shifting, these sand dunes stretch both ways along the water, and while not as busy as the other island beaches still has its fair share of sunbathers.

Centre Island

You'll know you've entered Centre Island territory when you start to see an influx in four-seater and tandem bikes.

You can rent all types of bikes on Centre Island. 

Closer toward the Centre Island ferry dock is where you'll find the island bike rental company which charges renters for day rates or by the hour. 

The Centre Island Pier offers a great view of the lake. 

Jutting out into the water is where you'll get one of the best vistas of the lake around: Centre Island Pier, a beautiful lookout equipped with binoculars and the perfect vantage point for photos. 

The Wiliam Meany Maze is small but its trees are tall. 

Deeper into the island, across the Avenue of the Island bridge, you'll  find the William Meany Maze. Small but mighty, this labyrinth of evergreens is a briefly distracting getaway. 

There are over 30 amusement rides at Centreville Theme Park. 

Of course, you can't forget the rides. There's over 30 rides as the Centreville Theme Park, from splash rides to mini golf that will fulfill all your childhood dream. 

You and a plus one can take a tour of the pond on the swan rides. 

They even have the quintessential amusement park swan rides. It's a minimum of two people per swan so if you're approaching it solo, you better partner up. 

Toronto Island BBQ & Co. offers one of the best views of the Toronto skyline. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

And if you're needing some sustenance, there are food options like Carousel Cafe and the Toronto Island BBQ & Co., which has one of the best views of Toronto and offers Mac 'n' Cheese burgers.

Ward's Island

Getting into the easternmost part of the island with a large residential population, Ward's is cosy and secluded, with a few leisurely activities that scream island life – like admiring Algonquin Island Park or stand up paddleboarding (more colloquially known as SUP.) 

Chain nets mark the playground of frisbee 

Heading toward the beach, you'll likely come across several chain baskets attached to poles. There's 18 of these frisbee golf nets, with the first appearing right beyond the Firehall. If you've got a frisbee you can try your hand at this oddly challenging sport. 

Snake Island is actually much less scary than it sounds, with picnic sites and fire pits. 

If you're feeling adventurous, you can cross a bridge to head to Snake Island. There are actually no snakes in this foresty, slightly buggy area, but there are picnic sites and fire pits to post up at for a good part of the day. 

The popular cafe The Rectory has re-opened after closing due to floods. 

Along the way you'll pass by The Rectory, a Ward's island favourite that's re-opened after shuttering its doors following the floods of 2017. 

A boardwalk lined with trees takes you along the water. 

Under no circumstance should you skip out on the boardwalk a.k.a Lakeshore Avenue, which allows you traverse the land with lush trees to your left and water to your right. But beware of closures which will force you to turn all the way back to re-take the main path instead.

You can play lawn bowling at the Ward's Island Clubhouse as long as you have a membership. 

As you finally get to the main part of Ward's Islands you'll notice way more residences, along with the lawn bowling field belonging to the Ward's Island Clubhouse. It's member's only, so if you're serious about that life you better sign up to rent.  

The Island Cafe offers snacks, meals, and seating near the Ward's Island ferry dock. 

Before hitting up Ward's Island beach, one of the more private and intimate beaches on all of the islands, you can stock up on snacks at The Island Cafe. Full off of butter tarts and rock fish ceviche, you'll be ready to pass the rest of your day lying in the sand, under the sun.

Though the details of Toronto's neighbourhood of the future have yet to be fully hashed out, it looks like Sidewalk Labs– the company responsible for Quayside– is moving ahead at full-speed. 

At the end of the month, the Alphabet-owned organization will be opening its Toronto headquarters to the public following a weekend preview earlier this month. 
The office and community space – referred to as 307 after its address at 307 Lake Shore Boulevard East – will be open every weekend to the public starting June 30 between noon and 6 p.m., with future workshops and talks planned for the communal downstairs area of the building.

Also expect a monthly series called Open Sidewalks which will include things like performances, workshops and more prototype tests.

Coated in a bright blue facade with a colourful figures by Montreal-based artist Cecile Gariepy, a motif which runs through the office space, 307 is a sight for sore eyes when emerging from the dusty chaos of Queens Quay East. 

Designed by Lebel & Bouliane, it features a community garden of greens like mint, kale, and chamomile using milk crates as planters. Also called The Learning Garden, the modern garden concept was developed in partnership with the urban agriculture company Bowery. 

Once a fish processing plant, the sprawling headquarters benefit from plenty of natural light and high ceilings – exactly what you'd expect a Googe-affiliated space to look like. 

Employees of Sidewalk Labs will have their offices on the second floor of the building, while the first floor reserves some space for meeting areas and a reception. The main attraction of 307 however is its interactive space, where all the demonstrations will take place. 

The real goal of the space is prototyping: new inventions and ideas for Quayside will eventually be tested out at 307 to gauge reactions from the public. A 'feedback wall' full of sticky notes will let the Sidewalk Labs team know how users felt about the experience. 

One prototype on display right now are designs for Quayside's potential 'dynamic streets'. This hexagonal flooring is a wooden version of Sidewalk Labs' future modular pavement with lights which will eventually be heated and programmed to control self-driving cars. 
It's easy to imagine a whole city street comprised of modular pavement, and even cooler to see the machine – hypothetical as it may be – that will be eventually able to remove each individual hexagon with ease. 

Overhead, a 'The Big Ass Fan' cools the whole building down using digital electricity, which according to a sign, moves as much air as 36 regular ceiling fans while suing 75 per cent less energy. 
Other unique displays in the interactive area include a generative design game. Created in partnership with Montreal's Daily Tous Les Jours and KPFUI, this Sims-like device allows you to control neighbourhood aspects like 'green spaces' and 'density' using wooden knobs. 

The result is a map that changes according to the variables you've assigned, with a goal of achieving the perfect living conditions. After playing around with the game you'll soon realize that no conditions are ever really perfect, just ideal – well played, Alphabet.
A board on the wall features prototype designs for optimizing outdoor spaces in the face of Canada's harsh weather. With some mockups by Toronto design firm Partisans and engineering team RWDI, one drawing includes the endearing idea of designing rain jackets for buildings.

Alongside kids' arts and crafts tables revolving around community and home, the Sidewalks Labs library (a table covered in books) provides reads about city infrastructure, design, and sustainability. 
Outside, a shipping container called Market 307, designed in partnership with Scadding Court's Market 707, will feature food and drink vendors from the Newcomer Entrepreneurship Hub– a program done in partnership with Scadding Court and Ryerson. 

If you have concerns for the Sidewalk Labs team regarding Toronto's pending smart city – there are plenty questions to be asked about data collection – these bright blue testing grounds are likely the right place to have them answered. 

We all know that the city has a penchant for condos, but Yonge and Eglinton seems to have it particularly bad.

The area has seen a major influx in high-rises over the past decade that's built the area up especially quickly (even for Toronto), and current residents aren't happy about it. 

@JohnTory I know this sounds hard 2 do, but with all the construction, between the Metrolinx & condos, U need to close off the yonge/Eglinton intersection. Soon it will be one giant sink hole. And stop allowing the OMB to give condo permits to that area! We are at capacity!

— Lucy Abate (@boogalugroove) May 31, 2018

In fact, they've been unhappy about it since 2000, when the first signs of intensification came in the form of the 52-storey Minto Midtown towers, which was then the tallest building in the neighbourhood. 

Shoring begins for @Lifetime_Dev's Whitehaus #condos at Yonge & Eglinton. https://t.co/HkCH62Vz59#Toronto#developmentpic.twitter.com/QiDL7iioJw

— UrbanToronto (@Urban_Toronto) October 25, 2017

Those towers ultimately ended up being built, and eighteen years later it seems as though the neighbourhood's concerns continue to be swept under the rug as the number of condos continues to increase. 

Projecting amenity deck emerging at 'E #Condos' above Yonge & Eglinton. https://t.co/ge9ZpflueL#Toronto#development@BazisIncpic.twitter.com/aN9WcmVov5

— UrbanToronto (@Urban_Toronto) September 26, 2017

From the incoming pair of E Condo buildings to the 29-storey Whitehaus Condos by Lifetime Developments currently in the works, or Hariri Pontarini's 65-storey 1 Eglinton East, or Leaside Condos, or Plaza Midtown: it feels as though the construction is never-ending. 

Yonge & Eglinton #Toronto Our new neighbour condo tower is so big! Looking forward to welcoming new people into the neighbourhood community 💐pic.twitter.com/cmTT3zoK2V

— L.A. TAN (@LATanToronto) June 7, 2018

While the sales may be great for developers, who are touting the area as the new transport hub with the incoming Eglinton LRT slated for completion in in the new few years (hopefully), nearby residents and councillors alike have voiced their concerns. 

@JohnTory Yonge-Eglinton needs wider sidewalks and a better transit system for the 8,000 new residents you approved with the construction of high rise condos. @TTChelps@TTCnotices#toronto@CrosstownTO@nationalpost@TorontoStar@Star_Politics

— The Cause Project (@thecauseproject) June 22, 2018

And as fast as it might be, many are worried how the new transit system will be able to accommodate thousands of new residents in the area.

Worried about local water and sewer capacity, Toronto staff move to pause condo development at Yonge-Eglinton https://t.co/rGsxd1z2Zb

So if the city didn't spend development charge revenues on the needed infrastructure, where did all of that money go? pic.twitter.com/E8uBj1TpzC

— Laurin Jeffrey - Toronto Real Estate Agent (@condoloft) April 6, 2018

Not to mention sidewalk, water, and sewage capacity, which has already caused Toronto staff to rethink the 25- and 24-storey condos proposed by Times Group for Yonge between Millwood and Davisville.  

And where will the children of new tenants of new condos in the Yonge Eglinton area going to go to school? poor planning @tdsb#onpolihttps://t.co/wbIZTXYDXI

— Sloane Siklos (@sloanesiklos) April 27, 2017

Others are wondering how kids in the area will be able to fit into the limited number of schools currently servicing the neighbourhood. 

New article coming out this week. If you build it, will they come? #condos#familiespic.twitter.com/4ksPeD9IZZ

— Big Ben Myers 🐂✒️ (@benmyers29) June 18, 2018

In fact, TDSB signs have already been put up to warn incoming condo residents that they may not be able to accommodate their children due to "residential growth". 

I’m moving a motion at community council that development in the Yonge & Eglinton/Davisville area must have sufficient transit, school, utilities capacity etc. or NOT be approved. Enough is enough. I want plans for communities and residents’ quality of life, not just new condos.

— Josh Matlow (@JoshMatlow) April 4, 2018

In early April, ward councillor Josh Matlow tweeted, "Enough is enough. I want plans for communities and residents' quality of life, not just new condos." 

Just seems another symptom of terrible foresight and planning in Toronto. From transit to schools, bike lanes and water mains. Decades of doing very little... isn't this where land transfer taxes and educational levies and everything are supposed to go?

— Laurin Jeffrey - Toronto Real Estate Agent (@condoloft) June 19, 2018

Whether or not the city or OMB will cool off on the approval of new condos in the area has yet to be seen, but with the incoming of so many new condos already, it might all be too little too late for the neighbourhood. 

Events in Toronto this week are filling your tummy with rib and lobsterfest, the first Scarborough Night Market and Duke Eats Festival. It's also the first Union Summer of the season, back after a year on hiatus. If you're looking for free things, we've got you covered.

The best pour over coffee in Toronto can be sought out at some of our finest third-wave coffee shops. These places tend to offer a variety of brewing methods, but slow and steady pour over wins the hearts of java snobs by being made with patience and care.

Here’s the best pour over coffee in Toronto.

New festivals in Toronto for summer 2018 will keep your bellies full of your favourite comfort foods, listening to some sweet country tunes and showcasing artists you've never seen before. This is your chance to get out of the house and experience something brand new.

The 2018 Toronto Pride Parade was as colourful, political and magical as ever this year despite rainy weather and some sobering reminders of what's been an incredibly tough year for the city's LGBTQ community.

Uniformed police officers were not among the 120 groups marching in this year's parade, but Toronto was otherwise an all inclusive explosion of joy and self-expression on Sunday afternoon.

Check out all the celebratory action in our photo gallery of this year's Pride Parade in Toronto.

This week on DineSafe we learn that not one but three Toronto restaurants closed down. City health inspectors shuttered Cusina Lounge, Mucho Burrito and Liuyishou Hotpot after discovering a number of alarming infractions.

See what other Toronto restaurants got busted by health inspectors this week on DineSafe.

Burger Factory (265 Queen St. West)

• Inspected on: June 19, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 2, Significant: 4)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Craft Kitchen (410 Adelaide St. West)

• Inspected on: June 19, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 1, Significant: 3)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Cusina Lounge (288 Wilson Ave.)

• Inspected on: June 19, 2018
• Inspection finding: Red (Closed)
• Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 3, Significant: 2, Crucial: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to prevent an insect infestation and operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.

Mucho Burrito (263 Queen St. West)

• Inspected on: June 19, 2018
• Inspection finding: Red (Closed)
• Number of infractions: 4 (Significant: 3, Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to prevent a rodent infestation.

Thai One On (1455 Gerrard St. East)

• Inspected on: June 19, 2019
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 3, Significant: 4)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Liuyishou Hotpot (254 Spadina Ave.)

• Inspected on: June 20, 2018
• Inspection finding: Red (Closed)
• Number of infractions: 8 (Minor: 1, Significant: 4, Crucial: 3)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to prevent gross unsanitary conditions, operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 4C (40F) or colder and operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.

Starbucks (2630 Yonge St.)

• Inspected on: June 20, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 1 (Significant: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Lingan Cream House (6055 Steeles Ave. East)

• Inspected on: June 21, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1, Crucial: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated and operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 60C (140F) or hotter.

The Dog's Bollocks (817 Queen St. West)

• Inspected on: June 21, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 2 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Hello Darling (827 Lansdowne Ave.)

• Inspected on: June 22, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 2, Significant: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

The Fifth Pub House (221 Richmond St. West)

• Inspected on: June 22, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1, Crucial: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated and operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 4C (40F) or colder.

Note: The above businesses each received infractions from DineSafe as originally reported on the DineSafe site. This does not imply that any of these businesses have not subsequently corrected the issue and received a passing grade by DineSafe inspectors. For the latest status for each of the mentioned businesses, including details on any subsequent inspections, please be sure to check the DineSafe site.

The top new ice cream in Toronto proves that this seemingly simple summertime treat is truly a canvas for creativity when it comes to flavours, presentation and cultural fusion. From the bakeries of France to the streets of Hong Kong, new ice cream places in Toronto are all over the map.

Here are my picks for the top new ice cream spots in Toronto.

Nadege

Ice cream comes in house waffle cones, topped with itty-bitty macarons, lighter-than-air meringues and whipped cream, or sandwiched between chewy cookies at this Queen West outpost of a popular French bakery trying their hand at cold treats.

Emmy’s Ice Cream

This new kid on the block in Bloordale is conjoined with an equally darling coffee shop, and psst...you can get Dutch Dreams ice cream here! Head in now for floats, sundaes, waffle cones and shakes before the word gets out. They also have a cute patio.

El Habanero

This place out in Scarborough is bringing together two amazing things: soft serve and churros. As if that weren’t enough, they’re also topping them with entire brownies and cookies.

Golden Bubbles

An entire spot dedicated solely to Hong Kong waffles has opened up in Scarborough, and you can completely custom design your own bubble waffle cone with ice cream flavours like mango and taro and plenty of toppings like fresh fruit, berries, and candy.

Dessert Kitchen

This Harbord Village spot does rotating flavours of soft serve as well as multiple Insta-worthy Asian takes on ice cream and shaved ice, with cereal, rice balls, and grape seaweed balls.

Someone made a very expensive navigational error in Toronto this weekend by driving a car down a boat launch, straight into Ashbridges Bay.

"The Queens Quay subway tunnel must have been closed," noted a witness who posted photos from the scene to Reddit, taking the words right out of everyone else's mouths.

Toronto Police say that a man and a woman made it safely out of a submerged Volskwagen on Saturday afternoon after the car's driver manoeuvred it into Lake Ontario via a boat ramp in Toronto's east end.

The driver thought that the public boat launch was a "driveway of some sort," according to police.

"My son and I were just coming out of the sailing club when we saw the woman outside of the vehicle in the water," wrote a Redditor with the handle olafthebent following the incident. 

Vehicle accidentally driven off the boat launch at Ash Bridges Bay this afternoon. No injuries. • • • • • #toronto #torontofire #torontofirefighters #torontopolice #ashbridgesbay #streetsoftoronto #torontophoto

A post shared by John Hanley (@johnhanleyphoto) on Jun 23, 2018 at 2:54pm PDT

"We pulled over and called 911 as did the guy in the car beside me," he continued. "The car was slowly floating into the channel before the Fire department got a rope on it and tried to drag it back to shore."

While nobody in the vehicle was injured, both police and witnesses say that the motorist was visibly distressed.

"Driver was uninjured but a bit hysterical at watching her car SLOWLY sink," wrote olafthebent. "Like REALLY slowly. It was floating for a good 10 minutes."

No word yet on how much damage the car sustained, but it's safe to say this mistake may have cost a bit more than driving into the Queens Quay streetcar tunnel. 

On a positive note, it looks like the TTC's measures to stop motorists from getting stuck on the tracks inside the Ferry Docks Terminal might actually be working. 

If your Canada Day long weekend plans include a cold body of water or air conditioned spaces, congratulations.

Everyone else is in for a world of hurt, according to meteorologists, as temperatures soar well above 30 C on both Saturday and Sunday.

With humidity in the mix, it could feel as warm as 42 C outside on Saturday. On Sunday, humidex values will take us all the way up to a soupy 43 C as an "extended heat wave" takes hold across Southern Ontario.

Toronto is in for a long heat wave starting this weekend, when sun and humidity thrust already hot temperatures into what feels like more than 40 C. Image via The Weather Network.

Weather Network meteorologist Dr. Doug Gillham says that this dangerously hot weather should persist through the first (and possibly second) week of July, forming what will likely be the hottest stretch of 2018.

Great news for heat seekers, I guess, but the transition from relatively cool (as in this past weekend's temperatures) to scorching hot won't be a peaceful one.

"Periods of rain and thunderstorms are likely for Wednesday," says Gillham. "Strong storms are possible (especially east of the GTA) with locally torrential rain."

Spectacular weather today & Tuesday - sunny, low humidity & lower 20s. Periods of rain/T'storms Wednesday w/ localized torrential rain; Heat builds Thurs & Fri; Very hot & oppressive humidity for Canada Day long weekend; Humidex in the 40s; More details: https://t.co/j739Z9FHW9pic.twitter.com/LtbCeam8D1

— Doug Gillham (@gtaweather1) June 25, 2018

After that, it's sunshine galore as a low pressure system brings heat and humidity into the region from down south. Monitor Toronto Public Health closely for extreme heat warnings and directions on how to stay safe.

The extended heat wave will begin late this week, according to forecasts, with temperatures spiking from 20 C to 29 C between Wednesday and Thursday.

"Enjoy the cooler temperatures while they last," says Gillham. And stock up on sunscreen, please and thank you. You'll definitely need it if you step foot out of the shade at all this Canada Day weekend.

The top fun things to do at Union Station are definitely more entertaining than jumping on a busy GO train. As the main hub of Toronto's transportation, there's no shortage of things to see and do when you're located right by the soaring towers of the Financial District and in walking distance of all that our lakeshore has to offer. 

Here are my picks for the top fun things to do by Union Station.

Marvel at the soaring ceiling at Brookfield Place

Perhaps one of the most Instagrammed office building interiors in the city, the atrium of Brookfield Place is an architectural stunner. Formally called the Allen Lambert Galleria, this towering six-storey canopy is a popular backdrop for photoshoots and news reports.  

Aside from the fact this whole structure is only propped up by eight freestanding legs and looks beautiful when daylight shines through, Brookfield Place's parabolic ceiling also makes for an extraordinary visit at night, when colourful lights brighten up the space. 

Snap selfies in front of Toronto's most popular fountain

It's all about man's best friend at this endearing fountain in Berczy Park on Wellington just east of Yonge Street. 

After closing for renos for quite a while, the park re-opened last year to the delight of pedestrians who couldn't get enough of the little dog statuettes looking adoringly up at the fountain's centrepiece: a golden bone. I mean, the whole scene just calls for a photoshoot. 

Even real puppers love these guys: you'll usually find plenty of dogs and their owners enjoying the space, along with an abundance of cameras catching the adorable water-spurters in action.

Discover the herd of elephants at Commerce Court

Unbeknownst to many, there are tons of public art pieces scattered around the Financial District — many of them unique sculptures just waiting to be found. 

One massive installation that's surprisingly easy to miss is the family of bronze elephants hanging out in the quiet plaza at Commerce Court, just off of Bay Street. Check out Tembo and her two baby calves, who appear to be headed in single file to the nearby watering hole. 

Take the scenic route along the Waterfront Trail

Since Union Station is smack dab in the centre of the urban hustle and bustle, it's nice to be able to get away for some scenic views. 

Less than 15-minutes-worth of walking from the station is a path that stretches all along Lakeshore called the Waterfront Trail, which slips in and out of the Martin Goodman Trail as it runs all along the edge of the water. 

Walk the square section along the Harbourfront Centre around to Ann Tindal Park: along the way you'll be granted views of the city's cruise ships and, in the distance, a glimpse of Toronto's Islands. As you walk further west you'll spy the undulating Simcoe WaveDeck.

Explore HTO Park

Just south of the Rogers Centre is an urban park complete with grassy hilltops, an area for boating, and a sandy beach where you can kick off your shoes and dig your feet in the sand — all just steps from the busy traffic of Queens Quay West. 

It's the perfect spot for those who love to lounge in the sun without the commitment of getting wet in the water: there's no swimming here, if you're looking for that you better jump on a ferry to the Islands. Otherwise, sit back and enjoy that amazing CN Tower view.  

From industrial-era toy factories to curvy glass towers along the waterfront, Toronto is home to some stunning residential spaces— more and more of them all the time, as development booms in tune with our exploding population.

Few projects can match the unique charm, however, of a loft or condo in a very old church. The vaulted ceilings. The exposed brick. The arched windows and original beams...  It's no wonder these units get snatched up faster than lightning

Church conversions are de rigueur in places like Toronto, where space is limited and historic "homes with character" are all but impossible to find downtown (for less than a zillion dollars.)

High Park-Alhambra United Church was built as a Methodist Church at 260 High Park in the early 20th Century. Image via City of Toronto/Urban Toronto.

Developers have been turning this one-time "City of Churches" into a city of condos in old churches over the past decade, bit by bit, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down soon.

Up next on the scene is the currently vacant High Park Alhambra United Church at 260 High Park Avenue, just south of The Junction.

Newly-revised renderings and details from TRAC, Turner Fleischer Architects and ERA Architects (a firm well-known for its work with heritage properties) show that the conversion will result in 77 residential units.

The High Park-Alhambra United Church project will include a greenhouse, landscaped courtyard and and private terraces, according to realtors. Image via City of Toronto/Urban Toronto. 

The units will be a mix of condominiums, townhouses and lofts spread throughout the existing church, as well as an extension, totalling 30 one-bedrooms, 43 two-bedrooms, and 4 three-bedroom units. 

Those lucky enough to move into the Neo-Gothic-style building, constructed in 1908, will have access to a roof-top common space and outdoor courtyard in the centre of the property.

High Park Alhambra United Church was added to the City of Toronto’s Inventory of Heritage Properties in 1990 after it was deemed a "well-crafted" piece of Neo-Gothic work by the "important" Toronto-based architectural firm of Burke, Horwood and White.

What do you do when life gives you bad restaurant reviews? Make a shirt out of it. 

One of Toronto's most popular barbecue spots in Leaside is turning online hate into wearable F–You's by selling a set of t-shirts with negative reviews printed on them. 

Adamson Barbecue unveiled their new line of shirts on IG this weekend along with some other merch for sale. 

A post shared by Adamson Barbecue (@adamsonbarbecue) on Jun 23, 2018 at 7:30am PDT

The t-shirts, which cost $15 a pop, feature comments grabbed from Google Reviews and Trip Advisor that range from potentially constructive to just plain spiteful. 

"Oily and greasy," says one comment from somebody named Giuseppe about Adamson's Texas-style BBQ. "Stay away from the artery clogging, oil dripping poison." 

The eloquence of that comment seemed to have missed its mark, since it seems the t-shirts are drawing in more new customers than deterring them. 

A post shared by Adamson Barbecue (@adamsonbarbecue) on Jun 13, 2018 at 7:34pm PDT

One Instagram user, @train.ben, commented on Adamson's post: "Guess what- because of this shirt I am now coming to try your food. That's how glorious a shirt it is." 

The funniest bit of all may be the negative comments at the bottom part of the tee, which are designed to look like rave reviews of Academy award-winning movies.

"Beyond garbage," says one comment between a pair of regal laurels. 

Most of the comments are from 2017, but something tells me there'll be plenty more online merch material by the end of this year. 

Tens of thousands of new-school ravers flocked to Ontario Place this weekend for downtown Toronto's favourite annual EDM festival, in case you were wondering where all the glitter came from.

The Bud Light Dreams Music festival (formerly known as 'Digital Dreams') came a bit earlier than usual this year, hitting the city during Pride weekend as opposed to its usual Canada Day slot.

Probably for the best though, given how hot this coming weekend is supposed to be — and how dangerous it is to party all day in heat like that. 

Here are some of highlights from the annual two-day-long, three-stage-big event that took over Ontario Place's East Island on June 23 and 24.

The waterfront venue itself is perfect for a festival with three separate stages boasting three unique vibes.The RBC Echo Beach stage hosted heavy hitters like Galantis...
Armin Van Buuren...

Kaskade...

And Paul Van Dyk.

Over in the Dream House, people with sparkly plague masks jammed out to B.Traits...

John Digweed...

And Rusko.

The lush-looking Waterfront Stage brought out Camelphat...

Andrew Bayer...

And Giddy.

Everyone had lots of fun in the sun.

Except for when it rained.

Fortunately, the wet weather didn't last long.

All's well that ends with fireworks, right?

Bless our eardrums, every one.

Get your sunglasses ready: the corner of Yonge and Dundas is about to get a whole lot brighter — read: more overwhelming — than it already is. 

A company is proposing to replace three existing signs currently atop Milestones with an even bigger, brighter one. Great. 

Kramer Design Associates (KDA) — the firm that's largely responsible for the glaring chaos that YDS is today — has designed a new 31-metre by 25-metre sign comprised of 536 smaller Mitsubishi screens. 

A post shared by Mika Santos (@ams.mika.santos) on Jun 24, 2018 at 8:14pm PDT

Sitting at Yonge and Dundas' northeast corner, their proposal at 10 Dundas Street would take up 83 metres more space than the trio of signs that are currently there, if green-lit by the city. 

But the reality is the revamp really shouldn't feel too consequential, considering we all know Yonge and Dundas is pretty ugly already (I mean, even its architects won't claim it anymore). 

YDS already boasts Canada's largest high-def video display (at 30-metres by 52-metres) with an additional 34 video panels surrounding it. Soon, it'll pretty much be surrounded by screens. 

A post shared by Anaïs (@anais.b__) on Jun 25, 2018 at 9:32am PDT

KDA is also behind the new "revenue-generating" screen that will accompany the incoming Shoppers replacing Hard Rock Cafe at YDS' southeast corner, as well as the disproportionately massive 18-storey LED tower that currently dwarfs the Eaton Centre podium. 

A post shared by Mike Song (@mike.song.5245) on Apr 5, 2018 at 5:57pm PDT

Chances are your eyes have already been permanently damaged by H&M's blinding wall of light running along Dundas, so I guess nothing really matters anymore.