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The top 25 poutine in Toronto by neighbourhood

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The top poutine by neighbourhood in Toronto is the stuff Canadian dreams are made of. We can't seem to get enough of these oozing piles of fries, gravy, and cheese (or something like it), and even more so when they're covered in something decadent and unconventional.

Here are my picks for the top poutine by neighbourhood.

Annex

The Original Gyro Grill does it up Greek-style with their O.G. loaded poutine, replacing those formless curds with feta cheese and decking out their fries with chicken, pork, and lamb gyro all in one go.

Beaches

Feel like an absolute beast by devouring two whole pounds of hand-cut fries from Hogtown Smoke smothered in three types of cheeses, pepper gravy and pulled pork.

Bloorcourt

Good news for vegans: Disgraceland offers their poutine the regular way plus with lactose-free daiya cheese. They also offer Indian poutine, which comes with curried gravy (genius), and an order of poutine supreme is decked out with perogies.

Dundas West

You’ll find some of the most authentic Quebecois poutine coming out of NomNomNom Poutine, the longtime food truck fave at Market 707. Homemade cheese curds, gravy from Quebec, and options to throw on some Montreal smoked meat — yum.

Etobicoke

The go-to burger joint Woody’s Burgers offers their thick Yukon fries with grilled jalapenos, cheese curds, and pulled pork — making for a gravy-doused accompaniment to a hulking burger.

Financial District

The Belgian fries at Beerbistro are known city-wide for a reason: their menu of poutine includes the Mad Cow, with fries blanched in beef tallow and duck fat and toppings like beef cheek, blue cheese and duck confit.

top poutine toronto

Ramen Raijin offers teriyaki poutine with seaweed and kewpie mayo. Photo by Hector Vasquez. 

Kensington

Who needs chips when you can get decked out poutine with fried fish instead. Fresco’s Fish and Chips offers three styles of poutine with cheddar cheese curds, and even has the option to go vegan and gluten-free.

King West

If you don’t know about the duck poutine off the Thompson Diner's late night menu, it’s time to step up your post-party game. Leg confit, mozzarella and roasted duck gravy just might make that line up worth the wait.

Koreatown

Not only does White Brick Kitchen do delicious eggs benny and fried chicken, they also have a surprisingly killer side order of poutine with cheese curds and gravy to complete the brunch cycle.

Leslieville

One of the best in the game, Leslieville Pumps serves up hand-cut fries and Ontario curds doused in gravy and smoker-jus. Load them up with pulled pork, beef brisket or baked beans 24 hours a day.

Liberty Village

Before Smoke’s came around, was late-night Toronto poutine really a thing? Here it’s loaded fries all day, every day with a massive and experimental menu that’s creative enough to please any drunkard hankering for fries after the function.

Little Italy

The beef cheek poutine at Chez’s certainly isn’t your regular ol’ midnight order. Coming in a skillet, fries are topped with hearty pieces of smoked beef cheek, Parisian-style.

Ossington

Get three types of poutine from BQM. The Palmer is a favourite with bacon, Quebec cheese curds and beef gravy, while a meat poutine comes with a healthy portion of beef.

top poutine toronto

Breakfast poutine comes in a bucket at Ramona's. Photo by Hector Vasquez. 

Queen West

San Francesco has been around for over half a century, and while they might be more famous for their hot Italian sandwiches, they also have poutine covered with Italian meat sauce and another covered in pulled pork.

Richmond Hill

Gorge on Whiff Whaff's amazing kalbi poutine in between watching the latest game on TV or matches of ping pong. This order comes topped with cheese curds, pickled daikon and cilantro for fries that are better than your regular.

Scarborough

If there’s one thing you have to get at Chris Jerk, it’s the jerk chicken poutine. Blessing us with the fusion we never knew we needed, this spot smothers their fries in homemade gravy that’s totally addictive.

St. Clair West

It’s fried stuff galore at Sea Witch Fish and Chips, where you can get your poutine with real cheese curds and tasty gravy to alongside your battered fish.

Thornhill

The breakfast poutine at Ramona’s Kitchen is the perfect morning move, coming in a fun little bucket that’s packed with fries, potatoes, eggs and hollandaise sauce.

West Queen West

Open until 3 a.m., relatively cheap, and add-on options like bacon and maple syrup: there’s not much more to ask for than what you’re getting at Poutinis original location.

top poutine toronto

You can eat some decadent beef cheek poutine at Little Italy's Chez's. Photo by Hector Vasquez. 

Yonge & St. Clair

Go big or go home at Holy Chuck Burgers. Aside from their regular poutine with Quebecois cheese curds, this spot also offers foie gras truffle poutine, a hulking portion of fries covered in Italian white truffle oil.

Yonge & Dundas

Ryerson students living on campus need not travel far for those post-party fries. Lou Dawgs has a variety of “Loutines” with toppings meaty beans, pulled pork and homemade slaw on top.

Yonge & Eglinton

Prohibition offers a haughtily named Haute Poutine that’s decked out with everything duck: duck confit, duck gravy, duck crackling. Eat these with a pinky up.  

Yonge & Lawrence

Lobster lovers should head to Lobster Monster for poutine covered in chunks of lobster, mozzarella, a dash of maple syrup and the option to get it doused with lobster bisque gravy for a lil extra.

Yonge & Wellesley

Eating poutine with chopsticks was something you probably never thought you’d do, but hey, it’s Canada. Combining our insatiable need for fries with a Japanese palette, Ramen Raijin offers an order of teriyaki poutine that adds kewpie mayo and nori to this small side.

Yorkville

Considering it’s in the fanciest part of town, STK's order of poutine isn’t the standard pile of fries and gravy. You’ll get tater tots instead of frites, with some pulled short ribs and Canadian cheddar piled on top.


Little Jamaica is more than just Toronto's neighbourhood for jerk chicken

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It's not news what the construction of Toronto's newest subway has done to Little Jamaica.

The Eglinton West neighbourhood that has historically been the landing ground for diasporas from all over the Greater and Lesser Antilles — Jamaican immigrants first —  has basically been decapitated by the Eglinton LRT.

little jamaica toronto

Construction on the Oakwood subway station began in 2014. 

Artery-clogging traffic and clouds of dust coating businesses in layers of dirt: these are just a few side effects of the work being done on Line 5's Oakwood subway station, which has been in the making since 2014. 

It's enough to deter even the most faithful non-locals from this strip between Oakwood and Marlee Avenue. What was once a five-minute rush hour drive from Oakwood to the Allen has now become a 30-minute affair. 

little jamaica toronto

The LRT construction has closed off the main sidewalk for many businesses in Little Jamaica. 

And while the incoming subway promises a future of accessibility with a new station right in the heart of Little Jamaica, the question is whether or not the current businesses there will survive that long. The LRT will be finished in 2021, if we're lucky

little jamaica toronto

The Jamaican patties from Randy's are some of the best in the city. 

Randy's will likely continue to stay afloat after nearly 40 years of packing up some of the best patties you'll find in Toronto, and the scent of barbecued jerk wafting from the drums at Rap's and Spence's Bakery might continue to entice pedestrians when they fire up daily at 6 p.m. 

Judy's Island maintains its status as a favourite for curry goat, and the killer ackee and saltfish from Entertainment Kitchen's bar is supplemented by the fact they throw proper yaad parties reminiscent of home. 

little jamaica toronto

Just Incredible Hair has been selling hair products since 1990. 

But other stores like beauty mainstays Monica's Beauty Salon (which has been open for decades) and Just Incredible Hair (since 1990) are barely getting by.

little jamaica toronto

This stretch on Eglinton has a fair share of barber shops. 

With items like wigs and gels for Black hair failing to entice a local demographic that's quickly changing, these stores and the handful of barber shops like The Barbers of Eglinton are mostly running off of community connections alone. 

On top of all this, it's been argued the most significant casualty of gentrification in the area has been Little Jamaica's reggae and Rasta scene. little jamaica toronto

Entire sections of Little Jamaica have been walled off by concrete blockades. 

Once an area where the likes of Dennis Brown and Gregory Isaac would visit to promote 45s and LPs with flyers, this strip of mostly Jamaican-owned businesses has been broken up and cordoned off by concrete blockades which have visibly crippled a number of stores.

Natty B's TreaJah Isle is one of the last bastions for the reggae community in Toronto, but even still, the quarter-century old store sells reggae vinyls while acting as a recording studio, juice bar, and Rasta accessories shop to keep up with rent. 

little jamaica toronto

Rasta Flex is one of many stores negatively impacted by the LRT construction. 

Just a bit further west, the shopkeeper at the clothing store Rasta Flex Michael says, "Nothing's moving, nothing's selling." 

Wrapping up mangos in paper and discarding the bruised ones, Michael has just started selling fruit on Eglinton, mostly on Fridays and Saturdays to make ends meet. 

little jamaica toronto

The shopkeeper at Rasta Flex has taken up selling mangos on weekends to make ends meet. 

"I don't know what will become of the Jamaican people here, most people have run away." 

"[We] can barely pay our rent, they should know that," he says, referring to the developers responsible for the gates which have all but completely concealed Rasta Flex from plain view. 

"There's no parking, if [customers] come here they get a ticket." 

little jamaica torontolittle jamaica toronto

The Reggae Lane mural was unveiled in 2015. 

These days, the only way to dodge a fine in Little Jamaica is to either park on a residential street or at the 1529 Eglinton Green P, where you'll find the faces of Bob and Haile alongside local legends like Pluggy and Bernie Pitters leading into Reggae Lane

Designated in 2015, this small street running behind the main drag of Little Jamaica was designated Reggae Lane as part of the city's Laneway Project. It was the first and only move by the City of Toronto to solidify the area as the significant ethnic enclave that it is today. 

But most community members seem to agree that the naming of Reggae Lane, while a nice idea, fell short on its promise to promote the neighbourhood. 

little jamaica toronto

The construction in the area has impacted businesses all along the Eglinton stretch. 

Founder of the online reggae platform Canadian Reggae World Julian King calls Reggae Lane an act of "tokenism" – a gesture to placate the community without giving it real legs to stand on. 

"I still think Reggae Lane is a beautiful entity," he says. "But the city needs to invest in the businesses that are still here." 

little jamaica toronto

The oil drum at Rap's has long been a staple in Little Jamaica. 

King says that while endeavours like Toronto Symphony Orchestra's Canada Mosaic program (dedicated to "Canada's diverse musical landscape") receive federal funding ($7.5 millions-worth), the reggae scene – with a long and rich history in Toronto – gets nothing. 

And though the mural by artist Adrian Hayles is monumental in its own right, Reggae Lane itself is no destination. There are no back patios along this stretch, no musical events or guest reggae performances held in the lot, just empty bottles, trash, and illicit activity. 

"You have a gold mine in front of you," says King. "When Reggae Lane is treated correctly, it will become a true tourist attraction." 

little jamaica torontoWalking around Eglinton, it's clear to see that Little Jamaica is fighting the good fight. With all the abandoned storefronts, there's only hope that maybe the city will eventually manage to scrounge up the funding to bolster the area.

But even if they do, it'll likely be after the condos go up, the subway is complete, and the original businesses which have stood there for decades have come down. Oakwood Station will service a whole other community, and Reggae Lane will still just be a mural on the wall.

little jamaica toronto

The top 5 new ice cream sandwiches in Toronto

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The top new ice cream sandwiches in Toronto are the latest and greatest in decadent ice cream-stuffed baked goods. Prepare yourself for outrageously sweet creations that are usually way too bulky to fit in your mouth in one go, but so good you'll try anyway. 

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

Craig's Cookies

Make your own gnarly creation with Craig's ridiculously sweet and tasty cookies with ice cream flavours like toffee burn marshmallow. There's also bacon (because why not), plus the fact you can get these sammies until 10 p.m. all summer makes this Parkdale spot extra clutch. 

Machino Cafe

Stuff some cinnamon buns with scoops of Sicilian Ice Cream at this quaint little ice creamery in Bloorcourt. There's eight different flavours here, which you can also get on cookies and sugary donuts too. 

Futura Granita + Gelato

They're not called ice cream sandwiches at this St. Clair West shop — they're gelato paninis. It's all about rare (and vegan) flavours of granita and gelatos for when you're feeling fancy, because how good does fior di panna gelato on dark chocolate cookies sound? 

Nadege

The macaron-makers on West Queen West have officially introduced ice cream sandwiches to their flagship store with a menu of 16 ice cream flavours like mojito sorbet and baked caramel crunch, which you can crush between a pair of chocolate chip cookies. 

Short and Sweet

This bakery might no longer have the hulking messy sandwiches of last year, but the ice cream bar at their newest location at Assembly Chef's Hall has something more epic: ice cream between Concha buns from Los Colibris, and fruit loop rice krispie squares. 

Graffiti Alley might be Toronto's most unexpected tourist attraction

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As in most urban cities, graffiti has been a point of contention for all parties involved. Toronto's business owners, artists, and politicians can't seem to decide how to differentiate between vandalism and art. 

Few of the latter were more notable than the late Rob Ford, whose attempts to curb graffiti sparked one of the most public conversations about graffiti to date. graffiti alley torontoIt's so ironic then that, today, Ford's image makes a cameo in a massive piece of street art that's arguably one of the most Canadian murals ever, located in one of Toronto's most iconic backstreets: Graffiti Alley. 

graffiti alley torontoCanonized by the tilting camera work of Rick Mercer's weekly rants, this little stretch of grimy back-alley between Spadina and Portland Street is best accessed from Queen, heading South along the t-shirt print store Bang-On.

graffiti alley torontoSometimes referred to by its adjoining alley Rush Lane, Graffiti Alley is more than a series of murals, mesmerizing as they are: it represents a watershed moment in Toronto's relationship with legalized street art. 

graffiti alley torontoThe area of Richmond and Spadina had long attracted the work of artists like SKAM and other members of the DOH and HSA crews before Style In Progress began hosting its legal 24-hour graffiti sessions along the nearly one-kilometre stretch. 

graffiti alley torontoWhen it was legitimized in 2011 through the efforts of the Queen Street West BIA, it also gave birth to StART — the city-sanctioned program in charge of nurturing legal street art — and paved the way for equally brilliant revitalization projects like the beautiful art of Underpass Parkgraffiti alley torontoSince then, the alleyway has become a staple feature of the city. It's been the locale for mini street festsmusic videos, been the host of Toronto's notorious secret swing, and even has a restaurant named after it.graffiti alley torontoYou'll often see guided tours leading huddles of international students as they admire wall after wall of striking street art that have been graced by well-respected writers like Uber5000 (whose little chicks can be found all over the city).

graffiti alley torontoMost murals here have a shelf life, getting painted over time with new work , though if you're well-versed enough in Toronto's graffiti scene you might still recognize the many odes to angels or the sandwich-eaters of ELICSER

graffiti alley torontoAs with most respected art, you won't see much vandalization on these pieces of 'vandalization'. As is the way, there isn't much tagging here. 

From the dirty puddles and the soft crush of soggy cardboard underfoot, a walk through the ever-changing museum of Toronto's street art history is appropriately grimy. 
graffiti alley toronto

The top 5 warehouse sales in Toronto this July

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Warehouse sales in Toronto for July 2018 give you the chance to get a lot for a little and save big on top brands. Step up your workout, shoe, kitchen, clothing and yarn game at any of these huge sales happening this month.

Events you might want to check out:

Lucid Sample Sale (July 5 @ Erin Tracy Studio)
Save big on brands like BRIKA, Cheeky Monkey, Stray & Wander and Yoga Culture with 20 per cent of proceeds going to Second Harvest Food Rescue.
Yarns Untangled Summer Sale (July 5-9 @ Yarns Untangled)
Yarn and lots of it is on sale this month with special deals on individual yarns, needles, hooks, fibre, notions and more.
Athletic Locker Warehouse Sale (July 5-15 @ Athletic Locker Outlet)
If you're looking to beef up your workout wardrobe, tons of items from Asics, FILA, Wilson and Oakley is on sale for up to 90 per cent off.
Designer Shoe Warehouse Sale (July 7-8 @ Markham Farigrounds)
Improve your shoe game without breaking the bank as brands like Cole Haan, Dr. Scholls, FrancoSarto, Rider are more are all on sale for up to 80 per cent off.
Kitchen Stuff Plus Warehouse Sale (July 20-23 @ Kitchen Stuff Plus Outlet)
That stemware you've had your eye on is on sale for up to 90 per cent off, plus appliances, furniture, dinnerware, cookware and more.

HTO Park is Toronto's other fake beach by the lake

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Take some sand, a few colourful umbrellas, and views of the lake, and what do we have? An urban Toronto beach. 

HTO Park, just like its counterpart Sugar Beach further east, is home to a manmade beach replete with a boardwalk, Muskoka chairs, and giant yellow umbrellas. 

hto park toronto

HTO Park was built in 2007. 

Built in 2007 by some of Toronto's most well known architects (Hariri PontariniJRALA and Montreal-based ingenue Claude Cormier), HTO's name is a remix of two terms: H20 (the chemical formula for water) and T.O. (Toronto, of course). 

The project transformed large swaths of industrial land - parts of which had been empty since the 1980s – into something far more useable, helping to revitalize the harbour into the tourist-friendly area that it is today. 

hto park toronto

Water taxis take passengers around the lake from the Harbourfront Centre Marina.  

Located not far west from the Harbourfront Centre, the docks surrounding the park are hotspots for visitors embarking on water taxi adventures that take you from dock to dock. Further to the western edge of the park you'll find stored canoes with boats and canoes for rent. 

hto park toronto

The eastern portion of the park includes HTO beach. 

The park takes up 4.3 acres of land and consists of two major areas: its eastern portion on Maple Leaf Quay, which includes the faux beach area marked by yellow umbrellas, and the western portion on what used to be the Peter Street Slip. 

From an aerial perspective, the park's grassy hills are meant to resemble a putting green, golf course-esque sort of pattern. By foot the mounds lose their patterned effect, though the trees and the shade they offer can still be appreciated in the summer. 

hto park toronto

The granite Fallen Firefighter Memorial pays respect to Toronto Firefighters who have died in service. 

Home to a collection of fun summer events, from artisanal markets to giant beach balls as part of the Redpath Waterfront Festival, you'll also find the Marine division of the Toronto Fire Services station on HTO Park East.

Expect this park to get busy in the summer, as it's one of the closest attractions to the main drag of Harbourfront. Try your best to get there early so you can save a spot under one of those coveted umbrellas. 

hto park toronto

How the Ale Yards became Toronto's unofficial beer district

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In an area of Toronto best known for animal slaughterhouses and processing plants, change is afoot. 

The historic Stockyards, as its name entails, has long been recognized as the section of the city that once housed Canada's largest livestock market.

Spanning across St. Clair between Runnymede and Old Weston Road, the distinct stench of livestock and the occasional anti-slaughter demonstration will tell you that a part of the Stockyards remains an active meat packing district today. 

But on Symes Road, there's a new district in the making, completely unrelated to cattle and poultry: the Ale Yards. 

ale yards toronto

Junction Brewing occupies what used to be an old garbage incinerator. Photo by Hector Vasquez. 

A trio of breweries, all within two-minutes walking distance from one another – have joined together to create an informal coalition that may have a lasting impact on Toronto's brewery scene. 

"We were all looking for ways to work with each other and help each other," says co-founder of Junction Craft Brewing David Hayes, referring to his informal partnership with the folks at neighbouring Shacklands and Rainhard

ale yards toronto

Rainhard Brewing was the first brewery to set up shop in the Stockyards. 

Three years ago, Rainhard was the only brewery in the Stockyards, brewing its hoppy IPAs solo at 100 Symes. Just a year later, Shacklands brought its Belgian ales to the same building. 

Then, six months ago, Junction moved from Cawthra Avenue into the Stockyards, transforming an old art-deco garbage incinerator that had sat unused since 1998 into the airy, Plant-designed space it is today – and the trifecta was complete. 

And while the term Ale Yards was a term that sprung up organically, the trio have wasted no time in trying to make the new moniker stick.

ale yards toronto

Shacklands specialies in Belgian ales. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Last year the three breweries collaborated to create the official brew of Toronto Beer Week 2017, and naturally, they called it Aleyards – a fruity, hoppy IPA that used Junction's signature Kiln Amber malt. 

They're also planning some events for this summer, says Hayes, "an Ale Yards Oktoberfest" of sorts. 

ale yards toronto

All three breweries are located on the highly industrial Symes Road. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Steve Werbin, the co-owner of Toronto Brewery Tours, runs mobile craft brewery tours on weekends and says the introduction of the Ale Yard district has added a new dimension to his tours.

"The vibe of the area is gritty, raw, dirty," he says. There are broken roads and massive trucks driving by, and it smells like meat. "That's part of the charm, though."  

Werbin says he hopes to see the Ale Yards receive an official designation from the city in the future, especially as the Stockyards begins see a shift at the behest of nearby residents who are pushing for more green spaces and less slaughter houses. 

"Ale Yards represents the modernization of an old economy," he says. "Let it modernize." 

Canada Day events in Toronto for 2018

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Events in Toronto for Canada Day 2018 promise a heckin' good time for a hot day in the city. There's an outdoor film screening, the return of Union Summer, Electric Island and lots of fireworks. Don't forget to check out what's opened and closed, too.

Events you might want to check out:

Electric Island (July 1 @ Hanlan's Point)
Electric Island returns for a Canada Day celebration with DJs and performances by Anna, The Martinez Brothers, Jackmaster and more.
Canada Day Celebration (July 1 @ Downsview Park)
Downsview Park is hosting a family-friendly Canada Day celebration complete with activities, live entertainment and ending with a fireworks display.
Moscow Apartment (July 1 @ The Distillery District)
Toronto's own Moscow Apartment blends indie and hard rock with folk, while serving as a backdrop for Brighid Fry and Pascale Padilla's raw vocals.
Christie Pits Film Festival (July 1 @ Christie Pits)
The Canada Day edition of CPFF takes a look at Toronto's Little Portugal with Porch Stores, paired alongside Whatever Happened to Jackie Shane?
Canada Day BBQ (July 1 @ People's Pint)
Toronto's DIY brewery is throwing a big Canada Day bash with free barbecue and burgers alongside fresh brews outside on the patio.
Tomorrow's Top Comics (July 1 @ Comedy Bar)
Up and coming comedic talents show off their stuff at this showcase featuring Patrick Fishman, Jennie Steer-Welbourn and James O'Hara.
Union Summer (July 1 - August 19 @ Union Station)
This huge summer market shows off the best of the newly renovated station with vendors, shopping, programming and events all summer long.
Scarborough Night Market (June 29 - July 1 @ Agincourt Mall)
The Canada Day celebrations warp up today but not before lots of food, music, shopping and a singing contest.
Queen's Plate Festival (June 29 - July 1 @ Woodbine Racetrack)
Dress your best for this weekend-long festival of horse racing, big hats, musical performances and a free Canada Day celebration.
CITE Opening Weekend (June 30 - July 1 @ The Bentway)
It's not too late to check out what The Bentway is up to for the summer as this outdoor party continues in celebration of skateboarding arts and culture.

What's open and closed Canada Day 2018 in Toronto

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What's open and closed on Canada Day 2018 in Toronto will be easy to navigate since the holiday will be observed on July 2. It looks like it's going to be your typical Sunday with the bonus of fireworks for Canada's birthday.

Here's what's open and closed on Canada Day in Toronto.

General
 
Closed
  • Government offices
  • Libraries
  • Banks
  • Post offices
Open
  • The TTC will operate on a Sunday schedule.

Canada Day Toronto 2018

Grocery shopping will be a breeze July 1 as stores will remain open for the day. Photo by Hector Vasquez at Nations Experience. 

Food
 
Open
  • Grocery stores
  • Restaurants

Canada Day Toronto 2018

Buying booze on July 1 won't be as difficult as it's been in previous years. Photo by Hector Vasquez at Liberty Commons.

Drink
 
Open
  • LCBO
  • The Beer Store
  • Indie bottle shops

Canada Day Toronto 2018

All the malls in Toronto will remain open come Canada Day. Photo by Hector Vasquez at CF Toronto Eaton Centre.

Malls
 
Open

Canada Day Toronto 2018

The CN Tower remains open 364 days a year. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Attractions
 
Open

The top 5 vegan breakfast in Toronto

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The top vegan breakfasts in Toronto won’t let you starve on just greens alone — unless that’s what you want. Go crazy on meat-, gluten- and dairy-free bennies, fake chicken and waffles and huevos rancheros (minus the eggs).

Here are my picks for the top vegan breakfasts in Toronto.

Hello 123

West Queen West’s newest go-to healthy restaurant has a sizeable menu that lasts all day with items like the Benny Benny, made from kale and tofu ricotta, and Irene’s Massive Breakfast: an indulgent affair of pancakes, home fries, and chickpea-kale omelettes.

iQ Food Co.

There are plenty of locations of this vegan spot in and around the Financial District, so you’re covered if you work anywhere nearby. You’ll find vegan options like chia pudding, baked goods, tons of smoothies, and of course, toast — namely avocado and a peach gazpacho kind.

Mythology

This popular Parkdale spot has a weekend menu with ridiculously decked out meals that you won’t believe are vegan. Benedicts, chocolate peanut butter waffles, and platters of tofu eggs, tempeh bacon and cashew milk butter (yum).

Cosmic Treats

This Kensington favourite has a breakfast menu that’s all-day, all-vegan. Cornmeal waffles and oatmeal pancakes are all morning options, with tofu scrambles subbing the eggs in huevos rancheros or a veggie quiche.

Grasshopper

With locations in the Junction and Little Italy, this vegan restaurant is a fave for morning meals which include ‘chik-un’ and waffles made with quinoa and chia seed pancakes.

The top 10 Canada Day fireworks in Toronto for 2018

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Canada Day fireworks in Toronto will light up skies with bursts of beautiful colours. The country turning 151 is kind of a big deal, so you can expect the city to get very bright and noisy come the evening of July 1.

Here are my picks for the top places for Canada Day fireworks in Toronto this year.

Amesbury Park

To celebrate Canada's birthday, the North York park has a fun-filled day planned with a flea market, musical acts and tons more entertainment. Make sure to stay until the end as the fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m.

Ashbridges Bay

Here's a tried and true option, with one of the best locations for fireworks in the city. The epic show will begin around 9:30 p.m.

Canada's Wonderland

Spend your day riding roller coasters, and then stay until the sun goes down for a fireworks show over the amusement park. There will be explosions of light starting at 10 p.m.

Centennial Park

Canada Day conveniently falls on the same weekend as Ribfest in Etobicoke, so if you want a finger lickin' good dinner and a show, this is your best bet. The fireworks show will start at approximately 10 p.m.

Downsview Park

In North York on July 1 there will be an entire day of celebrations happening at Downsview Park. Make sure to stay until dusk as that's when the massive firework show begins.

Mel Lastman Square

Expect lots of family-friendly activities going down here this Canada Day, including performances and tons of food. However, the big finale is always the fireworks at 10:30 p.m.

Milliken Park

This Scarborough park and community centre found at McCowan and Steeles hosts their annual fireworks show at around 10 p.m.

Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park

Every year people flock to this park in Richmond Hill for an entire day of Canada Day celebrations. While the party may begin around 11 a.m., the best part is always the fireworks that start at 10 p.m.

Stan Wadlow Park

This is where to go if you're in the east end and don't want to make the mission to the Beaches. The day will offer tons of live entertainment, climaxing with the fireworks display around 10 p.m.

Weston Lions Park

This park on the east bank of the Humber River blasts all shades of colour into the sky beginning at 10 p.m. 

Here's a map of all the parks with free sunscreen in Toronto

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With great sun comes great responsibility, to protect your skin that is. 

After last year's very successful pilot project that saw free sunscreen in five Toronto parks, the city announced in early May that they'd be expanding this year and including more parks where the community can get their (sun) protection on. 

In addition to sunscreen being available at Kew Gardens Park; Sherbourne Common (south); Harbour Square Park; HTO Park (east) and Little Norway Park, the city said that there will be 50 dispensers available at parks all along a 50-kilometre stretch of the Toronto waterfront, from Marie Curtis Park to Rouge Beach. 

Here's a map of all the parks that have these dispensers with SPF30 on offer until the end of September. 

The top 5 new cafe patios in Toronto

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New cafe patios in Toronto have arrived just in time for summer: there are few better activities than lounging in the hot, hot sun with an ice cold coffee. 

Here are my picks for the top new cafe patios in Toronto.

Jimmy's 100

The newest Jimmy's cafe is in the midst of opening officially and there's tons to be excited for — namely the new front and back patios, but also the 1960s record player that will spinning on the second floor. 

top new cafe patios toronto

The patio at Daily Grind is fenced off from the street. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Daily Grind

This charming little coffee shop in Bloordale Village has a sweet sidewalk patio with wooden fencing and little tables to match. It's the perfect place to post up with some work or friends to soak in those summer rays.

top new cafe patio toronrto

The seating at Think It Cafe consists of two big picnic benches. Photo by Tanya Mok.

Think It Cafe

Located in Harbord Village, this cute cafe has a patio of sturdy picnic benches where you can sip on some refreshing drinks (big plus: they rarely charge extra for iced drinks, like tons of other cafes out here.) 

top new cafe patios toronto

There's a mural dedicated to Toronto by Cafe Serano's patio. Photo by Tanya Mok. 

Cafe Serano 

Serano Bakery has opened up a coffee shop just down the street. The sleek new space has a side patio decked out by mural art by BamBam that's big enough to host 15 guests as they sip on espressos and nom on delicious Greek pastries. 

top ne wcafe patios toronto

The little patio outside of Filosophy is shaded from the sun. Photo by Tanya Mok. 

Filosophy

Treat yourself to some explosive loukamades and sweet Turkish Delights at this Greek spot in Bloorcourt, where you can post up at a pretty little pair of seats in front of the cafe that's perfect for people-watching. 

Toronto water taxi options and what you need to know

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The water taxi in Toronto seems to be shrouded in a modest degree of mystery. How much does one cost? Are they licensed like regular taxis? And, of course, how late do they operate? Fortunately, given the size of the fleet, most questions related to this ferry-alternative are answered easily enough.

Here's what you need to know about the water taxi in Toronto.

The fleet

Water taxis in Toronto are licensed by the city, under the Water Taxi Licence Program. This puts a cap on the number of legal operators in the harbour. There are a maximum of six locations on the Islands that approved water taxis can have access to for pick-ups and drop-offs.

Departures from the mainland aren't as regulated, but the main departure point is the slip at Queens Quay and Spadina.

The main operators are Toronto Harbour Water Taxi, Five Star Water Taxi, Water Taxi Now, Harbourlink Watertaxi, The Otter Guy Water Taxi and Tiki Taxi. At present time only Toronto Harbour Water Taxi, Tiki Taxi and Water Taxi Now are licensed to pick up or drop off people at the Harbourfront docks.

The cost

On account of city regulations, water taxis charge $10 per person for a one-way trip to the Island (and vice versa when it comes to a return to the mainland). Once on the Island, you can travel back via ferry at no cost as there are no ticket booths on this side, but take note that the latest ferry runs at 11:45 p.m. from Centre Island.

Hidden Fees

It's important to note that over and above the base fee, some water taxis charge for items like bikes and strollers. This can add to the cost of your trip, so make sure to check the operator's rates and/ or policies before making the trip.

Water Taxi Hours

You'd be wrong to think that all water taxis operate later than city ferries. The Tiki Taxi, for instance, runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the summer season. What you're paying for is the convenience of shorter lines and the fun of a bamboo-clad boat, not longer hours.

The Toronto Harbour Water Taxi, on the other hand, does offer late service from the Islands. Its operating hours are 8 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The Otter Guy Water Taxi also has later hours, running all week from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. 

These are all the fun new things to do at Ontario Place

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Ontari0 Place is shaping up to be the place to be this summer. The massive facelift it got last year definitely seems to be paying off, and aside from the many festivals happening over the next few months, there are plenty of features to check out on the grounds before summer ends.

Here are all the fun new things to do at Ontario Place. 

Catch a flick at the Cinesphere

After being closed for five years, the world's first permanent IMAX theatre finally re-opened late last year and it looks better than ever. It will now show IMAX 70 mm films as well as IMAX Laser presentations; catch movies like Under the Sea and U2 in 3D. 

ontario place torontoGo ice skating 

Yes, in the summer. Ontario Place now has the city's only outdoor summer skating rink. The whole thing is built from solid polymer, allowing it to stay icey even in blazing hot weather. If you don't have your own skates they offer blades for $10, no time limit. 

ontario place toronto

Explore the William G. Davis Trail

You'll find thousands of native plants, rocks, and boulders along this 1.3-kilometre trail. Look out for the moccasins engraved on two stone walls marking the ravine entrance, where you'll find the engravings celebrating First Nations' heritage. 

ontario place toronto

Admire the new pavilion

This beautiful new structure is great for gatherings, dashing for cover from the rain — with a significant other, maybe?  The pavilion does frame the Romantic Garden, after all. 

ontario place toronto

Have life-sized chess match

This mega-sized chess set is where you and a friend can have a proper tourney, Harry Potter-style. If you're a little weak-armed, don't worry – the pieces aren't as heavy as they look. Find this set near the East Island. 

ontario place toronto

Throw a volleyball tournament

Echo Beach just got four new regulation-sized volleyball courts with a great view of the CN Tower. You can rent volleyballs for two hours at just $5 from the General Store nearby, and play as late as midnight every day. Just make sure to check out Echo Beach for availability. 

ontario place toronto

Check out Trillium Park

This new park right next to the waterfront is a refreshing piece of green space on the Ontario Place grounds. Plus, there are these bright blue lego-esque foam shapes that pop up on weekends that are super fun to play with and oddly therapeutic, even for adults. 

ontario place toronto

Start a bonfire

You need a permit to book out one of these fire pits, but the extra effort is worth it with such an amazing view of the city. Seriously, the view of Toronto's downtown skyline is one of the best you'll get without having to take a ferry to the Toronto Islands


What's open and closed Canada Day Monday 2018 in Toronto

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What's open and closed on Canada Day Monday 2018 is slightly different then what was going on July 1. The statutory holiday is being observed on this day so expect most businesses to be closed for the day.

Here's what's open and closed on July 2 in Toronto.

General
 
Closed
  • Government offices
  • Libraries
  • Banks
  • Post offices
Open
  • The TTC will operate on a holiday schedule.

Canada Day Monday Toronto 2018

Saks Food Hall will remain open on July 2 for any shopping needs. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Food
 
Closed
  • It's worth calling ahead to restaurants before heading out — many already consider Mondays a day off.
  • Most major grocery chains will be closed on Canada Day Monday, with a few confirmed exceptions listed below.
Open

Canada Day Monday Toronto 2018

Indie bottle shops will be your best bet for booze come July 2. Photo by Hector Vasquez at Left Field Brewery.

Drink
 
Closed
  • The Beer Store
  • LCBO
Open
  • For a complete list of indie bottle shops in Toronto, see this directory. Holiday hours are provided where applicable, but we advise calling ahead to confirm.

Canada Day Monday Toronto 2018

CF Toronto Eaton Centre will be just one shopping destination to keep its doors open on the holiday Monday. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Malls
 
Closed
  • Bayview Village Shops
  • CF Fairview Mall
  • CF Sherway Gardens
  • Dufferin Mall
  • Scarborough Town Centre
  • Yorkdale Shopping Centre
Open

Canada Day Monday 2018

Feel like a tourist come Canada Day and visit the CN Tower. Photo by Hectore Vasquez.

Attractions
 
Open

The top 5 vegan soft serve ice cream in Toronto

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The top spots for vegan soft serve ice cream in Toronto offer all the delicious sweetness of regular soft serve, just minus the dairy. While we wait for Ikea to launch the vegan version of its iconic little soft serve cones, there's plenty of options in the city to get your fix. 

Here are my picks for the top vegan soft serve ice cream in Toronto. 

Nanashake

All the soft serve at this Yonge and Sheppard ice creamery is made in-house from fresh bananas. You'll find rare flavours like spiced date, and there's even an option to get your ice ream with a shot of espresso. 

Simple Kitchen

This healthy eatery on Roncy has recently gotten into the business of serving ice cream soft serve made of just four ingredients: almonds, dates, sea salt, and pure vanilla. There's no refined sugar, gluten, or dairy here, and it's 100 per cent guilt-free. 

A post shared by Bunner's Bake Shop (@bunner) on

Bunner's Bake Shop

If you're looking for a classic no-frills soft serve without the traditional deluge of dairy, the Kensington location of this bakery has you covered with classic cones of vanilla, chocolate, or swirl that's completely gluten, egg, and milk-free. 

Bar Ape

They may be best known for their gelato bars, but the soft serve at this cash-only St. Clair West spot is pretty good too. Their ever-changing menu includes vegan flavours like raspberry and dark chocolate or blood orange. Tons of real fruit and lots of flavour. 

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Hype Food Co.

It sucks having allergies and missing out on the fun, which is the allergy-friendly menu at this Leslieville eatery comes in clutch. They offer Dole Whip, an icy, fruity soft serve from the classic canned fruit company. 

The top 5 free events in Toronto this week

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Free events in Toronto this week are all about music, dancing, culture and film. Take a trip through time in the DeLorean, shake your booty to some salsa or listen to some jazzy grooves — all for free.

Events you might want to check out:

Back to the Future (July 3 @ Trinity Bellwoods Dog Bowl)
Where we're going, we don't need money. Catch Marty McFly and the Doc by taking a trip back to the 1950s at the last Bellwoods Movie Night of the summer.
Cultura Festival (July 6-27 @ Mel Lastman Square)
A festival of music, art, food and movies returns to Mel Lastman Square every Friday this July with outdoor movies paired alongside musical acts.
Beaches Jazz Festival (July 6-29 @ Multiple Venues)
A festival of all things jazz music by artists both local and international is set to turn the Beaches in to a paradise for music lovers.
Afrofest (July 7-8 @ Woodbine Park)
This free festival is dedicated to showcasing African music from Toronto and around the world with storytelling, music, dance and special programming.
Salsa On St. Clair (July 7-8 @ St. Clair Ave West)
Salsa in the streets is the main event of this three-week outdoor party along St. Clair with events, food, music and, of course, dancing.

The top 10 new restaurant openings in Toronto for June

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The top new restaurants that opened in Toronto this June engage not only the taste buds, but all the senses. These restaurants invite you to delve into their food with tantalizing aromas, jaw-dropping presentation, and comfortable surroundings before you’ve even taken your first bite.

Here are the top new restaurant openings in Toronto for June.

Kojin

If you now catch a whiff of campfire smoke around University and Richmond, that’s the new upper-floor restaurant at Momofuku Toronto. Long-time David Chang disciple Paula Navarrete takes the reins at the new project centred around a wood-burning Argentinian grill.

Bar Altura

Italian food is taken to the next level at this spot on Queen West. Precious versions of tomato salad, fried smelts and arancini are served alongside equally pretty cocktails.

Wynona

This new Leslieville spot comes from chef behind pescatarian restaurant Ufficio, so it’s no surprise that a menu heavy on the fish and veggies is executed stunningly here.

SoSo Food Club

Whole lobster mapo tofu, dumplings and noodles galore await at this “food club” from the folks behind Otto’s Bierhalle, where there are also DJ sets on the weekend.

Mezu

Ssam lettuce meals and bulgogi get reinterpreted through an array of international techniques at this spot replacing Solita. They’ve already capitalized more on the corner spot with a sweet little licensed corner patio.

Frilu

The food here is not only a treat for the stomach but the mind as well, illusions are performed with dumplings and lardo.

Madrina

Tapas are reinvented at this new Distillery District spot: you’ve never seen olives and oysters quite like this before.

Petty Cash

The people behind Baro have opened another party spot not far away, this one a slightly more casual venture with fried chicken sandwiches, burgers, vegan pâté and veggie plates, as well as patio and pool table.

Don Alfonso 1890

Michelin Star Chef Ernesto Iaccarino just opened his first North American restaurant right here in Toronto in the Financial District, highlighting Amalfi coast cuisine through high-end “classic” and “contemporary” menus.

Sapori

Dundas West now has this restaurant serving comfort food in the form of generous charcuterie boards and dishes like Nashville fried chicken alongside biodynamic wines and craft beer.

Canada Day Monday events in Toronto for 2018

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Events in Toronto today rival the option of laying in front of the air conditioner with another edition of Promise Cherry Beach and the final day of Toronto Ribfest. There's a big beer party and a clothing sale on, too. Don't forget to see what's open and closed!

Events you might want to check out:

Promise Cherry Beach (July 2 @ Cherry Beach)
Promise Cherry Beach returns with a long-weekend edition and a celebration of Montreal music, featuring deep house DJ Clarian.
Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers (July 2 @ Budweiser Stage)
Golden age rock legends Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers are in Toronto with their classic hits spanning nearly 50 years.
ReelHeART Opening Night (July 2 @ Imagine Cinemas Carlton)
Independent documentaries and films take the spotlight as the ReelHeART film festival kicks off with a screening of The 5 Year.
Brewer's Backyard (July 2 @ Evergreen Brick Works)
A slew of brewers come together in celebration of Canada Day with cold suds served alongside food from Delite Bite, FeasTO, Food Dudes and more.
Sorauren Farmers' Market Clothing Sale (July 2 @ Sorauren Ave Park)
Spend the day perusing through this clothing sale taking place alongside the farmers market. All items are $2 and there'll be live music.
World Cup Comedy (July 2 @ Comedy Bar)
The highs and lows (sorry, Germany) of World Cup fever is showcased during this elimination-style comedic competition.
Safe As Houses (July 2 @ Burdock)
Kitchener-Waterloo's Safe as Houses blend alt-folk, rock and classical into an unusual yet memorable sound, and they're here alongside Hungry Lake.
Pillowtalk (July 2 @ Thompson Hotel)
It's gonna be a scorcher so why not spend the day poolside, cooling out to the groovy sounds of Pillowtalk and Simon Jain?
Toronto Ribfest (June 29 - July 2 @ Centennial Park)
It's the last day to get your hands on some sticky, meaty goodness at the annual Toronto Ribfest. There's also music and activities on all day.
Union Summer (July 1 - August 19 @ Union Station)
The return of this giant market continues today with food, shopping and programming on throughout the day.
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