Nuit Blanche has come and gone for another year, and now we're left to gush over the photos from another all-night art extravaganza.

Once again, we partnered with the City of Toronto on the official photo challenge. Hundreds of people emailed and tagged their photos with #blogTOnbTO, out of which ten finalists were selected for the ultimate showdown. 

Vote for your favourite photo here.

1. Lead photo by Terry McBurnie.

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2. Photo by @notesfromalady.

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3. Photo by @rabbit_hearts.

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A post shared by Eng C. Lau (@engclau) on Sep 29, 2018 at 6:56pm PDT

4. Photo by @engclau.

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5. Photo by @flycktable.

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A post shared by Sergio D. (@snapshot.shredda) on Sep 30, 2018 at 2:09pm PDT

6. Photo by @snapshot.shredda.

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A post shared by Stephanie Go (@gostepha) on Sep 30, 2018 at 9:38am PDT

7. Photo by @gostepha.

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A post shared by Jackman (@jackmanchiu) on Sep 30, 2018 at 7:14am PDT

8. Photo by @jackmanchiu.

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A post shared by Giselle Battad (@gisellebattad) on Sep 29, 2018 at 9:09pm PDT

9. Photo by @gisellebattad.

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A post shared by ↭Ryan Ash↭ (@ryanbeyond) on Sep 30, 2018 at 7:50pm PDT

10. Photo by @ryanbeyond.

Vote for your favourite photo here.

Winners will receive the following prizes:

• 1st place: $200 Scarborough Town Centre giftcard
• 2nd place: $100 Scarborough Town Centre giftcard
• 3rd place: $50 Scarborough Town Centre giftcard

Voting in the poll ends at 11:59 p.m. on October 7, 2018.

International chains that came to Toronto this year know that this city is one of the best places to expand their brands. With diverse demographics and some pretty voracious shoppers, we worldly Torontonians are usually game to trying something new. 

Here's a round-up of international chains that opened in Toronto this year.

Miniso

This Chinese dollar store megabrand is spreading all across Canada, and Toronto got its very first location this summer in the lower level of Eaton Centre with its cheap collection of 'Japanese lifestyle' items which range from kitchenware to cutesy pens.

UNTUCKit

Chic and cosy men's shirts arrived at Sherway Gardens this fall, marking the very first Canadian location of this New York-based brand, and the first location out of the States at that. 

Nordstrom Rack

The highly-anticpated arrival of the discounted Nordstrom brand drew crazy lines when it opened its first location at Yonge and Bloor.  Just a few weeks before that, it launched its first Canadian store ever at Vaughan Mills. 

Dresden Optics

The one-style-fits-all spectacles from Dresden unveiled its first store outside of Australia this summer. You can now buy their sustainable, lightweight frames held together by pins at their woodsy store in Little Italy. 

Kenneth Cole

The longtime NYC-based fashion brand opened its very first Canadian standalone store in the city this summer, replacing the old Rudsak at Queen and John. They offer both men's and women's items, with plans for a second Toronto location in the works.

Laline

Dead Sea mineral scrubs and fluffy creams have arrived in Sherway Gardens via Laline, a beauty care brand based in Tel Aviv. The Israeli company already has stores all over the States and Japan, but this is its first in Toronto. 

Fjallraven

Crazy durable backpacks are now available for purchase at the first physical store of Swedish apparel and equipment brand Fjallraven. Their bags have been available at stores across the city for a while, but now you can check out all their products in one place.

Oliver Peoples

This American brand specializing in luxury eyewear landed in Toronto by way of Yorkdale in September. Average glasses cost a minimum of $400 here, which might be worth a lot less these days in USD, but in Canadian dollars is pricey as hell. 

Asics

This iconic Japanese brand just opened it first Canadian flagship on Queen West, with a big two-storey location featuring athletic and stylish shoes and clothing from two Asics brands including Asics Tiger, all under one roof.  

VDL Cosmetics

Korean beauty brands are all the rage these days, and Toronto got its latest case of K-beauty with a store by Trinity Bellwoods. It's the company's first venture into North America, meaning Torontonians get first dibs on those famous lip cubes and skin illuminators.

Free pizza, photography and film are all part of events in Toronto today. The World Press Photo exhibit arrives to feature some of the best images from the last year while Pi Co is giving away pizza. Comedy, poetry, music and more are all set to make your Tuesday a good one.

This minimalist mid-century modern house soothes my soul. Every line is so perfect, and every element in the house seems like it was created to bring a sense of peace and tranquillity. It’s truly stunning.While the place is on the small side, less than four metres wide, the space is made to seem larger with the simple and elegant design.

The juxtaposition between the Brooklyn-style townhouse exterior and the modern interior is perfect. The main floor is open concept and the dining room flows through to the kitchen and living room which open out onto the back patio.

The backyard is shaded with large trees and has enough room for dining, barbecuing, and even a small lawn for lounging.

Back inside, the kitchen is beautiful with granite countertops and white oak cabinetry. The way that the grain of the wood is aligned creates such a pleasing look.

Upstairs on the second floor is a large but cozy family room/office.

There’s also a guest bedroom and bathroom featuring a dramatic wood wall, contrasted with hexagonal black tiles and a huge tub that you could spend hours soaking in.

The third floor is dedicated to the master suite. The bedroom is breathtaking with a floor-to-ceiling wall of windows that overlook the mature trees of the backyard.

The master suite also comes with a custom-built walk-in closet; and a bathroom with a morning coffee station, because sometimes walking all the way downstairs for coffee is just too much.

Specs

• Address: 188 Berkeley Street
• Price: $2,195,000
• Lot Size: 13.67 x 130 feet
• Bedrooms: 2 +1
• Bathrooms: 4
• Parking: 1
• Walk Score: 94
• Transit Score: 100
• Listing agent: Christian Vermast and Paul Maranger
• Listing ID: C4257829

Good For

The listing suggests a stylish bachelor or professional couple, and who am I to argue with such a suggestion?   

Move On If

You have a lot of stuff or people in your family. The house is quite small and combined with the minimalist aesthetic, the combination could make this place easily crowded.

Niagara Falls is one of the top tourist attractions in Canada, with over 30 million visitors each year. So, it's surprising to hear that just two kilometres South of the Horseshoe Falls is a hidden oasis that few know about. 

Made up of 10 acres of paradise, the Dufferin Islands are known as Niagara's best-kept secret. This area is made up of a series of man-made islands that are connected by scenic bridges and footpaths, making it a unique escape away from the city. 

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The history of this region is pretty bizarre, and was once known as "The Burning Springs." Dating back to 1820, it got this name due to natural gas that was leaking from the Niagara River - just above the Horseshoe Falls.

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A barrel with a pipe and cork was placed upon this natural leak, and when the cork was removed and ignited, the phenomenon of the "burning spring" was born. 

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It soon became one of the hottest tourist attractions in Ontario, with people coming from all over the province to witness it in action. In 1902, water was diverted by the Ontario Power Company and resulted in transforming the land into the breathtaking setting it is today.

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Although the Dufferin Islands are absolutely stunning in the fall, visiting in the winter is also a must, as it's where the annual Winter Festival of Lights is hosted. 

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This beloved festival features a variety of lighting displays on over 50 trees, and also features a bunch of 3D animals over three metres tall. 

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The Dufferin Islands are free to the public, and open-year round. After spending a few tranquil hours wandering the trails, be sure to check out the nearby Niagara Glen Nature Reserve to enjoy more fall colours. 

Unique restaurants in Toronto are, paradoxically, not too hard to come by. It seems like around every corner there’s a different experience, cuisine or space that you’ve never seen before. However, these stand-out spots are unlike any other, not only in this town but anywhere.

Here are my picks for the most unique restaurants in Toronto.

Robo Sushi 

Different kinds of robots greet you at the door, seat you and serve you at this restaurant in North York where the future is now. 

ONOIR

Blind waiters serve diners in pitch darkness at this astounding restaurant in Church Wellesley Village.

Mustafa

Dine on Turkish pizza and Iskender in this North York establishment made to resemble a cave, complete with stump seats and fake vines.

Fishman Lobster Clubhouse

If eating a mountain of lobster in the middle of a palatial room filled with live seafood wasn’t on your bucket list before, it should be. Head to this restaurant in Scarborough to check it off. 

Bar Raval

Gaudi-esque wooden curving design makes this Little Italy spot a feast for the eyes, but it's the all-day tapas menu (featuring tuna belly and an afternoon bubbly) that will really satisfy you.

Ku-kum

Indigenous cuisine gets the upscale treatment at this Mount Pleasant restaurant that serves everything from seal tartare to elk.

Famiglia Baldasarre 

This Geary avenue wholesaler only does a two-hour lunch service four days a week, but rather than deterring fresh pasta lovers it only seems to encourage them to beat down the door even more. 

360 Restaurant

We do happen to be the only city in the world with a CN tower, so it stands to reason this revolving restaurant at the top of it has views you can't get anywhere else.

Tilt

Pig out on carnival fare such as beer and funnel cake inside this Dundas West arcade with over 50 games, including some built right into the tables.

Hana Sushi

A miniature monorail at the centre of this restaurant near Yonge and College delivers nigiri, sashimi, maki and more at the touch of an iPad within minutes. 

Haunted Halloween attractions in Toronto are quite the experience—transformative even—for many, whether you like being spooked or not. Be prepared to feel alive among the dead, as adrenaline courses through your veins from a fright like no other.

Here's a round-up of haunted Halloween attractions in and around Toronto.

Martino Manor Haunted House

Just behind an unassuming Italian restaurant on the Queensway is the city's newest haunted house where you can find a haunted corn maze, creepy dollies and other decor strewn about a dilapidated house. Just look for the hearse outside Mama Martino's.

Halloween Haunt

Canada's Wonderland gets the haunted treatment each and every October, when 700+ roving monsters wander the grounds and haunted mazes. While you're there, try out the newest coaster, the Yukon Striker, which, given the massive 75 metre drop, is a terrifying thrill unto itself.

Legends of Horror

Toronto's most iconic estate is once again getting a haunted makeover as Legends of Horror takes over. Creepy, interactive sets and a spooky tour of the castle wouldn't be complete without masked creatures popping out everywhere.

Black Creek's True Terror Stories

This educational pioneer village in North York has stepped it up since the days of our elementary school field trips. As if travelling back to a time before smartphones wasn't scary enough, this historic spot boasts an escape room, ghost walks and even a séance.

Screemers

This event at Exhibition Place has been a Toronto tradition for the past 25 years, and it boasts some seriously terrifying characters. With seven main haunted house attractions, a magic show and carnival rides, you'll feel like you're back at the Ex, only this time with zombies.

Haunted High Park

Tapping into the real-life ghost rumours surrounding this massive outdoor space, High Park's annual October ghost walk series now includes everything from séances to funeral rites inside Colborne Lodge. Best to grab your tickets soon because this attraction tends to sell out quick.

Fear Farm

Drive out to Kitchener-Waterloo to visit this farm, which features a creepy hike through the woods, a haunted hayride and haunted house. There's also a candy barn, bakery and grill on site to satisfy your post-haunting hunger, as well as a pumpkin patch that's open late.

Nightmares Fear Factory

Billed as "the scariest attraction in Niagara Falls," this legendary haunted house is best known for the approximately 150,000 people who have chickened out halfway through. You can find it at the top of Clifton Hill in Niagara, if you dare.

Halloween Bar Haven

An art gallery/bar hybrid in the heart of Dundas West is bringing the chills once again for Halloween by transforming into a haunted house. Local artists have been hard at work turning The Fountain into something reminiscent of The Shining's set, with the addition of some truly creepy masks.

Bingemans Screampark

"Something out of your worst nightmare" is an understatement to describe this scream park that subjects guests to a series of twisted and gruesome human experiments. One room even simulates the feeling of being buried alive. Nice!

Torontonians love to complain about the TTC. Every morning is another delay or a pesky animal that managed to evade fare.

Well, get ready for some more divided arguments because you might start seeing makeshift cup holders on buses, subways and streetcars soon.

A local Toronto startup say they have invented "the world’s first cup holder for public transportation."

In an effort to create a more "fun and comfortable commute," inventor Reey Yadin will be launching his product - what looks to be an attachable and flexible cup holder for your morning joe - in Canada within the next couple weeks.
The cup holder is shown wrapped around poles on the TTC, perfect for resting a coffee while you’re catching up on the news.

While it’s an innovative add-on, I can’t imagine that it would be popular in rush-hour commutes, when transit is packed with people vying for something to hold onto. A backpack is bound to knock over a drink or two, if you're not careful.

Located in the South Hill neighbourhood, just below St. Clair along Avenue Road, sits a small tree-lined community called The Republic of Rathnelly.

It looks like your average well-kept neighbourhood, with side streets and quiet lanes of semidetached homes with picturesque lawns. 

The Republic of Rathnelly is a small area of the South Hill neighbourhood. 

But Rathnelly is far from your ordinary midtown enclave. There are few neighbourhoods with a stronger identity than that built by the residents of this five-block community sitting just north of the CP rail tracks. 

It began on June 10, 1967, when the residents of Rathnelly Road, consisting mostly of rooming houses, took to the streets for Canada's Centennial, and in a tongue-in-cheek neighbourhood ploy, declared themselves an independent republic.

The Rathnelly Area Residents' Association (RARA) is made up of neighbourhood locals. 

The secession was all fun and games, a family affair, but the wheels for dissent had been set in motion. 

Day-long independence days became recurring events at Rathnelly, which held its own Winter Games in 1969 that included bonfires and drinking on the streets, an act that was illegal in Canada but allowed in the Republic on special occasions. 

The neighbourhood first declared its independence in 1967. 

By the following year, Rathnelly was holding elections, and appointed David Rotenburg as their City Hall ambassador, a black poodle as head of state, and a militia of kids between the ages of five and 14 were armed with brooms were conscripted to form the Rathnelly Irregulars.

They issued passports, drafted a neighbourhood constitution and created a neighbourhood fund. They even elected a queen: Aileen Robertson— a longtime resident of 30 Rathnelly Drive— whose coat of arms included a martini glass.

The neighbourhood even elected its own queen and head of a state—a black poodle. 

By 1969, they had garnered enough well-repute in the city to send a letter to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, requested foreign aid money to build a playground, to the benefit of the Rathnelly Irregulars.

They were turned down, but the move won them some clout on the federal level too. 

The RARA worked together with urban advocates to fight the off-ramp of the Spadina Expressway. 

United in a way few neighbourhoods were, the playful secessions set the scene for the Rathnelly Area Residents' Association (RARA), who would eventually have to put that unity to good use in the face of the Spadina and Crosstown expressway projects. 

Threatening to tear through neighbourhood while demolishing homes and green spaces, RARA partnered with important urban figures like Jane Jacobs and Marshall McLuhan to protest the construction of the off-ramp that would lead from the expressway. 

A laneway is named after Aileen, the first queen of Rathnelly. 

After a few years, Rathnelly and neighbourhood activists won, and the government abandoned its plans for the Spadina Expressway in 1971. 

In 2012, fifty years after its first declaration of independence, the city of Toronto gifted Republic of Rathnelly five newly named laneways in honour of the area's revolutionary spirit. 

There's Stop Spadina, a small back lane for parking, and Aileen Robertson, named after Queen Aileen the First. 

One street is named after Robin Fraser, who led the resistance against the Spadina Expressway. 

Another is named after Robin Fraser, the man who led the resistance against the Spadina Expressway Plan, and internationally-renowned artist Michael Snow, who has lived in Rathnelly since 1984. 

Though it's no longer the community of deteriorating rooming houses, it once was—average home prices run upwards of $2 million these days—the Republic of Rathnelly still celebrates its identity with a bi-annual, all-day Rathnelly Day party in June. 

This ugly shopping centre on the corner of Dufferin and Dupont is being documented in a book, and the author wants your help to do it.

You may recognize artist Shari Kasman’s oddly heartwarming yet desolate portraits of the Galleria Mall from her postcards. They sometimes grace countertops near cash registers at the likes of small businesses such as Hello Darling.

The artist lives in the area, and has dedicated herself to documenting the strangely pleasing (if somewhat unattractive) uniformity of the mall’s design through photography.

Now that the local landmark that’s been around since 1972 is close to its demise, Kasman has started a Kickstarter to compile her work on the subject of the Galleria in a book.

It’s going to be called Galleria: The Mall That Time Forgot and will include over 100 wittily captioned photographs shot in the year between July 2013 and 2014, as well as historical information about the mall, random shopping mall facts and memories of the Galleria from community members.

The campaign runs until October 25. Backers can receive copies of the book, postcards, posters, and bookmarks depicting Galleria’s signature brown floor tiles for donations starting at even a few dollars.

The book should be ready to ship around December.

Toronto is about to get a new spot for delicious ice cream served in fish-shaped waffle cones.

Taiyaki NYC is well-known in New York, boasting two locations there and one in Miami, Florida. This upcoming Toronto location will be their first venture outside of the States.

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TORONTO, CANADA! We are happy to announce that this will be our FOURTH location coming soon! We would not be here without YOUR support. Thank you everyone ♥️. Grand opening details and promo coming soon! Keep an eye out for our next few posts 😉. #taiyakinyc

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Taiyaki NYC makes their waffles fresh on-site, and their soft serve is produced in small batches to ensure the best quality. The frozen dessert chain also emphasizes sustainability in their stores, making sure to leave a minimal carbon footprint.

While no opening date or location has officially been announced, the excitement is real. You know how much Toronto loves their soft serve.

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Get ready for more IG photos flooding your timeline with colourful soft serve and unicorn floats. Yes, it’s a thing.

For six years, this Toronto establishment has been churning out delicious peanut-topped ribs and crispy fried chicken, among other smoky offerings.

Unfortunately, that will come to an end this winter.

Electric Mud BBQ, the southern barbecue joint from the owners of the beloved Grand Electric, will be closing on December 23.

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Dear friends, We have some bittersweet news that on December 23rd we will be smoking our final rack of ribs @electricmudbbqto . It’s been a pleasure serving you bbq since 2012, and we thank you all for allowing us to be a part of such a great community. In the mean time, come by to get your last taste of that famous fried chicken or a pint of that crispy cold $2 beer. Stay tuned for our new project coming to 5 Brock ave...

A post shared by Electric Mud BBQ (@electricmudbbqto) on Sep 27, 2018 at 6:29am PDT

But fans of the Grand Electric won’t have to hold their breath for long. Owners Colin Tooke and Ian McGrenaghan teased a “new project in the works” coming to the same space in 2019. 

Judging from their other restaurants, one could expect that this next project will also offer tasty bites and more playful, colourful decor.

In other local barbecue news, Smoke Signals on Dundas West is no more. The restaurant announced their closure on the weekend.

A vacant 130-year old building near the corner of Ossington and Queen might soon be demolished and replaced with a four-storey commercial building of shops and office units instead. 

Real estate giant Hullmark is proposing to redevelop the 432-square-metre site at 12 Ossington Ave., which is currently home to a building listed on the city's Heritage Register. 

The two-storey building at 12 Ossington Ave. is currently listed on the city's Heritage Register.

Built in 1889, this two-storey property hasn't had a permanent tenant for a while, though for several years its first floor played host to many art exhibits, parties, and pop-ups through the incubator Rally.

Hullmark is now proposing that 12 Ossington be taken off the City's Heritage Register, which they say "has been found to be in defective condition, with limited remaining architectural integrity." 

According to Hullmark's application for a site plan approval, a Heritage Impact Assessment by ERA Arcitects and a Structural Report conducted by Read, Jones Christofferson (RHJ) "justify the demolition and redevelopment" of the site. 

A new building designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects is proposed to take over the old building.

To replace the old building is a 19.8-metre-tall structure designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, with arched entrances and windows, and clay bricks on the first two floors.

Retail space will take over the majority of the basement, ground, and second floors, while most of the third and fourth floors will be dedicated to office spaces fronted by a glass curtain wall. 

There'll also be outdoor terraces on the top two floors, which will allow office tenants to look out over Ossington.

It'll also give an open view of the neighbouring heritage building of the old fire hall at 16 Ossington, which currently serves as the Men's Withdrawal Management Centre.

This weekend is Thanksgiving and, for many people, that usually includes gathering with your loved ones to share a meal together. And the shining star of that meal? Turkey.

In this episode of the Only in Toronto podcast, we head over to the Butcher's Son to hear how they prepare for one of their busiest weekends of the year.

Plus, dessert options that your family will love you for, and a puppy yoga class to replace your food coma.

Background information on this episode:

• PupsYoga Class
• The Best Place to Buy a Turkey in Toronto

Articles referenced in this episode include:

• Toronto startup is about to make drinking on the TTC a lot easier
• Airline offering cheap flights from Toronto to Europe goes bust
• The world's largest indoor confetti dome is coming to Toronto

Places mentioned in this episode:

• Butcher's Son
• Kostas Bakery
• DaanGo Pastry Lab

Ways to subscribe to the Only in Toronto podcast:

• Apple Podcasts
• Google Play Music
• Stitcher
• Tune In
• Libsyn

You can also listen to the Only in Toronto podcast on Alexa. Just ask Alexa to play the podcast Only in Toronto.

Toronto businesses that closed in September included some former city fixtures that will be sorely missed, like a 94-year-old hardware store and a beloved bakery with an appreciative owner. Some disappeared due to condo developments while others just ran their course, as many tend to do.

Here are the most notable Toronto businesses that closed in September.

Branca

Many parilla lovers were sad to see this hip, Argentinian-inspired grill house leave Dundas West. Four years after it first opened, its owners decided to move onto new projects, and it cooked its last meats over an open fire on September 1.

Chino Locos

There will no longer be burritos stuffed with chow mein available at the corner of Broadview & Gerrard, as this East Chinatown location of the Asian-Mexican burrito joint shuttered last month. Its original little spot by Queen East on Greenwood in Leslieville is now the lone location left.

Hello Darling

A gem of a brunch spot by the Junction Triangle, this adorable daytime hangout for families and freelancers alike closed after five years in the neighbourhood. Locals will mourn its absence.

Home of the Brave

Fans of burgers and fried bologna sandwiches mourned the closing of chef Nate Middleton's tribute to American comfort foods on King West. After five years in business, it quietly closed in September because its owners accepted an offer on the space that they couldn't refuse.

Jacobs Hardware

This local staple on Queen West first opened in 1924, and is definitely missed now that it's gone. With its impressively eclectic inventory, where else could one obtain obscure parts and hard-to-find items paired with one-of-a-kind customer service?

Lola’s Kitchen

With almost a decade of business under its belt, it was surprising to hear that this popular brunch spot housed in a historic building on Church Street by the Village closed abruptly in early September (it will turn into a condo), giving its staff zero notice beforehand.

Mad Crush Wine Bar

Another sudden closing was this wine-focused restaurant in Little Italy that lasted a little less than a year. Its owner, who is also behind The Oxley, The Queen and Beaver and The Wickson Social, has decided to open another pub called The Peacock Public House in its place.

MoRoCo Chocolat

Having moved locations from Yorkville to the Annex and scaling back its operations in 2016, this chocolate and dessert shop's windows were all covered up last month, accompanied by a shut-down website and IG account, indicating it may have finally scaled as far back as it possibly could: to non-existence.

El Rinconcito

In addition to Lola's Kitchen, this three-year-old Mexican restaurant right next door on Church also succumbed to condo development with a sudden closure and next-to-no-notice to its staff. 

Seventh Sister Bakery

While some of these businesses that closed in September left with nary a word, this Roncesvalles bakery's owner penned (or typed, rather) a sentimental letter of appreciation to her customers as a farewell gesture. Aww, how sweet! (Sorry, couldn't help it.)

Smoke Signals

Open on Dundas West for almost two years, this Southern BBQ joint had its last day of service at the end of September (although it will still offer catering services). With the announcement of the impending closure of another BBQ spot, it's a sombre time for the Toronto barbecue scene.

Three Hands

This family-run restaurant and bar on Dundas West that specialized in comfort food and cocktails closed on September 29, more than two years after it first opened. Its chef, Torrie Wilson, is moving to Montreal.

We're halfway through the week and events in Toronto today have lots in store to keep you going. Zhu is performing and a live art auction is on at the Power Plant. A festival of Latin Canadian media arts kicks off and there's a Mean Girls party.

Sure, most of us could never dream of living in a place like this, but sometimes it’s just nice to see how others live.   

This three-bed, three-bath home in Little Italy is stunning. The contemporary design combined with the modern features make me envious. The home comes fully furnished and all the rooms are impeccably decorated.

The open plan main floor has soaring ceilings, large windows and gorgeous hardwood floors.

The kitchen is spacious, but doesn’t really have a lot of counter space, so might not be the best for prepping huge feasts.

On the second floor there’s a family room, master bedroom and a second bedroom.

The master bedroom is large with a spacious dressing area.

I’m in love with the bathroom. The medieval-style chandelier, the clawfoot tub and the modern shower all work so well together.

The third-storey of the house has a loft like bedroom with a little sitting area and it leads out onto a rooftop balcony.

As for outdoor space, this house spoils you. You have little balconies on every floor and the main floor walks out into the lovely shaded backyard.

Specs

• Address: 416 Euclid Avenue
• Type: House
• Rent: $7,000/ month
• Listing agent: Lina Porretta
• Furnished? Yes
• Utilities: Yes
• Air conditioning? Yes
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 3
• Parking: 2
• Laundry? Yes
• Outdoor space? Backyard
• Pet friendly? No info

Good For

A temporary place to stay. For someone who needs a comfortable place with all their needs taken care of, this place is perfect for a few months. Utilities, Internet, furniture and house cleaning is all included here.

Move On If

You’re in it for the long haul. This place is advertised as an executive short-term rental so if you’re looking for a forever home or even a year long home this place isn’t really a good fit.

Outdoor activities this fall in Toronto are all about cozy sweaters, hot apple cider and that soggy leaf smell. Take in the colourful display of changing foliage splattered across the city one last time before just leaving our warm beds becomes a daunting task.

Here are my picks for the top things to do outdoors this fall in Toronto.

Get lost in a pumpkin patch

Pumpkins are a quintessential part of fall and just outside of the city is where you’ll find several pumpkin patches that make for a great day trip. Pick your pumpkin by hand and depending on where you go, there’s many festive activities like wagon rides and apple picking.

Check out the fall colours

Toronto is known for its lush canopy, making fall a particularly exciting time of year to see the vibrant mosaic of colours among the leaves. There’s lots of spots perfect for some leaf peeping that offer both high and low vantage points to check out the foliage.

Pick some apples

Fall is peak apple picking season, their colours matching the changing leaves on the trees. Many farms just outside of the city allow folks to pick their own apples, while some have on-side markets with plenty of apple-infused goodies and seasonal produce for sale.

Go for a hike

Before you nestle away for winter, you can take advantage of the crisp, fresh air and wet leaf scent on a hike through the David Belfour Park Ravine where you’ll find one of the best places to see the gorgeous fall colours close up.

Go camping

Camping no longer means roughing it. Times have changed and parks like the Rouge National Urban Park offer the glamping experience without the high cost. Soak up the landscape in cottage/tent hybrids that contain the comforts of home in the wilderness.

Go for a walk in Toronto's natural wonderland

Botanical gardens, walking paths, lookouts and a lush array of plant and wildlife can all be found at this 250-acre nature reserve just north of downtown. The Humber Arboretum is open year round and offers nature lovers a taste of the outdoors without having to travel very far.

Discover the wonders of High Park

High Park is wonderful any time of the year, but it’s especially lovely in the fall when the leaves are changing colours. Leaf peeping isn’t the only thing to do there, however. Fishing, ghost tours, a harvest festival and pumpkin float are just some of the seasonal festivities.

Get up close to animals at Riverdale Farm

A little bit of country inside the city, the Riverdale Farm is laden with the sights and smells of fall. Nestled next to the Don Valley, the farm has many trails that take you through the rich foliage, paddocks and barns that are home to different kinds of barnyard buds.

Go back in time at Todmorden Mills

Another wet-wood scented wonder, this nature preserve was once a POW camp. It now stands as a culturally and historically significant spot where you can grab a brew at the on-site brewery, tour through the nearby trails or check out Papermill Theatre.

Shoot some arrows at Seton Park Archery Range

Just behind the Ontario Science Centre lies Flemingdon Park. There you'll find an archery range, ultimate Frisbee and several trails. You can also just relax with a hot drink and look out over the valley for a beautiful view of the foliage.

Gluten-free bread in Toronto may sound like a unicorn-like product but you can actually find it all over the city. Many of these places offer so many types of gluten-free bread and other allergen-free or vegan products, you may find it hard to walk away with just a single loaf.

Here are my picks for the top places to get gluten-free bread in Toronto.

Queen Street Bakery

This place makes artisan loaves appropriate for a variety of bread-based snacks, including cinnamon raisin, white bean and grape skin, Romano bean, and white bean and millet seed. Find it at health food stores like Essence of Life and The Big Carrot.

Cock-A-Doodle-Doo

The sourdough and rye at this Bloorcourt bakery are totally gluten-free, made with oat, sorghum, buckwheat and other flours, and without using any refined sugar.

O’Doughs

White and flax gluten-free loaves from this Toronto company are available at big retailers like Metro and Sobeys.

Montmartre Bakery

The gluten-free rice bread at this industrial bakery is available on Thursdays only by special request, but this place is so good it’s worth paying a visit in Scarborough.

Aidan’s Gluten Free

This operation is entirely gluten-free, and makes loaves in blue corn and red lentil as well as golden flax sourdough and baguettes. You can find their loaves in select health food stores and Longo's locations around the city.

Jennifer’s Original

The gluten-free rice bread from here is 100 per cent natural, and there are white rice, brown rice, black rice, organic flax seed, multigrain and natural herb ginseng varieties available at places like Big Carrot, McEwan and Fiesta Farms.

The Bread Essentials

This place in Etobicoke makes gluten-free baguettes, sandwich bread, multigrain sourdough and lots of other gluten-free goodies like pot pies and English muffins. 

Dough Bakeshop

This beloved Danforth bakery sells gluten-free sesame bread on Tuesdays and Saturdays. 

La Vida Cocoa

All products at this Thornhill bakery are made without gluten or many other allergens like dairy, eggs, soy and nuts. That includes their sourdough, white bread, chocolate bread, and cinnamon raisin bread.

Whisked Gluten Free

You can get cinnamon raisin bread, cheese bread, teff bread, multigrain and more at this gluten-free (and very allergen-friendly) Scarborough bakery.

It’s officially fall, but that doesn’t mean summer weather has disappeared just yet. Hang up your knitwear in the closet and break out the shorts and t-shirts because temperatures are expected to rise next week.

The Weather Network predicts highs of 26C on Tuesday and with humidity, it will feel like a whopping 34C. Whew!

The rest of the week will be in the low 20s, but will still feel like 30C.

Summer weather is here to stay, at least until after next week. Image via The Weather Network.

This follows The Weather Network’s long-term fall forecast, where they predicted “milder than normal” temperatures for October and November, which means peak fall colours will be later than usual.

While you’re waiting for all the leaves to change, you can enjoy an extended patio season… or just crank up the A/C.