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This park in Ontario comes with sky-high cliffs

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Living in Ontario, we're lucky to have some of the country's best hiking trails and Provincial Parks right in our backyard. If you're looking to add another must-see gem to your bucket list, this one's for you.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is a 244 sq km slice of heaven located on the Sibley Peninsula, East of Thunder Bay. This sprawling park is a hiker's paradise, with over 100 km of walking paths. In the winter, these paths turn into groomed cross-country ski trails for the snow enthusiasts.

The hiking at Sleeping Giant is spectacular thanks to the incredible views you'll be graced with while trekking along the escarpment. From both the Top of the Giant Trail and the Thunder Bay Lookout trail, you'll be greeted with breathtaking views of Lake Superior for miles. 

Looking out over the water from the 200-metre high cliffs will quite literally make you feel like you're on top of the world. 

When exploring the park, you might even cross paths with one (or a few!) of the many wildlife species that call Sleeping Giant home - like black bears, foxes, deer, wolves and lynxes. 

If spending one day inside the park just isn't enough for you, you also have the option of sleeping over inside one of the park's many full service cabins that are available to rent year-round, and sleep up to six people.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is open to the public all year, and entrance fees start at just $11.25 per day. 


10 things to do in Toronto today

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Friday is here and events in Toronto today are ones you don't want to miss. Cask Days kicks off with brews served right out of big, beer-filled barrels and the Power Plant opens its fall season with a party. A festival dedicated to anime is here and YouTube brings forth a new night market.

Events you might want to check out:

Fall Opening Party (October 19 @ The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery)
The Power Plant kicks off a new season of programming with a big party featuring new exhibitions, drinks and free admission.
ROM Friday Night Live (October 19 @ Royal Ontario Museum)
The sounds of the 6ix takes over the museum for this big party featuring food, drinks and local artists and entertainers from the city's local scene.
New City (October 19 @ The Rec Room)
Toronto's own electro pop trio keep it smooth with their sound that infuses an R&B vibe into their laid back tunes.
Goddess (October 19 @ The Baby G)
The goddesses come out at night and this party is set to conjure up some witchy magic with a hot tunes, dancing and a runway competition.
Witchy Witchfest Night Market (October 19 @ Tincture & Tonic Apothecary)
Witch crafts are on at this night market featuring local and handmade items of the occult, soup, tea and tincture non-alchoholic cocktails.
Shock Show (October 19 @ Super Wonder Gallery)
Outrageous and raunchy, this art show is all about tastelessness with local artists showing off works meant to excite and shock.
YouTube Music Night Market (October 19-20 @ 464 King Street West)
YouTube Music looks to showcase local culture with a two-night market featuring food, drinks, shopping and a performance by Roy Wood$.
KimiKon (October 19-21 @ Encare Centre)
A new festival for Japanese culture has arrived with a weekend of comics, cosplay, meet and greets, exhibitions and an artist alley.
Cask Days (October 19-21 @ Evergreen Brick Works)
Beer as nature intended is on as Evergreen Brick Works hosts a massive brew festival with drinks served straight out of the cask.
Back to the Future (October 19-28 @ Cinesphere)
Marty and the Doc get the big, big screen treatment as the Cinesphere continues its leg-warmer phase of 80s film screenings.

Sold! This is what a $6 million home looks like in Toronto

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This Wychwood Park Estate is impressive.

82 wychwood park torontoThe unkempt surrounding gardens make the home almost seem haunted, but with Halloween right around the corner, it’s kind of perfect.82 wychwood park torontoBut even though it has a spooky vibe on the outside, inside it looks like an old Hollywood home, especially with the lower level theatre and stage.

82 wychwood park torontoBuilt in 1915 for Sir William Gage, the residence has been restored to its full glory. The soaring ceilings, dramatic staircase and the stunning solarium with an antique stained glass skylight make this home beautiful.

82 wychwood park torontoThe main floor has all the principal rooms. They’re bright and spacious with hardwood floors and marble fireplaces.

82 wychwood park torontoThe murals on the dining room wall combined with the Grecian columns give the home a palatial quality.

82 wychwood park torontoThe living room and the magnificent solarium both walk out into the garden.

82 wychwood park torontoThe kitchen is the least dramatic room in the entire house. With plain white cabinets and simple appliances, it’s surprisingly pedestrian.

82 wychwood park torontoOn the second floor are all the bedrooms, each with their own en suite. I like the antique decor. It’s almost like being in a heritage house museum.

82 wychwood park torontoThe master bedroom has a three-piece en suite and a walkout balcony but it certainly isn’t the nicest bedroom in the house.

82 wychwood park torontoOn the third floor there’s a library or additional bedroom if you like.

82 wychwood park torontoAs for outdoor space—there’s tons.  Naturalized gardens surround the home, and in the backyard, there’s a pool, complete with a pool cabana that has a spare kitchen as well as sauna and change rooms.  82 wychwood park toronto

The Essentials
Why it sold for what it did?

It’s a beautiful old house in a “Heritage District,” which means the neighbourhood will keep that park-like atmosphere and you won’t ever have to deal with a condo building being built next door.82 wychwood park toronto

Was it worth it?

I think overall this place is worth it. The location, property and home are all beautiful. Plus, you get access to Wychwood Park, which has a darling pond and tennis courts.82 wychwood park toronto

Toronto Food Events: Cask Days, Soup Festival, Taste of Korea, Hoppy Holidays

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Food events in Toronto this week are all about the seasonal treats with a new soup festival and the return of Cask Days. An all-women chef dinner is on and there's Korean and Trinidadian food, free milk tea and hops to look forward to.

Events you might want to check out:

Food Truck'N Friday (October 19 @ Parking lot at Bloor St. W. and Resurrection Road)
Funnel cakes, arepas, roti and grilled goodies are what you can expect at this weeks gathering of the food trucks, plus desserts, bubble tea and more.
Cask Days (October 19-21 @ Evergreen Brick Works)
Beer as nature intended is on as Evergreen Brick Works hosts a massive brew festival with drinks served straight out of the cask.
Liberty Commons Tailgate Party (October 20 @ Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery)
Local chefs and grill tastes will be on hand for this big tailgate party with lots of barbecue, fried chicken and beer to keep you warm and full.
Prince Edward County Cheese and Wine (October 20 @ TOCA Restaurant)
Regional tastes arrive at TOCA by way of Prince Edward County for a dining experience featuring wines and cheeses from the area.
Toronto Soup Festival (October 20-21 @ Garrison Common)
Just in time for comfort food season, this new festival is dedicated to all things soup, featuring exhibitors, non-soup food, drinks and more.
Ricky and Olivia Harvest Dinner Party (October 23 @ Wychwood Barns)
It's all about fall at this harvest dinner party with a variety of seasonal food with ingredients from local and regional producers.
Eat to the Beat (October 23 @ Roy Thomson Hall)
Over 60 female chefs come together to serve up a huge array of goodies and dishes in an effort to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Friendsgiving (October 24 @ Eastbound Brewing Company)
Feastbound returns with a four course Thanksgiving feast featuring seasonal ingredients and beers, treats and vegetarian options.
Food for Action (October 24 @ George Brown College - Culinary School)
Over twenty chefs are coming out in support of charity, serving up three course meals specially for their tables.
Taste of Korea (October 26 @ Nathan Phillips Square)
Celebrate all things Korean with a feast of traditional goodies served up by local chefs, plus a big Kpop dance party in the Square.
Free Milk Tea (October 26-28 @ Multiple Venues)
Pick yourself up a free milk tea courtesy of CoCo as the Taiwanese chain launches five new locations in and around the GTA.
Trinidadian Feast (October 27 @ The Gabardine)
Curry duck, doubles, pholourie, fried blood sausage and hops are just some of the traditional treats on at this big Caribbean-style feast.
Hoppy Holidays (December 4 @ Berkeley Church)
The holidays are for hops and this annual beer festival is back with lots of brews and other libations on tap for the tasting.

21 Halloween costume ideas for 2018

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Halloween costume ideas for 2018 are what you're going to need before attending one of Toronto's many spooky parties this year. If you're looking for the hottest ensemble du-jour, look no further than the trendiest video games, some blockbuster horrors, a few politicians, and of course, Toronto wildlife.

Here are some Halloween costume ideas for 2018. 

Naked Ripley's guy

By now we've all heard of the daredevil who went skinny dipping with the sharks at Ripley's Aquarium this weekend. Your choice if you want to go real-life commando (please don't) or stick to nude clothing. Make sure to bring a shark prop, otherwise you're just naked.

Fortnite

Halloween's in an actual fortnight, so why not dress up like a Fortnite skin? Heh? Most big costume stores will have your faves like Cuddle Team Leader onesies and Black Knight getups, or you can equip yourself with accessories like a rainbow smash pickaxe or bring along a boogie bomb.  

Michael Myers

The new Halloween movie is coming out this weekend, so of course the classic white Michael Myers mask will be making a full comeback this year. Your choice if you want to unmask yourself at the party.

Cannabis

A joint, a bong, a space cake—whatever. Wednesday's nationwide cannabis legalization was a big deal, so why not keep the festivities going into the Eve of Hallows by dressing up as anything weed-related.

halloween costume ideas toronto

Corpse flower at the Toronto Zoo. Photo by Anne Dong.

Corpse flower

If Halloween was a flower, it would be the corpse flower at the Toronto Zoo that bloomed this year for the first time ever. If you want to be a flower that smells like dead people, wear a purple and green skirt and a yellow shirt to emulate its phallic-looking spadix.

Kawhi Leonard

Throw on a number two Raptors jersey, sport a pair of massive fake hands and walk around the function laughing awkwardly to pay homage to the Raps' newest player.

Yayoi Kusama exhibit

Cover yourself in mirrors or polka dots to emulate Kusama's Infinity Mirrors, which might possibly have been the hottest exhibit to ever hit the AGO. You can even get your friends to line up in front of you for hours before letting them stick polka dot stickers all over your face.

Doug Ford

There's so many possibilities with this one. Grab some washout bleach-blonde dye, slick your hair back, and walk around cutting up papers that say 'City Council', perhaps. Or opt for a more casual Doug on a tractor.

halloween costume ideas toronto

Buck-a-Beer station at LCBO. Photo by Tanya Mok.

Buck-a-Beer

Speaking of Doug, his campaign for dollar beers might be the easiest costume ever. You don't even have to dress up like the actual brew, just throw on a blue outfit with a $1 label and sign saying, "It's here!" to look just like the buck-a-beer signs. 

Gold-covered burger

Just like Gretchen couldn't make fetch happen, nor could the CNE with its $100 burger covered in gold. But those who still have an old burger getup tucked away in their closet can bring it back to life with a shiny new layer of gold foil on top.

Baby hippo

The newborn pygmy hippo at the Toronto Zoo was probably the most adorable thing you've seen all year. Wear some grey, throw on some little ears, and just be real cute—easy. 

The Nun

The idea of life in an abbey is already horrifying, but last month's supernatural movie The Nun took it to the Vatican with some jump-worthy scenes. A store-bought habit, costume makeup, and some fake overbite teeth should be enough to pull this one off.

best halloween costumes 2018

Bert and Ernie of the Muppets. Photo via Bert And Ernie Marriage.

Bert and Ernie

Sesame Street may be in denial but this iconic duo came out of the closet this year, meaning they're officially the season's hottest couple's costume. 

Justin Trudeau

According to Google Trends, our Prime Minister is once again the top Canadian search for Halloween costumes. A crisp dress shirt with rolled up sleeves should be pretty easy to do, paired with Canadian flag pins and a luscious wig of brown hair, baby curl included. Or just shirtless.

Patty-eating mouse

Last week's video of a mouse nomming on Jamaican patties in Kennedy station caused a riot, but are we really surprised? Put on your best mouse 'fit and carry a Gateway Newstand patty around with you. Maybe stick a Kennedy station transfer on you so there's no confusion.

Sexy Banksy

So satirical, so sexy—Banksy. Embody the evasive artist's 'Girl With Balloon' piece post-shredding with a rigged frame and maybe a fringey bottom. 

Overwatch

Fans of this shooter video game may already be enjoying the Halloween-themed skins in the virtual universe, but Halloween's the perfect opportunity to dress up as Solider 76 IRL outside of Comicon.

halloween costume ideas 2018

Maple Leafs in their Stadium Series uniforms. Photo by pfhockey.

Maple Leafs all-white uniforms

Bring back the biggest fashion faux pas in sports of 2018 with your take on the white-as-snow Stadium Series uniforms that the Leafs' wore earlier this year. Try your hardest to blend into every white wall, save for the logo, which should be just visible.

The roundhouse kicker

There's nothing funny about assaulting a stranger. But we must admit, the man who kicked a woman at an anti-abortion rally might not have been caught if he wasn't so damn recognizable. Wear a purple hoodie this year to remind us all that roundhouse kicking each other isn't okay.

Tim Hottens

The infamous Indian bar Tim Hottens made headlines for copycatting Canada's beloved Tim Hortons brand. Who needs a proper costume when you can just get this rip-off font printed on a shirt: it's spoooooky how similar they are.

Any iconic Toronto raccoon

There's no shortage of iconic T.O. raccoons to dress up as this year. Pair some face make up with an empty jar to be the poor racoon that got its head stuck in a peanut butter jar, or carry around a loaf of whole wheat like the bread bandit.

100 essential cheap eats in Toronto you need to try

Huge demand for cannabis causing supply and delivery delays in Ontario

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It seems the demand for legal cannabis far exceeded what the Canadian government expected.

Several provinces are reporting shortages and supply problems as orders and sales surpass what retailers are able to provide.

The Ontario Cannabis Store has a notice on-site explaining that shipments may take longer than expected due to a high volume of orders. 

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A message on the OCS web site warning of delivery delays.

Shipping was set to be only one to three days, but is now expected to take up to five, according to a notice on ocs.ca.

However, Daffyd Roderick, communications staffer for the OCS, says the site is performing well. He says there has been no major issues.

In Alberta and Manitoba, websites for ordering pot online were running slow, crashing, and failing to work due to literally thousands of people trying to order at once. 

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Some products are in short supply such as three of the four sizes of the Redecan CBD Shark Shock.

Meanwhile, Nova Scotia and British Columbia producers are saying certain strains are completely sold out, and are beginning staggered deliveries to meet demand. 

As almost all of Ontario's legal sales are flowing through the OCS right now, hopefully the demand will not exceed supply completely. It seems the dam is holding for the time being. 

Toronto shutting down Gardiner Expressway for 3 days next week

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Drivers, be prepared. The Gardiner Expressway is shutting down for three days next week.

From October 26 at 11 p.m. to October 29 at 5 a.m., the highway will be closing for annual maintenance work and repairs. It's surprising that this only needs to happen once a year. Have you seen the Gardiner lately?

Anyway, traffic and commutes are likely going to be a chaotic mess, so plan ahead.

It's estimated that about 350,000 cars drive across the expressway every day, meaning that traffic will have to head elsewhere. If you're going to be celebrating any Halloween festivities, make sure you know of the road closure and the increased traffic that is sure to end up in the core. 


Drake just bought a $6 million home

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Wouldn't it be nice to be able to buy three mega-mansions that are all right next to each other? This is one of the perks that comes with being Drake-level rich, it seems.

Toronto's very own just purchased the third contiguous property in Hidden Hills neighbourhood of Los Angeles, right next to the other two he already owns. 

The new home is about 2,500 sq ft, has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and cost the rapper about USD$4.5 million (a little under CAD$6 million).

Drake hidden hills

The Hidden Hills home doesn't show as opulent as some of Drake's other properties.

The total area of the three connected properties comes to a measly 6.7 acres (a peasant's cabin, am I right?) 

The other two properties include his groaningly-titled YOLO Estate, purchased in 2012, and a ranch-style house with four bed and five bath in 2015. 

Drake hidden hills

You can bet there's lots of renovations in the future for the new Hidden Hills home.

Drake's Toronto properties are ridiculous as well, from his huge condo downtown to his infamous Bridle Path mansion

Toronto police start to crack down on illegal weed dispensaries

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The city is beginning to crack down on illegal marijuana dispensaries who are continuing to operate without a license. 

Prior to the introduction of the Cannabis Act on Wednesday, as many as 92 known dispensaries had been operating in a strange grey zone of legality. 

But in the weeks leading up to legalization day, it became known that illegal dispensaries would have to close up shop before Wednesday in order to pursue a license in the future. 

City inspectors started handing out letters to landlords and dispensary owners yesterday outlining potential penalties under the the new Cannabis Act.

The city's Licensing and Standards department, however, have said that of the 92 dispensaries, only 52 have closed down voluntarily.

That means 36 stores are willing to risk it all by selling weed without a retail-operator license and retail store authorization from the AGCO. 

Five of these dispensaries were raided today. According to police there was no real reason for targeting these specific ones.

If tried and sentenced, illegal dispensary owners could, at best, lose their right to ever apply for a license in the future. 

At worst, they could face up to 14 years in prison for illegal distribution or sale of cannabis under the Cannabis Act.

10 things to do in Toronto today

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Saturdays in early autumn are an especially lovely time of year and events in Toronto today embody the sentiment with the last flower market of the season and a new soup soup festival. An old 7-11 gets transformed into an art gallery and there's a party in the library.

Events you might want to check out:

Hush Hush (October 20 @ Bloor/Gladstone Library)
Bloor/Gladstone Library is being transformed into party central with drinks, neon signs and classic library nostalgia during this big party in the stacks.
Toronto Flower Market (October 20 @ CAMH)
Fresh cut flowers and hand-made bouquets from local growers are available at the final flower market of the season.
Project Gallery Inaugural Group Show (October 20 @ Project Gallery)
Artists stage a takeover of an old 7-11 for a show at Project Gallery's new location with works by Erin Loree, Kent Monkman, Shellie Zhang and more.
Shade (October 20 @ Rivoli)
Shade returns with a night of comedy by women, trans and non-binary performers for a night of laughs in celebration of Women's History Month.
The Milk Carton Kids (October 20 @ The Danforth Music Hall)
California indie folk singers arrive with a stripped down, acoustic sound and haunting songs about love and loss reminiscent of a time gone by.
Dead Poet (October 20 @ May)
Fill your soul with jazz and poetry as Blank Canvas hosts an open mic night with live musicians on hand to underscore the performances.
Death Becomes Her (October 20 @ Revue Cinema)
The classic 90s goofball Halloween comedy starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis gets a special screening and a drag performance.
Cybertronic Spree (October 20 @ The Rec Room)
The Transformers in the flesh, the Cybertronic Spree are rocking all the intergalactic hits from famous movies, anime and video games.
Devotion (October 20 @ SoSo Food Club)
A night of disco and house is on as the sprit of the 70s takes hold and your groove thang gets to shaking.
Toronto Soup Festival (October 20-21 @ Garrison Common)
Just in time for comfort food season, this new festival is dedicated to all things soup, featuring exhibitors, non-soup food, drinks and more.

This is what Yonge and Queen used to look like

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Yonge and Queen has always been a hub in Toronto since the turn of the century when both City Hall and the Timothy Eaton Co. took up residence nearby. Oddly, not much has changed in this capacity as Viljo Revell's City Hall and the Eaton Centre are still draws to the area.

All of the land to the northwest of the intersection was owned by Timothy Eaton throughout much of 20th century, and even before the Eaton Centre, there existed a complex of buildings related to his retail operation.

With the construction of Toronto's downtown shopping mall in the 1970s, the streetscape in the area underwent profound change, but a walk along Yonge today reveals that a number of buildings on the east side of street are still in existence.

Here's a visual history of the intersection of Yonge and Queen.

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A photo from the 1890s, early history for Toronto.

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Commuters board the streetcar, early 1900s.

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Streetcars roll through, 1910s.

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The Bank of Montreal, 1910s.

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More streetcar commuters, 1920s.

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A rendering for the Eaton's Store, which would go on to become today's Eaton Centre, 1920s.

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Looking North on Yonge from Queen, 1929.

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What will become the Bay building, 1920s.

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Early construction for the Yonge line subway, 1940s.

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Streetcar tracks at night, 1950s.

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Postcard from 1970s. Image via CanadaGood

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An image of Queen Street. Note the tower at 1 Dundas West is now constructed, 1980s.

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The Elgin Theatre sign, 1980s.

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Looking along Yonge Street, 1990s.

5 small towns near Toronto to visit this fall

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Fall is the most beautiful time of year in the many small towns that surround Toronto. Drive an hour outside of the city, and the rural landscape comes alive with colour this month. Add to this events like antique markets and pumpkin fests, and you have a recipe for the ultimate scenic and quaint day trip.

Here are some small towns near Toronto to visit this fall.

Gravenhurst

There are few places in Ontario more beautiful than Muskoka in the fall, and Gravenhurst serves as the gateway to this rugged playground. Nestled on Lake Muskoka, this is where steamships like the Segwun depart to explore the pristine lakes of the region. It is absolutely stunning here in the fall.

Aberfoyle

The Antique Market in Aberfoyle is a vintage-lover's dream, and there's no better time to check it out than autumn, when the picturesque farmland around Wellington County turns orange and gold. Be sure to also make stops in quaint towns like Elora and Fergus while you're in the area.

Cambridge

For a serious European vibe, head to this small town on the Grand River. You can soak up the charm of the historic architecture, hit up the longstanding weekend market, and then make the short trip to Kitchener-Waterloo.

Picton

Prince Edward County pretty much has it all in the fall. From gorgeous scenery to antique markets to wine tastings, the region is a veritable autumn wonderland.

Collingwood

The towering hills of Grey County are electric come the fall, offering stunning vistas above Georgian Bay. Along with the landscape, the area is packed with fall friendly activities, from outdoor spas, apple trails, to some of the best cycling in the province.

The Ceili Cottage is shutting down

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Before the month is up, one of Toronto’s favourite Irish pubs, The Ceili Cottage, will close its doors.

In business for a decade, the pub was known for masterfully shucked oysters and an amazing patio that even hosted a yurt in winter at one time.

Though the last service will be on October 27, owner Patrick McMurray says this is in no way the end for him.

The cost of the lease and higher business taxes are the reason behind the closure, but it’s possible McMurray will open a new business somewhere just down the road.

However, he’s also not ruling out the west side.

All in all, this big decision is the beloved bar owner’s personal choice, and clears the way for bigger and better things to come.

Pub-goers of Toronto, don’t despair: hopefully we won’t have to go without seeing McMurray’s smiling face behind a bar for long.

What happened to Terminal 2 at Pearson Airport?

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The signs along Highway 5 point the way for drivers headed to Pearson Airport. Turn left for Terminal 1, keep going straight ahead for Terminal 3. But what about Terminal 2? 

Toronto isn't the only airport with an unusual numbering system. Chicago O'Hare has four terminals: 1, 2, 3, and 5. So what's happening? 

When the first major modern terminal building at Pearson (then Malton) opened in 1964, it vastly increased Toronto's aircraft handling capacity.

The the $27.5 million Aeroquay One, designed by renowned Canadian modernist architect John B. Parkin (Yorkdale Mall, Sheraton Centre, Simpson Tower), consisted of a central nine-level parking garage surrounded by 23 boarding gates.

As was the style in the 1960s, the design was impressive and did its job amazingly well. 

terminal 2 pearson airport

By the 1970s, however, Aeroquay One was operating beyond capacity. A new building, Terminal 2, was built next door, opening in June, 1972.

Located south of Aeroquay One, Pearson's second passenger boarding area didn't have the prestige of its neighbour―its squat, linear layout led to a rumour it was a converted freight terminal (it wasn't—it was just ugly).

terminal 2 toronto airport

The design of Terminal 2 was meant to accommodate new larger jets like the Boeing 747, which had a wingspan too wide for Aeroquay One. 

As air traffic at Pearson continued to increase, Terminal 3 was added in February of 1991. Initially named the Trillium Terminal, it was the first major airport facility in Canada to be financed and operated entirely by the private sector, and between 1991 and 2004 it meant Pearson had three terminal buildings, logically numbered 1, 2, and 3.

Here's where things get confusing. In order to keep up with projected passenger growth, Canada's busiest airport needed to keep expanding. The oldest structure, 40-year-old Aeroquay One, was shut down and demolished in 2004 to be replaced by the current Terminal 1 building.

In 2007, the aging Terminal 2 also went the way of the wrecker, leaving terminals 1 and 3 the only ones standing. To avoid confusion, neither was re-numbered, resulting in today's illogical but entirely functional system.

The same thing happened in Chicago. O'Hare's missing Terminal 4 was a temporary structure that operated between 1984 and 1993 out of the ground floor of a parking garage. It closed after completion of Terminal 5, leaving a hole in the numbering system like that in Toronto.

Pearson Terminal 2: Toronto's very own snipe hunt.


This is what the TTC's old Fishbowl buses looked like

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The last few GM-made "New Look" buses were retired from the TTC's fleet in 2011. Relics from a former age, these old buses were some of the sturdiest ever made, and were at one point or another used by most of the major transit systems in North America.

All told, GM manufactured 44,484 of these buses, affectionately referred to as "Fishbowls" for their rounded windshields and roofs.

Despite their popularity south of the border, Toronto has something of claim to the buses, being both an early adopter of the model when it was released in 1959, and, so far as I can tell, the last major city to keep the Fishbowls in service until their decommission.

I remember with an absurd fondness the black vinyl seats, with their pinkish trim. I recall the smell of oil that filled the fishbowl, a by-product of the old engines and rubber-filled interiors. I remember the times when I'd over-shoot my destination because the request-a-stop wire was broken, pulling and pulling in silence and frustration.

And don't forget the rattle. The cacophony of loose bolts was only drowned-out by the rise of the strained diesel engine as it laboured to get up to speed.

Here is a photo history of the Fishbowl buses in Toronto.

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GM brochure

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Fishbowl painting. Image via Kevin Mueller.

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At the factory. Image via Kevin Mueller

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At Rosedale Station, 1961

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Rear view, 1960s

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At Bay and Dundas, 1965

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Interior, 1965

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Interior, 1965

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Interior, 1965

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At Eglinton Station, 1967

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At Islington Station, 1960s

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At Bathurst Station, 1970

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Leslie bus, 1970s. Image via skaliwag66.

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On Eglinton, 1980s. Image via Jeff Bentley.

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The iconic front lights. Image via End User.

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The final iteration of the interior. Image via -Nickon.

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At the Halton Radial Railway Museum. Image via SCT 8848.

This is what a $4 million house looks like in Toronto vs other cities

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Regardless of your budget, buying a home in Toronto isn't easy. While a starting price of $4 million—which is currently around five times the average home price—should open up your options to more beautiful properties, it might also get you the ugliest listing on the market. With supply down and demand up, you can't always be choosey, I guess.

Here's what a $4 million house looks like in Toronto versus other cities.

Toronto - $3,980,000 CAD 

The neighbourhood of Willowdale has long been coveted for its burgeoning number of luxurious homes. This 4060 square-footer has its own library, heated floors, and an elevator.

real estate toronto

Montreal - $3,978,000 CAD

This eight-bedroom mansion in Montreal's largest borough, Saint-Laurent, sits on a 12,000 square-foot property and comes with nine baths. Within it stone facade you'll also find a solarium, a second-floor gym and a projector home theatre.

real estate torontoVancouver - $3,990,000 CAD

Sitting not too far from the Fraser River and the Langara Golf Course is this six-bedroom home in the South Granville area. Ceilings hang 10 feet overhead while the basement comes with a theatre and bar.

real estate toronto

Calgary - $3,995,000 CAD

Mount Royal is one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in Calgary. Built in 2011, this five-bedroom brick home is one of the newer additions in an area with its share of historic homes. It comes equipped with a wine room, gym, tripe garage and marble interiors.

real estate torontoKings County, New Brunswick - $3,800,000 CAD

Just off the Kennebecasis River, this five-bedroom mansion sits on a 2.2-acre land right on the beach. Head 15-minutes north from Saint John to retreat to this two-level home with a salt water pool and mahogany wood library.

real estate toronto

Tampa, Florida - $3,934,950 CAD

Constructed in 1925, this historic home has maintained all its original windows but been updated with a new addition that features a family room, master suite, and pool. There's even an outdoor kitchen here that overlooks like the pool and spa, and downstairs, a two-storey dining hall.

real estate toronto

London, England - $4,015,788

Located right off the sprawling Royal Blackheath Golf Club, this five-bedroom residence definitely has an old-world feel befitting of an Eltham home. Landing here means access to all the green spaces Eltham is known for, including the Oxleas meadows and Butterfly Lane.

real estate toronto

Mallorca, Spain - $4,007,854

The unique architecture of this modern one-floor villa in the Santa Ponsa community gives residents access to the garden from all four rooms in the house. The living room area is especially appealing, with double-height ceilings and massive windows overlooking the property.

10 new and trendy restaurants in Toronto you don't want to miss

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Trendy restaurants in Toronto maybe places you haven’t even heard of yet or maybe you’re sick of hearing about them. But for various reasons these buzzworthy spots seem to be on everyone’s it list right now. Good luck getting a table on Saturday night.

Here are some new and trendy restaurants in Toronto you don’t want to miss.

Vatican Gift Shop

Enter through what appears to be a church gift shop to get at the Neapolitan-style pizzas and cocktails hidden inside Toronto’s hottest new bar in Leslieville.

SoSo Food Club

Nothing goes together like Chinese food, DJ nights, and wine...right? That’s the case at this new Dundas West restaurant anyway, from the creators of Otto’s Bierhalle.

Seoul Shakers

People curious to see what Bloordale cafe Holy Oak has turned into are packing this place that’s now an eccentrically decorated Asian snack bar.

Quetzal

Diners can't get enough of the handmade tortillas produced on a clay comal at this Little Italy place with entrancing low swooping ceilings and a menu of tacos, ceviche, and flame-grilled meats.

Le Swan

Everyone’s curious about the new incarnation of Swan on West Queen West which is Jen Agg’s latest project, a so-called French diner that does rotisserie chicken and late night fondue.

Regulars

Pop art creates tons of Insta-worthy moments in this high energy snack bar on King West.

Sofia

This restaurant in Yorkville is where to see and be seen while noshing on colourful Italian classics.

Paris Paris

Dundas West wine lovers can’t get enough of this breezy all-day bar with skylights, lots of luscious wood accents and a list of sparkling, whites, reds that keeps trendsetters coming back for more.

Petty Cash

King and Portland has always been where the party’s at in Toronto, and this addition to the scene keeps that reputation going strong with a fun interior and a bar menu that’s as representative of hummus as it is of fried chicken sandwiches and burgers.

Sara Restaurant

Minimalism, global small plates and even tabletop phone storage all come together to create a new dining experience at this just-opened restaurant on Portland that everyone’s talking about.

Ontario government amazed by huge demand for cannabis

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In news that shouldn't surprise anyone, people in Ontario are loving legal weed.

The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) has announced that the response to their online weed shop has been "remarkable". 

According to the provincially-run website, the OCS received 12,000 orders of cannabis within its first hour of launching.

Within the first 24 hours, the website received a total of 100,000 orders, and 1.3 million unique visits.

“It’s way beyond what we anticipated and we appreciate customers’ patience as this exciting new business gets off the ground,” said OCS president Patrick Ford.

The OCS says some customers received their cannabis orders as early as the day after legalization, but high demand has made wait-times of up to five days more likely than deliveries within three days, as originally suggested.

Luckily for Ontario, no major OCS site crashes has been reported so far, unlike its counterparts in Albert and Manitoba.

But overall shortages of actual cannabis have been reported nationwide—something that advocates had been predicting months before legalization.

Though they're receiving new shipments several times a week, the OCS says they're trying to replenish sold-out products with additional supply from federally licensed producers.

Toronto cafe calls out customers who used it as home office

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“Two entitled boys walk into a cafe” may sound like the beginning of the most annoying joke ever, but it’s the beginning of a caption on an Instagram post from local cafe, which has since been taken down.

Apparently one of two men who figured it would be no big deal if they had a meeting in Gloria Espresso without buying a single thing posted a negative Google review of Gloria’s after they were asked to purchase something, or else they would have to leave.

The review has also since been taken down, but the gist of it is that a Gloria’s customer who had been loyally coming to the shop for nine whole entire months decided to try and come into the cafe to “discuss goals with a friend without buying anything.”

Citing “brand loyalty” as an excuse for the lack of purchases and complaining that the cafe cared more about the three dollars they usually charge for a cup of coffee, the upset customer said they wouldn’t be returning to Gloria’s.

Gloria’s responded to the Google review by explaining that it simply isn’t fair for people who aren’t buying anything to take up space in the cafe that could be enjoyed by paying customers.

gloria cafe toronto

Screenshot of the review left on Google and response from Gloria Cafe.

“People walk through our doors for dozens of reasons, and it's not always to buy something. We happily accept that this is part of having a space in the city, and everyone is welcome. But we do have limits,” says Gloria owner Bryan Sherry.

“We're never opposed to people hanging out at our shop, on a laptop for hours, even if they've just purchased a small coffee for $1.50. We knew this when we joined the industry, and it happens all the time. We're a coffee shop, not a high end restaurant. It's part of our business, we love it and we're totally fine with it.”

However, if you’re thinking of attempting to cop some free office space for a couple hours, head to a park or the library down the street, because Sherry won’t hesitate to ask anyone else who tries something similar to cut it out again.

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