Living in Toronto, it's easy to take that huge, unmissable needle in the sky for granted. Tourists, on the other hand, appreciate the CN Tower so much so that they come here just to check it out.

This, according to Uber (and like, everyone with eyes), is reflected in the vast numbers of people who visit the tower each and every year.

What might come as a surprise is how popular the CN Tower is compared to other global landmarks.

The ride-hailing and food delivery giant just released its own list of "the most popular travel destinations" in 2018 based on customer usage data.

The U.S., Brazil, and India were found to have logged the most kilometres overall, either by car or by JUMP bike and scooter, but a Canadian attraction came in at spot number three for the most visited individual attractions on the planet.

Yes, I'm talking about the aforementioned tower. Here's a full ranking of this year's most popular tourist haunts as analyzed by Uber:

1. Empire State Building
2. Freedom Tower
3. CN Tower
4. Arc de Triomphe
5. Eiffel Tower
6. Burj Khalifa
7. Buckingham Palace
8. Disneyland
9. Golden Gate Bridge
10. Sydney Opera House
11. The Blue Mosque
12. Berlin Wall
13. The Vatican
14. Christ the Redeemer
15. Great Pyramid of Giza

If you're interested, the company also looked at data from its popular Uber Eats division to see which food trends dominated 2018.

Toast, avocado and "goth food" took the top three spots. Congratulations, humanity

Don't pay for pot with plastic, says Canadian Privacy Commissioner Daniel Therrien, if you want to ensure you don't run afoul of authorities in other countries.

"Although cannabis is legal in Canada, it remains illegal in most jurisdictions outside of Canada," reads a statement published to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada's website on Monday.

"Some countries may, for example, deny entry to individuals if they know they have purchased cannabis, even lawfully," it continues. "If consumers are concerned about using a credit card, and the option is available, they could consider using cash to buy cannabis."

The statement was released in conjunction with new guidelines meant to help both cannabis retailers and purchasers understand their rights and obligations under the law.

Announcement: OPC publishes guidance for organizations and individuals related to protecting personal information collected during cannabis transactions https://t.co/2LSKgvBi1wpic.twitter.com/UgIg8SO85q

— OPC (@PrivacyPrivee) December 17, 2018

Therrien advises those who sell weed (legally and above board) to record as little information as possible about their customers and consider using email addresses, as opposed to names, in their databases.

Buyers are advised not to provide more personal information than necessary when purchasing cannabis and to "only purchase cannabis from those who keep your personal information in Canada."

"Keep in mind that storing data in the Cloud or in proprietary software means there is likely transfer or storage of that personal information outside of Canada, which could then potentially be accessed by foreign law enforcement," read the guidelines.

"Again, given the fact that cannabis use is not legal in most other jurisdictions, potential access to this data by foreign governments is of particular concern."

Interesting. The only way to buy "legal" cannabis in Ontario is with a credit card thru OCS or medicinally thru an LP online. You can buy alcohol with cash at over 100,000 establishments in Ontario. 2 months into "Legalization".https://t.co/i2QYKeabko

— Martin Kaneva (@MartinDKan) December 18, 2018

Those who've already had their personal information leaked by the Ontario Cannabis Store know very well how easily their data could end up in the wrong hands.

Unfortunately, Ontarians don't have any other options. Until April 1, the OCS remains the sole source of legal marijuana in the province and, being that its an online store, cards are required to make a purchase.

Only 25 of said stores will even be allowed to open in Ontario, at first, when retail pot shops become legal, meaning that there won't be many options to use physical money either way.

Some might venture to say that it's a shame how many dispensaries in Toronto were forced to close once weed became legal in Canada. Ironically, those dispensaries may have been safer to purchase from than the government's own website for people who travel outside the country.

A popular spot for rice noodles is expanding with another location in Chinatown.

Dagu Rice Noodle is opening a new store at 409 Spadina Ave., taking over the space where Korean restaurant James Cheese Back Ribs was.

Dagu already has 400 stores in China plus a bustling restaurant by Dundas and Bay, making this the second location of the chain in Toronto. 

The brand is most famous for its pork bone broth, and its "Crossing the Bridge" style which serves noodles and soup separately. 

Dagu's been expanding since it first landed in Canada last year: it just opened a location in Montreal's Chinatown a few months ago and likely plans on launching more. 

It's not clear when exactly Toronto's Chinatown spot will be open, but by all appearances it could be opening any day now.

Kensington Market just got a new Wine Rack location, and the neighbourhood seems split on how to feel. 

Three weeks ago, a nameless store selling wines popped up on Augusta Avenue replacing Good Egg, the beloved store which sold cookbooks and gifts for nearly a decade. 

A few days later, a sign finally went up and a sticker appeared in the corner of the window: Wine Rack. 

The Wine Rack in Kensington Market has been branded as Wine In The Market. 

From the outside, this new location of the popular Ontario wine chain looks different than the others.

It's actually been branded as Wine In The Market—presumably to soften its entry into this historically territorial neighbourhood—and Wine Rack's actual company logo is barely noticeable in the window. 

But from the inside, the store basically looks like every other Wine Rack that exists across Ontario, and sells the same selection of VQA and international wines. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kensington Market Toronto M5T (@augustaandbaldwin) on Nov 28, 2018 at 12:19pm PST

The majority of people have been slow to react to the arrival of this mainstream wine seller, which has over 160 locations in Ontario. But some who have noticed are taking to Kensington Market social media pages to express their discontent. 

"Ugly corporate feel selling shitty wine," commented @esquinclito on a post from local Kensington IG user, @augustaandbaldwin. "It’s not a one off it’s another Wine Rack! Who are they trying to fool?? Sad." 

"RIP Kensington," wrote @shelbymonita. "I’ve been living in the market for 10 years and it’s rapidly changing for the worst [sic]." 

But others are rejoicing in the fact that there's a new place to buy wine in the area. Wine In The Market closes at 11 p.m., unlike the nearby LCBO by Spadina and Baldwin, which shuts its doors at 9 p.m.

"I'm glad there is somewhere I can now buy (local) wine within walking distance, at times that suits me," wrote user John Hayes on a post in The Kensington Market Salon group on Facebook.

"I'm just not sure how long it will last, as there seem to be very few customers." 

Smoke, mirrors and people being sawed in two are all part of events in Toronto today as the UK's Champions of Magic kicks off. Christmas classics with a twist are on with the ChiSeries readers and there's a big ugly sweater party as well.

I’ve never seen a place scream “I give up” so loudly. Everything from the terrible overhead lighting to the empty roll of toilet paper are a reminder that this is the bleak reality of what $1,700 a month gets you in Toronto these days.

I had to look up the building to see if all the apartments made my soul want to die but, nope, so far it’s just this one! Honestly, the rest of the building isn’t the worst, there’s a pool, gym and rooftop BBQ area but I’m not sure if that makes up for this under 400-square-foot tragedy.   Let’s start with a question: Why on earth are there Christmas garlands as actual decor? Are...are they permanent? Will you lose your deposit if you throw them out? I’m just curious...

Anyway, let’s explore the rest of this… room. The listing reads: “Not Your Typical Small Bachelor” but let’s be real, there’s nothing special about this place. It’s exactly like every other Craigslist bachelor pad you’ve seen since the early 90s, mismatched kitchen cabinets included.

First it has that weird beige paint every single rental in Toronto has decided is the go-to paint colour. (Side note: Landlords, on behalf of everyone I ask: why beige? Did you all buy too much of beige paint in the 90s and you’re just trying to use it up? What’s wrong with white? Sincerely, Confused Tenant.)You’ve also got some classic, too small Ikea art randomly hung up because having nothing  on your wall would be even sadder.

The bathroom has that terrible plastic towel rack that you just know will break a week after you move in.

Oh of course there’s also the requisite small patch of tile to distinguish the kitchen from the rest of the apartment, because if it wasn’t there you might not be able to tell that this sliver of space is the designated kitchen space. Thank baby Jesus for those 20 tiles!

And last, but certainly not least, there’s the advertised “large” balcony, which is smaller than the width of the sidewalk. Ooo I think I just got bingo!    

Specs

• Address: #533 – 600 Fleet Street
• Type: Apartment
• Rent: $1,700/ month
• Furnished? No
• Utilities: No
• Air conditioning? No info (read: probably not)
• Bedrooms: 0
• Bathrooms: 1
• Parking: As if!
• Laundry? In-suite
• Outdoor space? A strip of concrete with a railing they’ve generously called a balcony
• Pet friendly? No

Good For

Saving money on Christmas decorations.

Move On If

You like your balconies to fit more than an ashtray.

Ontario has no shortage of epic ice skating trails, but this one really takes the cake. 

Arrowhead Provincial Park is a familiar sight for many, as its a top destination for those who love to embrace winter in all its frigid glory. 

The park is known for its skiing, heated cabins, forests, and its one-kilometre-long ice skating trail, which is lit by hundreds of torches at night for the most breathtaking winter experience you can find. 

Located in Muskoka, Arrowhead Park opens its winter activities once the temperature drops far enough, and snow lines the ground. As of today, the park is officially open. 

The park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with a special schedule for its torch-lit skating trail. 

Good morning from snowy Arrowhead! The park is now open for the winter season from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily! The snowshoe trails, Roe, East River, Lumby, Bunny, and Sprint ski trails are groomed, and our new Visitor Centre is ready to welcome you today! #findyourselfhere#OP125pic.twitter.com/gpqWAdrKbL

— Arrowhead Prov Park (@ArroPark) December 15, 2018

New this year is a visitor centre, which includes rentals for skiis, skates, snowshoes, and more. Plus, visitors will find a warm-up area, a fireplace lounge, and skills training inside. 

The park is about three hours from Toronto, but if you're looking for the quintessential winter experience, this is the place. 

Canada's largest retail pharmacy chain will soon have something stronger on tap to tackle those fine lines and wrinkles than retinol creams.

In fact, if all goes well with the GTA's new "Beauty Clinic by Shoppers Drug Mart" pilot store, you could one day be paying for Botox with PC Optimum Points. I'm not even kidding.

This weekend, Shoppers Drug Mart launches its own cosmetic dermatology clinic in Oakville, Ontario, with a second store planned for the Shops at Don Mills sometime in 2019.

Unlike the Beauty Boutiques found at many Toronto Shoppers Drug Mart locations, the Beauty Clinic won't be selling high end makeup and fragrances—at least, not exclusively.

Instead, it will focus on delivering cosmetic injections (read: Botox), dermal fillers (often used for lip augmentation), microdermabrasion, peels and a variety of laser services, all with the promise of "comfort and discretion."

Think less "Sephora" and more "every medical spa in Yorkville," complete with Nurse Practitioners at the helm.

"Our research shows these types of cosmetic procedures are second only to manicures and pedicures," said Shoppers SVP Rachel Huckle in a release announcing the news Wednesday morning. "But it's important that treatments are done by trusted professionals... We know our customers and can provide a safe, high quality experience for them."

The Oakville location opens to the public this Saturday, December 22, and will be the suburban town's only clinic to offer Picosure, a type of laser known for both tattoo removal and advanced skin rejuvenation.

"Patients will also have the benefit of earning and redeeming PC Optimum points on a variety of items and services," notes the Loblaw Companies Ltd.-owned drug store chain.

It might be worth checking up on that balance if you abandoned your Optimum Card back in February, when the program went haywire. One laser treatment could pay for a year's worth of toilet paper, if lasers are as expensive as they seem.

The best Greek bakeries in Toronto are masters of flaky phyllo, spinach-stuffed pies and honey-drenched desserts like loukoumades. While mostly concentrated around Greektown, you'll find some of these longtime fixtures scattered in other neighbourhoods north too.

Here are the best Greek bakeries in Toronto.

New restaurants in Scarborough are some of the hottest eateries to hit the area, predominantly just off of Warden Avenue. Delicious jerk chicken sandwiches and coconut hot pot all make the list of new places to try in Scarbs. 

Here are my picks for the top new restaurants in Scarborough. 

Scotty Bons

Spicy scotch bonnet sauces will set your mouth aflame at this new Caribbean takeout joint on Warden Ave. Try their roti, coco bread-stuffed jerk chicken, or poutine with house jerk gravy. 

Banh Mi Metro

The Wexford noodle institution Pho Metro has recently opened up a store right next door selling banh mi and boxes of kimchi fries. Find it right next to the pho spot at Lawrence and Warden. 

Coconut Seasons

Now that winter's come around, it's the perfect time for a giant hot pot of broiling veggies and meat. This restaurant on Silver Star Blvd. serves up a unique combination of coconut and chicken as their soup base. 

Al Deewan

Middle Eastern manakeesh is on the menu at this Lebanese bakery in a plaza on Kennedy. These flat breads are made fresh in house and covered in halal toppings. There's also free black tea on tap for customers.

Bawarchi Biryanis

This massive restaurant on Warden is the first location of the Indian chain that's spread all across the States. The specialty is biryani here: you'll find over 30 options of saffron-topped, ghee-drenched bowls of hot rice.

Rush hour in downtown Toronto is never a picnic, let's be real, but pedestrian gridlock is becoming more and more common these days late at night after big games and concerts as well.

Nowhere is this more evident than in and around Union Station, which is somehow always under construction, and nearly always filled with people trying to catch or disembark from buses, trains and cabs.

Thousands of such people got stuck in the station's Bay West teamway on Monday night after a Mumford and Sons concert at the nearby Scotiabank Arena

The teamway, which provides access to GO Transit platforms 3 to 13 and the Bay South Concourse, also serves as a throughway of sorts for the many pedestrians who can't all fit onto an adjacent, very narrow tunnel sidewalk.

As people left the sold-out Mumford and Sons show on Monday night, many poured towards the teamway in an effort to catch GO trains and buses back to the 'burbs.

Unfortunately for them (and everyone else who happened to be in the area), a large pair of doors at the end of the teamway were blocked off for no apparent reason, creating a bottleneck of people as pedestrians scrambled to squeeze through one exit.

"If someone fired a pistol into the air, or yelled 'fire!' there would be several dead from being trampled for sure," said one witness of the scene on Reddit. 

"It made me extremely nervous. Again, I've found myself in concert crowds before, but this was something else... At one point no one was moving, we were all just standing."

Metrolinx Spokesperson Ann Marie Aikins later told City News that the inaccesible north side doors should never have been locked and blocked off by gates as they were.

"There's construction ongoing at Union Station and we understand a contractor closed two doors where they should have been kept open," said Aikins. "So that contributed to a bottleneck."

Still, Aikins says, you "can't avoid crowding" when some 25,000 people are all leaving the same venue at once.

Taking all of the construction barriers, crews and other hazards out of Union Station, which has been under construction for more than a decade now, could surely help a bit though.

We'd better hope so, at least — because Canada's busiest transportation hub is only getting busier. Currently, Union Station serves about 65 million passengers per year. That number is expected to double to an average of 130 million by 2031.

It's the end of (yet another) era for Toronto's club scene as Uniun— Charles Khabouth's state-of-the-art EDM cathedral in King West — announces its closure.

Launched six years ago in the warehouse space formerly occupied by Devil's Martini, Uniun was famously accessible by a back alley near Portland and Adelaide Streets.

The multi-level club has become known since 2012 for having a wicked sound system, a huge capacity and stunning decor, with rows upon rows of LED vines dripping down from high arched ceilings.

Everyone from Tiësto and Calvin Harris to Steve Aoki and Lil Jon have taken the stage (er, booth) at Uniun. Justin Bieber was even known to party there, from time to time, before he got real into Jesus.

A press release from INK Entertainment, which also owns Rebel, Dragonfly and Cube, states that Uniun Nightclub will be closing its doors for good on January 2, 2019.

First, however, the club will be hosting what it calls "a four-part closing party" with performances by Borgore, Getter, Manzone + Strong, Joey Cons, DeeCee and Kevin Faria.

Last but not least will be a New Years Eve bash and actual closing party featuring Toronto's own DJ Chris Laroque.

The club hasn't given any insight into why it's closing, only that fans should "stay tuned for something new." And so they will.

RIP Uniun, it was fun while it lasted. Thanks for letting Steve Aoki spray me in the face with champagne that one time. Your huge, pretty bathrooms will be missed.

What could be better than watching Jason Momoa play a merman on the big screen? I'm glad you asked. The answer is "watching Jason Momoa play a merman on an even bigger big screen."

Kahl Drogo himself stars as Aquaman in the new, highly-anticipated Warner Bros. film of the same name and, beginning tomorrow, you'll be able to watch him do whatever Aquaman does (ride sharks, I think?) in panorama mode.

Canada's first-ever ScreenX auditorium is set to open on Thursday, December 20 at at Cineplex Cinemas Queensway in Toronto. Aquaman will be the only film on offer to start out, but Shazam! is expected to follow in April of 2019.

Aquaman & Shazam! to Be Screened in 270-Degree Panoramic Theatershttps://t.co/kP4UmsMZMdpic.twitter.com/E5I2Ha3gO0

— Comic Book Resources (@CBR) April 27, 2018

"ScreenX is the world's first multi-projection theatre technology that enables a 270-degree, panoramic movie-watching experience," reads a press release from Cineplex and the Korean technology CJ 4DPLEX.

"Using a proprietary system to expand the centre screen image to the side walls, ScreenX surrounds audiences with imagery beyond the frame of the traditional movie screen and provides them with a sense of being inside the movie."

Previous films converted into ScreenX panoramas include "The Meg", "The Nun" and "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald."

Things to do in Toronto in winter are here to help you combat the winter blues with light therapy, art, music, beer and a trip to the spa. There's no shortage of activities and events happening all over the city to get you excited and lift your spirits during on those cold, grey days.

Here's some things worth bundling up and heading out for in Toronto this winter.

New This Year

Light Therapy

The winter blues are real and Swedish artist Apolonija Šušteršič is here to save us with her Light Therapy exhibit at the new MOCA on from now until February 10. The bright lights are meant to simulate natural light, boost moods and combat seasonal depression.

See Sting on the big stage

Post-Police, post-solo Sting is venturing into theatre with The Last Ship and bringing the production here from February 9 to March 24 where he'll appear in the opening show. The play tells the story of a small shipping town undergoing major change with original music by Sting. 

Artist Ai Weiwei is bringing his ceramic works to the Gardiner this year, including Sunflower Seeds made up of thousands of hand painted seeds. Image courtesy of The Tate.

Impressionism in the Age of Industry

Monet, Degas and Pissarro are just some of the masters whose works are arriving to the Art Gallery of Ontario from February 16 to May 5. The specially curated series explores how the artists responded to the changing industrial landscape in Europe.

Ai Weiwei at the Gardiner Museum

One of the world's most renowned and controversial artists is bringing his Unbroken exhibition to Toronto from February 28 to June 2. The exhibition centres on Weiwei's ceramic works that speak to human rights and includes a massive patchwork of handmade sunflower seeds.

Winter Favourites

Ice Breakers

Back again is this international design competition that places installations all along the downtown waterfront. Expect things like a giant ball of cables, wooden bouys and other interesting works beginning on January 19.

Winter Light Festival

In the gloom and doom of winter, there comes a light by way of the annual Toronto Light Festival in the Distillery District from January 28 to March 3. Tour through a maze of large-scale installations by local and international artists meant to warm the senses and raise the spirits.

Icefest

A true celebration of the season, Icefest returns to Bloor-Yorkville Village for a weekend of ice-related festivities on from February 9 to 10 and over 70,000 pounds of ice up for the carving. There's also food and warm drinks, all in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation

Winter Stations

Back again is this series of larger-than-life art installations peppered across the Beaches from February 18 to April 1. This year's theme is 'migration' and will include a cluster of butterflies, staircase to nowhere and other structures that speak to human movement.

The Toronto Winter Light Festival is back and spread throughout the Distillery District. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Marquee Events

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

On display from now until March 31, the ROM will be home to images of some of the most exotic creatures from nearly every continent. Lions, tigers and bears all are captures at their most majestic by photographers of all skill levels from all over the world. 

What's in the Box

Five days of music is on at The Drake. While The Drake always has music, this mini-music festival includes local bands coming together to practice session, Yes Yes Ya'll, The Warhol Kids and more for only $5 a pop or $20 for the whole week from December 26 to 30.

New Year's Eve at Nathan Phillips Square

Ring in the new year at this massive outdoor celebration inside on December 31. Thousands are gathering for performances and a big fireworks showcase—free of charge. There's tons of other places to countdown to midnight, as well.

Polar Bear Dip

Get ready to feel the cold like you never have before as the annual Polar Bear Dip returns to Sunnyside Beach on January 1 for a wintertime dip in the lake to welcome the new year. It's all for a good cause with proceeds going to the Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre.

Long Winter

Now in its 7th year, this annual music, art and performance series brings together the best of the city's underground and local scene for a monthly instalment at different spots around the city. The next one is January 4!

Class of 2019

Music always serves as good motivation to get out and about during winter and one way to do that is at this year's Class of 2019 concert series happening from January 4 to 26. New and up and coming musicians are playing at spots all over and in cities across the country.

Next Stage Festival

The future of theatre is unfolding from January 9 to 20 as Fringe hosts a collection of twelve new and independent productions at The Factory Theatre. Look forward to award-winning playwrights and performances centred on important stories this winter in Toronto.

Hundreds are gathering to take a dip in the freezing lake this winter. Photo by Christian Bobak.

No Pants Subway Ride

Take 'em off and hop on the TTC on January 13 as participants gather to ride the subway pantless. Part of Improv Everywhere's annual tradition, the Toronto event takes place alongside no pants subway rides all over the world.

Come Up to My Room

As if the rooms in The Gladstone weren't interesting enough, the boutique hotel is hosting a four-day art exhibition that invites artists to create interactive installations throughout the space from January 17 to 20. There's also a big party to celebrate all things art and design.

Interior Design Show

The latest in interior design takes centre stage from January 17 to 20. Industry heavyweights are dropping by to chat, including Questlove, whose here to talk about his new venture CREATIVE HOUSE while works by local and international designers will be on display.

DesignTO

Design and art come together for this big, city-wide design festival on from January 18 to 27. Unique installations, exhibitions, and special programming are part of engaging patrons in the world of design and turning the city into a cultural hub for design innovation.

Women's March

It's been quite a year for women and the changing way we talk about equality and treatment, but there's a long way to go. The Women's March is happening on January 19 to remind us that, while we've come along way, there's still a lot of work to do. 

Burdock Piano Fest

The ivory is about to get tickled as the Burdock Piano Fest returns from January 21 to 28. Musicians from all over with different styles and backgrounds are set to fill Burdock's music hall with piano-centred performances over eight nights. 

The Artist Project returns with hundreds of works by local and international artists. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Progress Festival

Ge your fill of theatre this winter as the Progress Festival returns from January 30 to February 17. The festival centres on works that challenge, engage, generate discussion and push the envelope of audience members through innovative stories and nuanced staging. 

Black History Month

February marks a month of celebrations, education and refection on the contributions and history of Black Canadians across the country. The Toronto Black Film Festival, art showcase, kick-off brunch, programs, classes, special events and more are on throughout the month.

Rhubarb Festival

It's a special year for this annual theatre festival as it celebrates 40 years of showcasing up and coming queer talent and stories. The festival is on from February 13 to 23 with ten days of performances, song, dance, parties, talks and plenty of surprises.

Next Wave Film Festival

The young filmmakers of tomorrow have been hard at work to bring their visions to life for this film festival on from February 15 to 17. Viewers can get a glimpse of issues that matter to the next generation being screened amidst parties, performances and more.

Canadian International Auto Show

Sleek, shiny, fast and furious cars from all over the world are arriving in Toronto from February  15 to 24. Included are exhibitions, talks and guests, all while car enthusiasts talk shop about the latest innovations in vehicles and the classics that never go out of style.

Artist Project

Over 300 artists are packing into the The Better Living Centre from February 21 to 24 as this huge annual art fair returns. Art battles, chats, competitions, exhibitions and lots more all are part of the festivities that show off the work of emerging and established artists.

Winterfolk

Spots all over te city are set to fill up with the sounds of summer this winter as Winterfolk returns with folk, urban roots and blues performances by local and regional musicians during a weekend of music from February 22 to 24. 

Celebrate Toronto

One again Nathan Phillips Square is turning into one big party zone from March 9 to 10 where there will be skating, food trucks, music, performances and a market place to celebrate the city's 185th birthday.

Comicon

Grab your gear and head over to this huge, three-day fan convention from March 15 to 17 that includes exhibitions, workshops, presentations and lots and lots of cosplay. Details have yet to to be announced but one can expect the usual throng of celebrity appearances.

Food and Drink

Winterlicious

Once again, hundreds of restaurants across the city will be taking part in this culinary experience on from January 25 to February 7. Spots all over will be offering new items, fixe prix specials, tasting menus, drinks and beautifully plated wonders to bring you out of the winter blues.

Winter Craft Beer Festival

Roundhouse Park is once again turning into the downtown equivalent of an Alpine Ski lodge on January 26 for a full day of brewskis, games, tunes, food and lots of outdoor fun. Dress code of multi-coloured ski gear in full effect!

Toronto Tea Festival

Winter is tea season and this big festival dedicated to all things tea is on from February 1 to 3. Vendors, exhibitions, workshops, demos, shopping, tasting and lots more are all on, centring around locally tea and tea from all over the world.

Lady Beer Fest Winter Warm Up

Local and regional craft brewers are gathering as the society of Beer Drinking Ladies hosts its annual Winter Warm Up on February 9. Two inflatable igloos will host to two different parties while women food vendors serve up the goods alongside a women's artisan market.

Roundhouse Park will once again host a huge craft beer festival this winter. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Winter Brewfest

Brews and lots of them are on at this annual beer festival from March 1 to 2. Brewers from across the province and as far as Quebec are gathering for a weekend of suds with local food trucks on hand to serve up the bites.

Sugar Shack

Sweet tooths, rejoice! The Sugar Shack is back for the fourth year of sugary goodies and maple syrup infused treats on March 10 and 11. Ice sculptures, entertainment, food, drinks, music and a marketplace will be on-site as well for a weekend of fun.

Sample the beer at Toronto's newest tap rooms

Anytime is beer time, but especially during winter. Warm up with a brew at any of the city's newest brewpubs, including High Park Brewery (home of the High Park Zoo Beer), Von Bugle and Black Lab (home to friends of cute dogs). 

Indoor Activities 

Catch a flick at the Cinesphere

Ontario Place is ready for winter with a season of festivities on. Nearby, the Cinesphere is ready to welcome the warmth with a series of screenings that includes Interstellar, The Sound of Music, Wizard of Oz, Black Panther, The Greatest Showman, Purple Rain and lots more.

Check out Toronto's huge new indoor obstacle course

After an unexpected closure, Pursuit OCR has reopened its new, 30,000-square-foot facility, making it the largest indoor obstacle course in Canada. There's ball pits, jungle gyms and lots more to get you all warmed up anytime during the cold winter months.

Get lost in the new Museum of Illusions

There's no better way to spend a winter's day than getting tripped out the city's new, permanent museum dedicated to all things weird shapes, wild designs and mind-bending optics. It's just steps from St. Lawrence Market, so why not make a day out of it?

The country's largest indoor obstacle course is now open at its new location just in time for winter. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Visit Toronto's first panoramic movie theatre

Movie watching  will never be the same after a visit to the city's first panoramic movie theatre. The ScreenX pilot immerses viewers in the film by surrounding them with three, huge screens. Check it out at the Cineplex on The Queensway while it's tested out throughout 2019.

Outdoor Activities

Skate outdoors

A true north tradition, there's no shortage of skating rinks to help you make the most of winter. Nathan Phillips Square is always a favourite, The Bentway is back and Natrel Rink is once again hosting DJ Skate Nights and Ontario Place's rink is always full of action.

Go tobogganing 

Nothing says winter in Canada like a good day spent on the hills around the city. Getting thrown off your sled, tube, plastic carpet or piece of cardboard and going home wet, cold and waking up sore the next day is all part of the fun.

Hike the great outdoors

Cabin fever in winter is real and the best way to combat is by taking it on. One way to do that is to go on a hike through any of the city's winter trails. High Park, the Leslie Street Spit and The Beltline are all accessible in winter and great for getting out and about.

Out of town

Scale a wall of ice

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to climb a frozen waterfall, that could be something to do this winter. It's not for the faint of heart, so if you're up for a real winter adventure, there's a giant gorge just outside of Toronto that doubles as a huge, climbable ice sheet.

Strap on some skies

You don't have to visit the Swiss Alps to get into skiing this winter. The area in and around Toronto is home to many ski hills and clubs that welcome all types of skiing styles and levels, including cross country, back country and downhill.

Skate through a forest

Fun awaits just outside of the city at Arrowhead Provincial Park where its epic skating trail is sometimes lit up with torches at night. The one-kilometre long skating trail takes you through a forest of greenery. There's also heated cabins scattered around to warm you up.

Get cozy at a winter campsite or yurt

The cold shouldn't stop you from getting out there and any one of many campsites outside of the city are ready to welcome weary adventures into their cozy embrace. The heated cabins and yurts situated any many of the provincial parks make for a toasty getaway. 

Skiing is always a favourite winter activity, in and outside of the city. Image courtesy of Ontario Parks.

Snow tube down a hill

There's nothing like speeding down a snowy hilltop on an inflatable tube to get the blood flowing during the winter months. All around the city are hills perfect for just that that accommodate all levels of thrill-seekers throughout the winter months.

Warm up at a spa

Winter is undoubtedly the best time to book a spa getaway. Warm steam, running waterfalls, massages, facials and salt water baths are just some of the amenities offered at the many spas outside of the city. The trip alone might help to get you out of any winter funk.

Harry Potter fans are in for a treat with events in Toronto today including a Yule Ball dedicated to all things magic. Elsewhere, the Born Ruffians are set to perform and a group of artists are having a goodbye exhibition before their space is turned into condos.

With sweeping views of the lake, this penthouse suite is nothing short of breathtaking. The huge panoramic windows flood almost every space in the massive condo with natural light.The large living room has 22 metres of windows facing the lake, with a double sided gas fireplace breaking up the space, so it doesn’t seem too barren.

The kitchen is sleek and unassuming. The wood cabinets are so light they almost blend into the wall.

There are two bedrooms and a den, which could be used as a third bedroom if desired. They’re both spacious and bright.

The bedrooms each have lovely modern en suite bathrooms and a view of Lake Ontario, which I can’t say I’d mind waking up to every morning. The only part of this condo that’s a bit of a let down is the family room. It’s around the corner and is kind of a dark "nothing" space.

The other thing that might be a deal breaker for some is the huge diagonal supporting beams that cut across all the windows. While I personally like the look, it does have a bit of an unfinished scaffolding effect.

As for outdoor space, there’s a large balcony, which is undoubtedly lovely but could be a bit breezy.  

Specs

• Address: #UPH1402 - 29 Queens Quay East
• Price: $2,995,000
• Bedrooms: 2 + 1
• Bathrooms: 3
• Parking: 2
• Walk Score: 87    
• Transit Score: 100
• Maintenance Fees: $1,650 monthly
• Listing agent: Sam Sibai
• Listing ID: C4318357

Good For

The views. Almost every room in the house faces the lake. Sunsets will certainly be magical.

Move On If

You don’t like heights. If being top floor in a unit that’s basically suspended between two buildings is enough to give you vertigo you might want to pass on this suite.

Toronto Restaurant Openings highlights the latest food news in Toronto and gives a preview of what's coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.

Open now

• Bubble tea chain Answer Tea now has its first Canadian location at 439 Spadina Avenue (at College).
• Niuda Hand-Pulled Noodles has softly opened at 204 Queen Street West (by St. Patrick) in what was formerly H2 Kitchen.
• Fort York Tavern is now open at 92 Fort York Boulevard at CityPlace, replacing what was previously Macho Radio Bar.
• Korean chain restaurant Yupdduk, which specializes in ddukbokki and also has a location in Koreatown North, has taken over Mom’s Korean Food at 612 Bloor Street West in Koreatown.
• Gatto Wood Oven Pizza has opened at 2312 Bloor Street West in Bloor West Village.
• Eggstatic Artisan Breakfast & Brunch is now open at 1568 Bayview Avenue in Leaside.

Recently reviewed

• Scotty Bons
• Bar Buca Eglinton
• Casa La Palma
• The Mutt
• Councillor
• Kebab 49
• High Park Brewery
• Bombay Roti
• Byblos Uptown
• Bootleg Smokehouse

Opening soon

• Leslieville's Ascari Enoteca will be opening a 120-seat second location on King Street West (at Portland) in the spring of 2019.
• Another location of popular bubble tea shop The Alley will be replacing shuttered Seoul Restaurant at 621 Bloor Street West in Koreatown, which means there will soon be four different BBT spots all on the same block.

Closed

• Mr. Roc's Crawfish has closed in Chinatown.

Have you seen restaurants opening or closing in your neighbourhood? Email tips to editors@blogto.com.

Gin and tonics in Toronto, like everything here, take things to the next level. We’re not just any city and our bars aren’t just any bars, so why would even our simplest cocktails be anything but extraordinary? Whether customizable, boosted by grapefruit, or designed by leading mixologist, raise a glass to the humble G&T.

Here are my picks for the top gin and tonics in Toronto.

Terroni

A build-your-own (or fai da te) gin and tonic section of the cocktail menu at multiple locations of this Italian powerhouse walks you through a process of choosing between five gins; three different Fever Tree tonics, cucumber sparkling water, or sparkling lemonade; and then half a dozen garnish options including basil, rosemary and orange.

Chantecler

The gin and grapefruit tonic is such a fixture at this Parkdale restaurant it’s simply listed as the “signature;” gin combined with lime and house tonic plus a pop of grapefruit. This refreshing flavour combination plus the fact that it’s still the cheapest cocktail on the menu make this one of the most dangerously drinkable gin and tonics in town.

Drake

From the formidable drink menu that extends to most locations of the Drake empire, a Drake G&T combines an ounce and a half of gin with Carroll & Co. tonic syrup, seltzer, juniper, cucumber and lemon.

Madrina

The Padrino Gin Tonic at this Distillery District restaurant is custom-designed to order, served in a fishbowl glass with a king ice cube. Bartenders help you select a juniper, dry, citrus or botanical forward gin, then expertly pair it with garnishes and the proper tonic, poured down a swizzle spoon so as not to prematurely release its effervescence.

Kingston Social House

A gin and tonic menu at this Scarborough social club at Kingston and Warden has the signature P&T G&T, named for the owners and accented by Fever Tree elderflower tonic, lemon and juniper berries. The Kingston has cardamom, lime and Mediterranean tonic, and the Winter has sloe gin, orange bitters, elderflower liqueur and Campari.

Piano Piano

A C & Co. Tonic from a list of $13 cocktails at this Harbord Village Italian place is made using tonic syrup, lemon, juniper berries, soda water and gin.

Civil Liberties

This busy bar near Ossington station will whip up pretty much anything your heart desires booze-wise, from the simplest of no-frills gin and tonics to the most creative combination of flavours and aromas you can dream up, using the impressive array of ingredients and spirits stocked behind the bar.

The Lockhart

The Botanist is far from the most eccentrically named cocktail at this Harry-Potter-themed bar at Dufferin and Dundas, but it is one of the most dependably delicious with mint-and-cucumber-infused gin, cucumber, lime and tonic.

Weslodge

This King West bar serves their gin and tonic on the rocks with a lemon wheel, mixed with both soda water and house tonic water along with fresh lemon juice.

Spirit of York

This isn’t technically a bar open until last call, but this Distillery District gin maker does have a tasting room where you can sample a gin and tonic made with booze created on the premises and a choice of around half a dozen tonic waters or syrups.

By early next year, Toronto will have the longest unbroken stretch of free, public, wireless internet access in the province as Queen Street becomes a literal hotspot between Bathurst and University.

It's all thanks to the Queen Street West BIA and its an ongoing efforts to both modernize and rebrand as "the coolest strip in Canada."

Eventually, the WiFi network will be extended all the way to Dufferin Street, encompassing not only Queen West, but the actual coolest strip in Canada, West Queen West.

This should come as great news to the millions of people who live, work, shop, dine, party and casually pose for photos in front of graffiti along the vibrant commercial strip (because Lord knows our country's data plans aren't getting much cheaper.)

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A post shared by Leo lestro (@leorj21) on Dec 16, 2018 at 2:00pm PST

Businesses, too, are poised to benefit greatly from the project thanks to what the BIA describes as "heightened consumer engagement and increased foot traffic."

"We are also fulfilling a promise to the businesses that line our street to provide them with robust and modern tools to conduct business and to enhance customer service," says Queen Street West BIA chair Shamez Amlani.

"Queen Street West is always thinking progressively, and we are confident that by delivering dedicated free access WiFi, we will be boosting the shopping and hospitality experience for all our customers and visitors."

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A post shared by Queen St West BIA (@queenstwestbia) on Dec 12, 2018 at 3:28pm PST

The new WiFi program, powered by the GTA's own Besify, is just one upgrade in a series meant to better serve today's more digitally-focused society, while still retaining the trendy hood's original, gritty charm.

Other rebranding efforts include a new logo, an improved online presence, a new website (coming soon) and a series of "Signature Events" in 2019, similar to this year's Out of Sight and Drag on Queen.

"Toronto attracts more than 40 million visitors annually and Queen Street West, dubbed the hippest street in Canada, is one of the defining destinations where tourists congregate to experience the epicentre of the city’s cultural richness and its diversity," writes the BIA.

"Additionally, the free WI-FI is predicted to raise the profile of the list of lively, eclectic and edgy Signature Events planned along the trendy strip for 2019."

Lot No. 40 Canadian whisky is partnering with Maple Leaf Tavern to bring a new twist to old cocktails. To celebrate the launch, we've teamed up with Lot No. 40 to give readers a chance to win a $100 gift card to Maple Leaf Tavern.

Check out all the contest details here.