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The top 5 weekend getaways four hours from Toronto

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weekend getaways TorontoThere's an abundance of four hour getaways from Toronto, ranging from northern camping adventures to cultural experiences in our nation's capital. This is the distance when you start to feel like you're going on a real road trip, where a mere overnight stay would be a waste of time behind the wheel. Prepare to spend the whole weekend exploring when you head four hours out of the city; there's a ton out there.

Here are my picks for the top weekend getaways four hours from Toronto.

Live the island life on Wolfe Island
Ditch the mainland and spend a weekend on this island, which sits right where Lake Ontario ends and the St. Lawrence River begins. This is a great place for cycling, fishing and camping, and there's even the Wolfe Island Music Festival on August 7-8 (Hayden will be there!).

Get spooked by Tobermory's 20 shipwrecks
Head to the tip of the Bruce Peninsula and explore the rugged landscape and the area's many shipwrecks. You can rent your own boat and snorkel or scuba dive, or take a glass-bottomed ferry ride to enjoy the spooky sites. There are lots of campsites, cabins and B&Bs to stay at.

Feel really Canadian in Ottawa
Every Canadian's bucket list should include a road trip to our capital city. Make the tourist stops - at the Parliament Buildings, the Rideau Canal, the War Museum - but also make sure to check out the ByWard Market, a farmers' market by day and party hub by night.

Stay in a Mongolian Yurt in Mattawa
This secluded corner of Ontario offers nature lovers a chance to stay in a Shamayim Cabin, Ma'ayan Chalet, Mongolian Yurt or to even try glamping (glam-camping).

Head stateside and check out the Finger Lakes
Looking to get out of Ontario? One of your best bets four hours away is the Finger Lakes region. You can tour the area's many wineries, some of which turn out top notch Riesling, but also just take in the splendour of the landscape. Rolling hills provide spectacular lake vistas, and there's an abundance of waterfalls to explore. Skip staying in Ithaca for lakeside accommodations.

Subaru 2015 XV CrosstrekThanks to the Subaru 2015 XV Crosstrek for sponsoring our weekend getaway adventures.

What did I miss? Add your suggestions to the comments. Photo by Bun Thouen Pein


Taste of Little Italy brings the party to College St.

The Best Rooftop Patios in Toronto

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rooftop patios torontoThe best rooftop patios in Toronto will raise your spirits have you shouting from the rooftops in joy. Whether looking for an elegant place to dine al fresco, or a casual chill-out with cocktails and beers in hand, these patios have it all, not to mention stunning views of city.

Here are the best rooftop patios in Toronto.

For more patio ideas, check out our Toronto Patio Guide or download our iPhone or Android app.

The Porch
The patio above the Rock 'N' Horse Saloon benefits from sweeping views of the city including unobstructed photo ops of the CN Tower. At night, the rooftop lounge feels like a street party, but by day, the place is a casual hangout with a snack bar menu to enjoy alongside beers.

Mascot Brewery TorontoMascot
Guzzle five litre kegs tapped right at your picnic table while snacking on burgers and brats from the foot cart parked on this rooftop beer garden. Wrapped in picket fences, carpeted in astro turf, furnished with sunny yellow umbrellas - it's the next best thing for condo dwellers yearning for a backyard BBQ.

rooftop patio torontoThe Pilot
Perched atop Yorkville, the "Flight Deck" at The Pilot is a laid back escape from the frenetic pace at street level. Linger over beers and plates of calamari and nachos. The overhanging roof, makes this a good one in case of rain.

rooftop patio torontoHarvest Kitchen
Harvest Kitchen is graced with two patios, but it's the upper level deck on the roof that's most coveted. Surrounded by lush tree canopies, this is a place for relaxed brunches featuring french toast and effervescent cocktails.

rooftop patio torontoThe Chase
The elegant rooftop terrace in the Financial District is endowed with an outdoor bar and boasts sweeping views of the city to the south and to the west. Cinq a sept cocktails and al fresco dining are the big draw.

rooftop patio torontoValdez
This vibrant, Mexican street party-inspired restaurant on King West boasts a rooftop patio that can be covered with retractable panels in foul weather. Even in the rain, the fiesta goes on, and if anything, only adds to the atmosphere.

rooftop patio torontoBovine Sex Club
The tiki bar upstairs of the Bovine Sex Club is an oasis operated by Hard Six Food Industries and offers a snack menu featuring modern twists on Polynesian classics and authentic Caribbean and South Pacific-inspired fare.

rooftop patio torontoDrake SkyYard
The top tier of patios at the Drake Hotel is a favourite from brunch-time to late-night for good reason. The all-weather space transforms itself throughout the seasons, though the outdoor bar is a fixture, popular for rave-worthy cocktails including summertime essentials like pisco sours and Pimm's Cup.

rooftop patio torontoThompson Hotel
Towering over the city, the poolside patio at the Thompson Hotel is technically a private rooftop for guests and residents - though this only adds to its appeal. Smooth-talk your way in for a chance to work on your tan while sipping cocktails and rubbing shoulders with the who's who of Toronto.

rooftop patio torontoPauper's Pub
This unpretentious rooftop patio in the Annex hosts lively crowds attracted by affordable food and drink options. Fenced in on all sides, and serviced by an outdoor bar, this secluded terrace is a favourite of students and locals alike.

Did we miss any? Leave your favourite rooftop patio in the comments.

Toronto's new slider bar does cheap eats and craft beer

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Broncos TorontoThis newly opened eatery dubs itself a slider bar, though really it majors in mini sandwiches and beer. Expect to find an array of globe-hopping dishes served for just $3 to $4 a pop, plus 16 beers on tap.

Read my profile of Broncos in the restaurants section.

Graffiti artists let loose on Underpass Park

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Underpass park graffitiOn June 20, as part of the Pan Am Path Art Relay, Underpass Park was transformed into a living and breathing art studio. Artists, musicians, DJs, and athletes from across Toronto came together to renovate the underground skate park and turn it into a cultural space.

Artists had already done significant work on expressway pillars in the area, but this event drastically expanded the scope of the public art in the area. The Live Arts Festival, which incorporated sport, flash mob dancing, and musical performances, is just one of 14 events happening between May 16 and August 15 along the Pan Am Path.

Have a look at the artwork and activities from this weekend's festivities in this photo gallery.

A sneak peek at the WayHome music festival grounds

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wayhome festival groundsWith just over a month remaining until WayHome, the much-hyped Bonnaroo-inspired music festival, touches down at the Burl's Creek event grounds just north of Toronto, organizers are putting the finishing touches on the facilities. The area is calm and bucolic now, but will soon play hosts to tens of thousands of festival goers. While the site isn't quite ready yet, it's getting close to its big debut.

Take a sneak peak of the Burl's Creek event grounds before WayHome touches down.

Writing and photos by Matt Forsythe

Unsound sets the bar for future music fests in Toronto

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Unsound Festival TorontoApproaching Toronto's now-abandoned Hearn Generating Station, you feel like you've stepped into another part of the world. The sound of traffic fades away as you walk down the lone, winding path of Unwin Avenue with a massive smokestack marking the spot of Toronto's first Unsound Festival, a Polish import that's making waves with a lineup of top-tier experimental electronic and dance artists.

View more photos of Unsound Toronto at the Hearn Generating Station in this photo gallery.

Praise for the sprawling venue was repeated throughout the two night festival, which provided a perfectly cavernous zone to hear reverberating noise. Complete with smashed vehicles left inside, frayed wires hang precariously from the ceiling, and piles of rubber tires stacked on themselves, the venue itself was worth the very affordable price of admission.

Unsound TorontoMultiple drink catering spaces by Parts & Labour ensuring that you wouldn't have to wait forever to get a bottle of water. Despite a few attendees leaving the porta potties with a look of perma-PTSD, it's hard to argue that the Hearn wasn't a perfect space for the festival.

Unsound Festival TorontoBy the time Friday's opener Lustmord took the stage, the venue already seemed to thrum and pulse with energy, maximized by a magnificent sound system.

A photo posted by B (@lustmord) on

The Welsh industrial musician and film score composer set a wonderfully foreboding tone for the festival with tones that seemed to cling to the dark corners of the room, and Austin-based drone ensemble Stars of the Lid followed it up with a gorgeously lush live performance, their droney minimalism fully fleshed out by the Kensington Ensemble's gorgeous live cello and violin playing.

Tim Hecker's "Ephemera" has the honour of being the first drone performance I'm aware of where scent is incorporated into the experience, a risky gamble considering the sweaty, sticky, smoky nature of most dance floors. Alas, media weren't allowed to photograph the performance, despite the flurry of selfies that ensued once festival-goers entered the special space dedicated to the show.

Hecker's collaboration with perfume maker Geza Schoen, certainly created a moment of complete immersion - with scent pumped through the space, and tiny bits of dust falling from the roof as a result of Hecker's sonic explorations, it felt like you were submerged in a sweet-smelling alternative reality.

Despite the impressive collective nature of the first night, Saturday's second festival day is where Unsound truly shone, with the side room packed with a bounty of forward-thinking dance musicians.

Unsound FestivalWhile the sludgy trod of Polish art group BNNT was visually interesting (with one member playing a homemade instrument that looked like a torpedo), their show was completely eclipsed by the off-the-wall energy of RSS Boys, who flew through a whirlwind improvised set, dressed in masks that connected to full-body covering robes; the only time one got a hint that they were human was when you'd see the a flash of skin underneath the costume as their drummer furiously pummelled his kit.

But it was Cologne-based selector Lena Willikens who was responsible for tipping things into a fully rammed, sweat-off, cycling through an array of unrecognizable techno belters that left dancers fully immersed, and sideline chin-strokers wishing they had some idea what was getting played.

Perma-somber techno architect Helena Hauff came on just before 2am, amplifying the energy that Lena had built up by breezing through her acidic set with the tactile precision of a surgeon - throwing in Steve Pointdexter's Dance Mania classic "Work That Mutha", and Barcode Population's "Trip 002" in the mix to devastating effect.

While Emptyset's performance in the main room was similarly turning the dance floor into a pulsating blogs of limbs, I was wary of leaving the side room, whose 500 person capacity meant that slightly after midnight, a cue formed - a shame given that the room hit capacity while still only being half full.

20150620-unsound590-33.jpgOrphx's Christina Sealey brought things to a thoroughly chaotic finish, and left a sweaty, thoroughly wowed crowd departing into the night (or, uh, very early morning, technically) with grins on their faces.

Unsound has set a pretty amazing precedent for Toronto music festivals: A two-day, genre-spanning, beautifully curated exploration of experimental sound; the most repeated conversation I had within the Hearn's walls were amazed festival-goers asking "Why can't Toronto do this more often?"

View more photos of Unsound Toronto at the Hearn Generating Station in this photo gallery.

20150619-unsound590-01.jpgPhotos by Jesse Milns

Pride parties in Toronto by day of the week for 2015

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pride toronto 2015Toronto Pride 2015 has been dubbed "Come Out and Play," and will liven up the the Village through June 29th. After last year's wildly successful World Pride Festivities, the organizers at Pride Toronto wanted to keep the momentum rolling. With Canada's largest ever drag show, sunny pool parties, lush beer gardens, and massive dance raves, they seem to have risen to the occasion.

What's even sweeter is that all Pride Toronto events are free! The rest of the city has a ton of cool events going on too, from pricey ticketed clubs to chilled-out gatherings. I've rounded up my top party picks, followed by a list of parties group by day of the week.

Here's where to party for Pride this year in Toronto.

TOP PICKS

PRIDE TORONTO: Cabana Pool Party / Cabana Pool Bar / Wednesday, June 24 / 6pm / $10
While anticipating the craziness of the weekend festivities to come, PrideHouseTO and Pride Toronto invite you to the ultimate after work pool party. Enjoy sophisticated drinks, a BBQ feast and private cabanas as the sun sets over Toronto's waterfront skyline. Sensual beats provided by Vancouver's SOLLORS and hometown babe DJ Delicious.

A Club Called Rhonda / The Drake / Thursday, June 25 / 9pm / TBA
In the heart of Queer West, The Drake will transform into a three-story pansexual party palace on Thursday evening. LA-based party starters, A Club Called Rhonda, threw one of the hottest World Pride parties, and they're doing it all over again this year. Music comes from Robert Owens, Little Boots, Honey Soundsystem, The Black Madonna, GODDOLLARS & PARADISE, and more.

FIT Primpin / Harbourfront Centre / Friday, June 26 / 10pm / $30
FIT Primpin is back, and it's moved on up! This year they're excited to be the first Pride party hosted by Harbourfront Centre! This massive dance bash will feature Brooklyn-based Blatina Mami, emcee Jay Boogie, with performances by NYC hotties Seth Fornea & Jared Leblanc, and local heroine Tynomi Banks. This is a wheelchair accessible event.

Trans March After Party! / The Steady / Friday, June 26 / 8pm / $5
After Friday's Trans March, The Steady welcomes you eat, drink, and chill with good company. Did somebody say free homemade tacos? Once you've refuelled,
DJ Landy3000 will get the dance floor started, followed by the sweet beats of Essence Brown.

PRIDE TORONTO: #DYKEVERSITY / Bud Light South Stage / Saturday, June 26 / 2pm / Free
Following Saturday afternoon's Dyke March, #DYKEVERSITY will provide a jam-packed 12-hour lesbilicious DJ lineup! Straight out of West Hollywood's The Planet Cafe, Shane, er, Kate Moennig, will be throwing it down! Can we collectively request a remix of the L Word theme song? Anybody?

Cherry Bomb: Pump Up the Pride! / Mod Club / Saturday, June 27 / 10pm / $20
Cherry Bomb hosts the official Dyke Day after party! Dance, sweat, and cruise in the two-level venue, with your favourite DJs, Cozmic Cat and Denise Benson party-rocking the main room. Guest DJs will be playing soul, funk and hip-hop on the upstairs level, and a great lineup of live performances will get the crowds hyped. This is a wheelchair accessible event.

PRIDE TORONTO: Drag ON! / Yonge-Dundas Square / Saturday, June 27 / 2pm / Free
For Pride Toronto's 35th year of the festival, there's no better way to celebrate than with 35 drag performers! Queens and Kings will take the Yonge-Dundas Square Stage for a non-stop, all-day, epic drag event, and the largest drag show to ever happen in Canada! The evening will be hosted by the winner of last year's RuPaul's Drag Race, Bianca Del Rio.

TreeHouse Party / Ryerson Quad / Sunday, June 27 / 1pm / $20
The lush gardens of the Ryerson University Quad are home to Sunday afternoon's Pride-party staple, hosted by GreenSpaceTO. Thousands of partygoers will celebrate together with a 12-hour dance marathon. Music from New York's Def Mix Djs David Morales and Hector Romero, plus Mexico's legendary Isaac Escalante, Montreal's Alain Jackinsky and Chicago's DJ Cindel.

PRIDE TORONTO: Blockorama / TD Wellesley Stage / Sunday, June 28 / 12pm / Free
Blockorama is a lively celebration of our black and Caribbean communities, and this year's edition will feature over 20 performances throughout the day and evening. Special headlining performances from Sharaya J and international soca sensation Destra Garcia will be topped off with a DJ set from the fabulous jojoflores.

PRIDE TORONTO: The Final Play / Yonge-Dundas Square / Sunday, June 28 / 2pm / Free
Make your way to Yonge-Dundas Square stage for the festival's blowout post-parade bash! International Grand Marshall's Pussy Riot and David Furnish will take the the stage, with DJ Dani Toro warming up the crowd. Performances from Miss Fame and her dancers, Mounties, The Mohrs, The Last Year, Carole Pope, Melleefresh and Lights!

PARTIES BY DAY OF THE WEEK

Wednesday, June 24th

Thursday, June 25th

Friday, June 26th

Saturday, June 26th

Sunday, June 27th

Did we miss anything? Add your Pride events in the comments


159 Manning proves it's still NXNE's best party

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159 ManningAn unassuming house with a decade-long history as a legendary Toronto party hotspot, this past Friday 159 Manning was the host of its annual June concert - A 12 hour-long, two stage bash featuring artists like Pat Jordache, The Dead Obies, Clairmont The Second and twelve more.

Presented in part by M for Montreal (the annual fall music festival and global ambassador of Montreal-based art) the jam was raucous, sweaty, and pretty much everything else you'd expect from a house party, except run with the diligence and organization of a well-kept ship.

159 Manning NXNEThe showcase started at 1pm with sets every 45 minutes alternating between the Living Room and Backyard stages. Not wanting to under-deliver on it's title , the Living Room stage is set up in the front room of 159 Manning, with acts playing towards what in another era of family residence, would've been the dining room. A small photographer and press pit exists off to the side of the other entrance to the living room - aka the main hallway.

159 Manning NXNEBeing a tight, but by no means un-workable space, living room sets were hot, noisy, and extremely 'gaze into your eyes' intimate. Montreal glam pop outfit Pat Jordache took the stage at 5:15pm, playing a heart-felt and down-tempo funk set while the afternoon sun shone through 159's front windows.

159 Manning NXNENext up inside was Montreal's The Dead Obies - A rambunctious rap crew with nods to the Southern California 'gangster on indie' sound. Jumping around to churning heavy-hitting beats, their set felt at times like it would bring bring down the house itself.

Extremely high energy and with an interchanging roster of five equally talented MCs, the Dead Obies are a group to watch, whose mix of French and English rapping sounds like an unfiltered take on Montreal's seedy underbelly.

159 Manning NXNEFollowing each Living Room set audiences were invited down to the dark of the basement for a special performance by Toronto's Clara Venice. Impressive psychedelic projections served as the perfect stimulation to Clara's light-hearted 2000s pop flavour Theremin tunes.

159 Manning NXNEOut back, the crowd grew steadily into the evening fueled by a healthy supply of beer, pizza and veggie burgers. At the rear - behind the derelict (but noteworthy) massive steel orb that graces each of 159 Manning's parties - was the backyard stage.

159 Manning NXNEElevated and shrouded in foliage, the backyard stage was a utopic mini-festival unto itself. It's sheer existence (being surely mere metres from neighbouring bedroom windows) is a testament to Toronto's rift of laissez-faire attitude that emerges from hibernation each summer.

159 Manning NXNEToronto's Clairmont the Second played a 6pm set with smoothly produced beats and the playful jittery-hop of Chance the Rapper. Well-performed and talented, 17-year old Clairmont has skill and tact - look out for him to keep pushing (and hopefully soon breaking out of) Toronto rap tropes.

159 Manning NXNEShowing no signs of slowing as the sun went down and continuing long into the night, this year's edition of the 159 Manning June party delivered all the perks of an outdoor concert on the Toronto islands, but with the intimacy of a private show... and none of the ferries. With neighbours this cool, you'd never want to move either.

Writing and photos by Aaron Reis

Toronto gets a sprawling new archery tag facility

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Archers Arena TorontoToronto has a new archery tag facility. Founded by a member of the first-to-open Archery District, this new spot is bigger than its competitor, featuring 8,000 square feet of space as well as a kitchenette and lounge.

Read my review of Archers Arena in the fitness section.

Basic Toronto Lightning

Today in Toronto: Spoon, The Ex, Come OUT!, Mata One Year Anniversary, Snaggle, Comedy on College

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today in torontoToday in Toronto will have you partying for Pride at the come OUT! Closing Reception. If you'd rather rock out to the sounds of Spoon, they're in town tonight performing their first of two shows in the city.

For more events, click on over to our events section.

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.

This Week on DineSafe: Starving Artist, What A Bagel, Hakka Legend, Indian Bread Bar

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dinesafeThis week on DineSafe Fong On Foods in Kensington Market is back on the list, shuttered by inspectors for the second time in less than a month. The Kensington Market source for soybean milk and tofu continues to be plagued with pests and has proven unable to prevent gross unsanitary conditions.

See which other establishments landed on DineSafe this week.

Hakka Legend (2058 Ellesmere Rd.)
Inspected on: June 15, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.

Indian Bread Bar (3305 Yonge St.)
Inspected on: June 15, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 3, Significant: 1)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

What A Bagel (3515 Bathurst St.)
Inspected on: June 15, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4C (40F) or colder.

Starving Artist (810 College St.)
Inspected on: June 16, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 2 (Significant: 2)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Fong On Foods (46 Kensington Ave.)
Inspected on: June 17, 2015
Inspection finding: Red (Closed)
Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 4, Significant: 1, Crucial: 2)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to prevent gross unsanitary conditions. Operator fail to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.

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

House of the week: 39 Cameron Avenue

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39 Cameron Avenue TorontoIt's difficult to miss the long narrow bridge at the entrance way of 39 Cameron Avenue. The newly built three-storey house listed for $1 million might be the gossip of the neighbourhood with its extended bridge, no catwalk, leading up to the front door.

The modern dwelling near Eglinton West and Caledonia Road was, no doubt, a challenging one for the architect who was limited by constraints of the awkward lot size. The property is quite large (20 x 237 feet), but the house was built on a steep hill and a large retaining wall was mandatory between the house and its neighbouring lot.

39 Cameron Avenue TorontoThe house is "insane," says the realtor of the home's unique bridge and distinct interior features. With an open concept layout and minimalist design, the four bedroom has multiple walkouts and plenty of natural light. 10 foot ceilings, a main floor kitchen with scores of cupboard space and a second kitchen in the basement.

The Keelesdale-Eglinton West area is more affordable for first-time buyers (this house excluded), who desire larger properties, driveways and a backyard. Build a similar house in downtown Toronto and like it or not, you'll be paying closer to $2 million.

39 Cameron Avenue TorontoSPECS

  • Address: 39 Cameron Avenue
  • Price: $999,000
  • Lot Size: 20 x 237 FT
  • Bedrooms: 4
  • Bathrooms: 6
  • Parking: 8
  • Taxes: To be reassessed
  • Walk Score: 75

39 Cameron Avenue TorontoNOTABLE FEATURES

  • Approx. 3,500 square feet
  • Bridge to main entrance
  • 10 ft ceilings
  • Second and third floor walkouts
  • Two kitchens
  • Detached garage

39 Cameron Avenue TorontoGOOD FOR

Space. At over 3,000 square feet, you won't have to worry about bumping into the rest of the family. Claim a floor as your own or hide out in the massive finished basement.

39 Cameron Avenue TorontoMOVE ON IF

There's no real backyard. The newly built addition and large garage takes up much of the backyard space with only a small garden and pathway. It's not ideal for hosting a summertime barbecue.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
39 Cameron Avenue Toronto39 Cameron Avenue Toronto39 Cameron Avenue Toronto39 Cameron Avenue Toronto39 Cameron Avenue Toronto39 Cameron Avenue Toronto39 Cameron Avenue Toronto39 Cameron Avenue Toronto39 Cameron Avenue Toronto39 Cameron Avenue TorontoRead other posts in this series via our House of the Week Pinterest board.

Thanks to Bosley Real Estate Ltd, Brokerage for sponsoring our House of the Week. All content and editorial selected and written by blogTO.

TTC promises to go token free by 2017

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20121115-presto.jpgThe TTC is promising to go back to future by 2017 when it claims it will end the use of tokens and tickets in favour of a full rollout of the Presto card. Most other transit systems in major cities use some form of smart card for fare payment, and the TTC wants to push users into the use of Presto by phasing out these old school methods of paying one's fare.

Metropasses will still be issued, though the rollout of Presto technology will be aggressive to meet this goal. At present only 26 subway stations and a handful of streetcars have Presto readers. The plan is to outfit all stations and streetcars by the end of the year, before adding the technology to buses.

Welcome to the year 2000, Toronto.


The top 10 patios on King West

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king west patiosThe top patios on King West will have you embracing the warm weather in style. One of Toronto's more upscale neighbourhoods, these patios are a far cry from the more casual haunts found in the Annex. Here you'll find everything from sun-drenched sidewalk patios to swanky hotel rooftops.

Here, in no particular order, are my picks for the top patios on King West.

For more patio ideas, check out our Toronto Patio Guide or download our iPhone or Android app.

Portland Variety
This corner patio makes for the ideal place to grab a cocktail or coffee when the city warms up. The space features a strictly black and yellow colour scheme and enough shade to save your skin if you skipped sunscreen.

Gusto 101
Gusto has two patios on offer, but the rooftop with its retractable glass cover is the clear winner. The terrace sports a minimalist-chic design featuring well-manicured plants and stark white chairs. Grab a glass or two of pinot while you're here - the wine list is pretty extensive.

Old York
If you prefer a patio with a more casual vibe, Old York is probably your best bet. Expect to find a low-key crowd sipping Stiegl and sharing pub grub classics.

Valdez
Valdez offers the perfect rooftop patio to kick back and indulge in some Latin American Street food. With a vibrant design and an enclosed space, this patio is ideal even when the weather is not.

king west patiosThompson Hotel
This rooftop will have you mingling with hotel guests while taking in a gorgeous view of the city. The terrace features chic, striped lounge furniture and a menu filled with expertly crafted cocktails. The patio, technically, isn't open to the public but is often accessible during events or if you befriend one of the building's condo owners.

Le Select Bistro
This French bistro has both a front and back patio to choose from. The front is a favourite for those that like to scope out the area while they eat. It still offers a hint of seclusion provided by bushes around the perimeter. For those seeking an escape from the bustling crowds, head out back for some R&R in the sun.

EFS
EFS has pulled out all the stops with their rooftop space. The drinks may do some damage to your wallet, but nothing beyond what's typical of clubs in the area on a weekend night.

Buca King West
The courtyard at Buca is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of King St. Featuring brightly coloured chairs and surrounded by exposed brick walls, this patio is the perfect hideaway for a bite to eat in the summer. Indulge in top notch, Jamie Oliver approved Italian fare.

king west patiosPatria
Patria's courtyard is a contender for the best date spot in the area. The patio sets the mood with white lanterns overhead and glowing candles around its perimeter. Be prepared to doing some sharing as the menu is predominantly small plates.

Ovest
One of King West's newest patios is simultaneously upscale and no-frills. Grab a seat with a street-side view and order some top notch Italian food.

strongbowThanks to Strongbow for sponsoring our 2015 Toronto Patio Guide.

Did I miss any? Add your favourite King West patios to the comments.

Toronto restaurants that give free stuff on your birthday

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birthday restaurant torontoNot all restaurants in Toronto lavish free stuff on you if it's your birthday - but some do. The restaurants on this list range from casual spots to finer dining but all offer something a lil' extra if you tell them it's your special day.

Here's a roundup of Toronto restaurants that give free stuff on your birthday.

Insomnia
This Annex staple has a contagiously convivial atmosphere perfect for a birthday celebration with friends. You can come just for drinks and pick from among their wide selection of cocktails or just stay for the food, a mix of Mediterranean inspired dishes. Tell them it's your birthday and you'll get a free shot to liven up the celebration.

Enoteca Sociale
For a real birthday treat come here and spoil yourself with decadent Italian fare. Their pasta is made fresh daily and they make their cheese and charcuterie in house. When making your reservation make sure to mention it's your birthday as they've been known to throw in one of their decadent desserts like the cardamom sticky toffee pudding.

JaBistro
There are fewer better places to celebrate your birthday if Toronto if you want to fill up on raw fish. Tell them it's your birthday when making a reservation and they may treat you to a glass of bubbly upon arrival or end your meal with a sweet treat on the house.

Nota Bene
Everything at this Queen West spot is delicious, so if it's your birthday you're unlikely to be disappointed by the eclectic fare on offer. They tend to keep things local so the menu changes seasonally. If it's your birthday, you'll get a decadent piece of dark chocolate to end the meal.

Local Public Eatery
Perfect for a rowdy good time with friends, this spot accommodates large groups. On the menu expect to find modern reincarnations of pub fare with a Latin twist. On tap they have a good selection of beers, as well as Jameson and Jack. Tell them it's your birthday and they'll throw in a complimentary side of churros for the table.

Prohibition Gastropub
Prohibition is an east-side gastropub good for a casual birthday outing. They offer up different specials every day of the week - try the mussels if they're available. Tell them it's your birthday and you'll get a free shot to help you celebrate.

BarChef
This upscale bar is fantastic for a primarily liquid based menu, though they also have some nibbles on offer to tie you over. Mention it's your birthday and the bartender may shake you up a special drink.

Queen Mother Cafe
The Queen Mother has been around for several decades now, catering to a devoted following of loyal regulars. Their menu is an unusual mix of Thai dishes paired with a few continental classics like the steak frites or the cosmic burger. Tell them it's your birthday and they'll throw in a gratis slice of cake.

Momofuku Daisho
Housed in an impressive glass box in the Shangri-La, this place isn't for vegans. For starters pick from the small plates - the crispy chicken buns won't disappoint - or the raw menu before advancing into the more meat heavy entrees. Tell them it's your birthday and they may throw in a complimentary drink.

The Harbord Room
This small, candlelit Harbord Village restaurants oozes romance and would be ideal for a birthday celebration for two. Their burger has reached mythical status so if you've never had it, go for it you won't be disappointed. Tell them it's your birthday and they may throw in a complimentary side of their ricotta dumplings.

Did I miss any? Add more restaurants that give free stuff on your birthday to the comments. Photo of Momofuku Daisho by Jesse Milns.

Northern lights might be visible around Toronto tonight

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norther lights torontoThe northern lights might be seen as far south as Toronto (and beyond) tonight as a major geomagnetic storm has crashed into the earth. The KP Index, a measure of geomagnetic activity could run as high as 7 tonight in sub auroral regions. That makes it very likely that you'll be able to see auroras if you get away from the light pollution of the city.

Add to the stormy geomagnetic activity a forecast for clear skies around the Toronto region, and this is a very rare opportunity indeed. Use this light pollution map to chart the best place to head to so as to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights. Remember to look north near the horizon as at our latitude they will not appear very high in the sky. No binoculars are necessary.

Photo by Andrew Morse on Flickr

Luminous veil to be set aglow for Pan Am torch relay

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luminous veil torontoIt's been a long time coming, but over a decade after it was first installed, the so-called luminous veil on the Prince Edward Viaduct will light up the night this July. The elaborate barrier will be illuminated for the torch relay of the Pan Am Games on July 4th, which should make for a spectacular sight.

You see, the Pan Am Games will actually bring cool stuff to Toronto. The veil will be adorned with two sets of LED lights that will make good on the name that was bestowed upon the suicide prevent barrier so long ago.

The veil has sat in darkness for years on account of a lack of cash to complete the ambitious installation. Looking for something to generate excitement, Pan Am organizers coughed up the dough to light up the night.

The 10 most anticipated Toronto restaurant openings this summer

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toronto restaurantsThere's a whole slew of restaurants to check out this summer, as Toronto's dining scene continues to skyrocket. Diners can look forward to everything from barbecue and doners to rotisserie chicken and out-of-this-world ice cream.

Here are my picks for the 10 most anticipated Toronto restaurant openings for summer 2015.

Flock
Cory Vitiello of The Harbord Room is poised to open this casual new spot this week. The eatery is devoted to rotisserie chicken and salad and is located at the base of Peter Street Condominiums at 338 Adelaide St. West.

Swan by Rose and Sons
Chef Anthony Rose is counting down the days until the opening of this revamped diner at 892 Queen St. West. Expect an all new California-inspired menu - the name is all it shares with the original location.

Otto's Döner
This Berlin-style sandwich shop is nearing completion at 256 Augusta Ave. in Kensington Market, the space formerly occupied by La Palette, and more recently, Le Kensington Bistro & Rotisserie, and will soon be slinging beer and kebabs wrapped in flatbread.

Grey Tiger
The long awaited cafe and restaurant is expected to open any time now at 1190 Bloor St. West in Bloordale. The new spot will operate from 8am to last call daily serving up coffee, cocktails, craft beer and a menu of vegetarian snack foods.

Alo Restaurant
This new restaurant from Patrick Kriss (ex-Acadia) has already generated much buzz and will open its doors in mid-July. Expect eclectic cuisine prepped with French techniques offered as tasting menus and a la carte bar snacks.

Ufficio
Taking over the former site of The Grove at 1214 Dundas St. West, this new Italian restaurant will be a meat-free establishment devoted to pescetarian and vegetarian menus featuring antipasti and pasta. Expect its debut in July.

Sweet Jesus
The La Carnita spin-off will hopefully make its debut before the end of the summer. The dedicated home for paletas and over-the-top soft serve cones is going in at 106 John Street next to the taqueria's third location.

Thirsty Duck
The owners of Eastside Social are opening up this new watering hole and casual neighbourhood eatery at 972 Queen St. East in Leslieville where Celline Garden Restaurant used to be.

Miku
Vancouver's popular Japanese restaurant is set to open its first Toronto location this summer at the base of the new RBC Building at 10 Bay Street. Look forward to aburi-style specialties at the sushi bar.

Descendant Detroit-Style Pizza
Thick, greasy, deep-dish pies are soon to be a fixture at this new pizza parlour, currently in the works at 1168 Queen Street East in Leslieville.

What new restaurant are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments.

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