It's not easy for local designers to set up retail space in Toronto. For most, opening their own store is cost prohibitive but thanks to a new marketplace that just sprouted up in Parkdale, dozens of local designers and artisans now have a space to call their own.
Read my profile of the Toronto Designers Market in the design section.
The top patios in the Club District will have you partying outside all night long. From swanky rooftop cocktail bars to laid back pubs, there's a wide range to choose from. Most establishments are open until or beyond last call, so look forward to many late nights this patio season.
Here, in no particular order, are my picks for the top patios in the Club District.
For more patio ideas, check out our Toronto Patio Guide or download our iPhone or Android app.
Mascot Brewery
With a minimalist design, astroturf flooring (which is just the right amount of tacky) and picnic table seating, you get the feeling you're no longer in the downtown core. The menu is also quite impressive, featuring elevated pub food and selection of local craft beers.
El Caballito
El Patio is located at the back of the restaurant and can be entered off of Pearl Street. It has a bright,industrial decor, softened by string lights overhead. A huge plus, there's a tequila bar on the patio, so you're never far from another round.
Rock N Horse Saloon
The Porch at the Rock 'N' Horse Saloon is a contender for the city's best rooftop patio. With a built in food trailer, it's own fully-stocked bar, and a killer view, they've really pulled out all the stops.
Crocodile Rock
Despite the interesting crowd Croc Rock usually draws in, they have a decent patio. It has enough room to hold you and almost all of your Facebook friends (it can fit 244) and is a good option for larger groups who like things unrefined and relaxed.
The Ballroom
The Ballroom has two patios, but those who prefer a retreat from the street know the upstairs balcony is where it's at. The patio itself is fairly standard, flaunting branded umbrellas and simple table seating.
Maison Mercer
Maison Mercer is where to go if you want the true Club District experience on a patio. The rooftop terrace is dressed as nicely as its patrons, with plants twisting up columns, an illuminated bar, and swanky lounge furniture to top it all off. You'll want to ditch the jeans and t-shirt if you're heading here.
Fifth Grill
Once a members only club, this establishment carries the air of class. It features glowing candles, hanging flower baskets, and is fully prepared for the elements with its heaters and roof overhead. The top notch steakhouse menu doesn't hurt either.
Town Crier
The Town Crier is the go-to pub in the Club District. The patio doesn't have all the design flourishes of Maison Mercer, but what it lacks in style it makes up for in beer (there are 50 to choose from). Grab a pint, some pub grub and forget your worries at this low-key sidewalk spot.
Oasis
Oasis offers a patio with a stellar view of Blue Jays Way. It has its own bar and heaters in case the weather takes a turn for the worst. Wayne Gretzky deserves a high-five for making this patio possible.
Ja Bistro
A draw of the Ja Bistro patio is its exclusivity. Seating 44, it's much smaller than many of the mammoth club patios in the area. It's also fully surrounded by a high, wooden fence, offering an escape from the bustling city life out front. The all-wood decor and grade A sushi menu are also huge pluses.
Thanks to Strongbow for sponsoring our 2015 Toronto Patio Guide.
Did I miss any? Add your favourite Club District patios to the comments.
Free events in Toronto this week will have you spending Canada Day on the beach and heading to street festivals across the city. Sample food at Taste of Lawrence, salsa dance down St. Clair, or learn to drum at Afrofest. This weekend is jam packed with cost-free events that will have you kicking off the summer in style.
Here's what to do in Toronto if you've just paid your rent.
Toronto Beach Party 2015 (June 1)
Head to the island for a beach party of epic proportions. With over 1,000 people set to attend, you can spend your Canada Day making new friends in the sun. Expect to find games, music and illuminated art by Lumaframes on display.
Corso Italia Mercato (July 3-4)
This street fest is a celebration of Italian culture that shuts down St. Clair between Westmount and Lansdowne. Expect to find buskers, art, shopping, live music and, of course, food vendors serving up your favourite Italian comfort foods.
Taste of Lawrence (July 3-5)
The Taste of Lawrence is a three-day food and cultural fest in Scarborough. It showcases foods from a number of local restaurants. There will also be midway rides and live music, as well as dancing in the streets.
Salsa on St. Clair (July 4-5)
Salsa on St. Clair is probably one of the festivals most fraught with steamy summer possibilities. Put on your dancing shoes and get to know the St. Clair community through dance. There will also be Latin food vendors on the streets, in case you need an energy boost.
Afrofest (July 4-5)
Look forward to a weekend of drumming and dancing when this event kicks off. Afrofest, the largest annual African music fest in the country, will be taking over Woodbine park with music, dance, interactive workshops, theatre, poetry, food and more.
Have a free event you'd like to plug? Submit it to our Toronto events calendar using this form.
Photo of Salsa on St. Clair by Irina No.
Planning a BBQ has never been easier with these butchers and direct-to-consumer-farmers who deliver direct to your door. Steaks, chicken, and even raw and ready-to-cook burger patties can be bought with the click of a button.
Here's a round-up of butchers that offer home delivery services in Toronto.
Healthy Butcher
Home delivery run by Real Food Toronto makes ordering brisket and steaks a cinch. This butcher even offers an annual sausage and burger menu in time for BBQ season.
Halal to Door
This online retailer makes ordering Halal beef, poultry lamb and deli easy. The selection on this site is vast offering popular cuts as well as harder-to-find offal. Best of all they deliver throughout the GTA for just $8-$10 delivery fee.
Olliffe
Delivery from this purveyor of fine meats is available anywhere, anytime. Delivery is typically gratis in the vicinity of Olliffe outlets with a minimum order of $75.
Front Door Organics
This online organics retailer deals primarily in produce, though there is a subsection that boasts an impressive variety of cuts from ground beef to stewing cubes, roasts, steaks, chops and more. Deliveries arrive vacuum sealed and frozen.
Stoddart Family Farm
Buy direct from this farm in the Kawarthas - but only if you have a deep freezer (or a lot of carnivorous friends). The farm deals in mass amounts of meats (say twenty, one pound packages of naturally-raised, grass-fed ground beef sold for $120) but is also the perfect purveyor of pasture raised turkeys come Thanksgiving.
Photo from The Healthy Butcher facebook page.
Toronto has plenty of event venues. From those suitable for a large, small, budget, creative or restaurant wedding to the tried and true or the new and exciting, there are plenty of venues to choose from when organizing a party or event. But what if you want to host your event north of Eglinton? Uptown Toronto features a wide range of event venues too - everything from grand Victorian manors to revamped industrial warehouses.
Here are my picks for the top event venues in uptown Toronto.
York Mills Gallery
Located just north of Leslie and York Mills, this sprawling 15,000 sq foot property offers a loft-style space with an urban-industrial flair. The venue is located within a remodeled brick warehouse, giving it high, beamed ceilings, and large windows. As a finishing touch, there is ambient light throughout the space, with nine ballroom chandeliers dotting the ceilings.
The Eglinton Grand
This spectacular art deco building was originally the Eglinton Theatre, built in the mid 1930s as the flagship of the Famous Players national cinema chain. Nowadays it operates as an events venue for those old souls yearning for something with a little more historic flair. The space itself has been fully restored, including ballrooms and a 16 x 20 foot screen.
Downsview Warehouse
The Warehouse at Downsview Park is a massive 16,000 sq foot blank slate. The venue is designed for intense levels of customization, with an in-house design team to help plan out events. The space has 30-foot ceilings to go with its elegant décor as well as a complimentary suite.
Capitol Event Theatre
Built in 1918, the Capitol Event Theatre was once a Vaudeville house seating over a thousand guests. After spending most of the century as a stylish movie theater, it reopened as an events venue in 1998. As expected, this space is a callback to the Roaring Twenties with a grand scale ballroom, a warm décor and a tiered mezzanine.
Toronto Botanical Garden
The TBG operates four acres divided into 17 differently themed gardens. The gardens have a wide variety of features, such as private spaces and tranquil water features, giving each a unique look. While the draw here is certainly the incredible outdoor experience, the TBG also features several indoor options keeping with the floral theme.
Graydon Hall Manor
This Georgian-style manor was initially designed as a "sportsman's paradise" with a park, race track, golf course, stables and many other amenities. Today it operates as a venue for social functions. It features carved stone gateposts, a grand staircase and manicured formal gardens with tiered fountains, crab-apple trees and flower beds.
Donalda Club
The Donalda Club was once the private homestead of local philanthropist David Dunlap, who named the property after his wife, Jessie Donalda Dunlap. Today it primarily operates as a multi-activity golf and country club in the Don Mills area, but its open spaces and beautiful greenery make it a top choice for weddings and corporate events.
Estates of Sunnybrook
The Estates feature two buildings, each with their own style. The McLean House was one of Toronto's premiere Georgian manors and features high ceilings, spacious rooms, Palladian windows and beautiful gardens. The Vaughan Estate is classic Elizabethan style with several ballrooms, grand fireplaces along with intricate cournice moldings and plaster ceilings.
Grand Luxe Event Boutique
This 6,000 sq foot space features a grand ballroom with custom fabric chandeliers, contemporary canvas artwork and chrome accented walls. The ballroom entrance gives way to a 22-foot marble wrapped bar, perfect for large events. For smaller gatherings, there's also a parlour featuring a modern take on the art deco style.
Auberge du Pommier
One of the premier French restaurants in Toronto, and Oliver & Bonacini's crown jewel, Auberge du Pommier also hosts events for those looking for an escape from the city. The restaurant is built in a rustic style, and during the spring and summer features a garden terrace for outdoor receptions.
David Duncan House
The David Duncan House is the last of its kind in Toronto, a classic Ontario Gothic-style farmhouse, originally belonging to farming magnate William Duncan and his son David Duncan. Evocative of gingerbread houses, the venue has been restored to feature the elaborate décor and extravagance that is so critical to the Gothic style.
Columbus Event Centre
The Columbus Event Centre has been a mainstay on Lawrence Avenue for over 30 years, situation on four acres of space with Mediterranean gardens, water fountains and gazebos. There's a wide variety of rooms in the grand structure, ranging from a classic ballroom to a modern art gallery.
What did I miss? Add your favourite uptown Toronto event venue to the comments. Photo of the Eglinton Grand by PJ Mixer in the blogTO Flickr pool.
Organizing a picnic in Toronto and no time to make anything at home? It's a good thing there are plenty of local businesses ready to come to the rescue that make it easy to stock up on last minute picnic supplies. Some will even rent you a blanket and basket.
Here are my picks for where to stock up on food for a picnic in Toronto.
HBar
This bar close to Trinity Bellwoods is capitalizing on the picnic scene. Their Take it to Bellwoods picnic baskets (priced per person from $8.85 to $22.12) are filled with an ever changing assortment of meats, cheeses, spreads, pickles and bread rolls.
The County General
Picnic baskets filled with food, refreshing beverages, blankets and games are available by reservation at the West Queen West location. Looking for something a little less romantic? Larger parties (10 to 25 people) can opt for individualized brown paper bag lunches ($25 per person) featuring a choice of salad, sandwich, and dessert.
Barque Butcher Bar
This BBQ-centric butcher shop also offers an array of pre-packaged ready-to-eat selections. Stop in next time you hit up Sunnyside Beach and select from the assortment of salads, side dishes, and meats. Marinated meats are hibachi-ready, while there are also salads, smoked olives, side dishes, and made-to-order sandwiches available.
Delica Kitchen
This local chain of lunch counters is the perfect source for picnic fare. The menu offers an assortment of salads, sandwiches, crudites and dip, and desserts and you can even cater larger parties with platters and family style servings. Order 'the complete lunch' featuring a sampling of sandwiches, a choice of salads and assorted desserts for $18.50 per person.
Chabichou
The cheese shop on Harbord offers Les Plats, which are lovely little cheese and charcuterie boards packaged up in brown craft paper boxes. Ranging in size from three to five selections of cheese, charcuterie, and pate ($15 to $25), the picnic-ready package includes pickles, olives, nuts, apple slices, and a knob of baguette.
Adonis
This Middle Eastern supermarket is the perfect pit-stop enroute to Wexford Park. Browse the perimeter of the store for olives, nuts, fresh pita, and, assorted prepared foods including mezze dips, salads, rotisserie chickens and desserts that don't melt, like baklava.
Old School
Call in your order and then bypass the restaurant to pick-up your Posse Picnic ($85) from this diner on Dundas West. This meaty take-away feast features a rack of St. Louis spareribs, a quartered smoked chicken, beef brisket, pulled porks, four biscuits, and a choice of four sides including selections like corn on the cob, and a mac n' cheese cobbler.
Mad Mexican
The salsa snack pack from this taco bar and Mexican market was practically made for the park. The package is meant for parties of six and includes chunky guacamole, a choice of two salsa and two large bags of tortilla chips.
Cafe Belong
Before hitting the trails in the Don Valley stock up on snacks, sandwiches, and salads from the grab and go counter at this cafe in the Evergreen Brick Works. Pro tip: plan your adventure on a Saturday and supplement some fresh fruits and veg from the farmers' market.
St. Jamestown Delicatessen
A line-up of prime picnic foods like potato salads, slaw, BBQ chicken and mini quiches fill the deli case at this Cabbagetown lunch counter. Sandwiches can made to order, and then, there's always the option to add on extra cheeses or cured meats.
Photo by Gail Edwin Aguiar in the blogTO Flickr pool.
Everything comes with a slice of watermelon at this cheekily named BBQ joint in an upcycled shipping container that's part of Market 707 in Skadding Court. Expect an ever-changing menu of ethically raised pork, beef and chicken offerings along with corn on the cob and other summertime BBQ sides all made from scratch.
Read my profile of Oh My Lard in the restaurants section.
Cheap sangria in Toronto is as easy to love as it to drink. This budget-friendly beverage is an ideal summer refreshment best enjoyed on patios and shared amongst friends.
Here are my picks for where to drink cheap sangria in Toronto.
See also:The Best Sangria in Toronto
Bistro 422
This dive bar on College St. is home to some of the cheapest sangria in town! A 32 ounce pitcher of red or white sangria costs a mere $11.51 and is popular with students looking for quantity over quality.
Madison Avenue Pub
Another thrifty favourite in the Annex comes from this multi-level pub endowed with plenty of patio seating. The sangria here is a simple mix of wine, juice and fresh fruit and is sold in one litre carafes for $13.27.
Templeton's
The Kensington Market local slings sangria by the pint for $8, or in jugs (34oz) for $14. Choose between red and white varieties; one is made with red wine Grand Marnier passion fruit orange juice and ginger ale, while the other blends white wine with vodka citron, pomegranate and pear juice, and ginger ale.
The Red Room
Sold by the pint for $5.25, or by the pitcher for $14.50, the sangria at this joint on Spadina lists OJ, cranberry juice, sprite, red wine and fresh fruit (in that order) as the main ingredients.
Sangria Lounge
As its name suggest, this watering hole on Roncy specializes in sangria, offering four different varieties (red, white, peach and lime) by the pint ($5.50) or pitcher ($15.75). Should your budget allow, kick it up a notch with a shot of Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, or Peach Schnapps for an additional $3.
Tortilla Flats
A pitcher ($17.50) of sangria sweetens the deal at this Tex Mex restaurant on Queen West. Choose between white sangria mixed with lychee liqueur, lemonade, and ginger ale, or red wine mixed with sour raspberry, 7up and OJ.
Bar Neon
The Bloordale bar does sangria in four-serving jugs for $18, in a choice of red, white or sparkling varieties. The fruit in these drinks aren't just for show either; the red sangria for instance is loaded with a delicious mix of oranges, watermelon and boozy cherries.
Pour Boy
There are two Pour Boy pubs in Toronto where you'll find sangria on the menu in 20oz glasses for $6.25, and, 60oz pitchers for $27.50. Available with red or white wine, this summertime favourite is blended with peach schnapps, orange and cranberry juices, ginger ale, a splash of grenadine, and fresh fruit.
Cocina Lucero
The Mexican restaurant near Yonge and Wellesley serves up red sangria mixed with apricot brandy, fruit juice and chunks of apples. Order a solo glass for $8, or share a half ($14) or whole ($26) litre.
Fernando's Hideaway
This colourful, kitschy stalwart on Yonge Street sells sangria that packs a punch, by the glass ($5.53) and pitcher ($16.75). Ordering some nachos is advised before starting in on this dangerously easy to drink blend of red wine, Triple Sec, brandy and fruit juice.
Photo from Tortilla Flats facebook page.
People watching in Toronto isn't confined to busy patios. Well-placed parks also serve as ideal places to take in the bustling scene of people going about their day. With so many people using public space in their own unique ways, a park is like almost like a massive, interactive piece of art, meant to be observed and appreciated.
While I could tell you, once again, about Trinity Bellwoods or a place like Hanlan's Point (both great people watching spots for different reasons), this list aims to diverge from the most obvious choices in favour of quirky spots that are full of interesting characters and general bustle.
Here are my picks for the top parks for people watching in Toronto.
Bellevue Square Park
A place as quirky as Kensington is bound to attract some interesting characters, especially on Pedestrian Sundays. Lounge here for a few hours and take in the sights and sounds of musicians in the grass, impromptu swing set pull-up competitions and other intriguing happenings.
Village of Yorkville Park
This beautiful park is often flooded with locals ranging from fashion-savvy pedestrians to rizty romantics to the dog walkers who look almost identical to their pets. Against the backdrop of the park's unique landscape architecture, it's a great place to be a peaceful fly on the wall
Ryerson Community Park
Located right in the middle of campus, this park is a hub for students, professors and locals alike. You can catch impromptu skating boarding performances, student drama, and just a general flow of people thanks to the University and the proximity of Yonge-Dundas Square. You don't need to occupy yourself with a book with so much to look at.
Humber Bay Shores Park
With a small harbour, six busy trails and a dog park, and tons of nearby condo dwellers out for a stroll, there's tons going on here. The Humber Bay Arch Bridge serves as a sort of focal point (thinking tourists, wedding pictures, and spandex-clad cyclists), but the adjacent shore-facing park is also full of action.
St. James Park
The days of Occupy Toronto might be long gone, but St. James Park remains a good spot for people watching, particularly at lunch time, when the green space fills with those who work in the surrounding area. The most interesting thing here is the eclectic mix of people hanging out, from suit-wearing office workers to George Brown students.
What did I miss? Make your suggestions in the comments.
Photo of Bellevue Square by Dan Cronin
Today in Toronto it's time to recover from the wet weekend and chill at a number of venues around the city. Hit up Handlebar or The Pour Boy if vinyl and cheap drinks seems like a good Monday night plan. The Lower Ossington Theatre or the Cameron House is where it's at for a night of comedy. The Cavern is where to go for live music. Fan of films by the Coen Brothers? You'll want to grab a seat at the JCC.
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 tiny gelato shop on Parliament street is only open weekends but worth stopping by for those craving non-dairy gelato goodness. Made from coconuts and a secret family recipe, the gelato here is unlike anywhere else in the city.
Read my review of Grinning Face in the restaurants section.
The William Meany Maze on Centre Island is a storybook icon, come to life. There's something about wandering through and getting lost that makes us dizzy with joy and reignites something warm and fuzzy.
As the story goes, a wealthy businessman named William Meany had a nostalgic affection for the maze he had known and loved growing up. Upon discovering that the original labyrinth - which was constructed in 1967 - had been shut down after falling into disrepair, he donated $200,000 to have it rebuilt, ensuring generations to come could experience it.
What a precious gift to the city! The 1,200+ black cedars that form the maze's walls are still new and need to fill in, but you can already become disoriented, get caught in dead ends, find yourself going in circles, and be fooled by optical illusions where what looks like a blank wall turns out being the right path.
There is something magical about it that makes you feel like a kid again - I can see why it was special to Meany.
To discover it for yourself, just take the ferry to Centre Island and follow the path indicated in the map below.
Photos by Matt Forsythe.
The best ice cream sandwiches in Toronto are a match made in heaven that pairs together the deliciousness of cookies, waffles, and even grilled cheese sandwiches with scoops of creamy frozen dairy. Find these summer treats drawing long lines at bake shops, ice cream parlours and even burger joints across the city.
Here are the best ice cream sandwiches in Toronto.
See also:
The Best Ice Cream in Toronto
The Best Gelato in Toronto
The Best Frozen Yogurt in Toronto
What's open and closed on Canada Day 2015 in Toronto. For info about fireworks happenings check this post out.
GENERAL
Closed
Open
TRANSIT
FOOD
Closed
Open
DRINK
Closed
Open
MALLS
Closed
Open
ATTRACTIONS
Closed
Open
Did I miss anything? Add key closures or useful businesses that are open in the comments.
Photo by benitotambara in the blogTO flickr pool.
Congestion, gridlock, and crowded TTC streetcars - this is what commuters can expect during the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games. But, not if the city can help it. The temporary high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes became active today, meaning that between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., only cars with three or more people inside can use them.
These lanes, recognizable by the diamond shaped paint strips on the road, have been added to highways 401, 404, and 427 as well as the Don Valley Parkway, Gardiner Expressway, Queen Elizabeth Way, Lake Shore Blvd., and portions of Jane St. They will be active until July 27.
A trip planner has been developed to help guide commuters through this mess and get them to, and from, their Pan Am destinations.
It indicates whether or not there is parking at the location and whether or not public transit is the best way to reach the venue. It will also provide real-time traffic information.
But honestly, it may just be easier to avoid the roads all together. There will be limited parking around Pan Am venues and temporary traffic changes will be put in place to minimize congestion near these areas. On the bright side, Pan Am spectators get free public transit with their tickets.
If you aren't going to the Pan Am Games and would rather not have to deal with the excess people, here are the places to avoid: U of T or Ryerson campuses, Exhibition Place, the Athletes Village near Cherry St. and King St., Nathan Phillips Square, and the Rogers Centre.
Essentially, just avoid downtown Toronto.
How will you be getting to the Pan Am Games in Toronto? Let us know in the comments.
Photo by Mitul Shah in the blogTO Flickr pool.
The HOV lanes for the Pan Am Games opened in Toronto this morning, and right away commuters voiced their displeasure at increased travel times and those breaking the rules. Despite months of warning, the activation of the lanes today seemed to come as a very unwelcome surprise for thousands of commuters, many of whom took to social media to air their frustration.
Many reported suffering double commute times, though there were also a number of collisions that slowed things up for the masses making their way into work this morning. If there was a central focus of drivers' collective ire it was the use of HOV lanes by people with less than three people per car.
Oh, Toronto. We really do know how to whine about things. But, I'll give you that being stuck in traffic while watching fellow drivers blatantly break the rules is a hollowing experience. Anybody interest in making an Olympic bid soon?
And to think, the increased traffic that will accompany the Games hasn't really flooded the road system. Do be sure to read up on how to get around the city during this major event or your next tweet could resemble one of these.
Photo by George Socka in the blogTO Flickr pool.
The Raptors are set to announce details related to their brand new D-League affiliate late today, but the logo might already have leaked prior to the press conference. SportsLogos.net posted this logo yesterday after apparently seeing it appear on the Hershey Centre website (it's since been pulled down).
The Raptors 905 will be the 19th team (and Canada's first) in the NBA Development League and should help the Raptors better nurture young talent such as Bruno Caboclo and Lucas Nogueira. The Raptors also become the 9th NBA team to own their own development team.
Stay tuned for the official announcement and unveiling.
Update: The Raptors have now officially announced the team, its logo, and its host venue.
Are you excited for the 905s? Do you like the logo? Let us know in the comments.
Summer events and activities have arrived in Toronto for another season, and there's never been more to get up to. From new patios and music festivals to check out, to our impressive roster of street festivals, the city truly comes alive in the summer months.
For the next little while you can have it all: gorge on street food and then burn off all the calories by getting active outside. Summer is a time that beckons city-dwellers to get out of the house and enjoy everything Toronto has to offer.
Here are 50 things to do this summer in Toronto.
ENTERTAINMENT
Take in the spectacle that is the Pan Am Games
It's the marquee event of the summer, no matter which way you slice it. And given all the traffic and general disarray the Games will bring the city, you best get out there and partake in some of the action. There's still lots of tickets left at a range of price points. And as far as getting around during the event goes, be sure to stay informed.
Take in a free outdoor concert
Summer is the time for outdoor concerts, and, as a bonus, many of the offerings this year are free. The Toronto Music Garden hosts no less than 17 concerts this season in its idyllic setting, while you can also find free shows at numerous downtown parks. Casa Loma also offers some sophisticated music under the stars.
Go for a cruise on a tall ship
Step (or, sail) back in time on the Kajama, a traditional 165-foot, three-masted schooner that tours the Toronto Harbour and a small part of Lake Ontario. It's a classic Toronto experience that's not limited to tourists. Want to party on Lake Ontario? We've rounded-up ways to do that too.
Hit up a street festival
When the warm weather rolls in, street parties begin taking over the city. Explore Toronto one neighbourhood at a time via our array of festivals that range from cultural to culinary celebrations.
Witness Jermaine Defoe's return to BMO Field at the TFC vs. Sunderland friendly
Toronto FC will welcome former striker Jermaine Defoe and Sunderland of the English Premier League to BMO field on July 22nd for a friendly that should make footie fans salivate. It will be the first time Defoe has played at the stadium since he was sold to Sunderland at the beginning of the year.
Take in the local arts scene at an outdoor art fair
Savour some art without leaving the sunshine by perusing one of the city's many outdoor art fairs this summer. They're happening all summer long and all over the city, so take your pick and prepare to be inspired (and to take some creations home with you).
Watch a movie under the stars
This classic summer experience lets you get your cinema fix without being confined to your couch. And the best part? Most of the city's outdoor movie screenings this season are free. Bring a blanket or folding chair and get your cinema on.
See if WayHome lives up to the hype
We're all freaking out about this Bonnaroo type festival, but will it meet Toronto's expectations? There's only one way to find out. Tier 3 tickets are still on sale for $249.99, or find your discounted pass on Craigslist.
Shoot down a massive slip and slide
A 1,000-foot slip and slide is coming to Downsview Park on July 18 and 19. Register here to snag your spot on the terrifying (or thrilling, however you want to look at it) ride. It doesn't get much more summery than this.
Take in some theatre in a park
Catch a theatrical performance in the great outdoors this summer. Shakespeare in High Park is putting on the classics As You Like It and Titus Andronicus, while Shakespeare in the Ruff is hosting an intriguing take on Macbeth (it's performed entirely with puppets).
Curl up in the dark at a film festival
Get pumped up for TIFF (Sept. 10 - 20) by checking out one of the city's many summer film festivals. There's the Open Roof Festival, Toronto Youth Shorts Festival, Worldwide Short Film Festival, Female Eye Film Festival, Parkdale Film and Video Showcase and more.
Choose your summer music festival wisely
There's never been more choice when it comes to summer music festivals, which is a good thing except when it comes to deciding which ones you're going to hit up. If you got rained out at Digital Dreams, there's always Veld. PANAMANIA is mostly free, OVO Fest will feature wildly loud "Know Yourself" sing-alongs, and if there's any justice, TIME will be rain-free.
Say goodbye to MOCCA at the Queen West Yacht Club
MOCCA's days on West Queen West are numbered, but that doesn't mean you can't give the gallery a send off before waiting a few year for it to open in its exciting new space on Sterling Road. The gallery is done up as a yacht club for the summer courtesy of artist Dean Baldwin, and there are plenty of events in store.
Nerd out at a tech event
Not everything you do this summer can be outdoors. Toronto has a full roster of tech events at which you can mingle with industry insiders, fellow nerds, and TechCrunch readers. And, hey, some of the events actually are outside, so win-win!
Witness the pomp of Andy Warhol
Stop by 77 Bloor St. West to come face-to-face with the masterpieces of one of history's most-loved artists. Andy Warhol Revisited: A Mirror for Today runs July 1 through the end of the year and promises to be Canada's largest exhibition of Warhol's work.
FOOD & DRINK
Explore the city's beer scene with the Craft Beer Passport
While the craft beer passport is valid until November 30, summer is the time to get to know the city's best beer bars. This isn't about getting drunk on the cheap, but an incentive to explore the local beer scene with the incentive of discounted pints. What's not to like?
Chow down at one of Toronto's new food trucks
In case you hadn't noticed, Toronto's food truck scene shows no signs of slowing down. New trucks are opening all the time and upping the game of the rest of the city's mobile fleet of food vendors. Deep fried butter chicken at Tdots Naansense is just one of the new must-try dishes on offer this summer.
Get hopped up at a beer festival
Sun, beer, and a little buzz: this is a magical trinity that can be had at multiple beer fests this summer both in and around Toronto. There's everything from the massive Toronto's Festival of Beer to the superb Roundhouse Craft Beer Festival.
Get stuffed at a food truck festival
Even though food trucks have be given a bit more freedom to operate on city streets this summer, there remain dedicated festivals where these culinary roadsters show off their collective chops en masse. From the CNE to Downsview park, if food truck eats are your thing, there's opportunities aplenty.
Check out a new patio
With new patios popping up all over the city, you'll have no trouble finding a place to drink or dine outdoors this summer. The newest of the new include Mascot Brewery, Northern Belle, and El Caballito's El Patio.
Make friends over pizza at a Toronto park
Toronto's parks are great for a lot of things, one of which is meeting people. That said, just randomly approaching folks is a good way to get pepper sprayed. A better idea is to check out one of the many pizza and community dinner nights at Toronto parks with bake ovens. The food is gloriously cheap and it's a great way to make new friends.
Have lunch at the Union Station summer market
Front Street Foods hosts its eight week pop-up from July 6 to the end of August at Union Station. The outdoor urban food market will see vendors like Fresh off the Boat, Cava, and the Mad Mexican (to name just a few), joined by live music and culinary demonstrations.
Try a new restaurant
There's a host of anticipated restaurant openings on tap this summer. If you can't wait to try the latest thing, head to A3 Napoli, the new collaboration between Libretto and Prochetta & Co., which bringing a taste of Naples street food to Toronto, and serving up all sorts of fried delicacies in paper cones - perfect for noshing on while you stroll through Little Italy.
Have a malt at Bickford Park
This revival of retro soda fountain malt shops, brings lots of nostalgic charm to Harbord Village this summer. Expect to find summery refreshments including hand-crafted sodas, shakes and floats.
Get thee to a food festival
Want to eat fresh shucked oysters in an alley? How about taking in the sights and sounds from one of Toronto's vibrant night markets? This summer is jam-packed with food festivals, food truck rallies and pop-ups.
Binge on ice cream sandwiches
If the line-ups at Bang Bang, or the spade of new openings are any indication, Toronto is seemingly obsessed with ice cream sandwiches. Booyah on Vaughan Road has made the messy handheld treat its specialty, while Scoop Shop on Dundas West is offering a version made with house-made ice cream layered between macaron shells.
Try a coffee float
It's two of your favourite things meshed together. Cool off this summer with the creamy, caffeinated goodness of a handmade coffee float. Made by Glory Hole Doughnuts with Station Cold Brew and a hefty dollop of soft serve and then drizzled with syrup, this ain't your typical affogato.
Reduce your lifespan by eating at the CNE
When the CNE rolls into town, calorie-counting generally goes out the window. With Exhibition Place filled with food trucks and Food Building vendors serving up deep-fried delights, it's hard to even consider healthy alternatives.
ACTIVITIES
Head to the Islands for a full moon party
Not everyone can make it to Thailand for a Full Moon Party. Luckily, Torontonian's have decided to take the matter into their own hands and throw them locally. June 5th, July 3rd, July 31st, and August 29th will have Hanlan's Point buzzing with lunar-inspired festivities.
Go on a culinary road trip
While Toronto's food festival scene is certainly robust this summer, culinary types will still find plenty of reason to hit the road in search of small town food and beer festivals, which a typically cheaper and more laid back than their urban counterparts.
Get strategic at Toronto's new archery tag facilities
Toronto now boasts a number of archery tag facilities. Archers Arena, has over 8,000 square feet of space to play while Archery District, Archery Circuit and Battle Archery are all trying to make a name for themselves as Toronto's go-to facility. It can be sunny skies every day, so having a rainy day activity that's this much fun is a necessity.
See what kind of mermaid you make
If you spent your childhood wearing out your Little Mermaid VHS, this one's for you. The Jimmie Simpson Pool will play host to mermaid classes, where you will learn to master the waters with a glittering fin.
Shop at a summer pop-up
If you are a person who craves one of a kind bits and bobs, pop-ups are the way to go. For a limited time you'll be able to snag amazing pieces - think handmade jewellery and vintage pieces - without weeding through flea market tables or garage sale dollar bins.
Go on a free tour of Graffiti Alley
Graffiti Alley is one of the city's ever-changing and most interesting impromptu art exhibits. Free tours will be lead all summer long, showcasing the work of Toronto's most talented spray-can wielding artists.
Take a trip to Portugal without leaving Toronto
While Toronto offers a few culinary options to immerse oneself in Portuguese culture, this new design shop, fittingly located in Little Portugal, is chock full of unique products from a country that's thoroughly underrated from a design standpoint. From wool blankets to kitchenware, Saudade's stock will get you in a Portuguese state of mind.
Take in a show at one of Toronto's new live music venues
Toronto's roster of live music venues quietly continues to grow. Adelaide Hall got a makeover and is now re-open, UG3 Live hosts bands nightly in the space formerly occupied by Media Bar, Burdock now has a full roster of live bookings in place, a the recently opened Tennessee will hook you up with dinner and a show.
Escape the city without taking a long road trip
Want a weekend getaway without driving too far from home? There are tons of destinations only an hour away from the city, ranging from spa overnights to waterfall hikes to art-centric experiences. Leave the city behind in a blink of an eye.
Cool off at Toronto's newest library
Toronto Public Library's 100th branch at Scarborough Civic Centre is now open, and everyone's gawking at it. The space is as beautiful as it is functional, complete with a digital innovation hub, free wifi, an outdoor garden and green roof... Oh, and there are books, too. What better place to cool down in the middle of a heat wave?
OUTDOORS
Try your hand at kite surfing
It might not seem like a natural fit in Toronto's climate, but kitesurfing has a loyal following in this town, something which regular visitors to Cherry Beach will already know. In fact, there's quite a surf-related culture in Toronto if you know where to look. Get a wet suit and get out on the waves.
Go on an old fashioned nature walk
When was the last time you say an animal in the city that wasn't a skunk or a raccoon or a rodent of some kind? If you're looking to commune with nature, you've got options, whether it's secluded parts of the Toronto Islands or the bird sanctuary that is the Leslie Street Spit.
Check out the just opened Island maze
Toronto doesn't want you to wait for your trip to the pumpkin patch to get lost in a maze. Centre Island just unveiled its new 15,000-square-foot maze composed of over a thousand cedar trees, all planted by Island locals and Toronto Boy Scouts.
Disconnect and go camping
There are plenty of options for camping in and around Toronto but new this year is Camp Reset (August 13-16), a non profit event being described as a digital detox that will cure you of your iPhone addiction, if just for a few days. Activities will include a pyjama dance party, fusion yoga and glow-in-the-dark capture the flag. No devices allowed.
Check out Toronto's beautiful public gardens
Take advantage of the warm weather and take a stroll through one of the city's top public gardens. It's the perfect spot for a mini escape from the concrete jungle - and from the Pan Am Games pandemonium. Edwards Gardens is always a top spot, but even the city hall green roof offers a dose of respite.
Visit Toronto's newest park
Need more of a reason to spend a few hours at the Aga Khan Museum? Now you can plan a visit without even going inside thanks to the unveiling of this immaculately landscaped park complete with trees, shrubs and serene reflecting pools that highlight the architecture of the two buildings that bookend this space.
Escape the city without leaving Toronto
We're lucky to live in a metropolis that's blooming with pockets of nature. Spend a day at one of these havens to detox and unwind by the beach, in a park or in the woods. Aside from occasional CN Tower sightings, you'll think you left Toronto behind altogether.
Explore the freshly revitalized Queens Quay
After years of construction and commuter nightmares, the new Queens Quay has officially opened in Toronto, just in time for summer. The revitalized street is highlighted by a new bike lane that stretches from Stadium Rd. all the way to Sugar Beach, which makes for a far safer ride across the waterfront but also a much prettier one.
Shake up your running routine
Jogging can feel like death, but when you do it in a fun context, it's easy to forget the pain. From colourful to foamy to muddy, there's a ton of running events this summer that will make you actually want to go for a jog.
Keep it simple and hang out by the lake
You don't need a beach towel to have an authentic lakeside experience in Toronto. There are plenty of parks and patios right on the water that are perfect for hanging out, whether it be for a few beers, a gourmet meal, or a chance to watch the activity in the harbour.
Give horseback riding a try
Avoid heading to rural Ontario for riding lessons and saddle-up at an equestrian facility within the GTA. There are a number of options, catering to both seasoned riders and novices.
Become a walking rainbow at Toronto's Festival of Colour
Billed as Canada's first Festival of Colour, this event is based on the Hindu festival of colours, Holi. While the city has witnessed events like "Color Me Rad" in the past, this is less a test of one's fitness and more a challenge to bask in powdered paint just for the fun of it. The colourful explosion is scheduled for August 30 at Woodbine Beach.
What did we miss? Add your suggestions for things to do in Toronto this summer in the comments.
Writing by Derek Flack, Amanda Storey, and Alice Pendergast.
