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Today in Toronto: TFC Playoffs, Raptors Home Opener, Lantern Tours, HallowQueens, Food For Action

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today in torontoToday in Toronto the Raptors hit the court for a brand new season, complete with a tailgate party outside the ACC. Spooky events also begin to heat up. There are after dark lantern tours of Fort York, a couple of super creepy film screenings and HallowQueens LGBT night at Screemers. Expect a steady rise Halloween activities on screens, streets and inside houses and bars until next Monday.

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 section.

Photo by Julia Viola via the blogTO Flickr pool.


Toronto gets a bakery all about cinnamon buns

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Rosens Cinnamon Buns TorontoIf you ain't got buns, hon, head to this new shop where you can pick up a baker's dozen. You might even be able to finish them all, if others nearby don't sense the scent wafting from your box of yumminess.

Read my profile of Rosen's Cinnamon Buns in the bakery section.

New Caribbean restaurant & bar does late night snacks

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cadillac jenkinsToronto's newest Caribbean restaurant is not like the others. Serving sharable snacks and platters, cocktails and beer, it's a good option for starting out the night or counting down the minutes to last call.

Read my profile of Cadillac Jenkins in the restaurants section.

Average cost to rent a condo in Toronto goes way up

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toronto condo rentThe Toronto real estate market is a runaway train. But while we usually talk about detached, single family homes, it's time to turn our attention to the condo market.

It might seem like there's a new condo development going up daily, but according to a new report from the Toronto Real Estate Board on the third financial quarter of 2016, year over year, new listings were down 13.1 per cent.

Sales, however, were up 22.1 per cent and the average price of a condo in Q3 (July, August and September) was $415,643.

"The annual rate of condominium apartment price growth has accelerated over the past year as the supply of units available for sale became more constrained while demand remained strong," says Jason Mercer, TREB's director of market analysis in the report. "With this said, however, annual rates of price growth remain well-below those for low-rise home types."

That has a significant ripple effect on the condo rental market. Unsurprisingly, rent seems to be going up. "Average one-bedroom and two-bedroom condominium apartment rents were up substantially in the third quarter compared to 2015. The average one bedroom rent was up by 7.2 per cent to $1,777. The average two-bedroom rent was up by 7.9 per cent to $2,419," reads the report.

So what can $1,777 get you in Toronto? Take a look.

Photo by Brady Baker via the blogTO Flickr pool.

12 photos of yesterday's dazzling Torontohenge sunset

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TorontohengeYesterday Toronto had the chance to experience a magnificent sunset. That's because it was Torontohenge, that time when the setting sun aligns perfectly with Toronto's east and west streets. It happens only twice a year, and rarely does the evening commute look so pretty.

The sun dipped below the horizon at 6:18 p.m. and photographers couldn't wait to snap a shot of the phenomenon. Beyond the Torontohenge effect, it was also just a gorgeous autumn dusk that turned the city a golden hue, a brief bit a beauty that was equally worthy of capture from whatever angle.

Here are some of my favourite photos from yesterday's epic sunset.

torontohengeTorontohengeTorontohengeTorontohengeTorontohengetorontohengeTorontohengeTorontohengeTorontohengeTorontohenge20161026-blogto.jpgPhotos by @jazzy.vibes, @yesitsalexwong, @matthubbard, @gabrieltomescu, @jpbombales, @jmitchell_photo, @johnhanleyphoto, @mskishamari, @denmar411, @ronbat, @serenevistas and @blogto.

10 things to do on Devil's Night 2016 in Toronto

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devils night torontoDevil's Night is Halloween-eve, and historically October 30 is a night known for tricks and pranks, whereas October 31 is reserved for treats. Toronto's version of Devil's Night is basically a free pass to an extra night of partying. So what should you do on Sunday night?

Here are my picks for the top things to get up to on Devil's Night in Toronto.

Laugh 'till you die
Second Star present a terrifying night of comedy starting at 8 p.m at the Danforth's Social Capital Theatre. There's a costume contest and a dance party after the show, as well as drinks and snacks at the bar.

Carve a pumpkin with some nuns
Between 3:30 and 7 p.m., join the Toronto Sisters of J.O.Y. (a group of beautiful drag nuns who fight for community) for an afternoon of pumpkin carving in the Village. Pumpkins, lights and carving tools will be provided, you just need need to show up to The 519 and get creative.

Go to a floating pumpkin pool party
Meet at the northwest corner of High Park neat the wading pool, carve a pumpkin (they're provided for $2.50), light it up and set it free in the pool. This slightly creepy, but calming pre-Halloween activity will get you in the mood for the big night.

Wrestle in hell
This is a wrestling-themed Halloween party at The Contender on Dundas West. Folks are encouraged to show up as their fave WWE wrestler and there will be prizes alongside decent food and drink specials.

Watch a scary movie
The Beetlejuice screening at the Royal presented by the Scream Queens crew includes drag performance and lots of beer and yelling at the screen. Later on at the Royal, you can see the The Little Shop of Horrors and sing-a-long with it as well.

Gather 'round and listen to some ghost stories
Nine storytellers will reveal (mostly) true stories about eerie things that happened to them. This event at the Garrison will feature some of True Stories Told Live's previous favourites, and a few new faces. Costumes are optional and tickets are $15 at the door. Spine chills are free.

Hear the eerie music of Tim Burton live
The TSO performs the best of Danny Elfman's celebrated film scores brought to life on stage by an orchestra and a choir, and enhanced by the stunning visuals of Tim Burton's original sketches, drawings, story boards, and film clips on the big screen. Films include Batman, Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Halloween Frenchie parade
The third annual Frenchie Halloween parade happens in Trinity Bellwoods Park. This one is less creepy and more adorable than anything you'll see this season. Everyone meets at the main gates at 11 a.m. and slowly parades to the dog bowl for some off-leash ghoul-dog action.

Walk around the Halloween edition of Pedestrian Sunday
The last Pedestrian Sunday of the year is always a fun one, and this year it's Halloween-themed. Expect dance parties on the street, DJs, lots of costumes, random acts of scariness, and the usual food and street vendors everywhere from 1p.m. to 6 p.m.

Go to a terrifying Halloween attraction
Haunted attractions have been an especially big hit this year, and this is one of your last chances to see them before the consumer world turns its focus to Christmas. Head to Casa Loma or one of the numerous attractions just outside the city.

Did I miss a Devil's Night activity you're excited about? Let us all know in the comments.

Photo by superherb via the blogTO Flickr pool.

Condo of the week: 500 Sherbourne Street

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500 sherbourne st torontoWho wouldn't like a loft flooded with natural light from 22-foot ceilings overlooking a park (vampires aside)? Listed at $659,000, this corner unit in the 500 Condos and Lofts on Sherbourne St. boasts an open floor plan and ample light for succulents and greenery to thrive.

500 sherbourne st torontoBuilt in 2010, the unit appears brand new with a modern glass balcony sectioning off the second-level bedroom, and further complementing the corner unit's floor-to-ceiling window theme. At just under 1,200 square feet, what you see is what you get. It's an open space that's perfect for entertaining.

500 sherbourne st torontoThe master bedroom, towering over the common area, is larger than most loft bedrooms, with enough room for a desk in the corner or a nook to get in your morning yoga. While the private balcony is small, there's a rooftop terrace with chaise lounges and large picnic tables just in case the natural sunlight in your loft isn't enough.

500 sherbourne st torontoSPECS

  • Address: 500 Sherbourne Street #217
  • Price: $659,000
  • Square Feet: 1,000 - 1,199 Square Feet
  • Bedrooms: 1 + 1
  • Bathrooms: 2
  • Parking: 1
  • Taxes: $3,811.00/year
  • Maintenance Fee: $687.00/month
  • Walk Score: 94
  • Listing agent: Cameron John Weir and Maryam Zakeri
  • Listing ID: C3634983

500 sherbourne st torontoNOTABLE FEATURES

  • 22 foot atrium
  • Floor to ceiling windows
  • Extra large rooftop terrace
  • Fitness room
  • Sleek, modern features throughout

500 sherbourne st torontoGOOD FOR

Those who aspire to live in the corner loft - and get all of the amenities while you're at it. With a massive rooftop terrace, party room, sauna, fitness room and visitor parking, you'll get all of the perks of condo living in this spot.

500 sherbourne st torontoMOVE ON IF

You own a dog, or see a dog in your near future. The building has a no-pet policy, which is simply a deal breaker if you ask me.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
500 sherbourne st toronto500 sherbourne st toronto500 sherbourne st toronto500 sherbourne st toronto500 sherbourne st toronto

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

Do you think this corner unit will sell for its asking price? Let us know in the comments.

The top 17 markets and pop-ups in Toronto for November

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markets pop ups torontoMarkets and pop-ups in Toronto this November signal the busy retail days to come. Holiday shopping kicks off around the end of the month, but before then there are some creative and unique events worthy of your dime and your time.

Here are my picks for the top markets and pop-ups in Toronto this November.

BBJ Pre-Holiday Pop-Up Shop (Nov. 3, Eleven)
Barbie's Basement Jewelry presents this one-day pop-up in collaboration with Jason Oord's photography opening Life Through the Extraordinary Lens. BBJ's glittery, handmade goods offer super super cute and unique takes on pop culture.

Lucia Rose Jewellery x Chance & Fate Pop-Up (Nov. 4-6, Souvenir)
Souvenir is a lovely little shop on College near Landsdowne, so any excuse to visit is a good one. This weekend-long pop-up will feature jewelry from Lucia Rose and cozy clothing from Chance & Fate.

The World's Best Tuque (Nov. 4-6, 12 Ossington Ave.)
Frontier, a Toronto-based creative exploration company, tried to create the perfect Canadian winter hat. This adorably Canadian pop-up shop is completely dedicated to functional and good looking tuques. Issues of Frontier magazine will also be for sale.

EcoFair (Nov. 6, Artscape Wychwood Barns)
Entry is free to this eco-market at the Wychwood Barns. Explore greener life options at this event with eco-car test drives, clothing repair stations and a pop-up adventure playground for kids (sorry adults).

Really Really Free Market (Nov. 5, Campbell Park)
This one happens once a month, but it's worth mentioning because, duh, it's actually free. How does it work? "Share, Take, Do Both or Neither; No Barter, No Money." Okay, there are some ground rules for this mostly-clothing market; you can fill up only one small IKEA bag.

Tabasco Hawker Market (Nov. 10, Wychwood Barns)
This one-night-only market for the food-obsessed is happening in partnership with Tabasco hot sauce and Canada's Group of 7 Chefs. Sample hawker-market inspired dishes, hangout with the chefs and stuff your face.

Evening at the Market (Nov. 10, St. Lawrence Market)
Tickets are $75 for this night market experience, but how cool is it to be able to hang out in the market from 7 to 10 p.m? Your ticket includes food from all 64 of the food vendors, plus drinks and entertainment.

Etsy Market (Nov. 12, Gibson House Museum)
The Gibson House in North York welcomes Etsy craft makers on November 12. There's also an adorable tea room where you can grab treats and tea and think about how your next DIY creation.

Craftadian Christmas pop-up (Nov. 12, First United Church)
Go west to Port Credit in Mississauga for this pop-up market on the Lakeshore. Get a head start on your holiday shopping with local goods ranging from natural skincare to personalized stationery. Arrive before 10 a.m. to receive a swag bag (while quantities last) filled with handmade goodies. Admission is $3.

Trinity Bellwoods Flea pre-holiday market (Nov. 19, Studio Bar)
Studio Bar regularly hosts the Trinity Bellwoods Flea, but it's the pre-holiday edition of this market that steals all the spotlight. The organizers have curated a group of 75 vendors over two days to give you a jump start on your holiday shopping. Admission is free and there's always cocktails and music.

Meet Bua pop-up (Nov. 19, Nuvango)
You know that painting of a DJ spinning that you've probably seen in so many bars and coffee shops? It's called The DJ and this pop-up shop features the artist! He'll be giving a talk, teaching a drawing seminar and then you can check out his art show. Admission is free and Nuvango will be giving away free prints as well.

Toronto Christmas Market (Nov. 18-Dec. 22, Distillery District)
One of the city's favourite early-winter events is this Christmas Market at the Distillery District. Organizers recently announced that you can pay $20 to skip this line, which might be worth your time if you want to do all the shopping and eating and carolling you can while you're down there. It's free during the week and $6 on weekends.

Gladstone Flea: November Market (Nov. 20, Gladstone Hotel)
Enough of this holiday shopping business! The Gladstone flea is still keeping things all about fall, and why not enjoy this beautiful season more? Sweaters! Vintage stuff! Local crafts! All right next to the Gladstone cafe where you grab brunch before you shop or after.

Holiday Shopping Social (Nov. 23, Toronto Yoga Mamas)
This holiday shopping social from 1 to 7 p.m. features vendors, sweet stuff and most importantly, champagne. The entire retail boutique is on mega sale during this afternoon hang out.

One of a Kind Show (Nov. 24 - Dec. 4, Enercare Centre)
This is perhaps the biggest and greatest "pop-up" this month. The mammoth arts, crafts, clothing, etc. sale is the ultimate gather of vendors in one spot so you don't have to walk the chilly streets looking for something unique. Head to their website for a list of vendors and ticket info.

Pixel & Bristle Design & typography market (Nov. 26, Drake Underground)
This is one of the coolest markets every time it comes around. It brings together the work of some of Toronto's most talented designers, illustrators and typographers to show off and sell their prints, cards, gifts, signage, coasters, wall art, mobiles, bags, banners, textiles, mugs, and a lot more.

Country Christmas Market (Nov. 26, Elgin West Community Centre)
This cozy market in Richmond Hill will be packed with York Region-based artists and Etsy vendors. There's a $2 entry fee, but it's free with a food donation.

Did I miss your favourite market or pop-up you think we should all know about? Let us know in the comments.

Photo of Souvenir by Hector Vasquez.


TFC builds the hype for first ever home playoff match

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TFC playoffsToronto FC will host its first ever home playoff game tonight, and the team is building up the hype with a video that captures their road to playoffs along with a number of pre-game celebrations. Major League Soccer fans have waited a long time for this moment, and you can bet that they will voraciously cheer on the Reds as they take on the Philadelphia Union in this one-and-done battle.

The festivities start with a march from the Brazen Head to BMO Field at 5:30 p.m., where a sea of red-adorned fans will get into the playoff spirit prior to match time. Even if you don't have tickets, you can show your team pride during this collective show of support.

Upon arrival at the stadium, the team is hosting pre-game party and concert featuring the Trews before a second march to the stadium is planned for all those who didn't make the first one. The festivities will wrap at 7 p.m. when ticket-holders will head to their seats for the big match.

Game time is 7:30 p.m. It's been 10 years since the TFC landed in Toronto, and now's their biggest chance to leave a mark. Check out the video below to get hyped up for the occasion.

Photo via TFC's Facebook page.

The Best Shoe Stores in Toronto

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best of shoe stores torontoThe best shoe stores in Toronto will let you outfit your feet in style. From massive department stores to small, independent retailers, this city has plenty of shoe stores for men, women and children. Whether you're on a budget or want to invest in a pair of Louboutins, there's a store for you.

Here are the best shoe stores in Toronto.

Toronto suburbs to get first snowfall of season tonight

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snow torontoThe first snowfall of the year could hit the Greater Toronto Area tonight, but it looks like the city itself will be spared its first run in with winter weather. Anywhere from two to five centimetres of snow is expected for areas to the north of Toronto like Barrie.

According to an Environment Canada special weather report, wet snow is likely tonight. "Well, it was bound to happen eventually," reads the report. "For what seemed like an eternal summer which lingered well into September and even October, snow is about to make its first appearance of the season."

Toronto, on the other hand, might see some rain. There's lots of precipitation in the forecast for the rest of the week, but hey, at least it's supposed to be 16C on Saturday!

Photo by Scott Rogers the blogTO Flickr pool.

Major Yonge St. intersection closed for rest of month

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Yonge Richmond closedTraffic woes continue in downtown Toronto as more major construction, this time at Yonge Street, is clogging surrounding streets. The work is part of extensive TTC track replacement and sidewalk repairs that earlier this month closed the intersection of Bay and Richmond.

Now that work has pushed further east, and Yonge and Richmond will be completely shutdown starting at 6 a.m. tomorrow (October 27) until 7 a.m. on October 31. Construction crews are scheduled to work around the clock to expedite the repairs required at the busy intersection.

In the meantime, here's some of the pertinent information from the City of Toronto about the closure:

  • Westbound traffic on Richmond Street will be forced to detour at Victoria Street.
  • Motorists can use alternative routes such as Wellington Street, King Street or Queen Street.
  • Southbound traffic on Yonge Street will be diverted at Queen Street.
  • Northbound traffic on Yonge Street will be diverted at Adelaide Street West.
  • Only local traffic will be permitted on Yonge Street in both directions approaching the intersection.
  • Not traffic will be able to go through the intersection during the closure.
  • Church Street, Bay Street or University Avenue are alternative north-south routes.

You can buy the home that used to belong to Tim Horton

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tim horton house torontoFor a diehard Leafs (or donut) fan, there's a property that just hit the market that might pique your interest. That's right, the house that used to belong to the late, great Tim Horton is up for the sale.

It's located at 1382 Warden Ave. in Scarborough, and it's listed for $699,900 - but owning the ultimate piece of hockey memorabilia is priceless. The real estate listing doesn't make anything of the famous former resident, but he did live there while playing for the Leafs in the 1950s.

This bungalow features three (plus two) bedrooms, three bathrooms, wood floors and updated stainless steel appliances.

Along with playing for the Leafs in the 1950s and 60s, Horton, who died in 1974, also founded our country's most well-known chain of doughnut shops.

What do you think? Does hockey/entrepreneurial history increase the value of this home? Let us know in the comments.

Toronto steps closer to killing bid for Expo 2025

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expo 2025 torontoAfter hours of deputations, Toronto's executive committee has taken the recommendations outlined by city staff and voted to not support the development of a bid to host Expo 2025 in the city.

On Friday, city staff released a report outlining why they couldn't responsibly support such a bid. They did, however, recognize the magnitude of such an event, writing, "Expo 2025 has the potential to be the largest and most impactful economic and cultural event held in Canada since Expo '67."

Yet, they had trepidations about securing funding from all three levels of government.

Expo could have cost $6 to $7 billion, a number that included the cost of certain capital projects, such as the development the Port Lands (including flood protection), East Bayfront Transit, the Gardiner East and Lake Shore Boulevard Reconfiguration as well as the construction of the Expo pavilions and grounds.

The staff report also spoke of concerns about whether these projects could be completed on time and the possibility that potential delays might lead to significant cost overruns.

Proponents of Expo 2025 said the benefits of it far outweighed the cost. Along with generating money for the city, Expo advocates said it would help expedite infrastructure projects (like the Port Lands), while thrusting Toronto further into the global spotlight.

Marcello Cabezas, co-chair of Expo Next - a group engaging under 45 and millennials to be inspired by Expo - told us he thought Expo 2025 was a unique opportunity to showcase Toronto as a diverse and technologically advanced city.

"We, in our group, would not be recommending this, if we didn't fundamentally believe this was the best thing for our city and our country."

Earlier tonight, Mayor John Tory put forward a motion to leave council open to considering future Expo bids, like in 2030, for instance. And, the motion regarding whether or not to bid for Expo 2025 still has to go before city council. So hope isn't completely lost for Expo proponents just yet.

Photo by Kelvin Sei in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Today in Toronto: Snoop Dogg's Birthday Party, Seance of the Century, Nightmare on King Street, TEDx

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Snoop Dogg TorontoToday in Toronto there's a few major anniversaries going down, including Snoop Dogg's birthday party, a seance in an old funeral home, the TEDxToronto kick-off and TIFF's Boombox bash, which is Star Trek-themed this year. We're checking off every type of entertainment for you this Thursday going into Halloween weekend.

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 section.

Photo of Snoop Dogg by Brian Morton.


50 year old Toronto diner gets a major upgrade

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Harrys Diner Bar restaurant TorontoOne diner in Toronto has been serving classic burgers, breakfasts, coffee and beer to hungry late night and morning-after crowds since 1968...and that's not about to change anytime soon. Grant van Gameren and Nate Young lend their restaurant expertise to this place, but only in order to stay as faithful to the haunt they love so well as possible.

Read my profile of Harry's in the restaurants section.

Toronto gets a new destination for Chinese chicken

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Jackpot chicken Rice TorontoIf you're craving chicken there's a new restaurant in Toronto to try. From soft skin poached chicken with amazing rice to roast chicken with a sambal glaze, there's lots to like here.

Read my profile of Jackpot Chicken Rice in the restaurants section.

Toronto Restaurant Openings: Superpoint, Village Pizza, Su & Bu, Anchor Bar, Dark Horse Espresso

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toronto restaurant openingsToronto Restaurant Openings highlights the latest restaurant openings in Toronto and also gives a preview of what's coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.

OPEN NOW

  • Chef Jonathan Poon and his team behind popular West Queen West spot Bar Fancy have just opened a new pizza joint at 184 Ossington Ave. called Superpoint. If the pies and pasta here are as delicious as Bar Fancy's fried chicken, then sign me up. A back bar will soon follow.
  • It seems this city can't get enough 'za, as Village Pizza has opened a second location at 761 Dundas St. W. (just west of Bathurst). Thanks, Obama!
  • Su & Bu (short for "sushi & burrito"), one of the food stalls at the CNE this year, now has a permanent location at 106 John St. (and at 8020 Bathurst St.), the space previously occupied by Union Juice. The sushi burrito mini-chain's slogan is "where Tokyo meets Tijuana," and officially opened yesterday.
  • Buffalo, NY's Anchor Bar, the "home of the original Buffalo wing," crossed the border and expanded to Hamilton awhile back, and now it's also come to Toronto, at 636 Dixon Rd. in Etobicoke, so now you don't have to travel as far to get your fill of these world-famous wings.
  • The Poke Box launched last week at 36 Toronto St. in the Financial District, serving up custom take-out poke boxes to the working masses.
  • Dark Horse Espresso Bar's new location in the Canary District at 416 Front St. E. is now open.

RECENTLY REVIEWED

OPENING SOON

  • Wafels & More, an authentic Belgian waffle shop (with waffles made by a real Belgian!) should be opening very soon at 237 August Ave. in Kensington Market.
  • Fat City Bar will (re)open at 890 College St. where Fat City Blues used to operate. The concept is similar to the previous iteration with a focus of New Orleans food and drink to go along with live jazz, blues, funk, and soul.

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

Photo of Superpoint Pizza by Hector Vasquez.

5 Toronto activities your whole family will love

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family activities torontoToronto activities your whole family will love can be done all year long. We all know there's always a party or a gallery opening, a festival or new restaurant to check out, but what about the fun stuff everyone can join in on? These activities are perfect for almost any age and family unit, whether it's a day out with your favourite niece and nephew or your own kiddos.

Here's a short list of activities your whole family will love.

Go for a hike in a Toronto ravine
Take the clan to Rouge Park (soon to be the country's first urban National Park) or the Glen Stewart Ravine for a complete escape from the city into a world rich with wildlife and lush greenery. Our city's ravine systems are and enviable place to let everyone's imagination run wild.

Go to the symphony
The TSO might seem like a place exclusively for grown ups, but it also lightens things up with its Young People's Concerts every few months on Saturdays. These are very special events and only happen a few times a year, so plan in advance. There are often films to go along with the music to keep everyone's attention.

Go rock climbing
There are four fun rock climbing options at Rock Oasis that make sure all family members are entertained, including lessons and a kids' play zone. Everyone's gets to climb something at one point or another if you choose to visit this place.

Skate at Maple Leaf Gardens
For adults. it's a chance to relive the glory days of the Toronto Maple Leafs. For smaller humans, it's a mostly a chance to skate to their heart's content on a dazzling rink. There are free community skates one Sunday (and some Mondays) a month at the rink now housed in the Mattamy Athletics Centre.

Spend a day at the AGO
The AGO will keep the little ones under your watch entertained with a great mix of kid-friendly programming. There's a huge kids area in the basement with ping pong, dress-up and arts and crafts, family days on Sundays and interactive gallery explorations. There's a also a sort-of-secret screening room on the top floor so you can go to the movies too.

baciThanks to Baci Perugina for sponsoring this post

Photo by Andrei P in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Toronto crowdfunded startup embroiled in controversy

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Smart ParkaToronto is the launching pad for many successful, crowdfunded startups, like Mass Fidelity and even Loka, the restaurant on Queen Street West. But one record-breaking Kickstarter campaign is starting to stir up controversy just as winter begins to creep in.

Smart Parka (or Smarka) by North Aware, as CBC reports, broke a site-wide Canadian record after raising nearly $3.5 million on Kickstarter. However, some backers are miffed because they haven't received their jackets yet.

Originally, the Smart Parkas were supposed to be manufactured in Canada and made with down filling and real fur. Production has, however, since switched to China, and the company's using a synthetic, microfibre filling as well as fake fur.

Brendan Panikkar, a North Aware Spokesperson, told CBC that by moving production to China, the company would be able to get the parkas out faster.

"We're not Amazon," he told CBC, noting that North Aware might have been a bit over zealous with its delivery dates. "We're on Kickstarter, and delays are quite common."

He did however note that the synthetic filling is actually more expensive than down, and that the decision to shy aware from real fur came after they got some complaints.

When delivered, these all-in-one parkas will come equipped with gloves, scarf, length extension, hat pouch and tech pockets.

Photo via @north_aware.

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