If you want to change your phone plan, you might want to wait a few months since it'll soon be a lot easier to switch service providers in Toronto.

That's because, as MobileSyrup reports, new CRTC rules say starting on December 1, anyone can request to have their phone unlocked free of charge. All new phones must also come unlocked.

Wow, starting in December, all new phones sold in Canada must be unlocked and existing phones can be unlocked for free. CRTC did a great job

— WhiteTiger (@WhiteTigerAE) June 15, 2017

Prior to this, telecommunications companies charged customers around $50 to get their phones unlocked. A locked phone can only be used with the service provider that sold it.

Waiting to see how the big 3 carriers in Canada will collude to screw their customers in wake of the #CRTC decision on unlocked phones.

— 🍻chico_valdez (@findchico) June 15, 2017

According to CBC, Canada telecom companies made $37.7 million last year through unlocking fees. 

Food halls might be the next food courts in Toronto, especially in and around the downtown core. Now, the Financial District is going to get in on the action with  the Assembly Chef's Hall that's slated to open at 111 Richmond St. West, in the same building that houses Google's Toronto office.

A post shared by Assembly Chef's Hall (@eatassembly) on Jun 5, 2017 at 10:59am PDT

Details remain sparse, but it's marketing itself as a place where Toronto's top chefs will assemble. It's poised to take up 18,000 square feet of space when it opens this fall.

According to a PR rep, this incoming food palace will be similar to Eataly and will include a cafe, market area and beer hall.

It takes over a space once destined for a Queen Margherita Pizza that never opened.

Toronto Food Events rounds up the most delicious festivals, pop-ups, wine maker dinners, supper clubs and other food related happenings in Toronto this week and next. You can find us here every Friday morning.

In a few short hours, it'll be the weekend. And it's time to get ready for another scorcher.

Temperatures are expected to hit 29 C on Saturday, according to Environment Canada. With the humidex, however, it could feel like 37 C. On Sunday, it's supposed to be 28 C, but there are thundershowers in the forecast on both days. 

There's lots to do outside this weekend, including multiple food and street festivals.

Some of the cities public outdoor pools open tomorrow, if you need to cool off. And you might need to grab a cold drink on a patio today if the mercury does indeed soar to 30 C. 

Some Toronto bars can both cause and cure your hangover. Start your day off on a good note at one of these watering holes for weekend brunch where eggs and pancakes get paired with coffee and boozy drinks.

Here are my picks for the top bars for brunch in Toronto.

The Lockhart

Toronto's Harry Potter-themed bar on Dundas West mixes up brunch-time potions to go with eggs bennies, bread pudding French toast and chicken and waffles with maple syrup.

Dakota Tavern

This Ossington music venue hosts its bluegrass brunch on weekends where an AYCE feast comes with scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausages, breakfast potatoes, fruit salad and coffee.

The Steady

This Bloorcourt bar hosts dance parties at night and then wakes up early to serve brunch on weekends. Menu highlights include vegan doughnuts and a chipotle breakfast tostada.

3 Speed

The menu at this Bloordale mainstay is always changing but brunch here usually means fried egg sandwiches, omelettes or frittatas. Don't miss their Caesars served in pint glasses.

Midfield Wine Bar & Tavern

The popular Dundas West wine bar doesn't miss out on brunch with a seasonal assortment of dishes including tostadas, grain bowls and bagels.

The Beaver

This West Queen West favourite is the place to start mornings with sausage breakfasts or the ultra-hearty chicken tinga bowl that comes packed with steamed eggs, chicken, chorizo, cheddar, avocado and tortilla chips.

3030 Dundas West

Grab a stoutpresso and a granola bowl or a breakfast burrito stuffed with cheese and scrambled eggs at this bar in the Junction.

Orchard

This Bloordale bar will serve you freshly apple oat bread for weekend brunch along with a super indulgent stuffed French toast.

Hole in the Wall

This hidden bar in the Junction features full English breakfasts and smoked house hash on its brunch menu.

Pray Tell

This Little Italy snack bar will wake you up with some avocado toast, yogurt parfaits and grilled cheese sandwiches along with Caesars and mimosas.

Toronto's real estate market might be starting to slow down, but it looks like rental prices in the city are still on the up and up.

Apartment listing website Padmapper tracks the monthly rental prices for 25 cities across Canada. According to its latest analysis, which looked at the median rent prices for one and two bedroom units in May 2017, Toronto has the second most expensive rental market in Canada - Vancouver ranked number one.

Top 10 most expensive rental markets in Canada. Survey say: @reincanada via @padmapper#vanre#yyzre#yycrepic.twitter.com/XCGpuR7x2k

— Don R. Campbell (@DonRCampbell) June 1, 2017

Since April 2017, rental prices for one bedroom units increased 2.3 percent to $1,790. Prices on two bedroom units went up 2.2 percent to $2,300. Year over year, these prices increased 14.7 percent and 15 percent, respectively.

What exactly could you get in Toronto last May? This two-bedroom basement unit in Regent Park was listed at $1,650. The one-bedroom at Dovercourt and Bloor was more indicative of the monthly median as it was listed for a cool $1,800. 

Running events in Toronto this summer weave their way through the city and include charity dashes and fun runs. There’s truly a little something for everyone, from full on marathons to 5K sprints.

Soft serve ice cream in Toronto is a must have when temperatures begin to rise. Lucky enough, supreme swirls and frosty peaks are suddenly everywhere and being given some major upgrades with wild flavours and outrageous toppings.

Here are my picks for the top places for soft serve ice cream in Toronto.

Hollywood Cone

Epic shakes and titantic eighteen-inch-long sundaes aren't the only reasons to visit this West Queen West ice cream shop. They also top their creamy vanilla soft serve with a variety of candies and chocolates. 

A post shared by Valentine Valentine (@valchp) on Jun 1, 2017 at 2:41pm PDT

Eva's Original Chimneys

Gone are the days of chasing down this Toronto food truck for a doughnut cone filled with soft serve. They now boast a shop in the Annex and a larger than life menu featuring over a dozen cone flavour options.

A post shared by HeeJoo the Hungry (@hungryhungryheejoo) on Apr 9, 2017 at 2:04pm PDT

Bar Ape

Here's another food truck turned brick and mortar. Unlike their miniature gelato truck this St. Clair West shop has a rotating menu of soft serve available in flavours like guava, passion fruit and strawberry. 

A post shared by Bar Ape Gelato Co《Bar"Ah-pay"》 (@bar_ape) on Jun 8, 2017 at 2:41pm PDT

Bunner's Bake Shop

On the hunt for vegan soft serve in Toronto? Look no further than this bakery in Kensington Market. Please note soft serve cones are not available at their Junction location.

A post shared by blogTO (@blogto) on Jun 8, 2015 at 11:41am PDT

Sweet Jesus

This ice cream parlour with various locations around Toronto arguably has some of the best soft serve in the city. While you can order soft serve straight up i'd opt for pimping out your cone in one of their wild and wacky flavours. 

A post shared by Hyomi (@ohhyomi) on Jun 15, 2017 at 4:10pm PDT

Tsujiri

Satisfy cravings for matcha soft serve at this Japanese chain in Little Tokyo. Other flavours available include houjicha and plain old vanilla.

A post shared by Sofiya (@s_yusia) on Jun 15, 2017 at 4:59pm PDT

Tom's Dairy Freeze

This Etobicoke ice cream shop opened in 1969 and has retained its old school charm. It's only opened during the warmer months and features soft serve swirls, dipped cones and candy toppings.

A post shared by My Girl & Sweets 💏🍦 (@mygirlnsweets) on Jun 7, 2017 at 5:21pm PDT

Roselle Desserts

You can't scroll through your Instagram feed without coming across one of the soft serve offerings from this Corktown bakery. Their most popular is their Earl Grey flavour but they change it up from time to time.

A post shared by Q I N G. 📍Toronto (@qingaling) on Mar 10, 2017 at 9:02am PST

Kekou Gelato

There's no plain vanilla soft serve at this Queen West shop. Instead, you'll find flavours like jasmine tea, almond tofu, tangy yogurt and passion fruit poured into cups and cones.

A post shared by Isabelle Salinas Rello (@isaboule22) on May 22, 2017 at 6:15pm PDT

La Diperie

The Montreal import with a location on the Danforth only does vanilla soft serve but don't fret. There's over a dozen dips to choose from as well as tons of toppings to take your cone to the next level.

A post shared by Lea 🌸 (@leaburbiz) on May 14, 2016 at 1:47pm PDT

For ice cream as dark as your soul, head to one of the sunniest places in Toronto: Trinity Bellwoods Park.

That's because the city's newest ice cream shop iHalo Krunch, located at 915 Queen St. W., sells ice cream infused with the internet's latest wellness obsession, activated charcoal. It opens on June 17.

Of course, Instagram feeds in New York City and Los Angeles are already filled with #GothIceCream, but now yours can be too.

At iHalo Krunch, ice cream comes in house-made charcoal waffle cones (made from coconut husks) filled topped with flavours like coconut charcoal soft serve, ube, ube and coconut charcoal swirl, matcha and vanilla bean.

While black-on-black ice cream is certainly aesthetically pleasing, some of its supposed wellness and detoxifying benefits are dubious at best. 

Weekend road closures are hitting their peak in Toronto as street festivals ramp up for the start of summer. This Saturday and Sunday will be particularly busy as food fests, parades, and running events take over.

Here are the major route closures to be aware of this weekend.

College Street between Bathurst and Shaw streets will be closed from Friday, June 16 at 6 p.m. to Monday, June 19 at 3 a.m. for the always popular Taste of Little Italy. Drivers should probably avoid the area altogether.  

The TTC’s 506 and 306 night transit service will divert in both directions via College Street, Ossington Avenue, Dundas Street, Bathurst Street and College Street. 

Eglinton Avenue between Dufferin Street and Ronald Avenue will be closed from Friday, June 16 at 2 a.m. to Monday, June 19 at 4 a.m. to accommodate Flavours of Fairbank. 

The Highland Creek Heritage Festival and Parade will close Old Kingston Road between Watson Road and Kingston Road, and Morrish Road between Kingston Road and the south side of 226 Morrish Rd., on Saturday, June 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

There are two main roads closures in conjunction with the Waterfront 10K Race on Saturday, June 17: University Avenue between Queen and Dundas Streets from 4:30 to 9 a.m. and Lake Shore Boulevard between Bathurst Street and Colborne Lodge Drive from 4:30 to 11:30 a.m. 

Danforth Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic between Broadview and Playter avenues on Saturday, June 17 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Thrill of the Grill. 

Pride is kicking into high gear, and Church Street will be closed between Wood and Gloucester streets from Saturday, June 17 at 9 a.m. to Monday, June 19 at 2 a.m. for the VillageFest. 

University Avenue between Bloor and Wellington streets will be closed on Sunday, June 18 from 8 a.m. until noon to accommodate Journey to Conquer Cancer.

The Yorkville Exotic Car Show will close Bloor Street between Avenue Road and Bay Street on Sunday, June 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. as all the luxury rides are put out on display. Bring a bib.

And, of course, the MuchMusic Video Awards will cause some headaches for drivers along Queen Street West thanks to street closures and loud teenage screaming. 

There will be a series of roads blocked for the MMVAs in the area bounded by Richmond Street in the south, Queen Street in the north, Simcoe Street in the east and Peter Street in the west from Sunday, June 18 at 4 p.m. to Monday, June 19 at 3 a.m.

In addition, the following TTC bus diversions will be in effect from 8 a.m. on June 18 to 3 a.m. on June 19: The 501/301 Queen eastbound replacement buses will divert east on Queen Street at Peter Street, while westward routes will head south around the area via University Avenue. 

Don't forget! There's also a major closure on Line 1 this weekend and a host of other surface route diversions on the TTC.

Secret places to explore in Ontario are generally off the beaten path, so even if people have heard of them, they rarely make the trip to go see these attractions and natural wonders. Yet, everyone should. There are some truly spectacular places to explore in this rugged province.

Here are 10 secret places to explore in Ontario this summer.  

Flowerpot Island

The massive rock formations at Flowerpot Island were formed over millennia and they're one of a number of gems you'll find if you make the trek to Tobermory (there are also shipwrecks and a nearby grotto). You can only get there by boat, but the dramatic landscape is certainly worth the 6.5 kilometre ride.

Balaclava ghost town

It's a bit of a hike to get to Balaclava (located just west of Renfrew), but the gorgeous old mill at the centre of the once thriving community here is worth the trip. The town was founded in the mid 19th century, but eventually faded when the supply of nearby timber was depleted.

Quite possibly the most beautiful place to swim in the province. Photo by twurdemann.

Bridal Veil Falls on Manitoulin Island

You can't go wrong by exploring Hamilton's array of stunning waterfalls, but Bridal Veil Falls on Manitoulin Island will make you feel like Tom Cruise and Elizabeth Shue in Cocktail. You can actually swim under the waterfall! By mid summer, the water temperature is actually quite friendly. 

Dorset Lookout Tower

This off-the-beaten-track lookout tower near Lake of Bays is noteworthy for the undisturbed beauty it soars above. When mist rises from the lake in the morning, the scene can seem almost unworldly it's so gorgeous. At 142 metres, you get a panoramic view of Muskoka.

Bathtub Island

The problem with swimming in Lake Superior is that it's so damn cold, but that's not the case at this mini Island in Katherine's Cove. Lake water collects in shallow rock formations and is then heated by the sun. There's a bit of a sandbar to help you cross the cove, but you'll get a bit cold on the way over.

Barber Paper Mill

These beautiful old ruins date back to the 1860s along the Credit River in Georgetown. Various development projects have been pitched for the area, but a heritage designation in 2008 has helped to slow the process, which means it's still possible to explore.

These sand cliffs are bigger than they look. Photo by Ontario's Southwest.

Sand Hill Park

This hidden gem on the shores of Lake Eerie is like Sandbanks but better. The size of the sand hills is surreal, but the best part is trying run down to the water before inevitably tumbling into the soft sand. You can camp overnight here, but it's best as a day visit.

Eagle's Nest Park

This natural lookout features multiple vantage points to gaze out across the rugged land that stretches west towards Haliburton. The two-level wood structure is your best bet for photo-taking, though the trails that line the ridge also make for a pretty hike. If you're lucky, you'll get to see a small plane land at the airport below.

The stunning interior of the Tyendinaga Cavern. Photo by Gabrielle Holowacz.

Tyendinaga Cavern and Caves

There are actually lots of cool caves to explore across Ontario, but the Tyendinaga Cavern is special for its aquamarine wishing well and the friendly staff who give guided tours. This is a subterranean treasure that owners Charles and Elizabeth Koch speculate is 100,000 years old. 

Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve

This rugged bit of Crown Land outside of Gravenhurst is probably the best place to stargaze within a few hours of Toronto. But it's also remarkable during the day when you can explore the lake and surrounding barrens while camping for free.

Toronto’s premier school of comedy The Second City is about to start a new term of classes and we want to give you a chance to get in on the action. We've teamed up with them to give two lucky readers a chance to win free classes for seven weeks.

Check out all the contest details here.

Toronto is currently experiencing a golden age when it comes to our already fabulous restaurant scene, and nothing proves that more than a trip to Taste of Toronto. Grant van Gameren took the Best in Taste Award and serves up octopus, chorizo and pork as well as avocado and shrimp dishes at his tent, but there's much more than that to taste.

Check out the highlights from this year's Taste of Toronto in this photo gallery.

Take a trip back to 1967 and remember the summer of love in Toronto. Instead of congregating around Yorkville - the former epicentre of local hippie culture - this love-in will happen at Trinity Bellwoods Park.

The picnic, from Urban Temple Toronto as well as the Toronto Psychedelic Society, ERGOT and New Human City, will celebrate 50 years since the summer of love, the grassroots movement that began in San Francisco and made its way north.

"This will be a coming together of intentional, conscious groups of people, everyone from muscians, dancers, artists, shamans, psychedelic groups, meditators, contact improv, ecstatic dancers, yogis, singers, drummers, and anyone else who is interested in hanging with a spiritual community," reads a description on the picnic's events Facebook page.

You can participate or just hang out on a blanket in the sun at picnic area 8, near Gore Vale and Queen, on July 9. 

Toronto's Trump International Hotel and Tower has been mired in controversy for a long while now. But the president of the United States' name might soon disappear from our local skyline.

That's because, according to Bloomberg News, the hotel might be getting a new name. "Marriott is the lead candidate to take over the brand and management contracts from the Trump Organization for the 65-story tower in Canada’s largest city, people close to the transaction said," reports Bloomberg.

Other options include Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.'s Waldorf Astoria brand, Mandarin Oriental International Ltd., as well as keeping the current name.

At the end of March, the building at Bay and Adelaide was sold to its main debt holder, JCF Capital, for $298 million.

As overall sales plummet in Toronto, predictions that housing prices are set to drop can be found all over the place. Still, a perusal of sold homes over the last month reveals that there are still a few pulling in big numbers above asking. 

These are almost invariably detached homes in competitive/desirable neighbourhoods priced in the $1 million to $2 million range. It's certainly possible to argue that these are just places that have hit the market lower than they're worth, but that's not the only variable here.

This three bedroom detached home just off the Danforth seemed a bit low at its $1.3 million list price, but ultimately garnered enough of a bidding war to drive the final sale up to $1.8 million, which then put it a bit higher than you'd expect ($1.5M or $1.6M seems more reasonable).

The Essentials

• Address: 95 Arundel Ave.
• Hit the market at: $1,399,000
• Time on market: 8 days
• Selling price: $1,800,000
• Amount over asking: $401K

Why it sold for what it did?

This house has lots going for it, from the oversized master bedroom to the renovated main floor to the large backyard and two car garage. It might only be three bedrooms, but it certainly doesn't seem small, and detached houses certainly haven't flooded this neighbourhood.

Was it worth it?

It'd be intriguing to know what this place would have gone for if it hit the market in mid summer. As it happens, it was sold while home prices were still riding high. In that context, the selling price makes sense. 

The best prix fixe menus in Toronto will give you an appetizer, main and dessert at a discount. There’s no need to break your budget or overwhelm with menu options when you dine here.

Here are the restaurants with the best prix fixe menus in Toronto.

Toronto's Little Tokyo is the unofficial moniker for the stretch of Dundas West between Bay and University that used to be referred to as Old Chinatown. Here you'll find an abundance of Japanese and other Asian restaurants serving up sushi burritos, indulgent ice cream and more.

Here are my picks for the top restaurants, bakeries and cafes to visit in Toronto's Little Tokyo.

Japango

While it may be tiny, this sushi joint is among the best in the city. If you choose to dine in, you might end up sitting on top of your neighbour, but don't worry because the fresh fish more than makes up for the cramped quarters.

Rolltation

This take out joint is all about sushi burritos and poke bowls. Everything here is 100% customizable. Select ingredients and decide on whether you'd like them in a sushi burrito, poke bowl or salad.

Don Don Izakaya

Head upstairs to this izakaya and fill up on small plates of Japanese food as well as lots of drinks. Don't miss the fried chicken, a perfect accompaniment to your frozen beer.

Yutaka

This sushi emporium doles out fresh fish for lunch and dinner. If you're looking for something special, go for the omakase.

Sansotei Ramen

This restaurant usually has a line that snakes out the door as crowds clamour for steaming hot bowls of pork-based tonkotsu ramen.

Tsujiri

It's all about matcha at this Japanese cafe. Get your green tea fix with a latte, sundae or a shaved ice treat. There are also pastries, parfaits and macarons available.

Uncle Tetsu's Angel Cafe

Unlike Uncle Tetsu's other spots around the city this cafe offers the option to sit down and dine in. The menu boasts a variety of cheesecakes along with hot and cold beverages.

Fugo Desserts

Head here for an Instagrammable dessert, like the cookie monster cone featuring blue cookies and cream ice cream and mini Chips Ahoy cookies in an Oreo-encrusted cone. Or go for the Crispy Comb that comes with fresh honeycomb.

Hong Shing

This long standing Chinese restaurant is open late so whether your craving General Tao's Chicken at lunch or after the bar you can get your fix.

Green Republic

Tucked inside an office building on Elizabeth street, this multi-faceted space serves up custom salads, sandwiches and poke bowls along with a variety of grab and go treats, breakfast and espresso drinks.

Farmers' markets pop up in most Toronto neighbourhoods once per week to offer fresh produce and other locally made foodstuffs. Stop by to support the folks producing delicious food on our city's doorstep.

Here are my picks for the top farmers' markets in Toronto by neighbourhood.

Annex

Find the Bloor/Borden Farmers' Market in the parking lot at Bloor and Lippincott from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the spring and summer.

Bayview and Leaside

Toronto Botanical Garden hosts a Thursday market from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. year round. It features organic meat, local produce and raw unpasteurized honey, as well as a collection of  vendors.

Bloordale

The market at Dufferin Grove Park happens every Thursday throughout the year. In the summer months, you'll find vendors lining the sidewalks hawking produce, locally pressed olive oil and ready-to-eat fare from the park's wood-burning oven.

Brick Works

You can get to the Evergreen Brick Works market via a shuttle bus from Broadview station. Here, 50-plus vendors sell everything from fresh flowers to breads. Experience it on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Cabbagetown

The Cabbagetown Farmers' Market takes place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays from May to October in West Riverdale Park. 

Cityplace

Get out of your condo and shop this Urban Market that runs from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Concord Presentation Centre.

Danforth

Rain or shine, find the Withrow Market up and running every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Withrow Park. Meet urban beekeeper Brian Hamlin and shop his wares while loading up on fresh veggies and French-style sourdough.

Danforth East

The farmers' market run by MyMarket at East Lynn Park runs Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Expect fresh eggs, butter tarts and seasonal produce from Ontario farms as well as prepared food vendors.

The Trinity Bellwoods farmers' market. Photo by Morris Lum.

Dundas West

The Trinity Bellwoods Farmers' Market runs on Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the north-west corner of the park. More than two dozen vendors sell their goods here.

East York

Stock up on Ontario produce, baked goods, honey and preserves at the East York Farmers' Market. The outdoor market runs mid-May to October on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the East York Civic Centre.

Etobicoke

Shop local and enjoy a little al fresco dining in a landscaped picnic area at Montgomery's Inn Farmers' Market all year long on Wednesdays. from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Financial District

The Nathan Phillips Square Farmers' Market brings fresh fruit and veggies, cheese and fresh bread straight to city hall on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Junction

The Junction Farmers' Market runs at the Junction train platform  from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. every Saturday. This one gets busy!

King West

The Metro Hall Farmers' Market brings local growers and food purveyors together every Thursday from late May to late October, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in this courtyard off King Street West.

Leslieville

The Leslieville Farmers' Market draws crowds to Jonathan Ashbridge Park on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here you'll find seasonal delights from local farms, plus artisanal sourdough from De La Terre and treats from Earth & City and Augie's Ice Pops.

The Liberty Village Farmers' Market. Photo by Morris Lum. 

Liberty Village

The MyMarket in Liberty Village transforms the Green P on Hanna Street with vendors on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the summer months. 

North York

At Mel Lastman Square, the farmers' market runs on Thursdays from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. from May until October.

Regent Park

Now branded as the Taste of Regent Park, this weekly farmers market runs from the end of June through the summer. Find it every Wednesday starting at 5 p.m. followed by a movie and a meal.

Roncesvalles

The The Sorauren Farmers' Market runs year-round on Mondays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. In the summer , you'll find the market int a grassy parkette at the corner of Wabash and Sorauren Avenue, while in the winter it moves inside to the Field House.

Scarborough

UTSC Farmers Market is an on-campus source for produce, bread, cheese and more. In the summer, find vendors every Wednesday from 11 a.m. 3 p.m. at parking lot number 4. In the winter, it's indoors at The Meeting Place.

St. Clair West

The Stop's farmers' market at Wychwood Barns is open all year lon. Head here on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon to fill up on sandwiches from Dundas Park Kitchen and shop.

St. Lawrence Market

On Saturdays from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., the world's best marketplace gets even better as an influx of merchants congregate to sell fresh fruit and veggies, baked good and organic meat under a big white tent just south of the main market building.

Yonge and Dundas

Appletree Markets and Ryerson Eats host a farmers' market from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the corner of Gould and Victoria streets every Wednesday from mid-May until the first week of October.

Yonge and Eglinton

Appletree's Uptown Market opens on the front lawn of St. Clements Church every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. from June to October.

Cottage getaways from Toronto are a summer tradition. For many, Muskoka is the default destination when imagining cottage country, but there's are so many other areas worthy of consideration when renting a lakeside retreat for a weekend or more. As nice as Muskoka is, it's also busy, expensive, and a nightmare to get to on a Friday afternoon.

Here are five other cottage destinations that'll make you forget all about Muskoka.

Haliburton

Haliburton is every bit as rugged and beautiful as Muskoka, but with fewer major resorts, it can be a superior destination for those who want to soak up natural life on a lake rather than hear powerboats and jet skis zooming by. Minden, the area's central town, is kind of like the anti-Port Carling with no taco joints or massive pubs.

The Kawarthas

You can get to the Kawarthas in about an hour and a half from Toronto in decent traffic, all while avoiding the dreaded trip up the 400. This cottage area boasts lovely little towns like Fenelon Falls and mostly affordable cottage rentals throughout the region. With lots of quiet back roads, this is an excellent region for cycling.

Havelock-Belmont-Methuen

The name is entirely forgettable, but this is one of Ontario's hidden gems when it comes to cottaging. Anchored by the railway town of Havelock, which hosts a massive jamboree every summer, cottage rentals around here go for roughly way less than Muskoka despite the beautiful scenery.

Huron County

From party towns like Grand Bend to lakeside communities like Bayfield, the east side of Lake Huron offers sunsets, sandy beaches, and a rural landscape that's nothing like Muskoka. Cottages here tend to be far less wooded, but significantly cheaper and with stunning views across the major lake.

Frontenac County

If you're willing to extend your drive to the area north of Kingston, you'll be treated to a wonderland of rugged lakes, all of which are cheaper to rent cottages on than those in Muskoka. Both regions look quite similar landscape-wise, but Frontenac county is less developed and that makes it feel like more genuine escape.