No matter which way the Toronto real estate market is trending, some houses are always going to attract huge attention. A detached three bedroom in North Toronto that seems comparatively attainable at its $1,395,000 list price compared to many of the larger homes in the area is a sure bet for plenty of bids.

This house at 265 St. Clements Ave. was view 73 times over the six days it was being shown, ultimately receiving 11 offers. The winning bidder is on the hook for just under $2 million, which represents a significant jump but still doesn't seem particularly outrageous.

It's a solid house that's been well renovated and includes a spacious basement that'll easily serve as extra living space, especially with kids in the equation. There's nothing here that'll blow your hair back, but it's a turn-key property in a highly regarded neighbourhood, which helped fuel the final price.

The Essentials

• Address: 265 St. Clements Ave.
• Lot size: 24.93 x 133.81 feet
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 3
• Hit the market at: $1,395,000
• Time on market: 6 days
• Sold for: $1,937,000
• Listing agent: André Kutyan

Why it sold for what it did?

Detached. Three bedrooms. Decent backyard. North Toronto. 

Was it worth it?

In the absence of the recent renovations to this house, it'd probably have gone around its listing price, but with the updated kitchen and bathrooms, it's no surprise that it crept up to near the $2 million.

Canada Day events in Toronto are everywhere thanks to the sesquicentennial. Now that we're celebrating the country's 150the anniversary, there's no wonder people want to get out, ignore business and road closures, and party. Be sure to see some fireworks too. 

Torontonians have been enjoying long weekends for over 150 years, which is sometimes easy to forget as we struggle to join the exodus to cottage country when these short holidays come around.  

But, looking back, it's fascinating to recall the recreation activities of the past. These candid photos cast our forebears in a different light than you'll find in most historical photos.

Instead of the staged, often rather serious portraits found in the city archives, these images show the people of the 1910s, 20s, 30s, and 40s at play: goofing for the camera, fishing, enjoying games, and generally relaxing.

In honour of the Canada Day long weekend, here's a look at how Toronto used to take time off work.

Boy with fishing catch, 1934.

Miss Marjorie Laing at lunch. June 1, 1930.

Families relaxing at Crowes Beach on the Humber, circa 1926.

An elderly couple dancing in 1934.

Obligatory picture of the dog ("Tinker") wearing a hat, 1930.

Tinker the dog jumping for sausages, 1930.

Boyd family picnic at Islington, 1926.

Unknown group on a fishing boat. Exact date unknown.

Girl fishes from a bowl to promote the sale of Ontario fishing permits, 1930s.

Kids paddling at Hanlan's Point in 1907, Hanlan's Hotel and regatta in the background.

Roadside picnic in High Park. July 1, 1942.

Bathers in the lake at Sunnyside near the Humber River in 1912.

The Sunnyside swimming pool, nicknamed The Tank and reportedly the largest in the world when it opened, in the 1940s.

Clowns handing out prizes to all the participants in the Tiny Tots race at the annual TTC staff picnic in 1928.

Nail hammering competition (of all things) at the 1928 TTC picnic.

Clowns Sam Hill and Sam Cohen stage a pillow fight for the children of TTC staff.

Kids line up for a race. Hamburgers and frankfurters for sale in the background.

Italian women during a tug-of-war. August 1, 1932.

On Wasaga Beach. July 4, 1926.

Photographer Nat Turofsky (far right) and his family on a fishing trip to the French River region.

Woman and fish smiling in the 1940s.

Margaret Reycraft of the Globe and Mail at lunch, 1930.

Women fishing off a jetty, 1908.

Cider bars in Toronto show off the bounty of our Ontario cideries as well as foreign imports. These watering holes will change the way you think of this fermented apple beverage, so get out there and drink up.

Here are my picks for the top bars for cider lovers in Toronto

Her Father's Cider

As Toronto's first all-cider bar, this spot knows its stuff. With 12 taps and more than 100 different bottles, there's lots to try at this spot on Harbord Street.

Cider House

For cider flights and pub grub, visit this restaurant and bar in Roncesvalles that's super cozy thanks to its refurbished barn wood wall.

Birreria Volo

It's not all about beer at this Little Italy spot from the folks behind Bar Volo. There are always a handful of ciders on tap as well as funky bottles for you to try.

Wvrst

There's way more than just sausage and duck fat fries here! This beer hall has lots of cider on offer both on tap and in bottles from both Ontario and around the world. 

Only Cafe

With a rotating tap list, this bar on the Danforth includes lots of seasonal options for cider lovers. Expect to find Ontario cideries represented here. 

The CN Tower just turned 41 years old, and you'd still be hard-pressed to name a building that's defined Toronto more powerfully. Love it or loathe it, the massive concrete structure has dominated the city's skyline and provided a visual reference since 1976.

The tower itself is something of an oddity. Its practical use is as an AM, FM, UHF, and cell transmission tower, but a built-in observation deck, glass floor and rooftop fright-fest entice more than 1.5 million tourists a year up the dizzying exterior elevators.

Sydney has the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, New York has the Brooklyn Bridge, and Toronto has the CN Tower. The slender concrete column is an international icon that has made the city instantly recognizable. Few buildings are able to do that.

This is the story of how Toronto's architectural wonder came to be.

The land now occupied by the CN Tower's hexagonal foundation was, in its original form, water. Almost everything south of Front Street is built on fill, dumped construction material dropped in to the lake over the last 100 years that gradually extended the shoreline south to its present position.

The new space gave Canadian National Railways room to build a tangle of sidings, roundhouses, and train sheds around the Union Station corridor.

For much of its early life the reclaimed land south of Front Street was a sprawling industrial area of soot-stained concrete and surface parking. The Gardiner Expressway zipped past just to the south and silos dotted the lake shore.

It was in the 1960s, when Toronto's buildings began to head skyward, that things began to change.

As Mies van der Rohe's Toronto-Dominon Centre then Commerce Court West each claimed the title as tallest in the city, TV and radio reception became patchy and viewers increasingly found episodes of Ozzie and Harriet, Lassie, and re-runs of The Andy Griffith Show were being blasted into static oblivion.

The solution was to build a transmission antenna tall enough to beat even the highest Bay Street bank tower. The project was also a good excuse to partake in a little building bravado by snatching the title of the tallest freestanding structure from Moscow's Ostankino Tower, also a TV and radio mast.

In fact, the tower itself was one of the few pieces of the larger Metro Centre project ever to be built. Had it been realized in its original form, Union Station would have been demolished and the Yonge line would have gained a Queens Quay spur through an expansive new retail and commercial district.

Early plans for the broadcasting tower were vaguely similar in appearance to Seattle's Space Needle and developers promised a large triangular reflecting pool surrounded by a 10-acre park at the base of the tower for skating and wading. A mall and beer garden would also be built, they said.

Metro Centre died when the provincial and federal government recommended Union Station be retained and CN and CP, the principal backers, subsequently pulled out. The earmarked land would, however, provide space for the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, CityPlace, and CN's new radio mast.

At the time CN and CP jointly owned CNCP Telecommunications, a company developed out of the company's old wire service businesses, so building a large concrete signal hub wasn't entirely unusual for the transportation company.

At 553 metres, the scale of the CN Tower was immense. 56 metric tonnes of soil was hauled out of the ground for the 17-metre foundation pit. The hexagonal structural core of the tower was surrounded by poured concrete shaped using a massive mold called a slipform.

Each new section was built on top of the last, aided by a crane perched on a 500-tonne platform on top of the rising column. 1,537 workers worked on the project 24 hours a day, five days a week, from official groundbreaking ceremony on February 6, 1973.

The tower always had its detractors. The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association warned that "sooner or later an aircraft is bound to strike it possibly killing people in the tower and on the ground as well as those in the aircraft."

The Federation of Ontario Naturalists estimated 1,000 birds a day could be killed in foggy conditions during peak migration periods."We'll live to regret it if we let this monstrous dart go up," Alderman Elizabeth Eayrs told city council.

Ironically, improved reception actually had a negative impacted on some TV content. As a TV writer for in the Toronto Star predicted, the stronger signal killed the tradition of American networks releasing their new shows on Canadian television ahead of the U.S. premier in an attempt to discourage cross-border viewing.

The added range from the new CN transmitters made Canadian signals stronger than those that used to bleed over the border from New York, which would potentially allow Americans to easily tune in to Canadian stations and catch a sneaky glimpse of All In The Family.

Despite the outcries and accusations CN was building an "obtrusive monument to itself," the gigantic, $21 million construction project was allowed by council, but not before it had already reached 300 metres in height.

By August 1973 the concrete stump was the tallest structure in Toronto and in February 1974 it claimed the crown as the tallest in Canada, taking the mantle from the Inco Superstack, a giant chimney in Sudbury.

Just 18 months after the foundations were scooped out, work began on the seven-storey observation deck, revolving restaurant, and radome - the inflatable white donut-shaped object at the bottom of the main pod where much of the communications and other electronics are housed.

CHUM-FM, CBC Radio 2 (then CBC Stereo), CKFM, CHFI, and CHIN were the first stations to move their equipment in '73.

Unlike the main support column, the pod was supported by a steel frame. Dizzying photos show metalworkers straddling massive I-beams with nothing between them and a 1,100-foot drop to the rail tracks below.

Above the top SkyPod, the top observation level, a Sikorsky helicopter named Olga was called in to complete the final step - hauling up the 102-metre antenna mast in pieces from the ground. The 42 sections were delivered in March 1975 and would be the last that contributed to the overall height of the CN Tower.

Disaster almost struck as Olga was being used to dismantle the crane and construction platform that was perched at the top of the concrete core. While removing the first piece of the boom, a sudden shift caused the supporting bolts to seize, effectively tethering the aircraft to the tower.

With fuel running low, steel workers had to burn off the stuck bolts to avoid a crash. The helicopter landed with 14 minutes of gas to spare.

The incident underlined the need for adequate safety features in large freestanding towers. In the event of a fire, the main 1,776-step staircase would be one only two safe exits from the main pod.

To illustrate the dangers, on 27 August, 2000 the Ostankino Tower caught fire 458 metres above the ground, killing three people.

To combat these risks, the CN Tower is fitted with fire-proof materials and an extensive sprinkler system fed by a pair of 68,160-litre water tanks at the top of the main column. One elevator is powered by emergency generators and is designed to remain active in an emergency.

A fire house on the ground is capable of reaching the upper levels and, just to be safe, the kitchen in the restaurant doesn't use an open flame during cooking.

Naturally, the current owners are keen to stress there has never been a fire since the building opened to the public, but that doesn't mean it's never happened.

On July 8, 1975, molten metal from a welder's torch dripped down an elevator shaft and ignited a patch of tar-based waterproofing, leading to two uncontrolled fires about 150-metres above the restaurant.

Four nearby workers scrambled to safety up a flight of stairs while others on the lower levels were able to descend. Chemical extinguishers put out the fire while the emergency services were assembling at the base of the tower but the damage was estimated at around $1,000. The four welders workers were treated for smoke inhalation and minor cuts.

The CN Tower was officially completed on April 2, 1975 and opened to the public on June 26. A variety of attractions have been added since: the highest wine cellar in the world, the incredibly unsettling glass floor, and most recently the terrifying EdgeWalk experience.

CN sold its stake in the tower in 1995, prompting a crisis about what CN should stand for now the railways were no longer involved. The new owners opted for the slightly clunky "Canada's National Tower," which is admittedly better than the Canada Lands Company Tower.

Maple Leafs fans hoped the new 16.7 million colour LED light display that adorns the elevator shafts and main pod could be used as a goal light during their heartbreaking and brief cup run this year. No dice, said management. It's Canada's tower - no corporations allowed.

CN Tower Facts

• Total cost: $63 million ($21 million in 1973)
• Height: 553.33 metres (1,815 feet and 5 inches)
• Weight: 117,910 metric tonnes (130,000 tons)
• Concrete: 40,524 cubic metres (53,000 cubic yards)
• Tensioned Steel: 998 kilometres (620 miles)
• Reinforcing Steel: 4,535 metric tonnes (5,000 tons)
• Structural Steel: 544.2 metric tonnes (600 tons)
• Steps to the top: 1,776
• Minutes for a full restaurant revolution: 72

Additional Images

The CN Tower's shadow falls on a surface lot in 1975.

Parking lot at the foot of the CN Tower.

The unfinished CN Tower from the Gardiner.

The construction platform and crane.

The pod in the early stages of construction.

Construction from the railway lands.

A model showing an early concept for the SkyDome.

The CN Tower with GO trains on the Union corridor.

It's summer in Toronto so, naturally, photos of epic ice cream creations and other frozen treats are taking over Instagram feeds city-wide. Every week it seems something new has arrived, making your summer bucket list that much tastier. 

Here are my picks for the most popular summertime treats in Toronto right now.

Black ice cream from iHalo Krunch

Toronto now has a destination for black ice cream, and people are lapping it up. The curious have been lining up for upwards of an hour on West Queen West to get their hands on - and a Instagram photo of - this epic-looking soft serve. 

A post shared by Toronto Food (@torontofood) on Jun 14, 2017 at 6:22am PDT

Asian ice cream from Wong's Ice Cream

Black sesame and salted duck egg, wasabi honey, Vietnamese coffee and chocolate yuzu are among the many scoops of ice cream available at this East Chinatown spot. 

A post shared by blogTO (@blogto) on Apr 19, 2017 at 1:09pm PDT

Mutant shakes from Hollywood Cone

This West Queen West ice cream parlour has opened its doors and is serving up some of the most epic milkshakes in Toronto. Shakes are available in flavours like Talk Nerdy To Me, which features Nerds and sour belts.

A post shared by Patricia (@paatty.cakes) on Jun 24, 2017 at 1:59pm PDT

Soft serve from Kekou Gelato

On the hunt for unique soft serve in Toronto? Look no further. This Queen West shop is where you can get your fill of flavours like jasmine tea, almond tofu, tangy yogurt and passion fruit.

A post shared by Jesi | Pepperminting (@jesipepperminting) on May 21, 2017 at 10:32am PDT

Doughnut cones from Eva's Original Chimneys

Gone are the days of hunting down this Toronto food truck. Now boasting a brick and mortar location in the Annex you can get your hands on one of these must-try cones no matter the day or weather. Just prepare to lineup. 

A post shared by @_zhouu on Jun 25, 2017 at 7:56pm PDT

Thai ice cream rolls from Arctic Bites

Since opening its doors in spring 2016, the Baldwin Village shop has seen steady lineups to watch ice cream be rolled right before their eyes. 

A post shared by Abhishek Dekate (@abhishekdekate) on Jun 17, 2017 at 6:17am PDT

Hong Kong style waffle ice cream cones form Bang Bang

These monstrous cones from the Ossington parlour are a popular choice year after year. Load up on freshly baked Hong Kong style waffles with your choice of ice cream. While the wait for these top notch cones may be long, it's well worth it.

A post shared by vick cammie (@vickcammie) on Apr 28, 2017 at 8:35am PDT

Ice cream tacos from Booyah

These picturesque ice cream tacos from the St. Clair West ice cream parlour draw the crowds. The treat comes with three scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, toppings and chocolate or caramel sauce. Yum!

A post shared by knamtran (@knamtran) on Jun 26, 2017 at 11:21am PDT

Matcha soft serve from Tsujiri

Toronto's matcha obsession is in full force thanks to this this global chain in Little Toyko. Matcha flavoured soft serve gets perfectly laid into a waffle cones and the result is both stunning and delicious.

A post shared by Bar Ape Gelato Co《Bar"Ah-pay"》 (@bar_ape) on Jun 28, 2017 at 2:21pm PDT

Soft serve gelato from Bar Ape

Toronto's favourite gelato food truck has gone brick and mortar. Bar Ape's St. Clair West storefront is dishing out soft serve gelato in all sorts of intriguing flavours.

A post shared by Sweet Jesus (@sweetjesus) on May 13, 2017 at 9:04am PDT

Soft serve ice cream cones from Sweet Jesus

If you visit Sweet Jesus and don't take a photo of your ice cream cone did it ever really happen? That seems to be the case as this ice cream chain has been one of the most Instagrammed destinations in Toronto. 

A post shared by d a n i e l l e b l a c k (@danielleblack) on Aug 5, 2016 at 1:21pm PDT

Dole Whip floats from Seven Lives Paleteria

Don't miss out on the frozen treats from Seven Lives' offspring. The thing to get at this Kensington Market spot might just be the Dole Whip floats. It's dairy-free pineapple-flavoured Dole Whip soft serve, pineapple juice, a maraschino cherry and a cocktail umbrella.

A post shared by You You (@youyou_gram) on Jun 27, 2017 at 2:50pm PDT

Churro ice cream cones from Panchos Bakery

The Mexican bakery has taken churros to the next level, shaping them into cones and filling them with ice cream. Pro tip: The Kensington Market location is beside a graffiti wall making a wicked back drop for Instagram photos. 

A post shared by Brett's (@brettsicecream) on Jun 24, 2017 at 6:52am PDT

Cake batter ice cream cones from Brett's Ice Cream

The Beaches ice cream parlour is loading ice cream into cake batter cones. Flavours include birthday cake and even creamsicle, and there are even a few gluten-free options.

A post shared by Krystle (@dineandfash) on Apr 16, 2017 at 11:54am PDT

Soft serve from Roselle Desserts

People flock to this Corktown dessert joint to get taste for creamy soft serve in unique flavours like Earl Grey. 

A post shared by Marianne & Gabrielle (@2epeau) on Jul 6, 2016 at 2:06pm PDT

Dipped soft serve from 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 Rachel Dinh | Toronto 🍁 (@racheldinh_) on May 30, 2017 at 5:35am PDT

Specialty milkshakes from Peace Treats

The gourmet milkshake bar can be found located inside Peace Collective on Ossington. On the menu you'll find epic shakes like "Go Shawty, It's Your Birthday" which comes with a big 'ol slice of cake. 

A post shared by Tina Dao (@simplyteee) on Jun 25, 2017 at 6:14pm PDT

Rainbow ice cream cones at CutiePie Cupcakes

Make your way to this bakery in Chinatown to get your hands on some of the most Instagrammable cones in the city. Rainbow batter is formed into cones and filled with champagne-vanilla twist ice cream.

A post shared by TORONTO_FOOD™ (@toronto_food) on Apr 21, 2017 at 3:55pm PDT

Ice cream sandwiches from Short & Sweet Bakeshop

The Yonge & Eglinton bakery has introduced a menu of ice cream sandwiches for the summer. Cookies and brownies are loaded with ice cream and toppings. 

A post shared by 😘 (@hellomj_) on Jun 10, 2017 at 7:10am PDT

Cookie Monster cones from Fugo Desserts

If you're a fan of Sesame Street you're going to love this summertime treat. The Little Tokyo shop does a Cookie Monster cone with scoops of blue cookies and cream ice cream, Chips Ahoy minis and crushed Oreos.

Beach getaways from Toronto don't have to involve air travel. While humble Ontario might not have anything to compete with equatorial destinations, there are more beach-based escapes than you might imagine within a short drive of the city. 

Here are my picks for the top beach weekend escapes from Toronto.

Wasaga Beach

Featuring 14 kilometres of fine-grain sand on Nottawasaga Bay, this is one of the prime destinations for those looking to escape to the beach. On summer weekends the place is absolutely packed with everyone from bro-dudes in neon-rimmed sunglasses to young families soaking up the sun. Shallow waters help to keep temperatures swimmable.

Grand Bend

Rivalled only by Wasaga for its full-out beach culture, Grand Bend is, quite simply, a party. It's also huge, featuring over 30 kilometres of beaches lining the Luke Huron Shore. With a main drag that feels like it's cut and pasted from Florida, the beach lifestyle isn't reduced to sunny days, but lingers into the evening and night with rowdy patios. 

Turkey Point

Lake Erie has the warmest waters of the Great Lakes thanks to its relatively shallow depth. This is good news for those who like to spend as much time in the water as on the beach. The area features a shallow beach with decent sand that's primarily used by cottagers in the area. 

Sandbanks

Home to one of the province's nicer (and busier) campgrounds, Sandbanks is a beach vacation for those on a budget. With the provincial campground occupying the best beach area, all you need to do is reserve your spot, set up camp and then hit the beach. The vineyards of Prince Edward County are only a short trip away.

Cobourg Beach

While not really a secret, this is one of those vacation destinations that tends to fly a little bit under the radar compared to the province's other beach getaways. The water doesn't really get comfortably swimmable until mid July, but the long arcing beach is a great place to chill out and watch the waves roll in. 

The beautiful shores of Lake Huron at Sauble Beach. Photo by O.Ng.

Sauble Beach

Sauble Beach is one of the longest freshwater beaches in the world, and the population of the town swells to over ten times its usual size in the summer months with tourists out to take advantage of the white sandy beach and those famous Lake Huron sunsets. While not quite as raucous as Grand Bend, the summer beach vibe here is similar.

Long Point

Over 40 kilometres in length, there's tons to explore on Long Point. Not all of the point is accessible, but it's still amazing to walk out as far as you can for a look at the shanty cottages, wildlife, and glistening waters of Lake Erie. The Provincial Park is the main places to stay if you haven't rented a cottage.

Port Stanley

Port Stanley is a cute harbour town on Lake Erie with a big sandy beach that attracts a decent number of tourists over the summer months. The temperature of the lake is a major plus (it's comfortably swimmable by the end of June) and the attractions like the old 1940s steam train provide good fun for family-oriented vacationers.

Port Elgin

For all of its ruggedness, Bruce County might be at its most beautiful while gazing westward across Port Elgin's main beach at sunset. Dusk here can seem otherworldly, so much so that one begins to wonder if the giant nuclear power plant might have something to do with it all (it doesn't). 

Crystal Beach

This white sandy beach on the shores of Lake Erie gets very busy, but that just gives it a party vibe reminiscent of American beaches much further south. Don't go here if you're looking for peace and quiet, but do seek it out if you want to meet people and take in the spectacle.

Toronto's obsessed with the world's biggest rubber duck, which floated into town yesterday. After it docked at HTO Park— where it'll spend the rest of the weekend — curious onlookers quickly flocked to the beach to get a look at the enormous bath toy.

The official unveiling took place today at around 11 a.m., but as late as 1 a.m. last night people were still trekking down to the waterfront for a look (it actually has a cool glow at night). 

It's hard to explain how big this thing is. There are stats like six storeys and 30,000 pounds, but you only really get a sense of the scale when you stand beside it and stare up at its vaguely sinister half-smiling face. 

A look inside the duck is another way to frame the scale. You could actually transport a small army in here. Could this be the Trojan Horse of the 21st century? It'd be hard to think of something more disarming than an oversized rubber duck.

Contrary to my imaginings, you need not fear the duck. It's all in good fun, and has proven to be a legitimate social media phenomenon. Even if you think the whole thing is terribly hokey and a giant waste of money, it's a good excuse to head down to our lovely waterfront.

The duck can be viewed from July 1 to 3 at HtO Park (near Queens Quay and Rees St.). It'll then make the journey to Owen Sound, Sault Ste. Marie, and eventually Midland.

Free events in Toronto this week give us concerts, markets, movies, park parties, street festivals, and beer gardens. It's never been easier to have fun without spending a dime.

If a picnic in a Toronto park is relaxing, then a picnic in a mostly unknown Toronto park is downright restorative. Escaping away for a quiet meal in the midst of the urban wilderness is a way to slow things down and reflect on how beautiful this city is. There are plenty of great parks to picnic in Toronto, but these are the hidden gems.

Here are five secret parks for a picnic in Toronto.

King's Mill Park

This hidden gem is part of the Humber Valley and just on the other side of the better known Etienne Brule Park. There are scenic river views, lots of secluded benches, and very few park-goers to share the space with. If you like the collision of nature and the urban environment, the underside of the bridge over Bloor St. is sure to delight.

Craigleigh Gardens

One of the most picturesque places in Toronto, Craigleigh Gardens is hidden away near Castle Frank subway station. There's grassy space in this gated area, but also plenty of nooks and crannies where you can grab a bench or table to set up your spread.

Canadian Film Centre

Not technically a park, but probably the most consistently deserted place on this list on summer weekends, the grounds of the Canadian Film Centre are located on Bayview Avenue between Lawrence and York Mills. The ample green space is tranquil and is attached to Banbury Park if you want explore after you eat.

Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens

Edward's Gardens gets all the acclaim, but Alexander Muir is a hidden gem in the heart of North Toronto. There's hardly ever anyone in this place, despite the fact that it boasts manicured gardens and pristine grassy areas to sit for a while. If you want the utmost privacy, wander away from Yonge St. where the gardens become more dense.

Cudia Park

Cudia is often overlooked when it comes to Scarborough Bluffs-area parks. Located just to the east of the of Cathedral Bluffs, it's typically quiet, offering stunning views of the beach below, and has a sizeable grassy area where you can set up a blanket and while away the day. It also remains open despite restricted access to the Bluffs this year.

If you're visiting Toronto or are just taking a staycation, why not get acquainted - or reacquainted - with the city? Summertime is jam-packed with activities, events and festivals, so take advantage of the season, and get out there!

Here are 10 fun ways to be a tourist this summer in Toronto.

Hit up a rooftop pool

Sweet talk your way up to the Thompson Hotel's rooftoop or book a table at Lavelle and enjoy panoramic views of the skyline, yummy food and drinks, and a dip in the pool.

Dine at a sky-high restaurant

Take the afternoon off and treat yourself to a swanky meal at Canoe - it's located on the 54th floor of the TD Tower on Wellington. The One-Eighty at the Manulife Centre also offers sweeping views of the city, along with popsicle cocktails. 

Go shopping for Toronto paraphernalia

You wouldn't leave a new city without a souvenir now would you? Show a local retailer some love and visit spots like Peace Collective, the Drake General Store, the Spacing Store, Crywolf and the Tuck Shop Trading Co., for all your Toronto-themed goodies. 

Join a brewery tour

Learn how beer is made from local brewers at spots like Steam Whistle, Amsterdam, Henderson, Black Oak or Great Lakes. Or take an Old Toronto Beer tour and delve into brews from Toronto's past. 

Take a hike

It's easy to get lost in the urban jungle, but step off the sidewalk and onto one of the many walking trails or lakeside paths that dot the city. If you'd rather use two wheels, explore our local green spaces on your bike. Be sure to take a stroll through the new Ontario Place park too.

Soak up some Toronto history

Go full-on tourist at hop on one of those red double-decker buses. Or, if you prefer to walk around the city, take a tour with Muddy York or the Tour Guys. Better, yet, get a list of some of historical spots and do it all on your own. 

Revel in the view

The CN Tower's lookout floor got a makeover and now it's more accessible than ever. If that's too touristy for you, check out some of the more unique and secret places to see (and photograph!) the skyline.

Get cultured

Take time to visit one of our cultural institutions, like the ROM, the AGO, the Aga Khan Museum or the free Power Plant art gallery. If you're more into performance, see a big Mirvish spectacle or take in a show at one of our excellent indie theatres. 

Play some games

Toronto has a new gaming centre right in the heart of downtown. Check out the Cineplex Rec Room is you're into arcade games and sports. For something more low key check out bars like Tilt, Nightowl, Track & Field or Snakes & Lattes.

Eat your way through the city

Start off at St. Lawrence Market with a peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel and then consider taking a food tour to get a taste of city. Alternatively, grab some wacky ice cream or compile a list of must-try restaurants and get eating.

What's open and closed on Canada Day Monday 2017 is a bit more straightforward than this past Saturday. While the statutory holiday is being observed on this day, the majority of the city is back to regular working hours.

Here's what's open and closed on July 3 in Toronto. 

General
 

Closed

• Government offices
• Banks
• Post offices

Open

• The TTC will operate on a holiday schedule.
• Libraries

Food
 

Closed

• Many restaurants tend to favour Mondays as their day off. Calling ahead is recommended.

Open

• Grocery stores

Drink
 

Open

• LCBO
• Beer Store
• Indie bottle shops

Malls
 

Open

• All shopping malls across the city will be open on July 3.

Attractions
 

Open

• Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. West) - 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• CN Tower (301 Front St. West) - 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Hockey Hall of Fame (30 Yonge St.) - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Ripley's Aquarium of Canada (288 Bremner Blvd.) - 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• The Ontario Science Centre (770 Don Mills Rd.) - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen's Park) - 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Gardiner Museum (111 Queens Park) - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Canada's Wonderland (1 Canada's Wonderland Dr.) - 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• The Toronto Zoo (2000 Meadowvale Rd.) - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Outdoor swimming pools
• Movie theatres

Restaurants with stunning interior design in Toronto give diners the chance to drool over the decor as well as their meal. These destinations put emphasis on everything that meets the eye making for a truly intriguing and immersive experience.

Here are my picks for the top restaurants with stunning interior design in Toronto.  

Figo

Found at the corner of Adelaide & John near King West is this breathtaking Italian restaurant. The room is bathed in light and features plenty of muted pastels. The floors are polished concrete, while the ceiling is patterned with blooms.

Breathtaking light fixtures hang over every table at El Catrin. Photo by Jesse Milns.

El Catrin

This Distillery District spot has to be the most beautiful Mexican restaurants in Toronto. The vibe here is Day of the Dead on acid. Large, chandelier inspired lighting fixtures light fill the enormous space decorated with smiling skulls, neon flowers and a giant murals.

An octagonal bar can be found on the main floor of Lena. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Lena

This massive restaurant located in the Financial District has taken over the former Hudson Bay space. The restaurant embraces the building's historical elegance with its etched stained glass, oxidized copper cornices and grand staircases.

Oretta is beautifully decorated from the floor to the ceiling. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Oretta

King West is home to a sophisticated, but casual Italian restaurant with a chic mid-century modern environment. The space gives off '60s vibes and is airy with pastel and jewel tones. It also sports mesmerizing swooping arches.

A visit to Bar Raval will transport you to Spain. Photo by Josh Chong.

Bar Raval

The younger sibling of Bar Isabel feels unlike any other restaurant in Toronto. Lined in deep, curved mahogany paneling, the Little Italy spot pays homage to the intricate Gaudi houses scattered across Barcelona. 

Patria's dining room has a Spanish theme. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Patria

Tucked a few meters away from busy King West, Patria aims to recreate Barcelona style tapas, though don't be fooled, this place is anything but casual. The piece de resistance has to be the colourful, needlepoint creation hanging above the staircase.

The interior of R & D is anything but basic. Photo by Jesse Milns.

R & D

The Chinatown project of MasterChef Canada winner, Eric Chong and MasterChef judge, Alvin Leung, boasts an enormous space divided into three different spaces. Each is filled with Chinese street art-inspired murals and lit by large, drum lights.

Kiin has a transformed what was once a dark space into a bright and airy one. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Kiin

What use to be the location of Khao San Road has been transformed into a space that is hardly recognizable. The restaurant near King West was once relatively dark, and now it’s brightened by several windows with shutters that recall royal houses in Thailand.

Cozy up in a leather booth at Toronto's Alo restaurant. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Alo

Not only is this Queen West destination one of the best spots for cocktails and the tasting menu experience in the city, but it also boasts a spectacular interior. Its a luxe atmosphere swathed in cool greys and blues and accented with warm woods and brass light fixtures.

Estia's chandelier is a real showstopper. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Estia

The establishment turned over from NAO Steakhouse and is now a elegant restaurant specializing in seafood. Now the Yorkville space is dominated by jewel tones of burgundy and teal and a huge wall of velvet that makes the place feel timeless.

The top day trips from Toronto are all about packing in as much fun as possible without spending too much time in the car. The best one-day sojourns require less than four hours total driving time (there and back), which still leaves an astounding number of options for those looking to escape the city.

Here are my picks for the top day trips from Toronto.

Pamper yourself at a Scandinavian-stye spa

Toronto has some pretty fine spa options, but if you want to get away from the city and relax in an absolutely gorgeous setting, Scandinave Spa is the ultimate day trip. Because there's a registration system for the baths, it never gets completely overcrowded. It's a bit of a hike, but you'll be completely relaxed on the way back.

Nerd out on Toronto's transit history in Halton

If you think vintage streetcars and and other transit vehicles are cool, the Halton Radial Railway will be a wonderland for you. There's old Peter Witt and PCC streetcars among the host of relics here. You can even ride on the little track they have!

Do Niagara Falls a bit differently

It's the ultimate day trip from Toronto, so much so that Niagara Falls has become completely predictable. Shake it up next time you go by really soaking up the kitsch at the Flying Saucer restaurant before cruising along the Niagara Parkway (by car or bike) to the little town of Chippawa just southeast of all the tourist action.

Stroll across an epic suspension bridge

Located on the outskirts of Campbellford in Ferris Provincial Park, the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge is a must-visit destinations. It spans 300 feet above a quick rushing section of the Trent River and offers stunning views of Northumberland County.

The lush valley bellow Dundas Peak. Photo by Mr. Walczak.

Go for a hike at Dundas Peak

There are so many places to hike around Toronto, but few are as pretty as Dundas Peak, particularly in the fall. As an added bonus, you can check out some of the spectacular waterfalls in the area.

Try out rock climbing at Rattlesnake Point

Rattlesnake Point is a great place to try out rock climbing for the first time, particularly if you don't mind crowds. It can get rather busy here due to its proximity to Toronto, but there are plenty of instructional groups that operate on this cliff. It's also great for hiking.

Explore the caves of Eramosa

One of the closest cave systems to Toronto, it'll take around an hour to get to Eramosa Karst. There aren't really the deep caverns that you'll find elsewhere in the province here, but there are so many nooks and crannies that it's a great way to spend a day exploring the time-worn terrain that also features streams and waterfalls.

Get a dose of culture at the Shaw Festival

The Shaw Festival is one of the country's premier theatre festivals. Featuring the work of George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries, it's been running for over 50 years. With multiple theatres, the dramatic options are robust, while Niagara-on-the-Lake is worth spending some time before and after the play of your choice is done.

The sprawling sandy beach in Cobourg. Photo by Will.

Spend a day at the beach in Cobourg

Cobourg has one of the nicest beaches within an hour and half of Toronto. While not really a secret, this is one of those day trips that tends to fly a little bit under the radar compared to other beach getaways. The water is at its best for swimming from mid July to late August.

Learn about Ontario's craft cider scene

Ontario's craft cider scene is blowing up, and a perfect little day trip is a visit to Spirit Tree Cidery in the picturesque community of Caledon. There's a bakery and bistro on site, so you can do a tasting and stay for a meal. Drive by the Cheltenham Badlands while you're out that way.

Take a lazy cruise down a river

There are lots of options for tubing near Toronto, but perhaps the best is along the Grand River. You can float down the the water in the Elora Gorge or use access points in Paris and Waterloo for a more laid back experience with less rocks and mini-rapids to navigate.

The vineyards and the view at Thirty Bench Winery. Photo by Derek Flack.

Get a buzz in wine country

Toronto's close proximity to Niagara wine country is pure fodder for day trips. Not only is the landscape beautiful from spring through fall, but the tasting experience at most wineries is both educational and fun. Beamsville is my favourite destination, but Niagara-on-the-Lake is great as well.

Go mountain biking at Kelso

While there might not be a ton of technical trails or obstacles, Kelso is a great place to spend a day mountain biking thanks to the serious climbs up the Niagara Escarpment and gorgeous single track. when you're done riding, hit up the beach for a cooling swim.

Immerse yourself in Hamilton's art scene

Did you know that Hamilton has a robust arts scene? You can tour upstart galleries on any given weekend, but for a more memorable trip head over on a Friday for the bi-monthly James Street North Art Crawl, where you'll get a better sense of just how much energy is pumping out this place. Supercrawl is always a blast, too.

Some of the best riding in Ontario can be found in Grey County. Photo via Grey County Tourism.

Test your legs by cycling in Grey County

There's plenty of great places to ride a road bike in and around Toronto, but if you want to spend a day really testing your mettle, head to the Grey County area around Blue Mountain, where you can sweat it out on climbs like Scenic Caves Drive (be careful of traffic here) and Grey Road 19.

Take in the quaint delights of Port Perry

We tend to think of cottage country as being more than two hours of driving from Toronto, but a trip to Lake Scugog won't take that long. Kinsmen Beach is a lovely spot to spend an afternoon, and you can also check out Old Flame Brewing Co. for a tasting and tour.

Join the party at Wasaga Beach

Is there beach that's more fun in Ontario? With apologies to Grand Bend, Wasaga is the ultimate beach day trip form Toronto. There will be lots of crowds, of course, but that's part of the fun. The sand is gorgeous and the water warmer than you might think, based on its shallowness near the beach.

The stunning Tews Falls in Hamilton. Photo by Worrawat Engchuan.

Go waterfall hunting in Hamilton

The most popular day trip from Toronto might be to that big waterfall you've heard about, but nothing beats a trip to the Hamilton area to hike in and see hidden away gems like Tews, Webster, and Tiffany falls.

Do a Southern Ontario craft brewery tour

If you plan your route well, you could easily hit four or five craft breweries around Toronto in a nice loop. Heading west, you might hit Cameron's Brewing Company in Oakville, Nickel Brook in Burlington, Grand River in Cambridge, before heading down to Niagara-on-the-Lake for the Silversmith and Oast House.

Go swimming in a pool that's more like a lake

Quite possibly the coolest outdoor pool in the Toronto area, Bronte Creek Provincial Park has a 1.8 acre swimming area that holds 5.8 million litres of water. Unlike most swimming pools, you can wade in, which means its kid friendly but also ideal for slowly shaking off a hangover (wear a hat).

Get lost in Glen Major Forest

Glen Major has long been on the radar of mountain bikers and hikers. This 1,548 hectare woodland just northeast of Toronto is dotted with challenging trails and feels completely separated from the bustle of this city, despite the fact that it's less than an hour's drive away in low traffic.

A sunny day at Elora Quarry. Photo via Grand River Conservation.

Go for a swim in an old quarry

The Elora Quarry is one of the best swimming holes in Ontario, and it's just an hour's drive from Toronto. The crowds flock here on summer weekends, but it's not hard to tell why: on a sunny day the swimming area looks both surreal and serene. Go early to beat the crowds.

Spend the day on Lake Simcoe

If you want to ditch the city for a day at the beach, you could do a lot worse than a trip to Sibbald Point Provincial Park, which is about an hour away from Toronto on the south end of Lake Simcoe. There's a sandy beach, ample picnic areas, and hiking trails around the park.

Go vintage hunting in Aberfoyle

Aberfoyle is a quaint little town about an hour west of Toronto that's worth visiting for its quaint main street and Mill restaurant, but it's also home to a weekly antique market that hosts over 100 vendors selling various furnishings and knick knacks on Sundays throughout the spring and much of the fall.

Soak up the wisdom of the Bard in Stratford

The Stratford Festival is occasionally pitted against the Shaw in an either/or scenario, but they're both such an amazing way to spend a day that it's impossible to recommend one over the other. You should try to do both!

Holiday Monday events in Toronto include two daytime dance parties you don't want to miss. One is from the legendary Promise crew, and the other is by the equally amazing Sunnyside Pavilion party group. You might as well keep the long weekend party going. 

For most of us in Toronto, the TTC is a major part of our lives, for better or for worse. While it's easy to complain about the Red Rocket, there are are lots of ways we can make it a more pleasant for our fellow passengers and also ourselves, even if we can't always control delays or other issues.

Here's a roundup of things that you just don't do on the TTC.

Block the doors

It's a challenge to get on a TTC vehicle at rush hour. More often than not, you'll encounter that one soul who just can't let go of the dream of making it on and that usually causes a delay for everyone.

Put your feet up

TTC seats aren't your personal foot rests or ottomans. Leave your lounging for home, but if you encounter someone with their feet up, you might still want to avoid sitting on them.

Expect the 501 to go all the way to Neville Park

If you take the 501 home to the Beaches, you're probably going to have to switch vehicles. That's because there's an overwhelming chance that it'll short turn at Kingston Road or Greenwood so brace yourself before you board. 

Bring your bike through an automatic turnstile

You might think you can do it, but chances are, your bike is not going to fit through one of the few automatic turnstiles that remain throughout the TTC system. Find another entrance to for you AND your bike. 

Listen to music on speaker (or without headphones)

Headphones are essential if you're going to listen to anything while commuting. No matter how awesome Jay-Z's new album is, no one wants to hear it muffled at 7:30 a.m. on Monday morning.

Refuse to give up your seat to an elderly or pregnant person

This one should be a no-brainer. Why? Because there is literally signage everywhere reminding you to offer your seat to those who need it more (hint: the blue seats are for priority passengers). 

Clip your nails

Just don't, please. Even if you're running super late, remember, the TTC isn't your personal washroom and shouldn't be treated as such. 

Transfer at Spadina Station

Spadina Station was supposed to be two distinct stations (with what is the now the northern platform designated "Lowther Station"), but the platforms were eventually linked by walkway and a moving sidewalk (that's now toast). It might actually be faster to transfer here, but no one does it.

Forget to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze

If you feel like you have to cough or sneeze, everyone on your train or streetcar or bus want to see you bury your face in your elbow. 

Give your bag its very own seat

Your bag might feel like precious cargo, but unless you're carrying around the Mona Lisa, it doesn't deserve a seat over a human being.

The most serene spots in Toronto aren't necessarily the quietest spots. Given that there's always been a weather-ly connotation to the term, these are places where you can sit for a while with no distractions, and where there's something to look at that's calming and peaceful: you know, a work of art, body of water, or just something pretty.

Here are the 10 most serene spots in Toronto.

Ontario Place

The new Trillium Park and William G. Davis Trail at Ontario Place offer awesome views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline. You can walk along the meandering lakeside trail before stopping by the granite bluffs or cap off an evening walk with a visit to the waterfront fire pit.

Weekdays at Cherry Beach

Cherry Beach might be a zoo on summer weekends, but head here on a Tuesday at 11am, and you'll be joined by only a handful of people milling about and watching the kitesurfers cruise across the narrow stretch of water between the Port Lands and Leslie Street Spit. There's something about the colourful, wind-filled kites that's perfectly calming.

The City Hall green roof is a sanctuary in the heart of the city. Photo by Gabriel Li.

Green Roof at City Hall

A surprisingly quiet place despite its central location, the green roof at city hall is an excellent place to reserve a few moments of tranquility in the midst of a hectic day. The south-facing side of the roof has a better view, but is short on seating options. The back of the building is a better bet, where the flowers are a bit nicer, too.

Weston Learning Centre AGO

This might sound like a strange recommendation, but if you're looking for some quiet time in a calm setting, head down to the Weston Family Learning Centre at the AGO and walk to the southwest corner. Adjacent to Beverley St. is an area with a few comfy chairs that offers a secluded place to read.

The trails at Crothers Woods are a great place to get away from it all. Photo by Derek Flack.

Crothers Woods

Accessed from the Loblaws parking lot at Redway Rd. or the southern trailhead at Bayview and Pottery Road, this area has long been a haven for mountain bikers and hikers. Much work has been put in over the last five years to better maintain and mark trails, but you're still unlikely to see more than a handful of people if you visit during the week.

The basement at E.J. Pratt Library

U of T has a number of wonderful libraries that are easy enough to access even if you're not a student of the school. In winter, Trinity takes the cake with its fireplace-adorned reading rooms, but summer, the basement at E.J. Pratt is the spot. Here you look out onto a modern garden area with a waterfall that has a Frank Lloyd Wright-feel about it.

A sunset walk at Marilyn Bell Park is the epitome of a serene activity. Photo by Shannon W.

Marilyn Bell Park

Perched right atop Lake Ontario, Marilyn Bell Park makes for a beautiful walk in its own right, but if you want to take in more of the waterfront, keep heading west to Sunnyside where you'll connect with the western boardwalk and a lovely view of Humber Bay.

Leslie Street Spit

A trip out to the tip of the Spit lets you take in lake vistas on both sides, not to mention the fascinating ways in which nature has reclaimed this human-made peninsula. Stop to inspect bricks rounded by decades of erosion and contemplate the effects of time. Or just walk to the lighthouse for one of the best view of the city's skyline.

A quiet day at the Toronto Music Garden. Photo by George Hornaday.

Toronto Music Garden

Tucked away between Queens Quay and the Waterfront trail, the Toronto Music Garden is a meditative space that's mostly unpopulated throughout the day. Find a bench and you'll have a decent amount of privacy to contemplate your thoughts or chat up the love interest you've brought along. 

Mount Pleasant Cemetery

Most cemeteries are serene places (by definition), but something about the rolling terrain at Mount Pleasant Cemetery and its various nooks and crannies makes it one of the calmest places in the entire city. The Necropolis is also a remarkably tranquil spot, but affords less sweeping views and seating options.

This week on DineSafe there are no restaurant closures to report. There were, however, a number of conditional passes doled out, including a yellow card to the popular chain Thai One On who written up for both minor and crucial infractions.

Discover which other restaurants landed on DineSafe this week.

Cube Nightclub (314 Queen St. West)

• Inspected on: June 26, 2017
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1, Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.

Pho Xua (1768 St. Clair Ave. West)

• Inspected on: June 26, 2017
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 2 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Chiu Chow Boy (3261 Kennedy Rd.)

• Inspected on: June 28, 2017
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1, Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Employee failed to wash hands when required.

Joe's Buffet Palace (361 Yonge St.)

• Inspected on: June 28, 2017
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 3)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Thai One On (861 York Mills Rd.)

• Inspected on: June 28, 2017
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Crucial: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated and operator failed to maintain hazardous foods.

Jaipur Grille (208 Queens Quay West)

• Inspected on: June 29, 2017
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 3, Significant: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

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

Canada Day celebrations continue across Toronto, including at Nathan Phillips Square, which wraps up its four days of concerts and fireworks shows tonight. 

However, those who gathered outside of City Hall last night were in for a real treat because Drake surprised the crowd by showing up and performing a few songs before the big pyrotechnics-filled finale.

A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on Jul 2, 2017 at 9:05pm PDT

Drake reportedly wowed the audience with rendition of "Jumpman," "Gyalchester," and "FakeLove."

Toronto every time I visit you treat me better than the last time and last night was no exception a free OVO Fest on the night of your 150th birthday! Thank you @champagnepapi @dvsndvsn @majidjordan @majmaskati @roywoods #Ovo #Drake #toronto #majidJordan #6god #ovosound #RoyWoods

A post shared by Mudda (@mudda.pali) on Jul 3, 2017 at 5:54am PDT

Of course, this isn't the first time Drake's made a surprise appearance at a local show.

A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on Jul 2, 2017 at 8:21pm PDT

He's been known to show up at Ryerson's outdoor concerts, but I doubt anyone thought the festivities at Nathan Phillips Square would get quite so exciting.

A post shared by Mudda (@mudda.pali) on Jul 3, 2017 at 5:43am PDT

But if the waterfront can get a giant rubber duck, apparently NPS can host Drake. 

A post shared by Jane Miranda (@diaries_of_jane) on Jul 3, 2017 at 7:33am PDT

The best waffles in Toronto are what hungry brunchers across the city drag themselves out of bed for. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside with that signature grid of deep wells perfect for cradling fruit, syrup, whipped cream, and much much more, warm waffles are always a treat.

Here are the best waffles in Toronto.