Events in Toronto this week include festivals, concerts, movies, shopping and beer. 'Tis the season to get out there every single night, and it'll be easy to do so over the next six days (yay short work week).

After the world's biggest rubber duck floated into Toronto this past Friday, the city went nuts. While many we're skeptical why the province dished out $120K for something that didn't seem to symbolize national or provincial pride, many decided to embrace it anyway.

I wanna go on record and say that the giant rubber duck was literally the biggest waste of money and plastic Toronto has committed to.

— Louisa (@Arejano96) July 4, 2017

The six-storey rubber duck set Instagram aglow with many flocking to the waterfront for a photo op. Tens of thousands visited over the course of the weekend to the point where it was difficult to navigate the grounds of the Redpath Waterfront Festival.

I may be the only person in toronto without a photo with the giant rubber duck... 😒

— Amanda Galbraith (@agalbraith) July 4, 2017

There was a bit more room to move at night, save for the peak of the fireworks celebrations on July 1, when the CN Tower and the duck both posed as larger-than-life spectacles.

Here's what the scene at HTO park looked like Canada Day weekend.

Canada Day fireworks exploded all over Toronto this long weekend. They lit up the sky with a dazzling array of colours at Harbourfront, Humber Bay, Ashbridges Bay, and Nathan Phillips Square.

The real showstopper was the CN Tower, which featured a fireworks and light show set to music on July 1. Thankfully, it was easy to see these spectacular pyrotechnics performances all over Toronto. 

Relive the excitement with these photos of fireworks from the Canada Day long weekend.

In the lead up to Canada Day, the Ryerson Students' Union said it would not be celebrating the sesquicentennial and instead launched a campaign called Colonialism 150 that focused on Indigenous culture and history.

On July 1, the RSU released a list of demands on Facebook, asking the school to remove the Egerton Ryerson statue from Gould Street, to include Indigenous content in all programs, and to create an Indigenous-only space in the student centre.

The demands also called for the university to change its name "to a name that does not celebrate a man who supported and created the structures of colonial genocide," reads the Facebook post.

Yesterday, as Metro News reports, another letter appeared on the RSU Facebook page signed by 23 of the 34 RSU board members that said that despite the value of the campaign, they never approved (and weren't aware of) it prior to its launch.

In response, some students have created Boycott RSU and Resist RSU Facebook pages, claiming their student union doesn't speak for them. 

Toronto did more than just gawk at a giant duck this past Canada Day long weekend. Along with the six-storey inflatable bath toy, Toronto played host to several festivals, fireworks spectacles, and even a surprise Drake concert.

Aside from the waterfront and the area around Nathan Phillips Square, much of the city felt empty as folks jetted out to cottage country to lounge dockside.

For those of us who stayed put, there was still lots to do, like gorging on meat at the big Etobicoke Ribfest, for instance.

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The Redpath Waterfront Festival got locals and tourists down to the lake.

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And while they went for the duck, they stayed for the food and drinks.

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Nathan Phillips Square played host to a four-day festival, which included fireworks.

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Drake also made an appearance at this Canadian love-in.

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The Heritage Ontario Festival took over Ontario Place.

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This time, the festival actually got its drone show.

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Folks took advantage of the mostly good weather to explore Ontario Place's new Trillium Park too.

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There was lots happening down by the water, including Electric Island in the Port Lands.

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Promise Cherry Beach kicked off its season on Monday.

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But on Tuesday, all anyone can talk about is the duck.

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And the CN Tower fireworks too. 

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Toronto businesses that closed in June had a whole range of life spans, from a brand new spot that had only been open for a couple of months to some beloved, well-established joints that faithful patrons will no doubt mourn and continue to long for.

Here are the most notable Toronto businesses that closed in June.

Bestellen

After five years in business at College just west of Dovercourt, this not-your-typical steakhouse from chef Rob Rossi served its final cut of dry-aged beef at the end of the month.

Golden Cafe

Hidden away in a former uniform factory on Golden Ave. between the Junction Triangle and Roncesvalles Village, this lovely cafe that did all of its own baking and cooking closed up shop at the start of the month.

McGugan’s

This Scottish pub in Leslieville shuttered at the beginning of June and will soon be transformed into a Mexican resto called Chula, with two tiki bars – one on the back patio and the other on the rooftop.

Noodleholic

A cheap and cheerful spot for all kinds of noodles (along with other Asian dishes), this joint where Dundas St. W. meets Roncesvalles had its share of fans. It closed on June 10.

The Saucy Pierogi

What started out as a gourmet pierogi pop-up vendor at events like the Toronto Underground Market expanded to open this first brick-and-mortar flagship on Dundas West by Dovercourt in 2015. Sadly, it shut down operations earlier this month and the space has been sold to new owners.

Silo 13

Just a couple of months after opening, this social-media-popular cereal cafe in North York closed abruptly and mysteriously, with a very vague explanation posted on its website.

York Station Bar

Open since 1972, this small, train-themed bar on the mezzanine level of the Royal York Hotel seemed frozen in time, serving up martinis and other classic cocktails to loyal patrons. Its long-time lone bartender/conductor, Alina Budzinski, retired in June and the bar closed with it.

Ryu’s Noodle Bar, Platito and Konnichiwa

Baldwin Village's five-alarm fire in early June started at Ryu's and spread to the adjoining restaurants on either side of it, leaving damages of approximately $2 million. All three are closed indefinitely, but here's hoping they'll be able to bounce back.

Toronto designers have tried their hand at clever city-loving merchandise, such as t-shirt lines and other one-off items, often with great success.

The latest comes from graphic designer Christopher Rouleau, who's created a project that's both clever and steeped in history. It's called the Toronto the Great series.

Playing off of the "Toronto The Good" slogan popularized by former city mayor William Howland in 1886, Rouleau augments this sentiment by plastering his original hand lettering (familiar to fans of the Pixel & Bristle markets) on top of historical public domain photographs and illustrations from the Toronto Archives.

Rouleau's prints are created scanning and manipulating the archived images digitally in post-production. 

The 12" x 16" prints feature iconic Toronto spots like Queen's Park, City Hall and Union Station with Rouleau's slogan splashed on top, creating an old-meets-new pieces of art for city lovers.

They're also available in post card form.

The prints, postcards and other pieces are available on his website, as well as at pop-ups, including the upcoming Pixel & Bristle Summer Market.

Romantic patios in Toronto should be secluded, picturesque, dark or quiet. These spots exist in alleyways, backyards and gardens, and usually feature twinkly lights or candles to really set the mood on midsummer night dates. 

Here are my picks for the most romantic patios in Toronto.

The Walton

The back garden of this Little Italy spot features a dreamy patio that's lovely during the day and at night. Choose a cocktail or cappucinno because this spot's both a bar and a cafe.

Head to the back of Bierreria Volo to discover this cozy patio. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Birreria Volo 

You don't need to love beer to head here, though it'll certainly help. This whole place is dark and romantic, but its patio is fairly quiet and features twinkly lights to really up the ante.

Escape the bustling Dundas West on Branca's side patio. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Branca 

Fellow meat eaters can share a meal at this Argentinian grillhouse along Dundas West. Shade is plentiful here, so dial up the romance under and umbrella or beneath a tree.

Wallflower's private back patio is a charming spot to grab a drink. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Wallflower

This spot is best for a weekday date when you can leisurely sip on reasonably priced cocktails and munch on some yummy snacks.

Patria's patio is romantically lit with white globe lanterns. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Patria

Find this patio tucked away in bustling King West. Fill up on tapas before braving one of the clubs nearby.

Harvest Kitchen's second-floor patio is surrounded by a lush tree canopy. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Harvest Kitchen

This rooftop patio feels like a magical oasis located somewhere well beyond the city limits. Pretend you're on vacation on your next date here.

Auberge du Pommier

If you don't mind bending your budget a bit, the cottage-like patio at Auberge should make you and your date happy. It's located near Yonge and York Mills, but feels like it could be the French countryside.

One of Toronto's best patios is great for a romantic evening out. Photo by Jesse Milns.

3 Speed

Bloordale's 3 Speed might seem like an odd choice, but this laid back bar is great for an easy, yet still charming night out thanks to its twinkly lights, fireplace, and affordable drinks.

Make your way to the back of the restaurant to discover Jules Bistro's cozy backyard patio. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Jules Bistro

Jules Bistro's new Queen Street West location has a back patio where you can dine on fine French fare al fresco. Afterwards, take a stroll through nearby Trinity Bellwoods Park. 

You'll find Cluny's cobblestone patio a nice escape from the action in the Distillery District. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Cluny

Despite being a little touristy, the Distillery District always feels romantic, especially at dusk. Head to this French restaurant to take it all in. 

Amidst Toronto's condo boom, many groups are working on alternatives to building taller and taller building by finding creative solutions to the city's housing crunch, including one called Tiny Toronto.

Founded by Sa'ad Ahmed, the company has been based out of Ryerson's Design Fabrication Zone for the past year, and its team - which includes a group of students from the University of California at Berkley - is building a prototype of a 104 square foot unit that homeowners can use as a work or studio space.

Just like the U.K.'s Wondershed, Tiny Toronto's digital strategist Frederico Neumann says the company hopes to help folks maximize space and reduce commute times with these small, pre-fabricated units.

A prototype of Tiny Toronto's studio shed. Photo via Tiny Toronto.

Eventually, Tiny Toronto has plans to create garden suites, coach houses and even laneway houses in backyards across the city, but especially in more suburban areas.

Like groups such as Lanescape, Tiny Toronto wants to take advantage of oft-overlooked spaces (backyards and laneways) to help boost the housing supply in the city.

A report about the feasibility of introducing a local laneway housing initiative could materialize by early 2018, if city council approves a motion on it at this week's meeting. 

The Toronto Island Park has been closed due to flooding for a couple of months now, leaving many beach lovers stranded until at least July 31.

While some brave folks are venturing to the Islands to visit thanks to water taxis, the popular understanding is that the Islands are completely closed to the public until further notice. This is false.

The Ward's Island ferry is still operating every day, and while it's mainly for staff and locals, if you're taking the ferry to visit a specific business, you're more than welcome to float on over. 

While some are struggling thanks to a dip in traffic, here are the businesses that remain open on the Islands:

• The Rectory Cafe
• The Island Cafe
• Toronto Island Standup Paddling
• Walk Ward's Island
• Bed and Breakfasts, like Smiley's B&B and the Island Retreat

Camp Wavelength, an annual camping music festival set for August 18, stands in solidarity with those on the Islands. A rep from the festival confirmed they will be throwing the festival on the Islands no matter what. 

It seems all is not lost for those still looking for a quick Island escape. As long as you explicitly state you're heading over to eat, paddle, or take a walking tour, the Islands are still ready to be enjoyed. 

The most beautiful bike rides in Toronto show off the city's natural topography, including ravines, rivers and the shoreline. For a place that's so heavily urbanized, it's rather remarkable how easy it is to get on a bike and pedal to a pristine landscape. What a great way to see the city.

Here are my picks for the 10 most beautiful bike rides in Toronto.

Trillium Park and William G. Davis Trail

It might be a short trail, but any bike ride passing Ontario Place should include a diversion through the new park and multi-use trail that sweeps along the water for a picturesque view of the skyline before looping around a bridge granite rock faces.

Leslie Street Spit

You won't be able to put in deep kilometres on the Spit, but nothing beats a ride out to the end on a hot summer day. A cool wind accompanies gorgeous views of the lake and the skyline, and if you look off to the east, you can even see the Scarborough Bluffs.

Rosedale Valley Road and Bayview Multi-Use Trail

Start by travelling southeast on Rosedale Valley Road, where you'll be mostly covered by the stunning tree canopy before passing under the Bloor Viaduct and head towards Bayview. From there you can wind alongside the Don towards the Brick Works or Potter Road.

The Don Valley Trails at Crothers Woods are particularly stunning in the fall. Photo by Derek Flack.

Crothers Woods to ET Seton Park

This one is for the mountain bikers out there (do not attempt these trails with city or road bikes). What is possibly the best off road trail in the city is also one of its most beautiful as it meanders up and down the walls of the Don Valley under a dense tree canopy and beside occasional wild flowers.

Lower Don Trail 

Despite some pesky bridge construction near Riverdale Park, this remains one of the most beautiful paved trails in the city as it winds alongside the Don from the lake all the way up to ET Seton Park.

High Park loops

If you've only got an hour for a two-wheeled escape in Toronto, a ride to and through High Park offers a scenic option. There's a bit of traffic on the roads here, but it travels slowly. You can loop around the various roads, which offer views of the mature parkland as well as Grenadier Pond. 

Moore Park Ravine

This one's also off-road, but it's far less challenging. This tree-lined retreat is mostly downhill from the entrance at Moore Avenue, which means you don't have to expend much effort as you cruise down the valley. 

Heading over the iconic Humber Bay Arch Bridge along the Martin Goodman Trail. Photo by Martin Reis.

Martin Goodman Trail

Most people just call this the Waterfront Trail, and for good reason: this is a sprawling route that runs, for the most part, right beside the lake. Highlights include Humber Bay Shores, Marilyn Bell Park and the Eastern Beaches. 

Beyond the Zoo

Head out to the area surrounding the zoo for a rural riding experience without actually leaving the city. There are lots of great roads to check out, including Old Finch Ave., Sewells Rd., Reesor Rd., and even Twyn Rivers Dr. if you want to test your climbing legs.

Humber Valley Trails

You could spend hours exploring the Humber Valley via the various trails that snake alongside the eponymous river. Start at the Humber Bay Arch Bridge and head north past marshland, tributaries, and a number of bucolic park spaces.

For all the allure of the Bridle Path as Toronto's most luxurious real estate destination, it's the houses the sit atop the Scarborough Bluffs that really make me wish I was rich. Case in point, this absolute show stopper of a home at 7 Fallingbrook Drive. 

The interior of the house is the quintessence of tasteful luxury with tons of natural light, wood accents, and a kitchen to die for. But, let's be honest, it's the outside space that sets your mouth agape.

Just look at that view over the hot tub and pool onto Lake Ontario. It's hard to imagine that this incredible setting is only a half hour drive from downtown Toronto. And it's not just the pool that's so nice; the covered outdoor fireplace and multiple decks are also great. 

If there's a criticism here, it's that the house itself isn't as big as you might expect for the $7 million price tag. Still, with a place as nice as this, it's always good to have an excuse to dissuade freeloading guests from getting too comfy.

Specs

• Address: 7 Fallingbrook Dr.
• Price: $6,950,000
• Lot Size: 100 x 137.33 feet
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 5
• Parking: 5
• Walk Score: 48
• Transit Score: 68
• Listing agent: Diane Chaput
• Listing ID: E3814112

Good For

Someone who's always dreamed of living right by the lake. Well, correction, someone who's always dreamed of living right by the lake who has come into a lot of money and can afford a gem like this.

Move On If

It's more appealing to live close to downtown than it is to live atop the Bluffs. That backyard looks like it'd be worth a daily car commute, but everyone deals with road rage differently.

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

The last Toronto city council meeting until October is underway this week, and it's a doozy because there's obviously lots to discuss before fall hits.

Today, members of city council voted unanimously to adopt (with amendments) the TransformTO climate change strategy. This project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent (against 1990 emission levels) by 2050.

Wonderful! With amendments, City Council votes unanimously in favour of ambitious, yet realistic #TransformTO climate plan. #TOpolipic.twitter.com/Z0cL4pSgBB

— Tim Ehlich (@tehlich) July 4, 2017

The plan aims to make all facets of city life greener, including buildings, transportation and waste management. 

This evening, #TOcouncil voted unanimously in favour of #TransformTO recommendations. #TOpolipic.twitter.com/oE7pwioS96

— Toronto Environment (@TOenviro) July 4, 2017

As CBC reported earlier today, this plan will cost the city $6.7 million in 2018. It'll cost billions in the long run, but the city expects to partner with outside organizations and other levels of government and will cover 10 percent of it.

The annual Fringe Festival starts today in Toronto, bringing with it 13 days of performances and parties. You can also head to the movies if you don't really feel like seeing live theatre today.

The escape room trend has taken off in Toronto, with games popping up across the city over the past few years, including at Casa Loma. But the latest one seems to up the ante.

That's because it takes over Black Creek Pioneer Village, an attraction you probably haven't visited since elementary school.

The "Where the Dark Things Dwell" escape game - from Secret City Adventures, the folks behind the Casa Loma games - centres around witchcraft and the occult and unfolds throughout various historic buildings, including Black Creek's school house, post office, and mill.

Players will be guided only by a lantern as they move through the immersive, interactive and puzzle-filled game. 

The premise sounds super spooky: "Stopping in the sleepy village of Black Creek for a night’s rest, you and your fellow travellers find yourselves trapped as strange cultists work to awaken an ancient evil force," reads a note on the game's website.

"Now it’s up to you to stop the cultists' curse. You must save the remaining villagers and discover the great incantation to stop the evil from rising and escape the village before the final bell tolls," it continues.

Up to 60 people can play at once, but individual teams are capped at groups of six. 

Discounted tickets ($22) are currently on sale for previews, which run from July 7 to 27. The game officially launches on July 28.

Along with this escape game and its onsite brewery, Black Creek Pioneer Village will also be getting axe throwing and a haunted walk in what seems like an attempt to attract a crowd beyond just school kids.

The best breakfast sandwiches in Toronto pack in a morning meal between two slices of bread (or English muffins or biscuits). Eggy, cheesy (and often bacon-y) and even better when they’re served all day, these economical yet flavourful eats make for one satisfying sandwich.

Here are the best breakfast sandwiches in Toronto.

Prohibition in Ontario lasted from 1916 to 1927, but a certain Toronto neighbourhood remained dry for much of the 20th century.

Some businesses in the Junction were were still officially dry until a referendum in 2000 lifted the ban on booze. Of course, the area's now home to plenty of bars, breweries and well-stocked restaurants, and soon, it'll finally get an LCBO too.

This incoming liquor store is slated to open at the base of the DuKe Condos at 2800 Dundas St. W. It's part of a widespread retail transformation of the neighbourhood that's bringing a number of large stores to the area.

A representative from the LCBO says an opening date hasn't been set quite yet, but it should be up and running later this fall. 

There are some pretty quick and cost-efficient ways to get out of the city this summer, but only one getaway will make you feel like you're living in a Wes Anderson movie.

Thanks to this Airbnb in Prince Edward County, you can easily make all your colourful, kitschy dreams come true. 

The living room was inspired by The Life Aquatic. Photo by James Heaslip.

The so-called Mr. Anderson's House is located in Picton, Ontario and it lets you live like you're a Tenenbaum.

This rental is a love letter to the movie director and each room features decor based on one of his films. You can even enjoy it with a group because it sleeps four people in two beds.

The Look Nook was inspired Moonrise Kingdom. Photo by James Heaslip.

While some rooms are more subtle than others, there's a Darjeeling Limited tea room, a Camp Ivanhoe Moonrise Kingdom bedroom as well as Margot's bedroom from The Royal Tenenbaums.

The Darjeeling Limited tea room was inspired by the colourful film of the same name. Photo by James Heaslip.

Prices start at $249 a night and the house is minutes from the Picton's main street. 

If you made your way down to the water to see the giant duck this weekend, you were part of the massive crowd that turned up to see this six-storey bath toy at the Redpath Waterfront Festival.

According to Lea Parrell, the festival's co-producer, well over half a million people attended the three-day event. "We have calculated that we had over 750,000 in attendance for the Redpath Waterfront Festival," she said via email.

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The Toronto Star reported that nearby businesses were swamped all weekend as hordes of locals and tourists headed lakeside to take selfies with the duck.

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Was it worth it? Apparently it cost $21,000 (USD) to rent the giant inflatable. "The balance of the [$121,000] grant went to pay for fencing, extra security, extra washrooms, marketing, signage, a tugboat, a crane, a forklift, and other event expenses around the duck," says Parrell.

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If you missed it in Toronto, the duck will be heading out on a cross-Ontario tour. It'll be in Owen Sound this weekend and will later visit Sault Ste. Marie, Midland, Amherstburg and Brockville.

Acclaimed director David Lowery is bringing his romantic drama A Ghost Story to theatres July 21. Want to see the flick before anyone else? We've teamed up with Mongrel Media to give readers a chance to win a pair of passes to an advance screening.

Check out all the contest details here.