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Condo of the week: 478 King Street West

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King West condos are a dime a dozen in Toronto, but seeing a penthouse listed for just over $1 million isn't all that common. This unit isn't a total baller pad, but at almost 1,000 square feet with multiple terraces, it'll certainly do the trick for an up-and-comer.

478 King Street WestThere's actually a lot to like about this place beyond any perceived wow-factor. The private rooftop patio is almost as substantial as the indoor space, which eschews an open concept in favour of two bedrooms and a reasonably sized living area.

478 King Street WestI'm not a fan of the staging, but it doesn't look like a particularly difficult place to put a personal stamp on given the size of each room. The building itself is also small enough to avoid the hive-like vibe that some of the taller condos around town fall into. 

478 King Street WestSpecs
  • Address: 478 King St. West, Penthouse 1
  • Price: $1,099,000 
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Bathrooms: 2
  • Parking: 2
  • Walk Score: 100
  • Transit Score: 100
  • Maintenance Fees: $589.77
  • Listing agent: Susan Gail Toyne and Samantha Thomson
  • Listing ID: C3861003
478 King Street WestGood For

Someone who wants to impress and host guests regularly, but who can't afford a true palace in the sky. This place screams "Junior Partner."

478 King Street WestMove On If

You don't need to be downtown. You can find plenty of very nice condos with lots of outdoor for under a million.

478 King Street West478 King Street West478 King Street West478 King Street West478 King Street West478 King Street West

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


Toronto's amazing TTC Lego collection continues to grow

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The story of Toronto's TTC system plays out like a telenovela with plot twists and turns, updates, and scandals. While it's sometimes hard to keep up with what's going on, one Torontonian is keeping track of our transit system's history through Lego.

Trevor Parkins-Sciberras is the founder of Toronto Transit Bricks and he builds intricate and stunningly accurate TTC train models.

Parkins-Sciberras has dozens of streetcars and tracks, including old double-decker models. 

Some of his latest vehicles include the electric Toronto Railway Company streetcars from the 1890s. His versions are motorized and can pull trailers behind them. 

ttc bus lego

A custom Lego version of the Orion VII hybrid electric bus by Parkins-Sciberras.

He also has a modern Orion VII hybrid electric bus - with a bike rack on the front - a large red Gloucester subway from the 1950s and Toronto's first bus line; horse-drawn omnibuses from the 1850s.

Parkins-Sciberras' double-decker buses now have bigger headlights and spinning motor cranks.

 "I've gained quite a following on social media," says Parkins-Sciberras. "Some organizations have paid me to bring my Lego models to their events, including Science North way out in Sudbury."

ttc streetcar legoA view of some of the older vehicles in Parkins-Sciberras' fleet.

Parkins-Sciberras has been focussing on vintage vehicles as he hopes to teach the public of the our city's transit history. He's even trying to get a TTC museum up and running with actual old vehicles, and not only Lego models.  

The Hogwarts Express will be hitting the rails near Toronto

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone turned 20 this year, and it seems like everyone wants to celebrate this magical milestone, including the town of Waterloo, which is conveniently located about an hour and a half southwest of Toronto.

If you're a Potterhead, you might want to consider apparating (or driving down the 401) to the Waterloo Central Railway's Hogwarts Express & Magical Wizards Festival.

It's happening on Saturday, September 30, at the St. Jacobs Village Station. There will be performances and activities running all day, but the marquee attraction will be the Hogwarts Express - also known as the Waterloo Central Railway's 94-year-old steam engine train.

Train tickets are already sold out, but an additional ride has already been added, so here's to hoping more become available soon. Even if you don't ride the train, you can certainly check it out at the festival, which will be a Harry Potter extravaganza. 

Toronto food events: Oyster Fest, Pizza Fest, Halal Food Fest, Junction Night Market

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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.

Events you might want to check out:

Food Truck'N Friday (July 14 @ Bridlewood Mall )
Visit food trucks in Etobicoke and Scarborough at this weekly event featuring the city's best street eats.
Vaughan Pizza Fest (July 14-16 @ Woodbridge Fairgrounds)
Stuff yourself with pizza at this festival in Vaughan.
Halal Food Festival Toronto (July 15 @ The International Centre)
More than 200 exhibitors will be at the fifth annual Halal Food Festival.
Ontario Oyster Festival (July 16 @ Laneway beside Rodney's. 469 King St. W)
Join 1,500 oyster enthusiast for food, drinks and music as you take in the Ontario Oyster Shucking Championships, all for the Ecology Action Centre.
Great Canadian Beer Dinner (July 18 @ Mill Street Beer Hall)
Celebrate Canada 150 with Mill Street at this pre fixe dinner with the brewmaster Joel Manning.
Harvest Wednesdays (July 19 @ Gladstone Hotel)
Enjoy a farm fresh meal with Carl Heinrich of Richmond Station, the Gladstone's executive chef Joshna Maharaj and just-picked ingredients from Brent Preston and Gillian Flies of The New Farm.
National Hot Dog Day: Free Dogs (July 19 @ Fancy Franks)
Three words: free hot dogs!
Italian Restaurant Week (July 20-30 @ Multiple Venues)
Explore various regions of Italy on prix fixe menus at 16 different local restaurants.
Junction Night Market (July 22 @ The Junction neighbourhood)
All Beer, cider and food at this popular night market will be priced at $5.
J-Town Summer Festival (July 22 @ 3160 Steeles Ave E)
Get a taste of Japan at the fourth annual J-Town Summer Festival.
Isabella's Free Dessert Day (July 22 @ Isabella's)
Grab a free ice melon pan, an ice cream sandwich that's very popular in Japan.
Rose Picnic (July 22 @ Garrison Commons)
Dress in pink and indulge in rose at the first edition of what's sure to be a popular event.
Bastid's BBQ (July 23 @ 525 King St W)
Toronto DJ Skratch Bastid is throwing his seventh annual BBQ with music and lots of food!
The Great Canadian Butter Tart Battle (July 24 @ The Drake Hotel)
Taste a bunch of butter tarts and then vote for your favourite at this epic competition.

TTC station getting a $10 million art makeover

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A public art renaissance is quietly taking place on the TTC right now. The new stations on the Spadina Extension all feature significant public art components, while accessibility and other upgrades at older stations serve as the occasion to beautify these spaces.

Two stations that date back to the 1970s are now set for major makeovers. By the end of the year, Yorkdale Station will witness the return of Michael Hayden's incredible light installationArc en ciel, which was unceremoniously disassembled in the 1990s.

And, thanks to a recent vote by the TTC board, the roof of Glencairn Station will once again be home to a multi-coloured treatment by Rita Letendre, the artist responsible for its original artwork titled Joy.

joy rita lentendre

What the original Joy artwork looked like at Glencairn Station. Photo via Robert Moffat.

Before you get too upset about the TTC spending buckets of money on public art when it struggles to meet service standards, it's worth noting that Glencairn's glass roof needs replacing.

The existing skylight is roughly 35-years-old and has a serious leakage problem. The contract for replacing the skylight is just over $10 million; a new version of the original artwork represents a small part of the cost.

glencairn station

A rendering of what the new skylight at Glencairn Station will look like. Image via the TTC.

Glencairn isn't among the busiest stops on the subway line, which might be why the Adamson Associates-designed station is underrated when it comes to architecture and design. Once a new version of this colourful artwork is back in place, that should change.

The Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Toronto

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The best vegetarian restaurants in Toronto are an exciting and varied bunch. There are places for a quick and healthy meal, indulgent comfort food joints that satisfy off-diet cravings, along with more refined spots that really celebrate veggies. These places are so good that even non-vegetarians won’t miss the meat.

Here are the best vegetarian restaurants in Toronto.

6 - Khao San Road (Charlotte St.)

While this well-loved Thai joint on Charlotte St. north of King West does serve meat, it also has plenty of choices for vegetarians. There’s even a whole separate vegan menu with animal product-free curries, rice noodles and fried rice dishes that don’t sacrifice or skimp on flavour.
8 - Awai

Pay-what-you-like, plant-based cuisine is what you’ll find at this Bloor West Village spot from owner/chef Nathan Isberg (formerly of the now-shuttered, also PWYL Atlantic on Dundas West). There is no set menu, as dishes change based on whatever ingredients are fresh that day.
3 - Fresh on Eglinton

One of the OG vegetarian eateries and juice bars in the city. Its four locations offer up a mostly vegan menu (along with gluten-free options) that includes salads, tacos, wraps, burgers, rice or noodle bowls plus smoothies, juices and elixirs.
7 - Woodlot

This rustic restaurant for Canadian comfort food on Palmerston just south of College isn’t exclusively vegetarian, but it’s known for having its own entire vegetable lovers menu that is just as enticing as its omnivore version.
5 - Kupfert & Kim (Spadina)

Meatless and wheatless is what this small Toronto chain of popular fast-casual eateries specializes in. Its half-dozen locations, mostly in the Financial District, offer up colourful grain bowls, soups, smoothies and coffee for those on the go.
4 - Planta

For stylish and upscale plant-based dining, this Yorkville gem is it. Chef David Lee’s beautifully presented food (complemented by the restaurant’s equally aesthetically pleasing interior) honours its ingredients, from the coconut ceviche or watermelon poke to the burger or 18 carrot dog with spiced fries.
11 - Hibiscus Cafe

A longtime fave in Kensington Market, this cozy spot serves up organic, gluten-free, vegan eats, including sweet or savoury buckwheat crepes and a delicious soup and (42-ingredient) salad combo that many swear by.
10 - Hogtown Vegan

Comfort food for vegans is the name of the game at this Bloorcourt meat-, dairy- and egg-free go-to, with burgers, “unchicken” & waffles, mac ‘n “cheese” or “phish” ‘n chips as tempting options, and even tofu rancheros for weekend brunch.
9 - Live Organic Food Bar (Dupont)

With locations in Liberty Village and the Annex, everything on the menu at these health-conscious eateries is completely organic, gluten-free and non-GMO, from the grain bowls, raw wraps and burgers to the salads, sides and smoothies.

21 weird and quirky attractions in Ontario

This Muskoka cottage is the pinnacle of luxury retreats

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Forget about roughing it at this lakeside estate on tony Lake Joseph in the heart of Muskoka.

This cottage's (if you can even call it that) aesthetic is more Scandinavian minimalism than rustic woodland retreat, so if you're looking for a country home filled with wooden beams and Canadiana kitsch, you might want to move on.

muskoka cottage

Most, however, will find lots to like about this nearly $10 million 7,000 square foot space that comes with five bedrooms and seven bathrooms.

cottage muskoka

Best of all, it has a 326 foot waterfront as well as a boathouse with three slips and an additional 650 square feet of living space. That means there's plenty of room for guests at all the parties you'll inevitably throw here.

muskoka cottage

In terms of party-related amenities, the main house's basement comes with an expansive wet bar. There's also a sauna here, in case you need to unwind from all the relaxing you've been doing. 

muskoka cottage

And if you really need to spend nearly $10 million to get away from it all, this property is situated on 2.8 acres, so go forth and explore.

muskoka cottage


Toronto is getting a Metallica pop-up

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One of the world's biggest heavy metal bands is jumping on the pop-up bandwagon this summer.

Just ahead of their Worldwired tour stop in Toronto, Metallica is launching a pop-up shop in the Artscape Sandbox space on Adelaide Street West all weekend long. 

The shop will give fans access to official concert merch and special collectible items before the band's show at the Rogers Centre on Sunday, July 16.

A post shared by Metallica (@metallica) on

Other products, such as lithographs, coolers, the exclusive live recording from Webster Hall on vinyl and the chance to win "snake-pit" passes and autographed items will also be on hand. 

So far in Toronto, the pre-concert pop-up concept has been dominated by hip hop and pop royalty like Kanye, The Weeknd and Bieber

The Metallica shop opens today, Friday, July 14 at 3 p.m. It'll be open tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Inside the studio secretly putting out Toronto's breakout records

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Union Sound has been quietly, but powerfully putting out some of the best records from Toronto bands over the past few years, most notably Weaves’ debut album and Dilly Dally’s Sore, which were both released on Buzz Records.

This recording studio at 89 Sackville St., has also played host to PUP and Phedre. It’s even been used to record parts of Broken Social Scene albums, with Feist using the space for her vocal tracks.

Union Sound Toronto

Three engineers - Leon Taheny, Chris Stringer, and Ian Gomes - built and co-own the space. They all do a bit of everything, but keep the studio organized by taking on more dedicated roles, with Gomes focusing on tech and Stringer on booking.

Union Sound Toronto

There are now plenty of studios in this part of the city, including the nearby Revolution and Noble. They, however, have much more of a world-class, facility-like feel.

Bands such as Weaves (in the studio recording their brand new album while I visit) can feel frazzled with multiple bands, administration, secretaries and interns all running around. Union “feels more homey,” says Weaves frontwoman Jasmyn Burke.

As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by a kitchen area, and the space is dotted with framed windows, couches and touches of wood that make it feel more like an apartment than an intimidating studio.

A lot of this comes from the vibe cultivated at the smaller Candle Recording, where Taheny got his start. He still trades equipment with that space.

Union Sound Toronto

When it comes to the breakout albums Union is producing, success seems to stem from the harmony between the space, the bands and the folks working there. Apparently, Taheny gets excellent drum sounds, the hardest thing to record.

Union Sound Toronto

Much of this is thanks to the massive Neve 8014 recording console in main recording room A. According to Taheny, everything just sounds awesome recorded through it, especially his essential drum and snare sounds.

Union Sound Toronto

There’s other special equipment too, like a 70s Neumann mic Taheny says was a perfect fit for the “classic sounding vocals” of Bruce Peninsula.

Union Sound TorontoThe large live recording space is equipped with diffusers, calculatedly spaced so that sound disperses instead of bouncing right off a flat wall.

A sumptuous rug also sprawls across the floor and cozy touches dot the entire space, from a wall of paisley in the vocal booth to a small painting of a horse.

Union Sound Toronto

The B room off to the side is used for mixing and smaller recording jobs.

Union Sound Toronto

Lastly, the C, or mastering room, is primarily used by mastering engineer Jeff Elliot. With recording in room A, mixing in room B, and mastering room C, bands and artist can record a whole album at Union.

Union Sound Toronto

In addition, a chill out space upstairs lets bands fully inhabit the loft-like studio.

Morgan Waters of Weaves puts it best when he says that ultimately, a studio is “just gear in a room.” What makes the albums Union puts out so splendid is the attitude the studio takes towards recording. “Be casual about it,” he says. “Good things happen when you’re not worried.”

Union Sound Toronto

Toronto is about to be taken over by Harry Potter parties

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Toronto Potterheads have a lot to be thankful for because the city has wholeheartedly embraced the wizarding world.

Not only are we home to a Harry Potter bar, but various groups in and around GTA just can't stop hosting magical parties, including one Torontonian who's throwing herself the ultimate Harry Potter birthday party that you're also invited to.

Her event at the Arts and Letters Club is on Friday, August 4, and the very next day, Valhalla Quidditch is holding an open tournament, where anyone can show up to play. Apparently, the Simcoe Day long weekend should be renamed the Harry Potter long weekend in Toronto.

Tess Barao, behind the Very Potter Party, says the event is a 30th birthday present to herself. Along with throwing a dance party, she's putting up a concert version of Starkid Production's popular A Very Potter Musical (Glee'sDarren Criss starred in the original production of this show). 

"I’m friends with some of the most talented performers in the city, so coupling performance and Harry Potter seemed like the perfect way to celebrate," says Barao, who's currently in the Fringe hit Maddie's Karaoke Birthday Party.  

"That coupled with the fact that after the performance we can all dance the night away in costume... I’m pretty sure it will be the best birthday ever," she continues.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone came out 20 years ago, so the party will also celebrate that milestone by being what Barao describes as a "Harry Potter nerd's dream." 

Initially, she and her team worried they wouldn't sell any tickets, but the event is already sold out.

If you didn't snag a ticket, send a howler, or better yet, take your frustration out by slugging a bludger or two on the Quidditch pitch.

Canada’s Wonderland could get a hotel and resort

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Canada's Wonderland's latest addition might not to be the fastest, most terrifying, death-defying roller coaster in the country, but rather, it could be something completely different and unexpected.

The amusement park in Vaughan already added an enormous new water slide this summer, so what could it possibly be?

According to BNN, the park's latest upgrade might be a hotel and a resort. Cedar Fair, a group that purchased Wonderland in 2006 has apparently been investing in hotels and is already in the resort business. 

This would be a huge add-on to the park, a place that's already a hot attraction for thrill seekers, candy hunters and party goers.

While Cedar Fair only alludes to "something interesting coming up" in an interview with BNN, 79 of the 379-acres of the park are undeveloped. In an email, a Cedar Fair spokesperson told BNN the company has identified Toronto as a "desirable location" for its expanding resort accommodations.

No official announcement has been made yet.

Win tickets to Take Off, Eh!

Toronto’s most famous choir gets pumped for Game of Thrones

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Season seven of Game of Thrones will finally premiere this Sunday, July 16 - and it's perfect, because it truly feels like winter is coming in Toronto.

If you aren't already excited to return to Westeros, you will be after watching Toronto's Choir! Choir! Choir! perform the show's theme song at the back of Clinton's Tavern. 

Choir! takes on Ramin Djawadi's now iconic Game of Throne's theme and performs it in harmony, accompanied only by an acoustic guitar.

Towering industrial site is an explorer's paradise two hours from Toronto

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Toronto fell in love with the idea of exploring the Hearn Generating Station when it opened for Luminato. Huge crowds are sure to show up again for the Waterfront Night Market this year. 

Apparently, it's not just urban explorers who have an appetite for industrial ruins. Beyond the Hearn, Toronto doesn't have too many of these sites to explore (legally or otherwise), but there's an absolutely enormous and eerie place to check out about a two hour drive away.

silo city buffalo

View of the Buffalo River from part way up a grain elevator at Silo City. Photo by Derek Flack.

Buffalo's Silo City is the ultimate abandoned industrial site, partially because the public is able to take guided tours of the sprawling facility, which is home to a series of towering grain elevators that you can climb up.

silo city buffalo

Interior view of an abandoned grain elevator. Photo by Derek Flack.

The legacy of the Rust Belt is on full display here as the rusting buildings quietly speak to the booming industry that once lined the shores of the Buffalo River. You really get a sense of the scale of the former operations here when you explore the inside of the elevators.

silo city buffalo

The base of the elevators are often used for intimate events. Photo by Derek Flack.

Vertical tours take visitors through the history of the buildings as you wind toward the thrilling view at the top. Along the way, there's plenty of visual intrigue from the decaying equipment, to the scale of the infrastructure. It feels like you shouldn't be there even when you're on an official tour. 

silo city buffalo

Some of the machinery on display at Silo City. Smile! Photo by Derek Flack.

Getting inside the Hearn was great, but how awesome would it have been to explore the upper floors? This is what Silo City is like, minus the fear that you might take a wrong turn and get injured.

silo city buffalo

Looking down at the industrial complex. Photo by Derek Flack.

Over and above the Veritcal Tours, the Silo City site is best know as an event space. From poetry readings and concerts to art installations, there are a slew of happenings at the old industrial site each summer. You won't get to the top of the elevators for these, but many include access at the base of the towers.

silo city buffalo

One of Boblo Island's steamers was partially restored here last year. Photo by Derek Flack.

Owner Rick Smith bought what would later become Silo City back in 2006. He hoped to redevelop the site for new manufacturing. Those plans never panned out, but this amazing cultural site has helped bolster Buffalo's cultural renaissance.  

If you're into exploring industrial ruins, this is an amazing road trip to take from Toronto.


10 essential summer date ideas in Toronto

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Summer dates ideas will let you dial up the romance and enjoy everything Toronto has to offer all at the same time. Sure, some of these date ideas might be a bit cliché, but so too is the start of most relationships. Swipe right and embrace it this summer.

Here are my picks for 10 essential summer Toronto dates.

Root for the home team

The Toronto Blue Jays might not be doing so hot this year, but that means cheaper 500-level tickets for you and your date! Head to the Rogers Centre and sip on over-priced beer together. Pro tip: you're allowed to bring in your own food, so pack some snacks. 

Pack a picnic

If you don't want to run into the whole city at Trinity Bellwoods Park on a weekend, head to another local green space, find a spot in the shade and spend an afternoon lounging around on a blanket, chatting and munching on delicious food. 

Ride a bunch of roller coasters

Venture up to Vaughan and spend a day holding hands on scaring rides at Canada's Wonderland. If it's warm, bring a bather so you can visit the on-site water park, Splash Works. Or, wait until the end of the summer and visit the blissfully nostalgic CNE together. 

Have a beach day

Play hooky (or wait for your days off) and escape to the beach. Make sure whichever one you're looking to visit is actually open, or, leave town and hit up a sandy area by the lake just outside the city

Day drink

Hit up a romantic patio, find a spot by the lake or visit a brewery with an outdoor drinking area and spend hours chatting in the sun (or under an umbrella, if that's more your style). 

Find a secret spot

Impress your date with your Toronto knowledge by showing them one of the city's more secretive places, like a hidden courtyard, a low-key beach or an out-of-sight bar. Or, be urban explorers and discover your new favourite place together. 

Get stranded at the drive-in

Pretend you're in Riverdale (or Grease) and take in a movie at The Docks or at one of the drive-ins just outside the city. Or, hit up one of the many, many free outdoor movie screenings that happen all over town throughout the summer months. 

Go for a stroll

Ontario Place's new Trillium Park is finally open, so catch some great views of the city there. If you want to feel like you're in the country, take your date to a super serene spot in the city.

Grab some ice cream

Toronto is obsessed with ice cream, so hop on the bandwagon and take your date to one of the best ice cream places in the city. Or, go all out and share an over-the-top milkshake, because why not?

Be a tourist

There's nothing quite like being a tourist in your own city. Spend a day with your date exploring all the attractions you'd normally avoid, like the CN Tower, the Aquarium, big museums and galleries, and even a mall. Prepare yourself kitsch and lots of laughs. 

Sold! Renovated variety store sells for nearly $2.7 million

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Toronto used to have loads of variety stores located on corner lots along side streets. As larger convenience stores on main streets rose in prominence, many of these shops have faded away, often converted to office spaces or residences.

27 Howland AvenueI've always liked these spaces, but they do pose some challenges for those who plan to adapt them as homes. For one thing, unless you frost over the windows, there's inevitably an aquarium-like feel in the room that faces the street.

27 Howland AvenueThis example at 27 Howland Road in Riverdale is one of the nicer versions that I've seen, even if the living room is like a diorama of home life for those passing by. If you can get around that, the rest of it is just stunning.

27 Howland AvenueDerreck Martin of East Room did the principal design, which is the epitome of tasteful. If there's a stumble here, it's the similarity of the bathrooms (as pointed out in the Mash's coverage of the property), though each one is rather nice, despite their uniformity.

27 Howland AvenueThe Essentials
27 Howland AvenueWhy it sold for what it did

In addition to the ample space of the main home, 27 Howland Rd. also comes with a two storey coach house and parking for five vehicles. Couple this amount of space with the stunning design, and you have the recipe for a very expensive house.

27 Howland AvenueWas it worth it?

Truth be told, $2.7 million seems a bit high for this one, but there's a premium on unique spaces, and it lives up to the one-of-a-kind billing. 

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27 Howland Avenue27 Howland Avenue27 Howland Avenue27 Howland Avenue27 Howland Avenue

27 Howland Avenue27 Howland Avenue

The top 5 vegan ice cream sandwiches in Toronto

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Vegan ice cream sandwiches in Toronto will keep dairy-averse folks from missing out on some of the city's tastiest frozen treats. Whether you're looking for cookies filled with scoops or soft serve, there's plenty of options to help you cool down this summer.

Here are my picks for the top vegan ice cream sandwiches in Toronto.

Cookie Martinez

Found in Market 707, this cargo container vendor offers a vegan and gluten-free version of their popular ice cream sandwiches. Enjoy a scoop of creamy coconut ice cream nestled between crunchy almond cookies.

Bang Bang

Among the lineup of mix-and-match cookies and ice creams at this Ossington bakeshop you'll find vegan, gluten-free cookies, as well as dairy-free ice creams. 

Nanashake

If you find yourself in North York hankering for a dairy-free ice cream sandwich, a visit to this vegan ice cream parlour is in order. On their secret menu you'll find soft serve sandwiches available on a brownie.

Cosmic Treats

With a menu full of vegan comfort foods, there's no surprise that this Kensington Market spot serves up ice cream sandwiches. Cashew-based ice cream is loaded onto vegan cookies.

Booyah

Vegan cookies in flavours like oatmeal and s'mores are filled with your choice of dairy free ice cream or soft serve at this ice cream parlour near St. Clair West.

The top 5 day trips from Toronto if you don't have a car

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Day trips from Toronto are a ritual, but it can be tough to get in on the fun when you don't have access to a car. There are, however, some options worth exploring for the car-less among us. Whether it be through GO Transit or alternative services, it's possible to ditch Toronto in favour of the country even if you've never set foot behind the wheel.

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

Bring your bike to Niagara

Niagara Falls has always been one of the easiest day trips to make without a car thanks to the variousbuses that deliver people from Toronto to the kitsch capital of the country, but throughout the summer GO Transit also offers service from Union to Niagara-on-the-Lake that allows you to bring a bike and explore the region at large.

Soak up small town Ontario in Stratford

Those looking to catch some theatre or to soak up the vibe of small town Ontario can take the Stratford Direct Bus, which runs on performance days between May and October. The return fare is $25 with a festival ticket, which makes this an affordable way to indulge in some culture while also escaping the big city.

Go on a waterfall hunt in Hamilton

There are so many reasons to go to Hamilton, but perhaps the most scenic is the city's host of waterfalls, many of which can be reached easily from downtown. Take the 45 minute ride on the GO Bus from Union Station and then head out to explore the Chedoke and Bruce trails, which are lined with breathtaking waterfalls and gorgeous vistas.

Head to Lake Simcoe without getting stuck on the 400

If you're dying to get out of the city on an oppressively hot weekend, head north to Lake Simcoe and spend the day exploring Barrie. The city sometimes gets a bad reputation, but they have a nice waterfront area and there's a burgeoning beer scene here. For a day by the lake, take the train to Allandale Waterfront GO Station and head to Centennial Beach.

Hop on the Parkbus and explore Ontario

In addition to weekend getaways to places like Algonquin Park, the Parkbus also heads to closer spots like the Elora Gorge, Kelso, Rattlesnake Point, and Albion Hills. These trips depart from a variety of downtown pickup spots in the morning and return in the evening, allowing you to forget about driving in favour of exploration and fun.

10 great places to eat in cottage country near Toronto

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Places to eat in cottage country near Toronto include restaurants that focus on hyper local cuisine to joints that offer up hearty comfort food. If you're feeling peckish on the way to your lakeside retreat, or just need to get off the dock for a little while, you won't have to look too hard to find somewhere to grab a bite.

Here are my picks for 10 great places to eat in cottage country near Toronto.

Near Muskoka
Cast Iron Restaurant

The small town of Baysville is located on the shores of the beautiful Lake of Bays. For such a tiny place, it's filled with lots of local gems, including this restaurant with upmarket comfort food. After you eat, stop by the Lake of Bays Brewing Co.'s tasting room or patio for a drink.

R' Cottage

This rustic spot in Washago serves up cozy vibes with its menu featuring meatloaf, mac and cheese and ribs as well as s'mores milkshakes and s'mores cheesecake for dessert. Even a certain Grey's Anatomy star eats here. 

Sweet Jesus

Get a taste of the city at this popular ice cream parlour. It's conveniently located in Port Carling near local favourite Frankie's Surf Club and Grand Electric's Muskoka outpost. Tacos and ice cream? Yes please.

Near Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay
Weber's

For many, a trip to the cottage isn't complete with this lineup-inducing burger joint right on Highway 11. 

Barnstormer Brewing and Distilling Co.

This aviation-themed brewery and distillery in Barrie makes (air) craft beer, soda and spirits, but it also has a restaurant with beer-friendly menu items like mussels, pizza, poutine and charcuterie. 

Creemore Kitchen

It's all about seasonal ingredients and locally sourced fared at this Simcoe County restaurant. It has an eclectic menu, which keeps things interesting a brunch, lunch and dinnertime.

Bicycle Cafe

Grab a seat and a coffee at this cafe and music venue in Flesherton (Grey County) and then browse the extensive menu that'll satisfy whether you're craving an eggy brunch, a sandwich or dumplings. 

Kawartha's/Peterborough
Muddy's Pit BBQ

Pay by the pound for brisket, meatloaf and pulled pork at this BBQ joint in Keene. This summertime spot has a patio and often feature live music during the day.

Dr. J's BBQ & Brews

If you like your BBQ a little less rustic, visit this spot in Peterborough. There's more than just meat on the menu, so pescatarians will be happy here too.

Near Haliburton
Rhubarb by Boshkung Brewing Co.

Find this brewery and restaurant on the beautiful Mirror Lake in Minden. Grab a pint and then order from the menu, which features lots of locally sourced foodstuffs and beer-friendly food, like schnitzel and currywurst.

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