Another Toronto milk bar has joined the deadpool. The relatively short-lived Natrel Milk Bar by Montreal's Java U has shut down.

The cafe, which highlighted products from milk company Natrel, took over the space at 1092 Queen St. W. It was previously home to the "Drake you ho, this is all your fault" Starbucks.

A post shared by christineurias (@christineurias) on Apr 2, 2017 at 1:27pm PDT

After that West Queen West Starbucks closed, some hoped sort of indie retailer or restaurant would replace it. Instead, Queen and Dovercourt got a splashy brand activation for big dairy.

i do actually find the natrel milk bar to be more offensive then the starbucks because like, WOT is the dairy lobby up to?????????

— artisanal cracker (@internetlauren) April 28, 2017

Now, the only milk bar left in Toronto is Momofuku's. Moo Milk Bar in the Beaches shut down a few years ago. 

The clock tower at Old City Hall is surely one of the most recognizable landmarks in Toronto, but for all its familiarity there's another side to this historic monument that few of us ever get a glimpse of. 

This wasn't always the case. Going back to the early 20th century, the public could take an elevator up to the observation deck just under the clock face of the 340 foot tower. From there, they could look down Bay St. to the harbour and beyond. 

Looking north towards City Hall in 1910. Photo by William James via the Toronto Archives.

These days only one person gets a regular look from this vantage point. Horologist John Scott of Scotiabell maintains the grand old clock that's sat at the top of Old City Hall since 1899 (it was dramatically activated for the first to ring in the new century). 

I had the chance to meet the affable Scott and take a trip up the tower as part of filming for Unseen Toronto. The producers will probably cry a little if I reveal too much of this remarkable hidden space, but I'll offer a sneak peak of our episode with the photos I grabbed on my phone.

This is looking up from near the bottom of the clock tower, but the direction can be difficult to discern at first glance. Photo by Derek Flack.

The first thing that happens when you start to ascend the clock tower is that you feel as though you've stepped into a M.C. Escher drawing. The manner in which the stairs wind around the perimeter of the structure is somehow profoundly disorienting. 

Once you near the top, the perspective finally makes sense and you can gaze down at the elevation you've gained while marvelling at the iron rods that remain from the days when the elevator operated.

Looking down at the bell that's kept Toronto's time for some 117 years. Photo by Derek Flack.

It's actually quite amazing to think the public was allowed in here on a regular basis. So many of our most interesting observation decks have been lost to the soaring appeal of the CN Tower, but the lost spaces have a cachet that's unmistakable. 

It was a remarkable feat to install this Gillett and Johnston clock at the top of the tower in 1899. Photo by Derek Flack.

As intriguing as the climb up the tower is, the most fascinating part of a visit to the clock tower is certainly the clock itself. This is one mind boggling piece of machinery that, save for a few minor modifications, functions just as it did when it rang in the 20th century.

Scott makes the trip up the tower about once a month to ensure that the time is accurate. His visits used to be more frequent, but he has it running so smoothly now that less intervention is required. 

The other side of the Old City Hall clock face. LED lights are now used to illuminate the giant time piece at night.

"It's part artwork and part machine," he tells me as he explains the basic mechanics of the elaborate instrument. What you can never communicate in a picture is just how wonderful and calming the mechanism sounds as it ticks away the moments. 

In this room at the top of the city, which is bathed in light pouring in through the glass clock faces, a noticeable calm washes over those of us who've been lucky enough to witness this place. Even Scott, who's been up here countless times, understands how special it is. 

The view down Bay St. from the Old City Hall clock tower. Photo by Derek Flack.

Before we leave, he opens up one of the portals to the outside world. From ground level, these tiny circles look tiny, but they offer a stunning view of one of Toronto's main corridors and invite a gentle breeze into the clock room. 

When it comes time to leave, I'm hesitant. I doubt I'll make it back up here again, and I want to enjoy the moment. And then, right on cue, the clock strikes 4 p.m. and the air reverberates with the sound of the bells below. 

Like that, I know it's time to go.

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.

The Toronto Zoo might be open for business, but don't go looking for its two snow leopard cubs because they're still living in the new Wildlife Health Centre’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Thankfully, the Zoo's been keeping folks updated about the cubs that were born on May 13. According to a post on the Zoo's Facebook page, the cubs are doing well and their personalities are starting to develop.

Photo via The Toronto Zoo.

"One cub is slightly darker in colour, and is more energetic and 'sassy,' always taking the bottle very quickly when offered. The second cub is slightly lighter in colour, and although also energetic, is not as bold as its sibling," reads the post.

Photo via The Toronto Zoo.

"Both cubs vocalize in a bird-like ‘chirping’ sound and love to leap, run, explore and climb anything and everything they can find. Wrestling with each other is another favourite thing for these siblings to do."

Photo via The Toronto Zoo.

When the Zoo announced the arrival of the new snow leopards, it also welcomed cloud leopard and cheetah cubs into the world. 

A set of DIY stairs in a Toronto park has led to quite the kerfuffle both here at home and abroad, especially since city staff have now taken the wooden steps down. 

According to CTV News, retired mechanic Adi Astl built a set of stairs in an area of Etobicoke's Tom Riley Park after local visitors were having difficulty getting to a community garden.

Homemade staircase that caused so much fuss at Tom Riley Park being removed by city work crew https://t.co/VneE3RLK10

— Terry Demostenes (@Terrydemostenes) July 21, 2017

City staff reportedly estimated the project would cost $65,000, so Astl stepped up to the plate and took matters into his own hands, literally. He built the stairs for $550. 

A carpenter in Canada spent $550 building a set of stairs next to a steep path that Toronto City Hall claimed would cost $65,000 - RIP OFF!

— charles benjamin (@chaleeboh3131) July 21, 2017

Astl's stairs have made international headlines. Ward 5 Councillor Justin Di Ciano and Mayor John Tory, as well as countless individuals, praised his initiative. 

Here is my statement on the Tom Riley Park stairs. pic.twitter.com/nwJTyW480l

— John Tory (@JohnTory) July 21, 2017

"The original cost estimate for the City of Toronto to build stairs in Tom Riley Park was absolutely ridiculous and out of whack with reality," said the mayor in a statement that also thanked Astl.

"Work on the new steps starts today and will be done in a matter of days," the mayor continued. 

.... is not attached to anything. pic.twitter.com/NCZ4p6aG0o

— Shannon McKarney (@zchamu) July 20, 2017

Astl's work didn't, however, receive blanket praise. One Twitter user visited the park and noticed the stairs had many safety-related flaws, regardless of the good intentions behind them. 

In honour of the old guy at Tom Riley Park, I've gone ahead and just built some shitty, rickety stairs in other places in Toronto. #TOpolipic.twitter.com/SaqZCVC0xt

— Mike Beauvais (@MikeBeauvais) July 21, 2017

Luckily no one got hurt using the DIY stairs and it looks like Astl's project actually got the city to take action fast.

The best jeans and denim stores in Toronto should be top of mind for anyone serious about style and comfort. Of course, jeans are available almost anywhere you find clothes, but only a few stores in the city truly do denim justice albeit often at a steep price.

Here are the best jeans and denim stores in Toronto.

Cottages in Muskoka don't come cheap, especially if you're looking to kick back on Lake Rosseau. But this property offers over-the-top luxury for those weekends when you (read: wildly rich you) just need to escape Toronto.

At a whopping $14,950,000, this estate is more like a personal resort than a quaint country house.

With 6,700 square feet of space, you'll have lots of room to host hordes of friends and family members who'll inevitably vie for a chance to spend a day or five here.

Ferris Rafauli (you know, Drake's architect) designed the place, and according to the listing it was "built with only the finest exotic and rare materials sourced from around the globe with no cost spared."

This cottage, which looks like it wouldn't be out of place in a tony enclave in the middle of the city, also features and in-ground pool, just in case the lake is too cold or something. It has a sport court where you can keep active.

Of course, those looking for a more cozy, yet still sprawling, lakeside abode might move on from this listing, but someone (with deep, deep pockets) will certainly be happy to call this waterfront mansion their home away from home. 

After 20 years in Toronto, Europe Bound Travel Outfitters is calling it quits. Owner Joe Raftis says there's no specific reason for shutting down, other than it was time for him to retire.

"I've been doing this for 32 years now, working seven days a week, 12 hours a day and I'm ready to be done," he says.

It's a bit of a shock seeing as the neighbourhood is only getting busier. According to Raftis, business has never been better. Raftis  owns the building at 383 King St. W., but has no immediate plans to sell it. He'll rent it out for now. 

A post shared by Europe Bound & Hikers Haven (@europeboundhikershaven) on Jul 18, 2017 at 8:22am PDT

His associated store Hiker's Haven in Oakville will remain open when Europe Bound closes its doors for good in September. Until then, visit the store for clearance sales on everything. 

Previously, Europe Bound had a store in Vancouver for 20 years, a discount store on Queen East, as well as a location in Los Angeles.

It's that time of year again. We're opening the poll to 10 new best of categories including dumplings, martinis, wedding cakes, boutique hotels and more. Voting ends on Sunday July 23 at 11:59 p.m.

Take the poll here

Toronto is blessed with many beautiful places to walk, from pretty streets to lakefront promenades. For all the choice we enjoy, there are a number of spots that are particularly stunning for those times when you're looking to dial up the romance or just want to soak up a bit of nature in the midst of the big city.

Here are my picks for the most beautiful places to walk in Toronto.

Ontario Place Trillium Park

Certainly the nicest new place to walk in Toronto, the William G. Davis Trail at Trillium Park meanders along the waterfront offering sweeping views of the lake and skyline. End an evening stroll by sitting by the fire pit as the sun sets.

Edwards Gardens

Wilket Creek winds through this lush natural landscape near Lawrence and Leslie. You'll cross the creek over several scenic bridges as you take in the array of pretty flora that mark area. Arrive early for a bit of solitude, as summer afternoons get very busy.

One of the trails at the Humber Arboretum. Photo via the City of Toronto.

Humber Arboretum

As an underrated gem located on Humber's campus in the northwest corner of the city, the arboretum is a bucolic setting lined with paved trails that lead to gardens and a pond. It's perfect for a leisurely walk.

Guild Park

This haunting park and gardens at the top of the Scarborough Bluffs is the resting place for a number of Toronto architectural ruins. The revitalized Guild Inn has brought more people to the site, but has also improved the grounds.

The Sun Valley offers a pretty and easy walk through the Crothers Woods area. Photo by Derek Flack.

Sun Valley

Part of the Crothers Woods parkland, Sun Valley is better suited to people who want to take a stroll rather than a hike. Enter off of Bayview Avenue, near Nesbitt Drive and you'll encounter a double-track trail that circles around the pretty valley that was once a garbage dump long ago.

David A. Balfour Park

This ravine just east of Yonge and St. Clair is beautiful at all times of the year, but reaches its peak in the fall when the leaves tend to hit a saturated yellow hue. There's a few challenges with steep stairs, but it's worth it for the tree canopy once you get to the ravine floor.

A misty morning at the Glen Stewart Ravine. Photo by ~EvidencE~.

Glen Stewart Ravine

A lovely boardwalk-style trail cuts through the heart of this Beaches-area ravine that's marked by its mature tree canopy and misty mornings. The stairs can get a bit slippery after a rainfall, but otherwise it's smooth sailing at this beautiful green space. 

King's College Circle

Fans of historical architecture will rejoice in the cluster of buildings at the heart of U of T's campus, including University College and Convocation Hall. Once you round the north end of the circle, you'll see the skyline hovering over the campus in a picturesque scene of old and new.

The trail that runs alongside Grenadier Pond is one of the prettiest in High Park. Photo by Neil H.

High Park

What's so great about High Park as a walking destination is that there are so many different areas worth strolling around. For my money, the trail that runs along the west side of the park beside Grenadier Pond is the most pretty, but the hill off of West Road near the cafe is a must-visit during cherry blossom season.

Eastern Boardwalk

It's hard to beat a classic walk along the wooden boardwalk for a dose of natural beauty in Toronto. Once you pass the Woodbine section heading east towards Kew Beach, the beach landscape gets a bit more rustic and the people thin out.

FedEx Office stores are shipping out of Canada. The American company announced today that it would be shutting down all of its Canadian Office stores as well as its Toronto head office and Markham manufacturing plant, reports the Canadian Press.

Seven of FedEx's 24 Office stores are located in Toronto and there are many more of these retail outlets situated around the GTA. These closures will put 214 employees out of work.

FedEx will still operate its shipping business in Canada, including its Port Lands Ship Centre, but you won't be able to access its printing or sign-making services here any longer. 

You'll no longer have to venture to Markham to get your KaKa fix. That's because the super popular Japanese restaurant, known for its all-you-can-eat sushi menu, is opening a new location in Toronto.

On Facebook, the restaurant announced it'd soon start serving up raw fish feasts south of Steeles. 

The new restaurant will be located at 665 Bay St., at Elm, and it'll replace Sushi Queen Izakaya (which will soon wind down operations). The new KaKa should be up and running in September or October. 

You can expect AYCE sushi here as well as an upgraded menu specifically for the downtown location.

When it comes to creepy destinations within a reasonable drive of Toronto, it's tough to beat Camp Beechwood, a former Girl Scout getaway that closed in the 1990s.

Located in Sodus, New York, just east of Rochester, the place seems like the set of a teenage horror movie, complete with abandoned cabins, old fire pits, a deserted dining hall and a graffiti-strewn swimming pool.

A post shared by Shawn Dowd (@sdowdphoto) on Jun 11, 2017 at 4:57pm PDT

The days when this camp was a site of carefree childhood fun are long gone, replaced by a quiet landscape of overgrown grass and the occasional explorer. It feels like a place time forgot.

A post shared by Leann 🌻 (@_leannnicole) on Jun 29, 2017 at 5:14pm PDT

If you hike in here at sunset, you're pretty much guaranteed to spook yourself by the time night falls. Given that overnight camping is allowed on the site, here's the perfect chance to prove to everyone how brave you are. 

A post shared by Shawn Dowd (@sdowdphoto) on Jun 11, 2017 at 4:54pm PDT

Perhaps that's the best thing about this abandonment — it's not illegal to go exploring here. In fact, it's encouraged. The former camp is now part of Beechwood State Park, which is managed by the town. There are park rules, but they're quite reasonable.

A post shared by Kimberly Ann Benedetto (@karismatic_kim) on Jul 3, 2017 at 7:40am PDT

The Girl Scouts operated Camp Beechwood starting in 1929, but rising taxes on the waterfront property, and a host of maintenance challenges related to erosion, led its sale in 1995. Lest the site be redeveloped, it was ultimately acquired by New York State in 1996.

A post shared by a r d e n e s t e p (@aj.estep) on Jun 11, 2017 at 12:16pm PDT

For all the putative creepiness of the abandoned camp, the park is actually a lovely place to visit just for the natural setting, particularly because it's rarely busy. Once you check out the ruins, you can head over to the shore to look across Lake Ontario.

You'll find the parking lot for Beechwood State Park near Lake and Maxwell roads. Admission is free, though you'll have to contact the camp caretaker to arrange for overnight camping. 

Even as many Toronto is quickly being declared a buyer's market, there are pockets around the city where it's still possible to elicit a bidding war with a low listing price. 

We saw this recently at 265 St. Clements Ave. in the Allenby area, which sold for $542K over asking. Now, about a month later, a nearby house on Castlefield has also come in at way over asking. It's not surprising, really. 

With the same agent and presumably the same strategy for both homes, the formula seems to have worked. It might have been more of risk to under list this one given that it's a semi with an unfinished basement, but with 14 offers made on the place, demand wasn't an issue.

This is a sold house that's worth far more than $895,000. It's far from huge but the kitchen area is very nicely done, and the overall finish of the property is tasteful. The long backyard is a bonus, though I'd probably trade that for a more usable basement space.

The Essentials

• Address: 170 Castlefield Ave.
• Lot size: 23.43 x 134.83 feet
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 3
• Hit the market at: $895,000
• Time on market: One week
• Sold for: $1,391,018
• Listing agent: André Kutyan

Why it sold for what it did

This is North Toronto. Even a semi in much worse shape than this one should fetch at least $1 million. For someone keen on the area, this is a great size for a four-person family. 

Was it worth it?

It shows favourably against recently sold properties in the area like 272 Roselawn Ave. ($1,188,800 with finished basement), so the final selling price is anything but outlandish. It'll cost a lot to finish the basement, but the main floors have an obvious turn-key appeal.

Stores to buy camping gear and equipment in Toronto will help you rough it right. The city has a wide range of shops that'll help outdoor enthusiasts and beginners stock up for their next adventure.

Here are my picks for the top stores for camping gear and equipment in Toronto.

Mountain Equipment Co-op

With two locations (King Street and North York), MEC leads the pack for outdoor enthusiasts. The co-op store requires a $5 lifetime membership in order to shop, but you'll find quality tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment and all sorts of top-notch gear.

Bass Pro Shops 

Although this sporting megaplex at Vaughan Mills can be considered the Walmart of fishing stores, it also has a wide range of gear and apparel for camping as well as tools and accessories for hunting and even archery. 

Sail

This Quebec import in Etobicoke is comparable in size to Bass Pro Shops, but focuses entirely on quality outdoor adventure products. You'll find a huge selection here.

The Complete Paddler

This Etobicoke  store has a huge showroom that displays a wide array of kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, tents, sleeping bags and camping accessories. It sells and rents equipment.

Arc'teryx

This technical outerwear store on Queen Street West specializes in clothing that will get you through even the coldest days of winter. You'll find items like insulated jackets, ski pants, and sporting gear lining the shelves. It also has hiking shoes and climbing gear. 

CampKit

This online-only Toronto-based camping gear rental program let's you rent every item and accessory you'll need for a weekend trip. It has several different custom kits to chose from and delivers right to your door.

Canadian Tire 

Looking for cheaper last-minute items on your way to the campground? This is your stop. It's not known for its extensive hiking gear selection, but tents, sleeping bags, bug repellent and accessories is often on sale at the various locations found all over the GTA. 

Patagonia

Patagonia on King Street West is well-known for its outdoor apparel. It carries lots of technical wear for hikes, bikes, water sports, skiing, snowboarding and fishing as well as aso carry travel books and bags. 

Atmosphere

The store at the Shops at Don Mills carries coolers, tents, sleeping bags, camping wear, shoes from all the big adventure brands, and all the camp accessories you didn't even know you needed. 

Higher Ground

Located on Yonge Street, north of Eglinton, this outdoor adventure shop has been around since the 1980s and prides itself in selling good-looking apparel for men and women. It's also got a separate kids store nearby. 

Cheap pizza nights in Toronto will only grow your long-standing love affair. Pizza has grown far beyond the humble slice and entered the realm of gourmet munching. Luckily enough, local joints across the city are offering their pies at discounted rates on special nights.

Here are my picks for the top cheap pizza nights in Toronto.

Pizzeria Defina

This popular Roncesvalles Village spot specializes in wood-fired pizza, and every Monday night they serve their Margherita pie and a pint for just $15. 

Mattachioni

Find yourself at this Junction Triangle spot on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and score one of their original three pizzas for $10. Offerings include their margherita, marinara or napoli.

Striker Sports Bar

This Toronto sports bar in the The Village does their special pizza nights on Monday. Order any one of their four flat bread pizzas for only $8. 

Il Songo

Every Wednesday night this Yonge & Eglinton Italian restaurant serves any pizza on the menu for just $10. Whether you like your pizza with sauce or no sauce, there's plenty of options to choose from.

Squirly's

Every Sunday night at this West Queen West restaurant you'll discover their pizza and pitcher deal. It features 12 inch, three topping pie and a pitcher of beer.  

Bra boutiques in Toronto will make sure you're wearing the right size so you're comfortable (and supported) all day long. Sure, retailers like Hudson's Bay always have lots of options, but smaller shops often offer more personalized services.

Here are my picks for the top bra boutiques in Toronto.

Stole My Heart

This store in Dundas West aims to carry lingerie brands made by women for women. It has a large selection of bras suitable for all different body types and wants you to feel good in whatever you're wearing. 

For the Girls

Find this lingerie shop on Roncesvalles. It has lots of practical pieces as well as lacy and multicoloured bras that needn't only be worn on special occasions. 

Secrets From Your Sister

The window displays at this Annex store always feature gorgeous bras. Instead of just admiring them, step inside for a fitting and perhaps even treat yourself.

Rêve Rouge

The owner of Linea Intima is behind this shop in Bayview Village. It's filled with whimsical decor as well as hard-to-find lingerie brands. It carries lots of barely-there bra styles to put comfort first.

Bra Bar

As its name suggests, this Yorkville store focuses exclusively on undergarments. Head here to be fitted and find cup sizes from A up to K and bands ranging from 30 to 50 inches. 

Legs Plus Bra Boutique

This bra shop is tucked away in the Pickle Barrel plaza on Leslie. It might seem like an unusual place to grab a bra, but it specializes in fittings as well as hard-to-find sizes.

Gigi's House of Frills

For true vintage as well as repro styles, head to this retro boutique on Dovercourt near Bloor. Find an assortment of super pretty bras adorned in lace here, as well as many in throwback styles.

Avec Plaisir

Don't expect a bargain at this Yorkville boutique that specializes in well-made lingerie brands as well as expert bra fittings.

Tryst Lingerie

This long-standing shop on Queen Street West is serious about its bra fittings. It says they take between 30 to 45 minutes, so don't show up less than half an hour before closing if you need one.

Change

For a chain retailer, this shop carries a wider variety of sizes than other big bra stores. You can find it on Queen Street West, at the Shops at Don Mills and at Promenade Mall.

Swimming pools in Toronto come in both indoor and outdoor varieties, though the best facilities are typically in the former category. These are places that offer a variety of programs for beginner swimmers all the way up to those seeking Bronze Medallion certification. The vast majority also reserve time for leisure and lane swimming.

Here are my picks for the top swimming pools in Toronto by neighbourhood.

The Annex

You need to be a U of T student or have a membership to use the U of T Athletic Centre pool, but it's a great facility for swimming enthusiasts with three pools on the premise, an Olympic-sized main pool, plus a 25 metre option and a teaching pool. Membership fees vary considerably, though alumni receive deep discounts.

The Beaches

Memorable for its 5 and 10 metre diving platforms and its proximity to Woodbine Beach, Donald D. Summerville boasts an Olympic-size pool, a 25-metre training facility, and a diving pool. It's surprisingly quiet during the week and absolutely jam-packed on the weekend.

Bloor West Village

The Swansea Community Recreation Centre boasts a 25 metre pool that looks a lot newer than it is. This is a good spot for quiet lane swimming (one hour each day) and even has leisure swim times scheduled in the evenings on Thursdays and Fridays (a rarity).

Bloordale 

The bright 25 metre pool at the Wallace Emerson Community Centre has a busy schedule of programming, but there are various times reserved each day for lane and leisure swimming, which are relatively quiet through the week. First Aid courses are also available at this pool just south of the Galleria Mall.

Corktown

This is where the Pan Am swimming athletes trained during the 2015 Games in Toronto. Now home to the city's nicest YMCA, there are two pools at the Cooper Koo Family Centre. You'll need a membership to access the facilities (starts at $55 per month), but there's a dizzying array of classes and aquatic programs on offer here.

Corso Italia 

The Joseph J. Piccininni Community Centre features two pool, one indoor and one outdoor (technically named the Giovanni Caboto pool). The outdoor pool is monstrous and open in the evening and on weekends, while the indoor pool is home to variety of programs from children's lessons to recreational swimming hours.

East Danforth

Main Square Community Centre features a 25 metre pool with a soaring ceiling and windows that fill the room with light. You can take basic swim classes here or train for your Bronze Medallion. If laps are more your thing, three to four hours each day are reserved for lane swimming.

Dundas West

Along with Alex Duff, Alexandra Park is the most popular spot for late night pool-hoppers in Toronto, but it's also a lovely place during regular hours. If you're just looking to chill rather than do hardcore laps, the great thing about this pool is that it offers leisure swimming hours between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. each day.

Etobicoke

The Etobicoke Olympium got a facelift for the Pan Am Games in 2015, and features an Olympic-size pool and a number of diving platforms as well as a smaller leisure pool. Swimming classes cater to everyone from beginners to those seeking Bronze Cross.

High Park

The public pool at High Park offers both lane and leisure swims, so you can opt to work out or veg out, depending on your interests. Once you've gotten your fill of swimming, you can indulge in a nature walk or visit the animals at the high park zoo free of charge.

Koreatown

The thing that sets Alex Duff apart from the rest is its two-storey water slide. Though it doesn't rival any of the sky-high slides at Canada's Wonderland or Wild Water Kingdom, it is fun, especially for the younger crowd. If you're not into that, there's also a diving board, warm conversation pool, and shallow splash area.

The Junction

The Annette Community Recreation Centre has a small pool, but it's absolutely bustling with classes, from lifeguard certification to Aquafit to a variety of programs for children. About an hour each day is reserved for leisure swimming if that's more your vibe.

Leaside

Leaside Memorial Gardens boasts a fully accessible 25 metre pool. There's daily lane swim times for adults, an array of classes and programs, plus leisure swims on weekends.

Leslieville

Jimmie Simpson has two indoor pools, one of which is primarily for kids (always a good thing for everybody). Along with certification programs, the facility offers leisure and lane swim hours throughout the week and weekends.

Mount Dennis

The York Recreation Centre is one of Toronto's nicest swimming and sports facilities. There are two pools on site, including one that's six lanes and 25 metres long and a shallow kiddie pool for the little ones. 

North York

The Douglas Snow Aquatic Centre boasts an Olympic size pool, a whirlpool, and an awesome waterslide. Drop in leisure swims and Aquafit classes are free and available throughout the week.

Parkdale

The Parkdale Community Recreation Centre has one of the most packed programming schedules in the city with classes of all types, but it's worth knowing that lane and leisure swimming here takes place in the evenings Monday through Thursday.

Queen West

The relatively small Harrison Pool (20 metres) is located just north of Queen West at McCaul. Programs are free here, so it's a very good option if money is tight. Lane swimming is typically offered during the week on afternoons.

Regent Park

The Regent Park Aquatic Centre is an award-winning swimming facility that opened in 2012. Here you'll find a lap pool, leisure pool and warm water pool as well as a Tarzan rope, diving board, and water slide. This might be the nicest-looking pool complex in Toronto.

Richmond Hill

Don't think about swimming laps at the Wave Pool in Richmond Hill. This is all about the fun, with a 160 foot water slide and a huge swirlpool right beside the main wave facility.

Roncesvalles

There's been an outdoor pool at Sunnyside since 1925 when it was decided that the fledging amusement park needed an alternative swimming destination because Lake Ontario was just too cold. Now named after local swimming instructor Gus Ryder, it continues to be one of the busiest outdoor pools in the city.

Scarborough

The Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre is membership-based, but if you're a serious swimmer or diver, this is one of the premier facilities in Toronto. There are two 10-lane Olympic-size pools, a dive tank, and dry-land dive training facilities on site.

St. Clair West

Hillcrest Community Centre near Bathurst and St. Clair has a small pool that often gets overlooked by anyone other than area parents who've enrolled their kids in classes here. The good thing about that is that the lane and leisure swim times are often very quiet, which makes for a far more relaxing experience.

St. Lawrence Market

The St. Lawrence Community Recreation Centre has bright and modern 25 metre pool that plays host to a wide variety of classes and leisure swimming two hours each day between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

West Queen West

The Trinity Community Recreation Centre is a light-filled 25 metre pool with a favourable schedule for those looking to do lane or leisure swimming. It also offers the conventional mix of classes and programs for adults and children.

Yonge and Eglinton

The best swimming facilities in Toronto feature indoor and outdoor pools. Such is the case North Toronto Memorial Community Centre, where you'll find a top rate indoor pool (complete with a sweet waterslide) and a bustling outdoor option in the summer months. Both feature plenty of time dedicate to open swimming.

Yonge and College

The Central YMCA has a 25 metre main pool and a smaller training pool, which means that the programming here is robust. Yes, you have a lot of the senior-focused fitness classes and the standard lane swim hours, but there's also time reserved for recreational swimming, family swim, and more elaborate options like synchronized swimming.

Day trips from Toronto should be on every city dwellers summer bucket list. What defines a day trip rather than, say, a weekend getaway? My criteria is that a the driving component of a single day journey should be around two hours total (one hour each way). Even keeping the driving to a minimum, there's tons of places to explore just outside the city.

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

Beamsville and Jordan

This is as close to Toronto as wine country gets, and it's a beautiful place to explore. Spend your day exploring the vineyards, farmers' markets, and take in spectacular views of the city. If you have a bike rack, pedalling between wineries is the best. Three not to miss: Thirty Bench, Hidden Bench and 13th Street.

Dundas Peak

For a dose of natural beauty, a trip to Dundas Peak is hard to beat. You'll see the stunning Webster Falls and Spencer Gorge while you hike through a lush forest that juts out of the Niagara Escarpment. It gets very busy on weekends, but the sights are worth it.

Elora

It'll take just over an hour to get to Elora in good traffic. If it's a hot day, your first stop should be at the abandoned quarry that's now the province's best swimming hole. Once you're done lounging by the water, head to the Elora gorge for tubing or just a hike through the lovely landscape.

Glen Major Forest

Take a day to adventure through this 1,548-hectare forest on the Oak Ridges Moraine in Uxbridge. The trails that run through it are perfect for hiking, jogging, mountain biking and even horseback riding — so pack a backpack and your bike (or steed) and spend a day in this lush forest just under an hour from Toronto.

Halton County Radial Railway

Perhaps one of the most intriguing day trip opportunities is the streetcar museum in Halton. Check out a collection of historic TTC cars from over the years and even take unlimited rides on the two-kilometre track, which makes a stop at the museum ice cream shop. The old Peter Witt and PCC streetcars are truly a sight to behold.

Cold brew coffee in Toronto will keep you cool and caffeinated on even the hottest, most humid days of the year. You can find this concentrated beverage (it's coffee brewed with cold water, instead of hot) at indie cafes all around the city.

Here are my picks for the top places to grab cold brew coffee in Toronto.

Northwood

This cafe-bar hybrid in Koreatown might have kicked off the cold brew craze in Toronto. It still bottles and serves its own New Orleans-style brew made with Phil and Sebastian beans as well as some roasted chicory. Northwood's sister spot Mulberry Bar carries it too. 

Station Cold Brew

Go directly to the source and grab some nitro cold brew from Station's Junction Triangle headquarters. Or, find this Toronto creation at grocery stores, small markets, and cafes all over the country.

Dark Horse

This local mini chain sells bottles of its very own cold brew at all of its locations. Drink it straight or pour it over a glass of ice for further refreshment. 

Jimmy's

Get Jimmy's cold brew straight up, or try its new Gold Brew. It's a collaboration with ELXR Juice and it comes infused with turmeric, cashew milk, maple, cinnamon and pink salt - it's definitely an acquired taste.

Pilot

This local coffee roaster sells its cold brew in cans at all of its retail locations (including Te Aro and Crafted). You can also pick up four packs in you need to stock up. 

Wrestlers

You can cool off at this Kensington Market cafe with paletas or cold brew. If it's a really hot day, you should probably do both for good measure.

Balzac's

It's all about smooth and creamy nitro cold brew at this local chain of coffee shops. Eschew the gimmicky coffee in a cone and order a cup of cold brew instead.

De Mello Palheta

If you're in the Yonge and Eglinton area, a stop at this cafe (which also roasts its own coffee) is a must. On hot days, cold brew made with De Mello beans should hit the spot.

Reunion Island

There are lots of options for those craving cold brew at this Roncesvalles cafe. Get yours over ice or, if you're feeling adventurous, try a cold brew tonic or cold brew mint julep.

Rooster

Rooster brings out its cold brew at all three of its aesthetically pleasing east side locations during the warmer months of the year.