Toronto's east side brewery scene has been bubbling up with a host of new spots like Rorschach Brewing Co., Godspeed, Radical Road and Eastbound Brewing all sprouting up in the last twelve months. Soon a new player is about to join the pack.

Avling Brewery is moving into 1042 Queen Street East, formerly an Asian food distribution centre, and is set to open in late spring or early summer of 2018.

The sign currently up at 1042 Queen Street East, indicating to Leslieville neighbours they'll soon be getting a new brewery.

Founder Max Meighen says the brewery is currently working on the recipes for their core range of beers, which will include a saison, IPA, lager, and a Baltic porter.

They'll be serving seasonal beers, as well as one-off brews for special occasions, with a focus on using Ontario-grown products. 

In addition to the brewery, there will be a tap room with a food menu that they're aiming to keep as local and seasonal as possible.

They'll also be harvesting ultra-local ingredients from a planned rooftop farm, which will provide produce for the restaurant, with a portion to be reserved as a community growing space. 

For a dose of lifestyles of the rich and famous, this recent home sale offers a peek into a Lawrence Park mansion that was snagged for $11.6 million. It's big, luxurious, and completely over the top when you consider what a normal family requires for housing. 

The pictures tell the story here. From a guest suite complete with a separate kitchen to a soaring libary to a playroom outfitted as an indoor hockey rink, this house shows off the tastes of people with a ton of cash. It doesn't have an indoor swimming pool, but the rest of the big spender checklist is covered.

Needless to say, it's not the easiest task to sell homes in this category. They tend to stay on the market for a while before an offer is made that the seller can live with. So it's not really surprising to see this one go for more than $1 million under asking.

That's still a big pay out, particularly considering the state of the Toronto real estate market.

The Essentials

• Address: 113 Mildenhall Rd.
• Type: Detached house
• Bedrooms: 6
• Bathrooms: 7
• Lot size: 101.5 x 459.13 feet
• Hit the market at: $12.8 million
• Time on market: 90+ days
• Sold for: $11,632,000 

Why it sold for what it did

Well, this one is kind of obvious. It's a massive ravine lot with almost every luxury amenity you could think of in Wanless Park, which is basically across a ravine from the Bridle Path. Of course it went for $10 million plus.

Was it worth it?

While almost $1.2 under asking sounds like a lot, when you're dealing with sales of this amount, it's not quite as noteworthy — based on both the percentage of the listing price and the variability of luxury sales in general. I'd say both the buyer and seller were probably satisfied on this one. 

Contemporary Toronto is a city with impressive density, particularly throughout its central downtown area, where development has taken place at breakneck speed since the first condo boom in the 1980s (and arguably before). Cranes fill the sky, streets are populated with people, and open space is at a minimum.

It wasn't always this way.

Go back 35 years, and Toronto is a city in transition. The 1960s and '70s brought the first wave of modern development in the city, giving birth to the Financial District, slab apartment buildings, and massive projects like the Eaton Centre, but these additions oddly underscored the emptiness that surrounded them.

By getting bigger, Toronto actually looked more empty. For every new skyscraper, the adjacent parking lot looked even more out of place, an incongruous juxtaposition that defined our downtown throughout the 1980s. We were a city on the brink of great intensification, but even with massive redevelopment, it takes decades to fill everything in.

Huge sections of downtown Toronto were still largely empty through the 1990s and early 2000s, as the Railway Lands were converted to vertical neighbourhoods. For a few years, the whole area around the SkyDome was a wasteland, a sight that's practically inconceivable these days.

Outside of the core, areas like Liberty Village had yet to witness the rise of the condo, which meant a general lack of human activity on the street. People still worked here, but it was a ghost town at night, and there was no retail to speak of. On weekend mornings, you might see the occasional bakery delivery truck but not much else.

To the east, the Distillery District and much of the surrounding area looked like an abandoned film set (on occasion this was literally the case). There were old buildings here, but good luck finding a photo of more than a couple of people on the street. The area we now call the West Don Lands was just a collection of warehouses and gravel yards.

The condoification of Toronto has taken its fair share of criticism, and often rightly so, but jumping back just a few decades shows just how profoundly our development boom has animated the city's streetscape, not to mention its skyline.

More Photos

Area around Yonge and Front, late 1960s.

Parking lots galore around the St. Lawrence Market 1970s.

Railways Lands 1970s.

Liberty Village 1970s.

West Don Lands area 1980s.

Distillery District prior to redevelopment acting as a film set in the early 1990s.

Liberty Village 1990s.

View from the CN Tower looking west in the 1990s.

What's open and closed on Simcoe Day 2017 in Toronto  is a bit different than a statutory holiday, so let this list help you plan for the day ahead. 

Here's what's open and closed on Simcoe Day in Toronto. 

General
 

Closed

• Government offices
• Banks
• Libraries
• Post offices

Open

• The TTC will operate on a holiday schedule.

Food
 

Closed

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

Open

• Grocery stores are open citywide, though many will operate on holiday hours. Check online for individual store hours.

Drink
 

Open

• Select LCBO locations
• Select Beer Store locations
• Indie bottle shops

Malls
 

Open

• Malls are open citywide, though many will operate on holiday hours. Check online for holiday hours of operation.

Attractions
 

Open

• Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. West) - 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• CN Tower (301 Front St. West) - 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Hockey Hall of Fame (30 Yonge St.) - 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Ripley's Aquarium of Canada (288 Bremner Blvd.) - 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• The Ontario Science Centre (770 Don Mills Rd.) - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen's Park) - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Gardiner Museum (111 Queens Park) - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Canada's Wonderland - 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• The Toronto Zoo (2000 Meadowvale Rd.) - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Outdoor swimming pools
• Movie theatres

The top beaches in Toronto may not rival those to be found at more southerly destinations around the globe, but throughout the summer months they're a more than adequate substitute for those who find themselves city-bound and in need of a little sand and sunshine.

Here are my picks for the top beaches in Toronto.

Woodbine / Kew / Balmy beaches

Volleyball at Woodbine Beach. Photo by scott3eh.

Although technically different beaches, I group these three together based on their close proximity. Woodbine is the city's best spot for beach volleyball and people watching. Kew takes some of the overflow and rewards those looking for a more serene experience, while Balmy is the quietest of the three, and thus ideal for those seeking seclusion.

• Water Quality:Blue Flag
• Sand Quality: Best at Woodbine (rockier at Kew and Balmy)
• Attractions: Olympic swimming pool, multiple snack bars and change areas, people watching

Hanlan's Point

Toronto's only nude beach — Hanlan's Point. Photo by karin!

Notorious for its clothing optional area, Hanlan's Point also has a side for the less adventurous, even if it's generally far less populated than its nude-friendly neighbour (only the second of its kind in Canada). This is surely the most fun beach in Toronto.

• Water Quality:Blue Flag
• Sand Quality: Fine-grain, some of the best the city has to offer
• Attractions: Um, naked people

Sunnyside

People have flocked to Sunnyside to swim for well over a century. Photo by Deep-Fried Goodness.

Not the best beach when it comes to water quality, Sunnyside is nevertheless deemed safe to swim most of the time. Perhaps due to the proximity of Gus Ryder pool, the beach itself never seems to get altogether that packed (and certainly not like it used to), so it's a good spot to chill with bit of privacy.

• Water Quality: Often swimmable (check here), but E. Coli levels do periodically exceed safety levels
• Sand Quality: Decent if not great, darkish hue and small (smooth) rocks by the waterline
• Attractions: Sunnyside Bathing Pavilion (built in 1922), Gus Ryder Pool

Cherry Beach

The iconic lifeguard station at Cherry Beach. Photo by Still the Oldie.

A popular spot for kite-boarding and surfboarding, Cherry Beach has a decidedly laid back atmosphere. The smell of charcoal barbecues often wafts over the beach from the small wooded area to the north. At night, the parking lot serves as one of the city's best-loved makeout areas.

• Water Quality:Blue Flag
• Sand Quality: Let's say "rustic"
• Attractions: Ice cream truck, 1930s lifesaving station, watching surfer types show off on the water

Bluffer's Park

Bluffer's Park can look almost tropical in the summer. Photo by dtstuff9.

Located at the bottom of Brimely Road (one of the steepest hills in the city), the beach at Bluffer's Park is one of the nicest in the city. Bounded by the Scarborough Bluffs to the north, the park is both scenic and well-manicured (as far as Toronto beaches go). Arrive early on summer weekends if hoping for a parking spot.

• Water Quality:Blue Flag
• Sand Quality: Some of the best
• Attractions: The bluffs, scenic hiking trails, a busy marina

It might have been thirty plus years ago, but some of us will still remember all the long weekend fun the city got up to in the 1980s. In the grand scheme of things, the time that's passed is hardly a raindrop in Lake Ontario.

Here's some rad options Toronto denizens had as the sweltering August long weekender kicked off.

Go to Canada's Wonderland

Only wto summers old, and already $10.95 a day?!! That's silly rich people money. Still, word is good on the Mighty Canadian Mine Buster, Zumba Flume, Scooby Doo Ghoster Coaster, Happyland of Hanna-Barbera, Smurf Village and of course Yogi Bear's upside-down cottage.

Chill out with a portable personal stereo

The Sanyo Sportster Personal Stereo Portable actually allows you to take your music with you wherever you go, including that breezy spot underneath the tree next to the pool. Ain't technology grand!

See a movie

So far summer 1983 is all about RETURN OF THE JEDI, but having already seen that three times how about SLEEPAWAY CAMP? Even if it sucks, it's still a mighty fine air-conditioned refuge from the unforgiving heat.

Try Chicken McNuggets

McDongles has this crazy new menu item called "Chicken McNuggets" being advertised all over the place...time to find out what all the fuss about?

Play Wintario Double Bonus Draw

Double your chances for the big Wintario draw on August 11. Winning would be awesome, but getting to meet sweet Faye Dance would be even better!

Ride the LRC

VIA's new LRC is a treat for train enthusiasts - Light, Rapid, Comfortable.

Watch Dennis Weaver in Cocaine

CityTV Channel 79 has a Great Movie on Friday night - Dennis "McCloud" Weaver as a man whose life is torn asunder by evil white dust.

Play Vanguard at home on Atari

How many quarters have you dumped into VANGUARD in the last 2 years? Well, now you can stay home and play it on Atari in your air-conditioned house! Now if only Luther was around to help on the last level...

Enjoy a caffeine-free Tab

Ice cold TAB is a summer favourite, but did you know it's now available caffeine free?

Visit Ontario Place

Best family spot in the whole city, and "it's all yours!" - hopefully forever.

Ed Conroy's Retrontario plumbs the seedy depths of Toronto flea markets, flooded basements, thrift shops and garage sales, mining old VHS and Betamax tapes that less than often contain incredible moments of history that were accidentally recorded but somehow survived the ravages of time. You can find more amazing discoveries at retrontario.com.

Outlet stores in Toronto are a bargain-hunter's dream come true. These places usually offer great deals if you're willing to travel and spend time searching for that diamond in the rough. Who cares if it's from a few seasons ago?

Here are my picks for the top outlet stores in Toronto.

Urban Barn

This outlet is in Mississauga, but who minds a drive or GO Transit ride when you're getting great deals on new furniture and knick knacks for your home?

Au Lit Fine Linens

Find high-quality bedding at great prices at this outlet store smack dab in the middle between Eglinton and Davisville stations. Sure, the collections might be discontinued, but you won't care when swathed in glorious Egyptian cotton.

Kitchen Stuff Plus

If you're looking to slice some price off that new knife block, head to this kitchenware chain's massive outlet store on Orfus Road, which handles clearance and overstock for their three Toronto locations.

Casalife

Venture to this warehouse in Etobicoke for an ever-changing selection of furniture from this Toronto-based retailer that'll make your house or condo instantly more chic.

Roots

If you find an item with a "Roots 73" tag at this Orfus Road outlet, remember it was made specifically for this factory store. However, you can still find some items from this Canadian brand's main collection here. 

Running Room

If you don't mind wearing Sauconys or Asics from two seasons ago, you should probably check out this outlet in Etobicoke for deals on high-quality runners and fitness attire.

Nine West

Orfus Road has plenty of outlets, including one for this mall staple and shoe store. You might not find the greatest deals here, but it's worth checking out for cheap(er) shoes.

Rudsak

Without traffic, you can get to the Toronto Premium Outlets in under an hour. There are plenty of stores here, including Rudsaks only outlet in the GTA. Shop here to try and snag deals on trendy leather jackets and bags.

Lindt

Who can resist the allure of cheap chocolate? Find this store in Mississauga offering discounts on Lindt products, including Lindor truffles and seasonal confections.

Mondelez/Peak Freen's Cookie Outlet

This snack food giant has an outlet on O'Connor in East York with discounted prices on all sorts of chocolates, cookies and crackers. Yum!

Italian restaurants in Toronto revere the numerous, surprisingly distinct culinary traditions spanning Italy's diverse provinces. From the pepperoncino laced food of the South to the dizzying array of fresh seafood of the Mediterranean, these places offer up a range of dishes that you're unlikely to spot on a standard do-it-all menu.

Here are my picks for the top regional Italian restaurants in Toronto.

North Italian

F'Amelia is a popular Cabbagetown institution serving north-Italian inspired fare. Start with the pan-seared calamari served in a complex sausage sauce. From there, work your way to the gamey papardelle with braised rabbit.

The Veneto

King East's Mangia & Bevi started out years ago with modest beginnings as a grab and go coffee and sandwich bar. Now the Italian spot is serving up full meals using recipes from their family back in the Veneto region of Italy.

Abruzzo

Savour Italian dishes from the Abruzzo at Mistura on Davenport Rd. Some highlights on the menu include red beet risotto, fall off the bone lamb ribs, and their handmade pastas.

Tuscany

Tutti Matti is a Tuscan restaurant near King West serving some of the best pasta in the city. Make sure to pop by in late summer when they serve up sinfully crisp zucchini flowers that melt in your mouth. Have a sip of your Aperol spritz, close your eyes, and pretend you're in Florence.

Rome

Ciao Roma brings Roman style Pizza al Taglio - by the cut - to Woodbridge. The real joy at this place comes from walking in and discovering what's not listed. The roster changes frequently to cycle through about 30 different combinations.

Naples

Though a number of pizzerias have opened up in recent years claiming to serve Neapolitan pizza, the Pizzeria Libretto chain arguably rules the scene. The blistered Magherita coated in rich tomato sauce and studded with basil and fresh Ontario fior di latte is an obvious favourite.

Calabria

Housed in an old bank on Etobicoke's lakeshore, Cellar Door serves up some of the city's best Calabrian dishes. Complimentary homemade rosemary foccacia with olive oil makes for a tasty starter. For something different, try the smoky, wood-roasted potato gnocchi.

Puglia

A visit to 7 Numbers on the Danforth or Eglinton West will result in an interesting dining experience. The menu often changes so if you're lucky enough to catch it, make sure to try the fresh, oozy burrata or their tender and spicy braised rabbit.

Sicily

Ardo is a rare find in King East, which isn't often recognized for its good quality Italian. Here they serve up superb Sicilian inspired food like house-baked sourdough and imported Sicilian olive oil, burrata with preserved peaches and pizzas topped with shaved speck and cantaloupe.

Lombardia

Stelvio on Queen West is where you will find some of the best curated selection of cheese in Toronto, all hailing from Italy's Alps. The dishes here are hearty, evocative of their alpine origin. Start with the sciatt, perfect deep fried clouds of cheesy goodness. 

Umbria

La Bruschetta in Corso Italia doesn't aim to be snobby - instead it exudes the quiet elegance of Italian food done right. Start with spuntini, grilled polenta served with an assortment of toppings. Pasta is split up into short and long varieties which are dressed accordingly.

Emilia Romagna

Enoteca Ascari 26 in Leslieville is the perfect place to become a regular. Here you'll find a menu of small bites, antipasti and homemade pastas made fresh in house every single day. Don't forget to wash it all down with a superb bottle of wine - or two.

It's easy to learn a new skill in Toronto, considering the city is filled with classes that will teach you how to cook, sail or get fit. But what does Toronto offer to those of us looking for something unconventional?

Here are my picks for the top 10 wacky and random skills to learn in Toronto.

Blow glass like a champ 

Playing with Fire at Artscape Wychwood Barns offers workshops for anyone in need of a creative boost (or glass blown tumblers or other knickknacks). Create your own glass masterpiece that you can actually use at home once you finish your workshop. 

Print in 3D 

3D printing is still one those technologies that's filled with possibility. Whether you're looking to print a missing part for something at home, a replica of yourself, or are simply looking create something unique, there are some great 3D printing schools spread out around Toronto to help. 

Join the Circus

If you're looking to get fit while having a blast, think about taking some classes at the Toronto School of Circus Arts in North York. You'll improve flexibility, learn a whimsical skill and feel like a kid again all at once. 

Survive a zombie apocalypse

Just in case the world does come to an end and you and a few friends are the only ones left on alive, think about taking some courses with the Zombie Survival Camp north of Durham, outside of Toronto. The camps are one-day or a full weekend long and include classes on weaponry, fire craft and zomjitsu.

Clown around

They say laughter is good for the soul, right? Your soul will be filled to the brim after this Second City clown class taught by comedian Ken Hall at the Mercer Street studio. 

Battle like a knight

TheAcademy of European Medieval Martial Arts on Dupont Street asks students to sign up according to their combat of choice, whether that be grappling, daggers, swords, armoured combat, spears, archery - or even mounted combat (yes, with horses).

Make beer like an 1800s brewmaster

Try brewing your own beer in a 19th century setting, using antique retired crafting methods, all while sporting an 1800s-era costume. The Brewmaster Workshop atBlackCreekPioneerVillage in North York lets you take home your own two-litre growler of your own hand-crafted ale.

Fly like a bird

iFly in Oakville might be the place to make your sci-fi fantasy come true. Here you'll learn how to skydive indoors thanks to a high-powered vertical wind tunnel. An instructor will help you hone your skills to fly, twirl and soar like you just jumped out of a plane. 

Master trampoline jumping

If you thought jumping around laughing and falling on a trampoline was just for kicks, thing again. It's an Olympic sport! Toronto's very own Sky Zone in East York will teach you how to jump like a pro.

Play with stuffed animals

Believe it or not, there's such a thing as a Casual Taxidermy class. It's an intensive, one day lesson in various galleries and venues across the city for folks who truly miss biology class and want to learn the skill of turning a deceased rat into an "enduring art object."

Brewpubs and bars and pubs with the biggest beer selection are obvious destinations for beer lovers but there are plenty of other Toronto bars with well-curated taps, bottles and tall cans that highlight craft brewers from Ontario and beyond.

Like beer? Here's a round-up of bars you need to try in Toronto.

Mulberry Bar

While this light-filled Bloorcourt bar has only two taps, it has a well-curated menu of highly drinkable bottled beer from Ontario, Quebec and Belgium.

The Greater Good

It's all about craft beer at this two-storey bar on Geary Avenue that also has video games and North of Brooklyn Pizza. Expect good things because it's by the folks behind Get Well. 

Northern Belle

There are six taps pouring both beer and cider at this Dundas West watering hole. But, this spot also has a sizeable bottle list with all sorts of options from Toronto, Quebec, B.C. and Belgium.

Lake Inez

Not only does this Little India restaurant have a stunning bar, complete with a stained glass mosaic of Kate Bush and Virginia Woolf, but it also has a bonkers beer list with mostly local brews on tap. 

The 47

This Bloordale local has a small, but well-curated and ever-changing beer list that highlights local brewers. Stop by for a few pints with friends and stay awhile. 

Eulalie's Corner Store

Pop by this Little India joint for a quick bite and drink. The draft list changes regularly, but expect a mix of bottles available from big name and beloved independent brewers.

Round the Horn

Head to this spot in Roncesvalles for a pint (or a tall can) from a local craft brewery. This place has a patio, a pinball machine and snacks, so you never really have to leave.

The Wren

Find this bar on Danforth East serving up southern-inspired pub grub. Wash your food down with some cold beer from the rotating tap list that features craft brewers from Toronto and across the province.

Wise Bar

This Bloorcourt bar is owned by a former Bellwoods Brewery staffer. It has a rotating draft list and an extensive selection of cans and bottles to choose from. The food menu is quite tiny because it's all about the booze here.

Bar Isabel

There are only six taps at this Little Italy hot spot, but it has bottles galore along with all sorts of styles represented. It also has a good cider selection, including some from Spain. 

Vegetarian brunch in Toronto seems like a fairly simple proposition. Yet all too often, meat-free brunch consists solely of an omelette. That's not the case at these joints around the city, which take meatless brunch to the next level with innovative offerings.

Here are my top picks for vegetarian brunch in Toronto.

Doug's Public Kitchen

The organic, gluten-free, vegan kitchen on Eglinton West serves brunch on weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Offerings include coconut crusted french toast, bagels with smoked carrot lox, and vegan benedicts. 

Hogtown Vegan

Brunch at this exclusively vegan Bloordale Village eatery is served on weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu focuses on comfort foods, featuring satisfying selections like hearty tofu rancheros, syrup-slathered unchicken and waffles and PB and banana french toast.

Cardinal Rule

Brunch on weekends starts at 10 a.m. at this omnivore-friendly restaurant in R0ncesvalles Village. Meatless options are clearly indicated on the menu, and the selection doesn't disappoint. Waffles, burritos, and classics breakfasts are all available.

Fresh

Multiple locations span across the city, making this chain of vegetarian eateries a household name when it comes to accommodating special diets. Brunch is served weekends and holidays from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Planta

Brunch runs on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at this 100 percent plant-based restaurant in Yorkville. On the special menu you'll find cold pressed juices, avo toast, tofu scrambles, and banana pancakes.

Kupfert & Kim

Wheatless and meatless is the name of the game at this Toronto chain. Their location near Queen West is open on weekends starting at 9 a.m. Get your fill of housemade granola, waffles and smoothie bowls.

D-Beatstro

Deluxe breakfasts, red velvet waffles sticks and breakfast burritos are among a few of the items you'll find on the weekend brunch menu at this Bloordale Village spot. 

Live Organic Food Bar

Morning options like guac toast, kimchi pancakes, and superfood smoothies are available at the Annex location of this Toronto restaurant. 

Thrive Organic Kitchen

Brunch runs on weekends and holidays until 2 p.m. at this popular Etobicoke spot. Vegan and gluten free options are available and menu items containing eggs can be switched to tofu scramble.

Grasshopper

The Junction location of this vegetarian spot serves brunch daily until 4 p.m. Chick-un & waffles, blueberry chia pancakes and breakfast wraps are what you'll find on the menu.

The three hour getaway from Toronto allows you to leave city life completely for backwoods adventures and islands retreats. There are a ton of gems across Ontario within this driving distance. From scuba diving to voyageuring to just plain relaxing, weekend escapes abound when you're willing to put the city this far in the distance.

Here are my picks for the top weekend getaways three hours from Toronto.

Get back to nature at Algonquin Provincial Park

Get the metropolis out of your system by visiting this amazing provincial park. Algonquin offers a variety of experiences, from interior canoe trips to ranger cabin rentals and even car camping for those feeling less adventurous. This is the rugged northern landscape at its finest, where almost every vista looks like a Group of Seven painting.

Take in the rugged beauty of Tobermory

This amazing spot at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula is packed with ways to explore the beautiful landscape, from cave systems to hidden grottos to shallow bays filled with shipwrecks. With so much to do, it's best to book at least three days off for exploration here.

Sail and scuba at Amherst Island

This little island on Lake Ontario just east of Kingston is a great place to spend some time on the water. Sail around the island and stop at its many ports (the hamlet of Stella is one of the prettiest towns in the province), or explore underwater (there's a shipwreck graveyard at the south shore). There's a host of picturesque B&Bs at which to stay.

Be a voyageur in French River

Rent a trailer or cottage or pack a tent and retreat to this scenic spot that's far enough north to feel rugged and completely removed from urban life. Explore the water, and stop by the French River Trading Post, one of the country's oldest gift shops. Camping is a good bet, but so too are cottage rentals.

Press your refresh button at Grail Springs

This holistic wellness retreat centre is located in an old, ivy-covered, castle-like estate near Bancroft that'll win your heart before you even step inside. They offer three to 22 day retreats with various goals, like the "Body Detox Cleanse," the "Energy Regeneration," and even the hefty "Life Transformation."

The top wineries in Ontario tend to be concentrated in the Niagara and Prince Edward County regions, where high quality Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay, and Cabernet Franc is produced (to name only our most popular grapes). While there are a few exceptions (mostly based on size), these producers offer excellent on-site tasting experiences.

Here are my picks for the top wineries in Ontario.

Thirty Bench

One of the flagship properties on the Beamsville Bench, this winery produces excellent Riesling and Cabernet Franc (which is often blended with other varietals) from old vines that show off the potential that this microclimate has to produce complex wines with healthy minerality. Bonus points for an excellent visitor experience.

Hidden Bench

Established by Harald Thiel over a decade ago now, Hidden Bench makes only high quality wines in low qualities in an effort to do justice to the Beamsville Bench. There are a number of varietals planted here, but the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are standouts. That said, their Nuit Blanche wine, a white Bordeaux blend, is legendary among wine geeks.

Fielding Estate

Fielding Estate should be commended for its cheerful "Fireside" white blend, which offers surprising quality at under $15. If you're looking for more complexity, the winery's single white varietals are also highly recommended, including Riesling and Gewurztraminer. On the red side of things, Fielding makes one of Ontario's best cabernet blends.

Norman Hardie

The focus is on Burgundian varietals at this Prince Edward County trailblazer. Part of the region's reputation for making top notch Pinot is built on Hardie's wines, which aim to express the unique character of this cool weather climate.

Closson Chase

One of Prince Edward County's oldest producers, Closson Chase only offers Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, both of which express the limestone rich soil that marks these vineyards. It's amazing to think that the winery is less than 20 years old given the quality that it's now known for.

Karlo Estates

Another Prince Edward County Winery, Karlo bucks the trend here by splitting its focus on a diverse set of varietal including rare-for-Ontario plantings of Sangiovese and Petit Verdot. The results are intriguing and often outstanding.

Grange

One of the founding wineries of Prince Edward County, Grange's name is synonymous with quality, from their single vineyard offerings to their surprisingly reasonable estate wines. The Riesling is phenomenal, but the Gamay will also make you want to drink this varietal more often.

Five Rows

The quintessence of a boutique wine, Five Rows wine comes from two vineyards planted predominantly with Pinot Noir. There are five other varietals that come in quantities of about a 100 cases per year including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Riesling.

Southbrook

While you'll find a variety of wines under the Southbrook label, it's the small lot estate-grown offerings that have garnered the winery its sterling reputation. The wild ferment Chardonnay is a wonderful expression of Niagara-on-the-Lake's potential to produce great wines.

Stratus

Everything about Stratus screams quality, from the slick tasting room to the stately branding, but the wine must stand on its own apart from such things, which it most certainly does. It's not cheap, but Stratus aims to make complex blended wines worthy of age and special occasion enjoyment.

Reif Estate

One of the older wine operations in Niagara, Reif boasts an array of plantings across the region from Gewurztraminer to Merlot and much in between. Their "First Growth" series, which features low yield wines from the estate's oldest vines, is worth the investment for a sample of the quality that Niagara is capable of.

Leaning Post

If you ever doubt that the Niagara region is capable of producing world class Pinot Noir, uncork a bottle of Leaning Post and be amazed at the almost cherry cola-like palate of this wine. The 2010 vintage is outstanding.

Pearl Morissette

One of the province's most intriguing producers, Pearl Morissette is notorious for its Riesling being rejected by the VQA multiple times on account of it not typifying the Niagara region. There's a iconoclastic sentiment here, sure, but only insofar as the winery is so committed to old world techniques. 

Tawse

Tawse is another winery that capitalizes on the micro climate and limestone-rich soil of the Beamsville Bench to turn out excellent Riesling and surprisingly lush Cabernet. The 2011 Van Bers Vineyard Cabernet Franc is one of the best expressions of this grape that you'll encounter in the province.

13th Street

13th Street has vineyards all around the Vineland region, which manifest in blends as well as single varietals. If there's a signature wine here, I'd say it's the Syrah, which isn't a common grape in the region but still shines under the stewardship of winemaker Jean-Peirre Colas.

Share your favourite Ontario wineries in the comments.

Photo of Closson Chase vineyards.

The massive Waterfront Night Market is the most extravagant free event happening in Toronto this week. It's moving to the Hearn Generating Station and will be a huge food, entertainment and arts festival. 

Stores that sell British products in Toronto stock all those nostalgia-inducing items that take you right back to the old country. These are places where you can spend a little on sweets or you can blow all your shrapnel in a Harrod's-like shopping frenzy. 

Here are my picks for the top stores that sell British products in Toronto.

Empire by Bullet

Home decor mavens Bullet launched Empire, their whole shebang British shop in Riverside. Looking for a Doctor Who snow globe? Emma Bridgewater products? Dog head in heraldic dress on throw pillows? Pop into Empire, chum, and you'll find it all.

The Nutty Chocolatier

The Beaches chocolate shop has been a longtime go-to for British products. They've got most of the British chocolate bars and those wild Walker's crisp flavours.

Sweet Thrills

This Roncesvalles Village candy store has been charming the neighbourhood for quite some time with its selection of British products - including wacky Walker's crisps flavours and Cadbury chocolate.

Uncle John's Candy Shack

This candy shop on Mount Pleasant must have some fondness for the British Isles, because it's filled with overseas treats. Items from Marks and Spencer's, McVitie's, Cadbury and Walker are all available.

The Candy Bar

Imagine the candy store scene at the beginning of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. This Little Italy shop is something like that. They have a big selection of British sweets alongside their other treats.

London Calling

This Cabbagetown store has a selection of English sweets, Dandelion and Burdock soda, wack and crack toffee, mushy peas and real Heinz beans next to a lot of Union Jack pillows, tissues, oven mitts and more.

Sweet Addictions Candy

If you're a fan of hard to find sweets, a visit to this Dundas West shop is in order. In addition to crazy cereals and soda flavours, they boast an entire British section in the back corner.

Bulk Mine

The Yonge & Bloor bulk shop goes beyond spices and nuts. They also carry a collection of British groceries and confections. 

Dolce & Gourmando

The speciality food and gift store near Bayview & Leaside has a variety of imported British products on offer. Tea, biscuits, candies and jams are among the groceries available both online and in store. 

A Bit of Home

Make your way to Mississauga to find this shop filled with 'the best of Ireland and Britain'. Stock up on Digestives, Cadbury Fingers and fidget spinners with your favourite football team's logo. 

It's easy to cool down in Toronto without hibernating inside with the air conditioning on at full blast. Instead of that admittedly boring strategy, there's plenty of fun ways to stay chilled while having a good time outdoors. 

Here are my picks for fun ways to cool down this summer in Toronto.

Go swimming 

The easiest and most satisfying way to cool down in the summer is jumping into a body of water. Toronto has 57 public pools to leap into as well impressive collection of accessible hotel pools, and, of course, beaches in and around the city too. 

Ride on a waterslide 

Hurtle yourself down a giant water slide. Try the new DrenalineDrop at Canada's Wonderland or the Wet 'n' Wild water park in Brampton. 

Eat some ice cream

Perhaps the most delicious way to cool down this summer is grabbing an extravagant ice cream creation from one best ice cream and ice cream sandwich creators in the city. There's a great spot in pretty much every neighourhood and vegan options too.

Drink some local beer 

Sitting with a tall pint in hand is another easy-breezy way keep calm and cool on a blistering summer day. Check out local brewpubs like Saulter Street, Goose Island, Eastbound Brewing Company and don't forget about the spots with retail shops so you can take beer home with you.

Slurp boozy slushies

There's nothing like a good brain freeze to cool the body and mind down, and these boozy slushies filled with over-the-top additives and fruity ingredients should do trick.

Chill out in an ice house

Did you know the country's largest ice lounge is here in the city? If you need to go above and beyond air conditioning, consider hanging out with a cocktail in this cooler box and event space at Bathurst and King.

Level up your bubble tea with slush

Toronto is teeming with bubble tea options, but the only way it's really going to help you on a steamy summer day is by adding slush. There are a few places that offer slushy, bubbly creations including Happy Lemon, The Alley, Real Fruit, and The Original at Market 707 on Dundas West.

Sip cold brew coffee

There are a ridiculous amount of great coffee shops in the city, but when it's close to 30 degrees, no one is looking for a piping hot Americano. These places to grab a cold brew will fill your body with ice cold caffeinated goodness. 

Try stand up paddling on the Island

The best thing about trying Stand Up Paddling, or SUP, is that you might fall in the water. Toronto Island SUP teaches all types of classes to get you sailing on a surf board on the lake.

Eat ice cream pie

You read that correctly, you can buy a full ice cream pie at Ed's Real Scoop. Call ahead at any of their four locations (there's also one in Mimico) or walk in and see what's been baked and frozen that day.  

Simcoe Day events in Toronto feature OVO Fest starring Drake and many of his famous friends at the Budweiser Stage. If you didn't manage to nab a ticket, we wish you luck finding one. If you can't swing this big show, there's also Electric Island, a dance party on Cherry beach, and a dance festival to cap off your long weekend. 

It sounds strange to say these days, but there was a time when Toronto was a rather filthy city. No, the streets weren't covered in trash nor was there ever a ton of graffiti, but many of our buildings were covered in a thick layer of soot that cast the entire downtown area in a pervasive brown.

The culprit? Coal. Toronto was once a city run on coal, and that leaves its residue over the decades. Throw in the fact that there was once a far heavier industrial presence throughout the city, and you have the recipe for some gritty-looking buildings.

The Toronto skyline of 1912 reveals a far more industrial city and plenty of soot production. 

On an aesthetic level, this filth is anything but pretty, but there's also a certain rawness to these images that speaks to a time that was a little less tidy in general (you know, bad haircuts, hodgepodge signage, less corporate cleanliness).

Soot-coated buildings like this one on Wellington Street were everywhere in the 1960s and 70s.

There's something almost compelling about it all, like photos of New York's SoHo in the 1970s, when the area was more than just a little rough around the edges.

On the flip side, photos like these make it somewhat easier to understand why it is that Toronto's city builders were so cavalier about knocking down heritage structures.

Old City Hall in 1967. A few years later there would be talk of demolishing the building.

Take City Hall for instance. When it was proposed to knock it down to make way for the new Eaton Centre (a complex that was meant to be much bigger), the building was this nasty dark brown on account of soot accumulation over the years, a sign of neglect that helped foster the idea that it was worth replacing.

While it seems Toronto streets have always remained clean, various improvement and maintenance efforts in the 1980s and 90s would help bring the buildings up to par via the removal of much of this industrial residue — but not before a few were lost to the demolition process.

Behold, that time when Toronto was kind of filthy.

Union Station, 1970s (what it looks like today).

College Park, 1970s (what it looks like today).

The Confederation Life Building, 1960s (what it looks like today).

Near Yonge and King, 1960s (what it looks like today).

The Royal Alex, 1970s (what it looks like today).

Even the Flatiron Building looks a dull brown in the 1970s (what it looks like today).

Dominion Public, 1970s (what it looks like today).

Old Quebec Bank building, 37 King Street West 1970s looks like today).

Old Courthouse, Adelaide near Church, 1970s (what it looks like today).

University College, U of T, late 1960s (what it looks like today).

Unspecified location, 1970s. Send suggestions and we'll update with a present day view.

The Toronto Islands are filled with fun things to do all summer long. A quick ferry or water taxi ride will transport you to this little piece of  paradise for a day of sports, food, relaxation and live music. 

Here's a round-up of fun things to do on the Toronto Islands this summer.

Visit Artscape Gibraltar Point

Artscape Gibraltar Point is home to 15 artists-in-residence, and it also provides studio space for visiting artists. It's also worth checking out the nearby Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. It's one of the oldest buildings in Toronto, and the site of one of the city's best know ghost stories.

Get lost in a maze

There used to be a maze on Centre Island, until it was destroyed because the city didn't deem maintaining it worthy of funding. In the summer of 2013, business person William Meany pledged $200,000 to have it remade, and now the perfectly confusing and lush green shrub maze is open to all. 

Play frisbee golf

No money or reservations are needed for this super relaxing Island activity. Just bring a frisbee, some friends and a flick of the wrist for a relaxing game. Find the metal posts that kind of look like mini-carousels on poles and throw your way through the 18-hole course.

Skip the ferry and take a canoe

There are plenty of places to rent a canoe in Toronto, and if you feel like having your own little adventure, you can skip the ferry and paddle on over to the Islands. You'll have to pass a simple test to rent from the Harbourfront.

Go lawn bowling

There's something classy and kitschy about lawn bowling, don't you think? It's a sport where you dress up and knock some heavy balls around with a cocktail in hand. The clubhouse on Ward's Island hosts lawn bowling nights weekly, so check the schedule.

Stay at a Bed and Breakfast

There's something so romantic about staying at a cozy bed and breakfast, especially when it's tucked away on the island.  If you want to get away from the heat and noise of the city for a night, check out one of these cozy B&Bs for an easy-weekend getaway.

Learn how to SUP

Stand-up paddle boarding is definitely a thing this summer, but Toronto Island SUP is extra special because of the view you get while balancing around on the lake. It also hosts nighttime SUP adventures and yoga on the boards.

Take off all your clothes at Hanlan's Point

This Island spot is one of the country's only clothing optional beaches. The view (of the city and the people who visit the beach) is unbeatable, and the water is swimmable and refreshing. 

Rent a bike

Toronto Island Bicycle Rentals has a colourful fleet of single and tandem bikes, as well as quadricycles for larger groups. Prices vary but they allow you to roll around the Islands at your own leisure. Just be sure to bring some ID and your leg muscles. 

Catch a concert

While music and art festivals do happen on the Islands, there are other live music options too. The Island Cafe on Ward's Island is open seven days a week and it has a bar, a restaurant, ice cream and a garden.

Prepared food and meals in Toronto are a blessing whether you're gearing up for a picnic or are just too tired to cook after a long day at work. Leave the prep work to the professionals and stock up on complete meals that require minimal effort.

Here are my picks for the top places to get prepared food in Toronto by neighbourhood.

Annex

Chabichou might be known for their baguettes, cheese and coffee but the bakery cafe also stocks their freezer with ready-to-reheat meals, including soups, stews, and mac 'n cheese.

Beaches

The selection at Meat on the Beach is always in flux, but expect an array of rotisserie-cooked meats, salads and sides as well as entrees that just need to be reheated.

Bloorcourt 

Popbox MicroMrkt is a corner store where display cases are filled with fresh baked goods, sandwiches, salads, dips and assorted snacks.

Cabbagetown

The Epicure Shop has been a fixture since the '80s. The independent grocery is a go-to spot for local meats and cheeses, and prepared foods like soups, sandwiches and baked goods. 

There's a huge amount of made-to-order food available at The Big Carrot. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Danforth

The vegetarian counter at The Big Carrot is an excellent source for ready-to-eat fare. The organic salads, grains and pasta sold by weight are perfect for nights when you don't want to cook.

Dundas West

Vegetarian take out joint Veghed will whip you up something fresh in a pinch. It's also stocked with a few pantry staples and ready-to-reheat soup that varies by season.

Eglinton West

Nortown Foods is a Jewish-style grocer that's been serving Toronto for more than 50 years. In addition to groceries the shop has a large selection of meat, fish and prepared foods available daily. 

Etobicoke

Saks Food Hall by Pusateri's at Sherway Gardens is an 18,500 square foot grocer stocked at every turn with gourmet ingredients, artisanal products, prepared foods and food stations.

Cobb salad, sweet and sour soba noodle nowl and chicken tikka salad are a few of items available at McEwan. Photo by Hecotr Vasquez.

Financial District

McEwan in the PATH is like a beacon for time-crunched crowds. It has a self-serve hot table and an abundance of salads, sushi and sandwiches that make for quick and easy meals.

Junction Triangle

Urban Acorn Market sells meals for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans. Find an ever changing array of seasonal dishes, including bake-at-home croissants, chilled soups and vac-packed entrees.

Kensington Market

Sanagan's Meat Locker is more than just a butcher shop. It also does grab and go sandwiches, roast chicken, fries and ribs. 

Leslieville

Fruitful Market at Dundas and Carlaw has a new selection of meat and vegetarian hot meals daily, as well as salads, smoothies and muffins.

Liberty Village

Lunchtime at the Bespoke Butcher entails a rotating menu of sandwiches and salads available for grab-and-go. 

Prepared meats and salads can be found at the prepared food counter inside Dish Cafe. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Little Italy

Dish Cafe has a a prepared food counter offering tempting options for every meal, from breakfast sandwiches and yogurt parfaits to mix-and-match, build-your-own lunch or dinner items sold by weight.

North York

Globe Meats is a combination butcher, supermarket and restaurant. The one-stop shop provides a lunch option for area workers who are looking to take down a meaty sandwich. 

Roncesvalles Village

Whole Plate has meat, vegan and vegetarian options and you can get a main and two sides for less than $10. Shepherd's pie, mac and cheese and butter chicken are some of their favourites.

Rosedale

Rosedale’s Finest gives Summerhill Market a run for their money for gourmet prepared food with options like tofu salad rolls, green curry cauliflower and beef bourguignon.

Scarborough

Adonis is a Middle Eastern supermarket that offers an impressive selection of prepared foods. Throw pre-packaged salads, hummus and savoury pastries into your cart or order roasted chicken, pizza, shawarma and falafel at the hot counter.

St. Clair West

Roast offers a rotating lineup of prepared meals like shepherd's pie, meatballs, lasagna, risotto, chicken parmesan, stews and sides ranging from garlic mashed potatoes to green bean salad.

Upper Beaches

Courage Foods is a neighbourhood gem where you'll find grocery staples along with homestyle crockpot dinners, curries, stews, soups and other hearty comfort foods freshly prepared in the kitchen onsite.

Cumbrae's goes way beyond meat offerings. Photo by Jesse Milns.

West Queen West

Cumbrae's on West Queen West offers meals in every stage of preparation. Find marinated meats ready for the grill, vacuum-sealed packages of bolognese, beef stew and lasagna that just need to be reheated, and fresh ready-to-eat salads, sides and sandwiches.

Yonge & Eglinton

Uptown Brie carries a broad selection of ready-to-eat fare. Find sandwiches and salads, roasted chicken breasts and pies stocked along with cheese, baguettes and pantry goods.

Yorkville

Whether you're craving sushi or finger sandwiches, salads or comfort foods, Pusateri's has got a gourmet version ready to take home. Mac and cheese here gets laced with truffles, while classic salads like the Waldorf get updated with quinoa. The selection is dizzying.