The Caribana parade returned to Toronto on Saturday and the grey skies and rain didn't put too much of a damper on the annual festivities. Organizers say more than 10,000 people took part in the parade with about 25 different countries represented.
Check out sights from the 2017 Caribana parade in this photo gallery.
This week on DineSafe there are no restaurants closures to report, but a handful of very popular restaurants did get in trouble with the food police. From beer bars to barbecue joints, the DineSafe crew cited a wide range of spots during their inspections last week.
Find out who landed infractions in my roundup below.
Note: The above businesses each received infractions from DineSafe as originally reported on the DineSafe site. This does not imply that any of these businesses have not subsequently corrected the issue and received a passing grade by DineSafe inspectors. For the latest status for each of the mentioned businesses, including details on any subsequent inspections, please be sure to check the DineSafe site.
The Roundhouse Craft Beer Festival is only one of the major outdoor events happening in Toronto this week. Get ready for a slew of festivals, concerts, outdoor movie screenings, and more as you ease your way into August.
Events you might want to check out:Drake weekend in Toronto wrapped up down by the water at OVO Fest last night, but it got started on Saturday at a mall in North York.
That's because Drake debuted his new OVO Store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. But of course, fans arrived way earlier to line up.
The store itself is 1,600 square feet, and it's filled with OVO and owl-emblazoned apparel and accessories.
Folks queued up for hours on Saturday in Yorkdale's relatively new wing, which also brought out crowds when stores like Uniqlo opened.
Outdoing those occasions, it looks like the lineup outside the OVO Yorkdale flagship held strong all weekend long.
The weather was pretty awful over the past few days, so folks had a good excuse to stay inside and shop. Well, lineup and shop that is.
Drake's 8th annual OVO Fest went down at the Molson Amp - I mean Budwesier Stage this weekend, and it was one for the ages with a slew of special guests and a cameo from Toronto's most famous building.
Mother Nature seemed to be on Drizzy's side as the sun came out just as doors opened to the venue.
To start off the evening, the festival's official lineup took to the stage, including OVO artists Majid Jordan, Roy Woods and dvsn. These performances were already pretty great, but they only hinted at the antics in store.
Next up was Drake, and he made his entrance with an absolute bang. Black curtains dropped dramatically revealing Drizzy perched atop a giant replica of the CN Tower, recreating his infamous album cover of Views.
During his solo performance, he performed hits like "Know Yourself," which had the sold out crowds singing along to every word.
As always, the evening also promised a slew of special guests, and Drizzy did not disappoint in his selections.
Artists like Playboi Carti, Rae Sremmurd, French Montana, Tory Lanez, Cardi B, Migos and Travis Scott all hit the stage throughout the hyped up concert.
It didn't stop there, though. Nelly also came to perform three of his hit singles including Hot in Herre and Country Grammar.
The Weeknd, who was fresh off the plane after performing at Montreal's Osehga, also joined the stellar lineup. After performing some of his own material, he was joined by Drake to perform their hit Crew Love together.
It was an unforgettable evening with Drake promising another 10 years of OVO Fests in Toronto.
The annual Toronto Food Truck Festival took over Woodbine Park in the Beaches this past long weekend for a four day event. While it may not have been as big as last year, the festival still served up delectable grub from food trucks all across Ontario.
Check out this photo gallery of our favourite eats from the Toronto Food Truck Festival.
Toronto might finally be getting a casino after the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation announced that the British Columbia based Great Canadian Gaming Corporation and Brookfield Business Partners LP have been awarded the contract to run casinos in the GTA.
The two companies will take over the operation of the OLG Slots at Woodbine, the OLG Slots at Ajax Downs and the Great Blue Heron Casino for the next 22 years.
"We look forward to working closely with Great Canadian. We will bring our capabilities in operations, development and retail... to deliver expanded gaming options and premier entertainment that will enhance the experience of patrons and contribute to the surrounding communities," said Brookfield CEO Cyrus Madon in a news release.
#Ontario& #Toronto gov't are ALL giving the thumbs up to big casino at Woodbine..yet y'all trashed Ford when he was pushing for one #TOpolipic.twitter.com/fC3wel0q8u
— 🇨🇦 Big Will 🇨🇦 (@WillontheRadio) August 8, 2017
The Toronto Sun reports that the two new operators will develop a casino at Woodbine, which is located in Etobicoke.
Earlier this year, Woodbine announced massive redevelopment plans to transform the site into a "city within a city."
It's about time. It's a long drive to Casino Rama from Toronto.
— Pierre LeBlanc Jr. (@pierreleblanc77) August 8, 2017
Not everyone's pleased with the possibility of Toronto getting a casino, especially since back in 2013, city council voted against having one downtown.
While the Canadian Gaming Corporation and Brookfield haven't announced their plans yet, opening a fourth GTA casino is not off the table.
Move over Butter Tart Festival because Toronto butter tart fans now have another way to celebrate their love for this ooey gooey dessert.
Sawdust City Brewing Co., based out of Gravenhurst created Maple Butter Tart Ale, which is now available at the LCBO and will be pouring at the CNE starting on Friday August 18.
The 5 percent dry ale was born in Midland, Ontario and was the winning beer proposal at the 2015 Session Muskoka competition. It has maple, butter rum pudding, vanilla and caramel candy notes with hints of pie crust, toffee, molasses and chocolate.
Visit the new Toronto sign at the CNE and then grab this beer at various locations inside the Ex as well as at the Sawdust spot at the Food Truck Frenzy starting August 18.
The CNE runs from August 18 until September 4.
If you're looking for your next great summer read, get ready to line up because the best book sale is coming back to the Toronto Reference Library next week.
The Friends of the Toronto Public Libary's clearance sale will start next Thursday, August 17 at 9:30 a.m. (until 7 p.m.) in Beeton Hall at the Toronto Reference Library (Yonge and Bloor).
Huge book sale at Toronto Reference Library next week Aug 17 -19. All items (books, CDs, DVDs+) 10 to 50 cents: https://t.co/MdtyX2QuTdpic.twitter.com/KhwKoTH6DW
— TorontoPublicLibrary (@torontolibrary) August 8, 2017
Be sure to line up early because in March, the sale brought out thousands of book lovers who were all too happy to wait around for the opportunity to snag books, CDs, DVDs and more priced between $0.50 and $5.
The sale continues on Friday, August 18 (9 a.m. 7 p.m.) and on Saturday, August 19 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
What remains of the Honest Ed's Toronto once knew is about to disappear completely as crews begin to remove all the exterior signage from the shell of the old discount retailer.
One of the iconic main signs was already pulled down back in May, but it'll be restored and ultimately installed at the Ed Mirvish Theatre on Victoria Street, near Yonge and Dundas. Most of the other signs will meet a less auspicious fate.
Honest Ed's sign removal on Markham Street. Photo by Derek Flack.
The other three main signs are reportedly damaged beyond repair and will not be preserved. As for the smaller signs, there's no word yet on how many can or will be saved, though Westbank has indicated that some elements from the store will be featured in the new development.
Today crews were at work on Markham Street. When I passed by, they had already removed a sign that reads "Honest Ed's All Wet, But He Never Soaks You!" and had moved on its neighbour, which declares "Honest Ed's Fulla Baloney But His Prices Are Teeney Weenies!"
According to a worker at the site, the plan is to continue to remove signs over the course of the week. This includes the remaining big signs facing Bloor and Bathurst streets, which will be taken down at nighttime when traffic levels are lower.
While it's already in pretty rough shape, if you're looking to get a last look at the Honest Ed's of yore, now's the time to do it.
The Simcoe Day long weekend, also known at the Drake long weekend in Toronto, was a super busy one, but no one had a better time than Lebron James it seems.
James was in town for the second year in row to celebrate Caribana (or the Caribbean Carnival).
As Complex reports, James and Drake partied it up at Lavelle, one of Toronto's most popular rooftop pool patios.
OVO Fest performer French Montana also joined James for some poolside selfies at Cabana Pool Bar.
The two got to party down by lake, and James once again got to enjoy some stunning views of the city.
James also made it to Ryerson University's Mattamy Athletic Centre (a.k.a. Maple Leaf Gardens) to play some basketball, which had to be a major thrill for the varsity crew.
Finally, at OVO Fest, Drake gave a shout out to James, who was apparently in the crowd to take in the star-studded show. That sounds like the perfect way to cap off a whirlwind Toronto weekend.
Winter might have arrived in Westeros, but that's not why the Seven Kingdoms feel a lot closer to Toronto.
Next summer, you'll apparently be able to immerse yourself in George R. R. Martin's fantasy world thanks to a huge Game of Thrones-inspired festival being planned in Blyth, Ontario.
The Festival of Thrones event is slated to run from June 2 to 3 at the new Cowbell Brewing Co. It'll include music, games and craft beer. Tickets are currently on sale and they start at $35.
The festival comes from the folks behind the Transfigured Town, which is organizing the sold-out Harry Potter festival happening in Blyth this October.
Sometimes animals run wild in Toronto, but typically there's a loosely locked zoo fence to blame. That's not the case with a giant elephant that's been spotted behind Jane Station.
Okay, so the elephant isn't alive, but the life-sized mammal is still impressive. It's standing behind the new Bao Bao restaurant at 1224 Bloor St. West, and it's easy to see this sculpture from the TTC station.
According to CityTV, the elephant was purchased in China and shipped by boat to Vancouver and then flown to Toronto where it was dropped in the restaurant's backyard via a crane.
Named after its owners, Bao Bao is a pretty remarkable elephant sculpture. Its trunk even spits water. It'll remain in the bao and dim sum restaurant's backyard until it appears in a new, soon-to-be-announced festival in September.
Since summer feels like it hasn't really happened in Toronto, we can pretty much start getting excited about fall and all the fashion-related possibilities it presents.
And when you're shopping for outerwear, you can do so at the new Filson store slated to open at 694 Queen St. W. this Saturday, August 12.
The Seattle-based company opened its first Canadian store in Vancouver earlier this year and now it's continuing its northern expansion by arriving on West Queen West. It seems like the perfect place for this "heritage" brand.
Houses on ravine lots in Toronto are already hugely desirable pieces of property, but when you throw in river views, an elegant backyard pool, and a scenic gazebo, you've got the recipe for something special. This home at 3 Riverside Crescent is one of a kind.
While its Georgian-style exterior is rather unassuming from the street, the interior is decked out in contemporary finishes, including a sweet kitchen, a sprawling master bedroom and a modern en suite. There's also a sauna in the well finished basement.
But as nice as the inside of this house is, it's all about the back side here. There are multiple decks from which you can take in the view across the pool and hot tub to the Humber River, plus an awesome-looking set of stairs that leads down to a hyper private gazebo.
Let's hope the future buyers like to host parties because this set up deserves to be enjoyed by as many people as possible.
Someone who's always dreamed of living in the Hollywood Hills but finds himself or herself tethered to Toronto. You can just imagine the epic pool parties that could had here.
You're a recluse. The interior of this house is nice and all, but the true value is in the amazing outdoor space at the back. Prospective buyers should be in love with the view or not bother making an offer.
Thanks to Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage for sponsoring our house of the week. All editorial written and selected by blogTO.
Scenic hiking trails are always great places to spend a little restorative time in nature, but there's something about forest boardwalks that just turns the dial up on the whole experience. They often feel like secret paths laid out just for you.
That's a feeling you might get at Sifton Bog, a conservation area in London, Ontario that features a nearly 400 metre boardwalk that cuts through a floating acid peat bog before opening onto a floating viewing area at Redmond's Pond.
This place was basically made for Instagram. It's almost impossible to take a bad photo here, as the burnt sienna walkway cuts through the lush green forest. Make a trip in the early morning and no matter what camera you use, you'll have some keepers.
From a geological standpoint, Sifton Bog is a fascinating area. The origins of peat here go back roughly 10,000 years when it started to form in low oxygen conditions following the retreat of glacial ice.
Another cool feature of the bog is the range of plants that grow here. As Ontario Trails explains, "since the bog is surrounded by woods with Carolinian affinities, one can experience in a 10 minute walk changes in vegetation that could normally take a journey of several hundred kilometres."
There are a variety of other trails on the 40 hectare site as well, most of which wind through the mature forest and offer plenty of opportunities to view wildlife. You can easily spend a full afternoon exploring this unique landscape.
Admission to Sifton Bog is free. The main parking lot is found at 1210 Oxford St. West, which is actually within the city limits of London. Once you start walking toward the bog, however, you'll completely forget about the neighbouring urban area.
There's a free movie playing under the stars at the Harbourfront today in Toronto. It's an inspiring flick called Belle (no association with the Beast). There are also a couple big concerts on and Bill Nye is in town.Â
Events you might want to check out:The best baked treats in Toronto encompass French, Italian and even humble home-style baking traditions. From elegant eclairs and cream-filled cannoli to fluffy donuts and unicorn cakes, these places prove that life can be pretty sweet.
Here are the best baked treats in Toronto.
8 - Sud FornoEven though summer feels like it never really arrived in Toronto this year, it's still way too early to start thinking about beautiful fall foliage, pumpkin spice lattes, and Halloween, right?
Not so because orange and black boxes filled with miniature candy packages have started to appear at local grocery, drug and dollar stores.
Stores everywhere: Oh, shit, we're already a week into August? QUICK, GET THE HALLOWEEN CANDY READY! pic.twitter.com/GB7FBopM3p
— Reay Jespersen (@reayjespersen) August 8, 2017
Of course, it's not unusual for stores to start selling seasonal items super early. Christmas decorations have also been spotted in August, which seems way more egregious than the sugar rush happening now.
What's happening?! Dollarama had HALLOWEEN CANDY!! pic.twitter.com/yiIzih6IAo
— Try not to be a Nazi (@monicarooney) August 2, 2017
Regardless, folks around the city aren't too keen to see reminders that the warm months are falling behind us.
There's halloween candy at loblaw's! Sacrilege!
— impudent strumpet (@impstrump) August 6, 2017
Perhaps the next season will treat us better, because summer has been pretty scary.
After a break last weekend, we're in store for another major TTC subway closure. This time a portion of Line 1 will be closed for signal upgrades on both Saturday and Sunday.
There will be no subway service between Sheppard West and St. George stations on August 12 and 13. All trains on Line 1 will turn back southbound at St. George Station.
Due to traffic impacts from numerous on-street construction projects, shuttle buses will only operate between Sheppard West and Lawrence West stations during this closure.
Customers are encouraged to use existing east-west bus/streetcar routes to the Yonge portion of Line 1 or north-south bus routes to access Line 2. Additional service is being added to these routes during the subway closure.
Customers travelling on Line 2 who wish to travel northbound should transfer at Yonge-Bloor Station.
Subway service will resume on Monday morning. The next scheduled closure will halt weekend service on Line 2 between Kipling and Islington stations on August 19 and 20.
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