Cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and now the reopening of one of Toronto's most popular trails are just a few reasons to get excited about fall in this city. After a lengthy series of delays, the Lower Don Trail will finally be fully accessible later this month. 

The trail, which runs alongside the Don River from Pottery Road to Corktown Common, has been severed at the section near the River Street Bridge for two years as part of a $3.6 million Pan Am Games legacy project that was initially set to wrap last summer.

The closure left many residents disappointed and even spawned the creation of a dedicated  blog where people tracked construction progress and vented their frustrations at the numerous delays the project encountered.

Prior to the closure, the trail was a popular cycling route for both commuters and recreational riders alike. While the city added the
Bayview Multi-Use Trail in the meantime, it terminates at Rosedale Valley Road, which makes it less valuable for those heading to the core. 

The official opening of the Lower Don Trail is set for September 23, which is the perfect time to catch the leaves changing. Fall foliage is supposed to be unreal in the Toronto area this year, so we'll have to put the newly revamped trail in the better late than never category.

It's September, so you know what that means: it's back-to-school time. We want you to be as prepared as possible, which is why we've teamed up with Best Buy to give one lucky reader a chance to score the ultimate prize pack.

Check out all the contest details here. 

The best Taiwanese restaurants in Toronto run the whole gamut from small unasuming hole-in-the-walls to modern downtown joints. Whether you're in the mood for some traditional dishes like stinky tofu or novel twists on Taiwanese fried chicken, these places have you covered.

Here are the best Taiwanese restaurants in Toronto.

If you love cute characters and coffee, this Toronto cafe is the place for you. Himalayan Coffee House is serving up drinks with adorable latte art, from cartoon characters to lipstick to unicorns.

A post shared by 📍Toronto (@_yungsamosa) on Sep 2, 2017 at 1:57pm PDT

The cafe, located just north of Eglinton station, is creating unique art that blends familiar faces with your morning caffeine boost, giving that extra boost of positivity.

A post shared by blogTO (@blogto) on Sep 7, 2017 at 7:21am PDT

The latte art at Himalayan Coffee House stands out for its use of colour. The vibrant colours add that little something extra to the regular milk-based art you can usually find at cafes.

A post shared by Good Coffee Breaks ☕ (@goodcoffeebreaks) on Aug 21, 2017 at 2:19am PDT

Characters that can be spotted at the cafe include Sailor Moon, Winnie the Pooh, various Pokemon, Hello Kitty, and even some familiar faces from Disney.

A post shared by Urvish Shah (@urvishshah01) on Sep 3, 2017 at 4:27pm PDT

Beaches, sand, concrete, broken glass... This is what you can expect at this year's Fyre Fest North in Toronto.

What would a Toronto version of the Fyre Festival look like? Some wiseacre sought to answer that by creating a Facebook event to parody the doomed Fyre Festival — you know, the one that ended in lawsuits, bankruptcy, and the saddest bread and cheese sandwich the internet has ever seen.

Along with the promise of "the most exquisite creations on one of our dining yachts (dressed up as food trucks for the authentic festival experience)," festival-goers can enjoy "one of our 173 exclusive VIP booths" and "experience some of the best DJs to have ever visited Ibiza!"

It all goes down at the Guvernment, you know the nightclub that was demolished for condos a couple of years ago.

The pricing package tops out at $19,900 for the Black Card Level, $27,500 for Centurion Card Level, $37,900 for the exclusive Palladium Card Level. But, be warned, the ticket policy stresses there are "NO REFUNDS, NO EXCHANGES, NO LAWYERS."

Other, more reasonable stipulations note that "attendees must sign waiver and power of attorney at the gate."

Act fast! Only the "6th tier" experience is still available.

New restaurants in Toronto this summer wowed us with flavours from Armenia, Eastern Europe and Italy and gave us fresh rooftop roosts and fun patios to enjoy during our warmer months.

Here are my picks for the top new restaurants in Toronto from summer 2017.

Mayrik

This airy midtown restaurant is all about mom’s Armenian cooking, the name translating to “mama.” Share plates of handmade mante, lamb chops, whole heads of cauliflower, and fatoush salad family style.

The Rooftop at the Broadview Hotel

The incredible view from this Riverside project that revamped an old school strip club spans all the way from the waterfront to Eglinton. Locally inspired cocktails and bar dishes like ceviche, jerk ribs and burgers can be enjoyed up here, and the bar downstairs is the perfect spot for a sip of rose.

Kost at the Bisha Hotel

The newest boutique hotel in Toronto is situated in the fiery King West area, and the food at the Lobby Bar downstairs and Kost 44 floors up on the rooftop is seriously glamourous. Tuna tartare, sea bream, roasted tofu, and dry aged striploin shine on Kost’s Baja-inspired menu.

Tennessee Tavern

An Eastern European pub from mogul Grant van Gameren, cevapi, pierogies, smoked fish and pickles are all on the menu here. A ton of seating and a hip patio are highlights of this new Parkdale tavern.

Ku-kum

Serving Indigenous cuisine like seal tartare, elk and sweetgrass creme brulee, this midtown restaurant adds another to a growing list of restaurants that elevate our Canadian roots.

Drake Commissary

An extension of the Drake mini-empire, this spot is right next to Henderson Brewing and across from the art gallery that’s still under construction on Sterling Road. Open all day and encompassing a bakery with fresh bread, larder selling ice cream and cured meats, cafe and restaurant, this newest Drake project does it all.

Skippa

Nestle into this little restaurant in Harbord Village and tuck into some of the most divine seafood presented minimally and beautifully. Sushi, oysters, and veg like maitake mushrooms star here.

Godspeed Brewery

This brand new brewpub in Little India serves a list of its very own unique beers like a Dortmunder, Smoked Session and Transatlantic Ale, accompanied by a menu of izakaya-style snacks such as cold braised veggies, katsu sammies, rice balls, and mushroom salad.

King Taps

Situated smack dab in the middle of the Financial District, this hotspot has been packed since it opened. With over fifty beers on tap and a menu that features bar faves like tacos, pizzas, burgers and apps like crispy sushi, there’s truly something for everyone here.

La Palma

An elegant all day restaurant, bar and cafe right across from Campagnolo from the same proprietors, this spot serves breakfast, lunch and dinner all with Italian flair. Salmon with avocado and citrus, oblong pizzas, tons of veggie sides, and an already legendary lasagna are all perfect for sharing - if you can.

A downtown Toronto tattoo parlour is facing backlash after posting an image of a hurricane as promotional material. 

New Tribe Tattoo posted the image earlier today with the caption "Tattoo and piercing walk-ins 12-9pm today. The forecast calls for heavy tats and sharp piercings. Roll on thru." Text on the image states "195 MPH walk-ins 12-9 PM."

Screen shot of the Instagram post in question.

The post was deleted around two hours after appearing on the shop's Instagram page, but not before followers lit up the comments section with negative feedback.

Screen shot of comments on the now-deleted Instagram post.

The category five storm, which is one of the strongest in recorded history, has been wreaking havoc across the Carribbean. It has left several people dead and many islands completely devastated. 

Numerous comments on the now-deleted post called for New Tribe to donate their profits from today to hurricane relief efforts. Others pointed out that numerous lives have been destroyed by the storm, which is currently headed for the Florida coast. 

The shop has since issued an apology on their Instagram page.

Festival Street is back for TIFF. The annual pedestrian-friendly area carved out on King West runs until Sunday and features plenty of food, drinks, entertainment and Instagrammable moments.

Check out our photo gallery for highlights of all the action.

Toronto is blessed with many hiking options in and around the city, but if you're looking for a unique nature trek, a visit to this conservation area near Campbellville should be on your list.

Crawford Lake is one of the most scenic areas within an hour's drive of Toronto. Nestled on the Niagara Escarpment, there are lots of trails here, but the highlight is the 1.4 kilometre elevated boardwalk that curls around the lake.

A post shared by Beta (@lucillesthirsty13) on Jul 20, 2017 at 10:00am PDT

The views are truly special, and not just on account of the scenery. This is what's known as a meromictic lake, which means the layers of water here don't intermix. Thus the deepest parts of Crawford Lake have been undisturbed for centuries.

A post shared by Erin Stanhope (@erinastanhope) on Aug 28, 2017 at 1:20pm PDT

When this quality was discovered in 1971, the site immediately became of significant archeological interest, which turned up corn pollen in the lower sediment. This ultimately led to the discovery of an Iroquoian settlement nearby that dates back 600 years.

A post shared by Marijana Lisjak (@marijanalis) on Sep 3, 2017 at 4:45pm PDT

Today the site features a reconstructed Iroquoian village that's based on the 11 longhouses that were uncovered here. This historical feature near the entrance of trail surely enhances the view as you imagine what life was like here centuries ago.

A post shared by Michael Zuber (@michaelzuber) on Oct 22, 2015 at 5:34pm PDT

In addition to the boardwalk, the conservation area is home to a series of other scenic trails, one of which stretches all the way to the popular Rattlesnake Point and offers amazing views from the escarpment.

A post shared by Aurelia Jas (@aureliajas) on Jul 14, 2017 at 5:51am PDT

Those making a trip out to Crawford Lake should also be on the lookout for turtles. The upper portion of the lake is teeming with wildlife, and it's not uncommon to see a bale of snappers swimming near the surface. 

A post shared by Erika Szabó (@photoramble) on Nov 8, 2016 at 7:13am PST

Crawford Lake is open year round, but it's at its most beautiful when the colours change in the fall. A boardwalk hike in late September and early October is a glorious experience.

Someday we may long for the days when buying weed was just a phone call to a dealer away, knowing they were always available even on holidays.

Earlier today, the Ontario Government announced its plan to enact strict regulation on the sale of weed in the province. It will rely on the LCBO for cannabis distribution and open 150 stand-alone stores across the province.

Statement from @LCBO President & CEO George Soleas on Ontario's approach to the federal legalization of cannabis https://t.co/5hP4SwvdMLpic.twitter.com/DknVZVKxRK

— LCBONEWS (@LCBONEWS) September 8, 2017

Folks on social media were quick to respond to the news.

This is humongous bullshit. What was already an unfair monopoly continues. https://t.co/EBYgK5fmGq

— Monster Truck (@Monster_Truck_) September 8, 2017

Criticism surrounding the legislation stem from the closure of many independent dispensaries in favour of near-complete government oversight of all-things cannabis.

If Ontario is already committed to turning LCBOs into pot dispensaries, why not go the full 9 yards and add Taco Bells as well? #cannabisOnt

— Delbert Riley Jr. (@DelbertRileyJr) September 8, 2017

Many see the new regulations as an unnecessary move in what could otherwise be an opportunity for more businesses, employment, and economic growth.

Thanks @ontario it's good to know you're always ready to dump on small business. https://t.co/5oVGNP2UNn#marijuana#torontopic.twitter.com/aIJ48fQdNP

— Fearless Fred (@Fearless_Fred) September 8, 2017

PM Justin Trudeau has said in the past that the closure of dispensaries and upcoming legislation is meant combat the illegal drug market and prevent children from gaining access to harmful substances.

I will personally sell weed at up to 20 different locations in Toronto.

— 👇 ishmael n daro (@iD4RO) September 8, 2017

It'll be interesting to see how this all plays out when federal legislation to legalize cannabis comes in next summer.

Models of Canada's famous Avro Arrow have been found on the bottom of Lake Ontario by a recent expedition team. Footage was released this morning showing the models peacefully resting at the bottom of the lake, some of which are in several pieces. 

The images show some of the nine test models that were fired over Lake Ontario after the project was infamously and controversially cancelled in 1959 by then-Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. 

The team, Raise the Arrow, part of the OEX Discovery Group, announced in July that it would search Lake Ontario for the missing models. Now that they've found them, the next steps include recovering the models and pulling them out of the lake. 

In this still from the video footage, a portion of the Avro Arrow test model can be seen covered in zebra mussels on the bottom of Lake Ontario. Photo by Raise the Arrow.

In the height of the Cold War, Canada wanted to build a plane capable of intercepting Soviet bombers over the Arctic circle. Development began on the Avro Arrow, a jet that was considered ahead of its time, and demonstrated Canada's superiority in the world of aviation research.  

The reason for the project's cancellation remains controversial to this day. Some rumoured reasons include a rising cost, inability to sell the planes to foreign countries, and a suspicion that the technology would soon be outdated against the Soviets.

Another portion of one of the Avro Arrow test models, visibly covered in hundreds of Zebra mussels. Photo by Raise the Arrow.

Many criticized the cancellation for putting almost 30,000 workers out of a job, and causing the "brain drain" of brilliant engineering minds to the U.S.

When the project was abruptly cancelled, all related equipment was ordered to be destroyed. Part of this included firing these test models over Lake Ontario, where they have now been found. 

The released images show the test models covered in algae, dirt, and murky water, resting on the bottom of the Lake. Hints of orange paint can be seen, confirming their identity as Avro Arrows. 

A familiar face is returning to Queen St. West with the welcoming of one of Toronto's favourite bookstores back to a neighbourhood and storefront it once called home.

Over the past few years, Queen West has seen BMV Express, Book City and Pages disappear from its streets. But now BMV is coming back to reclaim its former location at 244 Queen Street West with an opening date set to be announced sometime in the near future.

Real estate watchers in Toronto might not witness as many houses selling for way over asking these days, but there's still plenty of intriguing sales happening all over the city. Take this Cliffcrest bungalow, for instance. It's like a time warp to the 1950s. 

I love getting a peek inside homes with interiors that have been nearly perfectly preserved from another time period. There's an undeniable kitsch factor here, but it's also interesting as a window into the suburban roots of Scarborough, when small houses like this one were built on huge lots.

The lot size, no doubt, is why this property was so attractive. While it's possible the existing home will be renovated, it's just as possible that it'll be knocked down in favour of a more sizeable residence. 

In any case, the days are numbered for the interior, which is certain to get a complete overhaul either way. 

The Essentials

• Address: 42 Cliffcrest Dr.
• Type: Detached house
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 1
• Lot size: 55.92 x 150 feet
• Realtor: Brent Crawford and Audrey Azad
• Hit the market at: $869,900
• Sold for: $840,000

Why it sold for what it did

Cliffcrest is now a highly desirable neighbourhood, so a selling price of over $800K makes plenty of sense. The property was, however, initially listed at $1 million before a quick price drop. After that, it was snatched up.

Was it worth it? 

Yes. This house is just a few minutes from the Scarborough Bluffs on a quiet street with a big lot. I doubt the existing home will stand the test of time, but the land is highly valuable.

A luxury breed of melon has arrived at a Toronto restaurant. The Japanese Cantaloupe, or Crown Melon, is now being sold at Izakaya Ju for a whopping $30 per slice. 

The Crown Melon is a rare and special breed of cantaloupe grown in Japan under extremely strict conditions. Farmers cut all but one of the fruits from each plant to ensure the sweetness and flavour are concentrated. 

Ju Anzai, owner of the restaurant, says the taste is like "being in heaven." He brought the melon to Toronto so people could have a chance to "enjoy the difference, in smell, taste, and juiciness." 

A post shared by Yuki Chujo (@yukchu436) on Jul 16, 2017 at 4:49am PDT

Luxury fruits are a hot item in Japan, and are often bought as gifts for loved ones and friends. Some prime crops can sell for thousands of dollars at auction. 

Free things to do all year long in Toronto go beyond walks in a park and beautiful bike rides. They're like knowing about a secret underworld of events in the city. Every night of the week there's something to do that's absolutely free right under your nose. 

Here are my picks for free things to do by day of the week in Toronto.

MONDAY
 

Dance class at Steps Studio

Every Monday Steps Studio (at the corner of Yonge and Davenport) offers a free introductory Salsa class. Meet the teachers, see the studio, and try a Level 1 Salsa lesson before committing to signing up. No partner needed if you don't have one. Just bring your hips.

Shoeless Mondays

There's no cover on Mondays at the Horseshoe Tavern. Sometimes even Tuesdays are free, and the music is totally decent. Best thing to do before heading out is to check their official listings page (which is updated constantly), and if you like what you see/hear, head down and walk on in for a free concert downtown.

TUESDAY
 

Sweat for free at Lululemon

Almost every day of the week there's a yoga class, a bootcamp, a meditation session or full body work out for free inside the Attic at this sports boutique on Queen West. All levels are welcome to these classes, just make sure to pre-register to make sure you get in.

Canadian Opera Company free concert series

Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon (and some Wednesdays at 5:30p.m.), you can catch a free concert in one of the most stunning music venues in the country. Artists from around the world perform here in vocal, piano, jazz, dance, chamber and world music styles.

Catch a free film festival

Every Thursday at the Carlton Cinema there's a one-night film festival that showcases short films of every genre, all year long. Action, drama, animated films, you name it, just register in advance to secure your seat. 

WEDNESDAY 
 

The AGO

Every Wednesday night from 6-9 p.m. you can walk into the Art Gallery of Ontario gratis! Some tips to make sure you get in easily (it's often super busy) is to get there right at 6 p.m. and don't bring a backpack to avoid coat check. There's also the Free After Three program all week for people 14-25.

Aga Khan

On Wednesdays from 4-8 p.m. you can see the entire Aga Khan museum. Unlike some that only allow you to view permanent collections on free nights, Aga Khan generously gives free reign. It gets very during these hours so strollers aren't recommended.

FRIDAY
 

Take a free brewery Tour

Henderson Brewery in the Junction Triangle hosts free brewery tours (which include beer tastings) almost every Tuesday at 7 p.m., just be sure to check the events calendar and register beforehand. The Amsterdam Brewhouse also offers free tours and tastings Monday and Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and at various times Wednesday to Sunday.

Get inside the Design Exchange

Every last Friday of the month the Design Exchange opens its doors from noon to 1 p.m. and offers free, guided tours of the current exhibits and inside the building on Bay. It's a cool glimpse inside one of the city's top design institutions

SATURDAY
 

Power Tours at the Power Plant

Saturday's at 3 p.m. take a guided tour of the waterfront gallery's exhibits. You'll get to check out the latest goings on at the gallery with an in-house art expert. Exhibits at the Power Plant are typically free year round, and their opening bash is always open to everyone.

EVERYDAY
 

Toronto Reference Library talks

There are talks happening inside the Reference Library on any given night, and the quality is A+. I'm talking discussions with artists, authors, film screenings, workshops and more. Past guests include Romeo Dallaire and Mike Myers. Check out their lineup for some free fun any night of the week all year long.

Improve your improv

Monday to Thursdays after the mainstage show at 9:45 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at about 11:45 p.m. you can take an improv class with the pros at Second City. Times depend a bit on when the big show ends (these classes aren't listed on their website), but stick around after and learn how to be funnier from people who are actually funny, all year long. 

When I say Yorkville, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Hippies? Free love? Psychedelic rock? Unlikely these days. Now the area is a high end shopping haven.

Home to the "Mink Mile," the neighbourhood is home to some of the most expensive retail space in North America, but this was not always the case.

In the 1960s, Yorkville was not a hub for the extravagant shopper, but a sanctuary for the counterculture movement in Canada - an equivalent to New York's Greenwich Village.

The Village of Yorkville was established in 1830 by Joseph Bloore and William Jarvis as a suburban retreat. In 1883 the village was annexed by the city of Toronto and continued for the next 80 years as a quaint residential neighbourhood lined with Victorian-style homes.

But by the 1960s, Yorkville had transformed into the nucleus of hippie culture.

The cheap cost of rent in Yorkville led many German and English immigrants to buy property in the area. The charming, but often neglected Victorian homes were converted into coffee houses.

At the time, the drinking age in Ontario was 21, and these venues provided an alternative gathering space for Toronto's young, hip crowd.

The 60s were a vibrant era in Toronto's history. The spirit of revolution was celebrated through nonconformity, creativity, drug and sexual exploration. Yorkville was at the heart of it all.

By the late 60s a network of up to 40 clubs and coffee houses dotted the Yorkville scene. Talent was expressed in all forms; poetry readings, art showings, fashion boutiques, and above all, live music. People from all over North America traveled to experience the bustle of the neighbourhood.

Lineup for the Riverboat Coffee House. Photo via York University Clara Thomas Archives.

The most iconic club during this era was the Riverboat Coffeehouse at 134 Yorkville. The decor included red booths, pine walls and brass portholes.

Located below street level, it seated a cozy 120 patrons, creating an intimate setting in which to discover the up and coming names in folk and psychedelic rock: Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Bruce Cockburn, and Neil Young.

Gordon Lightfoot soaks up the Yorkville scene in the 1960s. Photo via York University Clara Thomas Archives.

These names would become legends. The venue also brought in international acts such as Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor and Tom Rush (to name just a few).

The Penny Farthing in the 1960s. Photo via York University Clara Thomas Archives.

Every coffee house had something different. The Penny Farthing had waitresses in bikini tops while the Mynah Bird had glass encased Go-Go Dancers and featured the now infamous Rick James. Over at the Purple Onion, you might catch a performance by Buffy Sainte-Marie or Carly Simon.

Yorkville Avenue in the 1960s. Photo via York University Clara Thomas Archives.

Yorkville was the place to be in the 1960s and crowds jammed the neighbourhood. Club lineups would spill out on to the sidewalks and swing around the block while cars clogged the streets. In response to the increase of vehicles and threat to pedestrian safety, locals took action.

Yorkville activism in the 196os. Photo via York University Clara Thomas Archives.

In May of 1967 a "love-in" was held at Queen's Park in support of shutting down traffic on Yorkville Avenue. Over 4,000 people attended. In August, peaceful protesters went one step further and organized a sit-in on Yorkville Avenue resulting in the arrest of 50 participants for traffic disruption.

Police presence increased - perhaps mainly in response to Ontario MPP Syl Apps' accusation that Yorkville was a "festering sore in the middle of the city." Soon a paddy wagon was parked in the neighbourhood on the weekends and a 10 p.m. curfew was enforced for those under 18.

Regulations arise in Yorkville. Photo via York University Clara Thomas Archives.

And so began the quick decent of the hippie revolution in Yorkville. By the following summer biker gangs had moved into the neighbourhood selling drugs, and reports of an outbreak of "hippie hepatitis" prompted the opening of vaccine stations on the sidewalks.

As a result, many locals left the area.

Not long after, the construction of the Bloor-Danforth subway increased land values, and major brands replaced local shops. Within the blink of an eye, Yorkville transitioned into the retail hub we know today.

The next time you find yourself in Yorkville staring at the window displays of another flagship store, make sure to pause.

Remember that this was once the mecca of beatnik culture, where some of the most unconventional ideas, sensational nights and greatest musicians once got their start. May the spirit of the 60s live on.

Brace yourself, chicken lovers, and gear up for some free fried chicken all weekend long.

Holy Chicken food truck will be giving out free fried chicken all weekend as part of a promotion for TIFF premier of Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!, starring Morgan Spurlock, star of the 2004 McDonald's misadventure Super Size Me.

A post shared by blogTO (@blogto) on Sep 8, 2017 at 3:07pm PDT

Everything is free for this weekend. The Holy Chicken Crispy Sandwich, Lil Cluckers (chicken tenders) and homemade 'slaw are all on the menu.

The menu at the Holy Chicken food truck. Photo by blogTO.

The giveaway is not without its catch, though: in keeping with the message of the movie about the perceived health benefits of chicken and it's impact on farming and the fast food industry, the sign on the truck reads:

A post shared by Linda Matarasso (@lindamatarasso) on Sep 8, 2017 at 3:37pm PDT

"In the food industry, the "health halo" is a halo effect created by clever marketing to make you believe the food is better for you than it is. This belief often results in increased consumption!"

Yesterday, the truck was parked outside the Ryerson Theatre but today and tomorrow you can find it on TIFF's Festival Street near King and John.

And, remember, nothing is ever completely free in this world.

You've probably wondered: what would a pizza Drake look like? Well look no further because someone is now making Drake pizza art.

Richmond Hill restaurant Il Fornetto Pizza has been using hip-hop stars as inspiration for their pizzas and they look great.

The portraits are by Salvatore Sauta, who considered himself both an artist and a chef.

A post shared by Artistic Pizza Chef Sal Sauta (@pizza_art_salvatore.sauta) on Aug 7, 2017 at 12:27pm PDT

Each one is made by hand and draws inspiration from pop culture figures like Super Mario to all-things the 6ix.

A post shared by Artistic Pizza Chef Sal Sauta (@pizza_art_salvatore.sauta) on Jun 19, 2017 at 8:16am PDT

You can even get your own mug on a pizza as the restaurant offers special orders for any occasion.

Cheap drinks in Toronto might not always be fancy cocktails, but if you know where to look for daily specials, you can have it all. From dive bars to student haunts, there are a number of places that offer you the chance to let loose without loosening your purse strings too much.

Here are my picks for the top cheap drink offerings in Toronto's many neighbourhoods.

Annex

Labyrinth Lounge has solidified itself as a top student drinking destination with its ultra cheap specials. Mugs of beer, select mixed drinks, and bar rail shots can usually be found around the $3.50 price point. 

Bayview & Leaside

Popular neighbourhood pub McSorley's Saloon offers unbeatable drink specials seven days of the week. Find $5.50 beer specials daily after 5 p.m.

Bloorcourt

If you find yourself at Northwood between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. you'll save $2 off any beer on the menu. 

Bloordale

Happy hour runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bar Neon. It attracts locals with $5 draught beers accompanied by buck-a-shuck oysters.

Chinatown

The main appeal of The Red Room is undoubtedly its cheap drinks. This beacon for cash-strapped crowds pours pints for $5 or less and pitchers from $12. It'll even pour half pints for those really counting their pennies.

Daytime drink prices make their way into the evenings during the week at Woody's. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Church Wellesley Village

The city's friendliest and most welcoming gay bar Woody's serves up cheap drinks from Monday to Wednesday. Discover domestic pints and bar rail for $5.25 all day. 

Danforth East

Everyday of the week Sauce on the Danforth is offers cheap drink specials. Pints, cocktails and wine all get the discount treatment throughout the week. 

Dundas West

Swan Dive is a laid-back, friendly, and unpretentious place, where cheap drinks come in the form of $5.25 rail drinks and $4 cans of PBR.

Financial District

Unwind after work with drinks and nibbles throughout the week at The Merchant. Monday to Saturday there's a new $5.50 drink special including deals on Peller Estates Chardonnay, Stella and Old Tomorrow Brewery Beers.

Discover new drinks specials throughout the week at Macho Radio Bar. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Harbourfront

At Macho Radio Bar, you can grab a 14-ounce pour for $5. More enticing still are the daily discounts that see pitchers of sangria sell for $20 on Sundays, margs for $5 on Mondays, and shots of Tromba for $5 on Tuesdays.

High Park

The Bar With No Name is a laid back hangout where enticing daily drink specials include $12 pitchers on on Mondays, $3.50 bottles on Tuesdays, and $5 tall cans on Thursdays.

Kensington Market

If you've never been to Kesington's down and dirty craft beer bar Thirsty & Miserable, you're missing out on their $5.75 a pint specials every Sunday.

King East

Scotland Yard does Brown Bottle Monday where Molson Canadian, Coors Light, Canadian 67, Molson Export, Molson Stock Ale, Molson Dry are $2.65.

King West

Adelaide bar Crocodile Rock serves some of the cheapest drinks in the city. On Wednesday they do $2.50 drinks all night long and on Friday you can score the same deal until 10 p.m.

Koreatown

Pour Boy is an inviting neighbourhood pub where 20oz pours set you back $5.75 and cans starts as low as $5.50.

Bill Hicks Bar is one of the cheapest watering holes in Toronto. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Leslieville

Climb the dark staircase to Bill Hicks Bar to claim your reward in the form of cheap tall cans and mixed drinks.

Little Italy

While this 'hood is full of cheap watering holes, Bistro 422 is one of the most wallet-friendly. Shooters, beer and wine can all be purchased for less than $5. 

Baby Huey is a great weekend spot for cheap drinks. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Ossington

Baby Huey is the place to go for $5 Jameson shots and $5 Bud tall cans. 

Queen West

The specials at Wide Open are astoundingly cheap, not to mention that they're available every night of the week, even on Fridays and Saturdays, when most bars don't bother offering discounts.

Riverside

Prohibition offers hooch hour between 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. then again from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. It features various deals on draught beer, house wine and premium spirits. 

Roncesvalles Village

Domestic bottles start as low as $3.50 but if beer ain't your thing opt for a pint of sangria for $5.50 at Roncy spot Sangria Lounge. 

Rosedale

Crown & Dragon does happy hour specials from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily featuring domestic pints for 4.50 and house wines for $5. Hungry? They also do 1/2 price apps.

Scarborough

Rally Sports Bar happy hour runs on weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Each day brings a new $5 drink special including deals on MGD, Coronas, bar rail and bellinis.

U of T

Since it's right across the street from the University of Toronto, Einstein attracts the post-library crowd. It's a hub for nightly specials and cheap, no-name brews - just how students like it.

West Queen West

There's something for every budget at The Dogs Bollocks, a British-style tap house. Standard bar rail drinks cost $5.25 and mini-pitchers cost just $12.

Yonge & Gerrard

Lou Dawg's gets good grades with Toronto's student population for its budget-friendly menu featuring $5 shots of Jack, Jameson and Jager every day of the week.

A Toronto coffee shop is now into day 12 of their campaign to have actor Idris Elba stop at their cafe while he's in town for TIFF this week.

A post shared by Grinder Coffee Gerrard (@grindercoffeegerrard) on Sep 9, 2017 at 7:28am PDT

Grinder, a cafe in Leslieville, embarked on their #IdrisNeedsGrinder campaign hoping that Elba will inevitably want a boost and drop by for a selfie, while promoting his new movie Molly's Game.

A post shared by Grinder Coffee Gerrard (@grindercoffeegerrard) on Sep 7, 2017 at 5:56am PDT

Don't lose hope, Grinder! Anything is possible.