It doesn't have to be perfect. It's okay to be different. Be kind to yourself. You are enough. 

You might recognize these phrases from... well, everywhere, but most recently from the sidewalks of Toronto (and pictures of said sidewalks on Instagram.)

Someone has been using stencils and spray paint to put lockscreen-worthy messages of self compassion all over the city, and in return, locals have been sharing more photos of their feet.

A post shared by Cecelia Cobb (@cobbblestone) on Aug 7, 2017 at 9:11pm PDT

The frequency, volume and popularity of these shoe-and-quote posts suggests that this street art series isn't a one-off thing.

In the past month, a few dozen pictures of the message "It doesn't have to be perfect" have been tagged in Riverdale park alone.

A post shared by @tokillianamockingbird on Aug 26, 2017 at 3:20pm PDT

Curious about who was behind the signs, I did a bit of digital sleuthing and found a Toronto-based visual artist named Kat Singer.

The sidewalk tags, of which there are now more than 300, are part of Singer's "#LoveLettersToMyself" project.

"In October 2016 I made a number of cardboard stencils with phrases that I felt I most needed to hear," reads an artist statement on her website.

"Through the action of repeatedly tagging public surfaces (mostly sidewalks), the phrases on the stencils seeped into my consciousness and began to displace the negative self-talk I habitually engaged in."

A post shared by High! Canada Magazine Official (@high.canada) on Jun 16, 2017 at 1:18pm PDT

Singer says she's been using roughly 18 different stencils of varying sizes to paint her messages, often when travelling through different parts of the city.

"I do it in clusters," she told me by phone. "This weekend I did about seven in one day on Queen Street."

A post shared by Kat Sing (@kre8tiveflow) on Sep 10, 2017 at 4:34pm PDT

The artist's very popular "it doesn't have to be perfect" stencil is from the first set of four she made while volunteering at Steam Labs.

Another one of the stencils from that set, "be kind to yourself" got warped from being covered in paint so many times. She's since recreated the stencil in a new font, along with some new ones that include the words "love is love" and "all bodies are good bodies. 

A post shared by Kat Sing (@kre8tiveflow) on May 30, 2017 at 9:41pm PDT

"All of the phrases I pick are very deliberate," says Singer. "I would never say something like 'you're beautiful' because I don't believe in placing value on a person's appearance."

"I'm against the culture of compulsive positivity, the 'Good Vibes Only' mindset. It's about self compassion, not talking down to people. It's okay not to be okay. It's okay to have a bad day."

Her work is clearly resonating with those lucky enough to stumble upon it, as evidenced by hundreds and hundreds of photos online.

We've seen foot photos in Forest Hill...

A post shared by Kini Camera 📷 (@kini_camera) on Jul 25, 2017 at 3:25pm PDT

Parkdale...

A post shared by Shanda Bezic (@shandabezic) on Aug 19, 2017 at 2:24pm PDT

Wallace-Emerson... (dogs have feet too!)

A post shared by Catherine Farquharson (@catherine_farquharson) on Sep 1, 2017 at 5:43am PDT

And in various other spots around town.

A post shared by Dr. Nayumi Saiki, ND (@dr.nayumind) on Jun 14, 2017 at 5:20am PDT

Singer says she continues to produce stencil art on sidewalks, when she isn't busy with her other projects, for both herself and others.

"When I find people on Instagram posting pictures of my work, usually with their feet, and they say such sweet things..." she said. "I feel like I have to cry. I'll have tears running down my face."

Travelling in and out of the Toronto area is about to get cheaper thanks to two new airlines offering affordable flights around Canada.

Start-up airline Canada Jetlines recently announced that by June of next year they'll be offering flights at unprecedented low rates in hopes of starting "a rebellion" against high ticket costs. The catch is that these flights will depart and arrive via Hamilton and Waterloo.

Flights could be as low as $100, according to its CEO Stan Gadek. Destination cities will include Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, and Halifax.

This would pose competition to WestJet's discount airline, which is also scheduled to launch next year.

Meanwhile, Flair Air, a charter service that recently acquired discount carrier NewLeaf's assets, announced today that it will expand its fleet and begin service out of Toronto's Pearson International.

It'll also have hubs in Vancouver and Edmonton and has already been operating out of Hamilton and other cities for some time.

Modernist architecture has never received the respect it deserves in Toronto, an observation that's underscored by the number of important mid-century buildings that have been demolished here. Even as these buildings have been wiped from the landscape, they still exert influence on the way that this city is designed today.

Here are my most missed gems of modern architecture in Toronto.

The Inn on the Park (Demolished 2006-2014)

Architect Peter Dickinson designed the Four Seasons Motor Hotel in 1961, but the took the motel concept to its natural conclusion with the sprawling Inn on the Park, which brought a luxury resort to Eglinton and Leslie. The triangular forms lean on Frank Lloyd Wright for inspiration, but the sweeping porte-cochère is a Dickinson hallmark.

Aeroquay One was a marvel of architecture during the glory years of air travel. 

Aeroquay One (Demolished 2004)

Those who around to travel through Aeroquay One recall the observation deck and elegant control tower beside the modernist terminal. Designed by John C. Parkin and opened in 1964, the circular gate design, underground parking, and attention to passenger flow was widely considered groundbreaking. 

The sadly lost Bata Headquarters. Photo via BataLTD.

Bata Building (Demolished 2007)

Also the work of John C. Parkin, the pavilion-like Bata Shoes Head Office was widely considered a Canadian icon of modernist architecture with its minimalist concrete and glass design. It was demolished to pave the way for the Aga Khan Museum when Bata relocated to Switzerland.

Like an alien space ship landed in Don Mills. Photo via Panda Associates Fonds.

Don Mills Curling Rink (Demolished 1986)

They don't design them like this anymore! Part of the complex that housed Don Mills Mall, this flower-like structure was designed by Douglas M. Hall. The area was a blank slate when it was built in 1960, which allowed for the ambitious architecture, but curling diminished in popularity before it was eventually torn down in the 1980s.

Riverdale Hospital in detail. Photo by Patrick Hirlehey.

Riverdale Hospital (Demolished 2013

This one stings. When Bridgepoint Health expanded with a new complex in 2013, the half-round gem that was the old Riverdale Hospital was demolished. Designed by architects Howard Chapman and Len Hurst, the building was proven to be structurally sound and capable of reuse at the time, but it was sadly deemed expendable.

A glass warehouse like no other in Toronto. Photo via the Panda Associates Fonds.

Parkin Offices (Demolished 1980s)

While the offices of John B. Parkin and Associates looked entirely utilitarian, the glass warehouse design was in fact entirely novel in 1958. This was a factory for architecture and importantly open to the world at large. Interior photos show a light-filled, collaborative work space.

The Shell Tower was once at the heart of the Ex. 

Shell Oil Tower (Demolished 1985)

Built in 1955, this welded steel tower was one of a number of modern structures built at the CNE, but probably its most recognizable until its unfortunate removal. Along with acting as the central meeting place at the Ex, the George Robb-designed structure offered a spectacular perch to view the action below.

The Seaway Hotel in its former glory. Photo via Robert Moffat's Toronto Modern.

Seaway Hotel (Demolished between 1993-2015)

Unlike the ramshackle motels along Lake Shore to the west of the Humber River, the Seaway Hotel and the Seaway Towers Motor Hotel were more elegant waterfront accommodations, the former of which won a Massey Medal for Architecture in 1955. The original hotel lived its last years as a Four Points Sheraton that's now also gone.

The mighty CNE Grandstand. Photo via Panda Associates Fonds.

CNE Grandstand (Demolished 1999)

There were three grand stands at the CNE over the years, the first two consumed by fire. Perhaps because many remember how terrible it was to watch baseball at Exhibition Stadium, the novelty and design of the 1948 structure is often forgotten. That's a shame. It was a beauty, from its monumental roof to its red brick exterior.

The clean lines of the old Imperial Oil Regional Headquarters in Don Mills.

Imperial Oil Ontario Regional Headquarters

A recipient of a Massey Medal in 1964, Imperial Oil's Ontario headquarters was unceremoniously demolished for a parking lot in the 1990s when the company vacated the space. It might not astound us today, but its bold pre-cast panels in the International Style showed a new way of thinking about buildings in Toronto.

The giant Drake General Store Warehouse sale inside a big abandoned warehouse is only one thing happening today in Toronto. There's also a Game of Thrones trivia night, the queer TIFF party, and a huge tech world meet up and social week. 

Toronto is in for two more solid weeks of warm, sunny weather this month, according to meteorologists.

Take that, pumpkin-spice everything.

Environment Canada meteorologist Rob Kuhn tells The Star that our region can expect highs in the mid 20s throughout this week and into next, thanks to a high pressure system.

Toronto's bright-looking forecast via Environment Canada.

That's only about four degrees above seasonal for this time of year, but it should feel pretty dang nice for those of us who just lived through whatever the last three months of rain-drenched wind and sorrow was.

Kuhn noted that The Greater Toronto Area could experience "the odd brief shower" on Wednesday as Hurricane Irma fades out of existence, but that "most of the time it will be dry, and most folks won’t see any rain, just patchy clouds."

Put those parkas back into storage, my friends. Summer '17 isn't over until Sept. 21.

James Franco has people raving about his new film at TIFF, which debuted at the festival last night. If there's a film that's received the most gushing so far, it might just be The Disaster Artist.

James Franco introduces The Disaster Artist. #TIFFpic.twitter.com/PBO4jtCK1i

— Rebecca Ford (@Beccamford) September 12, 2017

Following the screening, the film received a standing ovation, followed by an outpouring of positive reviews online.

THE DISASTER ARTIST just received a standing ovation at #TIFF17. I think we have a winner. #TheDisasterArtist

— Jesabel (@JesabelRaay) September 12, 2017

The Disaster Artist is a biographical comedy that explores the making of Tommy Wiseau’s 2003 film The Room, which is often called the greatest bad movie ever made.

sweet mother of mercy THE DISASTER ARTIST is a gift. #tiff17

— david ehrlich (@davidehrlich) September 12, 2017

It became a cult classic and is screened in Toronto at various theatres throughout the year.

Omg #DisasterArtist was hilarious! James Franco killed it as Tommy Wiseau without making fun of him. #tiff

— Alexandra Smith (@AlexCanTweets) September 12, 2017

While Franco directed and produced The Disaster Artist, he also stars as Wiseau with his brother Dave Franco, Seth Rogen, and Alison Brie.

James Franco's THE DISASTER ARTIST is the funniest film of the year, but it only works because it has heart. Industry audiences will LOVE it

— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) September 12, 2017

The film features other huge names too, like Josh Hutcherson, Zac Efron, Hannibal Buress, Kate Upton, Melanie Griffith, Jacki Weaver, and many others.

It's probably still too early to start talking about People's Choice Award at TIFF, but this one already seems like it'll be in the running.

Toronto restaurants are still scrambling to add charcoal to their menus to ride the wave of summer's most popular food trend, which now it looks like it might continue right into the fall. 

Jimmy's Coffee just launched an activated charcoal-infused latte at all six of its locations – and as one might expect, it's highly 'grammable.

A post shared by Jimmy's Coffee (@jimmys_coffee) on Sep 12, 2017 at 4:31am PDT

The company previewed its "goth latte" on Instagram Monday, describing it as "an all natural detoxifying latte made with activated charcoal, maple syrup and almond milk."

Much like goth ice cream, which swept Toronto this summer, goth lattes have already existed for at least half-a-year. Jimmy's is simply pulling an iHalo Krunch by bringing an already-buzzworthy product to the local market.  

It's still dubious that it's "detoxifying" or boasts any health benefits at all, but with a base of almond milk and natural maple syrup, it seems safer than most other things that could be described as a "drink for dark souls."

Emo-kids can pick up goth lattes at any Jimmy's Coffee location in Toronto starting today. It pairs well with Brand New's Deja Entendu and literally anything by The Used.

A poll conducted by Mainstreet/Postmedia has found John Tory would comfortably win re-election as mayor of Toronto. According to the survey of 1,000 residents, Doug Ford, who recently announced his candidacy, would lose by a wide margin were he directly pitted against Tory.  

In a one-on-one matchup between the candidates, Tory would take around 56 percent of the vote, while Ford would take 29 percent with about 15 percent of people undecided. When other candidates are added to the race, however, Tory’s victory is smaller.

Tory has a comfortable lead over Doug Ford, who recently announced his candidacy. 

The poll suggests that Tory’s win would be in part due to his ability to catch progressives and those to the left of the political spectrum. If a leftist candidate were to enter the race, Tory’s base of support against Ford would shrink significantly.

Jennifer Keesmat, the former city planner, and Mike Layton, a popular city councillor, are both speculated to be potential future contenders. If either were to enter, Tory’s majority would shrink to 39 percent or 35 percent, respectively.

These are, however, very early results. Candidates may do or say anything by the time the race, scheduled for October 2018, rolls around.

If you missed the Northern Lights last week, don't worry. You may have a second chance. Auroras should be visible near Toronto again on Wednesday night.

Earlier this week, a solar flare was released from the sun. Researchers predict a 75 percent chance of a G2-Class geomagnetic storm, which causes the Northern Lights to appear at more southerly latitudes. 

The Northern Lights as seen in Orangeville on September 7,2017. Photo by Dan Sedran.

Those wishing to see the rare phenomenon will have to head out of the city, due to the amount of light pollution reducing visibility. However, last week’s Aurora Borealis were visible as far south as Orangeville, so there may be hope for a shorter trip.

If you want to get in on the Northern Lights so close to Toronto, your best bet is to use a Dark Site Finder. Typically, northwest of the  city is the best direction to travel. There may be a chance of cloud cover, so make sure to check a Clear Sky Chart too.

Today in "people who are lucky not to be dead," an unidentified driver was caught driving in reverse on Toronto's Gardiner Expressway.

Video footage uploaded to YouTube on Monday night shows a light-coloured sedan driving backwards, very slowly, into oncoming west-bound traffic near the Harbourfront.

The car can be seen inching slowly in reverse towards the west-bound Spadina Ave. / Lake Shore Blvd. offramp – the exit its driver appears to have missed – stopping and starting as vehicles come up behind it.

It's scary enough to see something like this for a few seconds, but the scene plays out for more than a full minute before the car finally starts moving in the right direction.

Michigan-based lawyer Nicholas Samberg was in Toronto celebrating his birthday with friends when he spotted the car from a Mariner Terrace Airbnb rental.

"It was around 4 a.m. on a Sunday night and we were out on the balcony," he tells me. "It happened on Sept. 4th."

Samberg and his friends were bewildered by what they saw happening on one of Toronto's busiest major highways, despite the fact that it was pretty quiet on the roads.

A driver appears to have missed this exit at Spadina, prompting him to drive backwards for at least 100 meters on The Gardiner earlier this month.

"We were on the edge of our seats!" he wrote in the caption of the video. "Epic win or epic fail here?"

Lots of angry people in Toronto are seeing fit to answer that question as Samberg's video makes the rounds on Reddit, Facebook and elsewhere online.

"That's legitimately one of the scariest roadcams I've ever seen," reads one comment. "There is something so unsettling about this driver's logic."

"Its ok to reverse on the Gardiner as long as you make eye contact first," joked someone on Reddit.

"Come on man, that's ridiculous," another person chimed in. "You'd have to put your 4-ways on as well!"

It may have rained cats and dogs this summer, but something different and delicious is falling from the sky this season. 

Prepare yourself for a downpour of sausage parties this month and into the fall. 

Toronto food pop-up crew Sausage Party is throwing two vegetarian events, one at the Leftfield Brewery on September 15 and the other at The Steady on October 6, to prep your belly for Thanksgiving. 

There's also a Five Course Sausage Celebration on September 20 at Brooklyn Tavern and the two night Urban Swine Sausage pop-up, September 22 at Churchill. 

The city already has some great spots to get sausages and hot dogs all year long, so there's no telling what's behind the Toronto sausage storm of 2017.  

It might have something to do with a craving for grilled meat before winter's imminent arrival or the collective desire to get an early head start on Oktoberfest.

Events like the Ontario Place Oktoberfest bash, for example, will feature a menu of sausages, and the Bandit Brewery party will include both currywurst, and bratwurst. 

Bon apetit!

From September 12 to 14, Best Buy will be at Yonge-Dundas Square for its annual Life & Tech Festival. In celebration of the festival's return, we've teamed up with Best Buy to give one lucky reader a chance to score a $500 gift card to the store.

Check out all the contest details here.

Official City of Toronto mascot Aubrey Graham, known formally as Drake, celebrated the worldwide debut of his Vince Carter documentary at TIFF on Saturday afternoon.

Today, he announced his pick for not only the best movie at TIFF 2017, but "the best movie you will see this year."

Guess what it wasn't? His own frickin' film.

The rapper, who served as executive producer on The Carter Effect alongside his bestie, NBA superstar LeBron James, was all smiles on the red carpet ahead of the film's premiere.

He also spoke warmly of his pride in the film onstage at the festival, and delivered a rollicking toast to its star in a video posted online Friday night.

.@Drake& @KingJames toast to @mrvincecarter15, The 6 & premiere of #TheCarterEffect. Watch the full vid at https://t.co/RuTPzXfm4C. #TIFF17pic.twitter.com/4Aiu9vh16t

— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) September 9, 2017

Rappers in general are known to be pretty boastful, so when the guy who once told everyone that he had 25 million dollars when he was 25-years-old announced his choice for the best film at TIFF this year, it was a bit surprising.

"The Florida Project is the best movie you will see this year," wrote @champagnepapi on Instagram today, posting a picture of a woman pushing a child in a shopping cart.

The Florida Project is the best movie you will see this year 😍💙🏝

A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on Sep 11, 2017 at 10:58pm PDT

Confused commenters seem reticent to take the hip hop star's advice when it comes to cinema.

Some are guessing that Drake got paid for the post, while others say he's promoting The Florida Project to "give back" to his fans in the southern state.

That said, Drake's Instagram also shows at least 10 photos related to The Carter Effect and its Saturday screening this month.

The Carter Effect

A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on Sep 11, 2017 at 11:09am PDT

Could it be possible that he genuinely loves the film? Probably. A lot of other people seem to.

That, or maybe Drake is just trying to show the world that he, too, can sit down and be humble.

Summer can be a bittersweet season in Toronto's restaurant landscape. While there were certainly a ton of exciting openings this season, with the good came the sad – a lot of notable places, both classic and newer to the scene, went away for good.

Here are the most high-profile restaurants that closed this summer in Toronto.

Bareburger

This organic burger chain that originated in New York City quietly closed up its sole Toronto location by Bay & Dundas back in June, and a lot of fans were upset to see it go.

Bar Italia

Unfortunately, this former hot spot in Little Italy was well past its prime. It said its farewells in July and Broadcloth Hospitality (The Queen and Beaver, The Oxley, The Wickson Social) will soon be turning the space into a wine bar called Mad Crush.

Bestellen

After five years in business at College just west of Dovercourt, this atypical steakhouse from chef Rob Rossi served its final cut of dry-aged beef at the end of June.

B'saha

Yet another spot bit the dust in Little Italy this summer, after only a year in business. This Moroccan street food and Sunday brunch spot closed without much warning, with a "restaurant for sale" sign posted in the window.

Edward Levesque’s

This was a staunch stalwart that managed to stick around in brunch-crazed Leslieville for 16 years. It served its last plate near the end of August.

Mezzrow's

A classic Parkdale dive beloved by its regulars, it suffered the typical story of its rent skyrocketing unexpectedly, forcing it to close after 22 years in business.

Pam’s Roti Shop

Bloorcourt's beloved Caribbean roti spot shuttered in August. The building's owners took over the space to open a Greek pastry and espresso shop called Filosophy, and Pam is actively looking to reopen somewhere nearby.

Parcae

Opening to much fanfare in the fall of 2015, this somewhat hidden, subterranean restaurant and cocktail bar that was located inside the Templar Hotel on Adelaide St. W. silently disappeared in June.

Saturday Dinette

Clashes with landlords were the cause for closing this modern take on the classic diner at Gerrard & Logan. No worries though, because its affiliated lunch counter and bar, Kid Chocolate, should be opening nearby soon.

The Saucy Pierogi

Starting out as a gourmet pierogi pop-up vendor at events like the Toronto Underground Market eventually led to opening a first bricks and mortar flagship on Dundas West in 2015. Sadly, it shut down operations in June and the space was sold to new owners.

Toronto's real estate market might be slowing down, but it'll still cost you a pretty penny to get a newly built home in a well established neighbourhood. This four (plus one) bedroom home near Bloor West Village might not have been built from the ground up, but it's still a fine example of a contemporary house.

With a good architectural plan and the necessary permissions from the city, you can expand the square footage of an old Toronto house rather significantly. Perhaps what's most impressive here is the third floor loft and huge back deck.

From a livability standpoint, this is good space with plenty of room for most families out there. There are, however, a few design quirks. The open concept living/dining/family room looks a bit like a subway platform when you stare from one end to the other. 

The relationship between the kitchen and family room also seems a bit odd, though that might be on account of the two-seat table that's awkwardly placed at its precipice. Why is that there?

In any case, this is a very nice house with contemporary design flare that mostly justifies its hefty price tag. 

Specs 

• Address: 14 Evans Ave.
• Price: $2,399,000
• Lot Size: 28.50 x 109.17 feet
• Bedrooms: 4 + 1
• Bathrooms: 5
• Parking: 3
• Walk Score: 75
• Transit Score: 84
• Listing agent: Tatiana Sidorova
• Listing ID: W3915469

Good For

A family that wants lots of space but also to live in a neighbourhood that's proximate to the subway and retail amenities. Entertainers will like the upper deck and abundance of outdoor space.

Move On If

You're not a fan of the ground floor layout. This house hasn't been staged with the utmost effort, which highlights the challenges of the open space between the living room and kitchen/family room

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

Toronto-born comedic legend Jim Carrey is one of the many A-List stars who've popped into town over the past week for TIFF-related happenings.

Appearing just a few days after giving what many are calling a "bizarre" interview at New York Fashion Week, Carrey was every bit as candid and hilarious as fans would expect him to be.

Jim Carrey popped in to serenade the crew with a little @bandofhorses. #ceasetobegin #tiff2017

A post shared by Preston Northrop (@dinglebrero) on Sep 11, 2017 at 11:45am PDT

In addition to a dramatic kiss for someone in a Tony Clifton costume on the red carpet, the actor spent a good deal of time speaking to reporters at the premiere for Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond, touching on such things as losing himself in a character and wanting to be a SUNshine boy.

Carrey also lamented during a Q&A session that he wished he had let Spike Jonze, who produced Jim & Andy, direct his 1995 film Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls.

"I was stupid enough to turn him down to direct Ace 2, cause I had no idea who he was," he said, "and I've been kicking myself ever since."

Jim Carrey greeted friends enthusiastically outside Toronto's Winter Garden Theatre on Monday. Photo by Jesse Milns.

A lot of eyes were on Carrey, who appears to be under more scrutiny for his behaviour than usual, at his TIFF screening Monday.

On Friday, people on Twitter started speculating about Carrey's mental health after he told an E! reporter that "I don't believe that you exist," "we're a field of energy dancing for itself and I don't care," and "there is no me," among other things.

Well, you definitely can't say that Jim Carrey gives a boring interview: "There is no me. There's just things happening." pic.twitter.com/HatQ6mHsKp

— E! News (@enews) September 10, 2017

Carrey didn't get overtly existential in Toronto, but he was certainly maximum zany.

Who would want him to be anything else?

If you like drinking in secret, you're in luck. Toronto is going to be home to a new speakeasy, called Suite 114.

The speakeasy is the brainchild of Duncan Chan, owner of popular escape room Trapped at Bay and Dundas. He plans to put the soon-to-open bar in the same building. 

Chan says the escape room activities may see life at the new bar, and that visitors will have to "solve something in order to gain entrance."

Aside from serving drinks, the venue will host daily bartending classes. Various topics will include the history of bourbon, and the many uses for rum and other spirits.

Suite 114 opens later this month. As for the exact date, you guessed it - it's a secret. 

Toronto is a spectacular city to soak up fall colours thanks to its extensive ravine system, but it's still hard to beat a trip out of town to witness the most dramatic foliage the province has to offer.

Fortunately, you don't have to travel too far to behold an epic display of fall colours. The Forks of the Credit is well known its immaculate fall foliage, but did you know that you can take it all in from the comfort of a seat on a train that tours the Hills of Headwaters area?

Just some of the incredible scenery to be seen on the Credit Valley Explorer. Photo by Michael A Da Costa.

The Credit Valley Explorer does a 74 kilometre loop through some of the most scenic countryside we have in Ontario, including passage across a 1,146 foot long railway trestle bridge that spans the Credit Valley. In late September and early October, the views are incredible. 

Well, the views are actually amazing most times that the train runs, including the winter, when you can take a ride through an immaculate snow-covered landscape. 

The Credit Valley Explorer passes through the Cataract. Photo by Michael A Da Costa.

There's even on-board service, which includes complimentary refreshments and snacks (some tours include full dinner service). That sounds a lot more civilized than hiking through the woods to see fall foliage (though that can be pretty great too).

Booking early is a must, as sightseeing tours tend to sell out early. If you have a large group, there's also the option of renting the train out in a charter capacity. 

The Credit Valley Explorer departs from Orangeville. Tours take place throughout the year, so check the website for updates to their listings. Tours start at around $50 for adults and go up from there depending on the time of year and what food is being served.

The strict and confusing rules around TIFF’s Fan Zones are causing a bit of an online uproar again this year.

Fan Zones are the closed-off areas in front of TIFF screening venues dedicated to celeb-sighting. Popular ones include those outside of the Princess of Wales Theatre as well as the nearby Roy Thomson Hall.

Like last year, complaints centre around wait times to get in and rules around what you're allowed to bring into the Fan Zones.

Signs like these are posted outside every Fan Zone. Photo by blogTO.

The rules, which are posted on the TIFF website as well as outside each Fan Zone, prohibit long-lens cameras, selfie sticks, ladders, chairs, large signs and illegal or hazardous items like weapons and aerosol cans.

There also seems to be confusion about weather food is allowed.

@TIFF_NET your "no food" policy at RTH red carpet is really irresponsible and stupid. No one informed us until we got in fan zone...

— Pam (@poisonivy2425) September 11, 2017

Some people were told to throw out food despite TIFF’s website and signs saying nothing about bringing it. Others were barred from bringing pictures for celebrities to sign that were deemed too big.

@TIFF_NET I can't get into the fan zone at Roy Thomson Hall as my Lord of the Rings banner is too big. Where else can I go 2 see @andyserkis

— Steven Wright (@Scubasteve37) September 11, 2017

Collecting wristbands for access has also been confusing for some who have been caught unaware they need to arrive so early to get them.

The Fan Zone area near the Princess of Wales Theatre where fans must first line up to receive a wristband.

The wristband process requires fans to line up to get one one after which they need to get in a second line for accessing the Fan Zone.

@TIFF_NET fan zone sucks. I hope you get rid of it next year

— Nid S (@Nidermayer96) September 8, 2017

Most lineups start several hours before the respective Fan Zone wristbands are distributed.

Honestly, for the fan zone, come 3 hrs early. I got in line for a 9:30 premiere at 6:00 and there's already about 100 people in front of me

— t misses tiff (@sebdorkstan) September 8, 2017

The placement of the Fan Zones has also made fans feel corralled into a small area to meet celebrities, while also being in the way of movie-goers simply trying to pass through the area.

@TIFF_NET Please get a pedestrian path going for people getting to Lightbox. Fan zone blocking those who just want to get to their movie!

— Jessica Chan (@JesscaCN) September 9, 2017

The problematic Fan Zones irritated people last year, and many of the same issues have surfaced again this time around.

FAN zone is not FUN zone #tiff

— Japan-graphs (@Japangraphs) September 10, 2016

After the outrage, TIFF may decide to alter the Fan Zones next year.

This tiff fan zone thing is the most stupid idea ever

— Alesia (@alesiaxx) September 9, 2016

However, it may be unlikely as the festival organizers say the zones exist for fan and visitor safety.

TIFF keeps pushing through today in Toronto with three Oscar-buzzed performances and films. There's also a few mid-week dance parties, concerts and the season opener of the new photo exhibits at the Ryerson Image Centre.