Gourmet dining experiences are popping up across Toronto over the next couple of weeks. The St. Lawrence night market is almost here, Icelandic chefs want to give you a taste of their home country, there's a Nigerian food tour, and free fried chicken hovers deliciously on the horizon. 

The best Japanese desserts in Toronto are usually influenced by French pastry traditions, but also have their own special twist. Catering to Asian palates that prefer lighter, not-too-sweet offerings, these tempting treats tend to combine quality ingredients with beautiful presentation.

Here are the best places to get Japanese desserts in Toronto.

If you're planning on hitting the Apple store today for a new iPhone X... maybe don't.

Hundreds of people in Toronto are waiting in line at local malls right now for a chance to score Apple's 10th anniversary phone release.

Everyone is lining up for the new #iPhoneX at the #AppleStore in the #EatonCentre today 📱

A post shared by blogTO (@blogto) on Nov 3, 2017 at 5:52am PDT

The iPhone X, which became available Friday, is drawing lineups unlike anything seen outside of an Apple store in years – both in Toronto and around the world.

Toronto's CF Eaton Centre appears to be the worst-hit locally, with lines stretching almost the entire way across Level 3 of the mall from North to South.

The hype is real. #iphonex #torontoeatoncentre

A post shared by Eustace James (@e_james) on Nov 3, 2017 at 4:31am PDT

At Yorkdale mall, people literally camped outside, in tents, overnight to secure a place in line.

Line up for new iPhone wtf is this

A post shared by Ivanna (@babe_girl_ivanna) on Nov 3, 2017 at 12:32am PDT

Now that they've made it inside, Yorkdale shoppers estimate that there are approximately 200 people in line. 

As of 6 a.m., the store was already disappointing customers with its lack of stock.

Apple staff telling people no 256 GB stock available. Only 64 GB #iPhoneX at #Yorkdale.

— Jamie Ellerton (@jellerton) November 3, 2017

Sherway Gardens also saw many hopeful iPhone X owners line up outside on Thursday evening. There were about 50 people in total outside the Etobicoke mall as of 4 a.m. Friday morning.

#iPhoneXlinescan 50 strong here at Sherway Gardens! pic.twitter.com/HrVxBwbBqw

— sanjay4real (@sanjay4real) November 3, 2017

Fairview Mall in Thornhill is rammed as well, though slightly less than the other three. If you want to score an iPhone X (or anything from any Apple store, really) this shopping centre would be your best bet in the GTA – but don't get your hopes up.

A post shared by Shawn GS (@shawngsgs) on Nov 3, 2017 at 5:10am PDT

Apple executives said in a quarterly earnings call yesterday that demand for the iPhone X is "off the charts" everywhere.

I guess people are really keen on getting a phone that you can unlock with you face. 

The entry-level iPhone X (64 GB) retails in Canada for $1,319.00. For 256 GB, you'll need to shell out $1,529.00.

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye is the newest member of the Jack Daniel’s family. This November they will be hosting its official launch in Toronto. Want to attend? We've teamed up with Jack Daniel's to give readers a chance to win a pair of passes.

Check out all the contest details here.

Epic sandwiches in Toronto run the gamut from giant pieces of fried chicken to ones stuffed with soft shell crab. I've rounded up some of the tastiest and jaw dropping sandwiches across the city and there's probably at least one with your name on it.

Here are my picks for the most epic sandwiches in Toronto.

Black Bear

This Markham restaurant specializes in Japanese fusion cuisine. While they tend to dub their eclectic offerings "burgers," they're really more akin to sandwiches. A must-try is their avocado soft shell burger.

A post shared by Sonya D (@theculturepearl) on Sep 18, 2017 at 2:57pm PDT

Butter Baker

Sweets aren't the only thing to sink your teeth into at this Yonge & Dundas bakery. They’re known for their banh mi croissant sandwiches loaded with house roasted porchetta, herb mayo, daikon and carrot.

A post shared by Mouna | Food • Travel (@monstermoutheats) on Sep 27, 2017 at 11:48am PDT

Kitson & Co. 

This little Parkdale sandwich shop might not boast much space, but the sandwiches are absolutely massive. If I had to choose, the title of most epic would go to the fried chicken. 

A post shared by Sugo (@sugotoronto) on Oct 19, 2017 at 8:50am PDT

Sugo

Paying homage to classic Italian red sauce joints, this Bloordale Village restaurant is the perfect spot to chow down on a classic loaded veal sandwich.

A post shared by Globe Meats Fresh Market&Grill (@globemeatsmarket) on Jun 13, 2017 at 8:27am PDT

Globe Meats

From the outside this North York spot might look like a local grocer, but there's more than meets the eye. They offer a variety of sandwiches, of which the Philly cheese steak is among the tastiest.

A post shared by blogTO (@blogto) on Mar 2, 2017 at 10:09am PST

Union Chicken

If you're a chicken lover, a visit to this Etobicoke restaurant is in order. Here you can load up on fried chicken sandwiches the size of your head.

A post shared by 🌸Barbara Hu🌸 (@barbarahuuu) on May 25, 2017 at 6:46pm PDT

Kaboom Chicken

If you've never had a sandwich between two ramen buns, you're seriously missing out. This Riverside spot is one of the only places to serve these wild creations in Toronto.

A post shared by Honee ❤ (@itshonee) on Aug 19, 2016 at 1:40pm PDT

Allwyn's Bakery

Jerk chicken sandwiches on coco bread with creamy coleslaw is what you'll find at either location of this well-loved Caribbean joint. 

A post shared by Jeff Butterworth (@jeffbnc) on Aug 8, 2017 at 12:00pm PDT

When The Pig Came Home

This popular Junction deli serves up a jaw-dropping porchetta sandwich. Spruce it up with the additions of rapini, provolone, and truffle sauce.

A post shared by Knuckle Sandwich (@knucklesandwichto) on Aug 9, 2017 at 5:07am PDT

Knuckle Sandwich

If you're looking for a sandwich that will completely fill you up, then order up the grilled chicken torta at this East York restaurant. It's filled with chorizo, refried beans, guac, charred salsa, tomato and lettuce.

As Toronto gets settled into the month of November and fall heat waves are relegated to distant memory, our collective mind turns towards a looming question: when will the snow arrive?

With apologies to the Farmers Almanac, no one can actually answer this question with any degree of certainty. It predicts that Toronto will be hit with its first snow showers between November 13-16, when it will also be "very cold."

That's a dubious prediction given the specificity of the dates and Environment Canada's long range forecast, but it's by no means outlandish to call for snow to hit Toronto in November.

It's nearly certain that at some point this month, the city will receive a bit of snow. November 2009 was the first time in 162 years that the month passed without a hint of snowfall, and each year since we've received at least a few flurries.

Last year, Toronto's first snowfall came on November 21. It didn't stay on the ground for long, but it was more than a few flurries.

Everyone's definition of what constitutes the "first snowfall of the season" tends to differ a bit, but if accumulation is the marker, then there's still a good chance that we'll witness a dusting in late November. 

Toronto's first snowfall with some measure of accumulation has come between November 17 and 27 in eight of the last 10 years. Notable exceptions have been 2015 and 2009.

All that to say, I won't randomly pick a date that the snow will arrive in Toronto, but if you're thinking in terms of odds, it's a safe bet that some form of frozen precipitation will arrive around the third week of the month.

It's time to rustle up those winter boots.

Food halls are, slowly but surely, emerging as the new standard for communal dining in Toronto – just like they did in New York circa 2013.

Not to be confused with food courts, which are made up largely of individual chain restaurants like Manchu Wok and Subway, food halls are fancy (or at least fancier than your average mall atrium.)

These stylish, open-concept markets offer up things like fine fromageries, artisanal coffee lounges and international street-food carts, all under one roof. Often, they're built in cool, reclaimed industrial spaces or around historical buildings in urban centres.

Here are just five of the highly-anticipated new food halls set to open in Toronto sometime soon.

Campo Food Hall 

Opening in mid-November, this "all-day food hall and restaurant" is inspired by the markets of Spain. Campo will take up about  3,500 space at 433 King St. W. near Spadina. Expect plenty of grab-and-go meal options, specialty groceries and a full service restaurant from Spanish chef Rob Bragagnolo.

Assembly Chef's Hall

This Financial District food hall is slated to open sometime this winter at 111 Richmond St. West. It will include a cafe, market area and beer hall, according to PR reps, and has been designed with the intention of bringing Toronto's top chefs together, all under one roof.

Eataly 

We learned last year that a Toronto location of this famed Italian food palace would be opening in the renovated Manulife Centre some time in 2019. Rumour has it that the project is a bit behind schedule, but when it does open, it promises to be spectacular - and huge, covering 50,000 square feet of space.

The Well

This ambitious mixed-use development along Front Street West, where the Globe and Mail building used to be, will include a sprawling European-style market hall with 89 stalls offering everything from fine meat and cheese to luxury cookware. Developers only broke ground on the project this year, so we might have to sit tight for a bit.

Waterworks

The former Waterworks building at Richmond and Augusta will include a massive new food hall (alongside condos, a YMCA and other cool things.) We don't know much about vendors at this point, but concept drawings for the space show that it will be located on the ground floor of the existing historical building.

A new co-working space near Spadina and Front has answered the call of everyone who's ever experienced the passive-aggressive "trying to plug your laptop in at a Starbucks" dance.

How do you find a coffee shop in Toronto with electrical outlets at every seat? Even freelancer-friendly spots tend to feature battles for plugs.

Workwell café, a new workspace next to Clarence Square Dog Park, on the other hand, is "purpose-built for productivity," according to its website.

That means lightning fast Wi-Fi, the aforementioned plethora of plugs, plus unlimited Americanos and tea for just $5 an hour. 

You can pre-register for a space online or just show up and get to work. It's pay as you go and commitment-free. 

Workwell can be found at 49 Spadina – and I'm not even afraid to tell you that because I know there are enough outlets to juice us all.

If awards were given out for most dramatic renovation efforts in Toronto, this house at 94 Douglas Crescent would surely be on the short list. This used to be a diminutive and unremarkable residence on a spacious lot, but now its an eye-catching cube home. 

Located right across the street from Nesbitt Park, the real estate listing advertises the neighbourhood — officially referred to Governor's Bridge— as "the gateway to Rosedale." 

Houses here are typically smaller than those in the heart of Rosedale, but it's still one of Toronto's premium locales for real estate, which at least partially explains why this one went for just shy of $3 million.

The property is not without its quirky features. The detached garage, for instance, is staged as a dining room / event space in the listing photos. I actually think this is kind of amazing, but there are a number of practical drawbacks to such a set up. 

Similarly, the outdoor space feels a bit compressed thanks to the garage and a small basketball court. That said, it's the perfect place to work on your free throw technique. 

The Essentials

• Address: 94 Douglas Crt.
• Type: Detached house
• Bedrooms: 3 + 1
• Bathrooms: 4
• Lot size: 40 x 113 feet
• Realtor/Brokerage: Chestnut Park
• Hit the market at: $2,849,000
• Sold for: $2,790,000

Why it sold for what it did?

You can chalk this one up to the amazing renovation. In April of 2011, the house sold for $1.35 million. The market has obviously increased in value, but the pre-renovation house wouldn't have come close to this selling price today.

Was it worth it?

It sold within range of the asking price, so the easy answer is yes. While not everyone will be taken with the contemporary design, I'm sure it was a major selling point for interested buyers. Plus, Governor's Bridge is increasingly attractive for those priced out of central Rosedale.

A New York Times review of Jen Agg's new book is being panned as "a shameful, dishonest badly written turdlet" – and that's just by Anthony Bourdain.

And while I’m on the subject of Jen Agg aka @TheBlackHoof . The NYT review of her book is a shameful, dishonest badly written turdlet.

— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) November 1, 2017

The Toronto-based restaurateur behind such places as Black Hoof, Cocktail Bar and Grey Gardens released her memoir, I Hear She's A Real Bitch, in May of this year to rave reviews from news outlets across the continent.

Congratulations Jen Agg (@TheBlackHoof) on being named a finalist for your fantastic memoir, I Hear She's a Real Bitch @RandomHouseCApic.twitter.com/MkYgpZhq1D

— Toronto Book Awards (@TOBookAwards) August 24, 2017

"Whatever Jen Agg says is worth listening to," wrote Bourdain at the time. The TV host is a "friend and ally" of Agg's who just so happens to be one of the most influential celebrity chefs on Earth.

"A terrific, beautifully written, frank, and funny memoir," Bourdain's blurb continued, "and a compelling argument for pulling down the long outdated system of 'bro' culture that has dominated the industry since what feels like the beginning of time."

This week, a full 6 months after the book dropped, The New York Times decided to publish a review of the book, which it called "a swaggering, feminist restaurant memoir."

also this prudish, pearl-clutching book review of Jen Agg's book is kiiiind of amazing in that it is very funny.https://t.co/zrFCULVtwW

— ಠ_ರೃ Alex 🎃👻 (@aeleitch) November 2, 2017

In the review, writer Tamar Adler pontificates on the merits of talking about oral sex and Agg's "very specific variety of" feminism.  

"What will it accomplish if in the struggle to be treated equally, we assume the worst behaviours of the privileged group?" she asks, referring to male chefs. "Agg is cocky, profane, pro-conflict — as only men are 'allowed' to be."

This review is a remarkable (and profoundly disappointing) exercise in internalized misogyny https://t.co/yOSS8aSWvz

— Helen Rosner (@hels) November 2, 2017

Readers and fans of both women were displeased.

This review is just a woman telling another woman to shut up and act like a lady, which to her credit, she realizes. https://t.co/8j4yrSTyYS

— alicia kennedy (@aliciakennedy) November 3, 2017

"Go ahead & be a pearl-clutching-prude. That’s fine. It doesn’t bother me (although I’m not super eager to hang)," wrote Agg on Twitter this afternoon in response to the controversy. "

But please stop telling me I’m feministing wrong because you don’t like to fuck or whatever and find swearing abrasive

— Jen Agg (@TheBlackHoof) November 3, 2017

You can read her entire thread on the subject here. As always, it's both entertaining and enlightening.

Ontario Parks aren't just summer destinations. On the contrary, many of them are at their most beautiful in the fall and winter when the crowds have thinned out and you can really soak up the wilderness around you. Besides, few things more romantic than a yurt for two.

Here's a roundup of provincial parks with cabins and yurts for rent.

Algonquin Park

This popular wilderness destination has some of the most amazing rustic cabins out there, most of which were used by the original park rangers. These are only open from late April to Thanksgiving weekend, but seven heated yurts at the Mew Lake campground are open all year.

Arrowhead

This gorgeous park has 10 camp cabins open starting in December. These one-room accommodations feature a kitchenette with a microwave and a barbecue for more substantial cooking. There are gas and electric fireplaces for additional coziness.

MacGregor Point

MacGregor Point is the yurt capital of Ontario Parks with 16 on offer throughout the year. These accommodations sleep six people on two sets of double/single bunk beds. The decor is sparse, but the idea is to get out there to enjoy the beauty of the park and Lake Huron.

Silent Lake

Silent Lake is another one of Ontario's Parks that's great to explore in the winter, with 10 yurts that open in mid December. These are arguably nicer than the ones at MacGegor Point as they have wood burning stoves to keep the heat up, but there's no electricity of running water.

Kilarney

This is one of the most beautiful places to camp in the fall and winter with two rustic camp cabins and six yurts. These are a short hike in from the park office, and offer the ultimate in heated accommodations at a park known for amazing stargazing and wildlife-spotting opportunities.

You can check out the Ontario Parks website for a full list of roofed accommodations and cold weather camping options.

If you were anywhere near Queen and Bay last night, there's a good chance you're a teenager who likes pop music.

The Grammy Award-winning a capella group Pentatonix brought huge crowds downtown last night for a free concert celebrating the unveiling of this year's holiday window displays outside Hudson's Bay and Saks.

Omgggg @PTXofficial is amazing! #APentatonixChristmasDLX#HBHolidaypic.twitter.com/zhYvi1zvCF

— CASIE STEWART ☀️ (@casiestewart) November 2, 2017

A total of 11 new windows were unveiled to the crowd this year,  including five "snow globe" windows with themes such as "Santa's Magic," "Arctic Adventures" and "Holiday Circus."

The Christmas window displays are breathtakingly cool, but that's always the case. The real draw for last night's event seemed to be the featured five-piece vocal group.

@PTXofficial just saw you in Toronto and you were so amazing! I cried the entire performance! Thank you so much for coming 😘😘😘😘😘pic.twitter.com/oi6UONgaAX

— Lisa Rodmell (@lisa_rodmell) November 2, 2017

Pentatonix is insanely popular with young audiences around the world. The Texas-born a outfit, which formed in 2011, first rose to fame by winning Season 3 of NBC's The Sing-Off.

They've since released more than 10 albums and currently boast 2.8 billion (yeah, I said billion) views on their YouTube channel, mostly for covers and Christmas songs.

With angelic host proclaim PTX is at the Bay!!! @PTXofficial thanks for kicking off the xmas season right #HBHoliday#xmaswindow#TOxmas❤️🎄pic.twitter.com/hKFosdwUvQ

— Scott MacD (@TheScottMacD) November 3, 2017

The group's rendition of Hark! TheHeraldAngelsSing got the crowd to its knees, as evidenced by the number of videos on Instagram and Twitter.

Views of @PTXofficial performance from earlier tonight @CFtoeatonCentre#hbholiday#Torontopic.twitter.com/d4pqZukdpK

— a m b z (@MsAmbzD) November 3, 2017

What's also awesome is the view some people got from the Eaton Centre's newly-opened sky bridge, which, as you should know, is really, really great.

Toronto's snap-happy, bike-riding parking enforcement officer Kyle Ashley (aka @TPS_Parking pal) has been suspended from Twitter.

A police spokesperson confirmed to the Star on Friday that Ashley's supervisors are currently investigating the "appropriateness" of how he used his Twitter account after receiving some complaints.

"We've had numerous complaints and concerns and we thought the prudent thing to do is investigate them and suspend the account while that's going on," said Mark Pugash of the Toronto Police Service, noting that the account is only being suspended "temporarily" while Ashley's tweets are examined.

Yes you look like you're about to explode any minute now... 🚴🔥🙄pic.twitter.com/FdDdyPO5cp

— Mika Hamilton (@ICUwalker) October 18, 2017

Pugash did not comment on the nature of complaints against Ashley, but the officer has become well-known in the Twitter community for taking pictures of cars parked in bike lanes and sharing them via the social network.

Ashley is one of several Toronto Parking Enforcement officers (and now regular citizens) who've taken to publicly shaming motorists for bad parking jobs like this, but he appears to have started the trend. 

Local cycling activists love him for it, but some people have criticized Ashley's behaviour on Twitter, especially when he posts selfies to brag about ticketing road offenders.

"Proud of what you do but probably not a good idea to boast about ticketing a mom on way to pick up her kids," replied a citizen to one of Ashley's tweets during an enforcement blitz earlier this autumn. "Life's already hard enough #empathy"

It's that time of year, my friends, when the sun becomes shy and our cities turn into a gloomy grey mess of frowns and despair.

November is the worst, but don't fret – it can also the best. An explosion of beautiful, twinkling lights will soon transform spaces all over Toronto and beyond into colourful Christmas photo-ops.

And what better way to kick off the season of lights than with a whopping100,000ofthem in a waterfront park?

A post shared by Cobourg Tourism (@cobourgtourism) on Nov 25, 2016 at 6:20am PST

Cobourg's Christmas Magic will once again light up the shores of Lake Ontario this November, turning the town's waterfront and Rotary Park into a fantastic spectacle of holiday cheer. 

It's about a 90 minute drive from downtown Toronto, but a perfect distance for decompressing with some Christmas tunes in the car on a cold November night.

This year's lighting ceremony is scheduled to take place November 24 from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., but the lights will be up for everyone's enjoyment between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. every night until January 5, 2018.

When Honest Ed's closes its doors at the conclusion of the year, it will signal the end of not just a neighbourhood, but also a retail model that was once a major part of life in Toronto.

The discount shop, previously a fixture on city's streets and in shopping centres, has slowly been replaced by big box retailers like Wal-Mart and the less diverse offerings of Dollarama.

The once mighty Towers was eventually absorbed by Zellers. Photo via the Toronto Public Library.

If you rewind to the 1980s when I was growing up, Toronto was spoiled for choice when it came to these stores. You had Towers, BiWay, Bargain Harolds, Zellers, and K-Mart in addition to Ed Mirvish's palace of kitsch at Bloor and Bathurst.

I always hated being dragged on shopping trips to such stores as a kid, though the regularity of the experience has left these visits imprinted on my brain. 

The iconic Honest Ed's sign being removed in May 2017. Photo by Jesse Milns.

In fact, there was a measure of embarrassment in shopping at a store like BiWay for me. It was a symbol that my family didn't have a whole lot of money and couldn't afford to buy all of my clothing at Eaton's.

I still recall refusing to wear the orange tab Levis jeans I was bought at BiWay when I was around eight or nine years old. I knew that most of my friends at school had red tabs, and I considered it a great injustice to be saddled with this cheaper model.

But, of course, my mother shopped at BiWay because it was an intelligent thing to do. Money was tight, and discount shops were plentiful enough that you could easily rely on them as a source for the types of products that you were guaranteed to pay more for at the supermarket or other higher end department stores.

And so a generation of Torontonians basically grew up shopping at these stores during a time when the city was a more overtly working class place.

Bargain Harolds flyer via Jamie Bradburn.

Make no mistake, these were popular and busy places in fierce competition with one another. While people tended to shop most often at the store closest to them, these businesses engaged in one hell of a weekly flyer war, undercutting each other on highly useful items that could lure customers from one shop to another.

There were also memorable television campaigns, but I tend to think that the real battlefield was on paper. 

Gerrard Square was once home to both a Zellers and a Biway. Photo via the Toronto Public Library.

There was also plenty of crossover between the retailers over the years. Toronto's Towers locations became the now defunct Zeller's in 1990, while Bargain Harolds was eventually sold to K-Mart.

The legacy of the discount shop in Toronto was wonderfully easy to trace for a brief moment when Target opened in Canada, which had acquired many of the retail spaces used by Zellers.

The trend has been to go bigger and bigger, leaving midsized shops like BiWay and Bargain Harolds a thing of the past (though there is a small remnant today).

It's not that Toronto doesn't still need cheap places to shop. The city does. What has changed is the scale of the stores and Canadian presence in the market. A few decades ago, discount shops were largely homegrown, whereas today this segment of the retail market is dominated by American corporations.

Zellers was once a major contender in the discount retail game. Photo by Patrick Matte.

BiWay officially bit the dust in 2001, but an attempted expansion to the the US in the mid 1990s sowed the seeds of the company's demise. Bargain Harolds was sold to K-Mart in 1985, and continued on well at first, but the parent company eventually sold its Canadian properties to Zellers in 1998.

After snatching up both Towers and Bargain Harolds, Zellers itself bid goodbye in 2012, paving the way for Target's failed entry into Canada.

"Nostalgia has nothing to do with aesthetics — it’s not even connected to happy memories," writes the French writer Michel Houllebecq. "We feel nostalgia for a place simply because we’ve lived there; whether we’ve lived well or badly scarcely matters. The past is always beautiful."

This observation might offer some insight into why places like the discount shops of Toronto's past evoke such strong feelings in those of us who spent significant time within them. 

They represent where and how we lived. 

Late fall getaways from Toronto will let you enjoy this season's majestic colour palette long after the leaves in popular places like Killarney and Algonquin Park have fallen to the ground. From wineries to a giant long cabin, there's lots to do before the winter chill truly sets in.

Here are my picks for stunning late fall getaways from Toronto.

Bask in the beauty of Vineland

As its name suggests, this area near St. Catharines is home to lots of vineyards. It's a bit closer than Niagara-on-the-Lake and it's less crowded too! Head here to visit wineries like Tawse and Megalomaniac. The nearby Ball's Falls Conservation Area is also lovely.

Do Prince Edward County without the crowds 

After Thanksgiving, Prince Edward County is a lot quieter with cheaper rates at hotels, inns and B&Bs. Best of all, most wineries stay open all year long, so you can imbibe all you want. Leaf fall takes place later here than areas to the north, so you'll see some foliage into early November.

Take a trip to Europe without getting on a plane

While the Ontario landscape tends to get a bit stark in November, the best way to combat that is by heading to one of the province's beautiful small towns. The Galt area in Cambridge will transport you to Europe with its old architecture and bridges. 

Get a head start on winter at Blue Mountain

Depending on the conditions, ski season here can start in late November. But even if the runs are green, you can mountain bike or enjoy a trip to the Scandinave Spa in the cool, crisp autumnal weather.

Unwind at Whiteface Lodge

This upscale hotel in Lake Placid is one of the places to go if you're visiting the Adirondacks. It has an indoor and outdoor pool (that you can use any time of year) as well as a slew of activities, a three-season skating rink, nature trails and even a nightly campfire with s'mores.

The earliest known photographs of Toronto are surely best known for the panorama of the fledging city taken by civil engineering firm Armstrong, Beere and Hime in 1856 atop the Rossin House Hotel at King and York streets.

Popularized thanks to Michael Redhill's novel Consolation, the 12 photos that make up the stitched series (plus one additional view to the southwest) are the best visual record we have of early colonial Toronto.

In addition to the panorama, however, Armstrong, Beere and Hime took 12 photos at ground level that offer an even closer look at Toronto of the 1850s.

The total set of 25 photos was part of Toronto's bid to become the capital of Canada, and were taken to show off the city's landmarks in an effort to charm Queen Victoria, who was to make the decision.

While she chose Ottawa instead, the photographs themselves remain an invaluable bit of Toronto history.

King Street East looking west towards Yonge St. from near Church St. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Intriguingly, these images actually didn't make it back to Toronto until the city's 150th anniversary in 1984 when they were shown at the St. Lawrence Market.

For all intents and purposes they had been lost in England before they were discovered by a researcher at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Library in 1979.

While the panorama has tons of cachet for its nearly 360 degree view of the early city, the ground-level photographs might provide an even better record of what Toronto's streetscape was like.

There are excellent views of early King and Wellington streets, as well as landmarks like Oasgoode Hall, Trinity College, and the Normal School.

Only a few of the buildings captured in these early photographs remain, which makes them all the more indispensable when trying to understand what Toronto was like in just two decades after the city was incorporated.

The Rossin House Hotel at King and York streets (from where the panorama was taken). Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Trinity College (the gates of which remain at Trinity Bellwoods Park). Photo via the Toronto Archives.

The third parliament buildings in Toronto on Front Street between John and Simcoe streets. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Osgoode Hall before the surrounding trees had grown around it. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

The Normal School (part of the facade of which is retained at Ryerson). Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Second United Presbyterian Church on Gould Street. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

The Exchange on Wellington Street just east of Yonge Street. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

The British Bank of North America at Yonge and Wellington streets. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Gluten-free brunch in Toronto is important to know about if you've got celiac disease or avoid the wheat protein for other reasons. While many brunch options are wheat-heavy around the city, there's plenty of alternatives to seek out that are friendly to gluten-free eaters.

Here are my picks for the top gluten-free brunch in Toronto.

Cardinal Rule

This R0ncesvalles Village spot has won hearts for its vegetarian and vegan brunch options, but did you know there are just as many gluten-free items as well? Everything is clearly marked on the menu too, so you don't have to ask awkwardly. They even have gluten-free French toast.

Rikkochez

This cozy space on the Danforth has a menu filled with vegan and gluten-free options. For brunch, enjoy shakshuka, huevos y chorizo, and pancakes. 

Lola's Kitchen

Church Street regulars have long been fans of Lola's for their breakfasts and bennies. Their menu features gluten-free toast for the classic breakfast, but you'll also find options in the brunch bowl, the curried tofu scramble, and gluten-free granola.

Thrive Organic Kitchen

Brunch runs on weekends and holidays until 2 p.m. at this popular Etobicoke spot. Gluten-free menu items include offerings like pancakes and the "Energy Breakfast."

Easy Breakfast

This all-day diner in Parkdale is a classic breakfast hot spot. They have gluten-free brown rice wraps available for the quesadillas, gluten-free Belgian waffles, and even gluten-free onion rings as a side. 

Doug's Public Kitchen

The brunch menu here features gluten-free and vegan options. No gluten options are marked NG and include benedicts, avocado toast, and coconut crusted French toast. 

Live Organic Food Bar

Everything on the menu at this Annex spot is organic, gluten and wheat free with no refined sugars. Brunch offerings include options like guac toast, kimchi pancakes, and superfood smoothies. 

Fresh

With Multiple locations across the city, this chain is a household name when it comes to accommodating special diets. All items on their gluten and allergy friendly menu are made with gluten-free ingredients and brunch is served on weekends and holidays.

Impact Kitchen

Clean eating is the name of the game at this Corktown restaurant. They are a gluten-free kitchen and serve morning staples like paleo pancakes, avocado toast, and steak and eggs on weekends.

El Pocho

While it's not advertised, this Mexican restaurant located in the Annex is entirely gluten-free. On weekends they serve brunch items like breakfast tacos and huevous rancheros from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Canada's largest lights festival is celebrating its 35th anniversary in Niagara Falls this year – and organizers say it'll be their "brightest season yet."

More than a million people from around the world come each year to see more than two million lights displayed throughout Niagara Falls during the city's annual Winter Festival of Lights.

"Tour our 8km long illumination route that travels through the beautiful landscapes of the Niagara Parks, Dufferin Islands and surrounding tourist districts," reads the Niagara Falls Tourism website.

"Recent additions include... the Inukshuk in Dufferin Islands, a new 3D Projection Mapping Show on the Oakes Hotel on Fallsview Boulevard, median lighting in Queen Victoria Park and lighting of the Canadian Niagara Power Plant."

Several high-profile events are also slated to coincide with the lights, including an ice wine festival, weekly fireworks, concerts and laser light shows.

The 2017 festival kicks off in just a few weeks on November 18, and will run until January 31 of 2018.  Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

Vegan donuts in Toronto will help quash your sugar cravings without the help of dairy, eggs or milk. Whether you're in the mood for a classic chocolate dip or want something a little more extravagant, these spots have got you covered.

Here are my picks for the top vegan donuts in Toronto.

Apiecalypse Now!

This Koreatown restaurant excels in the world of vegan pizza, and its donuts aren't too shabby, either. You'll find a rotating selection of sweet treats that includes one that's sure to remind you of the Simpsons. 

Sweet Hart Kitchen

Found on Dundas West, this healthy bakery is certified allergen-free, vegan, and gluten-free.  Make sure to grab an order of their no-bake donuts next time you visit. 

Through Being Cool Baking Co.

This Bloordale Village bake shop is known for crafting some pretty killer vegan eats - scones, whoopie pies, and mac and cheese are all favs. Its donuts, however, rule the shop. You'll find the display case stacked with everything from chocolate to sprinkle-topped.

Bunner's

If you want a donut from this popular bakery, you'll have to head to the Junction on Saturday morning — it's the only time they serve them. They're $2 a donut, but worth every penny.

Sorelle & Co.

All the goodies found at both their North York and Saks Food Hall locations are entirely vegan. This includes a daily rotating menu of donut offerings. 

Doomies

After you're done mowing your vegan Big Mac at this Parkdale restaurant, you can end on a sweeter note with an order of Doom Bits. They're warm, bite-sized pumpkin glazed doughnuts with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream on top.

Von Doughnuts

This Danforth donut shop caters mainly to non-vegan donut lovers. Their gluten-free vegan donut is, however, available upon special request. You must order them in a minimum batch of six in advance.

Bloomer's

You'll find the display case at this Bloorcourt spot stacked with more than just your standard glazed pastries. They're also known to bake wild blueberry, rose pistachio, peppermint mocha and pumpkin spice donuts.

Glory Hole Doughnuts

Not only is the Parkdale bakeshop one of the city's favourite spots for donuts in general, they also offer a range of donuts that are vegan. Find rotating flavours like maple glaze and chocolate sprinkles. 

Tori's Bakeshop

This Beaches and Canary District bakery is a well-loved by vegans and non-vegans alike for its array of baked goods. The menu is not set in stone, so you can't always count on seeing a novel donut variety. Many are gluten and soy free, which is good news for wheat-less eaters.