As the Easter long weekend approaches in Toronto it's time to prepare ourselves for a weekend filled with parades. With parades comes a slew of road closures across the city so it's important to be in the know.

Here's what you need to know to navigate the city by car this weekend.

St. Francis of Assisi Church Good Friday Procession

The Good Friday Procession in Little Italy will take place March 30 and will affect city streets between 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. These are the streets that will be shut down.

• College Street closed Bathurst Street to Ossington Avenue
• Dundas Street West closed Bathurst Street to Ossington Avenue
• Grace Street closed Mansfield Avenue to Dundas Street West
• Montrose Avenue closed Dundas Street West to College Street
• Manning Avenue closed College Street to Mansfield Avenue
• Mansfield Avenue closed Grace Street to Manning Avenue

Beaches Lions Easter Parade

Toronto's annual Easter parade will take over Queen East on April 1 between 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. As a result the following streets will be affected between 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Queen St. E. lane closure Munro Park Ave. to Fallingbrook Rd. from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Queen St. E. closed Munro Park Ave. to Fallingbrook Rd. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Nursewood Rd. closed Queen St. E. to 24 Nursewood Rd 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Queen St. E.closed Woodbine Ave. to Fallingbrook Rd. 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Woodbine Ave. closed Queen St. E. to Lake Shore Blvd. E. 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Lake Shore Blvd. E. closed Woodbine Ave. to Coxwell Ave. 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sidh Shakti Parade

The Sidh Shakti Parade will also be happening on April 1 and will shutting down streets between the hours of 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Lake Shore Boulevard West closed Ninth Street to Second Street*
• Second Street* closed Lake Shore Boulevard West to Birmingham St
• Ninth Street closed Lake Shore Boulevard West to Birmingham St
• Birmingham Street closed Ninth Street to Second Street*

Road restrictions around the Rogers Centre

New this year, there will be restricted car access to streets near the Rogers Centre during Jays' home games. The team is playing the Yankees all weekend long.

TTC Subway Closure

In addition to road closures, there will be no subway service between Finch West and Wilson stations on March 30 to April 1 due to signal upgrades.

Events in Toronto this April show that spring is ramping up and there's already plenty to do like see some documentaries, taste the latest in all things coffee, or stop in at any of the free events happening around the city.

If you ever wanted country living in the big city or at least country decor in the big city have I found the place for you!

The loft has an oh-so-trendy farmhouse sink, barn doors, and the master bedroom has picture-perfect French doors.

As the unit is inside Edwardian-style Argyle Lofts, which used to be the Ideal Bread Factory, it has soaring 12.5-foot ceilings and some gorgeous windows.

The view from those windows isn’t half bad either. The place boasts unobstructed views of the Toronto skyline.

The living room and kitchen are open concept and even though the kitchen does seem quite small counter space wise, it’s still really lovely.

From the bronzed faucets and cupboard knobs to the farmhouse sink and the custom-built cabinetry, it’s all impeccably styled and very on trend.

The only downside to this place is there isn’t any outdoor space but it’s really close to Trinity Bellwoods park if you need to get out of the house.

Specs

• Address: #514 - 183 Dovercourt Rd.
• Price: $699,000
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 1
• Parking: 1
• Walk Score: 93
• Transit Score: 98
• Maintenance Fees: $524.56 monthly
• Listing agent: Edward Wang
• Listing ID: C4073193

Good For

An artistic couple. Beaconsfield is kind of an artist haven being so close to The Drake Hotel, Queen Street, Dundas West, Lower Ossington and a ton of other studios and galleries. 

Move On If

You aren’t feeling the country home vibe. I have a sneaking suspicion those barn doors are kinda a pain to move, so if you aren’t into that aesthetic you’re going to end up resenting this place pretty quickly.   

Spring is back and so is the One of a Kind Show, at the Enercare Centre until April 1. Walk past a breathtaking welcome display paying homage to High Park’s famous cherry blossoms and get ready to discover a brand new crop of artisans.

Check out some fun finds from the One of a Kind Show in this photo gallery.

Events in Toronto this weekend give you lots of days to enjoy the long weekend. There's lots of music, parties, and even a bizarre bazaar.

The future of a special, deeply-discounted transit pass for post-secondary schools in Toronto is uncertain right now, after almost 66 per cent of a key student body voted to reject the idea.

I am extremely disappointed in the the students decision to reject the U-Pass. Transit is a necessity for the city and getting a better deal from the TTC will be close to impossible. It is also highly unlikely that I’ll be a student if it ever does pass.

— Zachary J. Comeau (@ZComeau) March 29, 2018

Around 12,400 University of Toronto students participated in a referendum yesterday to decide on whether to support the long-fabled "U-Pass" program.

This pass, the creation of which was approved by the TTC board last week, would give local university and college students unlimited access to subways, streetcars and buses for just $70 a month.

That's less than half the price of a regular adult monthly pass, and significantly cheaper than the current post-secondary rate of $116.75 – but it would also be mandatory.

Yes, I imagine the owner of the two-tone Bentley I saw on St George street isn't for the U-Pass. But I also imagine he has the $70/month for the mandatory pass.

— Benjamin Barootes (@bswbarootes) March 28, 2018

For the program to work, $280 ($70 a month, based on 4 months per semester) would automatically be added to every individual student's regular student fees, three times a year, even if they live near campus and never use the TTC.

U of T students who say they shouldn't have to pay for something they'll never use began encouraging others to vote against the transit pass late last week.

Their efforts appear to have paid off, with 65.6 per cent of student voters saying no to the proposition.

we need a disney princess who would approve u-pass
we need a disney princess who would approve u-pass
we need a disney princess who would approve u-pass
we need a disney princess who would approve u-pass
we need a disney princess who would approve u-pass

— Avneet Sharma (@AVNEETSAYS) March 28, 2018

Students at Ryerson, OCAD University and George Brown College will all vote on the U-Pass in coming months, though it may be for nothing.

The TTC has made it clear from the beginning of this process that all four schools must collectively agree to a four-year term for the program to work.

Without U of T's commitment, there's no guarantee that overall TTC revenues would remain stable – and if the U-Pass isn't economically feasible, it's likely to be scrapped.

More than 20,000 tickets to this afternoon's Blue Jays home opener game were bought up by resellers almost immediately after they went on sale back in February, according to a joint report from The Toronto Star and CBC News.

Many of those tickets have since been sold to fans via online scalper websites like StubHub, SeatGeek and Vivid Seats for an average markup price of 205 per cent.

These kinds of numbers won't be legal when Ontario's new ticket bot legislation comes into effect but, until then, a lot of people are making a lot of money reselling tickets online – including The Toronto Blue Jays themselves.

44.7% of all #BlueJays home opener seats were posted for resale

Average markup: 205%

Blue Jays earn cut from every ticket scalped on StubHubhttps://t.co/fMSaKQaj1N

— James Wattie (@jameswattie) March 29, 2018

StubHub's global head of communications, Glenn Lehrman, confirmed to both The Star and CBC that the Jays – like every other Major League Baseball Team – get "a cut of every single ticket resold" using StubHub.

Lehrman wouldn't disclose any financial details, but he did hint that the Toronto baseball team makes some serious bank this way.

"They do very well," he said to the CBC. "Let's put it that way."

Well this ISN’T cool. As if ticket prices weren’t high enough from official site let alone gouging even more money from StubHub customers. Jays are really taking advantage of the fans and that’s terribly disappointing. @BlueJayshttps://t.co/vZWzRZTX1b

— Cobie (@CobieLyn) March 29, 2018

Some fans are expressing anger and disappointment on Twitter today as news of the joint investigation spreads.

Others are like "Seriously, guys? This isn't a secret."

It required an investigation to show the Jays are in bed with StubHub? pic.twitter.com/Y6mZ34e9xg

— Philip Moscovitch (@PhilMoscovitch) March 29, 2018

The latter camp is pointing to the fact that the Blue Jays and StubHub announced a sales partnership almost a full year ago– one that both the team and ticket service have been promoting ever since.

I got an email 9 days ago from the Blue Jays announcing their partnership with StubHub, but the @TorontoStar is pretending they have some sort of a bombshell today. Woordward and Bernstein they are not. #BlueJayspic.twitter.com/L97izf8l3A

— Brian Palmer (@the_real_palmer) March 29, 2018

"When StubHub/Blue Jays announced an 'integration' partnership last year, I kinda just assumed it meant that the Jays would get a cut of resale revenue," wrote one fan in response to the news.

Have they not seen Stubhub ads behind home plate? Heard about how much major league teams & Stubhub work together? It's asinine.

If Stubhub "secretly" gives some of their fees to the Blue Jays instead of a) keeping it for themselves, or b) giving it to scalpers? GOOOOOOOD!

— Domeward Bound (@domewardbound) March 29, 2018

The lack of transparency still irks a lot of people, of course.

Still, as many fans note, Blue Jays tickets are still some of the cheapest in the league. In some cases, you can get them even cheaper from StubHub than from the team directly.

The Blue Jays literally have the CHEAPEST ticket on Stubhub right now for all AL East home openers:
TOR $34
NYY $60
BOS $62
BAL $45
TB $40

— BK (@brendonkuhn) March 29, 2018

"On StubHub this year, you can go to 80 per cent of the games for below face value," wrote one person who uses the service regularly. "The home opener is the only sold out game right now, you can go to box office for the other 80 games."

"StubHub allows for much cheaper pricing for less demand games."

In general, most people seem ticked about the fact that the Blue Jays are making money off of resold tickets – and particularly that they're keeping it on the low –  but few are actually scandalized.

"Ticket sales is a shaaaady af business," as one fan put it. "This barely surprises me."

The annual urban pillow fight that started a global movement will henceforth be a part of Toronto's past – but only because the future's so bright.

"There's a lot of incredible stuff going on in Toronto now," says Kevin Bracken, who co-founded Pillow Fight Day with Lori Kufner in 2005 as part of their urban arts collective Newmindspace.

"The fact that there's not a pillow fight happening does not make Toronto any less of a city," he said by phone. "The landscape of events in this city is more vibrant now than it has ever been before."

True as this may be, the city and its needs have also changed quite a bit over the past 13 years.

Pillow Fight Day in 2011 at Yonge-Dundas Square. Photo by chewie~ via Flickr.

Bracken and Kufner started Newmindspace (which is also behind those giant light saber battles, streetcar parties, mass blanket forts and more) as a way of reclaiming public space, specifically for the purpose of play.

"The idea with Newmindpsace was to take our favourite childhood activities, remove them from the suburbs, bring it into an urban space and invite thousands of people," said Bracken, pointing to the work of scholars like Hakim Bey and Jane Jacobs.

"When we started [in 2005], we weren't even old enough to drink," he laughed noting that at the time they were "very much tied into the Toronto public space committee" and other types of "soft activism born in the era of David Miller as mayor."

Pillow Fight Day at Nathan Phillips Square in 2016. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

By 2007, Pillow Fight Day had spread to more than 200 cities around the world, largely due to Bracken's own recruitment activities.

"I reached out to anyone doing anything kind of wacky in their own cities — flash mobs, improv everywhere style stunts" he said. "I emailed them individually and asked them to join us for International Pillow Fight Day."

Newmindspace still owns the main URL used to organize and track these events around the world, but as of 2018, Toronto won't be participating.

Only 22 cities are, in fact. 

"It would be cool if somebody was like 'I wanna take this on'," says Bracken, but for him, the pillow fight "was very much appropriate to the era."

Pillow Fight Day in 2009 at Yonge-Dundas Square. Photo by Roger Cullman.

"That era is just a bygone memory," he explained. "Lori and I find ourselves with new passions."

For Kufner, that means working with youth through The TRIP! Project, an organization that provides harm reduction strategies and health services to young people in Toronto.

"The weight of what's going on right now in our city and country around the overdose crisis and youth suicide rates in the community I work with is too high," she said. "It's hard to compartmentalize on a scale required to put on large scale events... to put the deaths aside and just be like, 'this event is all just about fun!' You know?"

Kufner says she also started to get event planning fatigue – and that she's sick of cleaning up after the pillow fight in Toronto's crappy April weather.

"I'm still all about having fun," she said, "And community events that bring people together are still actually the most important thing to me – but someone else needs to organize them now."

Bracken's new passion involves a gigantic, metal, fire-breathing dragon.

As co-lead of Heavy Meta, he spends his days touring North America and building crazy cool stuff with help from a team of about 50 people at their Dupont and Ossington workshop.

They've taken the fire-breathing art car to 18 different events across North America since June of last year, including a recent stint at Casa Loma.

Next weekend they'll be at a music festival in Vermont, shooting fire from a ski mountain with a 15,000 watt sound system blaring in the background.

Any pillow fight, no matter how noble, seems totally lame in comparison to that.

Ontario's Liberal government is promising to reduce the fare of GO Transit trips taken within the city of Toronto, or anywhere for less than 10 km, to just $3 a pop.

That's almost 50 per cent less than the current cost of an adult trip from the Bloor UP Express station to Pearson Airport – and yes, the Union Pearson line counts.

So what's the catch?

Noteworthy in the Ontario budget: 1) Province promising to slash GO #transit fares to $3 for trips within Toronto, as well as for sub-10km trips anywhere on the network

— Oliver Moore (@moore_oliver) March 28, 2018

Well, first off, you'd need to use a Presto card to be eligible for the discount. Secondly, this is far from a sure thing.

The Liberal Party needs to win this June's provincial election to roll out the 2018 budget as planned – though the lower fares wouldn't actually be alleviated until early 2019.

Mayor John Tory is all for the move, though, as it would go a long way towards helping him achieve his own campaign goals.

Watch part of my statement on the 2018 Ontario Budget. pic.twitter.com/jvWsPQuGIv

— John Tory (@JohnTory) March 28, 2018

"If you now have on a cost-effective or cost-competitive basis the ability to get on the GO transit system and use that inside the 416 for three bucks, studies have shown but also just common sense tells you a lot of people will use GO transit to get around," he said during a press conference at city hall on Wednesday.

"And this will bring a measure of relief to TTC overcrowding."

Video footage of a young man being held down and punched by two Toronto police officers is circulating the web today, prompting some to allege "police brutality" and excessive force.

How much can we really tell, though, from an 11-second-long YouTube clip? Not much, according to the cops.

Toronto Police Association President Mike McCormack told CP24 today that officers used "the amount of force that was necessary" to restrain this individual, who was charged with three counts of failing to comply with probation, three counts of failing to comply with a recognizance, and mischief.

On top of that, both McCormack and TPS spokesperson Meaghan Gray say the cops in the video saved this man's life.

"He attempted to jump over the balcony," said Gray. "The officers were able to pull him back and again, the struggle ensued and the officers used the amount of force that they needed to safely bring that situation under control."

"The only thing preventing that person from falling to the ground were the officers pulling him back over," said McCormack, similarly.

"He was struggling and fighting with those officers…on the other side of the balcony about to plunge to his death."

The video didn't start gaining traction online until this week, but it was actually filmed on March 11, according to police.

Gray said that officers had originally been called to the apartment complex, which is near Morningside and Lawrence in Scarborough, at the request of "vulnerable tenants" whose building "tends to be targeted by those who are alleged to be involved in the drug trade."

What's open and closed Good Friday 2018 in Toronto will help you sort out the day ahead. Whether you need to find a new outfit before the Easter long weekend, want to pick up groceries or simply looking for something fun to do let this be your guide.

Here's what's open and closed this Good Friday in Toronto.

General
 

Closed

• Municipal buildings
• Banks
• Libraries
• Canada Post office

Open

• The TTC will operate on a holiday service schedule

The Saks Food Hall location at the Eaton Centre will be open on Good Friday. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Food
 

Closed

• It's worth calling ahead to restaurants before heading out.
• Most major grocery chains will be closed on Good Friday with a few confirmed exceptions listed below.

Open

• Fresh & Wild (2294 Bloor St. West) - 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Fresh & Wild (69 Spadina Ave.) - 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Galleria Supermarket (7040 Yonge St.) - 24 hours
• Galleria Supermarket (865 York Mills Rd.) - 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• Galleria Supermarket (558 Yonge St.) - 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• Galleria Supermarket (351 Bloor St. West) - 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• Loblaws (60 Carlton St.) - 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Pusateri's (1539 Avenue Rd.) - 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Pusateri's (2901 Bayview Ave.) - 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Pusateri's (57 Yorkville Ave.) - 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Rabba (various locations) - 24 hours
• Saks Food Hall (176 Yonge St.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• The Food Depot (115 Dupont St.) - 24 hours
• The Kitchen Table (10 Queens Quay West) - 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• The Kitchen Table (389 Spadina Rd.) - 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• The Kitchen Table (595 Bay St.) - 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• The Kitchen Table (705 King St. West) - 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
• Whole Foods (87 Avenue Rd.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Bloor Street Market (55 Bloor St. West) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Popbox MicroMrkt (725 Dovercourt Rd.) - 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Metro (444 Yonge St.) - 8 a.m to 11 p.m.
• Sukoshi Mart (160 Baldwin St.) - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Mrakovic Deli (44 Wellesworth Dr.) - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• T&T (1 Promenade Cir) - 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• T&T (7070 Warden Ave) - 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• T&T (715 Central Parkway W.) - 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• T&T (222 Cherry St.) - 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• T&T (9625 Yonge St.) - 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• T&T (9255 Woodbine Ave.) - 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• T&T (8339 Kennedy Rd.) - 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Kostas Meat Market (259 Ellesmere Rd.) - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Heisei Mart (3160 Steeles Ave. E.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Perola Supermarket (247 Augusta Ave) - 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Fish and chip shops will be in their element on this customary fish-eating day. Check out our best of list for where to go.

Indie bottle shops across the city will be open on Good Friday. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Drink
 

Closed

• LCBO
• Beer Store

Open

• For a complete list of indie bottle shops in Toronto, see this directory. Holiday hours are provided where applicable but we advise calling ahead to confirm.

Shop till you drop on Good Friday at Toronto's Yorkville Village. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Malls
 

Closed

• Bayview Village Shops
• CF Fairview Mall
• CF Sherway Gardens
• Dufferin Mall
• Scarborough Town Centre
• Square One Shopping Centre
• Vaughan Mills
• Yorkdale Shopping Centre

Open

• CF Markville (5000 Hwy 7) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• CF Toronto Eaton Centre (220 Yonge St.) - 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Hillcrest Mall (9350 Yonge St.) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Pacific Mall (4300 Steeles Ave. E.) - 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Promenade (1 Promenade Cir.) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Toronto Premium Outlets (13850 Steeles Ave. W.) - 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Yorkville Village (55 Avenue Rd.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The AGO will be one of many attractions open on Good Friday. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Attractions
 

Closed

• Canada's Wonderland

Open

• Aga Khan Museum (77 Wynford Dr.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W.) - 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• CN Tower (301 Front St. W.) - 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Gardiner Museum (111 Queens Park) - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Hockey Hall of Fame (30 Yonge St.) - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Movie Theatres
• Ontario Science Centre (770 Don Mills Rd.) - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Ripley's Aquarium of Canada (288 Bremner Blvd.) - 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queens Park) - 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Toronto Zoo (2000 Meadowvale Rd.) - 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Good Friday in Toronto means you'll want to know what's open and closed today before you head out for some fun. Looking for the Procession in Little Italy? That's happening at 3 p.m. and the Mayor will be there. There's also a party at the ROM, beer festival and a experimental art and film show.

Food events in Toronto this week will see the much anticipated grand opening of Jollibee's first Canadian location where the first person in line will get free chicken for a year.

Warehouse sales in Toronto this April have a nice range of sales to meet everyone's needs from Kitchen Stuff Plus, William Ashley and Guess.

This house is kind of like Doctor Who’s TARDIS, in that it’s bigger on the inside. If you were to just pass by this Beaconsfield home it looks quite tiny and squished between two neighbouring houses. And yet on the inside, it’s super roomy.

The open concept main floor is airy and filled with natural light.

The kitchen has been refinished and is positively gorgeous with stainless steel appliances and a new floor. I especially like the subway tile backsplash.

The three bedrooms upstairs are surprisingly large and all have built-in closets.

The master bedroom has a stunning curved window and I’m really digging the black paint. It makes the room so much more luxurious and cozy.

The bathroom looks like it’s an odd configuration with a diagonal wall beside the bathtub, but it’s got an upgraded vanity and toilet.

Downstairs there’s a massive rec room, which adds even more living space into this deceptively spacious home. It also has a decent sized backyard and detached garage.

While the place was listed back in November 2017 at $1.3 million it was taken down and then re-listed at $999,000 in March this year.

It seems like the realtors priced it purposefully low in an attempt to create a bidding war. And their tactic seems to have worked. The home sold for $231,000 above asking price in about a week.  

The Essentials

• Address: 11 Brookfield St.
• Type: Row house
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 2
• Size: 16.67 x 125 feet
• Realtor: Brott Hadden Group
• Hit the market at: $999,000
• Sold for: $1,230,000

Why it sold for what it did?

Back in 2013, this place sold for $770,000 and according to real estate gossip site The Mash, the new owners put a ton of upgrades into this place. This place got new floors, new railings, a whole new kitchen, and a new bathroom vanity.

Was it worth it?

In the words of the listing: “you just want to hug this house.” So for the location and amount of work that was put into the place, it definitely deserved the price it got.

The best jewellery stores in Toronto understand that while it's all about the bling, it's really the thought that counts. They create and customize pieces that can make you or someone special feel amazing - maybe even on the most important day of your life.

Here are the best jewellery stores in Toronto.

If you’ve ever dreamed of hanging out with a tiger, petting a giant wolf, or feeding grapes to a ring-tailed Lemur, I know of just the place for you. Located just 45 minutes outside of Toronto in the town of Orono, Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park has created an epic interactive experience.

A post shared by Sam Goodjohn (@saamaanttha) on Jan 27, 2018 at 1:34pm PST

Since 1983, the park has offered visitors an up-close-and-personal environment that separates themselves from most zoos.

Instead of just observing these animals (most of them here are threatened with extinction), you will have the opportunity to touch, feed, and mingle with them too.

A post shared by Mariah Veronika (@mariahveronika) on Mar 18, 2018 at 7:27am PDT

All the animals have been socialized since birth, and seem to love the personal attention - the wolves in particular always seem eager for belly rubs!

Jungle Cat World believes that safe and controlled interaction with wildlife is an effective educational tool to encourage public awareness and understanding.

A post shared by Gloria Lynn (@gloriahurley) on Jan 23, 2018 at 7:08pm PST

If you dare to get a hands-on experience with animals like lions, tigers, kangaroos, wolves, snakes, lemurs, and more, the park has two different packages to choose from, which start at $90/person and are approximately one hour long.

A post shared by Val Delly; Jolly Jelly (@valeriedelzotto) on Nov 20, 2017 at 1:55pm PST

But, if you’re looking for a wildlife experience that is completely next-level, you can even spend the night amongst these animals.

Jungle Cat World now has a B&B on site, with three different rooms - including one outside the lion’s den. All rooms come with a complimentary bottle of wine and start at $175 a night.

A post shared by Julie (@juliecc3) on Oct 8, 2017 at 3:08pm PDT

Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and requires reservations for the animal meet and greets.

Cheap gyms and fitness clubs in Toronto are perfect when all you need is bare bones equipment, weights and change rooms. Nothing fancy. No eucalyptus towels or inspirational words etched on the walls. Just a typical gym to get your sweat on without the costly price tag.

Here are some of the cheapest gyms you can find in Toronto.

Hone Fitness

You can’t go wrong with a $10 monthly membership at Hone’s Yonge and Isabella location. The other two locations - Queen St. and Carlaw Ave., and St. Clair and Bathurst - are $20/month with unlimited tanning and a free personal training session.

Planet Fitness

This chain delivers on its low-cost, judgement-free commitment as a gym. It's the perfect set up for fitness beginners. A simple $10/month membership gets you into the gym with the option to cancel anytime. 

Crunch Fitness

This US chain's first Toronto location is a super cheap option. At College Park, Crunch memberships start at a very basic $9.95/month with access to the facility and a range of workout classes. And you can pay month-to-month instead of a lump-sum payment.

Fit4less

From the people at GoodLife, this discount chain offers the 4Less card for an easy $4.99 fee every two weeks with a one-year commitment. The Black Card memberships give you access to all three locations across the GTA for $10.99 every two weeks.

Anytime Fitness

While Anytime Fitness isn’t the cheapest option on the list, it still offers a decent rate for people who want a 24-hour gym. The membership amounts to $33/month with a one-time initiation fee.

The top fish and chips in Toronto are perfect plates of greasy golden fish and fries. If you’re a fan of this English staple, you’re in luck – you’ll be able to find a spot for those battered bannocks in most hoods. 

Here are my picks for the top fish and chips in Toronto by neighbourhood.

The Beaches

British Style, a stalwart English joint at the corner of Coxwell and Dundas, slings out seafare like haddock, cod, clams, shrimps and scallops out of the fryer seven days a week. 

Cabbagetown

Head to House of Parliament for a giant filet of your favourite fish atop a bed of fries and wash it down with a pint of your favourite brewski at this comfortable pub. 

Danforth

If you're tired of plain batter, go to Off The Hook on Broadview where you can get your fish fried in a variety of spices like Cajun, jerk, lemon herb, Korean BBQ or even gluten free. 

East Danforth

Duckworth’s Fish & Chips has been around since 1930, frying up combos of battered halibut, haddock and blue cod with a side of creamy coleslaw and thick steak fries. 

Filets at Pearl Diver are served on trays with fries and house-made tartar sauce. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Etobicoke

An oldschool joint, New Toronto has an interior with classic vinyl booths that will make you feel like you're dining in 1973 – when they opened.  Grab a mono-coloured plate of juicy fried faves of halibut and scallops with a side of onion rings. 

Financial District

For something centrally located and less old-timey than other places, head to Bannock and grab a plate of fish and chips served with a loaf of their namesake bread, bannock, for the ultimate Canadian comfort meal.

Harbord Village

A cozy spot with some killer crispy seafare, Harbord Fish & Chips may be small but their meals are killer. Grab a plate of halibut and fries to go, or if you get lucky, snag one of two seats. 

Junction

Get very down-to-earth with Jumbo Burgers' fries and fish. Carry your fried haddock to your seat on a red tray and eat the accompanying coleslaw with plastic knives and forks; packets of tartar sauce included.

Fresco's is a favourite spot for fish and chips in Kensington Market. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Kensington Market

Fresco’s Fish and Chips uses non-hydrogenated, trans-fat free oil to fry their top-quality fish to golden perfection. Try the Miss Vicky's chip batter for a thick and crispy meal. 

King East

It may be better known for its oysters, but Pearl Diver carries tons of classic pub foods, fish and chips included. Elegantly plated, these pricey plates of fish comes with house-made tartar sauce and a cabbage and root slaw. 

King West

When you see its classic mermaid logo, you'll know you've found The One That Got Away. Fish here comes in all types: grab it in a classic fish and chips combo, atop a salad, or fried on a whole grain bun sandwich. 

Leaside

An absolute classic, Olde Yorke on Laird is just one of those spots that survives off of customer loyalty. Not the hippest by any means, this restaurant wins over its regulars with plates of thick cut fries and two simple fried fillets. 

Leslieville

Just as its name implies, Reliable Fish N’ Chip is a dependable spot where you can grab a big variety of fried seafood. Stray from the usual fish with fries and grab some fish tacos and poutine served on checkered greeseproof paper. 

The Sea Witch on St. Clair West has fish and chips and sandwiches served with slaw. Photo by Marni Wolf. 

Little Italy

The Caledonian is a cozy Scottish spot that has tasty pub eats, best eaten with some whiskey. Have their fish accompanied with thin cut fries if you're not in the mood to try haggis.

Markham

Danny's Fish & Chips is a spot that uses light batter on it fish. Grab some malt vinegar from their tables and sprinkle it on before digging in.

North York

Feast on High Street Fish and Chips' Superb Fillet – its famous piece of giant haddock – in a surprisingly elegant space for a strip mall spot. Their fish is shipped from O'Neil fisheries in Nova Scotia, so you know it's good. 

Roncesvalles

If you've never paired your fish and chips with some tom kha soup, maybe it's time to try. Vicky's has two menus: one that serves delicious Thai and another that batters up tasty fish. 

It doesn't get much better than the fried fish at High Street. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Scarborough

Located by Pharmacy, Hamish's Kitchen has tons of fried fish options. The eat-in dinner comes with buttered bread and coleslaw; for something bigger, grab the seafood platter that comes with mouthwatering shrimps and scallops too. 

St. Clair West

It's hard to miss the attractive exterior of Sea Witch Fish and Chips on St. Clair. Batter here is thick and golden, not too oily, and served with big portions of thick, fresh cut fries.  

St. Lawrence Market

Toronto's favourite historic market is all about takeout counters, and Buster’s Sea Cove might be the best one. Brave a lunch lineup for delicious fries and halibut, haddock, or calamari with deliciously done fries. 

Upper Beaches

You can grab your filets with gluten free batter at Foodoe’s Fish and Chips, paired with russet potato fries and their tasty selection of sauces like Foodoe's tartar, chipotle mayo or Mac sauce. 

Plates at Golden Crisp Fish & Chips are in need of some garnishing but still deliver. Photo by Tanya Mok.

West Queen West

If you're headed to Trinity Bellwoods, drop by Hooky's first for their simple menu of usuals like cod and a pricey halibut fillet, plus fried goods like prawns and soft shell crab, served fresh on newspaper. 

Weston-Mount Dennis

Eating at Golden Crisp Fish & Chip feels like a serious throwback. If you enjoy eating a simple meal of filets with fries and/or kitschy Dutch decor, this Mount Dennis community staple is for you. 

Yonge and Dundas

Queen and Beaver has some of the top fish and chips in the city. If you're looking for an authentic English eat, grab a plate and pit out on their second-floor patio, or stay inside to enjoy the fun decor. 

Yonge and St. Clair

Eating in front of a counter of fresh fish at Mermaid will definitely give you the full seafaring experience. Try their herby batter of fried basa for a meal less bland than usual. 

Spring is back and so is the One of a Kind Show, at the Enercare Centre until April 1. Walk past a breathtaking welcome display paying homage to High Park’s famous cherry blossoms and get ready to discover a brand new crop of artisans.

Check out some fun finds from the One of a Kind Show in this photo gallery.