What's open and closed on Victoria Day 2018 in Toronto is worth noting as many businesses will be taking the day off. Whether you need to do last minute shopping or are looking for something fun to do, let this be your guide on May 21. Also, don't forget about the fireworks shows.

Here's what's open and closed this Victoria Day Monday in Toronto.

General
 

Closed

• Government offices
• Libraries
• Banks
• Post offices

Open

• The TTC will operate on a holiday schedule.

Some grocery and convenience stores like Sukoshi Mart in Kensington Market will remain open on Victoria Day. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Food
 

Closed

• It's worth calling ahead to restaurants before heading out — many already consider Mondays a day off.
• Most major grocery chains will be closed on Victoria Day, with a few confirmed exceptions listed below.

Open

• Fresh & Wild (2294 Bloor St. West) - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Fresh & Wild (69 Spadina Ave.) - 10 a.m. to 9 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.) - 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Pusateri's (57 Yorkville Ave.) - 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Pusateri's (2901 Bayview Ave.) - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Pusateri's (1539 Avenue Rd.) - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Rabba (various locations) - 24 hours
• Saks Food Hall (176 Yonge St.) - 11 a.m. to 7 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.) - 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• The Kitchen Table (705 King St. West) - 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
• Whole Foods (87 Avenue Rd.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Popbox MicroMrkt (725 Dovercourt Rd.) - 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Metro (444 Yonge St.) - 24 hours
• Sukoshi Mart (160 Baldwin St.) - 10 a.m. to 9 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 11 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.
• Perola Supermarket (247 Augusta Ave) - 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Indie bottle shops will be open for your last minute beer runs. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Drink
 

Closed

• The Beer Store
• LCBO

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.

Spend Victoria Day shopping at malls like the Eaton Centre. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Malls
 

Closed

• Bayview Village Shops
• CF Fairview Mall
• CF Sherway Gardens
• Dufferin Mall
• Scarborough Town Centre
• 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 8 p.m.
• Promenade (1 Promenade Cir.) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Square One Shopping Centre (100 City Centre Dr.) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Toronto Premium Outlets (13850 Steeles Ave. W.) - 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Vaughan Mills (1 Bass Pro Mills Dr.) - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Yorkville Village (55 Avenue Rd.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A visit to a museum is the perfect way to spend Victoria Day. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Attractions
 

Closed

• Canada's Wonderland Splash Works

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.
• Canada's Wonderland (1 Canada's Wonderland Dr.) - 10 a.m. to 8 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 6 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 5 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 7 p.m.

Victoria Day events in Toronto for 2018 give you plenty of options for how to cap off the long weekend. Several firework displays and fresh brews are on tap along with a performance by Tiësto. Make sure to take note of what's open and closed today.

Vintage eyewear in Toronto means you don't need to buy mass-market shades when rare vintage finds are relatively easy to hunt down. New or used specs that originate from eras past are available in just about every price range.

Here are my picks for where to buy frames that won't make your face look like everyone else's.

Pre-owned vintage eyewear

Courage My Love

This Kensington Market favourite has everything from 1960’s glass lenses with handmade frames to vintage bejewelled Cat Eye frames made in Italy. The selection here is eclectic and you're guaranteed to find something funky. 

I Miss You

It's all about luxury designer resale at this Ossington shop and the eyewear is no exception. Carrying fabulous pieces from Gucci, Chanel and Celine you're guaranteed to be the talk of the town if you buy your shades from here. 

F As In Frank

No vintage clothing shop would be complete without vintage eyewear. This store on Queen West boasts a handpicked collection of over fifty frames, from Playboy to Cazal. Their stock of shades is kept full, so anytime is a good time to visit.

Fashionably Yours

This store near Queen and Bathurst is a destination for both new and previously-worn designer eyewear. A professional luxury dealer authenticates all items before they hit the floor, you can be sure their merchandise is the real deal. Stock varies and prices hover around the $200 mark.

Sub Rosa Vintage

This Kensington Market vintage store deals in adorable vintage sunnies guaranteed to keep your eyes protected and your outfit together. 

Vintage-inspired eyewear

Gafas Optical

If you're looking for designer specs from elite fashion houses, look no further. This shop on Queen West carries a selection of vintage frames from Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino and Giorgio Armani. 

Aeroplane

Aeroplane on Richmond Street West is a vintage-only eyewear shop, showroom and lens-crafter. Not only do they sell shades, they also design high spec lenses that add unique gradients and hues to any pair of frames. By appointment only.

Opticianado

Specializing in unworn vintage eyewear, this Junction store carries hot brands like: Oliver Peoples, Ray Ban, Caval, Lindberg, Clayton Franklin and so many others. 

312 Optical Studio

This optical shop at College and Augusta sells never-been-worn vintage frames at a variety of price points. They also offer eye exams on Thursdays and Sundays, so if you're looking to outfit yourself with some vintage prescription glasses, they can help you out. 

Eyes on Church

This optical shop near Church and Wellesley makes up for size with glam. They're insistent that they never carry two of any frame and they are the go-to place for seemingly impossible-to-find unique vintage inspired pieces.

Taking a nature walk in Toronto is an easy task, with so many beautiful parks around. From dense forests to botanical gardens, you'll never run out of places to go for a scenic summertime jaunt.

Here are my picks for the top parks for a nature walk in Toronto.

Snake Island Park

This spot in the middle of the Toronto Islands is a fun hybrid of beach and forest. It faces the Toronto harbour almost straight-on, so you can savour a distant view of the skyline while you're far removed from the city and immersed in nature all at once. 

Colonel Danforth Park

There are many trails throughout this park, so there's plenty of ways to get lost in the lush landscape. With Highland Creek running through it, and plenty of wildlife and interesting plants to ogle at, it's an ideal place for a quiet stroll.

South Humber Park

Right next to Humber River, South Humber Park is a marshy forest that can be explored for hours. There's a paved path plus a few other trails that intertwine through the wooded area, which is home to a bunch of birds and other critters. Take the trail to its terminus at the stunning suspension bridge that looks across the city. Don't miss the shelter.

Edwards Gardens

Edwards Gardens is a flora-lovers dreamland, but there's lots of fauna if you care to look. Forget the squirrels, there are bunnies to be spotted here and, perhaps, a hedgehog amidst the flowers. Follow one of a few trails that lead through formal gardens and floral displays, over arch bridges and past fountains.

Tommy Thompson Park

It's hard to believe that this park is located on a man-made peninsula. The space is now bursting with cottonwood trees, marshlands and meadows of wildflowers. Enjoy a view of the city on this neat pocket that boasts one of the city's most diverse bird populations.

After years of what seems like nonstop expansion, the Drake General Store finally seems to be slowing its roll. 

The Drake Hotel's gift shop spin-off has now shuttered its location in Rosedale as well as the one near Yonge and Eglinton.

As a brand better known for opening stores than closing them, it's a noticeable step back. Up until this year, Drake General Store had amassed seven locations (now, five) in Toronto since it first opened in 2008.

With shops at The Bay, Vaughan, First Canadian Place, Bloor and Yonge, plus even more nationwide, the brand has become synonymous with 'Canadiana cool', bolstered by the opening of its spacious three-storey flagship on West Queen West in 2016. 

Fast-forward a couple of years and the brand has now closed two of its original stores in addition to storefronts in Ottawa and Vancouver. 

At first glance, it looks like the slow deflating of what could have been a Canada-wide household brand. 

Drake General opened its three-storey flagship store on West Queen West in 2016. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

A closer look at the closures, however, shows that the Drake General's scale-back is less indicative of a failing business and more of a protective measure – one being adopted by other independent stores who'd rather stay small than pull a Sears-style boom and bust.

"Over the next few years you'll see more obvious expansions, but we're in no rush to be a massive retailer," says the director and co-founder of the Drake General Store Carlo Colacci.

Unbeknownst to many, Drake General has actually opened ten new unstaffed locations – all nestled inside Hudson's Bays across the city – since last September, with the same strategy being implemented in Ottawa and Vancouver. 

Ridding itself of extra overhead and the costly leases of prime spots in Rosedale, the brand is now cashing in on its critical seven-year partnership with Canadian superbrand Hudson's Bay to conduct a more cost-effective, hands-free approach to expansion.

"It's a really easy and safe way to test something without building a new store," says Colacci.

Eliminating staffed stores and capitalizing on the Bay's nationwide appeal, Drake General's small team of ten can now focus on their e-commerce strategy: something they weren't able to do fully before. 

"We recognize that's going to play a big part [in the business]." 

Parsing up its stock of playful Canadian goods though three different channels – online, the Bay, and staffed-up destination stores like the one in Yorkdale – Drake General's plan seems more fool-proof than the department strategies of yore. 

Brika now only has two locations after closing its third in The Path this January. Photo by Hector Vasqez.

Brika, the popular online-turned-storefront craft shop, is another example of an independent business opting to focus on adapting to different revenue streams rather than brick and mortar expansion. 

As a brand that actually started as an e-business in 2013, Jen Koss and her business partner Kena Paranjape shifted to in-store sales just six months after starting Brika, most notably occupying spaces in Yorkdale and Hudson's Bay across from Drake General's pop up.

Once with three stores, Brika now only has two. Just this January Brika closed its third location in The Path at Richmond and Adelaide, a move which Jen says better positions Brika to strengthen its stores on Queen West and Riverside while doubling down on online sales. 

"For us we want to make sure we provide a really beautiful in-store experience," says Koss, hence the need to close down the weak links to "get one store super amazing." 

"Why go crazy and expand when you’re competing for people’s mindshare and eyeballs," she says. 

Now that the majority of their sales are in-store, Koss wants to shift the business' focus back to online sales by streamlining the website.

Brika is starting to focus more heavily on online sales. Photo by Hector Vasquez. 

"We’re trying to make that easier for people as they shop right now," she says. "It’s pretty difficult."

In a new era of Canadian stores, online expansion might be the best kind of growth, where a good website and online cart holds far more value than brick and mortars which only just manage to break even. 

It seems laying claim to real estate anywhere you can might not always be a good idea: for local independent businesses – especially those which feature distinctly Canadian one-of-a-kind items  – it's less of a numbers game and more about putting their eggs in different baskets.

Hidden in the brush of a busy intersection in Leaside is a set of stairs unlike any other in Toronto. 

Almost completely concealed from view, the entrance to this small urban wonder sits tucked away on Redway Road just before it swerves to meet Millwood: a busy intersection which belies the silent secret that hides just to its south. 

A five-minute walking distance from the Loblaws parking lot, the Redway Road staircase may be familiar to those who've passed by it on a jog or bike ride through Crothers Woods. 

Few people, however, have any reason to actually use this old, pale blue set of wooden stairs that seemingly leads to nowhere.

It runs completely straight almost all the way down, ending at the gated North Toronto Sewage Treatment Plant which was built to serve the Leaside area in 1929. 

The stairs were designed as an escape route for employees of the plant in case of emergencies or floods, which is likely, considering the whole area is nestled in the flood plain that is Don Valley. 

Today, however, it's unlikely that pedestrians prefer this awkward entry point to Crothers over the more commuter-friendly entrance via the Loblaws parking lot. 

The wooden planks of the stairs are old and worn, and the splintery railings are badly in need of a paint job. 

Everything from its faded, pastel-like colour to the structure of its support beams feels like a throwback to a different time, but the stairs are still in fairly good condition.  

Numbering at just under two hundred steps, there are dozens of platforms that let you take a breather, with a seated bench situated halfway – though the descent is undoubtedly much easier than the walk back up. 

You'll hear the occasional whizzing of mountain bikers as they zoom around the multi-leveled trails of Crothers, giving you the impression of deer dashing through the forest. 

You'll find the staircase intersects with a bike trail or two before flattening out into a boardwalk.

Leading directly to a gated entrance to the sewage treatment plant, you can either head back up to where you came from or take the opportunity to explore the wondrous beauty of Crothers Woods some more. 

Farmers' markets in Toronto take place throughout the week, so you have no excuse not to head out to your nearest park or Green P to find some local produce.

Here's a breakdown of farmers' markets in Toronto by day of the week.

Monday

Sorauren Farmers' Market

50 Wabash Ave., 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
This farmers' market runs all year long in the park straddling Parkdale and Roncy. When you visit, you'll find all sorts of produce, prepared food and other goodies.

Tuesday

Cabbagetown Farmers' Market

West Riverdale Park, 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Head to the market in this east side park and stock up on fresh, seasonal produce and lots of locally-produced foodstuffs.

Trinity Bellwoods Farmers' Market

Trinity Bellwoods Park, 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Take an after work stroll through this popular park and visit the farmers' market, which focuses on organic and sustainable food, in the northwest corner by Dundas and Crawford.

Davisville Village Farmers' Market

June Rowlands Park, 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
This small market in midtown definitely sells fresh produce and prepared food, but it also features free musical performances, and sometimes even free fitness classes.

East York Farmers' Market

Park in front of East York Civic Centre, 8 a.m until 2 p.m.
Those who live and work near the East York Civic Centre can grab a fresh food feast at lunchtime, so move over unhealthy take out!

Stonegate Farmers' Market 

194 Park Lawn Rd., 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.
On Tuesday evening, the parking lot of the St. James Anglican Church fills up with vendors and entertainers who bring fresh produce and music to this Etobicoke community.

The Nathan Phillips Square farmers' market happens every Wednesday. Photo by Natta Summerky.

Wednesday

Nathan Phillips Square Farmers' Market

Nathan Phillips Square, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
For those who work in and around the Financial District, this is the perfect spot to pick up a healthy lunch or fresh produce if you can't get to the grocery store until the weekend. There are usually food trucks on site too.

Fairmount Farmers' Market

Greenwood Park, 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
This small market operates out of Greenwood Park in Leslieville. Expect a selection of farm fresh meat and produce as well as a handful of local vendors with cheese, honey and prepared food.

Bloor-Borden MyMarket

539 Bloor Street, 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
It's easy to shop local in the Annex on Wednesday evenings thanks to this MyMarket-run farmers' market that pops up weekly in a small parking lot in the warmer months.

Montgomery's Inn Farmers' Market

4709 Dundas St. W., 2 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Tours of this 1840s inn in Etobicoke, which operates as a city-run museum, are free on market Wednesdays. Best of all, markets at Montgomery's run all year long, although they're outside only in the summertime.

Ryerson University Farmers' Market

Gould Street, 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Summer school students craving greens around Yonge-Dundas Square will be happy to know that there's a farmers' market every Wednesday, right in the heart of Ryerson's campus.

Annette Village Farmers' Market

680 Annette St., 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Find VQA wines, artisan goods and prepared food at this market in Baby Point.

UTSC Farmers' Market

University of Toronto Scarborough, 2:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.
If you're tired of hitting up the UTSC cafeteria or Timmies, staff, students and community members can visit the farmers' market that pops up on campus weekly from the end of May right until the beginning of October.

Royal Bank Plaza Farmers' MRKT

Royal Bank Plaza's Podium at Bay and Wellington, 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
This outdoor pop-up is billed as an artisan market. I guess you can expect even shinier apples and more upscale treats than your regular, run-of-the-mill market.

Fresh tomatoes are just some of the offerings at the North York Farmers' Market. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Thursday

Dufferin Grove Farmers' Market

Dufferin Grove Park, 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Don't worry about dates, because this popular farmers' market just south of Dufferin Station runs all year round. At its summertime peak, you can find up to 30 vendors here.

Toronto Botanical Gardens Farmers' Market

Toronto Botanical Gardens, 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Walk through the gardens near the intersection at Lawrence Avenue East and Leslie Street and then shop for fruits and veggies as well as prepared food and in the summertime, VQA wine.

Metro Hall Farmers' Market

Metro Hall, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Those who work around King West get a new lunch place, with live entertainment, on Thursdays. This is also a great opportunity to stock up on healthy snacks if you ever feel peckish during the day.

East Lynn Farmers' Market

East Lynn Park, 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Find fresh veggies, fruit and locally-sourced meat and prepared food, as well as wine and live entertainment, at this popular community market on Danforth East.

North York Farmers' Market

Mel Lastman Square, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
This is one of the few markets in the north end of the city, so take advantage of the opportunity to buy produce directly from farmers and don't forget to fill your reusable bags with local honey and baked goods too.

Friday

Sherway Farmers' Market

1536 The Queensway, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Go shopping at the mall and check out the farmers' market afterwards for fresh produce, eggs, honey and prepared food at this market in Etobicoke.

Fresh produce can be found at the Humber Bay Shores farmers' market every Sunday. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Saturday

Stop Farmers' Market at Wychwood Barns

Artscape Wychwood Barns, 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Visit this beautiful space on Christie, just south of St. Clair West, to shop for food year round. Depending on the week, this market attracts up to 1,500 visitors thanks to the assortment of farmers and vendors on site.

Junction Farmers' Market

2960 Dundas St. W., 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Head to the Junction Train Platform on Dundas Street, just west of Keele street, to find all sorts of vendors at this popular market.

Evergreen Brick Works Farmers' Market

550 Bayview Ave., 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
In the summer months, the Brick Works farmers' market opens at 8 a.m. You can find all sorts of vendors at this market including a large selection of meals made fresh on site.

St. Lawrence Market Farmers' Market

St. Lawrence Market., 5 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Visit the weekly farmers' market in the big tent at 125 The Esplanade, just south of the market building. Come early because the good stuff sells fast.

Humber Bay Shores Farmers' Market

Humber Bay Park West, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Get fresh food and amazing skyline views at this west end market right by the lake, featuring hyper local vendors.

Weston Farmers' Market

GO Parking Lot at 1865 Weston Rd., 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.
This market near the intersection at Weston Road and Lawrence Avenue Weast has been around for nearly 40 years and it runs from May to October every year. There's lots to eat here including fruit, veggies and treats.

Withrow Park Farmers' Market

Withrow Park, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
A sizeable number of local vendors and farmers from around the Golden Horseshoe come to this Danforth-area market that also feature kids' activities and crafts each weekend. There's also a knife sharpener on site.

Urban Market at Concord CityPlace

Concord Presentation Centre, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
This market runs all day long, giving the condo-dwellers of CityPlace a chance to do some grocery shopping (even if they wake up late). Along with fresh produce, you can find skin care products, wine and prepared food.

Sunday

The Leslieville Farmers' Market

JonathanAshbridgePark, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m,
Expect lots of food, music and entertainment at this popular east side farmers' market near the intersection at Queen Street East and Woodward Avenue that makes the early wake up on Sundays worth it.

Liberty Village Farmers' Market

Green P Hanna Street, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
See the Green P on Hanna Street transformed into a bustling farmers' market each week, giving the condo dwellers in Liberty a chance to shop locally.

The Distillery District Sunday Market

55 Mill Street, 12 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Talk about local, come and check out cured meats, organic preserves, fresh flowers, artisan crafts, ready-to-eat treats and handmade gourmet chocolates — all made within 100 miles of the Distillery District.

Birthdays are events best celebrated with friends, family and by getting free food from restaurants: it's just a perk of turning one year older. Flash your I.D. at any of these businesses and get a lil' something fun in return. 

Here's a roundup of Toronto restaurants that give free stuff on your birthday. 

The Cheesecake Factory

The first location of this renowned restaurant, now in Yorkdale Shopping Centre, offers a complimentary sundae on your birthday with a “scoopette” of vanilla ice cream and fudge. It's even topped off with whipped cream, confetti pieces and a candle to make it extra celebratory. 

J’Adore Hot Pot

Bring three tag-alongs to this beautiful Markham restaurant off Highway 7 and get your single AYCE meal on the house. Plus you'll get 15 percent off every meal during your entire birthday month; just show them some valid ID. 

Rendez-Vous

Book your birthday party at this Ethiopian mainstay by Greenwood Station and the owner, Banchi, will throw in a free bottle of bubbly for you and your friends to drink with your platters of injera and kitfo. 

Wish

This comfy restaurant by Yonge and Bloor wants to comp your meal, as long as you bring six guests or more. That includes one app, an entree and one dessert for brunch, lunch or dinner. 

Benihana

Head over to the Fairmont Royal Hotel to this teppanyaki restaurant, where you can get $30 off your meal during your birthday month. Just make sure to register for their Chef's Table online in advance and wait for your certificate in the mail. 

Copacabana

Ideal for the meat lovers, either locations of this Brazilian barbecue on Eglinton or Adelaide will offer you a free AYCE rodizo-style dinner on your birthday. Just show your ID and arrive in a group of four or more. 

W Burger Bar

Sign up to join W's E-Club and you'll get a free burger on the spot (regardless of it's your birthday). You'll also receive a $18 birthday coupon on top of that, so it's a double whammy of free stuff at this Yonge and College spot. 

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

This upscale steakhouse in the Hilton Hotel will give you a free dessert (maybe their chocolate duo or the cheesecake) decked out in candles and perhaps a birthday song as well. 

The Works

You'll get a whole birthday burger for free at this burger chain. Just sign up for their Burgers With Benefits Club online and wait for the coupon to arrive before gorging on your juicy gourmet patty. 

The best tasting menus in Toronto offer bespoke dining experiences with seasonal ingredients, a creative progression of courses and a glimpse into the mind of your favourite chefs. These experimental menus will definitely provide you with a culinary surprise, or two. 

These are the best tasting menus in Toronto.

Some of the best places to hang out by the lake in Toronto include grassy parks, beautiful boardwalks and sandy beaches you can flock to when you're craving a view of the lake and a gentle breeze. Head to one of these scenic spots to soak up the atmosphere.

Here are my top picks for places to hang out by the lake in Toronto.

Olympic Island

This portion of the Toronto Islands is lined with lush greenery and cushy grass, making it the perfect spot for a picnic. Settle in at a picnic table by the water facing north and you'll get an unobstructed view of the Toronto skyline and the voyaging ferries.

Sunnyside Boardwalk

Take a scenic jaunt along this waterside path, which stretches from the bottom of Roncesvalles to the old Palais Royale. Stroll past Budapest Park — a great place to lay down a blanket — or stop to take a dip in the Sunnyside Bathing Pavilion.

Toronto Music Garden

This isn't your average waterside garden. The landscape architecture here will blow your mind as you explore and interact with it and there are tons of spots to buckle down and enjoy some lunch, while soaking up the sight of the lake.

HTO Park

If you're that person who likes to tan in the sand without swimming, this man-made alternative to a beach is your happy place. Real sand and sun umbrellas create an all-day hangout spot where you can enjoy the view of the water (without buddies nagging you to jump in).

Bluffer’s Park Beach

At the foot of the Scarborough Bluffs, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Toronto. Despite being a man-made park, it still feels wild and timeless. If you want a large sandy beach to sun yourself on, look no further than here. 

Tommy Thompson Park

If you're looking for a real escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and just want great views of the lake, check out at this wilderness park at the end of the Leslie Street Spit, one cool thing about it is that the land it lies on is completely man-made. 

Cherry Beach

Not as much peace and quiet as other spots, this Port Lands city beach hums with activity in the summer — good luck finding a parking spot. There's no traditional "park" here and there's limited lawn space at the northern end, with some outdoor grills and picnic tables for summertime grillin' and chillin'.

Humber Bay Park

Go east or west in this separated waterfront park and you'll be sure to catch some great views of fabulous Lake Ontario. Take a picnic basket, your dog (there's an off-leash area) and binoculars to spot interesting water fowl and shorebirds.

Sugar Beach

This is truly a beach in the city, it's surrounded by industry but still manages to have a beachy vibe. Near the intersection of Lower Jarvis and Queens Quay, this spot offers umbrellas, chairs and amazing views of the lake. There's also a Loblaws nearby so you don't need to fret if you didn't bring a picnic lunch.

Kew-Balmy Beach

The main stretch of waterfront in the Beaches neighbourhoood, this beach offers lots of sand, sun and amazing views of the lake. Here you'll find a place that's great to just chill. 

Events in Toronto this week see Infinity Mirrors drawing to a close, but not to worry: there's still plenty to do with Poutine Fest, Anime North and CBC Music Festival all on this week. There's also a stellar lineup of free events, too!

It was love at first sight when I saw this house. Its white panelling makes it stand out like a shining light in a sea of brown brick houses.

The interior is very modern and minimalist. The main floor is open plan and the design transitions easily from room to room, while allowing for plenty of natural light throughout the home.

The kitchen is so sleek with its integrated appliances. And bonus — because the house was completely redone, it comes with all new Bosch appliances.

The only thing I’m not a huge fan of is the bar under the stairs. I don’t love when functional spaces are under stairs, (mostly for fear of accidentally smacking my head) but I have to commend them for their creative use of space.

The family room is an extension of the kitchen and it is a bit small. The biggest couch you can get in the space is a loveseat, definitely not built for giant parties.

But fret not, there’s a large rec room in the basement for all your party needs. The basement also has a roughed-in kitchen if you wanted to rent it out. (Extra income anyone?)

On the second floor is the bedrooms. They’re bright, spacious and all have custom-built closet spaces.

The true gem of this house is the third-floor master bedroom. It comes complete with a walk-out to a private rooftop terrace, full en suite dressing room with custom built-in organization and an absolutely dreamy five-piece en suite bath.

As for outdoor space, 228 Wineva Avenue has very manicured backyard, complete with built-in planters. There’s not too much room for free-styling, as most of the backyard is taken up by a large patio. 

This does mean you’re left with minimal lawn space. This could be good or bad depending on your feelings about grass.

Specs

• Address: 228 Wineva Ave.
• Price: $1,999,000
• Lot Size: 24.37x123.00 feet
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 5
• Parking: 2
• Walk Score: 92
• Transit Score: 85
• Listing agent: Alex Brott
• Listing ID: E4129015

Good For

A family who likes modern living. This place underwent a gorgeous renovation and has enough bedrooms and bathrooms to guarantee no battles over morning showers. I can’t think of a better family abode.

Move On If

You want more lawn space for the kids to run around and play on. While the backyard is lovely I wouldn't’ say it’s the most slipn'slide-friendly.

Toronto Police continue to search this week for two people who are believed to have robbed a Yorkville Coach store before causing a horrific rollover crash and then fleeing the scene on foot.

After seeing video footage from the the crash, however, many online are simply shocked that the pair survived.

Everyone walked away from this horrific crash near Jarvis and Wellesley. Reports say one car was driven by suspects of a #Yorkville jewellery heist who fled after their getaway car flipped #Torontohttps://t.co/NgIWmn7liTpic.twitter.com/uIUP5u2Cl4

— blogTO (@blogTO) May 20, 2018

Police say that the female suspect entered the Bloor-Yorkville Coach store on Saturday morning around 10:30 a.m.

The woman indicated that she was armed with a gun before stealing several items. She then jumped into a silver SUV being driven by a man, according to TPS Constable David Hopkinson, at which point "the couple sped off."

Around 11 a.m., the pair is alleged to have been involved in a collision at Jarvis and Wellesley.

Police are looking for a woman accused of stealing merchandise from a Coach store in Yorkville and causing a spectacular crash at Jarvis and Wellesley. https://t.co/ZBEpphDe2Dpic.twitter.com/nAto5ltGZ4

— 680 NEWS Toronto (@680NEWS) May 19, 2018

Witnesses told CityNews the man had been "driving erratically" and that he ran a red light before crashing into a white car, flipping the getaway vehicle on its roof.

Today I almost got hit by 2 cars while standing at the curb waiting to cross. She ran a red light, hit another car, flipped and flew right onto the side walk. I was shook. #torontopic.twitter.com/xz5QV6kFg8

— Michael Alday (@michaelALDAY) May 20, 2018

Miraculously, all four people in the white car emerged unscathed — as did the two heist suspects — who allegedly ran away on foot before police arrived to the scene.

Update: Possible female driver of rolled vehicle was reportedly seen fleeing the collision, people from the other car remained o/s. We are investigating and will update when I have further. ^gl

— Toronto Police OPS (@TPSOperations) May 19, 2018

The area was reopened to traffic after a thorough scene investigation around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, but the suspects have yet to be apprehended.

Police say that the woman was described as a young, caucasian, around five feet six inches tall, with short hair.

@CP24 accident at Jarvis and Wellesley. Police are on scene pic.twitter.com/FfbhaPCgjO

— Gabbie Hope (@Lesbolies) May 19, 2018

She was last seen in all black clothing and, when caught, could face such charges as robbery with a firearm and failure to remain at the scene.

Living in constant fear that the weather will turn on a dime is just the Canadian way — if there are too many warm days we start to get nervous.

This morning's chill may have had some of us talking about the shoe finally dropping, but this cool down isn't going to last long at all. 

Temperatures are expected to reach as high as 28 C over the next week. Image courtesy of Environment Canada.

Over the course of the week temperatures are expected to climb to a tropical 28C on Friday — mix of sun and cloud — and hover at around 27C for Wednesday and Thursday.

This weekend we're expecting showers and thunderstorms, but still with high temperatures. 

Toronto, it's just about time to collectively unclench the fists and embrace that summer is pretty much here (break out those shorts and sandals, do your thing). We're never going to have a perfect streak of great-weather days, but we've had it pretty good so far. 

This week on DineSafe one of Toronto's favourite Pakistani restaurants landed in some hot water with city health inspectors. Pariwar was cited with nine infractions, including failing to thoroughly re-heat hazardous food items. Yikes!

Discover what other Toronto restaurants got busted this week on DineSafe.

Alanoor Afghan Kabob (3595 Sheppard Ave. East)

• Inspected on: May 14, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 1 (Significant: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Aroma Fine Indian Cuisine (287 King St. West)

• Inspected on: May 14, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 2, Significant: 4)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Chatime (5494 Yonge St.)

• Inspected on: May 14, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 2 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Dineen Coffee (140 Yonge St.)

• Inspected on: May 14, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 3 (Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 4C (40F) or colder.

Second Cup (1567 Steeles Ave. East)

• Inspected on: May 14, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 4, Significant: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Fushimi (491 Church St.)

• Inspected on: May 15, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 3, Significant: 4)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

McDonald's (630 Keele St.)

• Inspected on: May 15, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 2 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Pariwar (1732 Lawrence Ave. East)

• Inspected on: May 16, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 9 (Minor: 2, Significant: 5, Crucial: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 4C (40F) or colder and operator failed to thoroughly re-heat hazardous food items.

Si Lom (534 Church St.)

• Inspected on: May 16, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 4, Significant: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Butter Chicken Factory (556 Parliament St.)

• Inspected on: May 17, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 2, Significant: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

RaviSoups (2535 Dundas St. West)

• Inspected on: May 17, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 2 (Significant: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Ritz Caribbean Food (450 Yonge St.)

• Inspected on: May 17, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 3, Significant: 3, Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 4C (40F) or colder.

Note: The above businesses each received infractions from DineSafe as originally reported on the DineSafe site. This does not imply that any of these businesses have not subsequently corrected the issue and received a passing grade by DineSafe inspectors. For the latest status for each of the mentioned businesses, including details on any subsequent inspections, please be sure to check the DineSafe site.

Yesterday's Victoria Day celebrations culminated in a fantastic display of fireworks across the city and, just like the long-gone snowflakes, no two were the same. 

If you were looking for the biggest of the firework displays and wanted to see a huge show, you were probably watching from Ashbridges Bay. 

A post shared by bruce minh le (@bruceminhle) on May 21, 2018 at 9:09pm PDT

The sky was aglow with all the colours of the rainbow. 

A post shared by Timothy Lau (@timmmayyyyyyyy) on May 21, 2018 at 9:45pm PDT

What better way is there to finish off a Victoria Day, and a royal wedding weekend, than this? 

A post shared by William (@williamchen1215) on May 22, 2018 at 4:05am PDT

Trinity Bellwoods also played host to a fireworks celebration, albeit a much smaller one.

A post shared by aerron (@aerron) on May 21, 2018 at 7:26pm PDT

A DIY approach to fireworks allows for a front-row seat to the action, but it's important to make sure that safety comes first. 

A post shared by trinitybellwoods-park (@trinitybellwoodspark) on May 21, 2018 at 8:01pm PDT

Joining the lineup of firework festivities was our very own Canada's Wonderland. The backdrop of an amusement park made the fireworks seem just that much more wondrous. 

A post shared by Zohaib Khan (@zohaib_647) on May 21, 2018 at 8:02pm PDT

So no matter where you were in the city, there was someone hosting a round of fireworks that could light your Instas up for the next week. Maybe more...

A post shared by B in The Six (@bucketlist_6ix) on May 21, 2018 at 5:44pm PDT

Hundreds of thousands of dollars went up in smoke this holiday weekend after a fire ripped through a large studio warehouse in downtown Toronto, destroying the work and supplies of at least 22 local artists.

Walnut Studios, a cooperative workspace on Walnut Street between King West and Wellington, has become home to 45 painters, sculptors, photographers, designers and more since it was founded in 2008.

Toronto fire officials say that a blaze broke out in the north end of the studio around 6 a.m. on May 19. Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames, but not without breaking windows and opening up the roof, causing severe damage to the building.

At least 22 artists lost everything from supplies to entire inventories in a devastating fire at Walnut Studios in King West on Saturday morning.

The cause of the fire is still unknown and, fortunately, no injuries were reported. Still, the economic impact is estimated to be huge.

All 45 artists who worked in the building are said to have been affected by "severe smoke damage to their supplies and artwork."

Twenty-two of those artists lost everything, according to Walnut Studios, including finished commissions and supplies worth up to $100,000, in the case of one artist.

Almost everything in the warehouse arts community studio was touched by fire, water or smoke damage.

It's taken a huge hit, but Toronto's arts community is rallying together in support of those who lost their work to fire, smoke and water damage over the long weekend.

"This is one of the last affordable spaces in our city so this hurts on so many intersections of our lives," wrote Walnut Studios artist and teacher Ilene Sova on Facebook this past Sunday.

"However, throughout the day my spirits were lifted by the artists in our community, some of whom have had years of work destroyed in the fire and lost their studio spaces."

One of our artist's sisters has jumped in to help us by managing a GO FUND ME campaign to help the artists who lost supplies get creating again when they relocate - please give if you can! #Toronto#ToArts#yyz#WalnutStudiosFirehttps://t.co/xjvD5sqmM2

— Walnut Studios (@WalnutStudios) May 21, 2018

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help support those artists who were hardest hit by fire damage, including geophysicist-turned-painter Anand Jaggernauth, botanical artist Kathryn Bondy, and Rob Croxford, whose vintage-inspired, Toronto-centric works have been featured in magazines from coast-to-coast.

"The summer is an extremely important time of year for artists with upcoming outdoor art shows," wrote Jessika Sudarsan, whose sister is a Walnut Studios artist, on the GoFundMe page.

"The loss of both their work and their supplies will make it impossible for many of them to participate in many of the shows this season."

Saddened by news of a serious fire at @WalnutStudios. No injuries reported, but significant damage to materials, work and workspace of dozens of independent artists.

— Mike Layton (@m_layton) May 20, 2018

"As the friends, family and community of those artists affected by the Walnut studio fire, let's give back to our creative community during their time of great loss," continues the GoFundMe blurb. 

"We will distribute this money so that they can purchase new equipment and art supplies to get making again."

The campaign has already raised over $10,700 in just one day, with an eventual goal of getting to $15,000.

It was a rough weekend for fire-related loss in general across the city. A deadly blaze at Sunnybrook Stables on Monday morning took the lives of 16 horses.

There's only one thing better than outdoor summer events: free outdoor summer events. The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (TOPS) is hosting their third year of outdoor film screenings, every Thursday in July, at Corktown Common.

Here you can expect to see four great movies and shorts for free — there is a suggested donation of $10 — and indulge in food service that starts before the movies at 7:00 p.m. It's BYOBlankie and movies start at sundown, or 9 p.m.

Each film will be paired with a short that explores Toronto. This may sound familiar to the Christie Pits Film Festival and that makes sense because TOPS runs both. 

The venue is accessible and films will be screened with captioning when it's available. 

Here's a list of the films screening at Corktown Common this summer.

Thursday, July 5

Short film: Long Branch 
Feature film: Roman Holiday (featured city: Rome) 

Thursday, July 12

Short film: Pole and OK TV 
Feature film: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (featured city: Toronto)

Thursday, July 19

Short film: She Stoops to Conquer 
Feature film: Cabaret (featured city: Berlin)

Thursday, July 26

Short film: BLMTO: Black Pride and 100 Musicians 
Feature film: Selma (featured city: Selma)

There's also a scheduled rain date on August 2 if one of the earlier movie screenings gets cancelled.

A new mall called King Square Shopping Centre is currently under construction in Markham, and it's already being billed as "Canada's largest Asian shopping centre" (move over Pacific Mall?)  

The site is currently under construction.

This new development at 9390 Woodbine Avenue — near the intersection of 16th and Woodbine off of Highway 404 — is expected to contain "a luxury collection of retailers, restaurants, offices and entertainment venues" within its 340,000 square feet. Plus 1,500 underground parking spaces. 

King Square Construction CAM from Fortress on Vimeo.

The development was supposed to be completed in "early 2018," but has apparently fallen a little behind schedule. 

A digital rendering of the outside of the mall. 

The inside of the mall will boast a supermarket, food court, stage, cafeteria, rooftop garden, restaurant, banquet hall, community centre, medical centre and, seemingly, office space.

This, plus yet-to-be-announced retailers taking over large portions of the first and second floors. 

A digital rendering of the inside of the mall. 

According to King Square's website — also the name of the developer — the mall isn't the only thing upcoming: a hotel and condos under the same name are in the "coming soon" phase. 

The website says: "We contribute to the urban infrastructure in the form of graceful avenues and handsome streetscapes with a large-scale, total 11.5 acre of complex mixed-uses of parking structures, retail, commercial, restaurants, residential apartment/condos and hotel." 

The "coming soon" King Square Hotel. 

A 28-year-old man was shot and killed this weekend while leaving a private party at Pick 6ix in downtown Toronto — just hours after Drake himself was spotted in the same venue.

Police say that Jaiden Jackson was seen exiting the busy restaurant (which is owned by Drake and his friend Nessel "Chubbs" Beezer, among other parties) around 9 p.m. on Sunday night with an unidentified woman.

The two were walking up to Jackson's car near Yonge and Wellington, just steps from the restaurant, when three gunman are said to have approached them in a black Honda Civic.

Who shot and killed Jaiden Jackson in Toronto on Sunday, May 20, 2018, at 9pm in Yonge and Wellington Street area. Info call Detective Sergeant Gary Giroux 416-808-7400 Gary.Giroux@torontopolice.on.ca or anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 pic.twitter.com/IrEIf4RHj5

— Homicide Squad (@TPSHomicide) May 22, 2018

Two men got out of the car and fired guns at Jackson, according to police. The car's driver allegedly continued to shoot at the victim while chasing him into an underground parking garage at 18 Wellington Street West.

The gunmen were then seen fleeing south onto Bay Street by car, according to police, and Jackson was found unconscious in the parking garage.

He was taken to hospital with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead on Monday morning.

Drake at Pick 6ix in Toronto this past weekend. pic.twitter.com/ubQfh9F9f2

— Word On Road (@WordOnRd) May 21, 2018

This marks the city's 31st homicide of 2018. Investigators say they believe Jackson was targeted, but have yet to release any suspect details.

Det. Sgt. Gary Giroux told CTV that the event on Sunday "was a party for Drake" and, while it was invitation only, "there were some guests who were permitted to come with individuals who weren't invited."

The Toronto-born superstar had indeed been photographed mingling with restaurant patrons Sunday afternoon, seemingly while hosting a brunch event.

Drake hier au Pick 6ix à Toronto. pic.twitter.com/btboIm6lW3

— Drake France (@6godfr) May 21, 2018

 Giroux says he does not know whether Drake was present at the time of the shooting, however, and the artist himself has yet to comment.

A post shared by DRAKE GERMANY (@theboygermany) on May 21, 2018 at 2:59am PDT

Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Graham, has not been linked to the shooting, but fans were quick to point of that drama sometimes seems to follow Champagne Papi on long weekends.

Why is it that every time Drake hosts a party there ends up being a shooting

— saawooop (@thethirteen_) May 21, 2018

In August of 2015, two people were killed and three others injured in a high-profile shooting at Muzik Nightclub during an after-party for Drake's annual OVO Fest.

A post shared by DRAKE GERMANY (@theboygermany) on May 21, 2018 at 3:00am PDT

Last year, one of the artist's friends and collaborators — Anthony "Fif" Soares — was killed in a Toronto shooting, prompting police to (unsuccessfully) seek out Drake's help in solving the case.

Ironically, Drake was seen paying tribute to Fif with a champagne toast during the brunch event on Sunday afternoon.