When it comes to provincial parks, the French River Provincial Park is one of the very best for a handful of reasons. Not only is the natural, untouched beauty of this park spectacular, but it’s also a canoeists’ dream.

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Located three hours north of Toronto near the shores of Lake Huron, the French River is of historical significance as the first of only 11 designated Canadian Heritage Rivers in Ontario.

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The massive French River is 105 kilometres in length, running from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay, which makes the area ideal for anyone up for a multi-day canoe trip along the picturesque waters.

Being out on the rivers will take you back in time, as you paddle the same routes of Indigenous people and French explorers of yesteryear.

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There are 13 access points along the French River where you can unload your canoe, kayak or boat. With the vast coastal views of Lake Huron to the west, it’s also the best possible spot to catch an epic sunset.

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Once back on the water, head over to the Bustard Rocks Lighthouse that will have you thinking for a second you’ve landed in PEI. The small island of Bustard Rocks has not one, but three beautiful lighthouses that are each between 25 and 40 feet tall.

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Along the route are tons of secluded campsites where paddlers and boaters can find some R&R, while getting some swimming and fishing in as well.

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If staying on land is more your thing, the provincial park has a very walkable Recollet Falls Trail that’s only a four kilometre round trip.

Another popular trail will lead you to the highly Instagrammable pedestrian suspension bridge that offers a 360-degree view of the gorge below.

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The campgrounds inside the provincial park are open from May until October, so make sure to get a weekend trip in before it closes for the season.

Cancelling something over weather concerns is never easy — especially when that something is a highly-anticipated, completely sold-out fundraising event that took all year to prepare for.

With $100,000 for local charity services on the line, a decision like that would be almost painful to make.

Fortunately for the unfortunate organizers of The Stop's Night Market, which shuttered on Wednesday amidst 100 km/h winds, nobody had to make that call. 

The weather did it for them.

"It was a little bit like The Wizard of Oz— like at any moment a house was going to come raining down on somebody " says Rachel Gray, Executive Director of The Stop Community Food Centre, noting that the event site on Sterling Road was "like a wind tunnel."

"Everyone was willing to stick it out — the chefs, volunteers... but it just was not safe," she continued. "We realized we would have to delay. As we stood there making the decision, we had to stop and take cover. We could barely see. Sand was blowing in our faces."

We are deeply sorry to say that we are cancelling tonight's Night Market. Our site sustained damage in the storm, and to ensure the safety of our vendors and guests, we will not allow the event to proceed. We will provide ticket holders with information as soon as it is available

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With the wind picking up, organizers were forced to cancel Day 2 of the two-day event altogether for both safety and public health reasons.

A notice went out to ticket-holders, who'd paid $100 each to attend the all-you-can-eat market, around 6:20 p.m.

For the most part, guests were understanding. Some admitted that they wouldn't have been able to attend anyway thanks to downed trees blocking neighbourhood streets. 

"It was crushingly disappointing," Gray explained. "We look forward to it from a fundraising perspective, our participants look forward to it… chefs work on menus all year for this."

Last night, #TheStopNM was hit hard by the severe windstorm. To ensure the safety of our guests and vendors, we made the heartbreaking but necessary decision to evacuate the site and cancel the event. Our restaurants and beverage vendors had been planning their menus for months, and we're so sorry that no one had the opportunity to taste their delicious creations. Many of these businesses have supported our work for years, and several have donated the food they'd prepared for Night Market to our community programs. While planning your next night out or catered event, please support these community-minded companies. ***If you are a June 13 ticket holder, please see the link in our bio for further information

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The Stop, a world-renowned non-profit organization which provides healthy food, skill-building programs and community support to low-income Torontonians, has been hosting its all-you-can-eat outdoor market fundraiser since 2012.

As of 2018, The Stop's Night Market has become one of Toronto's most-popular and beloved food parties— and with good reason.

All of the food, the labour, the carpentry, the time of chefs and their employees — literally everything — is donated.

"Good food events are not just about good food — they are about raising funds for people and communities that need that opportunity, that help," says Gray.

"When you support an organization like ours, it really has an impact long after you finish the canapés and delicious drinks."

Unfortunately #thestopnm was canceled last night due to high winds which had devastated the event space. We are sorry to all those who were coming out to see us, and we’re also sorry to @thestopcfc as we know this is their biggest fundraiser of the year. This event funds all the great work they do all summer long. @thestopcfc is offering refunds to all those who purchased tickets but we ask those who can afford to... please consider donating their tickets to allow this wonderful group of volunteers to continue their great work. Thank you again to everyone involved. We hope to see you next year!!!

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Gray says they're in the process of providing refunds to those who asked for them — a process that, in total, could leave the charity about $100,000 short of what they need to get through the summer.

"A lot of enthusiastic foodies who come [to the market] don't know we do really important community work," said Gray. "Poverty is real for people in our community. We were counting on that support, counting on those dollars."

This is why The Stop, as well as many of the chefs who participated in this year's market, are encouraging ticket holders to consider making what they already paid a donation (tax receipt included).

#TheSopNightMarket has always been such a fantastic event, and we were fortunate enough be a part of if this year. Unfortunately though, due to the extreme weather on Wednesday @thestopcfc had to cancel their second day of festivities and are unable to reschedule. These two nights of drink and food are extremely significant to @thestopcfc’s ability to fundraiser and provide community kitchens, healthy food bank, and drop-in meals through the summer months in Toronto. If you had purchased a ticket for the Wednesday evening of #TheStopNM and didn’t get to attend, we encourage you, if you are able, to donate your ticket purchase to @thestopcfc in lieu of a refund. Charitable receipts will be issued for those who choose this option. Let’s help nourish Toronto and it’s communities together! - #donatetoday #fundraiser #communityfoodcentre #communitykitchen #healthyfoodbank #thestopcfc #sweetgrassbeer #beersponsor #beercocktail #goldenale #shagbark #stout #summerstout #sweetgrassbeer #craftbeer #craftbeerlife #ontariocraftbeer #beer #goodcause #foodandbeer #event #sweettimes #tastetoronto #spring2018 #foodanddrink #market

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Smoke Signals Barbecue published a series of Instagram Stories posts on Thursday encouraging ticket-holders not to ask for a refund.

"We get it. It sucks to have purchased a ticket and not be able to attend. But don't lose sight of what the event is for," reads part of the restaurant's post. "It's to raise awareness and resources for people who don’t have the luxury of eating canapés, a quenelle or a smoked brisket."

Gray says that Smoke Signals is one of many friends and chefs who've come forward to offer support, including Reunion Island Coffee, Oakwood Hardware, Dailo and Delica Kitchen, which donated all of the food it had prepared for Wednesday's night market to community members assisted by The Stop.

"We are so buoyed by that support and hope," says Gray. "This is what we have come to expect from the local restaurant community. They understand how important and powerful food is."

There's no shortage of Italian food in Toronto but a couple of recent arrivals to the scene are showing there's still room to do something different.

From a pasta maker that supplies some of Toronto's top restaurants to a storefront at Union Station entirely dedicated to biscotti, there's lots to be excited about if you're into all things Italy, even if the Azzurri isn't playing in the World Cup.

In the latest episode of the Only in Toronto podcast we celebrate all things Italian and even check-in with a landmark that's been open 24/7 since the 1950's.

Places featured in this episode include:

• Biscotterria Forno Cultura
• Famiglia Baldassarre
• Commisso Brothers

Articles referenced in this episode include:

• Toronto charity fundraiser devasted by wind storm
• Toronto is getting a Museum of Illusions
• You can now buy a seat from Massey Hall
• Someone stole a Banksy from Toronto's new art exhibit
• Drake's new video is a full on Degrassi reunion
• Toronto ranked one of the worst airports for Wi-Fi in North America

More reading before you enjoy your next Italian meal:

• The best Italian rstaurants in Toronto
• The best Italian hot tables in Toronto
• The best cannoli in Toronto
• The best Italian bakeries in Toronto

Ways to subscribe to the Only in Toronto podcast.

• Apple Podcasts
• Google Play Music
• Stitcher
• Tune In
• Libsyn

You can also listen to the Only in Toronto podcast on Alexa. Just ask Alexa to play the podcast Only in Toronto.

Strawberry picking in and around Toronto is a summertime tradition and a source of nostalgia for anyone who grew up in southern Ontario. In most cases, you'll have to leave the city proper to go pick your own berries, but it's a totally delicious and fruitful experience.

Here are my picks for the top farms to go strawberry picking near Toronto.

Brooks Farms

Just an hour drive from Toronto, this farm has a great selection of strawberries to pick. The season runs from mid June to the end of July and the pick your own pricing will set you back $2.75/lb.

Downey's Farm Market

Head to the fields for strawberry picking at this Caledon farm from mid-to-late June and lasts three to four weeks. It'll cost you $4 to enter the patch, but that fee is deducted from the price of your strawberries when you cash out, which is $3.oo/lb. 

Brantwood Farms

While you'll find strawberries in this Brantford farmers' market from spring to fall, the strawberry fields are open to the public from about mid-June into July. Bring your own containers or buy or borrow when you're there, PYO strawberries cost $3 per litre. 

Stonehaven Farm Market

This picturesque farm is found in Milton. Pick your own strawberries typically runs from mid June to mid July, there are no entrance fees and strawberry prices will be determined at opening.

Reesor Farm Market

At this farm, market and bakery on Ninth Line in Markham, you can pick your own berries when they're in season or just select the perfect pint at the market. The entrance fee is $7.50 and it's taken off the price of your basket when you cash out, at 5.51/kg. You should also check out the strawberry pies and crumbles featuring the season's best.

Forsythe Family Farms

Pick-your-own strawberries from mid-June are the big draw at this family farm in Uxbridge. But strawberries are just the beginning; as summer progresses, peas, beans, tomatoes and pumpkins are all available for DIY harvesting. Prices are determined upon opening. 

Organics Family Farm

This Markham farm opens to the public annually at the beginning of strawberry season. This year they're aiming for a mid-to-late June start date and prices will be determined upon opening. 

Watson Farms

Call the "crop report" to check picking conditions and hours of operation before heading out this farm in Bowmanville. It's open for strawberry picking starting in mid-to-late June each year.

Andrews' Scenic Acres

Nestled southeast of the Niagara Escarpment, this Milton farm boasts 35 acres of strawberry fields and opens mid-June. PYO strawberries cost $4.25/lb and there's a $1 deposit per picking basket, refunded at the cash register when the berries are paid for. Also, if you pick more than $50 worth of strawberries you get $5 off. 

Applewood Farm & Winery

Strawberry picking season at this Whitchurch-Stouffville farm begins in mid June. Admission to the farm costs $9 and that includes a 2L basket to put the strawberries in. Strawberries are charged based on size of basket, ranging from $10 to $22. 

As the city builds upwards, the importance of landscape architecture that's accessible and effective — that is, a space that the public actually wants to use — has become an increasing necessity, and so far Toronto's been doing a pretty decent job. 

Just look at Berczy Park with its dog fountain (hate it or love it, those little guys draw in the lunchtime crowds), Sugar Beach with its candy-pink umbrellas, or the greenification of the Don Valley Brick Works. 

Over the years, all three destinations have transformed into highly frequented public spaces, and it's largely thanks to the award-winning Montreal-based design firm, Claude Cormier + Associés. 

Berczy Park was redesigned last year to feature a cast-iron fountain with dog statues. Photo by Marcanadian.

Headed by celebrity landscape architect Claude Cormier, the company has been responsible for the sleek, often playful redesigns of public spaces around the world since 1995. 

The first large-scale project the firm was responsible for in Toronto was 2003's design of HTO Park, where it partnered with Janet Rosenberg and Studio and Hariri Pontarini Architects to turn two old quays into a unique urban waterfront park. 

Since then, the firm has gone on to shape Toronto's landscape by beautifying areas where incoming condos might otherwise have dulled adjacent public areas.

The Well will feature a shopping area and a European-style food court. Photo by The Well.

Case in point: the Sony Centre's integration with the L Tower and the ensuing Sony Plaza with its "Dream Ballet" — a prime photo-op spot for George Brown grads post-Sony Centre ceremony. 

Claude Cormier + Associés condo endeavours include The Well, the highly anticipated condo replacing the old Globe and Mail headquarters with a mixed-use development that will also feature a huge European-style food court and market. 

And even more exciting than the firm's nearly complete Daniels Waterfront project are its proposed public realm improvements for the Commerce Court redesign by the real estate company QuadReal.

The new Commerce Court's Pavilion is designed as a culinary and arts hub. Photo by Claude Cormier. 

Aside from streetscape upgrades and the sprucing up of the Bay Street stairs with planters and seating, Claude Cormier and his team are also suggesting the construction of a new four-storey culinary and arts hub called The Pavilion, which will house rotating art installations. 

While not everyone can get behind the construction of Toronto's tallest office tower (QuadReal is proposing a new 64-storey building), a public space dedicated to the food and creativity is something that most city-dwellers can get behind. 

Events in Toronto today see a bit of Montreal come to the city, thanks to a big Osheaga block party. All while Nuit Rose takes over two neighbourhoods to showcase LGBTQ+ artists.

Vegan grocery stores in Toronto are for all the shoppers with meat-free and dairy-free diets. As most know, eating healthy isn't always easy, so the ideal stores will carry an extensive selection of fun and tasty vegan foods — either exclusively or alongside non-vegan items. 

Here are my picks for the top vegan grocery stores in Toronto. 

The Big Carrot

Undoubtedly the largest and most popular destination for healthy foods, this quintessential Danforth grocery has been selling a huge selection of organic, non-GMO goods since 1983. 

Good Rebel

Everything at this Dundas West grocery store is vegan, meaning you don't have to check the labels too carefully to know you can eat it. Best of all, there's tons of locally-sourced stuff here and a huge cheese fridge. 

Essence of Life

This Kensington Market mainstay might offer a bit of a cramped shopping experience, but it makes up for it by being super affordable. With an emphasis on natural, organic stuff with tons of vegan-friendly food, products and supplements. 

Organic Garage

This health food store with locations in the Junction and Thornhill specializes in organic goods at far lower prices than big groceries like Loblaws and Metro, with items like vegan tuna and cheesecake galore. 

Noah's

Over the years, this health supplements shop has been expanding across the city, with locations in the Annex, Yonge & Eglinton, and the Entertainment District. Though they stock a lot of vitamins, you'll also find tons of vegan groceries, protein bars and seeds. 

Paella in Toronto isn't easy to find. It's also never super cheap, but that's usually because there's enough of this hearty melange to feed all your aunties and uncles. 

Here are my picks for the top restaurants for paella in Toronto.

Carmen

All the paellas at this West Queen West restaurant are priced the same: $68 for mixes of rice with ingredients like huitlacoche (Mexican truffle), Mediterranean bass with black ink and asadero cheese — tasty. 

La Paella

Replacing former paella purveyor Hola Cafe in its Leslieville digs, La Paella makes its namesake pretty darn well. Using imported Spanish broth, this restaurant is definitely the priciest, with a designated paella chef cooking up seven paella dishes that'll set you back up to $95.

Tapagria

For lunch, this Markham tapas spot serves personal-sized paellas that are far cheaper than your regular portions. The dinner options will definitely be far more filling, but worth the mandatory 45 minute wait. 

Barsa Taberna

You can dine on paella de mariscos in this historic building in the St. Lawrence Market. Who knew personal-sized paellas would make a good pairing with mimosas for brunch? 

Patria

Probably the most well-known restaurant in the city for paella, this King West Spanish favourite serves paellas in either small ($30) or large  ($55) sizes. They've got four types to chose from, but the paella de carrillada — braised beef cheek — is a sure shareable winner. 

Massey Hall will be closing soon, and while the Toronto music scene won't be quite the same for a little while, we can look forward to concerts at the historic music venue looking and sounding a lot more epic when it re-opens in 2020. 

Scheduled to close its doors in July, the iconic 124 year-old music venue wil be undergoing some massive, much-needed renos over the next two years. 

First, there are the long overdue upgrades, like replacing the 70 year-old seats (you can buy one of the old wooden ones if you're the sentimental type) with wider, comfier seats that can be deployed from the ground-floor to make way for those dance-heavy shows. 

The main hall will soon have deployable seats that can be removed to clear the ground floor.

The wire mesh that's held its crumbling ceiling together since 1968 will soon be removed and the plaster reinforced, plus the entire exterior of the hall will be getting a good cleaning.

Massey Hall is also about to get significantly more accessible with the construction of a raised area called a parterre, which will face the stage and run along the perimeter of the hall for the convenience of wheelchair users. 

There'll also be washrooms on every floor of the building, and the addition of a passarelle: a smooth glassed-in path that runs around the perimeter.

A passarelle will be added for extra accessibility and over 100 stained glass windows are being restored.  

Few people know that Massey Hall has over 100 original stained-glass windows: that's because they've been hidden behind plywood boards for decades. 

As part of the revitalization, members of the award-winning stained glass studio Vitreous Glassworks will be removing and labelling the pieces of stained glass before cleaning and restoring them. 

Then there are the epic add-ons: Massey Hall is stepping up its game by becoming a three-venue space.

There will be a bar in the second-floor lobby of Massey Hall. 

A new stage will be constructed in the basement bar, Centuries, and – even more crazy – a brand-new seven-storey tower that will be built to connect to its southern section, with another performance hall on the new tower's fourth floor. 

Along with this new 500-person capacity venue, the new tower will also encompass a studio for live recording performances, demos, and workshops. 

We'll have to wait and see if all this work can be completed in two years: if they manage that feat, it looks like the wait will have been worth it for concert lovers. 

Sugar Beach in Toronto is where you go to sit under the pink umbrellas and take a minute to enjoy what is possibly the cutest patch of sand in the city. 

An urban beach by all definitions, Sugar Beach is certainly a contrast to the highly industrious area that surrounds it.

Sugar Beach is located off of Queens Quay and Lower Jarvis Street.

Located directly across from the Redpath Sugar Refinery, this manmade patch of sand used to be a parking lot for the Jarvis Street Slip, and usually has a jarringly massive sugar freighter ship docked in its harbour.

While it wasn't as common a sight when Sugar Beach first opened in 2010, these ships have now become somewhat of a visual fixture — so if you're looking for a nice lake view, you likely won't get it. 

A giant freighter ship usually sits in the harbour right next to the beach. 

While the freighters may bother some, other sunbathers will appreciate the unique relaxation that can be achieved despite the ruggedness of the area.

Also, everyone knows the real attraction here is not really the stunning lake vista: you can get better, unobstructed views from nearby HTO or Cherry Beach. 

You're not allowed to wade or swim in the water — Sugar Beach is for lounging only. 

The best part about Sugar Beach is how it feels like an oasis sprung out of concrete, especially if you're heading east on Queens Quay from Union toward Jarvis; it's a wide, uneventful section of the strip that feels a lot like walking through a dusty desert in the summer. 

What the beach lacks for in swimming capabilities, it makes up for with Muskoka chairs, some giant rocks for lounging and a very accessible paved area (with a small boardwalk jutting out into the sand) for those who might not be able to traverse the area. 

Water's Edge Promenade runs behind the Corus Entertainment Toronto headquarters. 

To reach the beach from Lower Jarvis, cross toward the Martin Goodman Trail to the path leading toward the beach, veer slightly east and you'll find a plaza full of trees — often with stretching joggers and fitness groups. 

Follow the path and it will take you past Sugar Beach, becoming the Water's Edge Promenade which runs behind Corus Quay (Corus Entertainment's headquarters in Toronto) and the spacious patio of Against The Grain.  

Sugar Beach was created in 2010, replacing a former parking lot for the Jarvis Street Slip.

Sugar Beach's crowds run the gamut here, from families to couples, friends, and solo sun-tanners of all ages.

Despite being so close to a main road, it somehow maintains its exclusive feel. Maybe it's the adjacent greenery, but it could also be the giant freighter which secludes — nay, protects — us from the elements. 

The ferry to Toronto Island connects the waterfront with all the fun rides and beaches the summertime oasis has to offer. But there's more than just one ferry.

In fact, the island ferries are a trio of routes which transport city dwellers to and from Centre Island, Ward's Island and Hanlan's point like clockwork. 

Operated by the city from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street, hundreds of thousands of Torontonians flock to this sail-off point each year. For many who rarely ever get to embark on a boat ride, taking the ferry is as much a part of the adventure as seeing the islands.

The Toronto Island Ferry Docks were named the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal in 2013. 

Where to board

If you're taking the subway to Union station, the best way to get there is to hop on either the 511 Bathurst streetcar or 509 Harbourfront streetcar to the Queens Quay stop. Just a one minute walk south of the station exit, you'll see the tree-lined entrance to the terminal.

A memorial of late NDP leader Jack Layton shows the former councillor on a tandem bike. 

The Jack Layton Ferry Terminal is located at 9 Queens Quay West, right next to the Westin Harbour Castle hotel. Here is where you'll find the Jack Layton memorial sitting in the courtyard – an area that seems like it's perpetually under construction. 

The ferry terminal is divided into three sections heading to the three different sections of the islands. 

Tickets

There are nine booths to grab your tickets, though they're rarely all in use unless it's an incredibly busy weekend. If you bought your ferry ticket online you can print it out or flash it on your cell to pass more quickly at the far left booth. All tickets will grant you passage to and from the islands.

You can pay for your tickets with cash or card, with options to buy tickets for adults at $7.87 each, youth – which means 19 years-old or under – and seniors who pay $5.16, and juniors (14 years-old and younger) for $3.80. Infants under two years-old get in for free. 

After you've purchased your ticket, you'll receive two receipt-like slips which you'll have to show the ticket collector as you walk through the ferry dock entrance. No physical tickets are needed for your ride back from the island.  

On weekdays the terminal is fairly quiet, but weekends are a completely different story. 

Ferry Schedule

The docks are separated into three sections, with different schedules for ferries heading to Hanlan's in the west, Ward's in the east and Centre Island right in the middle. 

Make sure to check the city's ferry schedule before planning for your trip: the times change depending on certain holidays and seasons. The average wait time between ferries ranges between half an hour and an hour.

Sailing toward the island, you'll get a great view of Toronto's full skyline. 

The average trip time takes around 15 minutes one direction, giving you ample time to enjoy the majestic view of the lake.

The waiting area for the Centre Island is usually significantly busier than the others. 

Destinations

Centre Island

By far the most popular island of the three, Centre Island is best known for Centreville, its amusement park, and beautiful lookout point. Ferries are the most frequent to and from here, basically coming every half an hour for most of the day.

The ferry furthest left at the docks leads to Hanlan's point. 

Hanlan's Point

Home of the Billy Bishop Airport, Gibraltar lighthouse, and of course, the only clothing optional beach in Toronto, the most western end of the islands is on par with Ward's for popularity: It gets somewhat busy at this ferry, but nowhere near Centre Island levels.

Move to the far left of the dock to catch the ferries heading to Hanlan's. The ferries that dock here are the kind that can transport motorized vehicles, from vespas to school buses. Those, however, require special advance permits.

The return trip from Ward's Island makes a pit stop at Hanlan's point if you want to explore the other side. 

Ward's Island

The more residential destination of the three, Ward's Island is geographically part of Centre Island but is established enough to warrant its own ferry. You can find the Ward Island ferry on the right side of the dock, closest to the entrance past the ticket booth.

Return trips from Ward's often make a pit stop at Hanlan's point, so make sure not to get off one stop too early or you'll never make it back home.  

Some Toronto patios provide sweeping views of our beloved TDot. Here, you can appreciate the stunning vistas of the skyline, the Financial District towers and our beautiful lake – perfect for that quintessential IG pic – all with a drink in hand.

Here are my picks for the patios with the best views in Toronto.

Toronto Island BBQ & Beer Co.

Sort of like the view of Earth from the moon, Toronto Island Brewing Co.’s patio offers a perspective of home from all across the lake. Take a ferry to Centre Island to get a stunning vista of the entire skyline while chowing on a mac n’ cheese burger.

Lavelle's patio comes geared with a pool and the perfect view of the CN Tower. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Lavelle

Synonymous with Toronto rooftop views, this King West restaurant has a direct eyeline access to the CN tower, which you can appreciate poolside in blue cabanas on their stylishly sprawling rooftop patio.

Kost sits on the rooftop of the Bisha Hotel and has a super close view of the CN Tower. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Kost

Sitting at the very top of Bisha Hotel, this restaurant on Blue Jays Way has some plushy outdoor seating where you can marvel the infinity pool and the looming point of the CN Tower. 

The rooftop at the Thompson Hotel has an upscale patio overlooking King West. Photo by Jesse Milns.

The Thompson

The rooftop of this King West boutique hotel is technically private, but there are definitely ways to head up there to check out their swanky patio with essential views of the Financial District’s towering skyscrapers. .

The One Eighty is located all the way on the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre. Photo by Jesse Milns. 

The One Eighty

Head up 51 floors to dine atop the Manulife Centre at this Yorkville restaurant. It’s not cheap to dine here – it is Yorkville, after all – but you’ll be rewarded with one of the highest POVs of the city.

The Goodman Pub offers pitchers of sangria and a view of the lake. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Goodman Pub

Located right by the lake, this pub is the go-to pit stop a pitcher of sangria on Queens Quay. In warm weather they open up the windows completely so you can take in the glistening lake even if you don’t snag a seat on the patio.

The Chase rooftop patio offers a great view of the Financial District. Photo by Jesse Milns.

The Chase

You’ll get a lovely view of all your fave Financial District towers and a great sunset experience during Happy Hour from the 75-seat patio at this modern American restaurant located above its counterpart The Chase Fish & Lobster.

The Broadview Hotel's roofop offers a wider perspective of the city. Photo by Hector Vasquez. 

The Rooftop at the Broadview Hotel

It gets busy at this hotel patio, but the wait is worth it for an unparalleled eastern-POV of the city. Unlike more central patios, you can get a less obstructed view of the city: you’ll be able to see all the way from the all the way up to Eglinton.

Murphy's Law on the beaches has one of the best patio pub views. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Murphy’s Law

This classic Beaches pub has a beautiful patio on its third floor rooftop overlooking Toronto’s lower east end that makes for the perfect hangout after a day at Woodbine.  

People flock to The Porch atop Rock 'n' Horse for the Entertainment District vista. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

The Porch

When a restaurant patio has its own name, you know it’s good. Sitting atop the Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon on Adelaide, this patio gets crowded with weekend warriors looking to get drunk while taking in the Entertainment District views.

Ontario is filled with natural wonders that'll make you want to get out and explore this summer. Take advantage of your weekends (especially long weekends) and venture outside of the city to see what the province has to offer. Just make sure to respect these beautiful spots when you visit.

Scroll through this gallery of Ontario's natural wonders to plan your next weekend escape.

The York University strike is finally over – not. 

After three months, 1,100 contract faculty members currently on strike will return to York on Monday after voting (then re-voting) to accept the university's latest offer.

While that might sound great, there's still another 1,900 teaching and graduate assistants who are still on strike, making it very confusing for everyone who's wondering if they should go back to school or not. 

I hope York students know that York is technically still on strike lol

— HC (@hchok13) June 16, 2018

The whole ordeal's been tough for everyone who's been involved in this bitter battle between York administration and CUPE Local 3903 – especially for all 50,000 of the university's students affected by the barrage of labour conflicts since 2015. 

WOW York Strike finally ends I never thought this day would come

— Chezzy (@brendancheslock) June 16, 2018

Many students are convinced that the strike is over, not realizing that two of three contract worker groups are still negotiating with York. Who has the heart to tell them?

The whole situation has been up in the air since March 5, when contract faculty members walked off the job to protest York. Since then there've been countless ups and downs, but nothing as significant as over 1,000 votes in favour of ending the strike. 

So the York strike just ended and I'm MAD pissed cause im on vacation and I don't wanna deal with this RN like I get back to Toronto at 2am on Monday and class at 9am gOODBYE

— julia (@juliapaliyy) June 15, 2018

Those whose classes have resumed due to the vote are clambering to get back into the school zone after months of being in full-fledged summer vacay mode. 

So high school students are out for the summer and elementary school students will be out in 2 weeks. Guess who still isn’t out on summer break? York students. This strike still isn’t over.

— Alessandra (@alessandra_d23) June 15, 2018

For some, the fact that resuming classes means that school will go on into the summer months is infuriating, understandably so. 

On the up side, by the time the York University strike is over I may be eligible for a senior's discount on tuition. Looking for the silver hair lining

— L. K. (@BudoLisa) June 15, 2018

Others seem to have given up on the idea of a full resolution to the strike completely: the future looks bleak. 

Former Blue Jays third baseman Kelly Gruber made a bit of an arse of himself on Thursday during a wincingly awkward onstage bumble at the Rec Room that had the Texan-native uninvited from the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame festivities this weekend. 

What was expected to be a harmless chat about baseball at the Homestand Sports charity event turned into pure embarrassment when the 56 year-old ascended the stage and began making a series of inappropriate comments.  

The Boys are back in town!! #pitchtalks #bluejays 📸 @noah2988

A post shared by PitchTalks (@pitchtalks) on Jun 14, 2018 at 5:18pm PDT

Appearing to be inebriated according to one of the organizers, Gruber started off the conversation by grilling host Ashley Docking in a weird, sexual-innuendo-filled exchange, then proceeded to dismiss her by asking the crowd, "We don't really need this girl here, right?" 

Kelly Gruber doing his best to be a dick and get rid of a whole generation of baseball fans who thought he was awesome in less than 2 minutes. #BlueJays#MLBpic.twitter.com/lsBN7dXwB2

— Kris Kushnerick (@kriskush1) June 16, 2018

Aside from exhibiting generally dumb behaviour, he also went on to ask Rogers Sportsnet broadcast Kevin Barker if he was replacing Gregg Zaun, the baseball analyst who was fired last year for being inappropriate in the workplace with female Sportsnet staff.

"You gotta work on your wardrobe because it's big shoes to fill," Gruber told Barker. 

I have questions for Kelly Gruber

— Toronto Mike (@torontomike) June 16, 2018

At one point Gruber attempted to play off his drunkeness by saying in true Southern fashion, "We're from Texas...we play, we have fun." 

Docking did her best to play off the comments while Barker's discomfort was clearly palpable. The proceedings were cut short, and Gruber was escorted out of the building shortly afterward.

Gruber was uninvited from the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame weekend fun, including today's ceremony in St. Mary's where players Pedro Martiniz, Lloyd Moseby, and baseball historian William Humber were inducted into the hall. 

My statement regarding Kelly Gruber’s behaviour at last night’s @PitchTalks event. Proud to call @SmrtAsh my friend and colleague. pic.twitter.com/2MthcHanKw

— Kevin Kennedy (@LocalAgitator) June 15, 2018

Not only that, he's been barred from any future Pitch Talk events, according to a Twitter statement released by Homestand Sports founder Kevin Kennedy.

Kennedy also revelead that Gruber had allegedly made "inappropriate comments" to a female staff member at the Rec Room.

"Not only was Kelly Gruber's behaviour inappropriate, it defies the spirit of this special night as well as the entire weekend of slated programming for the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame." 

It sucks that things like this still happen. However, I'm happy that we've reached a point where I have a platform to call out misbehaviour when needed and am supported by an industry that has stood beside me with so much integrity today. Thank you. https://t.co/M1bsHmSOws

— Ashley Docking (@SmrtAsh) June 15, 2018

Docking went on Sportsnet's Good Show yesterday to talk about the event, calling the encounter "super frustrating." In the exchange, host JD Bunkis explains that Gruber  is "not the brightest bulb" – ouch. 

I have heard things about him. Just hoped they weren’t true. Sorry you had to deal with crap like that

— James (@LeafsFan1993) June 15, 2018

In April, Gruber was arrested for Driving Under the Influence in Texas. 

This latest incident seems to indicate K. Groobs has fallen off since the time he helped the Jays win the World Series in 1992. Anyone born after that year probably had no idea who he was before Thursday's flop, and now we sort of wish we didn't. 

Events in Toronto today make for a pretty exciting Sunday with plenty of dad-approved stuff going on, including an exotic car show and the first installment of the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show's Cinematic Cities series kicking off in Fort York. 

Free events in Toronto this week ask nothing more than for you to show up. Find celebrations dedicated to Indigenous culture, movies under the stars and pride of all kinds — all for free.

Believe it or not, it's been more than ten years since the iconic Canary Restaurant served its last plate of greasy eggs and bacon.

A decade later, the historic building it once occupied at the corner of Cherry and Front Streets still awaits redevelopment while the rest of the Canary District – named in homage to the diner post-Pan Am games– continues to build up at full speed.  

The historic Canary Restaurant building has remained mostly untouched for the past decade. 

With a YMCA right next door, a glassy George Brown residence, and a slew of condos recently erected or in the process of being built, there's the sense a real neighbourhood is about to be born. 

But amidst all the change, plans for the Canary District's 159 year-old three-storey building have remained pretty hush-hush. 

Few people know that the 2.4-acre site it occupies is now owned by the community service Anishnawbe Health Toronto, who has plans of transforming the land into the city's first ever Indigenous hub. 

It's been four years since the province transferred Block 10 (as the southeast corner of Cherry Street between Front and Mill Streets is called) to Anishnawbe Health and approved a grant of up to $1.49 million for the Toronto Aboriginal Hub. 

The proposed Toronto Aboriginal Hub will feature a four-storey health centre. Photo by Waterfront Toronto.

Designed by Quadrangle and Stantec, and partnering with Dream Developments and Kilmer, the site's recent draft plans show the old Canary Restaurant integrating into a brand new complex including an Indigenous community health centre.

The four-storey centre will offer a number of services, traditional healing to a dental clinic and an outdoor therapeutic ceremonial space. 

The site will also feature a sweat lodge and main gathering space, with an employment and training centre run by Miziwe Biik next door and another building housing child care and family services. 

The interior of the building has been emptied, with plans to become part of the Toronto Aboriginal Hub.

As expected, the new hub will place an emphasis on the use of natural light and courtyard spaces integrated with nature. 

Before the site plan can be approved, however, planners will have to submit a Heritage Impact Assessment to see how the hub will affect the one of Toronto's most iconic landmarks. 

With the preliminary project review is still in the works, it'll be a while before we see any actual movement on the hub, and the old restaurant will have to remain as it is: empty and looking pretty forlorn. 

Atop City Hall sits a sanctuary that’s hidden from the bustle of Nathan Phillips Square below.

While it’s not located at the very apex of either curved towers, this secluded green space sits on City Hall’s spacecraft-entrance of a podium, just past the winding ceremonial ramp that leads from the square to the garden’s southern section.

The ceremonial ramp leads from Nathan Phillips Square to the City Hall podium green roof. 

Open year round, Toronto’s largest publicly accessible green roof was unveiled back in 2010 when the entire square was in the baby stages of its revitalization. It was a dramatic transformation from the grey landscape that was there before.

The green roof is a secluded retreat on top of City Hall. 

Pre-dating the nine-jet water fountain feature and geometric glassy theatre stage, the 35,000-square-foot award-winning space serves as a lookout point and nature getaway at the same time.

At 35,000 square feet, the green space provides a great view of Nathan Phillips Square. 

On any given warm day you’ll find people sitting, often solo, on the minimalist ipe wood benches scattered around the roof. There are few better ways to escape the daily grind of municipal politics than sunbathing amidst beds of new blooms.

Not only is the green roof a visual reprieve for urban eyes, it’s commendably practical as well.

The green roof acts provides thermal and sound insulation for City Hall. 

Designed by the green-centric firm PLANT Architects, the trays of pre-grown plants forming the lawn improves — among many other things — the thermal and sound insulation at City Hall (muffling any angry yelling coming from inside council chambers).  

A path rounds the side of City Hall and you leads you through the garden. 

The modular system also helps boost habitat space for insects and birds — and indeed you’ll probably spot several sparrows nestling comfortably in the linear fields of reed grass and the sedum mosaic.

Open year round, the rooftop's variety of blooming plants changes per season. 

Follow the paved courtyard that curves around the chamber and you’ll be able to see the fields shift from orange and yellow in the south to pinks and purples in the north, inspired by the textured colour blocks of Polyphony (1932) by Bauhaus visionary Paul Klee.

At night the light columns give the podium green roof a subtle glow that can be seen from neighbouring buildings.

Laneway houses have been gaining momentum, and good thing: the city has about 250 kilometres worth of viable laneways. As laneway properties start to hit the market, big and small, here's one that can't be overlooked. 

This very lengthy Annex house at 301R Davenport Road may not pack a ton of width, but it certainly has a lot of light streaming in from the many windows and glass-panelled doors. 

The light doesn't end with the living room, the kitchen is also flooded with natural sunlight, but you're protected by a tall fence so you don't become the subject of a people-watching escapade. 

The minimal design of the kitchen also blends very well with the overall aesthetic of the house.

There is literally nowhere in this house that doesn't have a great supply of natural light, one of the two bedrooms opens out onto a spacious patio. 

While the narrower house may look like it doesn't have much room, the fact that this house has three bathroom begs to differ. It may get a bit cold on the feet during those cold winter mornings, but that's what rugs are for. 

The patio is also spacious and secluded, not to mention the fantastic view it affords. Hopefully this simply stunning home will serve as the rule, not the exception, for what laneway houses en masse will look like.