TT Consumer 2019
TT Consumer 2019
2019 | #SEETORONTONOW
TURN IT UP!
FIND YOUR GROOVE IN
CANADA’S DOWNTOWN
What’s
online
Welcome
Explore SeeTorontoNow.com
to Canada’s
Downtown
for more info, resources and
news you can use to make the
most of your visit.
Plus!
v From the best Canadian Planning a trip to Toronto? We’re thrilled to share our region’s finest
fashion to the brightest home attractions with you! We want to help you make the most of your time in the
decor and gifts, check out our city, so we’ve packed several vacations’ worth of information and inspiration
Style & Design guide online.
Visit SeeTorontoNow.com/
into this issue of Toronto magazine.
StyleandDesign. Toronto is a vibrant, exciting city with unique events and activities
happening around every corner, year-round. We’ve got you covered with
plenty to eat, see and discover, whether you’re here for a business trip, family
vacation, friends’ trip or couple’s getaway. We’ve also provided the scoop on
transportation and getting around the city with ease, to help make your travel
experience a smooth one.
The 2019 edition of Toronto is brimming with ideas so you can curate your
own adventure at your own speed. So turn the page and plan your visit down
to the hour... or simply pick a neighbourhood and start wandering! Either way,
you’ll find both classic and contemporary Canadian experiences in all their
social and cultural diversity. Explore it all by walking, cycling, taking public
transit—or even by paddling, if you’re up for it.
Toronto is not only “Canada’s Downtown,” it is also the gateway to a vast
v Planning a visit with the kids? region that includes world-famous Niagara Falls, the pristine lakes and forests
Research our Yo-Toronto.com of Muskoka and the Kawarthas and the nation’s capital region. It is an ideal
site with the whole family. base for a day trip or overnight stay. Right next door you’ll find the cities of
v Search our calendar for hot
Mississauga and Brampton, each with its own compelling heritage and urban
events and cool happenings amenities like shopping, arts and dining.
across the city during your visit. Over 329,000 dedicated individuals work in tourism and hospitality, and
we’re all here to make your visit one you’ll never forget. WELCOME!
v Devour the best Toronto
has to offer. Check out our
Food & Drink mini-magazine
at SeeTorontoNow.com/
FoodandDrink.
Lead partners:
Premium partners:
Share your
CONNECT
WITH US Toronto experience.
Get social here:
@SeeTorontoNow
facebook.com/SeeTorontoNow
youtube.com/SeeTorontoNow
DEPARTMENTS
03 WELCOME
08 CONTRIBUTORS
12 NEW IN 2019
Things to get excited about in 2019.
92 GETTING AROUND
Here’s the lowdown on
navigating the city.
94 LAST WORD
Meet the marine biologist with
one of the city’s coolest jobs.
UPFRONT
56
11 FOOD, ARTS, CULTURE & MORE
Fresh finds to eat, explore and
experience on your visit.
CITY CONFIDENTIAL
28 SOUNDS FROM THE 6IX 40 SOUNDS LIKE TEAM SPIRIT 52 MAXIMUM VOLUME
Four of Toronto’s music pioneers Get in the game with our guide to Join us for a sound check at the
share their takes on the music the rah-rah-rowdy soundscape of mammoth venues where the world’s
scene, then and now. Toronto’s major-league sports scene. biggest music stars come out to play.
ON THE COVER
The T.Dot Bangerz were shot on location in front of the Gooderham “Flatiron” Building, in Old Town.
PHOTOGRAPH BY ALEX LUKEY; HAIR AND MAKEUP BY JENNIFER TOPP
64
84
I S TA N B U L A I R P O R T
turkishairlines.com
CONTRIBUTORS
fairmont.com/royal-york-toronto
IT’S THE OPPOSITE
OF A COOKBOOK.
DON’T MISS
PRIDE TORONTO’S
ANNUAL
CELEBRATIONS
AND PARADE
DISCOVER ONTARIO
+28,900
new tech jobs created in 2017,
more than Seattle, New York,
Washington, D.C., and the San
Francisco Bay Area combined
CN Tower
CN TOWER MAKEOVER
Thanks to a recent mega reno, the 43-year-old CN Tower boasts three new Observation
#4
North American rank for
ability to attract tech talent (2018)
Level window walls, providing nearly seamless floor-to-ceiling sightlines and improving
15%
the view for kids and people with mobility challenges. There’s also a new glass floor on
the upper LookOut level, 346 m (1,136 ft) above the street, plus three new bistros serving
up casual bites like panini, salads and poutine.
132,000
Paramount (Middle Eastern) and Bangkok Buri (Thai street food).
square feet
HIGH NOTES
state-of-the-art HQ opening
downtown in 2020
OCEAN ACTIVISM AT
recently unveiled its new look: spring. Catch Brian Jungen’s
an alfresco gathering space off sculptures made of repurposed
Hamilton
Toronto International
Film Festival
Hot Tickets
3 LUMINATO FESTIVAL
THE BUZZ: Edgy visual art, music, dance
and theatre shine during Luminato’s
hotly anticipated annual event (June
2019), held at venues across the city.
Here are 10 epic festivals, concerts, celebrations and TICKETS: LUMINATOFESTIVAL.COM
happenings worth planning a vacation around. BY HELEN RACANELLI
4 IHEARTRADIO MUCHMUSIC
1 DEAR EVAN HANSEN 2 STADIUM ROCK AT VIDEO AWARDS
THE BUZZ: The multiple Tony Award- SCOTIABANK ARENA THE BUZZ: Idols like Shawn Mendes and
winning musical makes its international THE BUZZ: Rock out at a once-in-a-lifetime Halsey perform at the MMVAs (Summer
debut at Mirvish Productions (now play- Scotiabank Arena stadium show. Three 2019). Tickets to this hyped, huge annual
ing). A Broadway hit, Dear Evan Hansen standouts: Cher’s Here We Go Again tour open-air gala outside MuchMusic’s
has racked up accolades for its GRAMMY (April 2019), P!nk’s Beautiful Trauma tour studios on Queen Street West are free.
Award-winning soundtrack and sensitive (May 2019), and Elton John’s Farewell TICKETS: FOLLOW @MUCH ON TWITTER
portrayal of youth mental health issues. Yellow Brick Road tour (October 2019). AND @MUCHMUSIC ON INSTAGRAM
TICKETS: MIRVISH.COM TICKETS: TICKETMASTER.CA FOR INFO
2019 EVENTS
JANUARY MARCH MAY v Field Trip
v DesignTO Festival v Canada Blooms: v Canadian Music Week v Luminato Festival
v Interior Design Show The Flower and v Carassauga: v Mississauga Waterfront
v Toronto International Garden Festival Mississauga’s Festival Festival
Boat Show v National Home Show of Cultures v North by Northeast
v Toronto Light Festival v One of a Kind v Doors Open Toronto v Ontario Craft Beer Week
JANUARY – MARCH Spring Show v GoodLife Fitness Toronto v Pepsi North America Cup
v 21C Music Festival & Sale Marathon v Pride Toronto
v W interlicious v St. Patrick’s v Inside Out Toronto v Queen’s Plate
JANUARY – FEBRUARY Day Parade LGBT Film Festival v Redpath Waterfront Festival
v Toronto Comicon MAY – JUNE v The Streetsville Founders’
FEBRUARY v Toronto Sportsmen’s v Mississauga Marathon Bread and Honey Festival
KEVIN MAZUR/GETT Y IMAGES (TIFF)
v The Artist Project Show v Scotiabank CONTACT v The Taste of Little Italy
Contemporary Art Fair Photography Festival v Tastemaker Toronto
v Bloor-Yorkville Icefest APRIL v Toronto Jewish v TD Toronto Jazz Festival
v Canadian International v Creativ Festival Film Festival
AutoShow v Hot Docs Canadian v Woofstock JULY
v Toronto Black Film Festival International v Beaches International
v W interfolk Blues and Documentary Festival JUNE Jazz Festival
Roots Music Festival APRIL – MAY v CeleBRAMPTON v Bud Light Dreams Festival
8 TORONTO WOMEN’S
FASHION WEEK
THE BUZZ: Local fashion hounds, media
and celebs flock to TWFW for top local
designers and the most soigné Canadian
women’s labels. The event includes run-
way shows, films and talks (September
v Canada Day Mississauga AUGUST – SEPTEMBER v The Word On v Hockey Hall of Fame
Celebration Square v Fan Expo Canada The Street Toronto Induction Weekend
v Canada Day Nathan v Greektown Taste of the v One of a Kind
Phillips Square Danforth OCTOBER Show & Sale
v Carabram: Brampton’s v Rogers Cup v A rt Toronto: Toronto NOVEMBER – DECEMBER
Multicultural Festival v TD Mosaic 2019: South Asian International Art Fair v The Royal Agricultural
v Honda Indy Toronto Festival of Mississauga v Creativ Festival Winter Fair
v RBC Canadian Open v V ELD Music Festival v Halloween on Church v The Santa Claus Parade
v Summerlicious v Nuit Blanche Toronto
v TD Salsa in SEPTEMBER v Planet in Focus DECEMBER
Toronto Festival v B uffer Festival Environmental v New Year’s Eve at Nathan
v Toronto Caribbean Carnival v JFL42 Film Festival Phillips Square
JULY – AUGUST v Tim Hortons Southside v Scotiabank Toronto v The Nutcracker
v The Toronto Shuffle Blues & Jazz Festival Waterfront Marathon v Toronto Christmas Market
Fringe Festival v Toronto Beer Week v Toronto International NOVEMBER – DECEMBER
v Toronto Outdoor v Toronto International Festival of Authors
Art Exhibition BuskerFest for Epilepsy OCTOBER – NOVEMBER
v Toronto’s Festival of Beer AUGUST – SEPTEMBER
v FOX THEATRE
THE BEACHES
Don’t miss: A mix of contemporary
blockbusters to cult favourites...
and craft beer.
SONIC BOOM
CHINATOWN
Canada’s largest independent record shop
lives up to the hype. Housed in a two-level,
12,000-square-foot factory building, it
Sonic Boom Antikka – The Vinyl Café
holds an inordinate selection of vinyl,
including rare hip-hop, indie and spoken
word gems.
KOPS RECORDS TINY RECORD SHOP
PLAY DE RECORD MULTIPLE LOCATIONS LESLIEVILLE
CHINATOWN There’s a reason why Kops Records has Tucked inside the gift shop Token, this
This unassuming nook is a formidable been a ma i nst ay si nce t he m id-’70s: mini vinyl mart stocks back-catalogue
resource for Toronto DJs chasing down new releases, exclusive pre-orders and and rare country, soul, reggae, classic and
hot techno, house and Afrobeat. Music rare “kollectibles.” Shop three locations indie rock. Owned by an indie-label exec,
production lessons are offered on-site and (32,000+ vinyl titles!) and take advantage its deftly curated selection has attracted
up-and-comers can mix around on CDJs of their staff’s encyclopedic knowledge. big-name browsers like Wilco and Brendan
(specialized digital players) between gigs. Canning from Broken Social Scene.
DEAD DOG RECORDS
ANTIKKA – THE VINYL CAFÉ BLOORDALE VILLAGE GRASSHOPPER RECORDS
QUEEN STREET WEST With current and classic albums, audio OSSINGTON VILLAGE
Need an espresso with your B side? This equipment and music merch, this full- O p e n u n t i l m i d n i g h t e v e r y d a y,
rock ’n’ roll music den/coffee shop holds service shop is a go-to for old vinyl, CDs and Grasshopper caters to late-night crate
over 1,200 new and used records. Browse concert DVDs. diggers looking for the freshest psychedelic
its barn-wood shelves for classic rock, tunes. Take pause at their bin aptly named
JACKMAN CHIU (SONIC BOOM); RICHARD JANSEN (ANTIKK A); ALAMY (THE WEEKND)
The Weeknd
WHAT IS THE Weeknd. Beats crawl like molasses Toronto—that Caribbean influence,
Princess
Dolphy Hair, where your mane can also be Miraj Hammam Spa
blown to glossy perfection.
MIRAJ HAMMAM SPA
diaries BY CAUDALIE PARIS
Your cares will melt away at this luxe
Duchess-approved spa that features French
Before she became the skincare line Caudalie Paris and offers
Duchess of Sussex, influencer traditional Middle Eastern hammam and
extraordinaire Meghan gommage treatments.
Markle was a Toronto-based
actress on the hit TV drama BAR ISABEL
Inventive dishes like deep-fried whole
Suits. When the fashion-loving sea bream ceviche shine in this charming
foodie wasn’t filming (or Spanish-influenced eatery that Meghan
visiting her then-boyfriend frequented regularly.
Prince Harry), the future Fika Café
princess was hitting the city’s SENTALER
best hotspots. Give yourself KENSINGTON MARKET Up your royal style factor with Sentaler’s
Artsy, low-key Kensington Market was luxurious Meghan coat. Local designer
the royal treatment by Bojana Sentaler’s outerwear is still in the
a much-loved foodie destination for the
checking out her fave shops, actress. Duck into the likes of Hooked Duchess’ royal outfit rotation.
labels, neighbourhoods, for fresh seafood; Sanagan’s Meat Locker,
restaurants and spas. an old fashioned butcher; Blackbird BIRKS
Baking Company for its organic red-fife At a late-2018 event, the Royal sported
BY AYA MCMILLAN
and sourdough loaves; and Fika Café, dazzling Snowstorm diamond
a picturesque Swedish-style spot that serves earrings from iconic Canadian
breakfast, lunch, pastries, coffees and teas. jeweler Birks.
YORKVILLE
Browse the racks at Holt Renfrew’s
flagship on Bloor Street West. The luxury HOT YOGA
department store at the heart of this Get in your hot yoga and vinyasa practice
tony neighbourhood offers an array of just like Meghan did. Såana Yoga and
Meghan’s go-to labels, including Mother Modo Yoga have studios across town.
jeans, Aquazzura heels and a cool mix
of Canadian-designed wares by Greta
GETT Y IMAGES (MEGHAN MARKLE); RICHARD JANSEN (FIK A CAFÉ);
Holt Renfrew
MAISON BIRKS (EARRINGS)
CASA LOMA
Miami Cibo Wine Bar Coral Gables | Cibo Wine Bar South Beach
Coral Gables Country Club | Coral Gables Athletic Club Libertygroup.com
UPFRONT
5
16
1 5
YOLO TO
You only live once (YOLO), so go for broke in
Canada’s Downtown. Here are 10 over-the-top,
only-in-Toronto experiences for every taste
and budget. BY TARA NOLAN
V.MORRIS/MAMAN (MAMAN); @FIK AKENSINGTON (FIK A); @HAILEDCOFFEE (HAILED COFFEE); @ BALZACSCOFFEE (BALZAC’S)
@LIGHTCAFECANADA (LIGHT CAFE); REUNION ISLAND COFFEE BAR (REUNION ISLAND COFFEE BAR);
Market. The name of the Argentine snack—a frequently milk based and spiced with 707 (Chinatown). Commonly served at
beef- or pork-sausage-filled roll—is a ingredients like cardamom and nutmeg. The Filipino gatherings and special occasions,
portmanteau of chorizo and pan, the photogenic treats are often decorated with these deep-fried spring rolls are served
Spanish word for “bread.” almonds, pistachios and gold or silver leaf. with a delectable sweet chili sauce.
INCLUDES 5 ATTRACTIONS:
CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada,
Casa Loma, Royal Ontario Museum,
Toronto Zoo OR Ontario Science Centre
citypass.com
Advertised savings valid through February 2020. Visit citypass.com for current savings.
@SeeTorontoNow @SeeTorontoNow 2019 TORONTO 23
UPFRONT
2
1
City swag
Jam-pack your bags with homegrown finds from
4
your new favourite city in the world.
BY JAMIE NOGUCHI PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX LUKEY
QUEEN’S PARK, TORONTO • MUSEUM SUBWAY STOP (Across from the ROM)
DON’T MISS
GREAT BANDS AND
DJ SETS AT BUD LIGHT
DREAMS FESTIVAL
A ARON PAUL
THE 6IX
to disruptive brass, the local music scene has
pushed boundaries and gained international
renown. Four of the city’s most distinctive
voices sound off on Toronto’s musical roots.
BY DONNA PARIS
THE BUILDER
“
W
JEANNE LAMON, TAFELMUSIK’S
MUSIC DIRECTOR EMERITA hen I started at Tafelmusik, some people thought baroque music on
period instruments was a fad that would go the way of bell-bottom
pants. But Tafelmusik is celebrating their 40th anniversary this
From niche ensemble to one of
year. When I came to Tafelmusik, there was a core of very talented,
the world’s most lauded baroque
orchestras, Tafelmusik’s rise was four passionate musicians—we were 11 total and five are still there
decades in the making. At its helm? now. The whole founding group was a very creative force.
Jeanne Lamon, who joined the nascent People tell me that they turn on the radio in England or Australia or wherever they
orchestra as music director in 1981.
For her 33 years of work developing are, and they hear the recording and they immediately know that it’s Tafelmusik. That
Tafelmusik’s unique sound and vision— is something that we have built together, that is actually not that usual.
each of its 17 members is a historic- Toronto is a rich city for classical music, and it offers everything from big symphonic
music specialist and plays period
instruments—Lamon was honoured
concerts to solo recitals by local and international stars. Toronto is especially rich in
with the Order of Canada, Honour of chamber music and period performance concerts.”
Ontario and three honorary doctorates.
I
“ ndigenous music is being pushed been a big part of changing the musical Red] is curating a festival at the Music
way out beyond any kind of old- landscape, putting Indigenous voices Gallery, and the Art Gallery of Ontario is
school expectations about what it is at the forefront. Everyone I work with programming [Indigenous] artists during
supposed to sound like. There isn’t a recognizes that in a lot of cases, younger music nights. In the span of a few short
sound and what’s been so fascinating for artists haven’t had a chance to play a years, cultural institutions in the city
me is that people are doing every kind of show in a place like Toronto. We wanted have taken up the charge, prioritizing
genre imaginable. We’ve had significant to provide an opportunity in the biggest having these voices. I like to think we’ve
success with artists like Tanya Tagaq city in the country. had a small part in that.”
and A Tribe Called Red. They’ve opened When we first started doing The RPM
the door and held it open for a wave of Live Shows [in 2016], there wasn’t any
younger artists to step in. other Indigenous music programming
The work I’ve been doing with RPM happening in a focused way. Fast-forward,
and RPM Live shows in Toronto has and Bear Witness [of A Tribe Called
The goal for me has
always been to normalize
ShoShona Kish of Digging Roots at Lulaworld festival our presence so it’s not an
exceptional thing to have a
crew of Indigenous artists: it’s
something that’s integrated
into the culture of what it
means to live in Toronto.
Jarrett Martineau
SIAN RICHARD (TAFELMUSIK); ANNA ENCHEVA (SHOSHONA KISH); CBC ( JARRETT MARTINEAU)
THE ADVOCATE
JARRETT MARTINEAU, CBC RADIO
HOST, COFOUNDER OF RPM MUSIC
PLATFORM, RECORD LABEL AND
ARTIST COLLECTIVE
Kardinal Offishall
“
T
he first day I went to Ryerson promoter and started knocking on doors
Polytechnical Institute [now of agents and agencies in the U.S.
Ryerson University], I walked It was a struggle at first because they
over to the radio station and got didn’t respect us up here. I had to work THE PIONEER
RON NELSON,
a job. They let me go after a while because really hard to impress them—and send
DJ, BROADCASTER, CONCERT
BOBBY SINGH/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO (K ARDINAL OFFISHALL)
I was playing too much rap. But I kept money in advance. But I had a hidden
PROMOTER AND EDUCATOR
knocking on the door and two months a gend a. In or der for ou r Ca n ad ia n
later they gave me a show and said, ‘Now artists to get recognized, we had to have
you can play the music that you want.’ them open for the A merican artists
Ron Nelson put Toronto on the hip-hop
That was the beginning of the Fantastic that I brought to town. Then have the map, starting in the 1980s with Fantastic
Voyage program. It started out as Black A merican ar tists battle against the Voyage, his influential college radio
urban, R&B, funk and rap. Eventually, as Ca nad ia n a r tists. I had a couple of show. The Toronto scene’s earliest
and most ardent advocate, Nelson
rap got more popular, it became hip-hop events, like ‘Battle of the DJs’ and ‘Battle helped launch the careers of Rumble
and I got credit for that being Canada’s of t he Hu ma n Beat Box ,’ a nd t hose and Strong, Michie Mee and Maestro
first hip-hop show. events proved to be historic: America Fresh Wes. He also booked U.S. stars
Run DMC, Queen Latifah and Public
People listening to the show said, ‘We was recognizing us because of those Enemy, grooming Toronto audiences
want to see these artists in concert.’ battles, and for Monster Jams, which gave for future homegrown talent like Drake,
There wasn’t anyone bringing these smaller Canadian artists the chance to Kardinal Offishall and The Weeknd.
shows to town, so I became a concert qualify to battle.
J
Explore beyond the gleam- ust west of Chinatown, includ ing students f rom British Isles throughout the
ing towers of dow ntow n Kensington Market nearby University of Toronto. 19th century. After 1910, Jewish
Tor ont o a nd you’ l l b e is a charmingly Photographers are drawn to immigrants started moving
rewarded with architecture chaot ic neig hbou rhood of quiet streets filled with the into the neighbourhood, which
that’s as diverse as the city’s i nt er n at ion a l fo o d shops , wares of the greengrocers, dry provided affordable housing
population. Architectural eclectic restaurants, trendy goods dealers, cheese shops, adjacent to the grow ing
appeal, social history, prox- boutiques and cafés—plus a butchers and f ishmongers garment trade along Spadina
imity to other attractions: few vestiges of its circa-’90s who have catered to successive Avenue (now Chinatown).
time for a self-guided tour, punk and indie scene. Vintage waves of immigrants. Ongoing subdivision created
wouldn’t you say? clothing shops rub shoulders Or igina l ly bui lt dur ing the market’s narrow streets,
with music venues and bars, all the 1880s and 1890s, the as well as hidden laneways of
adding to the quirky vibe of the area’s Victorian houses were row houses such as Fitzroy
market, which is frequented occupied by labourers who Terrace and Kensington Place.
by food lovers on a budget, arrived mainly from the A s t he Jew ish com mu n ity
THE AGO
IS A SHORT
STROLL AWAY!
started moving to the suburbs to meet the changing needs to impose architectural order GETTING THERE
RICHARD JANSEN (FITZROY TERRACE, BELLEVUE SQUARE PARK)
from the 1940s through to the of residents. Picture th is: failed, allowing it to develop
Take the College/Carlton 506
1970s, incoming immigrant a business star ts as a car t the patchwork character it streetcar or the Dundas 505
c om mu n it ie s adde d t hei r peddling food or goods in front i s now k now n (a nd love d) streetcar to Spadina Avenue.
own customs. The Portuguese of a home. It grows into a stall for. D iver sit y a nd ch a n ge Or take the Spadina 510 streetcar
immigrants who began that requires an extension— are woven into Kensington to College or Dundas streets.
a r r iv i n g i n t he 1950 s , for built out of whatever materials Market’s DNA; today, its mix
e x a m p l e , i nt r o d u c e d t h e are cheaply and readily includes a sizable number
tradition of painting homes available —to bridge the of grocers specializing
with bright, warm colours. space from sidewalk to porch. i n Ca r ibbea n a nd Lat i n-
K e n s i n g t o n M a r k e t ’s Eventually it f ills the f irst American foods and hipster
centur y-old housing stock floor of the home. While some eateries offering the latest
r e m a i n s , b ut it h a s b e e n of these additions violated food trends.
modif ied over the decades bylaws, attempts by the city
CABBAGETOWN
Regent Park is midway through f lags f lying throughout the
an ambitious 15- to 20-year neighbourhood: its icon is the
Metcalfe Street
humble cabbage, elevated from
epithet to point of pride.
C
abbagetown, just east de c or at ive G ot h ic R e v iv a l
of the downtown core, motifs. Less visible parts of
ga ined its na me f rom each structure were finished STROLL THE
a n i n s u lt d i r e c t e d at 19t h- in inexpensive materials like GREENHOUSE AT
ALLAN GARDENS
centur y Ir ish i m m igra nts stucco, boosting affordability CONSERVATORY
and the vegetables they grew for the original buyers.
TORONTO ISLANDS
F
Y HALL) STREET, WELLESLEY STREET EAST, DACOTAH AVENUE, ALGONQUIN ISLAND, ISLAND CAFÉ)
cottages built from kits sold heyday at the end of the 19th
RICHARD
MIDLAND PARK 1960 Housing Design Council Award Winner, “The Elwood”
A UNIQUE VIEW ON
CANADIAN DINING
Join Executive Chef John Morris and Restaurateur Cameron Dryburgh at 360 The
Restaurant at the CN Tower. Savour inspired Canadian cuisine featuring locally-sourced
seasonal ingredients while feasting on spectacular 360-degree views of Toronto.
With a wide selection of wines from Ontario, Canada and the World to complement
your meal, your fine dining experience at 360 is sure to find you saying, “Oh Canada.”
T
oronto graffiti artist Uber5000’s mural
Longer Nights, Brighter Lights celebrates
winter in the city. “I wanted to focus on the
people in Toronto, so I painted my version of the
Nathan Phillips Square skating rink. It’s a great
metaphor for Toronto: people from all over the
city gather, glide around and enjoy the winter.
It’s an activity that brings people together purely
for fun,” says the artist, aka Allan Ryan. One of
the city’s more prolific street artists, Uber5000
has three large works on display in downtown’s
Graffiti Alley (ground zero for Toronto’s street-
art scene), while his signature yellow bird,
Lucky, pops up on surfaces all over town. A love
of Saturday morning cartoons and their invented
worlds has long influenced his work. Originally
from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Ryan was lured
by Toronto’s larger canvas over a decade ago. He
has since turned his passion for murals into a full-
time gig. “It requires a lot of work and consumes
almost all of my time, but I love it,” he says.
CHECK OUT
LONGER NIGHTS,
BRIGHTER LIGHTS
FOR YOURSELF AT
489 QUEEN ST. W.
Poker Fish
SOUNDS LIKE
TEAM SP RIT
Get in the game with our guide to the rah-rah-rowdy
soundscape of Toronto’s major-league sports events.
BY SINEAD MULHERN
A MILESTONE GOAL
Things get a bit loud 24 minutes into any TFC
home game, as loyal fans take up a chant that
commemorates TFC legend Danny Dichio. The
English player joined Canada’s first Major League
Soccer team in its inaugural year, scoring the
organization’s very first goal nearly 24 minutes
into its May 12, 2007, match against the Chicago
Fire. Then, fans threw seat covers onto the field
in celebration. Now they relive the moment with
a cheer: “Oooooooh Danny Dichio, Danny Dichio,
Danny Dichio, Danny Dichio!”
BMO Field
“GO, LEAFS
drum beat twice, respond with a
single clap while shouting “Hey!”
Stay focused as each repetition
“WE THE
resounding through
the streets around
NORTH!”
BMO Field.
THE ROCK
Rock games feature a constant
WOLFPACK
Raise a cheer with superfan musical soundtrack, keeping the mood
Nav Bhatia, who sits courtside. Originally written by the players upbeat. Join any eruptions of
Bhatia hasn’t missed a Raptors themselves, the fight song “Wolfpack’s on Fire!” “Go, Rock go!” whenever it’s time
home game in 23 years. has been adopted by the rugby team’s fervent fans. to give the athletes a boost.
SURROUND SOUND
Toronto athletes say local fans are a Nick Rose, Toronto Rock goalie,
wonderfully noisy bunch. “There’s remembers a 2017 home game when a
no better feeling than the sound of defensive player’s solo effort resulted Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Raptors
fans cheering for you,” says TFC’s in a goal. “I specifically remember the HOME VENUE HOME VENUE
Jonathan Osorio, a born-and-raised fans watching the replay and going SCOTIABANK ARENA SCOTIABANK ARENA
LEAGUE LEAGUE
Torontonian. “I’ve never won a champi- crazy. That gave us a lot of momentum,”
NATIONAL HOCKEY NATIONAL BASKETBALL
onship anywhere else, but I imagine it he says. LEAGUE (NHL) ASSOCIATION (NBA)
wouldn’t be as great as it is in Toronto.” Toronto Rock lacrosse games are REGULAR SEASON REGULAR SEASON
(The TFC won the 2017 MLS Cup and unique for featuring a constant music SEPT TO APR OCT TO APR
COURTESY OF ATLANTIC RECORDS (“HUSTLE & MOTIVATE”/NIPSEY HUSSLE); UNIVERSAL RECORDS (“HERE COMES THE BOOM”/NELLY);
the 2018 Canadian Championships on soundtrack. Rose says Canadian tunes
DREAMVILLE/ROC NATION INTERSCOPE (“ATM”/J.COLE); VALORY/ BIG MACHINE RECORDS (“THE WEEKEND”/BRANTLEY GILBERT)
their home pitch, BMO Field.) stoke the team: “Any thing by The
Toronto LEAGUE
Torontonians are savvy too—as is Tragically Hip— that gets me pumped RUGBY FOOTBALL
Wolfpack
obvious from crowd noise levels, says up. And if Drake comes on… obviously HOME VENUE
LEAGUE (RFL)
Connor Brown, Toronto Maple Leafs he’s a big ambassador of Toronto. The LAMPORT
REGULAR SEASON
APR TO SEPT
right winger. Fans react loudly to boys like him a lot!” STADIUM
Shopping Centre.
Trip festival-ready
brands of Yorkdale
Embrace your inner
bohemian with Field
TORONTO 2019
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GABOR JURINA
that hit every fashion high note.
LUXURY
Yorkdale Shopping Centre presents luxe looks
Shot on location at Toronto’s Royal Conservatory of Music,
LOOKBOOK
LEFT: FRAME DENIM SHORTS, HOLT RENFREW. CHLOÉ BLOUSE, HOLT RENFREW. SMYTHE BLAZER (AROUND WAIST), HOLT RENFREW. BIKER JACKET, ALLSAINTS. THIGH-HIGH BOOTS,
JIMMY CHOO. CENTRE: TANK, ALLSAINTS. JEANS, ZADIG & VOLTAIRE. CHRISTOPHER BATES JACKET, EXCLUSIVELY AT NORDSTROM. BOOTS, ZADIG & VOLTAIRE. BELT, ZADIG & VOLTAIRE.
RIGHT: ULLA JOHNSON DRESS, HOLT RENFREW. BOOTS, ZADIG & VOLTAIRE. BAG, ALLSAINTS.
ST YLING BY ZEINA ESMAIL (P1M). HAIR AND MAKEUP BY GREG WENCEL AND NEIL SILVERMAN (BOTH P1M). MODELS: ELOHO (B&M MODELS), JAC (SUTHERLAND MODELS), NATASHA (B&M MODELS).
LEFT: BOSS TUX, HARRY ROSEN. RIGHT: GRETA CONSTANTINE DRESS, EXCLUSIVELY AT NORDSTROM. SHOES, JIMMY CHOO. JENNY BIRD JEWELRY, NORDSTROM.
GALA
GLAMOUR
Sophisticated,
modern and
classic: find your
black-tie look here.
From updos to
Jimmy Choos,
count on the shops
and services of
Yorkdale Shopping
Centre when
prepping for your
next big event.
46
WORK IT
Shopping Centre is
or creative, Yorkdale
Own the boardroom
TORONTO 2019
LEFT: BOSS PANTS, SHIRT, SWEATER, HUGO BOSS. JACKET, ALLSAINTS. BOSS SHOES, HARRY ROSEN. CENTRE: CALVIN KLEIN SWEATER AND BLAZER, NORDSTROM. SKIRT, PINK TARTAN.
GIVENCHY BAG, HOLT RENFREW. JENNY BIRD BANGLES, NORDSTROM. SHOES, JIMMY CHOO. RIGHT: DRESS, TORY BURCH. JENNY BIRD NECKLACE, NORDSTROM. SHOES, JIMMY CHOO.
BAG, MULBERRY.
LEFT: KENZO SHORTS AND RED TOP, HOLT RENFREW. BLAZER, PINK TARTAN. SNEAKERS, TORY BURCH. RIGHT: JACKET AND SKIRT, PINK TARTAN. ALEXANDER WANG HOODIE,
HOLT RENFREW. ALEXANDER MCQUEEN SNEAKERS, NORDSTROM. JENNY BIRD RINGS, NORDSTROM.
AT YOUR
Hit the city in
from Yorkdale
Set the pace in
upscale-casual
go the distance.
sporty looks that
Shopping Centre.
labels and brands
(ATH)LEISURE
Yorkdale Shopping Centre is Canada’s most With a lineup of tempting eateries and chic
prestigious shopping centre. Its 250+ stores cafés; special tourist privileges and services like
hold the country’s largest collection of fashion valet parking and personal styling; plus payment
labels and luxury brands. Seeing the sights here options that include UnionPay, WeChat Pay and
means Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Jimmy AliPay, everything is designed to make shopping
Choo, Nordstrom, Moncler, Burberry and beyond. even more enjoyable.
More than the best-loved designer names, you’ll
YOU CAN SEE WHY YORKDALE IS CALLED THE
discover the best of all possibilities in fashion,
CENTRE OF STYLE—IT’S TORONTO’S MOST
decor and tech, from Nike to Drake’s OVO, RH
FASHIONABLE DESTINATION.
Gallery to Apple, and Tiffany to Tesla.
Discover Yorkdale.com
CITY CONFIDENTIAL
TECH APPEAL
A bold startup culture and unbeatable urban energy have
transformed Toronto into a leading tech hotspot.
BY CAMILLA CORNELL
Not long ago, CEO Mike Silagadze HQ T.O. MaRS Discovery District
uprooted his 15-employee business and With its startup-friendly culture, deep
moved it to Toronto, 100 kilometres down talent pool, diversity and exceptional
the highway from its original location. standard of living, Toronto has grown into
S i l a g a d z e h a d c o f o u n d e d To p H at , a global tech hub. “A lot of international
a cloud-based teaching platform for higher talent is relocating to Toronto because
education, in a small university city known it’s such a welcoming place,” says Chris
for its quality tech programs. While there R ickett , ma nager, entrepreneursh ip
was no shortage of tech grads to snap services for the City of Toronto.
up, as Top Hat grew (it was named 2017 The Greater Toronto Area created nearly
Canadian Startup of the Year by online 30,000 tech jobs—more than the Bay Area,
tech-industry news hub Techvibes), it Seattle and Washington, D.C., combined in
needed to fill engineering, sales, finance 2017 (the most recent data at press time).
and marketing positions. In a world where borders seem at once
Location became a stumbling block: more permeable yet more fractious than
“It was challenging for us to hire talent ever, Canada is recognized internationally
f r om a ny ot he r dom a i n a s ide f r om for its safety, stability and welcoming
technology,” says Silagadze. “Most people business environment, topping global
are interested in living in a big city with quality-of-life rankings year after year.
lots of opportunity.” Toronto beckoned Toronto, as the country’s most populous
with “a ton of different things to offer, from a nd d iverse city, is its f ina ncia l a nd
great restaurants to sporting activities and cultural heart. As Mayor John Tory puts it,
other outdoor activities within driving “There is no other region in North America
distance of the city,” says Silagadze. that can boast the same talent, the same
Another selling point: the Greater Toronto quality of life, the same vibrancy and
Area’s relative affordability compared with economic strength.” From film festivals
American tech hotspots like San Francisco to NBA games to chilling by the lake with
and New York. This quality-of-life issue is a matcha latte in hand, this dynamic city
central when recruiting from the U.S., says of 2.9 million is where the action is. And
Silagadze. Today, Top Hat’s employee count that’s something the tech world is eager
is more than 320—and growing. to invest in, from giants like Google and the downtown power corridor of hospitals,
Amazon to small startups like Top Hat. busi nesses a nd u n iver sity l abs t hat
surround it as well as across Canada. The
READY TO START creative sector, meanwhile, boosts its fresh
Startups have become as ubiquitous as talent via entities like the Toronto Fashion
food trucks, thanks to the city’s numerous Incubator (which supports up-and-coming
incubators, accelerators and hubs. These designers), Ryerson University’s DMZ (a
suppor t ser v ices focus on nur tur ing world-leading accelerator that has helped
f ledgling enterprises in a wide range over 350 startups and raised $477.2 million
of fields, including medicine, financial in funding among them since its launch in
services, food processing, the creative 2010), and the Canadian Music Theatre
TOP HAT (MIKE SILAGADZE)
TORONTO’S
with attracting international investment.
“And you don’t have to march off to the
BLOCK
bank to remortgage your house to pay for it.
Christy Moorhead, COO of nonprofit The Rumie Initiative Higher education is accessible,” he explains.
(CHAIN)
PARTY
Toronto has become a global leader in
blockchain technology. Most famously
utilised in cryptocurrency, blockchain
is a decentralized digital ledger that
records transactions (blocks) in order
(a chain), preventing transactions
from being retroactively altered.
Blockchain’s potential applications
include maintaining the integrity
of health care records and ensuring
stable retail supply chains. Between
the Toronto Stock Exchange (which
lists more blockchain companies than
any other global stock exchange) and
the local invention of the Ethereum
cryptocurrency platform by Vitalik
Buterin (the second-largest digital
currency after Bitcoin), Toronto leads
the way adopting this technology.
MAXIMUM
VOLUME
Check out these venues where the world’s
biggest stars come to play. BY SARAH LISS
Intimate venues have their stadium. The project was spear- was floored: larger mixed-use According to Kinack,
place, but when it comes to headed by the Toronto Raptors venues can be a mixed bag in Scotiabank Arena’s acoustics
experiencing a blowout con- organization and the arena’s terms of quality of set-up, but make it the natural choice
cert, bigger is better. From inaugural event was a Toronto Scot iaba n k A rena boa st ed for a s t ad iu m r o ck s how.
ma m moth stad iums to a Maple Leafs home game. But state-of-the-art everything, Rock occupies a sonic mid-
sprawling lakefront amphithe- t w o d a y s l at e r, l e g e n d a r y from band load-in and access dle ground—not too bassy,
atre, here’s the story behind Canadian band The Tragically (which signif icantly affects not too mel low— superbly
t h r e e of Tor ont o’s bi g gest Hip helped christen the venue’s efficiency) to rigging (the hoists, suited to the venue, ma x i-
music venues. shiny new sound system, and lifts and booms involved in the mizing fidelity and punchi-
the results defied expectations. production of a show). ness. Although venues of this
SCOTIABANK
Marty Kinack, a longtime For a FOH engineer whose size (Scotiabank Arena spans
s ou nd t e ch n ic i a n who h a s responsibility is perfecting over 60,000 square metres
ARENA
collaborated with local musical the auditory experience for the with a maximum capacity of
heroes Sarah Harmer, Hayden audience, being able to spread 19,800) can be a challenge in
Theoretically, there’s no reason and Broken Socia l Scene, out is a boon—and Kinack says terms of consistent sound,
the Scotiabank Arena should was the f irst front of house the amount of space he had to Kinack says speaker upgrades
sound as good as it does. The (FOH) engineer to work in the work with was outstanding. over the past decade have
cavernous space, which opened space. K inack m i xed aud io Not only that, he says, but “the addressed that issue, result-
in February 1999 (as the Air for the Toronto indie band By designers and architects paid ing in enhanced clarity from
Canada Centre) was envisioned, Divine Right, who opened for special attention to the sound of the floor all the way to the top-
first and foremost, as a sports the Hip that evening. Kinack the venue, and it shows.” row budget seats.
ROGERS
the assigned-seating section are open to the sky. This means opting for budget seats. If you’re
ensure folks sitting on the lawn Clark and his associates had to not fully committed to either
CENTRE
can see fancy fretwork, too. be strategic, masterminding approach, Rogers Centre is a
The Budweiser Stage has a “d i s t r i b u t e d d e s i g n” o f venue where audiophiles may
featured ever yone f rom With its trademark retractable smaller, higher-end speakers want to stick to the middle of
Drake to Kelly Clarkson to domed roof, the home stadium and a Tetris-like configuration the road. “As with many sports
Bob Dylan—the latter of whom o f t h e To r o n t o B l u e J a y s of a mplif iers and w ires, to buildings, the best sound is
was performing the first time became a def ining element cut the travel time between in the mid-priced seats,” says
Juno Award-winning singer- of the Toronto skyline when loudspeakers and ears. Clark, who says this tip can
song w r iter Serena Ryder, it opened in June 1989. That Otherwise, fans would notice b e a pp l ie d t o c o mp a r a b l y
then 17, attended a show there. roof, which inspired the sound delays while watching sized stadiums.
“What I loved about it was the venue’s original name—the the Jumbotron.
IGOR VIDYASHEV (SERENA RYDER/BUDWEISER STAGE); ALAMY (ROGERS CENTRE)
different levels, and that the SkyDome—quickly transforms This calculated approach
grassy area was communal stadium events from breezy helped facilitate acoustically
and felt like a folk festival you and alfresco to cozy and self- rich performances from
could wander around,” says contained, depending on the megastars like Taylor Swift,
Ryder, whose most recent weather. It a lso mea ns the Beyoncé (w ith and w ithout
performance there was with Rogers Centre’s house sound Jay-Z), Guns N’ Roses, Bruce
Blue Rodeo in summer 2018. system has to be agile enough Springsteen, Bon Jovi and The
The Budweiser Stage has a to adapt to d ra matica l ly Rolling Stones. Performers’
capacity of 16,000 and a rock different acoustics. sound crews enhance the
’n’ roll pedigree that runs even According to Dave Clark, who Rogers Centre’s assets with
deeper than its foundations. was the lead project designer setups tailored to their sound,
T he venue was constr uct- for Engineering Harmonics, whether that’s bluesy guitar
ed between 1994 a nd 1995 the Toronto-based audiovisual riffs, the soaring sustained
on the site of the old Ontario consulting firm that developed notes of a triumphant pop vocal
Place Forum, a much-loved the venue’s sound system, the chorus or the rumbling bass
band shell whose rotating Rogers Centre is “cavernous, end of a tight hip-hop break.
Taylor Swift,
stage hosted iconic acts from w ith 60,000 seats w rapped Ma ny concer tgoer s have
Rogers Centre
Blondie to James Brown to The around 360 degrees.” Unlike specific seating preferences:
N
o matter how much you love your Argonauts hold the record for the a historic building
offspring, there’s only so many most championship Grey Cup wins. not far from
animatronic critters a parent can (Arrive early to join their new Scotiabank
bear. Plan your next escape around activ- in-stadium tailgate section.) The Arena’s
ities everyone will love. Here are itinerar- Toronto Football Club (TFC) home ice,
ies for every interest. boasts many Canadian cham- the HHOF
pionships. Or catch the Rock honours
FOR SPORTS FANATICS (National Lacrosse League) or Canada’s
Toronto is home to Canada’s Wolfpack (British Rugby official
only NBA and MLB teams, Football League) for national
the Raptors and the Blue their fan friendliness. winter sport.
Jays. So catch a game… Make a pilgrimage Take a selfie with
or several! The Canadian to the Hockey Hall of the Stanley Cup. Try
Football League’s Fame (HHOF). Housed in scoring against Carey Price or shut out
PLAY IT
COOL
From DJ skate nights to unique rinks
and trails, lace up for hot urban skating
experiences at the coolest public rinks.
BY DANIELA PAYNE
ANDREY VASILIEV (SK ATES), ADRIEN COQUET (SHELTER), BOMSYMBOLS (DRINK AND BURGER),
ATIF ARSHAD (ICE SK ATE) – ALL FROM NOUN PROJECT; DENISE MILITZER (THE BENTWAY)
Gage Park The Bentway Skate Trail
Visit kegsteakhouse.com
to find a location near you
FOOD & DRINK
DON’T MISS
PRE-DINNER
COCKTAILS IN
ALEX A FERNANDO/BAR RAVAL
VEGAN
REVOLUTION
Plant-based menus are in full bloom as Torontonians embrace
the city’s freshest culinary trend.
BY LIORA IPSUM PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICHARD JANSEN
Awai’s sunchoke-amaretto
tortellini with pea-basil foam
LAYING ROOTS
Nowhere is the city’s embrace of the plant-
based lifestyle more obvious than in the
west-end community of Parkdale, where a Rosalinda, Rosalinda’s Punta Rosa cocktail
cluster of vegan restaurants have adopted
the nickname Vegandale. OMNIVOROUS ALLIES
The herbivore hub is concentrated within As vegan dining catches on, acclaimed chefs have begun trading cream for cashew milk
a few city blocks and includes a namesake and steaks for celeriac. Celebrated Toronto chef Grant van Gameren, for instance, built
brewery, in addition to outlets slinging his reputation with meaty charcuterie spreads and seafood conservas at his hotspots
plant-based pizza (Prohibition Pie), com- Bar Isabel and Bar Raval, but the menu at his latest restaurant, Rosalinda, is entirely
fort foods (Mythology Diner), Danish baked absent of animal products.
goods (Copenhagen), ice cream (Not Your Situated in the Financial District, the vegan Mexican cantina helmed by chefs Kate
Mother, or just NYM for short) and junk Chomyshyn and Julio Guajardo may even convert carnivores with its mouthwatering
AJ FERNANDO (ROSALINDA)
food like meatless “Big Macs” (Doomie’s). assortment of jackfruit pibil tacos and roasted cauliflower tostadas.
Vegandale’s masterminds also organize an “A substitute for meat has always been bold flavours. So it was a perfect match when we
eponymous annual food festival held on the chose to do vegan food inspired by Mexican cuisine,” says self-professed carnivore van
grounds of Fort York National Historic Site. Gameren. “What surprised me was that, yes, we can serve an entire vegan meal to a meat
The festival attracts vendors—and eaters— eater without them feeling like they’re missing anything.”
from across Canada and the U.S.
Planta
OPEN INDIGENOUS +
FIRST NATIONS
KITCHENS
Toronto diners are embracing the culinary
The First Nations are the largest group of
Indigenous people, the original inhabitants
of the land now known as Canada. There are
approximately 634 First Nations communities
across Canada, speaking over 50 distinct
traditions of two local cultures, old and new. languages. Canada’s other Indigenous groups
BY DEBORAH REID PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICHARD JANSEN are the Inuit (who reside in Northern Canada)
and the Métis (who have mixed Indigenous
and European ancestry).
INDIGENOUS FLAVOURS
“We have a strong group of First Nations des Mille Lacs First Nation near Northern
chefs who are putting Indigenous food on Ontario’s city of Thunder Bay. As a young
the map in Toronto,” says Shawn Adler, boy, he went to powwows with his mother,
chef-owner of Kensington Market’s Pow and that’s where he first had “Indian tacos.”
Wow Cafe. With a new wave of Indigenous- Made with golden crisp fry bread, spicy beef
helmed restaurants drawing diners to chili and all the fixings, they became the
different ends of the city, the cuisine is inspiration for his restaurant. Toppings like
finally getting its due, thanks in no small pickerel and venison stew speak to his roots,
part to its tantalizing combination of locally as does his sourcing: “Our whitefish comes
sourced, seasonal ingredients (often from from Nipissing First Nation, and the wild
Indigenous purveyors), traditional dishes rice comes from Curve Lake First Nation.
and a nod here and there to Toronto’s I use Indigenous-sourced ingredients as
eclectic multicultural flavours. This runs much as possible,” he says. But chef Adler
parallel to Canadians’ growing interest also embraces flavours born of Toronto’s
in the history and cultural traditions of cultural diversity, such as jerk chicken and
the Indigenous communities that have smoked pulled pork. His presentations are
inhabited the region for millennia. beautiful—each dish is finished with tender
Chef Adler is Anishinaabe, from the Lac greens and colourful edible flower petals. Chef Shawn Adler of Pow Wow Cafe
Soufi’s za’atar
with veggies
man’ousheh
Soufi’s
than at Crown Pastries. Rasoul and Ismail tomato and meat sauce. Crisp and delicious,
Salha came to the city as refugees in 2009, they’re folded in half and enjoyed with ayran,
leaving behind a sweets store in Aleppo that a drink of salted yogurt. For the sweet tooth,
had been in their family for generations. there’s the classic pastry, knafeh, made from
The two brothers spent six years working finely shredded dough that sandwiches a
EWCOMER
N and saving their money, and in 2015 opened
the shop in the heart of the Middle Eastern
layer of akawi, a fresh cheese. It’s baked until
golden and crisp and saturated with fragrant
CUISINE
community on a stretch of Lawrence Avenue orange blossom syrup.
East in Sca rborough. Inside a golden, Al-Souhi is plugged into the tastes of
glistening display of sweets like baklava her generation and offers the increasingly
and assabeh, crispy almond and phyllo de rigueur vegan options: “Our location
In 2015, Canada opened its arms to refugees rolls are meticulously arranged on trays. means we have diverse customers who
fleeing war in Syria. Many would settle in There are coconut macaroons as light as a have never tried Syrian food and they’re
Toronto, bringing with them a rich culture. cloud (and almost as big), and cheese-filled interested in the food and culture,” she
Buoyed by the success of suppers hosted sweets soaked in rosewater syrup. Crown says. “It’s been so positive and welcoming.”
by newcomers at churches that sponsored Pastries offers expats a nostalgia trip for
them, Syrians began opening restaurants eyes and palate: “We built it to look exactly
like Beroea. It operates out of a repurposed like bakeries back home, and it’s such a good
shipping container at Market 707 on the feeling to see the response,” says Rasoul.
outskirts of Chinatown, where you’ll find And then there are the young upstarts,
traditional dishes like yabrak, grape leaves like Jala Al-Souhi, who, with the backing of
filled with beef and rice. Depanneur is a her family, opened up Soufi’s in the heart
funky restaurant that plays host to chef-led of hip Queen Street West. The 24-year-old,
dinners and events and became famous for its who grew up spending summers in Homs,
Newcomer Kitchen. On Wednesdays, Syrian Syria, keeps things simple, selling two classic
women cook communal meals that the public Syrian street food snacks, manaeesh and
can order and pick up to take home. knafeh. The former is a pizza-like flatbread
But it’s the sweets that have really seduced served with a variety of toppings like za’atar
Torontonians, and nowhere are they better (a thyme and sesame seed spice blend) or a Chef Jala Al-Souhi of Soufi’s
Spirited wine tours, tasting rooms and music festivals PEC is a culinary hotspot on the rise. The bounty of
shoot new energy into this historic region. Antiques, The County has inspired an influx of craft brewers,
spas and the annual Shaw Festival are strong draws. cheesemakers, restaurants and boutique B&Bs.
*TIP Vintners Quality Alliance Ontario (VQA) monitors the province’s appellation of origin system, ensuring high standards for Ontario wines.
MIX
MASTERS
Stirred, shaken, smoked and sparked, these cocktails
are #lit with just the right amount of spectacle.
BY SIMONE OLIVERO PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX LUKEY
68 TORONTO 2019
FOOD ST YLING BY ASHLEY DENTON, PROP ST YLING BY MATTHEW MADEIROS, BOTH JUDY INC.
2019 TORONTO 69
COMPASS
DON’T MISS
HIKING ROUGE
NATIONAL
URBAN PARK’S
MONARCH TRAIL
ISHKHAN GHAZARIAN
THERE’S MORE
TO BRAMPTON
13
11
MISSISSAUGA HAS
MORE TO OFFER
LOCAL
CHARACTER
Toronto is a city of dynamic neighbourhoods, each with its own
unique character. Some communities predate the modern city,
while others are so new the cement sidewalks have barely set.
What they all share are friendly faces, welcoming vibes and unique
discoveries. So hop on the streetcar, hail a cab, rent a bike or lace
up your walking shoes—we’ve got a lot to show you!
TORONTO IS TALLER MORE
THAN YOU THINK SCARBOROUGH
THIS WAY
10
7
2
1
6
3
5 9 UPTOWN
Explore Toronto’s heritage
and green space, with cultural
attractions and food.
10 SCARBOROUGH
The east is filled with
surprises, from the sprawling
zoo to the best ethnic food.
1 CITY CENTRE 6 EASTSIDE
The central business district Ethnic enclaves, delicious 11 ETOBICOKE
heats up the urban core with food and a hip up-and-coming This quiet, park-filled area
its busy, buzzy vibe. vibe can be found in shines with natural attractions
4 WESTSIDE Toronto’s east end. and restaurants.
2 MIDTOWN Trendy, dynamic and open
Leafy streets and cultural late, here’s where locals 7 DON VALLEY 12 BRAMPTON
attractions beckon in the head to have a good time. Head north to uncover Discover and savour this
area surrounding the Toronto’s hidden natural exciting and growing
University of Toronto. 5 WATERFRONT attractions and cultural gems. multicultural city.
& TORONTO ISLANDS
3 OLD TOWN Arts, culture and million- 8 HIGH PARK 13 MISSISSAUGA
The roots of modern dollar views combine Go west for family-friendly This vibrant city offers
Toronto start here, in the along the beautiful Lake restaurants, shopping trendy shopping and
city’s historic heart. Ontario waterfront. and parks galore. delicious dining.
City Centre
Energetic. Occasionally frenetic.
The pace of City Centre appeals to people
on the go who want to make the most of their
urban getaway.
CN Tower and
Rogers Centre
Yonge-Dundas Square
DON’T MISS
v T he Toronto Symphony v The Raptors at Scotiabank
Orchestra performing Arena (formerly Air Canada
at Roy Thomson Hall Centre) or the Blue Jays
v Shopping at CF Toronto at Rogers Centre
Eaton Centre v Film fever during the
v Strolling among the stars Toronto International Film
on Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival and year-round
v A Broadway-style musical at a at the TIFF Bell Lightbox
Mirvish Productions theatre v A spectacular production by
v The CN Tower, Ripley’s the Canadian Opera Company
Aquarium of Canada and at the Four Seasons Centre
the revitalized Union Station for the Performing Arts
GAYBOURHOOD
is the Church-Wellesley Statlers, Boutique Bar) and bar-bookstore-café that’s
neighbourhood, aka The gay-friendly pubs (O’Grady’s especially popular with
WATCH
Village. It’s Canada’s largest and The Churchmouse) are students and the trans
LGBTQ gaybourhood and has on Church Street, and open community. There’s also
been the hub of Toronto’s to all. For queer theatre the defacto LGBTQ
While Toronto is a diverse city
queer culture since the 1970s. and literary entertainment, community centre, The 519.
where LGBTQ visitors are welcome
Our most popular LGBTQ there’s Buddies in Bad
everywhere, the starting point
bars (Woody’s, Black Eagle, Times Theatre and Other gaybourhoods have
for many/most LGBTQ visitors
Crews & Tango, Pegasus, Glad Day Bookshop, a sprouted up outside the
Gardiner Museum
DON’T MISS
v Dinosaurs, a bat cave
and unsurpassed collections
of Asian art, architecture
and artifacts at the Royal
downtown core, namely in vibe at the hipster-friendly “Lesbianville”), where waves In summer months, droves
Queen Street West, where Gladstone and Drake hotels, of LGBTQ folks have of LGBTQ folks board the
many shops and restaurants and at cafés and restos renovated starter homes. Toronto Island ferry to
proudly sport rainbow- throughout Liberty Village. But rest assured east-enders Hanlan’s Point, where a
coloured “Queer St. West” like to party, especially at clothing-optional beach for
street signs. In addition to There’s a more laid-back WAYLA Bar (great karaoke!) naturists of all types is situ-
LGBTQ establishments like vibe on Queen Street East in and the gay-friendly Irish ated along a stretch of sunny
The Beaver bar and café, Leslieville (known to some by pub Roy Bar. shore. Bring sunscreen!
there’s a queer-positive, artsy the tongue-in-cheek moniker – Doug O’Neill
Old Town The birthplace of Toronto, this central locale includes the
original 10 blocks that comprised the Town of York. The historic
St. Lawrence Market zone brims with beautiful architecture and
Historic Old Town is a unique an eponymous food market, considered one of the best in the world.
celebration of Toronto’s past, while A short walk from here is The Distillery Historic District, an
forward-thinking design shops and an innovative artsy enclave of galleries and cafés housed within Canada’s largest
skate park add a contemporary feel. complex of Victorian-era industrial architecture. Corktown, also
part of this community, is home to unique indie shops and cafés.
Westside
Hipsters, artists and young profes- Eclectic Kensington Market, where I’ve
sionals form the main demographic of Westside. lived for 13 years, is predictably unpredictable,
especially in terms of the food I can buy here:
Trendy eateries, cafés and live-music venues are dried sumac from Northern Ontario, callaloo
plentiful—big-box stores are not. from Jamaica, shishito peppers from Asia.
My favourite grocery shop? It’s a three-way
tie between Sanagan’s Meat Locker, Blackbird
This trendy part of town is DON’T MISS Baking Co., and House of Spice.
where you’ll find some of the v T he western section of the
city’s hottest haunts, including waterfront’s Martin Agatha Podgorski
Queen Street West, with its Goodman Trail: perfect for
clubs, cafés, restaurants, bar a run or bike ride
scene and street-art hotspot v T he chic dining and nightlife
Graffiti Alley. Popular scene of King Street West
Ossington Village beckons v T he hip College Street vibe
with its hipster craft-cocktail around Little Italy, where
bars, as does the patio-heavy Chinatown
@BRYANLIMY (FLATIRON); JOSEPH MONTEMURRO (AGO); @NADREAM70 (CHINATOWN)
Waterfront &
Toronto Islands
The Waterfront boasts a laid-back, up-and-
coming ambience with more to explore, thanks
to years of successful urban revitalization
efforts. Ditto for the Toronto Islands’ beaches
and car-free roads.
Sherbourne Common
Harbourfront
Eastside
It won’t take long for multicultural
Eastside to charm you with foods and tradi-
tions from Greece, India, Ireland and others.
Riverdale Park
Don Valley
Based around the Don River,
this relaxed and outdoorsy region is
home to brunch-y neighbourhoods, beautiful
public gardens and family-friendly cultural
attractions galore.
@ALEX ANDRAMACK22 (AGA KHAN MUSEUM); ONTARIO SCIENCE CENTRE (SCIENCE CENTRE)
East and north of City Centre, DON’T MISS Evergreen Brick Works is a really
the Don Valley region is verdant v Quaint Riverdale Farm, pleasant place to spend an afternoon,
and peaceful. It’s host to with its heritage-breed hens, especially on a sunny day. You can buy a
historic Cabbagetown, where pigs, goats and cows good coffee and pastry and stroll around.
mom-and-pop shops share the v T he locavore food, It’s a much-appreciated respite from the
streetscape with multicultural farmers’ market and winter busy city. In the winter there is ice skating
restaurants and cafés. skating rink at Evergreen and in the summer, farmers’ markets
Bring a book and hunker down Brick Works and artisan markets are a fun draw.
in a cozy tea shop or find a v Islamic artifacts and fine arts There’s something for everyone.
tranquil spot in a leafy park. at the expansive Aga Khan
Niall McGee
Museum, with its beautifully
photogenic grounds
v Hands-on scientific discovery
for the kids at the Ontario
Science Centre
v Seasonal blooms at Edwards
Gardens and the Toronto
Botanical Gardens
Uptown
PAIGE LINDSAY (THE JUNCTION); ALAMY (HIGH PARK); TORONTO CENTRE FOR THE ARTS (TORONTO CENTRE FOR THE ARTS)
Scarborough
From breathtaking natural
attractions to appetite-whetting food
options, this east-end enclave is worth
the drive or public transit commute.
CLIFTON LI (ZOO); CIT Y OF TORONTO (GUILD PARK AND GARDENS); KHRISTEL STECHER (WOODBINE RACETRACK)
Etobicoke
Ethnically rich areas (with authentic
restaurants) and family-friendly entertainment
complexes woo visitors eager for retail therapy
and the chance to explore new neighbourhoods.
Have you seen the most spectacular views in Toronto from our brand new LookOut Level?
Have you delighted in our award-winning cuisine at 360 Restaurant, boldly walked on our
Glass Floor, or experienced EdgeWalk, the world’s highest hands-free outdoor walk 116
stories up? If you haven’t, then your most awesome Toronto day ever is coming up.
SOLD HERE Purchase Tickets / Plan Your Visit / Reservations / cntower.ca
16
2019
2
Pla
n yo
ttc. ur trip at
ca
* The 900 Airport Express leaves from Kipling Station. Approximate travel
time is based on a 30-minute subway ride from Bloor-Yonge to Kipling
and a 15-minute bus ride to the airport.
COMPASS
BRAMPTON
From adventures in outdoor
sports to immersion in arts
and culture, Flower City is
the place to enjoy it all.
BY SARAH B. HOOD
CHRISTINA DE MELO (ROSE THEATRE); TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORIT Y (HEART LAKE)
n o v e l i s t R o h i nt o n M i s t r y, s i n g e r -
songwriter Keshia Chanté, actors Michael
Cera and Scott Lale, and watercolour
artist Jack Reid.
Nearby, Peel Art Gallery, Museum and
Archives—better known as PAMA—is a
vital and multifaceted space housed in
historic buildings that once served as a
courthouse, registry office and jail. PAMA
presents contemporary art exhibitions,
hosts museum ex h ibits on topics as
wide ranging as sports and fashion, and
showcases local history and culture in all
its forms.
Brampton’s diverse cultural makeup and
its robust South Asian population bring a
wealth of international programming,
particularly in the area of cinema. The
city hosts components of the exhilarating
BMO International Film Festival of
South Asia (IFFSA) (May 2019). The nearly
two-week-long celebration, which has
quickly grown into the largest South Asian
Heart Lake Conservation Area
film festival in North America, includes
MUST-TRY
BRAMPTON
ATTRACTIONS
1
international feature film screenings, as well Area draws bird-watchers and horseback
as documentaries and short films, plus a full riders, while Eldorado Park is a family
lineup of parties, concerts, workshops and favourite for its outdoor swimming pool Treetop climbs and zip lines
beckon adrenaline lovers at
seminars across the Greater Toronto Area. and picnic areas. Or fish, paddle or hike the Treetop Trekking Brampton
trails at Heart Lake Conservation Area. in the pretty Heart Lake
OUTDOOR FUN Dona ld M . G ordon Chinguacousy Conservation Area.
The splendour of nature isn’t hard to find Park, at Central Park Drive and Queen
in Flower City: just head to a local park.
Brampton’s winter wonderland is Gage
Street East, offers an astonishing array of
facilities for active fun: year-round tennis,
2
Enjoy shopping galore at
Park, located at the southwest corner of beach volleyball, mini-putt golf, formal Bramalea City Centre.
It’s one of Canada’s
Main Street South and Wellington Street gardens, paddleboats, a petting zoo, a largest malls with more
West. Visitors and residents make the BMX/skateboard park and a snow hill for than 300 shops and
most of the chilly season by gliding on the skiing, snowboarding and inner tubing— services, anchored by
Hudson’s Bay. The mall has
picturesque ice trail alongside the trees, just to name a few. Professor’s Lake, a
CIT Y OF BRAMPTON (GAGE PARK); IFFSA (IFFSA); TREETOP TREKKING BRAMPTON (TREETOP TREKKING)
4
Historic Bovaird House
is a 19th-century
farmhouse preserved as a
fascinating museum—with
a haunted nursery!
Tempting handmade
craftworks are on offer at
the gift shop, and locals
adore the Mother’s Day tea
and Victorian Christmas
open house and gift sale.
IFFSA
MISSISSAUGA
browse charming boutiques. Wander
Streetsville Village Square on Main
Street for a pretty promenade and a
canopied space for public celebrations.
For more than 40 years, the Streetsville
Old-world charm blends with big-city vibes Founders’ Bread and Honey Festival
in Canada’s sixth-largest city. (first weekend in June 2019), named in
honour of the local mills and apiaries, has
been the community’s benchmark family
C olos s a l s t r e et pa r t ie s , t r ad it ion a l Here, the beautifully revitalized 6.6-acre outing, loved for its petting zoo, musical
fe s t i v a l s g a lo r e a nd e pic s hoppi n g Mississauga Celebration Square is home performances, carnival rides and popular
awa it you i n Mississauga, Toronto’s to more than 150 free festivals, public Bread and Honey Parade.
bustling neighbour. Home to Toronto performances and activities annually. This
Pe a r s on I nt er n at ion a l A i r p or t a nd state-of-the art multimedia destination BUSTLING PORT CREDIT
about 4 0 m i nutes west of Un ion includes an amphitheatre and an inter- Fo r a r e l a x i n g r e t r e a t w i t h i n t h e
S t at i o n b y t r a i n , t h e c it y at t r a c t s active water fountain that becomes the city, discover the lakefront village of
v isitors look ing for la kef ront v iews, city’s largest free outdoor skating rink Port Credit. This pedestrian-friendly
decadent dining and leisurely strolls. each winter. enclave has restaurants, boutiques and a
T he A r t G a l ler y of M i s si s sau ga scenic boardwalk.
THE CITY CENTRE is a free public gallery located inside At Port Credit Memorial Park, the annual
Early settlement hugged the lakeshore, Mississauga Civic Centre. Exhibitions Mississauga Waterfront Festival (June
but today Mississauga is centred at range from historical to contemporary 2019) draws more than 70,000 people to
Burnhamthorpe Road West between art, photography, design and crafts. The Port Credit during the three-day event.
Hurontario Street and Confederation Living Arts Centre features performance Live performances by Canadian stars
Parkway, with a cluster of key destina- venues, studio spaces and exhibit display have included Sam Roberts, Jann Arden
tions: the postmodern Mississauga Civic areas. It’s a hub for all things creative. and Jim Cuddy.
Centre, a performing arts centre, a pub- In September, the park hosts the Tim
lic square, an art gallery and the massive SCENIC STREETSVILLE Hortons Southside Shuffle Blues & Jazz
Square One Shopping Centre, all within Stroll through historic Streetsville for Festival (September 2019), Port Credit’s
sight of Absolute World, the eye-catching an old-fashioned Ontario main-street weekend blues and jazz festival, which has
condos nicknamed the Marilyn Monroe experience. Known as The Village in featured the likes of Dr. Hook, Elvin Bishop
Towers for their curvy forms. the City, you can relax in a tearoom and and Mavis Staples on multiple stages. Don’t
Celebration Square
Carassauga
Raptors 905
WANDER
LUST
Hit the road and
discover Ontario’s
greatest escapes.
BY ALIYAH SHAMSHER, WITH
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH
BY SARAH B. HOOD
PHOTO: TKTKTKTKTKTKTKTTKTK
Tobermory
4. STRATFORD
THE ROAD TRIP 149 km (93 miles);
approximately two hours from Toronto.
WHAT WE LOVE The town’s architecture
reflects its Victorian past, but many come
for the Justin Bieber hometown tour.
The Stratford Festival enjoys
international acclaim, particularly
for its Shakespearean productions.
LOCAL FLAVOUR At Revival House, chef
Loreena Miller uses local and seasonal
ingredients for her popular take on
modern French-inflected cuisine. Located
in an opulent repurposed church, the sun-
drenched patio is also a top spot for locals.
The Savour Stratford Chocolate Trail—25
shops offering everything chocolate, from
shortbread to chocolate mint tea—provides
the ultimate sweet finish.
offerings and enjoy a glass with fresh paths and cross-country skiing and Challenge High Ropes course.
oysters. For the best value, it’s tough to snowmobile routes keep people busy LOCAL FLAVOUR Blue Mountain Village’s
beat the $25 Grand Buffet at Fallsview all year round. Kaytoo offers representative dishes
Casino Resort.
Revival House,
2. NIAGARA WINE REGION Stratford
THE ROAD TRIP 132 km (82 miles);
approximately two hours from Toronto.
WHAT WE LOVE Encompassing the quaint
villages and scenic vineyards of Niagara-
on-the-Lake, the Niagara Peninsula and
Twenty Valley, the Niagara wine region
offers dozens of wineries to tour and taste
at. Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to the
Shaw Festival, a world-renowned annual
theatre festival showcasing works by
George Bernard Shaw and other
playwrights. Drive the quiet country
roads or, better yet, park the car, rent a
bike and explore them at your leisure.
LOCAL FLAVOUR Executive chef Jason
Parsons, who works with winemaker
Katie Dickieson to showcase wines in his
9. POINT PELEE
THE ROAD TRIP 351 km (218 miles);
approximately three and a half hours
from Toronto.
WHAT WE LOVE Mainland Canada’s
southernmost tip, Point Pelee National
Park is a world-renowned bird sanctuary
and has captivated visitors who marvel at
the migration of birds and butterflies.
LOCAL FLAVOUR First sip, then dine at
nearby Pelee Island Winery, known for its
Pinot Noir, where an in-depth look at the
winemaking process is followed by a tasting.
10. OTTAWA
THE ROAD TRIP 450 km (280 miles);
approximately four and a half hours
from Toronto.
WHAT WE LOVE As Canada’s capital, this
dynamic city with more than 1.3 million
Blue Mountain Village
residents is always buzzing. Visit
Parliament Hill or one of several national
museums, as well as galleries and theatre
from across Canada, like Alberta beef, 8. TOBERMORY companies, or take in the Rideau Canal,
saskatoon berry pie, Montreal smoked THE ROAD TRIP 295 km (185 miles); a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
meat and East Coast lobster. Canadian approximately four hours from Toronto. EAT LOCAL Canadian ingredients marry with
campfire-cooked s’mores end winter WHAT WE LOVE Calling all hikers, divers, the finest French culinary techniques at Le
meals on a sweet note. kayakers, golfers and art lovers: hike the Cordon Bleu’s Signatures Restaurant, located
majestic cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment at the North American HQ of the famous
6. PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY or scuba dive in Fathom Five National cooking academy. Head to the historical
THE ROAD TRIP 203 km (126 miles); Marine Park. ByWard Market district for restaurants,
approximately two and a half hours LOCAL FLAVOUR Follow the locals to cafés and specialty food shops featuring local
from Toronto. The Fish & Chip Place. Grab a prime ingredients, or explore the Ottawa region’s
WHAT WE LOVE The newest wine region spot on the front patio and enjoy crispy impressive craft beer scene at a brewpub.
in Ontario makes for a great excursion, battered Georgian Bay whitefish
with award-winning wineries and while overlooking Little Tub Harbour. –Additional research by Sarah B. Hood
Chowhound-pleasing eateries and artisan
food producers. The Globe and Mail
newspaper has named the area the
“gastronomic capital” of Ontario.
LOCAL FLAVOUR A top choice among Toronto
chefs, East & Main Bistro had the smart 8 10
7
idea to combine luxury comfort food with
ONTARIO
fresh, local ingredients, paired with an
outstanding selection of County wines. 5 3
7. MUSKOKA 6
THE ROAD TRIP 219 km (136 miles);
approximately two and a half hours TORONTO
from Toronto.
ANDREA HAMLIN (BLUE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE)
4
WHAT WE LOVE National Geographic 2
Traveler editors chose Muskoka as the 1
U.S.A.
No. 1 summer destination in the world
for its 1,600 lakes, artistically gnarled U.S.A.
pine trees and granite cliffs carved out
of the Canadian Shield. 9
LOCAL FLAVOUR Rub shoulders with such
high-profile guests as Goldie Hawn and
Kate Hudson at The Rosseau Grill at For more great Ontario getaways, visit ontariotravel.net
Windermere House.
BACKPACKERS
Where
Toronto
Laughs
GROUP & EVENT PACKAGES AVAILABLE
SECONDCITY.COM • 416-343-0011 • 51 MERCER ST
COMPASS
GETTING AROUND
What you need to know for wherever you want to go.
TRAVELLING BY BUS
v Toronto Coach Terminal
is the main intercity bus
depot, located downtown at
610 Bay St. It serves such bus
companies as Greyhound,
Coach Canada/Trentway-
Wagar/Megabus and Ontario
Northland.
TRAVELLING BY TRAIN
v All trains arrive and depart
Toronto Pearson
International Airport from Union Station (65 Front
St. W.). VIA Rail handles
most of Canada’s intercity
AIRPORT 411 2. TAKE PUBLIC TRANSIT: Ride the 5. RENT A CAR: You’ll find routes and connects to the
v Toronto Pearson Toronto Transit Commission’s major car-rental chains U.S. via Amtrak. The Amtrak/
International Airport (TTC) 192 Airport Rocket bus to at both Terminal 1 and VIA Maple Leaf route runs
(code YYZ) is the main point Kipling subway station or take Terminal 3. Most are open between New York City and
of landing for most domestic the 52A Lawrence West bus to daily from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Toronto daily and takes about
and international flights. Lawrence West subway station. Find directions to the city 12 and a half hours, depending
Toronto Pearson is 27 km Both TTC stations are on subway at torontopearson.com. on the border wait. For more
(17 miles) northwest of lines serving the downtown core. information: 1-888-VIA-RAIL
downtown (about a half-hour Visit ttc.ca for fare information. v Billy Bishop Toronto and viarail.ca; 1-800-USA-
drive). To get from the airport City Airport (code YTZ), RAIL and amtrak.com.
to downtown, you can: 3. HIRE A RIDE: Look for the lineup located on the Toronto
signs for taxis. The average cost Islands, serves domestic, v GO Transit services inter-
1. TAKE THE UP (UNION PEARSON) into the city is about $60. For chartered and select U.S. region travel in and around
EXPRESS: The dedicated ride-share services Uber and flights. Passengers can walk the Greater Toronto Area.
express air-rail service, Lyft, visit uber.com and lyft.com to or from Billy Bishop via GO’s green-and-white trains
which departs every 15 to download the apps to your a pedestrian tunnel or take also operate from Union
minutes, travels between smartphone and book a ride. a short ferry ride to Toronto’s Station. For more information,
Union Station and Toronto Harbourfront district, call 1-888-GET-ON-GO or
ANETE LUSINA (TORONTO PEARSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT)
Pearson in 25 minutes 4. CATCH A SHUTTLE BUS: Many with taxi and public transit 416-869-3200 or visit
and costs as little as hotels offer airport shuttles, connections from there. gotransit.com.
$12.35 one way. so check whether yours does.
IMPORTANT FYIs
v Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): All visa-exempt foreign fly- (available online) with two pieces of government-issued ID and
in visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). American the applicable fee (in Toronto it’s $140), the licence can generally
citizens and travellers with valid visas are exempt, as are visitors be processed within a day, after which it’s valid for 90 days.
who arrive by land or sea. Same-sex marriage has been legal here since 2003. Find more
info (including the application form) at settlement.org.
v The legal drinking age is 19. Licensed establishments serve
alcohol between 11 a.m. and 2 a.m. v General retail hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with some malls
offering extended hours and some smaller boutiques closing
v To get married in Ontario, consenting partners age 18 and older
earlier. Most shops and malls close earlier on Sundays.
must first obtain a marriage licence. If you submit the application
TTC streetcar
v BY REGIONAL TRANSIT: and are non-negotiable. For a Explore PATH’s underground GET INSIDER
Visiting Mississauga? Go to the
“Schedules and Trip Planner”
pre-approved flat rate, please
ask the driver for a rate sheet.
walkways and shopping
arcades that run beneath the
ADVICE
The Toronto Greeters
section on mississauga.ca, type downtown core. The 30 km program will send a
in your origin and destina- v BY UBER OR LYFT: Uber and (19 mile) PATH connects six volunteer to welcome
tion, and the website will map Lyft both operate in Toronto. subway stations, major hotels visitors. By pairing
guests and greeters
out your best route. For route Visit uber.com and lyft.com and several attractions, with similar interests,
information in Brampton, to download the apps to your including Union Station, Roy the program offers
visit Brampton Transit at smartphone and learn how the Thomson Hall, Scotiabank newcomers a chance to
connect with Toronto—
brampton.ca. ride-hailing services work. Arena, CN Tower, CF Toronto
and Torontonians—on
Eaton Centre, Queens Quay a personal level and to
v BY GO TRANSIT: For routes v BY BIKE: Renting a bike is easy. and City Hall. Maps are tap into the pulse of the
from Toronto to the suburbs Keep your eyes peeled for auto- available at toronto.ca or city. Call 416-33TAPTO
(338-2786) or email
and neighbouring regions, mated bike stands throughout posted throughout PATH. [email protected] for
check GO Transit bus and train the city. Bike rentals are ideal more info.
schedules at gotransit.com. for shorter rides and are a great v BY WATER: Visit the city’s
alternative to taxi jaunts. Grab largest parkland, the Toronto
v BY TAXI: Toronto has a bike at one stand and return it Islands, just minutes from the
numerous cab companies, to another. Visit toronto.ca for downtown core. Depending
and all charge the same base an online Toronto cycling map, on which island you visit, a MORE
rate of $3.25 plus $1.75 per
kilometre ($1.09 per mile) or
or pick up a free paper copy at
a civic or community centre,
ferry trip takes anywhere
from 10 to 15 minutes. There
QUESTIONS?
Call 311 Toronto at
52 cents a minute. The easiest library or bicycle shop. are regular sailings from the 416-392-CITY (2489),
cab number to remember is Jack Layton Ferry Terminal or dial 311 within city
416-TAXICAB, which connects v BY FOOT: Toronto is a safe (located between Bay Street limits, 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.
you to all taxi and airport taxi and walkable city. Look for and Yonge Street on Queens
or limo companies. Fares from trails throughout the parks, Quay). Buy your tickets in
Toronto Pearson International gardens and beaches; routes person or book online at
Airport are regulated by zone are outlined at toronto.ca. toronto.ca/ferry.
TOURIST
UP Express INFO +
SERVICES
Visit the Ontario Travel
Information Centre at
the west end of Union
Station (65 Front St. W.)
in the Main Hall, near
the Skywalk. Specialists
at the Toronto desk can
provide information to
help you get the most out
of your visit to Toronto.
F
irst things f irst: it’s octopuses or
octopodes, not octopi. “Basically, octopi
has a Latin ending on a Greek root,
so grammatically, it’s not correct,” says
Kat MacFadden, senior aquarist at Ripley’s
Aquarium of Canada. “But no one is going to
correct you, except a cephalopod biologist.”
MacFadden’s expertise landed her in the
octopus tank at the aquarium five years ago.
Now she’s swimming with sharks in Dangerous
Lagoon. No two days are alike for MacFadden,
but a typical one starts at 7 a.m., observing the
behaviour of the animals in her care. Then
she throws on scuba gear to scrub the tanks.
Next, she may feed the sharks, stingrays and
sawfish, or move on to enrichment-training
the animals with stimuli and activities.
“We give the octopuses stimuli that bring
out their hunting behaviours. They use touch,
taste and smell to explore the world. We engage
those senses. A lot of the stimuli, like a Mr.
Potato Head, look cute to us, but the animal
is getting a sense of the smell and taste of the
food that’s inside. It gives them something to
rip apart and manipulate,” she says.
When on dry land, MacFadden chats with
visitors. “Quite often you’ll see me in front
of my tank or walking in the shark tunnel,”
she says. “I love when people ask questions!”
The top question she gets asked: Why don’t
sharks eat all their tankmates? Answer:
they’re not the “bloodthirsty serial killers”
you see in movies, MacFadden says. Like any
predator, when they’re full, they stop eating.
As for octopuses, ever since news of Inky the
Octopus’s great escape from New Zealand’s
National Aquarium went v iral in 2016,
MacFadden gets asked if she’s ever caught any
escapees. Nope, but she has taught giant
Pacific octopuses Petunia and Violet
to crawl into buckets to be weighed
and moved from tank to tank. She’s
also introduced the octopuses to
paint and LEGO.
Her advice for aspiring aquarists
is to be fascinated by everything.
“It’s easy to be discouraged because a
lot of my marine biology degree was learning
how everything is disappearing, how much
trouble the world is in, and how separated
people are from the natural environment,”
she says. That’s why working at the aquarium
WATERWORLD
and seeing glints of discovery in the eyes of
visitors is so rewarding, she says: “I genuinely
feel that we are closing that gap of separation.”
Want to test the waters? Ripley’s Aquarium
of Canada’s Aquarist for a Day program offers
Dive deep into a day in the life of Kat MacFadden, a behind-the-scenes look at this unique career,
senior aquarist at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. including meal prep, exhibit cleaning, water-
BY KATIE SEHL ILLUSTRATION BY STEVE MANALE quality checks and more.