With nostalgia becoming a mainstay of Toronto’s nightlife scene, the city’s latest entry is Vinny, a vinyl-themed cocktail lounge and restaurant that opened this month at 480 King Street West, in the former space of Pink Sky.
The new venue comes from INK Entertainment, the hospitality group behind spots like Akira Back, Amal and Sofia, and arrives with a full narrative in tow. Designed by Toronto firm NIVEK REMAS, the space is meant to feel like a lived-in listening den, filled with vintage speakers, stacks of records and warm, moody lighting. The name refers not to a founder but a fictional character: “Vinny,” whose face appears on the front doors and who serves as the imagined host of the house.
Screenshot
Dinner starts early, with chef Ivan Kuuts (formerly of Vela) serving a globally influenced menu that shifts into late-night snacks after 11 p.m. Expect oysters with yuzu kosho mignonette, grilled shishitos with lemon and Maldon sal and a Scotch egg with tomato sauce and Italian sausage. Mains range from a straightforward burger with cava-braised onions to a 10 oz hanger steak with café de Paris butter.
Toronto has seen a small boom in so-called listening or vinyl lounges in recent years — places like Sounds Good, Little Jerry and 915 Dupont have all leaned into sound as a central part of the experience. Most of those places keep it low-key: small rooms, not a ton of frills and a real respect for good sound. Vinny, on the other hand, is more polished — a blend of design, food and vibe.
Photo: Eliza Mehr
INK is known for spaces that shift from restaurant to lounge, bar to party. Vinny fits right in, but without the usual flashy extras. No velvet ropes or VIP booths, just records, cocktails, and a steady, bass-driven vibe.
For those interested in experiencing Vinny firsthand, reservations can be made through OpenTable.
Limestone CA (photo Instagram: @sonjamortimer.art)
Instead of strolling along a white sandy beach this summer, why not opt for a cool and shady forested hike along one of these hiking trails? Summer hiking is the perfect activity to help you relax and observe wildlife while reconnecting with nature. Just remember that when hiking during the summer, the hottest time of day is in the afternoon, so some trekkers find it more comfortable to head out during off-peak hours when safe/possible. If hiking between 12 and 3 p.m., make sure to bring plenty of water, wear light layers, and try to stay in the shade.
To help narrow down your search, here are five perfect areas to go summer hiking near Toronto this summer.
There are three main hiking trails in this area, ranging from easy to difficult (making it the perfect place to hike for the whole family). For an easier trek, opt for the 0.8 km Radial Rail Trail—it follows the original route of the ‘Radial’ Railroad, which ran between Toronto and Guelph, and it only takes about 15 minutes to walk. Along the way, trekkers can take memorable photos of the forested landscape.
For something more challenging, follow the cool, clear waters via the 1.5 km-long Black Creek Side Trail (a 25-minute walk) or the Bruce Trail. The main Bruce Trail runs through Limehouse and leads past several rock fissures before arriving at the famous “Hole-in-the-Wall” (landscape underlain by limestone). Hikers will also pass by a restored draw kiln from the 1800s, a restored powder house, and a lookout overlooking railway tracks.
Location: 12169 Fifth Line, Limehouse, ON. Open 7 days a week, after sunrise to before sunset. About a 1-hour drive from Toronto.
This 1,200-hectare conservation area includes more than 20 trails that are part of a large glacial valley spreading out into Lake Ontario. One of the most popular routes is the 3.9 km Tiffany Falls–Sherman Falls–Lower Little Falls trail, which takes about an hour to complete.
At Sherman Falls, the trail moves toward the waterfall via a canopy of trees (providing good shade during the summer). Cross the bridge to follow the trail back over to Old Dundas Road, and head east along the thin trail. When you reach Tiffany Falls, relax and take tons of Instagram pics! The 21-metre-tall cascading waterfall tumbles from the valley above the escarpment into a V-shaped ravine at the bottom.
Location: 650 Governors Road, Dundas, ON. About a 1-hour drive from Toronto.
This area is filled with towering limestone cliffs and caves, making it the perfect spot for trekkers to explore the outdoors while enjoying the scenery. Pothole Trail and Cedar Ridge Trail will take hikers around the reservoir, along the tops of cliffs, across boardwalks through wetlands, and beside large glacial potholes, providing impressive views of the park. The trails are somewhat difficult but can be accessed from the beach or the mill ruins.
Location: 161 Fall St S, Guelph/Eramosa, ON. About a 1 hour–15-minute drive from Toronto.
Boyne Valley from the Bruce Trail, near Mulmur, ON, is an 18.8-km challenging route. Hikers will traverse over several hills, through forests and farm fields, and across creeks. It will take the average person nearly 6 hours to complete, making it the perfect place for solitude and to do some deep thinking.
Location: About twenty km north of Orangeville, four km east of Shelbourne, north of the junction of highways 89 and 10, and one km north of Prince of Wales Rd. About a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto.
There are a few hiking trails in this area, but the most popular is via Vaughan and McGregor Spring. The 3.9-km loop trail will take about 52 minutes to complete, but compared to other local hiking areas, there are not a lot of ascents and descents as the trail is mostly even. The route is well-maintained and provides good tree coverage, so it’s a great spot to go hiking during the warmer months!
Location: 14452 Winston Churchill Blvd, Halton Hills, ON. About a 1-hour drive from Toronto.
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)’s golden anniversary may be a few months away, but the festival is already generating buzz for its 50th edition!
Organizers unveiled the first five films set to premiere this September: Alejandro Amenábar’s The Captive (produced in Spain/Italy), Steven Soderbergh’s The Christophers (UK), Sung-hyun Byun’s Good News (South Korea), Nia DaCosta’s Hedda (USA) and Chandler Levack’s Mile End Kicks (Canada).
While TIFF hasn’t confirmed which stars will grace the red carpet, we can certainly speculate!
Hedda stars Tessa Thompson as Hedda Gabler, a newly married woman trapped in a loveless marriage (in a reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s infamous 1891 play). If TIFF tradition holds, Thompson might be among the stars to look out for this fall.
Director Steven Soderbergh is no stranger to TIFF (he was part of the festival’s In Conversation With… series last year), and with his new UK-set black comedy The Christophers, Torontonians might spot him again in 2025.
Soderbergh’s films have previously brought big names to TIFF, like Matt Damon in 2009’s The Informant. This year, Torontonians might catch a glimpse of Ian McKellen, Michaela Coel, Jessica Gunning, or James Corden, who star in Soderbergh’s latest flick.
Amenábar’s historical epic The Captive stars Julio Peña as Miguel de Cervantes, the author of the novel “Don Quixote”, so look out for him and other Spanish/Italian stars on the red carpet.
Acclaimed K-dramas like Parasite and Broker brought Korean stars to the TIFF red carpets in recent years, so expect the same with Byun’s Good News! The film stars Sul Kyung-gu, Hong Kyung and Ryoo Seung-bum, and is about a group determined to land a hijacked airplane.
TIFF won’t be complete without some great Canadian talent. The romantic comedy flick Mile End Kicks follows a music critic who gets romantically involved with members of an indie band. Possible red-carpet walkers could include Canadian actors Jay Baruchel, Devon Bostick and Juliette Gariépy!
Last month, TIFF also announced that John Candy: I Like Me, directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, will open the festival on Sept 4 at Roy Thomson Hall (so we’ll likely see the duo posing on the red carpet).
We’ll keep an eye out once official celeb announcements are made! In the meantime, mark your calendars: the 50th edition of TIFF takes place Sept 4-14, 2025.
Toronto’s sports scene is known for its passionate fan base and today, fans are experiencing the game like never before. In-play betting has emerged as a key feature, transforming how Toronto’s sports enthusiasts engage with their favorite teams. Whether it’s the Toronto Raptors, Maple Leafs, or FC, in-play betting allows fans to place wagers during the game, creating an interactive experience. This shift leverages technological advancements to offer more dynamic and informed betting opportunities.
Understanding In-Play Betting
In-play, or live betting, means placing wagers while watching a game. It significantly differs from ordinary bets, which need to be placed before kickoff or tip-off; with in-play betting, punters are allowed to make bets based on events that occur in real time. During play, fans can place a bet on the next scored goal made by a player, points awarded and even individual performances from seated players.
Improvements in technology, like mobile applications that provide real-time streaming of updates and odds, have made in-play betting accessible. For sports fans from Toronto who already have zeal for the game, placing live bets based on what is happening currently brings a whole new level of engagement. Bettors can time their bets perfectly because they have flexibility with decision-making due to immediate access to changing odds.
How the Matchday Experience is Enhanced by Live Betting
Watching sports simultaneously has altered the experience into an interactive event rather than leaving one bored while being just a spectator. In-game betting will keep you on your toes whether you’re going to watch the match in person, at a bar, or even during home relaxation moments. It does not matter if you are a player or a fan; participation is guaranteed.
Every shot, goal and play executed captures fans’ attention even more. In this situation, bettors capture chances where it looks strategically favorable to risk their money during crucial junctures of the game. This dynamic further broadens viewing experiences by adding emotions that contest participants can actively influence as events unfold right in front of them.
Also, there are more flexible ways to place bets during the game. With live betting, fans can wager on who will be the next player to score or how many points will be added in the next quarter. This level of interaction keeps fans engaged with the action and adds layers of complexity to their participation.
The Importance of Real-Time Information in Live Betting
In-play betting relies heavily on real-time information and strategic choices. Toronto fans have the edge concerning knowledge about their teams, players and even game progress; however, they do have other hurdles to overcome. Fans also need accurate, real-time data. Scrutinizing platforms that offer up-to-the-minute odds for games, stats and even player performance can greatly assist bettors looking to make informed decisions.
For example, while watching a TorontoMaple Leafs game, suppose a fan sees several players from one team performing well. With live data available to them, they could place bets on whether a certain line is going to score first and how the team would play out for the remaining portion of the match. Having access to real-time stats allows for better decisions when putting down bets and makes everything much more enjoyable.
Fans looking to maximize their betting experience might even be able touse this code, which will allow them to receive a bonus to their wallet funds with that specific sportsbook, ensuring they’re getting the best out of their in-play bets.
Guidelines to Stay Responsible While Live Betting
Like all forms of betting, in-play betting should also be done with caution. Here are some hints for sports lovers in Toronto on how to make their wagering experience entertaining and balanced:
Establish a Financial Limit: In-play betting is much more animated than standard sports betting, which increases the chances of emotionally charged overspending. Sticking to a set budget not only protects your finances but also means you will spend within your pre-allotted limit. Remember to only wager what you can afford.
Bet Based on Facts: Sports fanatics boast an abundance of information concerning their teams and players. Put that knowledge to good use during live bets—whether it’s knowing the Raptors’ plays or how the Leafs perform during third periods, your sharp attention can help inform better choices.
Avoid Premature Bets: Many bettors attempt to capitalize on every swing in-game momentum and place superfluous wagers. Do not fall prey to emotional wagers and remain true to your plan—avoid placing bets just because an event in the game requires action.
Stay Informed: Looking at the game stats and player profiles can help you make solid betting decisions. Being informed makes every bet more successful, but remember to double-check revised odds and stats before placing a wager.
The Role of Technology in In-Play Betting
In-play betting is entirely reliant on technology due to the existence of live statistics, streamable games and even real-time data for odds. Fans in Toronto with mobile betting applications can place bets from anywhere they wish, be it at the Scotiabank Arena or their living room. Players will always have up-to-date info as long as there’s high-speed internet and live streaming available.
This has increased the popularity of sports in Toronto, as fans can now rely on real-time information to shape their bets dynamically instead of planning everything. Astechnology evolves, new options for dramatically improving user experience for in-play betting are bound to emerge, like advanced predictive models and cutting-edge data analytics, all designed for seamless bet placement.
In-Play Betting’s Increasing Appeal for Fans in Toronto
Fans in Toronto have begun showing a greater interest in in-play betting and it seems to be a growing trend everywhere. Statistics show how the portion of sports activity that is used for betting has increased significantly. For certain markets, over half of the online bets are made using in-play systems. Toronto sports enthusiasts have accepted this new feature since they can immerse themselves to a higher level with their favourite games.
Through in-play betting features, fans can now watch games without losing interest by wagering on various products during the duration of the game. The thrill of in-play betting keeps things interesting from start to finish and every section keeps bets alive regardless of whether it is about point spread or individual player performances.
The Future of In-Play Betting in Toronto
With technology continuing to progress as it already has, there will be new opportunities when using mobile apps that Android and iOS users love so much down the road; incorporatinglive stats and analyticsinjects even smoother opportunities. It means that informed decisions beneficial to sports will help Torontonians claim spectacular wins as their enthusiasm grows further. Also expect esports markets alongside other events that are streamed live, designed for easy access through in-play interfaces, which would eventually diversify Toronto’s already giant sports betting sphere.
Over the next few years, we expect advances in in-game prediction models and personalized betting suggestions tailored to Toronto fans’ interests. When it comes to in-play betting, the application of AI and machine learning technologies has the potential to greatly enhance the precision of insights provided during games.
Everyone has a favourite song to be included on a Toronto summer playlist. It depends on your era, your musical leanings and sometimes just those memorable experiences that can only happen here. But, we decided to cross eras, mash up genres and come up with what we, absolutely and in the most subjective way possible, feel are the top 26 Toronto songs of summer.
Here’s our Toronto summer playlist on Spotify, enjoy.
“Crabbuckit,” K-OS
Reggae-infused hip-hop perfect for hot days and a chill vibe, when Pickering’s pride and joy put out this gem in 2007, it hit. And it hit hard. Still a summer banger if ever there was one.
“Hasn’t Hit Me Yet,” Blue Rodeo
For a certain generation, or even multiple generations, singing this song at the top of one’s lungs at Budweiser Stage, Massey Hall or anywhere else is basically an essential Toronto moment. One of our best bands, one of their most beloved tunes. Classic.
“One Week,” Barenaked Ladies
Sure, the Ladies have had their ups and downs, but when this song dropped and became a massive global sensation in the summer of 1998, we were so proud. And, when the band starts that crazy rap, we still have a smile plastered across our faces.
Barenaked Ladies
“Japanese Denim,” Daniel Caesar
This dreamy, romantic track pairs Caesar’s silky voice with mellow guitar, making it perfect for slow summer nights and intimate moments.
“Hotline Bling,” Drake
It wouldn’t be a summer song list without an entry from the 6ix God himself, and when he called us on his cell phone with this jam back in 2016, well we answered I’ll tell you that. A jam’s jam from a guy that can write a summer pop hook like nobody’s business.
“Runaway Love,” Diamond Rings
One of the best to come out of Toronto, Diamond Rings pulled the plug on his promising project way too soon, but he left some absolute bangs like this one all about summer love.
“I,2,3,4,” Feist
Yes, we know, Feist has so many amazing songs, such a gift and a talent. But when that Sesame Street song drops, it takes us back. It’s just infectious and we love it. Deal with it.
Feist
“Patio Lanterns,” Kim Mitchell
Mitchell is a wonderful songwriter and has crafted some fantastic songs both as a solo artist and with Max Webster, but this one will live on for generations. Just watch how people react when it is played on patios across the city on any given summer night. Toronto summer playlist magic.
“Bobcaygeon,” Tragically Hip
Yes, one of Canada’s greatest rock bands hail from Kingston, but good old Gord loved Toronto and lived here during the band’s most prolific period including the release of Phantom Power in 1996, which contained what could be the perfect Canadian summer song.
“Blame Brett,” The Beaches
This bona fide bop was the song of the summer in 2023 and launched the Beaches, yes, actually from the Beaches in Toronto. And what could be more summery than that.
@meg_moon + @thebeachesband/Instagram
“Man, I Feel Like A Woman,” Shania Twain
You know you love it. It’s ok. We do too. Although not from Toronto, her career blossomed when she moved to town.
“Archie, Marry Me,” Alvvays
Dream-pop perfection for biking to the beach or lounging in the park, this little ditty launched this Toronto band to global stardom. And it’s still a great summer jam.
Molly Rankin from Alvvays (Facebook Alvvays)
“7/4 (Shoreline),” Broken Social Scene
Euphoric build-up that explodes into summer joy—essential Toronto indie from a band that put hipster vibes on the map.
Neil Young – “Harvest Moon”
Not uptempo, but undeniably summer—a slow dance under the stars, cottage-side. A classic from one of Toronto’s greatest songwriters.
Neil Young
“Echo Beach,” Martha and the Muffins
A Canadian new wave classic, often forgotten on those other mainstream Toronto summer playlists, this is timeless summer escapism at its best. So good.
“Sunny Days,” Lighthouse
One of the most iconic Toronto bands, we cannot leave them off the list. Listen to them, love them, it’s your history lesson for today.
“Summertime,” Charlotte Day Wilson
With its soulful vocals and smooth and sultry production, “Summertime” captures that late night mood of warm summer days winding down.
Charlotte Day Wilson performs at Red Bull Symphonic in Toronto, Canada on February 28, 2025. // Jenna Hum / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202503010298 // Usage for editorial use only //
“Blinding Lights,” The Weeknd
Okay, he’s had a few missteps in the old acting career. We get it. But this song, like so many of his songs, just hit right in the summer.
“Steal My Sunshine, Len
You know it, you love it, this might be Canada’s most storied one-hit wonder. Great summer tune.
“(You), On My Arm” Leith Ross
A smile-inducing summery ear worm from one of Toronto’s best young artists.
Leith Ross
“Riverboat Fantasy,” David Wilcox
Torontos’ David Wilcox is a gem, and this song was essential summer listening back in the day, and will please even the most fickle summer groovesters.
“DVP,” Pup
Don’t know Pup yet? What do they have to do? This punk band has been cranking out the hits and touring the globe, and this gem from 2016 is so Toronto and so summer.
“Wash Your Face In My Sink,” Dream Warriors
Toronto’s iconic hip hip group burst onto the scene with this infectious classic, perfect for a warm summer night vibe. You will dance.
“Rise Up,” Parachute Club
With its infection world music groove and joyous refrain, Toronto musical group Parachute Club hit it big with this serious summer anthem. And, to this day, heads with bop and smiles will take a decidedly upwards trajectory whenever this ditty hits the airwaves.
Lowest of the Low
“Henry Needs a New Pair of Shoes,” Lowest of the Low
For many, the summer of 1993 was dominated by playing this band‘s debut album Shakespeare My Butt on repeat, which given I was listening on cassette, shows just how good it was. And, this song best represents the spirit of summery rebellion of the band.
“The Weight,” The Band
Probably one of the best songs of the last century or so, this gem written by Toronto’s Robbie Robertson just oozes feeling. Guaranteed to have a handful of people singing along on the patio. Watch for them, those are the good ones.
Vivoli, the long-standing Italian restaurant on College Street, has officially closed after more than two decades in business.
The closure was announced quietly on July 2 through a post on the restaurant’s Instagram account.
“The end is here…With sad hearts, after two decades of business, Vivoli will be closing their doors. Last day of service will be Sunday, July 6. Thank you to everyone who supported us during all these years. We will miss you.”
Located just west of Clinton Street, Vivoli was a fixture of Toronto’s Little Italy, known for it’s traditional Italian cuisine and bustling rooftop patio. Over the years, it became a go-to for casual dinners, birthday parties, post-bar hangs and first dates.
In the hours after the closure was announced, dozens of regulars flooded the comments section with memories. “The patio where I had my first date with my now-husband,” one wrote. “College Street won’t be the same,” said another. “I really hope that new is for a better reason! And I send a big hug to all that worked and left a piece of their life there,” another commented.
The restaurant underwent a renovation in 2017 under new ownership, refreshing the look and menu in an attempt to modernize. While the update brought some change, Vivoli remained mostly true to what it had always been: an easygoing neighbourhood spot and a familiar face in Little Italy.
Vivoli was even once known as a favourite of Drake’s. Back in 2009, the actor and rising rapper called it his favourite restaurant in the city, saying it’s where he went to party with his friends.
While no reason for the closure was given, the announcement’s finality suggests it’s not temporary. As one person comment on Instagram: “End of an era.”
This spring, Breakfast Television legend Dina Pugliese returned to the air as host, and a new face joined her: Tim Bolen, CHCH’s morning radio host. The TV personality shares the very Toronto story behind his and his wife Elizabeth Davies’ more than a decade of love.
How they met
Well, that’s a story that Liz knows in better detail than me. She had just moved to Toronto and started working at the Keg on York Street (where I worked as well). She was hoping to go by Elizabeth (instead of Liz) in her new city. She is such a people pleaser, every person she was introduced to as Elizabeth, they said, “Can I call you Liz?” As she says, I was the only one that said, “Hi Elizabeth,” and alarm bells went off in her head. I was a confident curly haired lad who had no thoughts of settling down at the time. Luckily, she gave me a chance anyway — and here we are.
The first date
Our first date was at a place called Cluck Grunt Low. It was at the corner of Bloor and Spadina and actually a few years after we originally met. We had spent time together as friends, but this was our first date. It was preplanned but ended up being thrown together at the last minute as I was just starting my broadcasting career and needed to cover an on-air shift. Liz completely understood but had to change our date location, so we popped into the first restaurant we saw after getting off the subway. It sure wasn’t a fancy spot and would have been a great place to crush a beer and watch the game with a buddy … maybe not the best first date spot with my future wife!
When they realized the other was “the one”
This sounds so cheesy, but it was that first date at that sports bar. We had such a great time that I knew I was in trouble!
The proposal
We got engaged in NYC back in the Summer of 2012. I had planned this surprise and brought the ring on the plane with me. I kept it in my pocket the whole time as I didn’t want to lose it. When I bent down to ask her in a rowboat on the lake in Central Park everything was perfect … except she wasn’t surprised as I had kept the ring in the box and she saw it protruding from my pocket the entire time! She said yes and we had a good laugh.
The wedding
We got married at my parents’ farm where I grew up in the Summer of 2013. Liz didn’t want a big wedding but somehow, I convinced her to have close to 200 of our family and friends there. It was plenty of work to put together but the best party of our lives! We had a small cover band play for us on my dad’s hay wagon under a massive tent. That band was Dwayne Gretzky who have gone on to huge things in the years following. The above picture of us is us dancing to “Wake Up” by Arcade Fire; the band learned it for us and planned it as the final song.
The kids and pets
We started with a dog — the best dog, in fact. Liz started asking for a dog the second we moved in together. She was persistent, and eventually I cracked as we got Alfy — a snuggly Bernese Mountain dog. Alfy was with us when our first two kids were born, Pippa and Gabriel. Unfortunately, we had to put him down before Ophelia, a.k.a. Phee, was born. Alfy was the first member of our family. The kids are everything for us.
The secret to success
We both just do our best every day. Maybe that sounds lame, but it’s the truth. Some days, our best is a “world record” of performance, and other days, it’s literally just getting through the day. If either of us falls short of our responsibilities, we do our best to lift ’em up!
We are maybe a little different than the norm. We are ships in the night. I work early mornings. Liz works evenings/nights. Most days, Liz crawls into bed after a long day of work moments before I am getting up to start my day. We’ve been doing that for the better part of two decades. We don’t generally prioritize date nights, but we always look forward to time spent together as a couple and time spent with all five of us as a family.
The future together
Is it terrible that we haven’t really talked about this — or even thought much about it? With younger kids, we’re really at a stage in life where we’re just trying to focus on what’s right in front of us. If we’re dreaming a little, it would be amazing to have a cottage or a home where our kids — and hopefully their families — keep coming back to.
Toronto is getting ready to turn up the heat this summer with the return of the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival (aka Caribana)! This is North America’s largest multicultural festival, so expect tons of costumes, Caribbean music and, of course, bold and spicy foods. Events kicked off in mid-June and will end on Sat, Aug 2, with the centrepiece of the carnival: the Grand Parade!
The Grand Parade takes place at Exhibition Place & Lakeshore Boulevard, 15 Saskatchewan Rd on Sat, Aug 2, 2025, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Expect tens of thousands of costumed (and non-costumed) party-goers of all ages and backgrounds, families, masqueraders, dancers and steelpan bands.
Only registered carnival revellers can dance with the mas bands, but spectators can dance in designated areas or while watching along the parade route. Better yet, splurge on VIP seating for the best view and a more private dancing area!
What to wear to Caribana?
You, as a parade watcher, can wear whatever you want! Just be comfortable and follow common sense (maybe get some ideas from TikTok, Pinterest or even Reddit).
How to get to the Grand Parade?
Your best bet is the TTC and GO Transit, as they offer direct routes to Exhibition Place:
TTC: Take the Dufferin 29 bus, Bathurst 511 streetcar, or Harbourfront 509 streetcar
GO Train: Ride the Lakeshore line to Exhibition GO Station.
Other Caribana events to check out
The Grand Parade is like the crown jewel of Caribana, but there are tons of other Carnival events leading up to the parade! In addition to nightlife parties, check out these family-friendly events:
Junior King & Queen Showcase and Junior Carnival Parade
Expect a lively parade and young masqueraders in costumes as they compete for the Junior King and Queen titles! Festivities will extend beyond the parade with delicious food vendors and youth stage performances. It’s a great event for families. Sat, July 19, 2025. Malvern Community Centre to Neilson Park.
OCPA Kaiso 365
Enjoy performances by some of the best Calypsonians, competing for the title of Calypso Monarch! Sat, July 26, 2025. Hungarian House, 141 Sunrise Avenue, North York.
King & Queen Showcase
Watch as each Mas Band unveils their beautiful costume creations, vying for the coveted titles of King and Queen of Carnival! The night also features hot cultural performances and surprise guest artists. Thurs, July 31, 2025, 7 pm-midnight, Lamport Stadium, 1155 King St W. Click here for tickets.
Toronto Panorama Keepin Pan Alive
This is a must-see event for avid lovers of steelpan and steelpan musicians! The competition features various bands with “pannists” fighting for that first-place spot. Friday, Aug 1, 2025,Lamport Stadium, 1155 King St W.
Carnival Village
Join this community celebration filled with music, dancing and storytelling. Friday, Aug 1 & 2, 2025, 10 am-6 pm, Sankofa Square.
Brunch and the Beautiful
After all that partying, indulge in this upscale Carnival Sunday event that fuses glamour with Caribbean flair. Expect gourmet cuisine, curated cocktails and smooth Soca! Dress to impress. Sun, Aug 3, 11 am-5 pm, Hotel X Toronto, 115 Princes’ Boulevard.
The best Caribbean eats in Toronto
You’ll be dancing up an appetite all month long, so take a break and indulge in some of the city’s best Caribbean cuisine:
Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen: Perfect spot for jerk chicken, curry, and tropical cocktails, all served in a resort-like setting (104 Portland St).
Patois: Chinese-Jamaican fusion with a cult following. As their website states, just like Jamaica’s national language, “Patois” is the merging of great food ideas from various cultures! (794 Dundas St W).
Café Allwood: The best plant-based Caribbean dishes in the city (try their Jamaican black cake Cheesecake) (1183 Queen St E).
Miss Likklemore’s: Delicious Caribbean flavours with spicy homemade pepper sauces (433 King St W).
Jaclyn’s | Caribbean Fusion Restaurant: Everything from chicken and curry goat meals to vegetarian side orders (1588 Queen St. E).
Rasta Pasta: Italian-Jamaican comfort food in Kensington Market. Great place to visit, whether you’re craving a classic jerk chicken plate or a delicious homemade pasta (61 Kensington Ave).
Caribbean Corner: A huge selection of Caribbean- and African-style foods and products, fresh and packaged (171 Baldwin St).
Click here to find the best Trinidad doubles in Toronto and here for the best Jamaican patties in the city!
Few things are more tragic than your dog’s face when you leave them behind to nosh on burgers and spritzes. Especially in the summer, when all you want is to park yourself on a patio. Thankfully, Toronto has plenty of spots where your pup is just as welcome as you are, and in some cases, they even get their own menu.
Beertown
Beertown is rolling out the red carpet for your pup with a new dog-friendly patio menu cheekily called Bone Appetit. On the menu you’ll find all the fan favourites, including grilled chicken, carrot sticks, and yes—dog-safe “beer” made from real Angus beef bones (cheers to gut health!). The menu is clean, simple, and made with actual ingredients, not mystery mush. It’s all part of Beertown’s plan to make patios a place for everybody, paws included. Just keep your dog leashed, follow the house rules, and let your furry BFF live their best summer life.
Toronto’s most spoiled dogs have a new go-to: Sarang Kitchen, a Korean restaurant that’s serving up full-on tasting menus for pups. We’re talking ribeye, coleslaw with “ket-chow,” corn cheese, blueberry bone broth and whipped cream puppuccinos topped with yak chew sprinkles. There’s even a $12 birthday cake with gold flakes — because obviously.
At Stout Irish Pub in Cabbagetown, your dog doesn’t just get scraps — they get their own menu. From cottage pie and sirloin tips to mashed carrots with gravy and whipped cream-topped peanut butter ice cream, this backyard patio is basically a gastropub for pups.
You’re digging into a juicy AAA Angus burger or buttery East Coast lobster roll — and now your pup can get in on the gourmet action too. Lobster Burger Bar has teamed up with Puppy Gang Fresh Foods to offer a health-conscious dog menu made with locally sourced meat or fish, fresh produce and organic supplements. Basically, it’s cleaner than what most of us had for lunch. Meals come steamed and vet-approved, in four portion sizes (from a modest half cup to a full-on feast).
If you’re dreaming of a refreshing escape without leaving the city or dropping a wad of hard-earned cash, there’s a new wave of watery shared experiences waiting for you—by land or by lake. Thanks to innovative sharing platforms, you can enjoy everything from boating to backyard pool parties without the commitment (or cost) of ownership. Here are three clever ways to soak up the sun in Toronto and beyond.
Set Sail with Skipperi
Don’t own a boat? No problem. Skipperi is a subscription-based boating service that makes it easy for city dwellers to hit the water. Originally launched in Finland, Skipperi is now in Canada with a fleet of fully equipped, easy-to-drive motorboats docked in downtown Toronto and nearby marinas.
Here’s how it works: with a monthly or seasonal subscription and a valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card (Canada’s boating licence), you can book a boat through their mobile app, unlock it with your phone, and head out for a day of island hopping or cruising along the Scarborough Bluffs. Gas and insurance are included, and boats are cleaned and maintained by the Skipperi team, so you just show up and go.
Make Waves with GetMyBoat
If you’re after something splashier—say, a sleek sailboat, a pontoon party barge, or even a Jet Ski—GetMyBoat is a massive online marketplace for peer-to-peer boat rentals. Think of it like the Airbnb of watercraft.
Whether you’re looking to sail Lake Ontario aboard a 35-foot yacht for $250/hour (yes, that’s an actual listing) or zip around on a Sea-Doo for a couple of hours, GetMyBoat connects you directly with boat owners. Many rentals include a captain if you don’t want to do the navigating yourself, making it an ideal option for everything from romantic sunset cruises to group celebrations. The site operates worldwide, but there are plenty of listings right here in the GTA.
Book a Backyard Pool with Swimply
No cottage? No condo pool? No worries. Swimply is a platform that lets you rent private backyard pools by the hour. It might sound too good to be true, but it’s a real game-changer during Toronto’s heatwaves.
With rates often under $100/hour, you can book a quiet swim in a family-friendly backyard, host a mini pool party, or sneak away for a romantic evening dip. Listings usually include amenities like lounge chairs, BBQs, outdoor showers, and sometimes even hot tubs or fire pits. Hosts set their own rules and prices, and many allow small groups. It’s a great option for anyone craving the water without the crowds at public pools or the trek to the lake.
Whether you’re looking to captain a boat, ride a Jet Ski, or cool off in a treed backyard oasis, these three platforms are giving Torontonians a taste of the good life—without the strings attached. Summer just got a whole lot more fun.
Yorkville continues to attract unique new business offerings, from pilates gyms with a twist to luxury Italian goods. Check out the most recent openings in the neighbourhood.
Avant is an exclusive new private members club opening at 1 Bloor St. E. Focusing on both training and recovery, the Yorkville club brings together six different studios that range from hot yoga and hot mat pilates to boxing and combat conditioning. A hydrotherapy circuit and deep tissue massage chairs are also available to members for recovery.
Local designer Ross Mayer has opened a flagship boutique in Yorkville. The renowned Canadian fashion designer’s eponymous label is known for gender-fluid designs and collections that range from custom bridal and eveningwear to everyday knits. The new shop is located at 122 Cumberland St.
A new pilates gym is opening this summer in Yorkville! A unique twist on classic fitness classes, this new gym offers a pilates-inspired experience that’s infused with cardio, including riding and rowing, for a head-to-toe workout. Featuring the innovative Bikeformer or Rowformer, expect a different class every day so you’ll never be bored. The new gym is located at 263 Davenport Rd.
Eleventy has officially opened its first standalone Canadian store on Bloor Street. Spanning more than 3,200 square feet, the space combines timeless Milanese style with the sophistication of Toronto. The luxury brand is recognized for its Italian craftsmanship and collections that span men’s, women’s and children’s fashion. Visit the new shop at 102 Bloor St. W.
889 Shop + Movement Studio recently made the move from their original home on Yonge Street to a new location nearby in Yorkville! While the brand is known for their fitness classes, including yoga, pilates and barre, 889 also runs a shop featuring curated apparel, wellness essentials, home goods and more. Fans of the fitness community can visit the new location 101 Yorkville Ave.
Smeg will be opening its first standalone Canadian store at 2 Bloor St. W. in August.The Italian luxury appliance brand’s retro showroom spans 3,700 square feet over two floors, showcasing Smeg’s sleek and colourful kitchen appliances. With international flagship stores already in London, Paris, Milan and more, Toronto joins the ranks of these high-profile cities with the new flagship, which is also said to feature a design consultation area.
A Parisian-inspired vintage shop recently popped up in Yorkville Village! Vintage and the City, a locally-run curated vintage shop has previously been turning heads at Hippie Market, the Sunday Variety Market and more. Now, you can shop fabulous vintage finds, from ’80s jewelry to elegant’90s blazers, right in Yorkville at 55 Avenue Rd.
L.L. Bean is opening soon in the Manulife Centre, spanning 9,500 square feet on the concourse level of the shopping complex. The outdoor apparel company has been steadily expanding into Canada, though this location will mark only the brand’s second in Toronto. Fans of the retailer will recognize its original waterproof Bean Boot, as well as the now-iconic tote bags and Fair Isle and Aran sweaters. You can visit the new store soon at 55 Bloor St. W.
Sweet Sorrow at Coffee Champagne Oysters. @atoitoronto/Instagram
Since its inception in 2018, Coffee Champagne Oysters (COC) has offered guests more than what the name suggests. The small Parisian style champagne bar doubles as a speakeasy, with a lower restaurant and cocktail bar, À Toi, accessible only via a hidden entrance in the champagne room.
On a regular night, guests can dine in the À Toi from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and escape into a 1920s-inspired world, outfitted with actors performing characters of the time. If guests conduct themselves right, secret rooms may reveal themselves and introduce potential experiences like tarot, illusionists, magicians, cabaret and burlesque. All you need to do is speak to a lady with a top hat.
Now, if you visit on a Sunday evening, you’ll find yourself even more immersed in the whimsy of the speakeasy, as you watch the woman in the top hat navigate her love life through an immersive narrative in which guests follow characters around as silent observers. The production, titled Sweet Sorrow, is a weekly ongoing show inspired by the immersive New York City production Sleep No More, which ended its iconic run in January after 12 years.
Those who were a fan of the critically acclaimed production can now look forward to experiencing a version original to Toronto, led by director and physical theatre artist Hannah-Rae Sabyan.
The script builds out a Romeo and Juliet-style narrative, centred around fictional characters that COC has honoured for years — husband and wife Isabelle and Antoine Mercier, who have moved to Toronto to open the esteemed Mercier Hotel. Sweet Sorrow takes place at the grand opening of the establishment, to which guests are invited for an exclusive gathering in À Toi to celebrate the Mercier’s success.
“With no words to guide them, you must rely on whispers of movement, flickers of candlelight, and the weight of a lover’s touch to uncover the secrets that bind the living to the dead,” says the event listing.
There are two shows every Sunday night, one at 6:30 p.m. and one at 8:30 p.m., running for approximately an hour. You can book a reservation at the upstairs champagne bar as early as 5 p.m., so you can arrive early and enjoy bubbles and bites before stepping out of reality into the surreal world of the speakeasy (in a masquerade mask no less).
Guests are asked to refrain from speaking and follow a set of rules in compliance with the production, including keeping the mask on at all times. Once inside, you may wander freely, examining the set for clues like letters and old photos, and observing the actors up close.
Each character performs a different part of the narrative, which only culminates at certain points, so it’s in your best interest to split up from your friends to gather the most clues. You can follow one person the entire time, or stray from scene to scene with your curiosity as your guide.
Sweet Sorrow theatre experience at Coffee Oysters Champagne. @atoitoronto/Instagram
Ultimately the big moments are hard to miss, as drama unfolds in front of your eyes, so you don’t need to worry about missing anything fundamental. Once the show ends, guests are guided out of the cellar where they can reconvene in the champagne bar and share observations to piece together the plot.
“It’s pretty fragmented, which is sometimes a blessing and a curse,” says Sabyan. “But it does allow people to really choose what they experience, which I think is quite fun. That’s what I enjoyed about experiencing Sleep No More. Personally, I like being lost in it all.”
After training as a drama specialist at UofT, Sabyan spent two and a half years studying physical theatre at École internationale de théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris, France, where she learned the artistry of mime, clown, movement and experimental scenography.
She hasn’t stopped working ever since returning to Toronto, elevating the city’s art scenes with a flair of performance — whether that’s modelling for Fashion Art Toronto, dancing burlesque at your favourite bar, improvising an alien secretary costume to distribute drink tickets at an event or directing a production.
“Right now, I’ve shifted into more immersive, experiential, whimsical kinds of experiences,” she says, and that’s exactly what she brings to COC. She first began working with the champagne bar to boost the sense of play in the space, including her own cabaret burlesque performance (one of the secret shows that happens in À Toi). The owners then asked her to help produce something even more complex.
As it happens, co-owner Sanjay Singhal is a big fan of Sleep No More, so he and Sabyan traveled to New York last fall to see two renditions of the show, after which Sabyan spoke with the cast, one of whom was an alumni from her theatre program and encouraged her to play around with the concept.
Back in Toronto, the COC team wrote the Sweet Sorrow script, and Sabyan came in to host auditions and physical theatre workshops to build out the narrative. “I really like my actors to feel like they have a hand in the production,” she says, explaining that they have regular script meetings to adapt and improve the production together.
They launched weekly productions of Sweet Sorrow earlier this year, running now through the end of the year, “and hopefully indefinitely,” says Sabyan. “It’s the same thing with Sleep No More because the idea is that it’s something that is constantly there for people to engage with. Maybe it’s a Sunday and you need something to do, easy, go see Sweet Sorrow. Or maybe you have friends in town and want to entertain them, take them to a really cool experience.”
You can purchase tickets for the Sunday shows on Eventbrite, starting at $67 for general admission.
