Hong Kong Chef Vicky Cheng in town July 25 for special Summerlicious collab
Toronto’s most delicious culinary celebration of local flavours returns this summer! From July 4 to July 20, more than 220 local restaurants will participate in Summerlicious 2025, so foodies can enjoy three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at a range of reasonable price points.
If anything, it provides the best excuse to reconnect with friends over lunch or even treat yourself to a multi-course dinner (without breaking the bank)!
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of Summerlicious 2025.
The concept is similar to Winterlicious: participating restaurants across the city create special three-course prix fixe menus at set price points, so patrons can experience high-quality dining at a fraction of the regular cost.
The event was launched in 2003 to help boost sales at Toronto’s restaurant scene during slower months. And it worked. To date, it’s generated more than $353 million in economic activity, with over 8 million meals served!
How much does it cost?
Prix fixe meals are as follows:
Lunch: $20 / $27 / $34 / $41 / $48 / $55
Dinner: $25 / $35 / $45 / $55 / $65 / $75
Do I have to make a reservation?
It’s a good idea! Reservations are now open, and diners are encouraged to book directly with participating restaurants.
What’s new this year?
New locations to this year’s lineup include 1Kitchen, Abrielle, Alder, AYLA, Casa Madera, Chotto Matte, JaBistro, Kiin, Korean Village, La Nayarita, Ngogo, Patois, Salt Wine Bar, Seoul House, The Porch Light and more! You can see a complete list of participating restaurants and their menus on the City’s Summerlicious webpage.
Summerlicious highlights
The Hong Kong Tourism Board is the official sponsor of Summerlicious 2025, and it’s bringing a taste of the East to Toronto with some exclusive culinary events (all in anticipation of the 2025 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival).
This year, check out the one-night-only collaboration between Michelin-starred Chef Alvin Leung (Bo Innovation, Hong Kong) and Chef Nick Liu (DaiLo, Toronto) for the perfect East-meets-West flavours for “Hong Kong Night” at Summerlicious (July 20). It’s the perfect way to end the festival! Tickets go on sale June 22 at www.dailoto.com.
Or check out the Visa Infinite Dining Series at Langdon Hall (July 25). Chef Vicky Cheng (Wing and VEA, Hong Kong) will cook with his mentor, Chef Jason Bangerter, in a celebration of mentorship and culinary mastery (tickets available July 3 at www.VisaInfinite.ca).
Anyone dining at a participating Summerlicious restaurant between July 4 and 20 will also receive a QR code to enter a Summerlicious Travel Giveaway, for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2025 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival (Oct 23–26, 2025)! The grand prize includes two premium economy round-trip tickets with Cathay Pacific, four nights at a four-star hotel, two 3-day all-access Hong Kong attraction passes and VIP tickets to the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival.
For Summerlicious updates, follow along on Instagram @LiciousTO and make sure to tag your foodie adventures with #LiciousTO!
City sweat got you craving a breeze and a change of pace? Well get ready, cause this week’s about to get a whole lot hotter with temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees across Toronto and the GTA. These summer day trips are your ticket out of the concrete jungle and into Ontario’s most stylish, sun-soaked escapes. Whether you want beachy, boutique or small-town charm, these hot-weather hideouts are all within four hours of Toronto, and they’re designed to beat the heat.
Prince Edward County
The Cosmonaut/Wikimedia Commons
This is the escape for those who live for a curated farmer’s market haul and a perfectly unfussy bottle of Pinot. Prince Edward County, or PEC if you’re in the know, is Ontario’s most photogenic playground for creatives, foodies and low-key luxe seekers. The Drake Devonshire still feels like the County’s creative nerve centre, but new favourites are emerging — like the ultra-chic Wander The Resort, with its wicker parasols and resort-level loungers that feel plucked from a Scandinavian mood board.
Wine tasting here is casual but serious: Norman Hardie not only serves pizzas and Chardonnays al fresco, it supplies over 40 Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide. Hit Slake Brewery for minimalist hilltop views and small-batch pours, and OAK for a coffee and clothing combo that doubles as a mini influencer shoot. This is the kind of place where every sunset is golden hour, and every breakfast sandwich feels poetic.
Elora
If you want a summer that feels like a pastoral daydream, Elora is your escape hatch. This small town is equal parts spa town and storybook village. Start your day trip with a summer-approved lazy river through the Elora Gorge, where limestone cliffs and rapid river bends serve scenery with a side of cottagecore. Then retreat to Fieldstone Farm for eco-glamping, complete with outdoor showers, a hot tub under the stars and a view of alpacas grazing next to sunflower fields.
In town, you’ll find cobblestone streets, art galleries and boutiques with vintage books and handmade ceramics. Have breakfast on the dog-friendly patio at Lost and Found Café, or grab fresh pastries for a picnic at the farmers market (open on Saturdays all summer long) before heading back to the water. End your day at the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa for massages and rooftop views.
Sauble Beach
Photo @ Lauren Miller
The ultimate mix of beach town nostalgia and wellness-girl glow, Sauble Beach brings good vibes, cold drinks and lots of sun-faded colour. Stay at The June Motel, made famous by Motel Makeover on Netflix, where everything from the signage to the wine glasses is curated for the ’gram. Brunch at The Wellness Refinery is basically a ritual here — smoothies, matcha lattes, grain bowls and a side of coastal energy.
Courtesy @gracemcivor/@cbcoffeeclub
Afternoons mean Caesar flights and lakeside tacos at 1858 Caesar Bar — the first of its kind in North America, dedicated entirely to Canada’s iconic cocktail. For a different kind of vibe, try mini putt and drinks at the delightfully kitschy Bar Tiki, or cool off with a latte or smoothie from CB Coffee Club, a student-run mobile trailer that’s become a local favourite. There’s a genuine sense of welcome here, too — many of these spots proudly fly the LGBTQ+ flag, offering inclusive energy alongside great eats.
Port Hope
@exploreporthope/Instagram
Port Hope is where you go to feel like you’ve stepped into a Wes Anderson movie. Spend your afternoon treasure-hunting at Antiques on Queen, housed in a restored heritage home with white brick and pastel shelves stacked with glassware and vintage linens. Then get delightfully lost inside Primitive Designs, a multi-level shop filled with handmade sculptures, giant robots and home decor sourced from around the world.
Refuel at Milly’s with an espresso and baked treat, then wander over to Dreamer’s Café, a local gem where the vibe is part grandma’s kitchen, part bohemian fantasy. Whether you’re into mid-century furniture, local art, or just sitting quietly by the river with a paperback, Port Hope is like a slower, sweeter version of reality.
Norfolk County
Port Dover Beach, courtesy @stephaniegalt/Instagram
If you’ve done PEC, Elora and the usual suspects, Norfolk County is your next move. Underrated, uncrowded and unfairly gorgeous, this hidden day trip gem on Lake Erie is a sun-drenched haven in the summer. Start at Port Dover, where imported palm trees line the beach and the sunsets feel cinematic. Then wander Main Street, home to boutique stores, candy shops and classic diners.
Make a detour to Creemore Springs Brewery for a behind-the-scenes tour and freshly poured beer, followed by a bakery crawl — locals claim Bank Café has the best carrot cake in the world. The real wildcard? The Bonnechere Caves, a labyrinth of limestone tunnels where you can explore ancient fossils or dine underground at one of their seasonal candlelit dinners. Norfolk is the kind of place you visit once and can’t stop talking about.
Paris
Courtesy downtownparis.ca
Nicknamed “the Cobblestone Capital of Canada,” Paris leans into its old-world charm but adds a fresh twist. This is for the traveler who wants to thrift, learn and maybe sit in a library for a few hours. Start at The Wincey Mills, a revitalized 1889 textile building now filled with indie vendors, food stalls and one very good coffee bar. Shop vintage at Bird & Bee, or grab flowers at Thorn & Petal Florist.
Interested in making your day trip a weekend adventure? Stay at Mulberry House on the Grand, a cozy B&B with an indoor pool, a reading lounge, and a karaoke machine for late-night singalongs. No, there’s no Seine River here — but the Grand River will do just fine for a morning stroll or riverside picnic. Don’t miss the Bell Homestead, where the telephone was invented. It’s Stars Hollow with better coffee and Canadian pride.
Friday Harbour
@officialfridayharbour/Instagram
Friday Harbour is glossy in the best way — think marina-front boardwalks, Aperol spritzes and curated outdoor markets with DJ sets and string lights. Rent a paddleboard or kayak, wander through high-end boutiques, or park yourself at one of the waterfront restaurants and just people-watch.
It’s a place that makes you feel like summer should last forever, even if you’re only staying for the day. Ice cream at Zaza, dockside cocktails and the subtle thrill of pretending you own a yacht. No one will know the difference.
St. Marys
Courtesy discoverstmarys.ca
Home to Canada’s largest outdoor freshwater swimming pool, St. Marys Quarry — a former limestone quarry — is now a floaty-friendly playground with cliff jumps, inflatable obstacle courses and zero pretension. The water is shockingly clear, and the energy is part nostalgia, part summer camp for grown-ups.
Dry off and head into town, where you’ll find cute spots like Betty’s Bookshelf and The Flour Mill, or grab a cone and roam the old streets like a local. It’s an ideal day trip with weekend potential — especially if you bring friends and a cooler.
Perth
@theweekend_traveller/Instagram
If you’re willing to drive the extra mile, Perth — just under four hours outside the city — might be worth the summer day trip. It looks and feels like the European countryside; think stone bridges, grassy riverbanks and charming inns. Pick blueberries at TNT Berries farm, sip afternoon tea at the nearby Victorian Inn and Spa, or frolic with goats and alpacas at Goats on 86, where you can feed them treats from a vending machine.
Sunflower fields, roadside florists and country markets dot the drive in and out. Grab a fry pie from Impressions Bakery or a full country breakfast at Dave’s Diner.
Grand Bend
@lambtonshores/Instagram
A little chaotic, a lot coastal — Grand Bend is where you go for sunburns, soft serve and spontaneous henna tattoos. Parasail with your friends, hit art studio Henna Beach for matching designs, or go shopping at Archie’s Surf Shop for a board shorts-meet-band-tee refresh.
When it’s time to eat, try fish tacos and cocktails at La Playita or sushi on the wooden patio at Midori.
For someone who is just a decade into her acting career, Toronto’s Humberly Gonzalez boasts a laundry list of roles that more closely resembles the resume of someone double her age. Gonzalez credits that to her team — and to believing in herself.
“I entered every room not desperate to be cast; I just wanted to show up in my full self,” she says. “I wanted to say, here’s who you’ve been looking for the entire time. And I came in with kindness and love and just a lot of curiosity and enthusiasm to play.”
That attitude has taken her from Venezuela to Fort McMurray, Alta. and then to Canada’s National Theatre School — and into the casts of top projects including Star Wars: Outlaws Utopia Falls, In the Dark, Orphan Black, Nurses, Workin’ Moms and opposite Jason Momoa in Netflix feature Slumberland. This year, she’s Canada’s undeniable breakout star, appearing in the Paramount+ film StarTrek: Section 31 alongside Michelle Yeoh, returning to one of Netflix’s most popular shows of all time, Ginny & Georgia and joining new Kevin Williamson (the mind behind Dawson’s Creek and Scream) series, The Waterfront, as a series regular.
People are taking notice — such as the Toronto-based film festival Future of Film Showcase, which named her the recipient of the Rising Star Award. She’ll deliver the festival’s Closing Keynote in conversation with Trailbazer Award Recipient Devery Jacobs this Sunday, June 22 at the Paradise Theatre in Toronto.
“They are so great at elevating Canadian content and filmmakers nationwide, and I think it’s important to have something that’s just ours,” Gonzalez says of the festival. “It’s such an honour; I got to look back and realize I’ve been doing this for 10 years, and people have been seeing my work and they see me as someone who’s risen up through those years.”
It’s especially remarkable to be recognized for her work in a field of acting that she didn’t ever expect to be working in — TV and film. “I really thought it was going to be just theatre and musical theatre for me,” she says.
During her time at the National Theatre School, Gonzalez says it was a conservatory just for theatre, so she wasn’t exposed to TV and film at all, with one notable exception.
“They brought in Don McKellar, and he met and interviewed all of us and wrote a script specifically for our class to film in Toronto for a week. That was my first exposure to the technicalities of what it means to be on a set, and I remember he told me I was talented and had a way with it,” she recalls.
After that, Gonzalez says the “world opened up” for her — but she says she’s still taken her years of theatre training with her. “I think what training that does is it really allows you to explore what your instrument — which is what they call our body — is capable of,” she says. “It also really exposes you to such vulnerable work. We dive so deep into character work and dissecting a scene and intentionality and your goals for your role.”
FAST FACTS
Name: Humberly Gonzalez
Proudest moment: Earning a BAFTA nomination for her role in Star Wars: Outlaws
Favourite local actor: Kiana Madeira, Clark Backo
Favourite place in the city: Sunnyside Beach
Gonzalez takes on each new character with conviction, and it’s in roles like Sophie Sanchez on Ginny & Georgia where you can see the impact of that.
“The amount of messages that I still get, even to this day, about people watching Sophie and [love interest] Maxine [played by Sara Waisglass] and their relationship, how it made them feel seen, how it helped them come out, how they watch it with their mom or their dad, and they felt more understood — it really warmed my heart,” she says.
Gonzalez herself is queer, but wasn’t fully out when she started working on season one of Ginny & Georgia. She says she wasn’t sure when or how she should share that information publicly, but it ended up happening organically on the podcast Girl on Girl after the first season released.
“I was hesitant; I wasn’t sure how it was going to be received. But there was this outpouring of love the second the media knew about it. It was so emotional,” she recalls.
She went on to star in Hallmark’s first lesbian holiday romance, Friends and Family Christmas, in 2023.
“These stories are so important, and they’re important for me to tell. They’re important for me to be a vessel to that, not just as a queer person, but as an immigrant, as a woman of colour, as a Latina woman.”
Humberly Gonzalez and Jake Weary in The Waterfront. Courtesy Dana Hawley/Netflix
Now, Gonzalez is graduating out of high school and into the gritty world of The Waterfront, a new Netflix crime drama series that premiered this week. “I loved that it was more mature role and a drama, which is something I really wanted to graduate into, especially after being in high school for like, the last six years of my life!” she jokes.
Her character, Jenna Tate, returns to her hometown to take care of her sick father and reunites with her old high school flame, Cane Buckley (Jake Weary) — who happens to be part of the infamous Buckley clan in town.
“It’s kind of the start of this whole thing between them, and it’s a wrench thrown into already so much drama,” she shares. “There are lots of steamy entanglements and whodunits and secrets and cliffhangers. I think people are going to binge this!”
Gonzalez recently finished watching all the episodes herself, and says the whole cast is very excited. “Our group chat for The Waterfront is going off. Everyone is so proud and so excited to share it with the world.”
Behind a glass display case, croissants that look too pretty to eat invite customers to experience the best of French and Asian pastry. If you’re lucky to grab one before the “SOLD OUT” sign balances against its flaky side, the pistachio croissant from Cros Croissanterie, generously topped with crushed toasted nuts and filled with a gorgeous pistachio cream and raspberry jam, is a must-try bestseller.
@croscroissanterie/Instagram
“Cros Croissanterie was born out of our shared passion for blending classic French pastry with bold, playful Asian flavours,” says co-founder Clement Yau, who runs the bakery alongside his co-partner, Michelle Tsang, who leads the pastry program with a decade of pastry experience. “With backgrounds in both kitchens and cafés, we wanted to create something unique that reflects the cultural diversity of Toronto and our own culinary influences. Our croissants are all made in-house, using traditional French techniques, but we push boundaries with unexpected flavour combinations and an emphasis on quality, creativity, and cultural storytelling.”
Made and laminated by hand in house, the croissantdough is “a time-intensive process, but it’s at the heart of what we do. That commitment to traditional technique is what gives our croissants their flaky texture and depth of flavour,” Yau says.
@silkrainstudio/Instagram
The croissant menu is playful, reaching well beyond your classic pain au chocolat or almond varieties and opting instead to pay tribute to both Yau and Tsang’s cultural roots.
“You’ll see it in items like our Onigiri-Inspired Chili Crab croissant, which blends Thai and Japanese influences. It features a spicy crab filling shaped like an onigiri, paired with Thai-style pork floss and chili paste,” Yau says. “Our Yuzu Matcha croissant brings together the earthiness of Japanese matcha with the bright, citrusy notes of yuzu. Our drinks reflect that same philosophy. The HK-Style Latte pays homage to Hong Kong’s milk tea culture, while the Matchamisu is a drinkable twist on tiramisu that combines Japanese and Italian dessert traditions.”
@hollyeatsto/Instagram
With pastries selling out daily, it’s only a matter of time before Cros Croissanterie considers its growth plans, but for now, Yau and the team are content with their current flow of business.
“The response from the community has been incredible,” Yau says. “While we’d love to expand in the future, we’re still very new and want to focus on perfecting what we have right now—making sure every croissant, every drink, and every customer experience lives up to our vision.”
Cros Croissanterie is located in Markham at 11 Fairburn Dr. Unit 11, and is open Wednesday to Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
It is going to feel like a sauna in Toronto for the next week, so the city decided to open a slew of outdoor pools early to help local residents battle the blazing sun.
The City of Toronto announced in a release this month that on June 14, there will be an early opening of 15 outdoor pools on evenings and weekends. The following Saturday, June 21, the remaining 49 outdoor pools will open on an evening and weekend partial schedule — and by Friday, June 27, all pools and wading pools will be fully open for regular hours.
All pools will close as of Aug. 31 — with the exception of those select 15 outdoor pools opening early, which will stay open for extended season until Sept. 21.
In the meantime, Torontonians looking for some outdoor fun can head one of the over 140 splash pads and spray pads currently across the city. There is also lifeguard supervision at 10 beaches from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Woodbine Park’s handy trio of pools is the place to be after you’ve strolled along the beaches, taken a dip in the lake and want to get some real laps in. With a 50-metre Olympic size pool, 25-metre training pool and a separate diving pool with both 5- and 10- metre diving platforms, there’s space for everyone to get their swim on, whether you’re lane swimming or going for a leisure swim.
Lap pool and water slide at Riverdale East Outdoor Pool, courtesy City of Toronto.
This outdoor pool might be located right in the heart of the city, but your view from the water will make you feel like you’re in the middle of cottage country. Overlooking the Don Valley and surrounded by trees, it’s easy as ever to get here by car or by TTC. If that doesn’t sell you on it, just wait until you see the massive water slide!
Summer isn’t summer without a trip to Christie Pits Park, where you can have a picnic, catch a Toronto Maple Leafs game — baseball, of course! — visit the community garden and best of all, go for a swim. The Alex Duff Memorial Pool features a 25-metre lap pool, shallow splash pool, conversation pool and diving pool with a 1-metre springboard — plus, a two-storey water slide!
It’s Toronto’s oldest pool, and it’s also a favourite! Originally opened in 1925, Sunnyside Gus Ryder Memorial Pool cost kids 10 cents to enter. Now, we get to enjoy this lakeshore pool for free, and while it gets mighty busy on a hot summer day, we say it’s an essential Toronto summer experience. Enjoy morning swimming lessons for all ages and public and adult swims every day.
Visit the Alexandra Park Pool, just west of Kensington Market, for a simple and peaceful outdoor swim. With a 50-metre pool that is usually less crowded than some other spots in the city, make a day of vintage shopping and then hop in the pool to cool off.
We’ve only got 72 days of summer in Toronto, give or take a few — so let’s make them count! From fantastic street festivals to picturesque patios and iconic attractions, these are the must-see destinations and things to do in Toronto during the summer.
Expect Korean BBQ, churrasco, live bands and enough whisky to forget you entered the hot wing contest — which, yes, you absolutely should. Head to the Harbourfront Centre from Aug. 31-Sept. 1 to get in on the heat.
Hosted by Street Eats Market, enjoy prix fixe menus at multiple venues, from beachside to downtown, at the city’s largest communal dining experience. The event runs Thursday to Saturday, July and August.
Thursdays in July, Evergreen Brick Works brings you the ultimate pre-bedtime hang from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy tasty eats and live tunes minus the late-night tantrums.
Made in Canada Fest is serving national pride on a platter: 100+ local vendors, music from homegrown artists and free pancake breakfasts at Downsview Park, Aug. 22–24.
Although the Beaches Jazz Festival runs all month, the Street Fest, July 24–26, is what it’s all about — transforming Queen Street into a celebration of live music, food trucks and family fun.
The BIG on Bloor Festival, July 19–20, celebrates the community spirit of Bloordale through public art, performances, workshops and culture along a car-free stretch of Bloor West.
The Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival runs Sept. 12 to14, offering a vibrant celebration of Ukrainian heritage at North America’s largest Ukrainian street festival.
Summer throwback
Spend one perfect day feeling like a kid again at these legendary Toronto spots.
Toronto Islands
Pack a picnic blanket and some snacks and hop on the ferry to the Toronto Islands, where you can wander the William Meany Maze, traverse the grounds on a tandem bike and go back in time on Centreville’s Swan Ride.
Sunnyside
Take a stroll along Sunnyside Boardwalk, line up behind volleyball players and kids in floaties for a slushie from the ice cream truck, and then take a dip in the iconic Sunnyside Pool — once the largest in the world!
Before the Internet
Go retro this summer — event collective Before the Internet wants you to ditch your phone and party like it’s 1999. They have some TBD events coming this summer in Toronto, like their recent Woodstock-inspired summer kickoff party. Follow them on Instagram to catch their next event.
Toronto of the future
T.O. is changing fast, so don’t get left behind — indulge in the newest and coolest the city has to offer this season.
Catch a concert at Toronto’s latest and greatest music venue — the seasonal, 50,000-person Rogers Stadium. From Coldplay and Blackpink in July to Oasis in August, be the first to test out what will be the city’s biggest venue yet.
Toronto is cold plunge obsessed, thanks in part to Unbounded, which is launching a series of Sunrise Socials this summer. Expect a somatic wellness circuit with cold plunges, saunas, yoga, breathwork, meditation and music.
Who says summer concerts need to be expensive? Each Thursday beginning July 3, the Edwards Summer Music Series will bring music to the Toronto Botanical Garden. On select dates, Harbourfront Centre’s Summer Music in the Garden offers an intimate live music experience. And don’t miss Yorkville’s Summer Music in the Park concert series, beginning June 13.
The Toronto Fringe Festival returns July 2–13, bringing 77 indie theatre, comedy, dance and storytelling shows to stages across the city. Hang out at the lively Fringe Patio, catch free entertainment and all-ages fun at KidsFest Club, and dive into the spirit of discovery that makes “Fringing” a Toronto summer essential.
Summer in Toronto starts when an inflatable screen pops up and a cult classic plays into the twilight. For 15 years, the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show has drawn film lovers to city parks for free movies under the stars. This year’s ‘When We Were Young’ theme brings 20 nostalgic screenings to Fort York, Christie Pits and Corktown Common — a beloved tradition.
Theatre in the park
The weather is too nice in the summer to be cooped up in a theatre — so head to the park instead! Shakespeare in High Park is a beloved summer tradition. Not-for-profit Shakespeare in the Ruff will be bringing the Bard to Withrow Park this season, and Guild Festival Theatre is putting on Heratio as well as Hitchcock’s 39 Steps at the Greek Theatre.
A scrappy new addition to Toronto’s flea and vintage scene, Hogtown is returning for the first time this year on July 6 — potentially relaunching last year’s vintage night market series.
Stop by Evergreen Brick Works every Sunday this summer for the Ontario Vintage Market, featuring curated antiques and second-hand finds under a picturesque pavilion.
The enduring queen of vintage markets is officially in its outdoor season. Taking over often outdoor spaces like the park at Queen and Shaw for a few TBD dates this season, expect tunes and the perfect summer vibes. Don’t miss the one-day-only joint event with The Welcome Market this weekend.
It’s hard to beat the Toronto Flea when it comes to location — hosted in a wildflower garden on a heritage estate, visit on July 6 for antiques, art, vintage clothes and more.
Ever wondered what a macaron in ice cream form tastes like? Nadege’s Marie Antoinette pint has it all — vanilla ice cream, maple syrup and crunchy macaron shells. A sweet royal treat.
Chocolate and black olive? Trust Bar Ape to make it taste like vacation in a bite. This salty-sweet gelato bar is weirdly perfect — and weirdly chic at the same time.
Nothing says summer like pulling up to Tom’s Dairy Freeze for a towering banana split. With neon lights and retro toppings, it’s pure 1950s nostalgia — no time machine required.
This seventh-floor stunner has the city at its feet. Think shareable plates, floor-to-ceiling windows and that feeling like you’ve found the spot — whether it’s your first time or fiftieth.
At Soluna, you’ll sip mezcal under a mesh canopy while grooving to Afro house, surrounded by more cream linen than a beach wedding. No passport needed — just your breeziest linen shirt.
Between the stunning upstairs patio and windows that fold open to the street, La Palma stays serving California cool. Pair it with a negroni and the 100-layer lasagna, obviously.
Tucked behind the Ritz, Epoch’s garden patio feels like a secret the city hasn’t figured out yet. Firepits, floral-infused cocktails and a view of the CN Tower, if you know where to look.
Lapinou’s alley patio is a little slice of Paris in the city. The twinkling lights, the magnifique French bites — all that’s missing is the sound of accordion music and the Eiffel Tower.
Behind Foxley’s unassuming facade is one of the city’s best patios: vine-covered walls, low lighting and pan-Asian dishes worth fighting over. Unless your date’s cute. Then share. Maybe.
Three days. 250 tacos. 32 tequilas. If that doesn’t scare you a little, you’re ready for Taco Fest. Back with a mix of live mariachi and mezcal from Aug. 8–10, this food fest is basically a love letter to everything Mexican. Local chefs will be crafting next-level tacos, plus a nacho and guac station you may never leave and a margarita bar that doesn’t quit.
If your island tradition ends at beach naps and bike rentals, Castaways Rum Shack is bringing serious tropical energy to your summer. There’s a rotating food menu and a cocktail lineup complete with boozy slushies and rum punch. By sundown, the Wards Island patio glows under string lights making it the perfect sunset pit stop.
Get ready to rosé all day on Aug. 16 at Toronto’s ultimate pink party. Over 4,000 guests decked out in their finest pink and white will sip their way through 30+ rosé wines from around the globe. With food trucks, summer fits in full force and a live DJ stage headlined by Felix Cartal, it’s the perfect excuse to day-drink.
Picnic in the park
Grab a blanket, pack a snack spread and soak up a lazy, hazy afternoon at one of Toronto’s best parks. Whether you’re people-watching at Trinity Bellwoods or lounging in the shade at High Park, it’s the perfect recipe for a carefree day. Add some friends, maybe a Frisbee, and let the summer vibes take over.
Hillside features a slew of stages with dozens of artists strewn about lovely Guelph Island, an incredible food bazaar and camping. Performers this year include Femi Kute, Tim Baker and Bells Larsen.
This iconic Orillia folk festival has a historic connection to Toronto. This year, the festival on the shores of Lake Couchiching has outdone itself with headliners Iron & Wine, Waxahatchee and the Sheepdogs.
Torontonians can’t get enough of this cowboy-forward festival. This year’s massive lineup includes Sam Hunt, Hardy and Bailey Zimmerman for the jean-short-and-plaid crowd.
Global EDM legends like Tiësto, Deadmau5 and Rezz will take over Downsview Park from Aug. 1 to 3, featuring three days of non-stop house, techno, bass and trance.
Every August, Toronto becomes a tennis town, as we host the sport’s biggest stars for the National Bank Open, running from July 26 to Aug. 7 this year. Grab a pair of tickets, dress in your courtside best and test out your own racket skills at one of the countless event activations before heading to the stands. We know who we’ll be cheering for — the Canadians!
Movies on the River returns July 7, offering a unique film experience on Toronto’s Humber River. Paddle up in your own canoe, kayak or SUP for $10, or rent one starting at $40, with gear included. Rentals come with 30 minutes to explore the river before the film starts on an 80-foot screen near the launch site. Stay tuned for the movie lineup.
Bring some extra tranquility to your yoga practice this summer with standup paddleboarding yoga classes, hosted by Toronto Island SUP. Paddle across Lake Ontario and watch the sun rise or set across the Toronto skyline as you move through your flow and enjoy some quiet meditation — and give your core an extra challenge
It isn’t summer in Toronto until you’ve climbed the hill at Christie Pits with a cold beverage in hand and watched the Toronto Maple Leafs take the field — the city’s semi-pro baseball team. With free admission, cheap beers and a laid-back vibe that feels more backyard hangout than stadium showdown, ballgames here are a hidden gem.
Camp for adults
Relive the glory days of camp with an adults-only camping retreat just outside the city. Canadian Adventure Camp runs weekend and week-long experiences on Lake Temagami. Or wait until September for Haliburton Highlands wilderness escape from Two Islands Weekends or Camp Reset’s four-day digital detox adult summer camp in Bancroft.
The best beaches in Ontario
Ward’s Island
A peaceful, hidden gem on the Toronto Islands with calm waters and a local community feel. Ward’s is often cited as having the cleanest water in the city of Toronto for swimming.
Woodbine Beach
Gorgeous and fun right in the city, Woodbine features the largest beach volleyball area in North America, a massive outdoor pool, gourmet dining and much more.
Long Point
This remote beach lies on a 40-kilometre sand spit stretching into Lake Erie, recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise, in an agricultural heartland.
Sandbanks
Prince Edward County is home to some of the largest freshwater sand dunes in the world, Sandbanks boasts silky soft beaches and stunning turquoise shallows.
Toronto’s summer scene will be filled with concerts, community events and rooftop parties, but at least one event series is making headlines not for what it’s offering, but for what it’s taking away: your phone. Ok, so technically your phone won’t be taken, you’ll just place it into a secure, zippable pouch before the event begins, allowing you to truly live in the moment, rather than, say, live for taking the most perfect Insta selfie.
The summer pop-up events are part of a social wellness movement dubbed Before the Internet, which challenges Torontonians to ditch their screens and rediscover the art of what it was like to party before texting and swiping. It’s all in an attempt to combat the loneliness epidemic by fostering genuine human connection.
The events are part party, part nostalgia trip, so expect a ton of dancing, mingling, and even picture-taking with disposable cameras!
“The phone pouches act as an encouragement to live in the moment, dance like nobodies recording (cuz they’re not) and to shoot that shot with that person standing at the bar!” the team said in a recent Instagram post.
As phones won’t actually be banned, if you want to text your BFF that you met your soulmate at the bar, it’s fine.
“If you need to pull it out for a second to text your friend, go ahead!”
The point of the movement isn’t to forgo tech altogether. Organizers envision a world where technology complements connection rather than replacing it; and, perhaps, they’re on to something. A recent Cigna study shows that 73% of heavy social media users report feeling lonely, compared to 52% of light users.
“We envision a healed world where strangers say hi to each other in the street again. To kickstart this in real-life, if you see someone wearing BTI [at an event], please go and say hi, and pay them a complement,” the group’s website notes. “Our goal is to remind communities—especially young people—that real-life interactions build trust, empathy, and lasting relationships. By encouraging and creating spaces for face-to-face interaction, we aim to foster a healthier, more connected society.”
So, if you’re looking to trade DMs for IRL connections, follow @livebeforetheinternet for Toronto pop-up parties taking place throughout the summer!
Now that the warm weather has finally arrived, it’s the perfect time to gather the family and hit farms near Toronto for a cherished annual tradition: picking your own fruits and veggies!
This is a bit of a boots-on-the-ground type of activity, but it’s much more fulfilling than throwing produce into your cart at a local supermarket. The best part is, there are dozens of family-run pick-your-own farm experiences just a short drive from Toronto, filled with sun-ripened peach-, strawberry-, apple-, and veggie-picking experiences!
Here are a few local gems that make for the most perfect summer day trips.
This charming, 200-acre farm nestled in the Niagara Region has been owned and operated by the Devries family for more than four decades! The farm offers an assortment of the freshest fruits and vegetables that are ripe for picking, including strawberries, apples, carrots, rhubarb, carrots, peaches, pears, blueberries, raspberries and more. Just over an hour’s drive from the GTA and 20 minutes from Niagara Falls. 825 Canboro Rd, Fenwick, ON.
This farm is located in the beautiful Niagara Parkway region, midway between the southern shores of Lake Ontario and Niagara Falls. Stop by for a visit and pick up some fresh peaches, cherries, plums, nectarines and apples this summer! Their cherries are bursting with flavour (a testament to the farm’s rich, fertile soil and continental climate of Niagara), and their peaches are a perfect blend of sweet and slightly tangy.
The entrance fee is $5, and peaches are $4/Lb. The farm is open from 10 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week. Opening times may change depending on inventory, so check their website for updates. 15000 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON.
Head to Milton and frolic across 165 acres of pure countryside magic and winding trails! This scenic farm is just under an hour from Toronto (so perfect for a day trip), and you can pick some of the freshest produce, everything from sweet corn to plump strawberries, rainbow-hued flowers, and even pumpkins when in harvest (check the farm’s crop calendar here to get a rough idea of when certain fruits and veggies are in season). There are even activities for kids and a lush winery for adults on-site that produces quality wines from fruit grown right on the farm!
General admission tickets are required to access the fields (you can get yours when you arrive or pre-book online). Walk-in admission tickets: Free for ages 0-5; $16.95 +HST for ages 6-64; $12.95 +HST for seniors ages 65+ (seniors can also enjoy free entrance on Mondays, excluding holidays). There are slight discounts when purchasing a ticket online or with a seasonal pass. 9365 10 Side Road, Milton,ON.
Visit Great Lakes Farms anytime between August and October and pick some of the most delicious strawberries, peaches, apples, pears and pumpkins! The farm is nestled in the picturesque Elgin County near the shores of Lake Erie, in Port Stanley, and provides all the necessary equipment to ensure that you and your family/friends have a great time gathering in-season fruits. Afterward, take a break at the Apple Barn café and indulge in freshly baked treats (and hard cider for the adults!) Kids can even explore the farm’s giant pirate ship, race on the pedal tractors, climb Straw Mountain or explore the corn maze!
The farm is open from 10 am-5 pm daily and is about a 2-hour drive from Toronto. 5111 Union Road, Port Stanley, ON.
This 200-year-old family-owned farm in the Hamilton area is perfect for anyone looking for a more intimate produce-picking experience (the farm limits the number of customers at any one time, so it’s very zen). Pick everything from sweet cherries (early-to-mid July), sour cherries (early-to-mid July), plums (August-September), peaches (late July-August) and apples (Thanksgiving weekend).
They charge by the basket and also supply picking ladders if needed, although most fruits can be picked from the ground! No picnics are allowed this year, but you can enjoy picnics at the nearby Fifty Point Conservation Area. Check out the farm’s website to see when appointments are available! 20 Bridgman Lane, Winona, ON.
This historic farm is nestled in the Niagara Peninsula and has been owned and operated by the Moyer Family for more than 225 years! Picking season depends on the weather, but expect cherries, apricots and plums in July, and peaches, pears and nectarines in August! Each person entering the orchard must prepay for a basket (it’s like your personal ticket into the orchard). Large baskets hold up to 30 lbs and admit four people into the orchard (so, good for a family). Medium baskets hold up to 12 lbs and admit two people (couple goals!), and small baskets hold up to 6 lbs and admit one person (perfect as part of a solo getaway).
A tractor-train will take you to and from the orchards, and all of the trees are kept low so that most of the fruit can be picked by hand or with a short ladder (even kids can reach the branches). Make sure to pack a lunch as there are plenty of shaded areas around the farm for picnics! Just a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto. 4303 Cherry Avenue, Vineland, ON.
This family farm is a must-visit if you want to pick some of the freshest raspberries, strawberries and apples for your summer pies! Nestled in Caledon amongst a scenic countryside and quaint villages, this charming farm is just under a one-hour drive from Toronto! Raspberry picking will open in early July, but strawberry picking is now open 7 days a week, from 7 am to 4 pm. Visit later in the fall and sample some of the farm’s delicious pumpkins and candy apples!
No reservations are required (the farm operates on a first-come, first-serve basis), and baskets are provided (from $16 for a 2-litre basket to $48 for a 6-litre basket). This farm makes for a perfect family outing close to the city. 13707 Heart Lake Rd, Inglewood, ON.
Grammy-winning guitarist Tom Morello is performing at The Danforth Music Hall in Toronto next month, and the legendary rocker is using his concerts to support a cause close to his heart: youth homelessness.
Morello is partnering with Covenant House Toronto and the fundraising platform Fandiem to raffle off a VIP concert experience to raise funds for the shelter, which serves homeless and at-risk youth.
“I’m giving away a free trip to Toronto to come to my show & meet me backstage + A SIGNED GUITAR!” Morello, a former Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave guitarist, said in a recent Insta post.
Fans can donate anywhere between $10 and $500 to Covenant House through Fandiem. Each donation earns multiple entries to win the prize package, which includes round-trip travel to Toronto, a three-night hotel stay, two tickets to his show, a signed guitar and poster, the chance to meet Morello backstage and more, all worth over $10,000!
“Covenant House is an excellent organization that combats homelessness and helps youth at risk, so THANKYOU for helping them help others and giving yourself a chance to rock out and join me backstage in Toronto! Sweeps open worldwide,” Morello added.
According to Covenant House Toronto, as many as 40,000 young people in Canada experience homelessness every year, with over 50 per cent of homeless youth indicating that abuse at home contributed to their homelessness. Mark Aston, the charity’s executive director, told The Catholic Register that demand for its services continues to increase, with the shelter seeing over 2,000 youth annually.
Donations from the Morello fundraiser are expected to bring much-needed attention and resources to the charity’s wraparound services, like shelter, meals, on-site healthcare and even employment services.
The fundraiser runs until July 3, with a draw date on July 7.
Whether you have air conditioning or not, summer in Toronto can get pretty steamy. We may have seen a bit more rain lately than we’d like, but hot and humid weather is upon us. Luckily, the city is ripe with opportunities to spend time outdoors enjoying the short but sweet summer season, while also staying cool. Here are 25 activities to beat the heat in Toronto.
Hit the beach
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With a prime location on Lake Ontario, Toronto is blessed with a plethora of beaches offering the chance to cool off by the water. Some of the most popular stretches of sand in the city include Cherry Beach, Woodbine Beach, Sunnyside Beach and Bluffers Beach.
Jump into an outdoor pool
If pool swimming is more your speed, there are plenty of options to choose from no matter which area of Toronto you call home. The city operates 58 outdoor pools perfect for making a splash on a hot and humid summer day.
Hang out at Harbourfront Centre
Harbourfront Centre makes for an ideal spot to spend a summer day. The 10-acre site along the Lake Ontario shoreline offers not only cooling breezes, but also rotating art exhibitions, festivals, a lakeside patio courtesy of The Slip and much more.
Head to the Toronto Islands
For a quintessential summer escape (without having to leave the city), the Toronto Islands are just a quick and blissfully breezy ferry ride from downtown. There are four swimmable beaches to choose from, not to mention picnic areas, Centreville Amusement Park, cafes, fire pits and more.
Sometimes one of the best (and easiest) things to do on a hot day when you need a break, is to find a shady spot to sit in one of Toronto’s many parks. Some justifiably popular (and shady) options include Trinity Bellwoods, High Park, Christie Pits and Dufferin Grove Park.
Practice your balance with some SUP
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If you prefer to be on the water while standing up, SUP is a great option and there are many places who offer rentals, lessons and guided tours. While fairly easy to get the hang of, a lesson might be a good idea if you’re just starting out.
Get soaked at a splash pad
If you have kids in tow, a splash pad can be a fun, whimsical way to cool down in the city and there are more than a few to choose from. Some fun options include the splash pads at High Park, Centre Island and Kidstown Waterpark in Scarborough.
Indulge in an ice cream
When it comes to cooling off with an ice cream, Toronto has more than enough options to satisfy most cravings. From gelato and soft serve, to epic ice cream sandwiches, sundaes and traditional cones, you could conceivably try a different flavour every day of the summer.
Or a boozy ice cream flight
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If you like your ice cream with a boozy kick, you can get yourself over to S’cream in Yorkville for a boozy ice cream flight featuring several different flavours like mango ice cream with aperol or peach-vanilla with vodka.
Sip a slushy cocktail
It’s no secret that Toronto is a city that can get pretty creative with booze and lately, that means ice cold cocktails in slushy form. Some spots known to serve up these fun twists on a summer favourite are Rhum Corner and Cactus Club Cafe.
Stake out a spot at Sunnyside Pavilion
@thesunnysidepavilion/Instagram
Nab a shady table at this iconic summer spot and soak up the laid back vibes while people watching and sipping a cold drink. There’s usually a beach volleyball game or two going on and when you’re done you can take a stroll by the water.
Cool off at Cabana
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Cabana Toronto‘s expansive spot offers incredible waterfront views from their 50,000 square foot patio. Opt for a table, or rent a poolside or lakeside cabana for a bit more privacy. They also serve lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.
Take a load off at Toronto Beach Club
Feel like you’re on a tropical vacation with a visit to Toronto Beach Club along the shores of Woodbine Beach. A Mediterranean-style menu including lots of fresh fish and seafood and the extensive patio help seal the deal.
Strap on some roller skates
Feel the breeze on your face as you coast along in a pair of roller skates. Suso Skate Co. is a roller skate rental company operating out of a refurbished shipping container at The Bentway. Throughout the summer they are renting retro skates by the hour, along with helmets and other protective gear.
See a movie under the stars
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Since it usually cools down in the evening, why not stake out some space on the grass and settle in for an outdoor movie? The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show will be showing a curated series of films at various parks throughout the summer.
Catch a breeze on a rooftop patio
One of the best places to be on a sweltering summer day is on a rooftop patio, catching some much-needed breeze with a drink in hand. From swankier spots like Kost and the Rooftop at Broadview Hotel, to places with more of a pub feel like Hemingway’s or The Pilot, you’ve got plenty of rooftops to choose from.
Ease into an infinity pool
The massive 86,000 square foot outdoor patio at Grand Bizarre not only features food, drinks and private cabanas – but also three infinity pools to enjoy. Included in the price of your ticket are changerooms and complimentary ice cream.
Cruise over to Canada’s Wonderland
Whether you’re zipping around and upside down on an epic coaster or enjoying the park’s many water slides, there are plenty of ways to keep cool at Canada’s Wonderland. Sure, waiting in line might feel a bit steamy, but once you’re on a ride, the thrills (and cool breeze) will be worth it.
Zip around on a jet-ski
You don’t have to be on a beach vacation or at the cottage to enjoy a cooling jet ski ride. Operating out of Ontario Place, 416Navy Jet Ski Tours offer guided group tours seven days a week, no licence required.
Paddle around in a pedalboat
@lakeshoreboatrentals/Instagram
Operating out of Centre Island is The Boat House, which offers pedalboat rentals that make for an ideal way to spend some leisurely time on the water. Choose from two to three and four-person rentals for one or two hours.
Take a boat cruise
Whether you opt for a dinner or brunch cruise, a themed cruise, a boozy cruise or simple a scenic ride around the lake, a boat cruise can be a relaxing way to beat the heat in the city.
Hit the trails for a hike
While a hike on a hot day might sound counterintuitive, the temperature is usually significantly cooler under the shade of a forest canopy. Many of the city’s parks offer hiking trails, including High Park, Rough Park and Leslie Street Spit Trail in Tommy Thompson Park.
Say yes please to a popsicle
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Feel like a kid again and cool down with a popsicle, of which there are many options to choose from in the city. Creative flavours abound and it’s not hard to see why this particular frozen treat has taken off in Toronto. Check out The Pop Stand or Bar Ape for any flavour of your choosing.
Chill out with a craft beer
Over the past decade or so, Toronto’s craft beer scene has really come into its own, with breweries big and small popping up everywhere. And with those breweries have come some seriously creative brews, especially in the summer when flavours are more unique, fruity and whimsical. From Blood Brothers and Burdock, to Halo and Collective Arts, there’s no shortage of ways to cool down with a craft beer.
José Hadad, founder of Mad Mexican Restaurant and handmade salsas, started his business in 2005 with only $120, making guacamole out of his one bedroom apartment.
He’d moved to Canada from Mexico only four years previous to pursue his love of cooking and attend culinary school at George Brown College, after which he began working under Canadian chefs Mark McEwan and Michael Stadtländer. His dream was to introduce the authentic Mexican cuisine he’d grown up with to Toronto’s restaurant scene.
“I worked with the best chefs that I could find, sometimes even without a wage, just to get the experience,” says Hadad proudly of the memory.
So when he had the opportunity to secure a Saturday table outside of St. Lawrence Market, he enthusiastically began waking up at 4 a.m. to chop onions, squeeze lemon juice and whip up fresh guacamole to sell at the market. The guacamole was so well received that he quickly expanded his product line to include Salsa verde, Salsa roja–now known as Mad Mexican’s Morita sauce, and Pico de gallo.
To draw in market-goers, he handed out Tostitos with salsa samples — until it proved cheaper to make his own chips. Turns out, people loved them. “All of a sudden I couldn’t make enough of them,” he says. Once he began selling his products in local stores, he and his wife moved his one bedroom operation into what he calls “a kitchen and one bedroom apartment,” (aka a two bedroom). He knew he was headed in the right direction.
“I love food, and being able to share the food of Mexico became my calling and purpose. I knew that’s what I wanted to do,” he says. In 2007, he met an investor who owned a property on Eglinton West near Bathurst, who wished to open up a high-end Mexican restaurant.
“Back then, tacos were not cool. Mexican food was considered okay across the whole of Toronto. I went to some Mexican restaurants and thought ‘wow, I cannot believe they’re selling this as Mexican food,” Hadad recalls. “So when the investor presented the opportunity, I said ‘I can do this, as long as you let me cook my own product line’.” He continued to spend early mornings making homemade salsas in his home kitchen, before bringing them to the restaurant to incorporate into dishes.
The following year they opened Frida Restaurant & Bar, a fine-dining establishment that fused high-end service with local Ontario produce and classic Mexico-city inspired dishes. The reception was incredibly positive, and in 2010, he was finally able to move Mad Mexican operations into a commercial kitchen.
“A couple of years after that, we opened a Taqueria in the front of the kitchen and in 2014 we moved to 405 Jane Street, where we’ve now been for 11 years,” he says, noting that the anniversary is this month. “In restaurant years, we’re like 150!”
As for what’s next, the restaurant’s future is uncertain. “I feel like I already accomplished the dream that I looked on,” Hadad says. “So I don’t know if I’m going to have news for you guys soon in terms of what the fate of the restaurant is.”
His priority is to expand the product line (the company now owns a production plant in Scarborough) and encourage more people to try Mad Mexican– “So that we can bring them those five or 10 minutes of happiness that occurs when you’re eating fresh guacamole or a natural chip,” he says warmly. “We like to reminisce and get nostalgic about our food. It’s like the grandmothers’ cooking, something that really satisfied us, because they were not only feeding us food, they were feeding us love, they were feeding us care, attention and preparation.”
Reiterating that he doesn’t know how long the restaurant will be open, Hadad encourages Toronotonians to try Mad Mexican at least once. You can visit at 405 Jane Street, from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday (10 pm on Friday), and starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
The giant inflatable couches are returning to the Distillery Historic District this weekend to mark the return of the annual Lavazza IncluCity Festival.
Running from June 27 to July 20, the open-air film festival is set to transform the Distillery into a hub for movie lovers. But this year there is a bit more star power.
Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon will be this year’s Guest of Honour. According to the festival, Sarandon will attend the closing Gala on July 19, held at the iconic Hearn Generating Station.
The festival opens with the Canadian premiere of Napoli-New York, featuring actor Omar Benson Miller, who will be on hand to introduce the film at the outdoor Trinity Cinema.
Another highlight is the Canadian debut of Juliet & Romeo, a musical twist on Shakespeare’s classic. Stars Clara Rugaard and Jamie Ward, along with director Timothy Scott Bogart, will be in town for the June 28 screening.
This year, the IncluCity Festival is also shining a light on green architecture. Italian architect Mario Cucinella will speak on July 8, followed by the opening of his Toronto exhibition at TMU on July 9.
Italian directors the Manetti Bros. arrive July 9–10 with two new films, joined by actor Giacomo Gianniotti, while comedian Geppi Cucciari will appear on July 17.
International films include Nigerian thriller The Weekend on July 5, and the Filipino musical drama Song of the Fireflies on July 20, featuring singer-actress Rachel Alejandro.
For all the IncluCity Festival free concerts, red carpet events, and outdoor screenings, check the festival website.
