Serena Williams, part of the Toronto Tempo ownership team
Excitement is building for the inaugural season of the city’s new WNBA team and now tennis icon Serena Williams is joining the squad. Williams is taking her winning mentality and championship pedigree to the WNBA, joining the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, the league’s first Canadian franchise. Williams partners with Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, in shaping the team’s future.
“I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the Toronto Tempo,” Williams said. “This moment is about more than basketball — it’s about showcasing the value and potential of female athletes. Women’s sports are an incredible investment opportunity.”
Williams, who made her professional tennis debut in Canada in 1995, brings a legacy of dominance with 23 Grand Slam singles titles.
Tempo President Teresa Resch called her “the greatest athlete of all time,” adding, “Her impact on this team and this country is going to be incredible.”
As part of her role, Williams will influence the team’s visual identity, including jersey designs and merchandise collaborations. Tanenbaum called her an “icon, role model, and force for change” whose leadership aligns with the Tempo’s mission.
The team will begin play at Coca-Cola Coliseum in 2026 and host games across Canada. Fans can join the Season Ticket Waitlist at tempo.wnba.com.
Scarborough native Mike Myers made a surprise cameo on Saturday Night Live (SNL) over the weekend, portraying tech billionaire Elon Musk in a re-enactment of Friday’s cringe meeting at the Oval Office between Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. While Musk wasn’t at the original meeting, in the SNL opening, a chainsaw-wielding Myers (“Musk”) walked on set, interrupting the heated exchange between the world leaders (in reference to Musk flaunting a chainsaw on stage at the CPAC conference last week).
is a true Toronto original, born and raised in the city before taking his quirky, character-driven comedy to the world stage. From his early days at Second City to Saturday Night Live, he became known for developing a series of memorable characters including in the sketch Wayne’s World, which turned into massive big screen hit.
But what’s really got the internet talking is Myers’ wardrobe choice at the end of the show. The 61-year-old actor-comedian wore a black T-shirt adorned with a Canadian flag alongside the slogan “Canada is not for sale”, in response to Trump’s repeated threats about turning Canada into the 51st state. As the credits rolled, Myers mouthed the words “elbows up”, perhaps indicating a defensive stance that Canada should take to protect itself from an oncoming attack.
Although a few pointed out the Myers lives in the U.S., we know his roots are right here Toronto, by way of Scarborough.
Myers is receiving much more love from Canadians compared to Wayne Gretzky — the “Great One’s” appearance as Team Canada’s honorary captain at the 4-Nations championship late last month drew some ire due to his close association with Trump (resulting in Trump stating that he doesn’t want Canadians to turn against Gretzky because of their friendship).
Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Beck is set to embark on another orchestral tour this summer, bringing his eclectic and genre-defying catalog to life with the accompaniment of orchestras in select cities including Toronto.
The tour will feature renowned orchestras, conducted by Edwin Outwater, a celebrated maestro known for his dynamic collaborations in the world of classical and contemporary music. Each performance promises to be a very cool fusion of Beck’s unique artistry and the lush soundscape of a live orchestra.
Beck is the ultimate musical chameleon, effortlessly blending folk, rock, hip-hop, and electronic sounds into a genre-defying career that’s spanned decades. Bursting onto the scene in the ’90s with the slacker anthem Loser, he’s since built a wildly eclectic catalog, from the funky, futuristic grooves of Midnite Vultures to the soulful, Grammy-winning beauty of Morning Phase. Never one to sit still, Beck constantly reinvents himself, whether he’s crafting dancefloor-ready beats, melancholic acoustic ballads, or something totally unexpected. With a sharp wit, infectious energy, and a knack for pushing boundaries, he remains one of the most inventive and unpredictable artists in modern music.
Putting Beck front-and-centre with a full orchestra behind him promises to be a unique and magical musical moment. It’s part of a greater movement showcasing artists with symphonic backing. Last Friday, Red Bull Symphonic hosted its first Canadian concert featuring Charlotte Day Wilson with the TSO behind her. And, it was incredible.
Charlotte Day Wilson performs at Red Bull Symphonic in Toronto, Canada on February (photo: Jenna Hum / Red Bull Content Pool)
The pre-sale for all dates (except the Ravinia Festival) will begin on March 4, at 10 a.m. using the code BLUEMOON. General ticket sales will open on Friday, March 7, at 10 a.m.
Winter is here and the city is alive and well with plenty of arts, shopping, food and more to enjoy! From an International Women’s Day march to a sketch comedy fest, here are 10 things to do in Toronto this week.
If you’re looking for more things to do in Toronto, check out our Instagram page, @streetsoftorontodo.
Head to Toronto Sketch Fest
The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival is returning this Wednesday for over a week of hilarious live programming. Featuring more than 60 sketch comedy troupes from across North America, TOsketchfest will include over 50 showcases along with the annual Tosketchfest Film Festival. Highlight include the Tita Collective, Anesti Danelis and Hilary Haas.
Join an International Women’s Day march
Courtesy iwdtoronto.ca
This Saturday marks International Women’s Day, so don’t miss the city’s annual rally and march — which the organizers say is the largest march of its kind in North America. Beginning with a rally at 11 a.m., the march will begin at 1 p.m. with a theme of “fighting for our lives, building our resistance.”
Step into spring with a local fair
@springfest_to/Instagram
What better way to kick off spring, and the March Break, than with a fun-filled fair? SpringFestTO is back this Saturday and running all next week as well, and you’ll want to bring the whole family for this adventure. Enjoy an indoor fun park that includes a dinosaur exhibit, dance party, Ferris wheel, fun slide, the teacup ride and more, plus all kinds of delicious fair food!
Get the inside scoop on the housing market at a real estate roundtable
Post City Magazines, Streets of Toronto and Rotman School of Management are bringing together 11 of the city’s top real estate experts for our 18th annual Real Estate Roundtable! The live event, which is almost sold out, is happening on Wednesday this week and attendees will learn about what’s happening in the condo market, the likelihood of a seller’s market and where prices are headed for spring.
Kick off March Break with Encanto
Get the kids even more excited for a whole week off by starting the weekend with Disney’s Encanto in Concert. Performed by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, enjoy the tale of Mirabel and the Madrigals on the big screen as a live orchestra performs the score.
Get swept up in Swan Lake
Courtesy national.ballet.ca
Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet Swan Lake is being revisited this season with The National Ballet of Canada for a special reason — to commemorate Karen Kain’s 50-year career with the company. In a staging inspired by Erik Bruhn’s version but told with a unique spin thanks to Kain’s years of experience with the work, catch the premiere on Saturday.
See your favourite artist in concert
Grab last-minute tickets to your favourite artist this week! Neriah performs at Longboat Hall on Tuesday, and Jorja Smith brings her tour to Massey Hall the same night (with another show on Wednesday). Lime Cordiale performs at Danforth Music Hall on Wednesday, as does NCT 127 at Scotiabank Arena. On Thursday, catch Kim Dracula at Danforth Music Hall. Friday, bbno$ takes the stage at History.
Catch the premiere of a political thriller
A real-time political thriller, Trident Moon follows three Muslim women have been abducted by three Hindu women and all are trapped inside a transport truck as it speeds through India in 1947. See the premiere of this play written by Governor General’s Award-nominated and four-time Dora Award-winning theatre artist Anusree Roy on Tuesday.
See your favourite TV stars at the home show
@homeshowsto/Instagram
Running from Friday until March 16, the National Home Show is taking over the Enercare Centre with hands-on home reno demos, expert panels, plenty of design inspiration and all your favourite TV stars! Get expert advice from Colin & Justin, Kortney Wilson, Lynda Reeves, Frankie Flowers, Mike Holmes, Kristen Coutt and more.
Have a laugh with a comedian
There are quite a few comedians performing in Toronto this week, including Canadian Julie Kim! She’ll be performing on Friday at The Royal, while Adam Ray takes over Meridian Hall for his Dr. Phil Live show featuring crowd interactions, standup, huge celebrity guests and surprise characters. And on Saturday and Sunday, musician and comedian Morgan Jay is bringing his This One’s For You tour to the city at Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Greta Solomon’s, the much loved fine dining spot in Leslieville renowned for its impeccable food and exceptional service, has announced it will be closing its doors for good
Owner Darlene Mitchell broke the news on Instagram, confirming the restaurant’s closure.
“We are so proud of this little gem,” the post reads. “She served as well and it was a pleasure to serve you.”
Opened in 2016 to much fanfare, the French bistro was named in honour of Mitchell’s late mother and grandfather. Small but mighty, the 26-seat restaurant offered a charming escape to France without ever leaving Leslieville.
Mitchell, who hails from Newfoundland, brought French classics to life with modern twists — think Risotto à l’orge, Steak Frites + Caesar Salad and Magret de Canard, alongside drool-worthy desserts like the French classic crème brûlée and decadent chocolate ganache.
In the post, Mitchell invited loyal patrons to visit the restaurant one last time, adding, ‘And if you can’t, I’m sure we’ll see you down the road.’ Perhaps hinting at something new in the works?
News of the closure has been met with sadness from long-time patrons, many of whom were quick to express their heartfelt disappointment. Over the years, the restaurant became known as one of the most romantic spots in the city, witnessing countless milestones from first dates to marriage proposals.
“I’ve loved all the extra touches — the personalized place cards, the special wine list, and the perfectly curated menus. I wish you much success on your new ventures!” said one comment.
“My husband and I celebrated every anniversary at Greta Solomon’s. You will be deeply missed!” another wrote.
Reservations can be made on OpenTable until March 15, offering one last chance to experience the beloved bistro before its doors close for good
This March, Ontario drivers could receive free rush hour travel on Highway 407 as part of the Express Toll Route’s “Spring into Free Rush Hour” campaign. From March 1 to 31, 2025, eligible personal vehicles (with Ontario plates only) will receive free unlimited travel along Highway 407 ETR from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and/or 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., from Monday to Friday, excluding Ontario statutory holidays.
The free travel is being offered on the stretch of Highway 407 ETR running from QEW in Burlington to Brock Road in Pickering.
To be eligible, you first have to sign up and log in to the My Account portal on the Highway 407 ETR website and enroll for the promotion (heavy vehicle transponders aren’t eligible for this offer, so transponder lease fees will continue to apply if you lease a transponder).
According to 407 ETR, any applicable discounts will appear on your bill as a “promotional credit”, covering toll charges, trip toll charges, camera charges, and applicable account fees during the promotion period. Credits for any trips taken about seven to 10 days before your bill date may be reflected on your next bill (although credits can’t exceed the trip value).
More good news — this promotion is just one of several driving offers that 407 ETR plans to introduce throughout the year, which are expected to provide the average enrolled customer with nearly $50 in credits per month.
Working pleebs. 407 has an offer this month, free tolls during am and pm rush hour. You need to log into your account to activate it and for details. pic.twitter.com/bJRYBoU6KO
Each week, more than three million people travel on Highway 407. To help tackle gridlock issues, 407 ETR introduced a new rate schedule for 2025 that includes additional toll zones — instead of four zones across the entire 108 kilometres, there are now 12, allowing the ETR to set different toll rates for each zone.
The ETR also introduced new vehicle classifications for motorcycles and medium-sized vehicles to ensure toll rates better reflect a vehicle’s impact on the road. For example, a motorcycle will pay less than an SUV, while larger trucks, vans and SUVs towing trailers will pay more. The toll rate increase for light vehicles now ranges from three to 14 cents per kilometre (depending on the time of day and zone travelled).
This year, drivers can also experience increased fees for the first time in five years, including camera charges, account fees and transponder lease fees (most personal transponder customers can expect a monthly bill increase of about $8).
Click here for the ETR’s new rate schedule. Drivers can also calculate their tolls before they drive by using 407 ETR’s online toll calculator or by downloading the ETR’s mobile app.
After starting out as a pop-up concept at the beginning of 2024, Jamil’s Chaat House has found a permanent home inside a lemon yellow building on Queen St. W.
“Jamil’s highlights overlooked or underrated dishes that are often found at Desi restaurants, but rarely ordered by people outside of the diaspora,” said Emma Tanaka, who co-founded Jamil’s alongside Jalil Bokhari. “The intent is to recontextualize them within Toronto’s food culture — evoking nostalgia for those familiar with the dishes and a sense of discovery for others.”
Co-founders Emma Tanaka and Jalil Bokhari
“Jamil was the surname of Jalil’s grandfather, and the restaurant was named after his love of dining and generous hosting spirit,” Tanaka says. “He has a knack for finding the absolute best when it comes to food and drink, and we aim to carry on the same tradition.”
On the menu, you won’t find any butter chicken, as outlined on the restaurant’s Instagram page.
Straightforward and minimalist, it leans vegetarian, and is a curated collection of generational Pakistani recipes executed by head chef Eric MacDonald. Chaat, a popular category of savoury snacks in South Asian cuisine, is the star of the menu — alongside other Pakistani-inspired small plates and mains.
“The recipes have evolved with our pop-ups and most recently chef Eric MacDonald has taken over the menu to work her magic and focus on spicy, punchy flavour,” Tanaka said. “The aim with our concise menu is to encourage people to try something new, potentially outside of their comfort zone.”
Choose from one of three chaat dishes: the dahi puri made with semolina, potato, chickpea, tamarind and cilantro yogurt — one of the signature dishes at Jamil’s; the papdi chaat (garlic potato yogurt, pomegranate, mint, and apple) and the samosa chaat (chole, sweet tamarind, yogurt and red onion).
Meat dishes include the beef seekh kebab done with marinated onion and cumin, and the lamb nihari served with Desi chili crisp, cinnamon and ginger. You can also try weekly specials which, most recently, have included a seared maitake mushroom and rotating seasonal achaars. “We will continue to highlight seasonal produce and are constantly developing new menu items,” Tanaka said.
Complementing the menu, Jamil’s Chaat House offers a well-curated selection of natural wines and creative cocktails that use familiar ingredients found in South Asian cooking, like the Cardamom Old Fashioned, or the Tamarind Margarita.
And, although Jamil’s is now a permanent fixture on Queen St. W., it plans to honour its pop-up roots. “We are so grateful for the many restaurants that opened their doors for us; now that we have a permanent home, the long term intent is to extend the pop-up spirit to others,” Tanaka said. “We aim to play host to travelling chefs and winemakers who we admire in the industry.”
Jamil’s Chaat House is located at 1086 Queen St. W. and is open Thursday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to close.
There are plenty of changes coming to the city! From Bayview to Queen West, find out what new restaurants, shops and studios are opening in your neighbourhood this season.
Trapped Midtown recently launched on Eglinton Way, offering a new place for residents looking for a place to host birthday parties or team building events. Trapped is known for creative and sometimes terrifying escape room themes, including one set in the future and one based on a medieval prison. The new escape room space is at 298 Eglinton Ave. W.
Unnie has opened its doors in Willowdale, and the Korean hot pot spot is serving up delicious and authentic eats. With a moody and classy interior, the bistro sets the scene for a fun night out. The menu features a variety of hot pot dishes—all of which pair well with soju, an alcoholic Korean beverage —ranging from beef shank and pork belly to tofu. The new eatery is located at 4852 Yonge St.
Courtesy The Hut
The Hut recently opened at Yonge and Eglinton, and the smoothie and juice bar is already a popular spot in the neighbourhood. With a colourful menu of fresh smoothies, juices, bowls topped with goji berries and housemade granola and toasts ranging from avocado smash to almond butter and bee pollen, the new shop is located at 2528 Yonge St.
Fairway Restaurant and Bar is opening soon on Bayview, and the combined golf simulator, chipping and putting spot, restaurant and lounge promises to be “Leaside’s famous 19th hole.” Visitors to the space at 1660 Bayview Ave. can expect an opportunity to perfect their golfing techniques before sitting down for a bite and a cocktail.
Courtesy @pattayacitytoronto/Instagram
Pattaya City recently launched at 1010 Eglinton Ave. W., and the new restaurant is offering a menu of authentic Thai cuisine. Diners will enjoy classics such as tom yum soup, pad krapow and khao mun gai, a traditional Thai chicken rice, as well as unique dishes such as a khao soi salad and shrimp chips.
Shamshiri Restaurant has just opened its doors in Thornhill. The Persian restaurant promises to cook up authentic dishes that you would find in Iran. The menu features classics such as ghormeh sabzi stew, lamb neck and a koobideh wrap. The new location at 8199 Yonge St. is being praised for its quality food, great service and overall delicious and affordable dining experience.
Hair Tree has opened a new salon at Yonge and Eglinton. Known for a specialization in Korean hairstyles, the salon does everything from straightening, root volume and bang perms to balayage, highlights and ombre. With a roster of experienced hairstylists from Korea, the new location at 2409 Yonge St. will have you looking your best.
Credit: @mdviii_mcmxc/Instagram
Carhartt WIP has officially opened its doors on Ossington. The sleek and spacious location features meticulous displays of the brand’s workwear and streetwear collections, including a display of graphic tees laid flat along the wall like an art exhibition. The new space can be found at 49 Ossington Ave.
Vintage and the City is popping up in Yorkville Village! The 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.
Shawarma Daddyis new to Bloor West. The popular Scarborough eatery’s famous charcoal barbecue whole chicken is now available at 728 Bloor St. W. Lovers of shawarma, those looking for a halal food or those just looking for a quick bite to eat on their lunch break will love the restaurant’s simple and affordable menu, featuring chicken and beef shawarma, falafel and special jerk chicken or butter chicken fusion shawarmas.
Courtesy novacancybar.ca
No Vacancy, a new spot at 74 Ossington (formerly Ghost Chicken), merges global flavours and cocktails in a laid-back, neighbourhood-driven atmosphere. A nod to Ossington’s evolution, it’s perfect for starting, ending, or spending your night. Chef John Carlo Zabala’s open-flame dishes showcase his Filipino roots, while the moody, nostalgic space features local art and exposed brick.
Gem Studio has launched its first Canadian location in Toronto at the Well. The U.S.-based experiential jewelry retailer is known for its customizable approach to jewelry, where customers are walked through the process of crafting their own jewelry. Providing a hands-on silversmithing experience, customers will walk away from Gem with anything from earrings to a pet collar or a keychain that they had a hand in making. The studio at 486 Front St. W. also offers permanent jewelry.
Community news
Willowdale in the ’70s, a Facebook group that’s all about celebrating growing up in the community, recently raised over $28,000 for their local food bank, NeighbourLink North York. The Facebook group, which has grown to include over 25,000 members, has raised money for the charity for five years in a row, and their funds raised this year surpassed all previous goals.
Sasha Kim, a 12-year-old artist in the Queen West neighbourhood, recently chose to submit a painting of her favourite local bakery, Nadège Patisserie, for a contest asking participants to create a painting of something dear to the artist’s heart from their neighbourhood. When owner Nadège Nourian — and her partner Morgan McHugh — heard the story, she offered to buy the painting to display in the bakery at 780 Queen St. W. The show of support for a young artist from the community was greatly appreciated by Sasha and her family!
Weekends in Toronto are always filled with activities, and this one is no exception. If you’re looking for things to do, there’s a massive festival that’s all about cats, a winter music fest and more!
If you’re looking for more things to do in Toronto, check out our Instagram page, @streetsoftorontodo.
Have a catstravaganza
@lovingcatsworldwide/Instagram
Love cats? Have one yourself? Always wanted to rescue one? There’s no better place than the Toronto Catstravaganza, a cat expo presented by Loving Cats Worldwide on Saturday and Sunday. Don’t miss the international competition, the CatWalk, the shopping village for all your cat accessory needs, and of course meet with local rescues and charities.
Celebrate World Wildlife Day with a hike
Courtesy @thecampbellrentals/Instagram
Join your fellow nature-lovers for World Wildlife Day this Saturday and head to High Park for a nature walk! Explore the forest, take a peek at the wetlands, meet all the birds, mammals and reptiles that inhabit the park and learn all about the different wildlife communities with the High Park Nature Centre.
See a one-night-only symphonic collab with Charlotte Day Wilson
Get ready for a one-night-only R&B collaboration between Red Bull Symphonic and Toronto’s own Charlotte Day Wilson on Friday. Prepare to see and hear her repertoire transformed by a full symphony orchestra and enjoy smooth rhythms and grooves all night long.
Head to a winter music festival across the city
@wavelengthmusic/Instagram
The 24th edition of Toronto’s annual Wavelength Winter Festival is back this week from Thursday to Saturday! With three days full of programming, don’t miss Brìghde Chaimbeul, The OBGMs, Ducks Ltd. plus plenty more local talent!
Celebrate Justin Bieber’s birthday among fans
@evanpaterakis/Instagram
Whether you’ve always been a Belieber or are a recent convert, you might be wondering the best way to honour his birthday on Friday. Supermarket has got you covered — Bieber Bday Party will be playing songs from all his eras and you can celebrate among fans! Expect themed drinks, giveaways and more.
Join an Oscar watch party
Root for your favourite actors and movies, ooh and ahh at outfits on the red carpet and prepare to have strong opinions about whoever is hosting the Oscars at a live watch party on Sunday. The TIFF Members Oscar Watch Party is hosted by Sangita Patel and Carlos Bustamante, new hosts of Youtube show and podcast Click and Tell, and they’ll be bringing years of entertainment and celebrity expertise to this live screening!
See a magical ballet performance
Artists of Dutch National in The Four Seasons. Photo By Eric Gerritsen
See the North American premiere of The Four Seasons on Wednesday as acclaimed creator David Dawson returns to The National Ballet of Canada this week. This work is complemented by two pieces sharing similar themes: the world premiere of Marco Goecke’s Morpheus’ Dream and Antony Tudor’s The Leaves Are Fading.
Attend a super nostalgic dance party
If you grew up with the Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana, head out to The Rec Room for Suite Life After Dark: Disney Channel-Inspired 2000s Dance Party Toronto on Friday. Dress in your best retro look (flip phones encouraged) and dance and sing all night to Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, High School Musical and all the best 2000s hits.
Although the weather in Toronto these past few days has been relatively more spring-like, especially when compared to the significant snowfall that crippled the city earlier in the month, experts are predicting more precipitation heading into March. According to the Weather Network, back-to-back storms will bring snow to all of Ontario this week, adding 10-15+ cm of snow to Southern Ontario, including parts of the GTA.
“[R]oads across southern Ontario will be slippery from this week’s melting snowpack as a result of the mild temperatures. Combined with falling snow, it could make for some dicey travel,” the Weather Network stated in a blog post. “Another, more potent system taking aim at the province on Friday will bring heavy snow to northwestern Ontario as well as southern Ontario.”
The GTA, including Toronto, can expect up to 10 cm of snow beginning late Friday afternoon, with light snow on Saturday and Sunday, and periods of light snow continuing on and off throughout the first week of March.
Wouldn’t be the worst idea to set the alarm a little earlier tomorrow morning around the #GTA for risk of snow, freezing rain &/or rain (temps very close to 0°C). A clipper with some decent jam likely to put down additional accumulation Friday into Saturday. Purple = >15 cm. pic.twitter.com/JmLgyJlTzs
In addition to precipitation, expect colder weather. By Friday morning, the temperature will drop to -7 °C in Toronto but feel like -12 °C. When the snow hits Friday afternoon, it’ll be about -1°C but feel like -7 °C. Saturday’s overnight low will reach -16 °C, but feel like -22 °C, and Sunday will have a low of -16 °C but feel like -22 °C.
For Southern Ontario this March, the 2025 Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts an average temperature of -1 °C (1 degree below average), and 90 mm of precipitation (35 mm above average). For the long-range weather forecast, Southern Ontario can expect the following:
Mar 1–3 — Sunny north, heavy snow south; chilly.
Mar 4–10 — Snow north, periods of flurries east; chilly.
Mar 11–16 — Snowstorm north, rain and snow south; warmer.
We love supporting local in Toronto, and we’re lucky to have so many amazing independent shops in the city. The next time you’re in one of the east end’s trendiest neighbourhoods, Leslieville, check out these 10 essential, and locally-owned, shops.
Local gift shop Scout is a treasure trove of Canada-based small brands, and you’ll find everything from embroidery kits to 1,000-piece puzzles, small-batch skincare and elegantly-made jewelry. With a focus on community care, founder Leah Eyles also makes sure to donate to local charities and initiatives through the shop, from Sistering to Native Women’s Association of Canada. A bright and cozy store featuring a full wall of stationery and cards, you can find every component of your next gift here.
Possibly the most unique storefront in Leslieville, Gadabout is a curated vintage and curiosity shop with a packed interior that could convince even the most casual shopper to stay a while and peruse every hidden corner. Whether you’re seeking true vintage gems from the 1800s, a set of glasswares or a one-of-a-kind knickknack (we’re talking a taxidermized bird or antique potato chip tins), you’ll likely find something that suits here!
Specialising in local and Canadian independent designers, Coal Miner’s Daughter is where to go when you’re looking for that special piece to complete your wardrobe. Their sunny Leslieville location is beautifully organized, filled with high-quality sweaters, unique jewelry and fun outerwear—and with an ongoing pledge to have no less than 80 per cent Canadian designers in their shops, it’s very likely any piece you find here is a local gem.
For loungewear, cozy clothes, homewares and accessories that are made in Canada, stop into Province of Canada. With a minimalist aesthetic of simple shelving stacked with vintage-inspired designs (we’ll hazard a guess that you might find your new favourite crewneck here), the brand’s Leslieville shop is chic and oh-so-tempting to step into and browse as we reach the final days of winter and lean into creams, beiges and neutrals again.
With two shops on Queen Street—one in the east and one in the west—Philistine covered its bases in making sure everyone in Toronto can peruse their independently-owned boutiques. Filled with trendy finds from brands including Naked & Famous, LL Bean, Brixton and HVISK, the selection here leans practical but fun when it comes to clothes. There’s also a “gift shop” portion of the store, teeming with candles, housewares, puzzles, patches and pins and more.
Now a recognized shop in the city with three locations, we’re still partial to Good Neighbour’s original location in Leslieville. Located in the front of a charming little house, this lifestyle shop with a department store twist is packed with everything you could ever need—find fashionable clothing, kids and baby gear, home necessities and the perfect gift-ready items here.
Skincare buffs in Toronto know Health Hut is where to go for more niche beauty and body care finds that you might not find at your local Sephora or drug store. With a focus on natural, “clean” products, the beautiful display of products lining the walls of the Leslieville location will make you feel like you want to do a complete overhaul and cleanout of your bathroom. Top brands include Vintner’s Daughter, Graydon and 19/99.
There’s no better way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon at a cozy and independently-owned bookstore! Queen Books, with its printed wallpapers and area rugs, invite you to stay awhile—and while you’re at it, find your next read, maybe even by a local author.
An underrated vintage shop in the city, Coffee and Clothing is also the team behind the city’s latest and coolest flea market, the Hogtown Flea. With an impressive collection of workwear and sportswear in particular, the best part is that you can also get any pieces in your wardrobe mended by their in-house mender Mutsumi, helping extend the life of all your favourite clothing.
The ultimate one-stop-shop for supporting local, Arts Market takes the concept a step further by renting space to artistic entrepreneurs to sell their goods, taking no commission and providing space for emerging artists to find their audience. Filled with incredibly unique finds, from macrame to photography prints to curated vintage, you’re guaranteed to spot something new and exciting every time you visit!
What if you could take all the good vibes from nightlife and make them sober-friendly, wallet-friendly and bedtime-friendly? Matthew Campoli’s new venture, The Coffee Party, proves you can do just that.
“The city has an incredible culture and energy, but we felt there was a need for a fresh, vibrant way to connect — something that didn’t revolve around late nights or high-priced nightlife,” he says. “Guests can expect an electrifying morning atmosphere — the start of something new. The Coffee Party is a budget-friendly, sober-focused event built around the universal love of coffee. We curate an immersive experience with world-class DJs, creating a high-energy yet welcoming space where people can make real connections. Unlike traditional nightlife, attendees leave feeling recharged, inspired and with their entire day ahead of them.”
Adam Pesce, the president of Reunion Coffee Roasters, believes these kinds of parties make sense in the city for a host of reasons. He likens a coffee party to the rise of wellness-based activities and events at places like Othership.
“It’s giving people who want to abstain from alcohol something to do that’s not just sitting in a cafe or going for a walk,” he says. “Coffee has a rich history as a social beverage, dating back to the first coffee houses in the Middle East, London and beyond —even being responsible for the Age of Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution. So there is something poetic about coffee being a part of a new social movement, hundreds of years after it started one.”
A ticket for The Coffee Party entitles guests to unlimited coffee, tea and a selection of pastries. There are different surprises at every monthly event, including sweet treats like gelato. Espresso martinis and mocktails can be purchased for an additional cost, but the focus remains on coffee and, primarily, the sober experience. And, as the summer approaches, Campoli has even more in the works. “
Warmer weather will also allow us to introduce pre-event wellness activations, creating an even more holistic, health-focused experience for our community,” he says.
Campoli has been throwing The Coffee Party’s events for about four months, and last month’s event — held at 485 King Street — had 1,100 attendees. Campoli already has plans for expansion thanks to the success he’s seen so far.The Coffee Party has already expanded into Miami, and he says there are more North American host cities in the works. But the Toronto native will always pay homage to his hometown, the place that inspired the event, with a monthly event.
“The response has been incredible, and as we grow globally, Toronto will always be our foundation.”
The next even will be held on March 22. Follow along on with The Coffee Party’s Instagram page for updates.
