Our top 5 travel stories of 2024

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From charming small towns to relaxing Nordic spas, 2024 was a year full of cool local travel experiences, all just a short drive from Toronto. Here are your favourite stories from this year.

10 picturesque small towns just a short drive from Toronto

Small towns in Ontario are some of the best places to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. You don’t need to spend the whole day in the car to get to these scenic escapes from Toronto — most of them are within a couple hours of downtown. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway or a quick jaunt with the kids, these stunning spots are the perfect place to enjoy beautiful architecture, delicious food and charming accommodations.

The best farms for strawberry picking close to Toronto

Summer is almost here, and that means it’s time for a sweet seasonal adventure: strawberry picking —and you don’t have to venture far to do so. With just a short drive, you can find some great spots close to Toronto where you can enjoy the fun of picking fresh strawberries. And this weekend, pick-your-own strawberries season officially begins!

pickyourownstrawberries — Strawberries from an Ontario farm

10 popular Ontario attractions you can visit for free this weekend

Thanks to the coronation of King Charles III happening, Toronto residents were able to enjoy the city’s first sunny weekend in a while at some of the province’s most popular cultural attractions. As part of the coronation celebrations, Ontario offered free admission to 10 spots, including the Royal Ontario Museum and Ontario Science Centre. Check out this list of great local attractions.

The best farmers’ markets to visit within 90 minutes of Toronto

Across the province, farmers’ markets are in full swing, showcasing a vibrant abundance of the freshest seasonal produce and locally sourced offerings. These bustling hubs offer a diverse range of goodies, making them the perfect place to explore and support local agriculture while savouring the flavours of the season.

These are the best Nordic spas to visit across Ontario

The hustle and bustle of city life can drain our mental, physical and social battery. When you’re feeling drained, Nordic spas offer a great way to reboot. Steeped in Scandinavian tradition, hydrotherapy aims to strengthen the immune system, moving the body from hot to cold and purifying the body of toxins while soothing aches and pains. In need of a wellness retreat? We rounded up our favourite Nordic spas all across Ontario.

Whether you’re planning your next road trip or looking to explore closer to home, these Ontario adventures prove that the best escapes are often right in your backyard.

Our top fashion stories of 2024

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Julia Mastroianni

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1:30 pm

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It’s been quite the year of fashion trends in Toronto and beyond. From the mob wife trend to bows and the return of the horse girl, we’ve seen it all — and worn it all. Our city has seen plenty of exciting new openings this year, from vintage shops (there seems to be a new one every month!) to pop-up markets finding permanent homes to luxe designers. This year, our top five list shows that Torontonians (mostly) look local when it comes to shopping for the best and the trendiest. Here are the top five style stories that caught your eye in 2024.

5. A bohemian new Kensington shop

When we profiled this ultra-cozy new hybrid vintage shop earlier in September, we thought it was pretty unique — and clearly our readers thought so too. A partnership between secondhand shop Vintage Baby and 20-year-old heirloom textile brand Honeybea, a glimpse inside this Kensington shop shows a lovingly curated collection of antique textiles, vintage, folk art, knick knacks, antiques and fabrics alongside stunningly-made coats, sweaters and more. In an area that is already filled with one-of-a-kind vintage stores, it’s remarkable that this shop still managed to stand out from the crowd and offer up something entirely new to Kensington.

4. A vintage shop with specific instructions

Owner Elizabeth Lima. Courtesy Emma Johnston-Wheeler

It’s all in the name — that’s what Elizabeth Lima, the owner of a new Dundas West vintage shop, told us in August. Fittingly named Tell Them It’s Vintage, it’s a reminder to all customers to proudly boast about the vintage roots of their outfits the next time they’re complimented on the street. Featuring everyday apparel ranging from $80-$100, with a handful of designer pieces nearing the $1,000 mark (think: Gucci, Jean Paul Gaultier), the interest shown for the shop from our readers makes it clear that even with the plethora of vintage stores in the city, there’s still room for one more.

3. Launch of a new Uniqlo store

This is Toronto, and as much as we wish it was all about the local brands, sometimes the launch of a big box store generates as much hype as a Drake-favoured restaurant. Our story about the opening of yet another Uniqlo location in Toronto earlier this year had readers clamouring to read more. The location opened, to no one’s surprise, in a mall — Fairview Mall, to be exact. The minimalist Japanese brand is obviously a favourite for Torontonians.

2. The best consignment stores in Toronto

The secondhand trend continues! This roundup of the best consignment stores in the city, published right at the start of 2024, has collected page view after page view throughout the year, and we’re not surprised — there’s a growing shift toward secondhand shopping in Canada, with a recent study by Karrot and Angus Reid finding that 93 per cent of Canadians 18 to 34 are likely to buy secondhand to save, and one in four respondents said they were hunting for preowned goods at least once a month. Resale apparel sales has also been the fastest growing segment in the Canadian apparel market for the past three years, according to a Trendex report. Whether Torontonians were looking to sell their high-end goods to consignment shops or visit them for heavily-discounted designer goods, this list became their go-to reference throughout 2024.

1. Gen Z-approved style trends for Dad

Our top-performing fashion article by far this year was completely unexpected, in the most delightful way. Jeanne Beker’s monthly fashion column in June took on the challenge of styling three distinct but trendy outfits for Dad in honour of Father’s Day. Pulling from local stores only, we crafted three gen Z-approved outfits that are just approachable enough for your dad to wear — and our readers loved it. Who knew so many dads were searching for outfits that would make their too-cool kids proud of them?

Toronto’s Most Inspiring Women of 2024: Zoë Keary-Matzner

By

Julia Mastroianni

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8:55 pm

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The Challenger — Zoë Keary-Matzner

In 2019, seven Ontario youth did something remarkable — they decided to take Premier Ford and the government of Ontario to court because of climate change. Their court case argued that the government’s choice to weaken climate targets will lead to widespread illness and death, violating Ontarians’ Charter-protected rights to life, liberty, and security of the person. Toronto’s own Zoë Keary-Matzner is one of those seven. Since then, an Ontario Superior Court judge tried to dismiss the case in 2023, but this year, there was good news: the Ontario Court of Appeal sided with the youth and ordered a new hearing for a youth-led constitutional challenge. By taking a stand, Keary-Matzner and her fellow court challengers are making it clear that governments should be held responsible for their impact on the environment. It’s a victory for Canada and for youth everywhere.

By Sophia Mathur, Fellow court challenger

I first heard about Zoë in December 2018 when she joined Fridays For Future Toronto. I had already been involved in Fridays For Future, and there was a national strike happening in Canada around that time. Greta even tweeted her appreciation for us, which was such an exciting moment. In March 2019, during March Break, there was a big Fridays For Future strike in Toronto. I spent the day with Zoë getting ready to march to Queen’s Park. We were just kids — she was 12, and I was 11 — but there was so much media around, and they interviewed us both. We danced, made signs, and had so much fun together. Later, in the summer of 2019, we spent a whole weekend together preparing for the launch of our lawsuit. That time was really special — it felt like we were doing something big, and it brought us even closer. The day our case was formally launched, we were interviewed together, and Zoë was so calm and collected. She spoke so well — it really inspired me. It felt amazing to share that experience with another young person who truly understood what we were fighting for. Zoë has been a powerful climate advocate since before she was even a teen, and what inspires me most is her long-term commitment. Despite the challenges, she’s stayed in the fight and has only grown more effective over time. Going through this process of challenging the provincial government in court with Zoë, I’ve seen that she is so calm under pressure and always brings her best to everything she does. Even during serious moments, we’ve found ways to laugh and connect as friends, which has made the whole experience less overwhelming. Together, we’ve built a team that feels more like a family. We’re in an existential crisis that threatens the future of civilization, with countless lives at stake. Despite the haters, deniers and blatant lies from the fossil fuel industry, Zoë has shown incredible courage and skill in this fight. It takes real bravery to stand up and demand change, especially at such a young age. Zoë’s effectiveness and dedication make a real difference, and she is more than deserving of this recognition for all she’s done to protect our future.

The 10 saddest Toronto restaurant closings of 2024

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Jennifer Schembri

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5:55 pm

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Everything must come to an end, but when it’s your favourite Toronto restaurant, the one where you celebrated milestones or the neighborhood gem that stood for years, it can be heart-wrenching. While new amazing restaurants open in Toronto daily, some can never truly be replaced.

Here are the saddest restaurant closings of 2024.

Squirly’s Bar

A shot of Squiry's Bar — @squirlys/Instagram

After 36 years of serving up cold beers, comforting eats, and a homey atmosphere, Squirly’s Bar is closing its doors for good. Located at Queen and Niagara, this beloved neighbourhood spot was a go-to for daily specials, global bites, and genuine hospitality in a scene increasingly driven by trends. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the team thanked their loyal patrons and staff. The final night was on November 16.

Fonda Balam

After three memorable years in Trinity Bellwoods, Fonda Balam, the beloved Mexican eatery from Kate Chomyshyn, Julio Guajardo, and celebrity chef Matty Matheson, closed its doors. The duo, renowned for their work at Quetzal, Rosalinda and Birria Balam, shared the news with mixed emotions on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the community’s support. Inspired by their travels in Mexico, Fonda Balam offered an authentic taste of regional flavours.

Reliable Fish & Chips

Snapinsta app 301802390 802595064091056 4186935710780162624 n 1080 — Reliable Fish and Chips

For nearly a century, Reliable Fish and Chips was a Leslieville institution, serving up Toronto’s most beloved fried seafood. Known for its crispy batter and tender fish, the cash-only spot on Queen Street East opened in 1930 and became a staple for locals. While it briefly closed in 2022 and returned with a fresh look, this time the closure is final, marked only by a quiet “permanently closed” update online. For loyal fans, Reliable was more than a restaurant— it was a tradition.

Flo’s Diner

In March, longtime Toronto favourite Flo’s Diner shocked its loyal patrons with the news of its sudden closure after more than three decades of service. A lease dispute led to the unexpected shutdown, leaving a void in the community. Stepping into Flo’s was like stepping back in time, with its retro decor and welcoming atmosphere. The diner’s tight-knit team, reflected in its high staff retention, spoke volumes about its deep sense of community and the enduring bonds forged over the years.

Fet Zun

Snapinsta app 469296151 592764213170767 162897038266424785 n 1080 — @fet_zun/Instagram

Fet Zun, the beloved Middle Eastern gem on Dupont Street, is closing its doors on December 22. Owner Anthony Rose announced the news on Instagram, sharing the emotional toll of the closure and gratitude for the community’s support. Since 2019, Fet Zun’s mezze-style dishes and lively, rustic atmosphere made it a neighbourhood favourite. Rose also paid tribute to chef Mona, whose passion and warmth defined the spot. fFans can still enjoy Rose’s other restaurants, Fat Pasha and Schmaltz Appetizing.

Frilu

After six successful years, Michelin-starred Frilu in Thornhill announced its closure in June. Owners John-Vincent and Sandra Troiano shared the news on social media, reflecting on the restaurant’s rewarding journey and stating, “On to new things.” Known for its inventive, nature-inspired tasting menus, Frilu earned Michelin stars in both 2022 and 2023, along with the city’s first Michelin Green Star for sustainability.

Stack BBQ

Snapinsta app 272019372 1276749149403782 2728050455375295049 n 1080 — @stacksmmmoked/Instagram

After more than a decade of dishing out North Toronto’s best barbecue, Stack BBQ at Yonge and Lawrence closed its doors. Despite efforts to reach a lease agreement, the beloved smokehouse couldn’t align its vision with its landlord’s, marking the end of an era for the community staple. Known for its Southern Pride smoker and mouthwatering fall-off-the-bone ribs, Stack wasn’t just a place for great food — it was a home for loyal customers. While the location is gone, the Oakville outpost lives on, and the team is already searching for a new Toronto spot. It’s not goodbye, just a temporary pause.

Farmhouse Tavern

After years of serving comfort food in the Junction Triangle, family-run Farmhouse Tavern announced its closure in October. The beloved spot, known for its farm-to-table sandwiches, pasta and steak, posted on social media, citing changing times and the evolving neighbourhood.

Soul Provisions

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A post shared by Soup. Popsicles. Entertainment. By Sara Schwartz Geller. (@soul_provisions)

Soul Provisions, the much loved Oakwood Village spot serving soup and soul pops, is closing its doors — at least for the time being. After five years, the family-run business is outgrowing its cozy space and won’t be renewing its lease .While the Vaughan Road storefront shuts down on November 17, the business isn’t gone for good. Pop-ups and frozen soups will keep the community fed while Sara searches for the perfect new home for the business.

Peaches Sports Bar

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A post shared by Veronica Saye (@_nowayhoe_)

Back in November, customers were caught off guard when they arrived at sports bar Peaches to find it closed, with a notice from the landlord stating that rent hadn’t been paid. In response, the community rallied behind Peaches, with owners Veronica Sayes and Anthony Fushell launching a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for legal support and staff wages. However, shortly after the campaign went live, Sayes announced on Instagram that the bar would be closing for good.

This Toronto Pop-Up Lets You Design Custom Holiday Keepsakes

By

Dorothy Chudzinski

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9:35 pm

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Finding the perfect holiday gift can be challenging, and gifting a gift card can feel impersonal.

If only there was a fun, free and sentimental gift you could give your loved ones.

Samsung Canada invites you to discover the magic of the perfect holiday gift for your loved one at its cozy and creative Galaxy Gift Studio pop up at Toronto’s STACKT Market, on until this Sunday December 22nd.

At this limited time pop-up, you’ll have the chance to…

Get cozy and create amazing unique art with the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, S Pen and Galaxy AI. Then select a giftable merch item (anything from a tote bag to a T-shirt, to an ornament, or a poster), onto which your unique work will be printed. Bring your personalized holiday gift to life and take it home for your loved one to enjoy!

Be inspired by Montreal’s very own artist, Pony, known for her fun and colourful video directing, murals, clothing designs and more.

And don’t forget to snap some holiday portraits with the Galaxy Z Flip6 FlexCam against their unique mural featuring ‘Taby’ the Galaxy Tab S10 character designed by Pony.

Visit the Galaxy Gift Studio at STACKT Market, located at 28 Bathurst Street, from 12 PM to 8 PM. Your chance to create a truly magical and meaningful holiday gift ends December 22nd. Don’t miss out!

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A new lakefront nordic spa is opening less than three hours from Toronto

By

Julia Mastroianni

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8:45 pm

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Need a vacation after the frenzy of the holidays? A new lakefront nordic spa, the first of its kind in Ontario, might be just the place. Wander the Spa, located on the grounds of Wander the Resort in Prince Edward County, will open in January and offers a luxurious lakeside wellness retreat for visitors.

Inspired by the classic Nordic cycle, the spa’s thermal escape will feature hot, cold, rest and hydration experiences. The hot and cold circuit includes a 32-seat dry heat sauna, steam room and hot soak pool, as well as a cold plunge (take a quick one-minute dip or brave it for three!) at 10 C. The spa also mentions the option to participate in Aufguss sauna rituals — a 10-minute multi-sensory experience infusing essential oils, heat, steam and sound. There are plenty of opportunities to relax aside from the circuit, including two warm soak pools and a dip pool, adjusted by season, featuring the sights of two waterfalls and multiple fireplaces.

wanderspa — Rendering of Wander the Spa. Courtesy Wander the Spa

The 10,000-square-foot thermotherapy circuit also includes a room rarely found at nordic spas in the country — an exfoliation room. Guests can give their skin a scrub and refresh before moving into a cold plunge or a dip pool.

There will be treatments available to book for guests, currently including a reiki session or a relaxation massage.

wander the spa sauna — Rendering of the spa and sauna. Courtesy Wander the Spa

A lakefront nordic spa comes with perks — the spa is located near Whisper Beach on West Lake, and visitors will get access to 200 feet of waterfront, exclusive to spa guests, a natural cold plunge experience, two additional saunas and Hygge Huts.

The all-season spa will also offer heated floors for a cozy cold-weather experience, and there are plenty of places to lounge — guests can take a rest in hammocks dotted across the property, warm up by the sunken fireside lounge or take in the views of the lake at the terrace lounge.

With a modern design featuring wood accents and black iron hardware and grounds that are surrounded by trees, Wander the Spa will be the ultimate relaxation destination — especially considering phones aren’t permitted in the space!

The spa at 15841 Loyalist Pkwy, Bloomfield is currently accepting bookings for day passes, priced at $95 a person, beginning Jan. 18, 2025.

For more nordic spas to visit in Ontario, click here.

A MasterChef just opened the GTA’s most luxurious new restaurant

By

Jennifer Schembri

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4:10 pm

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The Secret Kitchen has blossomed in the GTA marking its first North American outpost for the award-winning Indian restaurant. At the helm is Aanal Kotak, a celebrated MasterChef and restaurateur hailing from Gujarat, India, who has carved a niche in the culinary world with her innovative take on Indian cuisine.

Known as Gujarat’s Youngest Cooking Expert, Kotak blends traditional royal Indian flavours with contemporary techniques, drawing inspiration from her grandmothers’ mastery of the kitchen. Her restaurants in India, The Secret Kitchen and Aanal Kotak’s Akshada, along with a location in Australia, have earned critical acclaim.

“The journey has been long, filled with challenges and sleepless nights … but it’s all been worth it,” says Kotak, who has also launched a successful line of Indian spices and served as a special judge on MasterChef India.

The drama starts before you even pick up a fork. Tucked into a sprawling, colour-drenched space — complete with ponds and floral installations creeping up walls and dangling from ceilings — the vibe is equal parts Bollywood opulence and Alice-in-Wonderland whimsy.

“The Secret Kitchen’s roots are inspired by my grandmothers, who excelled at royal Indian cooking. It’s about time that the world experiences this side of exquisite Indian cuisine with a modern touch,” says Kotak.

The menu is anything but subtle, with its hot bar loaded with soups, a bread station featuring chili cheese garlic naan and Indo-Chinese mashups like wok-tossed chili paneer. Don’t miss the towering Australian French toast, the unexpectedly spicy masala fries, or the surprisingly sizzling brownie immersed in decadent chocolate sauce.

With its lavish setting, bold flavours, and innovative menu, The Secret Kitchen stands out as one of the most luxurious restaurants to open in Vaughan in recent memory.

Find The Secret Kitchen at 16 Famous Ave.

New Year’s Eve celebration with fireworks returns to Toronto waterfront this year

By

Ron Johnson

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3:29 pm

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The City of Toronto’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are set to return to the waterfront this year, offering Torontonians and visitors an opportunity to ring in 2025 with fireworks, live performances, and activities across several downtown locations.

A high-altitude fireworks display, synchronized to music, will blast a beautiful scene into Toronto’s inner harbour skies at midnight on Dec. 31. The 10-minute show, dubbed one of the largest in Canada, will be visible from multiple designated viewing areas, including Sugar Beach Park, Sherbourne Common, and the Toronto Music Garden. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed.

In addition to the fireworks, the City has planned pop-up performances at several waterfront locations. Festivities begin at 10 p.m. with DJ sets by the Traxx & Feels collective at Bathurst Quay Common and public dance sessions at Sherbourne Common, produced in collaboration with The Dance Together Festival. INCIRQUE performers will also be present to entertain crowds, while short films from the National Film Board of Canada will be projected onto the Canada Malting Silos near the Toronto Music Garden.

The countdown to midnight will feature a special celebration led by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and drag entertainer Sanjina DaBish Queen.

“New Year’s Eve is a time to come together as a community and celebrate the hope and possibilities of the year ahead. Whether you’re joining us in person at the waterfront or watching the spectacular fireworks from home, I invite everyone to experience the magic of this unforgettable night as we welcome 2025 together,” said Mayor Olivia Chow.

Attendees are encouraged to use public transit, as multiple road closures and high pedestrian traffic are expected in the waterfront area. Free transit service will be offered on the TTC, GO Transit, and UP Express from 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 until 8 a.m. on Jan. 1.

The TTC subway will also operate until 3 a.m., with the final trains departing Union Station around 2:30 a.m. Overnight bus and streetcar services will remain in operation until 8 a.m. Riders are advised to check the TTC website for updated schedules and to use alternate subway stations, such as King, Queen, or Osgoode, to avoid congestion at Union Station. Accessible entrances will remain available at Bay Street and through the Bay Promenade.

Toronto’s Most Inspiring Women of 2024: Tina Singh

By

Julia Mastroianni

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8:55 pm

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The innovator | Tina Singh

As an occupational therapist, Tina Singh knew her kids needed to wear a helmet — and when she couldn’t find ones that would fit them, and other Sikh children who keep their hair, she made her own. Her creation, Bold Helmets, is an innovative solution for children from diverse backgrounds, received some attention this year when her pitch on CBC’s Dragons’ Den brought Dragon Manjit Minhas to tears as she recounted the story of her grandfather, who died due to a head injury and couldn’t wear a helmet because of his turban. With a joint investment from Minhas and fellow Dragon Simu Liu, Singh will continue to make the world a safer place for all children through Bold Helmets.

By Manjit Minhas — Dragon on Dragons’ Den

When Tina Singh appeared on Dragons’ Den, her energy was immediately captivating. As a mother and entrepreneur, she saw a gap in the market that no one else was addressing: helmets designed specifically for children from diverse backgrounds who wear turbans and patkas. With nearly a million Sikhs in Canada and some 28 million worldwide, Bold Helmets wasn’t just another product — it was a solution that many parents had been waiting for. Tina’s journey and commitment struck a deep chord with me, as my grandfather passed away due to a head injury caused by a motorcycle accident while wearing a turban and not having a helmet option. Investing in Bold Helmets wasn’t just about the financial potential; it was about supporting a vision that could change lives. Creating a product that combines safety with inclusivity isn’t easy, especially in an industry that often overlooks cultural needs. But Tina had done it with resilience and dedication, reflecting the values I admire most in entrepreneurs. Her desire to make an impact was evident — not just as a business but as a movement towards more inclusive products for children, and hopefully eventually for adults. Simu Liu, my co-star on Dragons’ Den, and I invested in Bold Helmets because we both believe in backing entrepreneurs who are driven by a mission, and Tina’s commitment to making every child feel seen, protected and valued aligned with own beliefs. Her company represents more than just a product on a shelf — it stands for representation, safety and respect for all communities. Tina’s tenacity to build a business that addresses a real need in society truly inspired me, and I’m proud to stand beside her on this journey.

For more of Toronto’s most inspiring women of 2024, click here.

15 new stores in Toronto for last-minute holiday shopping

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Julia Mastroianni

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8:35 pm

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We’re less than a week away from Christmas and it’s crunch time for holiday shopping. Luckily, there’s so many places to great places to find the perfect gift in Toronto — including a whole bunch of stores that opened this year.

Check out these new Toronto shops to make holiday shopping seamless this month.

Good Neighbour

With a beautiful new location in Summerhill that opened this year, Good Neighbour is quickly becoming the go-to spot for gifts, clothes and little luxuries of all kinds. This Toronto take on a department store is filled with giftables from both local and coveted international brand, and last-minute shoppers are guaranteed to find something unique and high-quality here in a range of prices.

Boho Chachkies

This new vintage clothing and home goods store added to the secondhand haven that is Kensington Market. A bohemian time portal to a ’70s marketplace, shop here for someone who is all about supporting local and retro vibes — owner Joy Zubair selected over 20 vendors to feature throughout the shop, including clothes, plants, home decor, jewelry, books and handmade goods.

On the Map

A tiny, colourful and beachy shop located on Ossington, On the Map offers both handmade crochet creations and often Y2K vintage finds. Source stocking stuffers such as crocheted scrunchies and hair clips here, or pair a vintage gem with a crocheted bag or sweater for the perfect mix of old and new.

Ahiri

It’s difficult buying a gift for the fashion lovers in your life that doesn’t come from a fast fashion brand but is still affordable enough to be a gift. That’s where Ahiri comes in — this Toronto-based womenswear brand, new to Queen West this year, is always stocked with trendy styles that won’t cost an arm and a leg.

Vintage shops

There have been an abundance of vintage openings this year, and we happen to think they’re the best places to find gifts for the ones you love. Many of these shops, such as Maison Violet Vintage, also feature the perfect accessory add-ons, and it would be extra special to source an item from a parent or relative’s childhood era. Check out the new 96 Tears location, Dundas West’s Tell Them It’s Vintage, Bloor West’s Smoking Vintage and College Street’s Recalled Shop for some gift inspiration.

Honeybea/Vintage Baby

This new shop takes the cake for the sweetest new opening of 2024 — a joint project between the owners of heirloom textile brand Honeybea and curated secondhand shop Vintage Baby, we can’t get enough of this cozy storefront. Filled to the brim with beautiful, handmade coats and sweaters made from quilts, darling vintage decor, flowery and flowy fashion and just the perfect amount of kitsch. Shop here and you’ll be gifting the added benefit of a potential new favourite shop for the giftee.

T.Line

A contemporary womenswear brand focused on shirting, T.Line is for the most elegant people in your life. The new Rosedale shop — though not for the faint of wallet — will give you a chance to feel the difference of quality shirting in person before picking one to gift.

Uncle Studios

New to Ossington this month, Uncle Studios is the place to shop for that friend of yours who always makes you think, “Why can’t I dress like that?” With collections that focus on high-quality staples that make you want to keep rewearing and restyling, a gift from here will pay off for years to come when that trucker hat or graphic tee becomes a permanent favourite.

Battle Records

When Battle Records opened this year, it brought one-of-a-kind music memorabilia and records to the west end and a shop interior that is a music artifact in its own right. Record collectors and music lovers will love a gift from this eclectic shop, covered in autographed posters and a guitar signed by Ozzy Ozbourne. Source a super rare vinyl for a Christmas gift that will wow anybody or grab a couple of more affordable records for the most perfect music-centred gift bundle.

Flying Books at Neverland

Who said gift shopping had to be boring? Stop by Flying Books at Neverland, formerly the wine bar Peter Pantry, for a peek at their revamped and cozy interior that is not only a coffee shop by day and wine and cocktail bar by night, but a bookshop too! Flying Books (also located at 784 College St. if you’d rather peruse the shelves of a full bookstore) has lined the walls of this shop with enough selection to find the perfect gift for the bookworm in your life.

Province of Canada

A made-in-Canada brand, Province of Canada is know for their loungewear emblazoned with neighbourhood and city names — making it the perfect gift shopping spot for someone in your life who loves to show some local pride. The brand also runs a one-for-one sock program — for every purchase of their socks, a pair is donated to a homeless shelter in Canada. A stocking stuffer for a good cause is always a great idea.

The world’s top 100 food cities have been announced and Toronto is not one of them

By

Jennifer Schembri

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7:21 pm

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Toronto, we need to talk. TasteAtlas just dropped its list of the world’s top 100 food cities, and the 6ix didn’t make the cut.

Out of 17,073 cities evaluated through nearly half a million food ratings, these rankings highlight places with the highest-rated regional and national dishes. And yet, Toronto — the multicultural mosaic with culinary options from every corner of the globe — was left on the bench.

The TasteAtlas top 100 food cities list celebrates the world’s most delicious destinations, and this year, Italy dominated the top with Naples, Milan and Bologna claiming the first three spots. Naples earned the crown with its perfect 5.00 score, thanks to iconic dishes like pizza Margherita and spaghetti alle vongole, alongside legendary pizzerias like Gino e Toto Sorbillo.

Beyond Italy, Mumbai took fifth with street food spots like pav bhaji and vada pav, while Osaka’s takoyaki and shabu-shabu secured Japan’s spot at tenth.

Snapinsta app 332911945 141396842136146 2146707953887924872 n 1080 — Spot prawn cocktail from Toronto’s Michelin-starred Restaurant 20 Victoria

Other delicious cities include New York City (12th), known for bagels, pizza and Katz’s Delicatessen; Lisbon (27th), with pastel de nata and polvo à lagareiro; Budapest (57th), offering gulyás and lángos; and Nuremberg (99th), famed for bratwurst and käsespätzle.

The only Canadian city to make the list is Montreal, landing a respectable 65th. Highlights include must-try dishes like poutine, Montreal smoked meat and sugar pie, alongside iconic spots such as Fairmount Bagel, Schwartz’s, and Ma Poule Mouillée.

Here are the top 10 cities from the TasteAtlas list:

Florence, Italy
Rome, Italy
Lima, Peru
Naples, Italy
Kyoto, Japan
Bologna, Italy
San Sebastian, Spain
Istanbul, Turkey
Tokyo, Japan
Paris, France

TasteAtlas is a trusted global food guide, celebrated for its curated lists of traditional dishes, iconic restaurants, and gourmet producers. Known for spotlighting culinary authenticity, the platform has become a go-to for food lovers seeking local flavours and expert recommendations worldwide.

It’s surprising Toronto, with its culinary diversity, didn’t land on the TasteAtlas list. From dim sum in Chinatown to jerk chicken in Little Jamaica and Michelin-starred fine dining, the city is a vibrant mix of global flavours. Maybe it’s time TasteAtlas to revisit their metrics.

Muskoka’s best-kept secret just opened in Toronto

By

Dorothy Chudzinski

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4:30 pm

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Toronto’s smoothie game just got a glow-up. The Hut, the Muskoka-born smoothie and juice bar founded by twin sisters Ashley and Sydney Bly, has officially opened its first Toronto outpost in midtown on Yonge St.

Known for its no-fuss, high-quality approach to health and wellness, The Hut started as a small operation at a marina near the Blys’ cottage during the pandemic. Four years and two Muskoka locations later, it’s become a community favourite, serving up nutrient-packed smoothies, smoothie bowls and a carefully curated retail wellness section.

The Toronto menu expands on Muskoka classics with an exciting range of freshly made organic juices, made-to-order toasts and prepared foods sourced locally. Don’t miss the creamy avocado smash on sourdough or the white bean hummus paired with a refreshing carrot salad. Other must-tries include the Mint Chip smoothie (think banana, spinach, dates and mint with a sprinkle of cacao nibs) and AB toast made on sourdough bread with natural almond butter topped with tahini, bee pollen, honey and maldon salt.

Fresh organic juices join the lineup, featuring revitalizing options like the Detoxifier (celery, cucumber, lemon, ginger) and the Immunity blend (orange, carrot, lemon, turmeric). Pair those with bowls like the Dragon Fruit, blending creamy banana and dates, or the classic Açaí, topped with vibrant fruits like blueberry, goji berries and housemade granola.

And because this is 2024, your milk options are a dairy-free goldmine: almond, oat, coconut and luxe extras like Mylko almond and coconut. The retail section doubles as a mini wellness marketplace, featuring cult favorites like Honey’s Ice Cream and Date Better Snacks, alongside niche indie brands like Tache Pistachio Milk. To sweeten the deal, early visitors can snag 15 per cent off their first purchase using the code WELCOME online or in-store.

The Hut is built on intentional living, with thoughtfully sourced ingredients and a space designed for connection. It’s not just a smoothie bar — it’s a lifestyle. So whether you’re chasing the perfect acai bowl or stocking up on collagen for your next wellness binge, The Hut has you covered.

Swing by midtown and see what the buzz is about at 2528 Yonge St. Don’t forget to follow them on Instagram to stay updated on their latest offerings and wellness tips.