Escape to Costa Rica in Toronto at Pura Vida, where the essence of “pura vida” — Costa Rica’s mantra of pure life — infuses every bite. Located on St. Clair Avenue, this vibrant spot embodies tropical charm and authentic flavours, curated by Jaime Molina and Yana Balabanova. Their passion for Costa Rican cuisine shines through in every dish.
@evanannett/Instagram
Seafood shines at Pura Vida, where dishes like ceviche and Spanish shrimp fried rice steal the show. For a beachy dining experience, indulge in the Tropical Shrimp Paradise on crispy plantain canvases — a blend of shrimp, mango, red onions, garlic, avocado and cilantro atop fried green plantains. Or try the Avocado and Tuna Fiesta, a tropical medley, featuring fresh avocado, bell pepper, red onions, cilantro, tuna and fish sauce, served with plantain chips and house salad.
From breakfast classics like huevos rancheros to refreshing beverages like Watermelon Mint Lemonade, Pura Vida offers a menu that spans from morning till night, all crafted with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, with convenient delivery options available.
@pura_vida_restaurant_toronto/Instagram
Wash it down with Costa Rican coffee, kombucha, ginger beer, Blue Monkey juices in a range of flavours and other refreshing non-alcoholic beverages.
Despite being open for less than a month, Pura Vida has quickly become a local favorite, boasting an impressive almost perfect 4.9 rating on Google Reviews. Guests have praised the incredible food and exceptional service, with standout dishes like the ceviche and the Pura Vida Special receiving high praise. The restaurant’s inviting atmosphere and commitment to cleanliness have also left a lasting impression on visitors, making it a must-visit destination in Toronto.
Pura Vida is located at 750 St. Clair Ave W. and is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Delivery within the area is also available.
One of Canada’s most trusted authorities on style and fashion, Jeanne Beker has covered the industry for more than 30 years. Now watch her in her current style editor role on TSC’s Style Matters with Jeanne Beker or tune into her podcast Beyond Style Matters, available wherever you get your podcasts.
Before you drive by Webers and unearth those boat shoes, dive into style with Jeanne Beker’s favourite swimsuits and hats for cottage season — perfect for lounging lakeside or dockside.
A.
“I love this high neck; sometimes you really need to cover up more in the sun. It’s so elegant and sexy in a very understated way.” Sandpipers, $377, 2580 Yonge St.
B.
“I love the colour blocking. This swimsuit is very artsy; it’s such an interesting take on colour and looks very modern.” Melmira, $336, 3319 Yonge St.
C.
“I really like the retro vibe of this; a high-waisted bottom gives it that pin-up style. And what a beautiful, fun pattern.” Visual Mood, $176, visualmood.com
D.
“That’s such a cool botanical motif. I like the zipper up the front, and I love the clean modern lines.” Muskoka Bay Clothing, $169.99, 165 Muskoka Rd. S., Gravenhurst
E.
“I like the asymmetry, and it’s got ruching which is always quite flattering around the waist. And what a nice bold colour; it’s really elegant and classic.” Loversland, $179, 215 Ossington Ave.
F.
“This swimsuit has got a beautiful, artful floral motif. And it’s the perfect little itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny bikini; the styling is classic.” Shan, Top: $225, Bottom: $170, 7540 Weston Rd.
G. CROCHET COWBOY
“The Western theme is big thanks to Beyoncé, so this raffia crochet cowboy hat is so fun.” Snapdragon, $225, 99 Maple St., Port Carling
H. DENIM BUCKET
“The denim trend is huge right now, and this is such a fun take on that. It has a hand-dyed look, so it’s got an artisanal feel to it.” Good Neighbour, $150, 1212 Yonge St.
I. WESTERN TWEED
“There’s something really dramatic about the fact that it’s white. This is the kind of hat that would really brighten things up.” Thursdays, $165, 1130 Yonge St.
J. BRING THE DRAMA
“Talk about drama! The fringe has got a funky feel, and you can dress this hat up or down. I love the artisanal look and theatrical flair.” Archives, SALE $89.10, archivestoronto.com
K. RAFFIA VISOR
“This looks like a really practical, functional type of head covering to keep the sun off your face. And it’s got a great, clean look.” Frock, $55, 97 Roncesvalles Ave.
To the world, our country is one of vast landscapes and a welcoming spirit. However, when people look beyond this they soon see that Canada has even more to offer. This is a country that boasts a thriving cultural scene where it punches above its weight on the world stage. Alongside this, we’re committed to technological innovation, providing a unique ecosystem where creativity is encouraged to thrive alongside cutting-edge advancements.
Music: Where Homegrown Talent Reigns
With the likes of Bryan Adams, Celine Dione, and Justin Bieber, it’s fair to say that Canada has more than just a few top artists. In fact, the music industry is one of our cultural cornerstones, and there’s a reason that Canadian artists enjoy so much success. Besides their talent, they also have the backing of Government initiatives.
Source: Pixabay
While music from overseas is more than welcome, radio stations are set a quota when it comes to how much homegrown talent should be played. This means that as a country, we go to extremes to foster our own talent and to set artists up for long-term success. From chart-topping pop stars to critically acclaimed indie bands, Canadian musicians are having an impact on the global stage.
Tech Revolution: A New Take on Cultural Experiences
We’re also at the fore when it comes to technology. From Toronto, known as the Silicon Valley of the north, to Montreal, renowned for its developments in AI, this is a country with its fingers on the pulse.
The like of virtual reality is providing new ways to enjoy art masterpieces and allowing for an interactive experience. It is taking culture to a different level where passive consumption and active participation come together.
Source: Pixabay
Then there’s the impact on gaming and the entertainment industry. Canadian tech ensures that there’s access to a number of online games. This extends to casino games too. It’s not unusual to find many variants of a particular type of game at an online casino in Ontario. Sites can host thousands of players at once too, meaning that people from all corners of the world can game together, without geographical restriction.
The gaming market in Canada is set to reach a total revenue of US$3,925.00m in 2024, with a projected annual growth rate of 9.43%. As for the number of users, it’s anticipated that there will be 5.8 million by 2027. Overall, it seems that Canada’s gaming scene is thriving right now, and a lot of work is being done to push the sector to new heights. From new developers emerging to sequels of titles, it’s safe to say that the market is undergoing a rapid growth period and this is helping to bolster the scene as a whole.
Film and Television: Canadian Action
Canada is also a major player in film and television production. We’re making contributions to this industry country-wide, but it’s Vancouver that’s truly impacting the global screen. Here, you’ll find world-class studios that turn out popular content.
We’re frontrunners when it comes to production standards, too. Canadian productions constantly garner critical acclaim, and they captivate audiences around the world. This led to the industry being worth an impressive $13.4 billion in 2022. Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 5.8% over the last five years, and it’s set to reach $15.1 billion in 2024. With new movies released every year and continuous investments in independent cinema chains, it’s not surprising to see that the Canadian market is thriving. This is one of the industries to watch going forward. As technology becomes more advanced, the boundaries of what can be done are pushed, leading to new and exciting opportunities for Canadian directors.
Source: Pexels
Canada’s cultural industries are nothing short of being a powerhouse. This is all fueled by artistic talent, supportive legislation, and cutting-edge tech. Cultural industries in Canada aren’t just keeping pace with other big players in the world. We’re actively shaping the future by pushing to remain at the forefront.
Bloordale’s vintage staple, 96 Tears, recently opened a second location inside of the east end event space and cafe, Bevy Space — located at Dundas Street East and River Street.
The unique vintage shop selling an array of both secondhand pieces and local designers has been in business for a decade. It was originally established by owner Coletteléa Todoroff as a pop-up in Parkdale, before she joined forces with friend and fashion designer Chris Chris Koyionis and turned it into a permanent fixture on Queen Street West. They named the store after a mutually loved cover of the classic rock song by the Cramps.
It was a natural step for Todoroff, who had been invested in vintage fashion her entire life. Both she and Koyionis are from Toronto — east end and west end respectively — and met through mutual friends.
“That’s just the way the scene works,” she says.
While Koyionis was finishing fashion school, Todoroff was emerging from years of bartending, where she made a lot of connections in the city.
“At one point I felt like I’d built up enough of a community that this could work,” she remembers of her aspirations to start a business. The two were perfectly suited as business partners since Todoroff wanted someone who was familiar with menswear and Koyionis was debuting in the fashion industry with frustration at the unaffordable nature of designer clothes (obvious solution: vintage).
The vision was to curate a selection that was a little bit more fashion forward, but resided within an androgynous play.
“I think, because it’s Chris and I, I really try to meet in the middle and have it feel like it’s for everyone,” Todoroff says.
They also began making their own clothes and working with local designers. The first designer whose work they began selling was their longtime friend, Zoë Baranski, who had done styling photography for them.
“She’s brilliant,” says Todoroff, “so it was a no brainer.”
After five years in Parkdale, the city started a multi-year construction project at the intersection occupying their shop, so they packed up and moved to Bloor West. It was late 2019 and shortly after the new location opened, the pandemic hit.
They’ve been recovering ever since, but Todoroff says it’s been hard. So when their mutual friend, Bevy Space owner Phil Song, suggested that they open a new location in his space, Todoroff knew it was time. Song was looking to host a business that would be passionate about the space and would be interested in events programming, which 96 Tears has been doing for years.
“We thought, ‘Why don’t we take this risk? We’re ready for something more,’” Todoroff says.
The team hosted a launch party at Bevy in their house style – with live performances by local musicians, local vendors and cheap food and drinks. Jamaican-Irish singer-songwriter Quarterback Baby, and self-proclaimed SoundCloud rock musician Emmett S. Webb both performed, while screenings of their recently released videos played on the wall. Vendors included Good Habits vintage, Tiger Mania Records, Ragdoll Vintage and limited batch designer Sapodillas (which 96 Tears sells in-store). Todoroff says visitors can definitely count on events like this going forward.
Since Song operates two Bevy spaces, 96 Tears may see even more expansions in the future. Todoroff says that if it works out, the next move will be to set up a gift shop in Bevy’s Wellington Street location, which is a little more high-end. There, 96 Tears would sell a selection of housewares, figurines and jewelry. Since Song hopes to open a third location as well, Todoroff says she can even envision 96 Tears contributing to that with a gallery segment featuring vintage art.
“There’d be a continuity with our branding,” she explains, “but the locations are close by so we would be able to easily direct people to them.”
In the meantime, the Dundas Street East location will serve a more curated version of the main 96 Tears. “The vibe is going to be similar,” she says, “but we’re going to do larger drops, and they’ll likely be themed.”
96 Tears x Bevy Space is open Sunday-Friday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at 738 Dundas St. E.
Toronto’s dining scene has been a whirlwind of dynamic, diverse and eclectic this year, as evidenced by our curated list of the 12 best new restaurants. We believe in getting the real scoop from insiders, which is why we tapped into the city’s culinary elite, from Michelin stars to celebrity chefs, to bring you their top picks.
Next on our list: Laura Petracca, a culinary powerhouse who’s wielded her magic at Toronto’s top spots like The Rabbit Hole and Lena, now reigning as Executive Chef at Cibo Wine Bar. We asked her to share her thoughts on the best new addition to they city’s dining scene. Keep reading to discover his exciting selection.
Chef Petracca’s Pick: La Plume
@laplumebrasserie/Instagram
“For a lovely, seasonal menu that takes us to the sun-kissed south of France, I love La Plume, located on The Well,” Petracca recently told us. “A classic French bistro but with a laid back Brasserie feel, they focus on fresh coastal flavours, slow cooked classic and seafood, executed simply. Their menu suits any occasion and has become a staple for date night for us.
La Plume
@laplumebrasserie/Instagram
Le Sélect Bistro reopened in Toronto in the summer of 2022, and the city rejoiced. Frenchy, which opened in February at the Hilton, brought bouillabaisse closer to Bay Street than ever before. Clearly, Union missed its chance to franchise, and now, La Plume, located inside the Well and serving Giannone chicken ($36) and spaghetti vongole ($32), charms with its southern French cuisine. Bringing Marseille a breeze up the block from Union Station is no small feat, but Oliver & Bonacini — from Canoe to Canteen, Auberge du Pommier to the Rabbit Hole — know experiential dining and how to pull the gastronomic trick of making you forget where you are. La Plume’s kitchen, offering trout tartare ($32) and Hudson Valley duck breast ($49) succeeds at making itself destination dining. It would be a shame to make the journey and not explore its surroundings: perhaps start with a drink at the Dorset, another new Oliver & Bonacini bistro at the Well? Either way, attention to detail on the plate and in the light fixtures, combined with energy from the front of the house to chef John Horne’s knife, has created something sparkling — the terrace at La Plume is the coveted dusk reservation this spring. 453 Wellington St. W.
FUN FACT: Through a washroom stall is a boudoir-style speakeasy named Bonne Nuit.
To find out which restaurant Michelin-recongnized chef Anna Chen picked, click here. And for chef Michael Bonacini’s pick, click here.
Lorne Pancer moved to Costa Rica to retire from delis and ended up opening a deli.
Pancer, third generation sandwich man — son of Stan, grand-son of Moe — left North York a year and a half ago to look at iguanas and soak up the sun and retire from the deli game. Fast forward two years and he has opened up a Costa Rican location of Toronto’s oldest deli.
“I feel like I’m in a Seinfeld episode,” Pancer, 63, recently said, sitting in his small delicatessen courtyard, nestled on the beach, a
40-minute drive from an active volcano. “I came down here to re- tire. I have pastrami coursing through my veins.”
Costa Rica is the latest and least likely location of Pancer’s, Toronto’s iconic Jewish delicatessen staple that was opened in 1957 and remains a family business, with even the Latin American branch family-owned. Playas del Coco, the Costa Rican town now serving Pancer’s knishes, is a popular retirement destination for people from the Northeast, and Pancer says that, as folks realized his profession, they put the squeeze on him to serve rye bread and tongue.
At first, Pancer resisted the pressure. But then he began to think that there just might be something to the novelty of bringing latkes to the tropics.
Inside Pancer’s Costa Rica location
“I heard from enough people that I thought, ‘OK, let’s try it,’” Pancer says. “I know our food is good — I’ve grown up with it —
but I had no clue it would take off like it has down here in Costa Rica. At the end of the day, there’s not one piece of meat [left]!”
The meat at Pancer’s is more than iconic; it’s part of the family. Generations of locals have grown up on the trademarked secret
recipes for blintzes and chopped liver, with the comfort food being a staple for Torontonians in their times of need.
Julian Pancer, Michael Pancer’s son and Lorne’s brother, represents the fourth generation of Pancer chefs. Recently, he cooked for three generations of the London family — owners of Post City Magazine — and recounted his favourite Pancer’s story.
Julian Panver and Mrs.London at the Pancer’s Toronto
“My grandfather could be tough, this is well-known,” began Julian, over plates of coleslaw and corned beef, tuna salad and baby
beef. “He had a customer, though, who had completely stopped eating — he was battling cancer, and the daughter asked him for some food. My grandfather left the restaurant and brought this man his pastrami. They sat together and ate.”
Lorne Pancer says the customers are different down south han on Bathurst Street, less demanding, less loud.
“There’s an expression down here, ‘pura vida,’ which means true life,” Lorne says. “It roughly translates to: if I’m running short of brisket, I’ll have the pastrami. Nobody’s in a hurry. The vibe is very relaxed.”
But don’t let that fool you — the locals are raving about Pancer’s like it’s the best thing since, well, sliced bread. They’re going through fifty to seventy loaves of rye a day. The most popular item? The pastrami sandwich. It’s a hit, and at $12.75 plus tax, it’s a steal. The Costa Ricans have never had any- thing like it before, and it’s clear they can’t get enough
Touring Pancer’s on Bathurst with Julian Pancer and 88-year- old Mrs. London offering colourful commentary, you truly grasp the cultural significance of the place. Mrs. London says she used to eat at Pancer’s twice a week — “I didn’t want to cook” — and that on the Jewish holidays Stan Pancer sliced her brisket.
“Do you know your great-grandmother used to make baked carp? I used to drive her home after work,” Mrs. London tells Ju-
lian, who looks on with a huge smile, filling everyone’s plate. “Your name means so much to people. It was just, ‘We have to go there.’ The question was if we could get in,” she says.
Julian Pancer isn’t resting on nostalgia. As a classically trained chef, he has reignited Pancer’s delivery business, which soared during COVID.
“It’s not about changing things, it’s about making little things better, running smoother,” he says. His culinary skills exceed Mrs. London’s expectations. “This liver is unbelievable,” she declares.
Meanwhile in Playas del Coco, Lorne Pancer assures Post City that business is good and it’s worth disrupting his retirement.
There are no immediate plans, says his brother Michael, to open a Pancer’s in, say, Venezuela, but the Costa Ricans love his pastrami, and the Jewish delicatessen could work on the moon.
“I’d open anywhere, but the problem is you need an operator like Lorne, who lives and breathes deli,” Michael Pancer says. “You can’t franchise something like Pancer’s. Everyone loves our deli, but to make it the right way it really has to be in your blood.”
Siblings Jenna and Stuart Walker are two halves of Canada’s most-streamed country artist — the Reklaws. With eight Juno nominations, eight CCMAawards and a record-breaking and TikTok-viral hit, the duo is bringing their music magic to Muskoka this summer from July 5 to 6. Here, Jenna shares her own cottage summer romance story that began more than two decades ago with her now husband, Ryan Watson.
How they met
I have known Ryan for over 20 years! We are family friends and his younger sisters were my best friends growing up. For a long time I didn’t even know they had brothers. I was naive and they were just my friends and I never really saw any other siblings at their house as both of the boys played competitive hockey and were never there on the weekends.
Our families would spend time up in Southampton in the summertime, and I remember a young boy [Ryan] walking up to my friend [Ryan’s sister Emily] and telling her that “mom wanted her home.” I asked, “Who is that?” and she replied, “My brother.” I remember being blown away that she had a brother, but more blown away by the innocent crush I developed for him.
From then on our families would spend almost every weekend together and would celebrate Christmas Eve together for years. As time went on our connection grew deeper. I still remember the first time I came over to their house to hang out with Ryan instead of Emily — it took a minute for everyone to get comfortable but it soon made us all so happy!
The relationship
Changing from a family friend to something more was risky, because it would make for very awkward family gatherings if things didn’t work out. But it was a risk we were willing to take. There were many years where he was playing hockey in the U.S. and I was in Nashville, and the long distance was hard. But whenever we were home, we ran back to each other. We dated for nine years prior to getting married, and with each year, we grew closer and closer together. We moved in together and it just felt right.
The proposal
Stuart and I were booked to play the Calgary Stampede in 2021, and Ryan and I both agreed it would be awesome to go out a bit early and go to Banff. We decided to stay at Fairmont Lake Louise. We would hike and have some good food and then end our trip with the stampede! So we arrived, checked into the hotel and got dressed for a long hike. I told Ryan I would meet him down by the lake while he “did something.” He took forever to come down to the lake. Little did I know he was calling my family to ask my parents for permission.
So we hiked 17 kilometres — uphill! We took one last turn to the tallest viewpoint and he said, “We should make a video for our friends.” So I set up my camera and then he got on one knee! I was shaking, not just from the hike but from all the emotions! I screamed yes, and we had the best evening of celebrating and drinking champagne.
We got married on June 24, 2022, on the same beach where I met Ryan, in Southampton, at our family cottage! We’d both spent every summer there as a kid, and we fell in love over and over there! We hope to always celebrate our anniversaries on the same beach each year.
Shared hobbies and interests
We both grew up in hockey households; I played for many years and Ryan played professionally for twice as long. We love to watch sports games in the evening, it calms us both down! We also just love to spend time with friends and family; hanging out with our people is where we thrive.
Secret to success
Keep having fun! You could probably ask our families but we are the fun couple; we love to have fun with each other! I think it is important to prioritize that. Ryan is my best friend, and I think we both feel when the other is not there that there is something missing.
It has also been important to listen to each other! We are both so different in the way we think about everything, but that has made for amazing conversations as well as expanding the way in which each other thinks. It would be boring if we thought the same; he has brought so many new views into my world and I to him.
Balancing careers and a relationship
I think because Ryan has known me for as long as he has, his understanding for what I do is easy. He loves when I am busy and reaching for goals. I do the same for him. We know these are the years to grind and support each other through it.
The future together
Our future together looks like “FUN” (I asked Ryan this, and that was his response)! And I don’t disagree! I know for a fact we would love to have a couple of kids, a garden and a backyard with a pool and friends over. This looks like a good life, and I’m so glad I get to dream it and do it with him.
From charming sidewalk patios to sprawling restaurant terraces, the GTA boasts an array of alfresco dining options that promise to elevate your summer dining experience to new heights.
The gardens and sleek, upscale elegance of this Greek spot will have you feeling like you’ve jetted off to Europe. With ingredients sourced from Greece, the menu is packed with homemade dips, classic mains and, of course, all of that delicious seafood. Though you’d be happy to nosh in the dining room with its relaxed, Greek garden vibe, there’s plenty of wiggle room on the recently renovated sunny and spacious patio, and there are heaters for when there’s a chill in the air. 288 John St., Markham
On OpenTable’s list of Canada’s 100 best restaurants for outdoor dining year in and year out, this cosy Italian spot in a converted house in Unionville is a standout. Even Vancouver-born actor Ryan Reynolds has dined here, splitting a variety of housemade dishes with friends. The restaurant offers modern takes on Italian classics, which are best enjoyed on the versatile patio, complete with a canopy and twinkling lights. 186 Main St., Unionville.
This Italian gem is tucked into a charming more than 150-year-old building at the four corners of King City. With two dining floors and a seasonal patio, it’s the perfect escape from the city grind. Expect rustic, seasonal dishes that pack a flavourful punch, making it a go-to spot for a cosy, memorable meal. 12981 Keele St., King City
Chop Steakhouse & Bar
Celebrated meat denizen Chop Steakhouse & Bar is a neighbourhood hot spot, thanks to its mouth-watering steaks and spacious patio.In the evenings, take in the romantic vibe of the outdoor setup, where you can dine beneath a sprawling pergola adorned with twinkling lights. 41 Colossus Dr., Woodbridge
This Italian hot spot in Thornhill is a true gem, where indulgent dining meets starlit elegance on Terra’s white-tablecloth patio.The Italian menu boasts plenty of indulgent dishes perfect for sharing, from wild mushroom risotto to Australian rack of lamb and the deluxe seafood platter. Since ’95, Terra has conquered the culinary scene, not just in northern Toronto but citywide. It’s the place to see and be seen — under the stars, of course. 8199 Yonge St., Thornhill.
Toronto’s Little Italy is currently embracing the trend of live DJ sets, and the latest restaurant and cocktail bar in the area has been taking notes. Wolfie, located at 614 College St., from the team behind The Commoner, was crafted with patrons in mind.
Although the original Roncesvalles gastropub has been a Dundas fixture, the team found that College Street’s vibe needed a different approach.
“We noticed a younger demographic seeking late night dining and cocktails,” owner Paul Campione explains. “As we adapted to the area, the menu evolved until it no longer resembled the Commoner.”
Rather than open another Commoner, Campione and the team have launched something perfect for College Street’s youthful crowd — a late night cocktail bar that effortlessly transitions from a vibrant dinner spot to a lively lounge.
Named after Campione’s daughter, Wolfie offers a rotating menu of eclectic seasonal share plates inspired by global cuisine. The menu draws inspiration from various sources. For instance, the tikka masala rolls are based on the sous chef’s family recipe, and the hand-cut fries, soaked in malt vinegar and triple fried, are deliberately crafted in British style.
Wolfie retains the Commoner’s beloved staples, such as the blue cheese iceberg wedge and the signature burger — now “updated and improved,” as Campione explains.
The specialty cocktails, however, stay true to the neighbourhood, curated by bar manager Kyle Hudson, drawing on his 15 years of experience on College Street.
Inside, velvet drapes create an intimate, moody vibe as Wolfie transforms into a cocktail bar after sunset. On Friday and Saturday nights, a DJ takes the stage to spin vinyl all night long.
“The great thing is, you’ll hear a variety of vinyl DJs — funk soul, old school hip hop, disco — all classics you wouldn’t find on your usual playlist,” explains Campione. “It’s that nostalgic connection to rare records that adds to their passion and the vibe.”
Toronto traffic is bad. How bad is it? It’s so bad even the streetcars are considering taking the subway. No seriously, Toronto traffic is so bad, even former One Direction pop superstar Niall Horan had to walk to his show.
The now-viral and quite fun TikTok video sees Horan walking to his concert at Scotiabank Arena, unable to beat Toronto’s infamous traffic. Horan, currently on his The Show: Live On Tour, shared his adventure with fans, humorously commenting, “Traffic’s too bad in Toronto so we’re walking to the venue. Let’s do it!”
Horan’s trek took him from the stretch between Yonge and Bay streets under the Gardiner Expressway to the entrance of Scotiabank Arena. The video, set to the rollicking Proclaimers tune “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles),” has been viewed over half a million times.
Toronto’s traffic woes are notorious, with locals and celebrities alike frequently caught in the gridlock. Recently, the city ranked as the city with the worst traffic congestion in North America.
The average driver loses approximately 255 hours annually to commuting. Efforts to alleviate the congestion include AI-managed intersections, but the city’s gridlock persists.
This is nothing new, last summer Tom Cruise also expressed his frustration with Toronto’s traffic during a media interview.
“You know what, I have done that challenge and I have been in that traffic. I’ve made movies in Toronto, I’ve visited Toronto, I have friends in Toronto,” Cruise said.
“What’s up with the traffic in Toronto? Have they figured this out?” he added.
Despite ongoing initiatives to improve the situation, the gridlock remains a significant challenge for residents and visitors alike. Until substantial changes are made, walking or taking a bicycle is often be the fastest way to navigate the city.
The season of shorts of all kinds has finally arrived, and while anything you’ve got hanging in your closet will do, there are a few styles in particular that will give your looks a 2024 edge. Try these mega trends to elevate your Toronto street style this summer.
Micro shorts
Also known as mini shorts, short shorts or booty shorts, micro shorts are everywhere this season. The 2024 version is more lacy bloomers, sporty three stripes, boxers (like these ones at Style Artist) and pleated trouser style rather than the 2013-era tight denim variety. It’s all about contrast, so try pairing your mini shorts with tall boots, voluminous linen blouses or long vests for some interesting shapes. With this trend, your outfit can be dictated by the style of shorts you choose — a crochet pair may have you leaning into an Audrey Hepburn-inspired look, while a denim pair could mean leaning Western for the day. While it’s true that micro shorts could leave you a little out of your comfort zone, treating them as a more comfortable alternative to a mini skirt will open you up to a world of possibilities — even carried into the fall, where the runways have favoured a pair of tights layered underneath,
Bermuda shorts
It really is all about contrast — because while super short shorts are reigning so are super long ones! The bermuda short is arguably more wearable than its micro cousin, and it comes in all varieties: long jorts (like these ones at Kotn), or denim shorts, are particularly popular especially with a wider fit, but there’s also khaki, cargo, pinstripe and more. Bermuda shorts are also much more office-friendly; wear a pleated version (like these ones at Frank and Oak) and style them the way you would normally style trousers (try an oversized button-up or vest). The gen Z styling choice of the hour definitely leans more low-slung and slouchy paired with a taller shoe, which will handily take you right into fall.
Capris
This spring trend has soared into summer, and it’s an ideal transitional weather choice for evening barbecues, bonfires or boat parties. Choose ’90s-inspired cropped leggings (like these ones at Alo Yoga), a Kendall Jenner fave, for versatility — pair with a longline vest or draped tank for an elegant twist or a striped button-up for a casual look. If you opt for a wide or straight leg, style them as if you’re wearing a cropped pant; the width at the bottom can be nicely balanced out by a simple tank or played up with a billowy blouse.
Nightwood Theatre and Tapestry Opera at 877 Yonge St.
There is a new theatre opening near Yonge and Davenport as Tapestry Opera and Nightwood Theatre revealed plans to establish a new collaborative space at 877 Yonge St.
The companies have launched a capital campaign to raise $1.5 million to fund the completion and launch of this ambitious project.
The new facility will cover 6,500 square feet and feature a 2,700 square foot performance hall, a rehearsal studio, a green room, and shared office spaces. This represents a significant upgrade, offering nearly three times the space of their previous location in the Distillery District.
In a city facing a scarcity of arts venues, this new complex will provide a much-needed oasis for creativity and performance. The new space is located within a city-owned supportive housing development run by St. Clare’s, a non-profit developer of affordable housing.
The collaboration with St. Clare’s highlights a unique and innovative partnership.
“St. Clare’s reached out to us with this as an available location and we saw enormous potential in the bones of the space,” said Andrea Donaldson, artistic director of Nightwood Theatre. “We’re looking forward to creating a dynamic presence!”
The facility is designed by Hilditch Architects and promises to be a beacon for artists and audiences alike.
Rose Napoli and Nancy Palk in the Nightwood production of ‘Mad Madge’ (Photo by Dahlia Katz)
The space will be a new permanent home for Nightwood and Tapestry, Donaldson explained, as well as other artistic groups
“A huge aim of this space is creating affordable space for other artists in the city as well,” Donaldson said. “Our performance hall seats 110 people, or 250 standing. It will be utilized as a space for all sorts of events.” Donaldson thinks the facility will likely be used half the time for internal projects and half the time for the public, with an estimated opening date of January 2025.
“Following years of Toronto losing vital arts spaces, we are proud to announce the creation of a new facility in the heart of Toronto that is also easily accessible by public transportation,” said Michael Hidetoshi Mori, Tapestry’s artistic and general director.
Nightwood recently announced its 2024-25 season, the company’s 45th, with productions across the city ahead of the opening of the new space.
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