How to have a U.K. vacation without ever leaving Toronto

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12:11 pm

This summer, it seems like everyone is traveling to Europe. Whether you’ve got your own European vacation planned this summer and don’t want it to end or are dreaming of getting a taste of Italy or France, we’ve got you covered. Here’s your how-to guide to summer like a European this summer — without ever leaving Toronto, this time with all things Portugal.

Watch some football

Football (a.k.a. soccer) has enjoyed enduring popularity in the U.K. for centuries, and its roots can be traced back to the country. Though the Brits can boast that they have the most-watched league in the world, it’s worth noting that football’s popularity extends beyond the U.K. Toronto FC, a prominent franchise in the MLS, has amassed a significant fan base and FC’s games at BMO field attract an average attendance of 25,423 spectators. Grab a friend, don’t forget to wear some red and experience the thrilling atmosphere first-hand.

Lift your spirits

If you’ve ever been to the U.K., you know that pub culture holds a significant place in British society. You can grab a pint (or three) at Toronto’s oldest bar, the Wheatsheaf. Situated at the southwest corner of King and Bathurst since 1849, the tavern is the ultimate destination for those seeking a combination of classic pub fare, live music, sports and a side selection of whisky.

Play with a Bard

Regarded as the epitome of literary greatness, Shakespeare’s enduring works are constantly revived to captivate successive generations. For a modernized, Toronto version of the Bard, visit the undersung Shakespeare in the Ruff. This not-for-profit outdoor theatre company in Withrow Park makes Shakespeare anything but boring. This summer, it’s Richard III, renamed Richard Three, that they’ll be revitalizing.

Feast on Fish and Chips

The combination of fish and chips is known worldwide as a quintessential English staple. The Sea Witch on St. Clair offers an authentically delicious experience reminiscent of the best fish and chips found in the U.K. The batter is light and crispy, the fish is always flaky, and tartar sauce enthusiasts will be pleased to discover Sea Witch’s homemade version, whipped up from scratch to achieve the perfect balance of creamy and zesty.

Shop till you drop

North London’s Camden Market offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in a full day of shopping. This vibrant destination comprises various smaller market areas, boasting a staggering collection of over 1,000 establishments to discover. Though Kensington Market may not be a traditional marketplace, it promises an exceptional culinary adventure with its diverse range of dining options. The neighbourhood is adorned with picturesque Victorian-style houses, concealing hidden treasures such as vintage shops and independent boutiques.

Try some tea for two

Though afternoon tea may not be a common occurrence in the 6ix, thanks to shows like Bridgerton and a litany of British royal scandals that have hit the press in recent years, the idea of adopting this British custom doesn’t seem so far-fetched. Head to the Windsor Arms for English afternoon tea, in the Parisian-inspired lobby or by the fire in the historic, lush purple room. It was here that Richard Burton proposed, the second time, to Liz Taylor in 1967.

For more of our Summer Like a European series, click here.

Toronto’s top bartenders on what to drink (and wear) this summer

By

Julia Mastroianni

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12:00 pm

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Summer is the season of patios, cocktails cold beer (and of course non-alcoholic fun drinks too). While there are plenty of great drinks to enjoy on the city’s best patios, sometimes, it’s best to get the scoop from those who know best — bartenders. We spoke with six bartenders from across Toronto and got their take on the best drink for the summer and fun new cocktails you have to try and an outfit breakdown (because let’s face it, sometimes your bartender is dressed cooler than you).

Gealeih, bartender at Bar Neon

Instagram: @public__figure

Wearing: Courrèges jacket, thrifted top and skirt, Prada boots and Vivienne Westwood necklace.

Recommended drink: “My favourite summer cocktail would probably be a Paper Plane. It’s very refreshing and I love Aperol in the summer.”

Chosen drink for a summer day off work: “My favourite summer drink at the moment would probably be this white stout from Blood Brothers brewery. I tried it a week ago and I’m obsessed with it, it has a vanilla flavour.”

Nico, bartender at Alo Bar

Wearing: “This look is inspired by my Italian roots. I was obsessed with the self-assured women of Italian ’60s cinema with the large hoop earrings, the tight fitting capri pants and city-walking turned beach-wandering sandals.”

Recommended drink: “If you’re a gin drinker, if you want something that’s refreshing but also kind of unusual, I recommend the Corpse Reviver No.2 – gin, Lillet, Cointreau, lemon and a spritz of absinthe.”

Chosen drink for a summer day off work: “In truth, probably a Peroni; I love a crisp Italian lager.”

Madeline, bartender at The 222 Bar

Instagram: @billiehollandaise

Wearing: “The denim top is a staple of mine from Etsy shop “Taylored in Fashion” based out of Texas. Shorts are a vintage avant-garde brand, I think I thrifted them. The belt and vintage Frye boots are from vintage Instagram shop High Noon Vintage, also based out of Texas.”

Recommended drink: “My favourite cocktail to make for the summer is a Vesper. Sometimes I’ll switch out Lillet for St-Germain for a little more of an elderflower flavour.”

Chosen drink for a summer day off work: “My favourite cocktail to enjoy in the summer is a shrimp cocktail, but my favourite drinkable cocktail is a daiquiri — can’t go wrong. Otherwise I typcically like a Miller High Life, Guinness, Red Stripe — I’m a beer girl.”

Anthony, bartender at The Baby G

Instagram: @chill_papi

Wearing: Vintage Fila T-shirt from Value Village, handmade necklace, Lacoste vest from Value Village, Lee denim jeans from Lost Boys Vintage and New Balance sneakers. “I’m a huge thrifter. I realy enjoy the hunt to find something special.”

Recommended drink: “A summer drink that I like to make is a Negroni. It’s a classic, very easy and refreshing.”

Chosen drink for a summer day off work: “Usually my go-to on a summer day would be a spicy margarita, but right now I’m not drinking so I get an Amarico Spritz from Union.”

Vanessa, bartender at Hey Lucy

Instagram: @tisnessa

Wearing: Denim jumpsuit and black pointed toe boots. “I got the jumpsuit at Guess and the shoes are so many years old I cannot recall!”

Recommended drink: “You should definitely come by for our PBR cocktail this summer, it’s our ‘panties and briefs dropper,’ definitely a fun patio season drink.”

Chosen drink for a summer day off work: “On my days off I like to drink a tye and coke, double in a short glass — it’s classic.”

Michael Louis Johnson, bartender at Communist’s Daughter

Instagram: @micahellouisjohnson

Wearing: “I’ll start with the shoes. A year or two in the last decade a bunch of the Italian shoe stores on St. Clair were going out of business so I snagged these blue brogues. These are just a regular pair of blue jeans, the jacket is from the Value Village in Etobicoke, and the vest is very old but maybe from Shoney’s Clothing in Kensington Market. The shirt was new from Muji and the hat was made for me by Danny from the men’s store 18 Waits on Queen Street. He made this fedora for me because I played at his wedding. He used to bring his wife in here for dates to my Saturday show, and he asked me to play at his wedding.”

Reccomended drink: “I know cocktails are all the rage but a beer in a frosty glass on a patio has still got to be the best thing, maybe a shot of tequila on the side. But if it has to be something over ice, nothing goes better than a sangria in my opinion.”

Chosen drink for a summer day off work: “If I’m chilling on a patio, I love a glass of sangria. I’ve been kind of down with Paper Planes lately. It’s refreshing, too much bourbon though — it puts me in a fighting mood so I have to be careful.”

Pop star Pink explores Kensington Market following concert

By

Ron Johnson

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Even famous pop superstars love Kensington Market the way it is right now. Pink, who played a sold-out show in Toronto on Monday, posted photos of her and her son scooting around the downtown Toronto nabe today.

The tour, named Pink Summer Carnival, showcased her smash hits like “Never Gonna Not Dance Again” and “So What” at the Rogers Centre on Monday night. Toronto was the lucky first North American stop of the tour, supporting her ninth studio album, Trustfall.

Alongside her son, she seemed to be having a blast riding a scooter around Kensington Market.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by P!NK (@pink)

Pink shared her time in Kensington Market, posting pictures of the vibrant and diverse neighborhood, appreciating the intricate graffiti, and checking out indie shops and art spaces. She called it a “Toronto love story.” Pink also had fun exploring local vendors, trying on sparkly dresses, indulging in churros, and enjoying Dolce Gelato.

After Toronto, she will head to Cincinnati for the next tour stop, which concludes in Phoenix, Arizona on Oct. 9.

The best farmers’ markets in Toronto from Monday to Sunday

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Julia Mastroianni

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Dust off your cowboy boots, Toronto just got a new upscale country bar

By

Erica Commisso

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2:50 pm

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The team behind notable destinations like Pizza Wine Disco, Cibo Wine Bar and even Don Alfonso is back again, this time bringing yet another unique nightlife spot to the city.

Paris Texas, takes over the former Arcane building on King West, serving up an elevated, upscale way to watch sports while promoting conversation and connection. It’s branded as “Toronto’s premiere sports and country bar.”

The new spot is a collaboration between Municipal Goods and Liberty Group and opened to the public earlier this month. It has already drawn tons of attention. That’s no surprise, though, considering the duo behind Pizza Wine Disco — Adam Szabo and Luca Di Donato — know how to bring a crowd to a new spot.

“Paris Texas is an upscale sports and country establishment located in the heart of King Street West. The menu and aesthetic pay homage to a decadent era of western saloons while simultaneously offering a Parisian flare of sophistication,” Di Donato says. “Upon entry, the exposed brick and luxurious finishings invite you to a unique social experience, encouraging conversation and camaraderie. The booths along the exterior walls command intimacy between the guests, while the large bars flanking the space simulate a high-energy atmosphere.”

The menu includes options like a $19 build-your-own martini alongside a selection of beer and cocktails, like a Remy XO espresso martini and Cactus Jack made with Julio Blanco Tequila, Grand Mariner, prickly pear, agave and a hibiscus lime rimmer.

A selection of upscale food options blended with comfort food is also available. Choose from dishes like the confit duck lettuce wraps, saku tuna tacos, buffalo cauliflower bites or chips and dip.

Main course options include salads, fajitas, chicken and waffles as well as a ribeye steak. There are also burgers and sandwiches available that appease to both meat-lovers and vegetarians alike.

Paris Texas is located at 461 King Street West and is open from 5 p.m. to late on Tuesdays through Sundays.

Toronto’s only chef with two Michelin stars set to debut new restaurant soon

By

Jennifer Schembri

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12:33 pm

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The acclaimed chef behind the two-Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant, Sushi Masaki Saito, has exciting news to share. His brand-new restaurant in Yorkville will soon be opening its doors to the public.

MSSM Yorkville, located at 154 Cumberland Street on the second floor, is Chef Masaki Saito’s latest venture. He first made headlines in Toronto back in 2019 when he established his presence in the city after departing from New York’s Sushi Ginza Onodera.

At the heart of MSSM Yorkville lies the promise of an extraordinary omakase dining experience. The restaurant intends to fuse traditional and authentic Edomae omakase with a contemporary twist, showcasing Chef Masaki Saito’s masterful Edomae-style sushi techniques to bring out the best flavours of the ingredients.

The vision of MSSM Yorkville is to make this genuine Japanese omakase dining experience accessible to all, so that customers can experience the finest culinary journey.

Masaki Saito is known for his unwavering dedication to the art of sushi. His background in marine biology, coupled with years of experience in Japanese sushi kitchens, has fuelled his passion for crating exceptional edomae-style sushi. Hailing form Hokkaido, Japan, chef Saito’s genuine interest in sushi and his grassroots approach propelled him to the pinnace of his craft. Chef Saito’s exclusive omakase experience attracts eager diners willing to wait months for a taste.

Back in February, chef Saito shared his goal of opening multiple new eateries in 2023.

“It’s true we have five new restaurants coming this year,” said a communications aide at Saito’s restaurant. “We are working on new restaurant developments, and we aim to open them all this year. However, there’s no guarantee, as we won’t open until we are 100 per cent ready to deliver the best to our customers,” the aide went on to say. “ I don’t want to mislead the public, so I prefer to say ‘Stay tuned.’”

Keep an eye on Sushi Masaki Saito’s Instagram page for details as they become available.

Seth Rogen film among 37 world premieres at TIFF in Toronto next month

By

Ron Johnson

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11:35 am

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The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is still six weeks away, but the city is already getting some exciting information on the big films and even bigger celebrities set to arrive in September.

TIFF just revealed an exciting lineup of 60 films in the Gala and Special Presentations programmes for this year’s festival. Representing 70 countries, these films showcase imaginative storytelling, exceptional performances, and innovative filmmaking.

The first wave of the 2023 Official Selection includes 37 World Premieres, 7 International Premieres, 12 North American Premieres, and 4 Canadian Premieres.

The lineup features a diverse range of films from renowned directors and promising newcomers. Some notable Gala Presentations include Craig Gillespie’s Dumb Money, Anna Kendrick’s Woman of the Hour, Viggo Mortensen’s The Dead Don’t Hurt, and Ning Hao’s The Movie Emperor. The Special Presentations category includes films like Richard Linklater’s Hit Man, Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Monster, and Marco Bellocchio’s Kidnapped.

Dumb Money stars Canadian actor or cannabis impresario Seth Rogen. We are also excited about the world premiere of Next Goal Wins the latest comedy from Taika Waititi of Jojo Rabbit fame.

Waititi was last at the Festival in 2019 with the World Premiere of Jojo Rabbit, which went on to win the TIFF People’s Choice Award and an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Taika back to the Festival and share his audacious take on the most popular sport in the world,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF. “Next Goal Wins is perfect for TIFF fans of the beautiful game looking for their football fill until the 2026 World Cup arrives.”

Two Canadian films by directors Leigh Brooks and Sophie Dupuis will get their world premieres at TIFF galas this year.

“This year’s Galas & Special Presentations showcase a rich tapestry of talent, vision, and storytelling. Each work embodies the power of cinema to inspire, challenge, and move audiences,” said Bailey.

“From thought-provoking narratives to breathtaking visuals and stories so unreal they have to be real, each work embodies the power of cinema to inspire, challenge, and move audiences. Get ready to experience an unforgettable celebration of film and a memorable and star-studded festival, showcasing the best of global cinema for film lovers in September.”

7 of the best new ice cream shops in Toronto for 2023

By

Jennifer Schembri

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3:01 pm

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La Glace French Ice Cream — @laglaceicecreamtoronto/Instagram

Is there anything better than ice cream on a hot summer day? With countless flavours to choose from – whether you prefer something sweet like honey lavender, loaded with add-ins like cookies and brownies, or even something peculiar like wasabi ice cream – the options are endless.

Check out these 7 new ice cream spots in Toronto for 2023.

Moonmilk

In 2022, Moonmilk was founded by co-owners Elysia Leung and Sarah Davignon. Initially operating from a Parkdale driveway, the duo recently celebrated the opening of their first brick-and-mortar location on Dundas West. Moonmilk boasts a dynamic menu that rotates seasonally, featuring an array of delicious flavours. Among the current hit flavours, you’ll find lemon lime sorbet, s’mores, real mint fudge, kaya jam and toast, jasmine taro, jelly donut and sour cherry. They also offer ice cream cake, milk buns, cookies and whole cakes for custom orders. 1695 Dundas St. W.

La Glace

Founded in 2014 by Mark Tagulao and local entrepreneur Juliana Eng, La Glace aims to bring the enticing flavours of French ice cream to Canada. This summer marks the debut of La Glace in the heart of Toronto, celebrating the fusion of luxury and artisanal French-style ice cream. The pop-up at Union station features flavours like Lemon Meringue Pie “Citron” ice cream — the perfect balance of tart lemon cream and silky sweet toasted meringue with crunchy graham crumble and vegan flavours including cinnamon roll. 65 Front St., level B1.

Ruru Baked

After operating online since 2017, Ruru Baked, a specialty ice cream maker, has expanded, opening up shop in Markham’s Pacific Mall. The menu boasts more than 70 unique and delicious flavours, featuring outlandish combinations that work remarkably well. Must-try scoops include the brown butter + honey + sage, which is the perfect balance of nutty and fragrant brown butter combined with pure honey and a hint of sage for added earthiness. For those who are fans of a sweet and savoury combo, the everything bagel is a fun take on how sometimes weird, unexpected things can actually be amazing. It’s made with cream cheese ice cream and chunks of oniony and garlicky sweet seedy crumble. 4300 Steeles Ave. E., Markham

Disco

Disco owners’ passion for creating small batch ice cream and cookies ignited after their graduation from culinary school and almost a decade of international industry experience. Their shop offers scrumptious ice cream flavours like peanut butter and jelly sandwich and Canadian double double, which are sure to leave you craving more. Additionally, they sell delicious soft baked cookies like ube and roasted coconut and Skor and white chocolate. Step into this ’70s wonderland, and as the sun sets, be enchanted by the sparkling display of glittery disco balls, making your experience truly magical. 1086 Queen St. W.

Little Moo

If you haven’t visited Little Moo, the new summer pop-up from @tinypopupto, you should definitely check it out. All of their ice cream is locally made from Central Smith Creamery and they even have pooch-friendly ice cream and fur-eezies from Walto Pet Cafe. While their flavours change weekly, past favourites have included sweet options like black raspberry cheesecake, lavender lemonade and Algonquin Canoe, which is a French vanilla ice cream with hints of maple, chocolate ripple and chocolate caramel canoes. 1400 Queen St. E.

Daigyo Café

Exciting news! Daigyo Café, the beloved Japanese dessert haven, has recently opened a shiny new location in Scarborough. While their matcha soft serve ice cream, renowned for its remarkably creamy and smooth texture, remains a favourite, the Scarborough shop now offers an exclusive treat: jasmine white peach ice cream — perfect for a hot summer’s day. 3278 Midland Ave.

CowCow

Calling themselves the first Canadian store to specialize in deep fried ice cram, CowCow comes in cute shapes and delcious flavours like cookies & cream and mango all nestled inside a crispy, golden shell. Plus, the treat is ready in just 15 seconds! 3360 Yonge St.

How to have a Portuguese vacation without ever leaving Toronto

By

Julia Mastroianni

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1:31 pm

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flowerpotisland — @theholidayarchitect_/Instagram

This summer, it seems like everyone is traveling to Europe. Whether you’ve got your own European vacation planned this summer and don’t want it to end or are dreaming of getting a taste of Italy or France, we’ve got you covered. Here’s your how-to guide to summer like a European this summer — without ever leaving Toronto, this time with all things Portugal.

Snack on everyone’s fave Portuguese pastry

The title of best pastel de nata (a popular Portuguese egg custard tart pastry) in the city is hotly contested, but for a taste of this traditional treat that won’t disappoint, we recommend Nova Era Bakery. Serving up Portuguese baked goods since 1991, Nova Era’s tart is perfectly creamy with a flaky crust that some say is as good as what you get in Lisbon.

Get fish straight from the Azores

Tavora Foods is a St. Clair West institution that Portuguese residents have been frequenting for years for fresh produce, traditional meats, cheese and breads and more. With competitive pricing for Toronto and a solid selection of authentic Portuguese grocery brands, the secret to this place is the seafood — it arrives directly from the Azores, an autonomous region in Portugal, early every Wednesday.

Taste traditional Portuguese chicken done right

With three locations in the city, Bairrada Churrasqueira is a longtime favourite for a reason. Heavy on the meat, churrasqueira is the Portuguese word for “grill” or “barbecue.” The restaurant serves up traditional frango no churrasco (grilled chicken and rice), plus house steaks, quail, pork and veal cutlets and plenty more mouth-watering dishes.

Get a taste of the Algarve coast from Toronto

Along the Algarve coast, you’ll find the Benagil sea cave — and the best way to explore this natural treasure is by kayak or standup paddleboarding (SUP). Enjoy an island tour of your own in Toronto by trying an eco tour with Toronto Island SUP. Choose between SUP or kayaking and adventure through the Toronto Island lagoons — no experience required!

Get starry-eyed at a dark sky observatory

A two-hour trip from Lisbon will take you to Dark Sky Alqueva, a dark sky observatory with cutting-edge telescopes. Luckily, we don’t need to hop on a plane to enjoy a spectacular night under the stars — instead, head to Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve in Gravenhurst for a magical experience filled with galaxies and maybe a shooting star or two.

Take a piece of Porto home with you

Azulejos, beautiful blue patterned ceramic tiles, can be found in architecture all over Portugal, especially in Porto, where visitors will go on walking tours specifically to spot them. At Saudade in Little Portugal, you can collect a piece of Portuguese history by snagging an Azulejo of your own — the shop sells earrings, rings, homewares and more, featuring the iconic pattern.

Explore some historic shipwrecks

You’ve probably spotted the Algarve coastline on your Instagram feed, but did you know it’s one of the most popular places to go shipwreck diving? Enjoy a shipwreck experience of your own with Toronto Fun Tours — depart from Toronto and travel by bus to Tobermory and Flowerpot Island, where you’ll enjoy a glass bottom boat tour and a cruise to spot shipwrecks deep beneath the waters.

For more of our Summer Like a European series, click here.

The owners of Bar Poet just opened a hip spot for French food and cocktails

By

Erica Commisso

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12:10 pm

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Astoria2 — @@christian__humphrey/Instagram

There’s a new French-American bistro and cocktail bar in town, and it comes courtesy of the people behind one of the most popular spots in the city.

Astoria is located inside The Great Hall on Queen Street West, and just opened to the public earlier this month. The details are distinctly French, with dainty, decorated plateware and hand-drawn placemats that double as menus.

One of the most popular dishes on offer is the braised short ribs, which is served with shallots and super-creamy mashed potatoes. Other dishes include a French dip sandwich which is served with a savoury consume. The restaurant also offers oysters, a brunch menu (which includes options for bubbly drinks), both mussels and steak served with frites, and a pappardelle ragu among more American-inspired options like a burger and shareable appetizers.

The drink menu is also what draws people to Astoria, as it comes with a built-in street cred: the new bistro and cocktail bar comes to Queen West from the folks behind Bar Poet. Popular beverages include the burnt honey mojito and the cucumber collins, as well as an uber-trendy espresso martini served with a twist: the cocktail is served with a tequila base.

The vibe in the decor is decidedly French, too, with distressed wood and marble details in the furniture and on the walls. Even the outdoor sign is on-brand, as it’s neon and hangs from the walls in a style that’s reminiscent of a historical area of New York City.There are event bright, painted murals adorning the walls, with a tree motif framing a French-inspired bar.

Astoria is located across the street from Bar Poet, inside the Great Hall at 1087 Queen Street West. It’s open for brunch at 10 a.m. on the weekends, but opens at 5 p.m. from Monday through Friday. It closes at 2 a.m. daily.

Toronto’s five best bike trails to experience the city

By

Nikki Gill

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10:00 am

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With the warm weather here, getting outside is more important (and exciting) now than ever. While Toronto may seem like a concrete jungle, the city is home to more majestic nature areas and scenic trails than you might think. If you’re looking for the weekend activity, grab your bike, your dog, or just your own two feet and visit one of these beautiful bike trails.

Martin Goodman Trail

The Martin Goodman Trail stretches more than 30 kilometres long across Toronto’s waterfront. Don’t miss a photo op on the iconic Humber Bay Arch Bridge or at Ashbridge’s Bay Park.

Great Lakes Waterfront Trail

Spanning more than 3,600 kilometres from Sault Ste. Marie all the way to Quebec, this trail runs straight through Toronto from Etobicoke in the west to Scarborough in the east. With beautiful views of Lake Ontario and plenty of open space for a picnic, don’t forget to bring a blanket and a few snacks along with you.

Humber River Recreational Trail

Totalling just over eight kilometres in length, this trail is ideal for an early morning walk or a quick afternoon cycle. Keep an eye out for wildlife and the quaint Old Mill bridge, which makes for a great Instagram capture.

Tommy Thompson Park Waterfront Trail

Located in the east end of Toronto on Leslie Street, the Tommy Thompson Park Waterfront Trail features about 10 kilometres of bike trails perfect for walking, jogging or cycling. The park is especially beloved by birdwatchers — 10 species of owls have been noted in the park — so be sure to bring your binoculars along.

Beltline Trail

Located in the Moore Park ravine, the Beltline Trail provides nine kilometres of scenic cycling space for North Toronto residents. Connecting five different Toronto neighbourhoods, the trail is built on a former rail bed, making it ideal for moody photo shoots or romantic moments.

If you’re looking for a great place to hike in the city, check out this list of the five most scenic hikes.

5 yoga retreats in Ontario to find your inner peace

By

Julia Mastroianni

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11:00 am

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yogaretreatleadimageNEW — Whispering Springs

With the last month of summer soon upon us, There’s never been a better time to pack your overnight bag and set off on a voyage of epic self-care. Whether you’re looking to practise mindfulness, limber up or simply cultivate more introspection in your life, Ontario is home to hundreds of ultra-relaxing yoga retreats, perfect for a wellness-fuelled weekend getaway.

Unplugging from the everyday demands of modern life can do wonders for your soul, especially with a serene location as a backdrop. From yoga and meditation retreats to soul-quenching spa treatments, here are five health-focused hot spots in Ontario to visit for your next mini vacation:

Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat

Located just over an hour away from the city in Grafton, Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat offers two unique yoga retreat experiences. Their glamping yoga retreat is complete with daily yoga classes, live music, wine tasting and guided workshops. If you’re looking to reconnect with nature without embarking on the full camping experience just yet, Whispering Springs is your best bet.

Northern Edge Algonquin

At Northern Edge’s Centre for Transformational Retreats, visitors can choose from an array of wellness-themed retreats. Northern Edge’s yoga-focused offerings include yoga daily as well as trying out other activities, like standup paddle boarding, all packaged up in its self-described “eco-retreat” on Kawawaymog Lake. With plenty of dates to choose from this summer and fall, you’re sure to find a retreat that fits your goals and schedule.

Strathmere

Offering a selection of spa treatments, including massages, facials and body wraps, as well as activities like yoga and hiking, Strathmere in North Gower is ideal for year-round relaxation. After 38 years as a venue for weddings, vacations and other events, Strathmere added a retreat as part of its transition into a “wellness community.” Enjoy the full package of yoga workshops, field-to-plate dinners and gardening classes at this immersive nature resort.

Northumberland Heights Wellness Retreat and Spa

Just a hop, skip and a jump away from the city, Northumberland Heights Wellness Retreat and Spa will help you channel your inner peace through Ayurvedic practices, nature trails, yoga and even an anti-aging treatment with pure caviar. If you’re looking for a lot of luxury mixed into your yoga practice, Northumberland’s retreat packages will not disappoint.

Bliss Haven Retreat Centre

Nestled on an expansive 82.5-acre plot of land with three majestic buildings, including the mansion, the guest house and the hall, Bliss Haven Retreat Centre truly lives up to its namesake. The centre offers plenty of wellness retreats incorporating yoga, meditation, vegan cooking and more, using a spiritual and physical approach.