This charming Lake Huron village is packed with iconic beaches and unreal sunsets

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10:45 am

Southhampton, Ontario — Instagram: @southampton_on

Tucked along the shores of Lake Huron is a small-town escape with sunsets that turn the whole shoreline into the most scenic horizon. Southampton is about a three-hour drive from Toronto and makes for a picturesque road trip: you’ll pass rolling farmland and quaint small towns along the way before arriving in this gorgeous lakeside village.

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It’s a classic Ontario resort-style town, so plan early for your spring and summer vacations. Upon arrival, head to a stunning, white-sand beach! Stroll the famous Southampton Boardwalk: the paved lakeside trail stretches along the beach from Millard/High St to the Long Dock area, with serene Lake Huron views and tons of spots to stop and watch the water. If you’re travelling with kids, the Long Dock beach access area also has a nautical-themed playground right by the sand!

Next, take a guided boat tour to Chantry Island, about a kilometre off Southampton’s shore. Access to the island is limited, so you’ll need to go by guided tour (and it’s totally worth it!) The island is home to the historic lighthouse and is a gorgeous spot to stroll through gardens and observe birdlife. Climb the 107 stairs to the very top of the lighthouse for the most amazing views, especially at twilight.

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If you time your trip just right, catch the Marine Heritage Festival in late July, as well as the Artisans & Tastes Market on Fridays throughout the summer.

If you’re a culture buff, spend an afternoon at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre and explore more than 20,000 artefacts and stories that help shape Bruce County’s history (it’s also a good way to add context to everything you’re seeing around town!)

Take a nature break by the Fairy Lake Trail: it’s an easy, 1 km pedestrian-only loop located right in the community’s core! A fountain splashes in the centre of the lake while the nature trail wraps around its perimeter. It’s especially pretty in warmer months, but the lake is still a beautiful (if icier) sight in the winter.

Of course, you’ll want to grab some grub! Southampton’s food scene is more laid back, think casual dining and post-beach eats. The Elk & Finch offers delicious fare inspired by the region, with everything from pastries to salads, pastas, and pizzas, using locally sourced ingredients. It’s located in a turn-of-the-century Southampton home, so you can enjoy the views and Lake Huron breeze from an outdoor balcony, or get cozy in the charming dining rooms. If you’re looking for a taste of home, The New Lighthouse Restaurant is a small, family-owned spot serving all-day breakfast and home-style meals year-round.

If you want something classic, Walker House is one of the best-known names in town! It’s a long-running, historic restaurant that’s been serving the community for over 100 years.

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And yes, Southampton is a perfect warm-weather getaway, but if you’re looking for a quieter vibe, the area is just as gorgeous during the winter. If you’re a nature buff, visit MacGregor Point Provincial Park for snowshoeing, skating, cross-country skiing, and even yurt camping!

After exploring Southampton, check out this underrated small-town escape near Toronto: it offers a scenic alternative to Ontario’s more obvious getaways.

How They Met: ‘Murdoch Mysteries’ star shares the secret to 35 years of marriage

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Julia Mastroianni

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9:39 am

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murdoch mysteries 2014 — Shantelle and Yannick on set for 'Murdoch Mysteries' in 2014.

Yannick Bisson knows when he has a good thing going — 19 seasons later, he remains the star of Canada’s most-watched scripted series, Murdoch Mysteries. And this year, he also celebrates 35 years of marriage with his wife, Shantelle. Here, they give us the details of their whirlwind romance.

How they met

Yannick: I visited my good friend Bruce Gaunt’s high school in Scarborough, and Shantelle was performing at some of the school shows there. I immediately took notice. Years later, I ended up at a Pepsi audition and in waltzes Shantelle. Turns out we were at the same agency, and we were slotted to go in and read together. And the icing on the cake was that we were supposed to play boyfriend and girlfriend, and we were supposed to kiss. So we kissed and we did this audition together! Moral of the story is I didn’t get the commercial, but I got the girl.

The first date

Two days later I asked her out. I almost blew it though. The day of the date, I waited too long to call her and confirm the place.

Shantelle: He called me a half hour after we were supposed to be on our date!

Yannick: I told her to head down to Yorkville to Remys, and we had a beautiful dinner there. My two roommates there made it a special night. They served us alcohol even though we were underage.

The proposal

Shantelle: We moved in together really fast, and for my 19th birthday, he bought me a one carat diamond ring, but just as a gift. And a few months later, I said, “I missed my period, we should probably get a pregnancy test.” So I did it, and it turned positive. And Yannick goes, “OK, well, I want to marry you.” I was, like: “Pump the brakes, we barely know each other!” We thought about it, and ultimately decided to keep what is now our eldest of three daughters. We got very lucky that we were completely aligned in how we wanted to raise kids.

Yannick: This all leads up to a not so great story, which was, we were on the 401 on one of those snowy, terrible days, and I kind of just said [holding the ring], “You know what, babe, fine, here it is.” That was my proposal.

The wedding

yannick bisson Wedding May 26 1990 — Yannick and Shantelle on the day of their wedding.

Yannick: We knew we wanted the party to be the big thing, but we didn’t have money, so we had a Legion Hall–type wedding. And our daughter, when we got married, was 14 months, so she was our mini flower girl. We had a prime rib dinner and a DJ and all our close people and family, and it was just a great party. We went to a Caribbean island for our honeymoon, and it was just not great. I didn’t know how to book these things. Our room was awful. Shantelle cried; she called her mom! Needless to say, we have had some outstanding vacations to make up for it.

The kids

yannick bisson family — Shantelle, Yannick and their three daughters in 1996.

Shantelle: We have three daughters, and I would say my favourite memories of having kids was that we taught them to have a sense of adventure. I think they got that from Yannick, because I didn’t really grow up adventurous, but that’s always been one of his mottos. And now all three girls are very creative people and just do their own thing. I would say the best thing about being a parent is just sharing life with them.

The secret to success

Yannick: Chances are you’re always wrong, and she’s always right, and even if that’s not true, life will go a lot better if it is. And always buy more flowers than you think you should.

Shantelle: We’re not alike, but we’re still able to compromise and bend. It’s interesting to me that so often people will compromise in their work relationships, but somehow they feel like they have to win at home. If you’re out to win, you’ll always lose.

The future together

yannick shantelle italy 2013 — Yannick and Shantelle in Italy in 2013.

Shantelle: Lots of travel. We have so many places we want to check off the list. We also have a big dream about having a chateau in the south of France, a mountain house for skiing. And we’re hopeful for more grandbabies.

Sip tea by day, enjoy creative cocktails by night at this hidden Toronto café

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Nisean Lorde

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5:00 pm

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Toronto has no shortage of sleek late-night cocktail bars, but it’s not every day one hides inside a matcha café. This after-dark transformation reflects a bigger shift in the city’s drinks scene, where tea-based mixology is moving from a niche health trend to a staple of high-end nightlife.

Enter Matcha Matcha, the minimalist Church Street spot known for its daytime matcha drinks. On weekends, it gets a second life with M2 Cocktail Bar, a tea-enhanced cocktail program that pops up every Friday and Saturday night from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

M2 M2 Cocktail Bar’s menu is kind of like a choose-your-own-adventure map that organizes drinks by light vs. complex and sweet vs. savoury. From there, you essentially choose your lane: fizzy highballs, layered lowballs, shooters or dessert!

If you want something bright and fizzy, opt for M2 Cocktail Bar’s “Highball” drink, like the Pineapple Bun ($17, 7% ABV): toasted coconut-infused rum with pineapple and wintermelon, genmai, coconut, lime, and whey, or the Palo Santo ($18, 8% ABV): lemongrass-and-lime-infused Lillet with pandan, musk melon, lime leaf distillate, palo santo, whey, and CO₂.

If you want richer, deeper flavours, “Lowball” cocktails are stronger and more layered. Try the Wasabi Bento ($18, 18% ABV): wasabi-distilled gin with yogurt, Lillet, sake, seaweed, genmai milk, cucumber, and whey, or the boozy Butter Daddy ($22, 32% ABV): butter-washed Dewar’s whisky and aged rum blend with Korean miso, coffee, shiitake and maple.

If you want a quick shot, down a shooter (it makes for a perfect round with friends!) The Pear & Cassis ($9, 22% ABV) is filled with barley shochu, black currant, English pear, and milk oolong, while Shiso Plum ($9, 33% ABV) is a shiso-infused tequila with Japanese plum and clarified yuzu.

Or skip the drinks altogether and head straight for a dessert. The Strawberry Shortcake is made for two, and topped with Hokkaido fresh cream, raspberry jelly and white chocolate. Or indulge in the Matcha Parfait! This is a ceremonial grade matcha soft serve with crispy corn, red bean and delicious Japanese mochi castella.

M2 Cocktail Bar by Matcha Matcha is located inside Matcha Matcha at 407 Church St.

The best Valentine’s Day events happening in Toronto

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Keena Al-Wahaidi

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2:41 pm

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Love is in the air again and Toronto is gearing up to savour it. Whether you’re alone or coupled up this Valentine’s Day, there are events far and wide to celebrate love. Maybe that looks like a sweat session at a cool gym or catching a love-themed comedy show. Either way, we’ve curated a full list of ways you can get out and have the greatest Valentine’s Day this season in Toronto.

Valentine’s Skate at The Well

Glide through the day at The Well’s Valentine’s Day Skate, where you’ll skate along to fun R&B tunes. Plus, you’ll be able to grab complimentary skate rentals if you don’t have any skating gear to bring along. Make sure to book a spot online.

Sweethearts & Sprinkles Cookie Decorating Workshop

If you want to work on your cookie decorating skills, this might just be the place. Bring your loved ones to the Kimpton Saint George Hotel for their Sweethearts & Sprinkles Cookie Decorating Workshop on Feb. 11. It’ll be a sweet treat and a fun time, where you can learn new piping and decorating techniques. Plus proceeds from admission go towards the Red Door Family Shelter. Secure your spot at this link.

Love at the Zoo

Love at toronto zoo — Courtesy torontozoo.com

Love might not be the first thing you’d expect to find at the zoo — but this Valentine’s Day, it will be! At this Toronto Zoo event, enjoy a night of delicious food and discover all the ways in which animals express affection for one another. Included in your ticket, which can be bought online, is a four-course meal, your choice of a complimentary drink, an interactive presentation with staff, a silent auction and so much more.

Valentine’s Day at the AGO

There’s a ton of fun to be had at the AGO this Valentine’s Day. That includes their Valentines Day Afternoon Tea, served from Feb. 13-15. Enjoy an amuse-bouche and a selection of savoury and sweet snacks, plus some freshly baked goods. Complimentary entry to the gallery is included in your reservation, so after you’ve sipped and snacked, stroll through the AGO and stumble upon some of the most romantic art in history.

See a TIFF film

Nothing says Valentine’s Day like a love-filled film, to be watched at the TIFF Lightbox this season. At 8:45 p.m. they’ll be screening Grace Glowicki’s Dead Lover, a dark-humoured tale about a woman who tries every attempt to resurrect her dead lover. The best part? The theatre will be giving out scented scratch-and-sniff cards! There will also be a Q&A with the director and cast members post-screening. Find tickets for purchase here.

Valentine’s Week at Sweat and Tonic

What’s better than Valentine’s? Galentine’s, of course! Celebrate with your best gal mates at Sweat and Tonic on Feb. 10, where your ticket will include a personalized typewriter poem, a glass of non-alcoholic rose, a cookie decorating session and a gift bag. Other events include a Break-Up Music Bingo on Feb. 12 and a Sparks & Tonic Mixer on Feb. 13, complete with a welcome drink, Valentine’s-inspired bites, and guided connectivity activities.

Stackt Market Sweet City Fest

Head on over to Stackt Market on Feb. 13 for a four-day spectacle full of treats and memorable moments, including their V-Day Dance Party, the Sweet Skincare Workshop and Crafted Love: Perfume Making (DIY) Workshop. There’s something to be found for everyone here, including families who want to visit just before Family Day. There’ll be live music, workshops and some Family Day specials (including a games room and Family Day Jam).

Black Valentine’s at Comedy Bar

Comedy Bar on the Danforth will be hosting their second annual Black Valentine’s, by all-black comedy tour The Underground Comedy Railroad. On Feb. 15, embark on a journey of laughter and humorous entertainment with this iconic show. If you, your date, or your friends are in need of a laugh this season, don’t miss out on big comedy featuring Tamara Shevon, Daniel Woodrow, Chris Robinson and more.

Four Seasons four-course Valentine’s dinner

The most glamourous place to celebrate love might just be at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. On Feb. 14, indulge in their Valentine’s Dinner at Cafe Boulud, where you can enjoy a four-course special Valentine’s Dinner. You can also check out brunch if an early afternoon delight is more your style, hosted until Feb. 15. They’ll serve a two-course brunch, with stemmed roses available to purchase.

ROM after Dark: Valentines

This iconic museum event is the perfect way to celebrate love. It’s a late night party full of curated DJ sets and live performances, plus hands-on fun like photobooths and selfie stations. It’s the ultimate Valentine’s Day event where you can expect the energy to be full of love and laughter. Fall in love at the ROM and buy your tickets here.

The Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair

Experience a unique celebration at the upcoming Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair hosted at Parkdale Hall. On Feb. 14, a diverse array of knitters, crafters, zinesters, card makers and more will come together to create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Meet indie creators as they showcase their work exploring and celebrating themes of sex, sexuality, sexual health, gender and pleasure.

Rom-com-themed trivia at Hemingway’s

Join Hemingway’s for a night of laughs, love and loads of rom-com trivia at their Rom-Com Trivia Night (part two) on Feb. 11! Hosted by trivia pro Cait, questions will pull from ’90s and 2000s rom-com classics like 10 Things I Hate About You and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. It’s the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day with your partner or BFFs. Doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner and themed drinks, with three rounds of trivia starting at 7 p.m.

This new Kensington Market spot for Bajan food has Drake’s stamp of approval

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Megan Gallant

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12:14 pm

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From pop-ups to the Harbourfront Centre and now Kensington Market, Bim Street Eats has been spreading the soul of Bajan food across Toronto.

Focused on the flavours of Barbados, Bim Street Eats is the brainchild of chef Aiko Rudder-Jones, a young entrepreneur who moved to Toronto in 2013. While she initially planned to pursue soccer (or football, as she calls it), she soon found her true passion in sharing the authentic cuisine she grew up with.

“When I moved here there was no place I would really find food that I would get in Barbados,” she says. “I find a big way to have a piece of home is by eating food that you grew up with and that means a lot to you. That’s where the inspiration [for Bim Street Eats] came from — the fact there’s no Bajan restaurants in Toronto.”

Before launching Bim Street Eats while studying culinary management at George Brown College, Rudder-Jones says she was “lucky” to make connections that led to cooking at events for high-profile figures, including the President of Barbados, Michelle Obama and Drake.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, Rudder-Jones dove headfirst into the business, taking online orders, catering events and hosting pop-ups to share her love of Bajan street food. That momentum eventually led her to a summer-long run at Harbourfront Centre in 2025.

SnapInsta Ai 3674383371913653902 — @bimstreeteats/Instagram

Now at 210 Augusta Avenue, Rudder-Jones’ soulful menu features classics like macaroni pie, BBQ pig tails, crispy fishcakes and fried breadfruit — a starchy tropical fruit and Caribbean staple. Plan your visit for a Saturday to catch pudding and souse, traditionally served on that day of the week.

“Pudding and souse is something you have in burritos every Saturday. It’s sold out by mid-day depending on where you go around the island,” explains Rudder-Jones. “It’s very, very, very popular.”

The cuisine can be paired with traditional drinks including the coconut punch and mauby, a bittersweet drink made from the bark of a tree.

While the Kensington Market stall is just one step toward opening a full restaurant, Rudder-Jones says she’s been thrilled by the response so far.

“People are really excited to get a taste of Barbados in the city,” she says. “I get a lot of support not just from Bajans, but from people across the Caribbean. A lot of Canadians know Barbados, too. I meet plenty who’ve vacationed there and are happy to come back and get a little taste of it here. The response has been truly amazing.”

Sad news as a huge cinema in Toronto is closing after a 25-year run

By

Nisean Lorde

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10:49 am

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Toronto’s east end is reportedly about to lose one of its most familiar movie-going fixtures.

According to the Globe and Mail’s film editor Barry Hertz, Cineplex Beaches will close at the end of the day on Feb 17, shutting down the six-screen multiplex that first opened in June 1999, under the Alliance Atlantis banner, before being taken over by Cineplex in 2019.

Bad Toronto movie theatre news: Cineplex Beaches, a six-screen multiplex opened in 1999 under the Alliance Atlantis brand, is closing end of day Feb. 17.

— Barry Hertz (@HertzBarry) February 8, 2026

The theatre, nestled at 1651 Queen St E near Coxwell, has long been a low-key option for locals to catch new releases without trekking downtown. As of publication, Cineplex’s own listing still shows the location as active with showtimes and theatre details, and it hasn’t (at least publicly) posted a closure notice on the venue page.

The news has already sparked a wave of nostalgia, with locals tying this late-’90s multiplex holdover to the rituals of neighbourhood life, like impromptu weekday screenings and first jobs.

On a recent Reddit thread, one user summed up the mood plainly: “Truly sad to see, my first part time job was at Alliance Atlantis Cinemas at Bayview Village. I’d go to the Beaches location every so often to help when they were short staffed,” while another wrote that Cineplex Beaches was their “main theatre” dating back to the Alliance Atlantis days, even if it “was never very busy” (which is part of why they liked it).

Others focused on the loss of a super walkable theatre in an area where movie options aren’t exactly overflowing.

“This sucks. I have a car, so Eglinton Town Centre isn’t too far. But nothing beats…walking home from a late night showing,” one Redditor wrote, while another gave ideas on how the theatre could potentially continue running: “I’m hoping that someone finds a way to maybe cut it down to 1-2 screens and run it like The Fox with the rest of the space being renovated into some other retail use.”

Ontario skier Megan Oldham earns Canada its second bronze medal of the Winter Olympics

By

Ron Johnson

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9:24 am

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Ontario skier Megan Oldham (photo: Instagram @freestylecanadaski) — @freestylecanadaski

Parry Sound, Ontario skier Megan Oldham has won Canada’s second medal of the Winter Olympics — a bronze in Women’s Slopestyle.

It was a tense few moments as some top skiers had their runs while Oldham waited at the bottom in third position, but she held on and stepped onto the podium for the bronze.

For anyone who’s spent winter taking laps at terrain parks in shortie hills like Blue Mountain and Mount St. Louis, Oldham’s performance felt like a hometown victory, proof that world-class talent can rise from Ontario bumps and go toe-to-toe with the best on the planet.

The 24-year-old threw down a poised final run to score 76.46, edging Great Britain’s Kristy Muir for bronze after rebounding from a heavy crash earlier in the competition. Switzerland’s Mathilde Gremaud took gold and China’s Eileen Gu claimed silver, while fellow Canadian Naomi Urness finished seventh.

Ontario skier Megan Oldham (photo: Instagram @freestylecanadaski)

Oldham’s journey mirrors that of many Ontario skiers: early days on family trips, time spent in other sports, and a gradual pull toward freestyle riding. She began skiing at five, committed seriously as a teenager, and quickly climbed the ranks—her gymnastics background helping fuel rapid progression into elite competition and onto the Canadian team.

Since then, she’s built an impressive freestyle resume competing in the last Olympics just off the podium as well as the X Games, World Championships, and World Cup circuit, along with a historic first: landing a triple cork in competition and scoring a perfect 50 at the Aspen X Games.

Congrats Megan!

The best flower shops in Toronto just in time for Valentine’s Day

By

Julia Mastroianni

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6:47 am

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Euclid Farms flower shop in Toronto — @euclidfarms

Nothing says Valentine’s Day like a thoughtful floral arrangement. We’ve rounded up the best flower shops in Toronto for bouquets to suit even the most unique tastes – from dried florals to fresh arrangements, subscriptions, do-it-yourself boxes, eco-conscious blooms and more!

Thyme Studio

With a location in Riverside, Thyme Floral is your one-stop-shop for flowers – whatever way you like. They specialize in crafting dreamy, unconventional arrangements. Get your loved one a classic, grab-and-go bouquet or go in-store and customize one yourself with the choice of dried or fresh flowers. Or perhaps you’re looking to do something a little more hands-on this Valentine’s Day? Send a floret box to your loved one so they can unleash their creativity. Floret boxes come in small, medium and large and include all the floral stems and greenery for your S/O to create their ideal bouquet.

Wild North Flowers

Looking to give a bouquet as immortal as your love for one another? Try dried florals, a whimsical, timeless alternative to a fresh floral arrangement. Wild North offers tons of colour schemes to suit your decorative tastes. The company also offers plants, fresh flowers and even virtual workshops. They’ve outlined their Valentine’s weekend delivery and pick-up schedule, so if you’re looking to squeeze in a last-minute delivery, order now!

Euclid Farms

Euclid Farms is the cutest shop around. It’s an adorable small-scale urban flower farm and shop on Queen Street West in the Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood. The shop owners grow most of their fresh blooms in warmer months, and support and shop locally as much as possible, sourcing the flowers they don’t grow themselves from local farms and relying on imports only when necessary. This is the ideal shop for an environmentally conscious bouquet of stunning blooms for the love in your life that like to shop as locally and eco-consciously as possible. While the shop is currently closed due to flood damage, Euclid Farms is still fulfilling pickup and delivery orders.

Sweetpeas

A mainstay in the Roncesvalles area, this floral studio offers all the classic arrangements you’d expect from a quaint neighbourhood florist, including Valentine’s Day-themed bouquets and floral subscriptions so you can always have a fresh bouquet on hand. If flowers are a bit too been-there-done-that for your lover, don’t stress! Might we suggest signing up for a floral subscription which will deliver a bouquet in your colour scheme of choice for just $79 monthly.

Pink Twig

Keep the love coming all year long with a floral subscription from the College Street shop, Pink Twig. A subscription service gets your loved one a fresh bouquet of seasonal flowers delivered on your date of choice. Prices are more affordable than other subscription services, ranging from $65 to $185.

Pictus Goods

Pictus Goods is an eco-conscious flower + gift boutique located in Toronto’s Junction Triangle neighbourhood. This spot bring an eco-conscious approach to floral design, too, so you know you’re purchasing beautiful blooms without all that added waste. When you purchase a bouquet from Pictus, you’re foregoing the foam filler often found in other arrangements and getting less single-use plastic. As far as design style, Pictus Goods arrangements are unstructured, bloom heavy and are designed to replicate flowers growing in a garden. As if it couldn’t get any better, Pictus Goods is a women-owned business, too.

Toronto snowboarder is ready to hit the slopes in Italy at his first Olympics

By

Julia Mastroianni

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7:10 pm

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ben heldman snowboarding — Courtesy @ben.heldman/@mihamatavz,Instagram

When Toronto snowboarder Ben Heldman found out he’d qualified for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, he had just finished a run in Val St. Combe, Que. during the FIS Snowboard World Cup in 2025. He recalls coming across the line, seeing he’d won his heat and finals and rushing over to his whole family waiting in the finish area.

“I went straight up to them and was hugging them over the fence,” he says. “It was such a surreal moment, and it felt like so much weight was lifted off my shoulders. I was able to go into the summer with a bit more of a relaxed focus.”

The athlete may be heading to Italy for snowboarding (he’ll be representing Team Canada in the parallel giant slalom category), but his Olympic journey started on skis. The 24-year-old recalls starting out in the sport at age four, and begging his parents every year to switch to snowboarding.

“I was a terrible skier,” he shares. “And so my parents got me private snowboarding lessons for my seventh birthday.” His first time on a snowboard was that day, and he never looked back, joining Mansfield Ski Club’s snowboarding program for alpine racing as soon as he could.

“I was the youngest by maybe three or four years,” he laughs. “It was so fun, because it felt like we were all friends and got along, and they all liked me because I was just this little kid following them around.”

He eventually moved to Alpine Ski Club for further snowboarding training in a more competitive program and made it onto the development team.

Heldman says it “clicked” for him that snowboarding was something he wanted to pursue professionally when he won both his events at the FIS Snowboarding Junior World Championships. “I realized this was what I wanted to do and that I could be pretty serious with it, if I’m able to beat and compete with these European kids.”

Name: Ben Heldman

Hometown: Toronto

Sport: Snowboarding

First Olympic event: Feb. 8, parallel giant slalom qualifying round

Favourite place in the city: Evergreen Brick Works

Favourite Toronto memory: Biking with family through Mount Pleasant Cemetery

Born and raised in the city’s Moore Park neighbourhood, Heldman is a Torontonian through and through — he mentions a recent memory of walking his dog through the 7-kilometre loop in Rosedale that passes by Evergreen Brick Works, and running into Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman (“It was the day after they won the ALCS!”). But pursuing a sport like snowboarding means he has to leave the city for almost half the year.

“To be competitive on the world stage, you need to basically live out of Europe for six months, because it’s just where the sport is based out of and where most of the competition is,” he says.

It’s serendipitous, then, that for his very first Olympics, Heldman will be competing in Italy. “My coach is Italian, and he lives 30 minutes from Cortina, and I train with him there the full winter,” he says.

Cortina also happens to be his favourite place in the world to snowboard: “It’s the most beautiful place, so unreal.”

But Heldman says that his sport won’t be competing in Cortina during the Olympics, but rather four hours away in Livigno, an Italian town he’s also familiar with. “Livigno is also so beautiful; it’s the same idea as Cortina in that it’s a bit of bowl, with really tall mountains like a wall around the town.”

The one drawback of competing in a town like Livigno is the accommodations; Heldman says the town is so small that there’s only three ways to get in, one of which is closed during the winter. And entries are regulated so that only those with a hotel reservation can get in — his parents had to book their hotel in October 2024, before Heldman had even qualified.

“By the time I officially qualified, it was already a little bit too late for some of my friends to book,” he says.

Still, when he hits the slopes, his family and his girlfriend will be there to cheer him on, as will plenty of friends and family back in Toronto.

Heldman says he’s got one goal heading into the Olympics: to ride the best he can.

“I just want to be competitive with everybody on the on the world stage, and I think that level of riding I have is definitely good enough to get me on the podium,” he says. “So I’m just hoping to show my best and have fun.”

We’ll be profiling more athletes during the 2026 Winter Olympics; refer here for future coverage.

10 Toronto wing spots so hot you’ll need a waiver for Super Bowl LX

By

Megan Gallant

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1:02 pm

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Sports pubs and restaurants across Toronto are gearing up for Super Bowl LX on Sunday, Feb. 8. Whether you’re rooting for the Patriots, the Seahawks, tuning in for Bad Bunny’s historic halftime show, or just here to see if the Maye vs. Darnold showdown lives up to the hype, game day wouldn’t be complete without some hot wings on your plate.

Turn up the heat this year by dining in or ordering out from these hotspots offering the city’s most flavourful, fieriest and downright deadly wings from these must-try spots.

Wally Tap & Grill

You may not know it from its East York hidden location, but the chicken wings at the Wally Tap & Grill go above the sports bar standard. There’s a reason their chicken wings are the most ordered menu item and the wide selection of sauces means there’s a flavour for every palate. The “Suicide” sauce tops the Scoville scale for those most adventurous. 302 O’Connor Dr.

The Green Dragon Pub

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A post shared by Green Dragon Pub (@greendragon1032)

Given the fiery heat of a dragon’s flame, this pub lives up to its name perfectly Boasting a casual roadhouse pub feel, The Green Dragon Pub has become well-known for their generous portions of deliciously flavourful wings. This pub turns up the heat with the legendary “Dragon Fire” and “Inferno” sauces. 1032 Kingston Rd.

Wingzilla

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Another wing spot named after a beast, Wingzilla serves up a wing that even Godzilla himself might not be able to stomach. This Queen Street bar menu is complete with 18 sauce flavours including four of the hottest in town. From a “Mango Habarnero” (mangos hit with fresh habaneros) to a “Godzilla” (suicide sauce topped with chilies), there’s more than one flavour that pack the heat you crave. 1129 Queen Street E.

The Right Wing Sports Pub

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Uptown sports pub The Right Wing offer a range of fiery flavours that are no joke. If “Dragon Fire” and The Exorcist wing” don’t sound hot enough for you, this joint even offers a shot called “The Wing of Death.” You may not want to try these wings alone—or without a cold beer next to your plate. 2497 Yonge St.

AllStar Wings & Ribs

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Have you ever had to sign a waiver just to eat a wing? That’s the requirement for trying the Armageddon Challenge at AllStar Wings & Ribs, a pub franchise with locations in Scarborough, Markham and Vaughan. Apparently, the heat rating for this wing is in the millions of Scoville units (yes, that’s possible!). Do you dare to take the challenge this Super Bowl Sunday?

Wingstime

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More than 100 flavours are up for grabs this Super Bowl Sunday at Wingstime. If you’re not sure where to begin, the “homicide” sauces are certainly to die for while the “Killer Thai,” “Suicide Digger,” and “Spicy Jerk BBQ,” pack a mean punch that are not made for the faint of heart. 2675 Eglinton Ave W.

Duffs Famous Wings

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There’s a reason this place is called Duff’s Famous Wings, but it’s not just the quality of the chicken they’re celebrated for. There’s a warning on the menu reminding diners these aren’t your average hot wings. That’s proven true after just one bite of the “Amaggedon,” which is known for being a hard-to-finish being basket, while “Death” is no walk in the park, either. With three locations across the city, Duff’s is sure to be a fan favourite spot to watch the Championship match next weekend.

Drums N Flats

“Insane Heat that will blow your face off” is the promise from the hottest wings found at Drums N Flats. For Super Bowl, try them complete with Habanero and Scotch bonnet peppers — the face-blowing ingredients that make these wings stand out above the rest. 1980 Avenue Rd.

Crown & Dragon

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There’s a reason Crown & Dragon has bottled some of their signature wing sauces so you can enjoy it at home — so you don’t have to face the public while trying to get this heat down. These award-winning wings are a great way to heat up game night, with the fan favourite flavours like “Dragon’s Breath” and the extra-spicy “Holy Habanero.” If that’s not hot enough, take a bite of the “Ghost Pepper Habanero,” using the infamously deadly ghost pepper. 890 Yonge St.

6ixty Wings

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Head downtown to find some of the hottest wing sauces at 6ixty Wings. As its name suggests, this wing house offers more than 60 sauce flavours including more than a dozen that pack a hot punch. From thai and BBQ sauce blended with knockout sauces to the “Killer Heat”—the hottest of them all—it’s easy to see why this joint is becoming a dominating empire, with locations opening across Ontario and beyond. 410 Bathurst St.

This underrated small-town escape near Toronto has peak Valentine’s energy

By

Nisean Lorde

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5:06 pm

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fergus winter — Wellington County Museum, courtesy elorafergus.ca

The most romantic Valentine’s trips aren’t always the ones everyone’s posting about on socials, and this charming small town near Toronto is proof. Fergus is nestled in Wellington County, about 90 minutes from the city, and offers a quietly scenic alternative to Ontario’s more obvious getaways. The town is perched along the Grand River and is filled with stunning limestone buildings and riverside paths, making it perfect for romantic strolls at twilight. With Scottish roots dating back to 1833, it’s a little slice of Europe right in Ontario.

If you’re looking for a signature romantic walk for Valentine’s Day, head to Templin Gardens. The site sits tucked behind the downtown shops, perched on the edge of the gorge, and is carved into extensive limestone walls and steps that lead down to the Grand River (offering a breathtaking view of the rapids!).

Stroll hand-in-hand for a few minutes, and you’ll stumble upon the Kissing Stane memorial stone: this was the one local spot in the Victorian era where public displays of affection were tolerated. Legend has it that to be kissed while sitting on this stone will bring good luck! Next to the stone is a locally forged iron sculpture where you can seal your love with your own padlock (and take a few Instagram photos while you’re at it).

If you and your date are all about history and culture, head to the Wellington County Museum and Archives (about a five-minute drive from the downtown core). This National Historic Site was built in 1877 and is located in the oldest remaining rural House of Industry and Refuge in Canada! It’s open on Valentine’s Day, so you can explore thousands of historic images from Wellington County’s municipalities (it also makes for a warm indoor anchor between scenic walks).

fergus ontario — Courtesy @tompodolec/Instagram

For a caffeine stop, head to the Vault Coffee & Espresso Bar. It’s nestled in the historic Marshall Block in downtown Fergus, and was once home to the Imperial Bank (the space still features its original vault). It’s a local fave, and a great spot for a mid-afternoon coffee and something sweet.

For lunch, Fraberts Fresh Food is a great casual pick: the family-run market/deli serves made-to-order sandwiches, soups and ready-made meals (you can even pre-order special eats for Valentine’s Day). Or opt for something a little more wellness-oriented at the Red Door Restaurant (this hidden gem is located at the back of the Fountainhead Health Store). It overlooks the Riverwalk and is known for its selection of wholesome and healthy salads, sandwiches, paninis and wraps.

For an effortlessly romantic evening, head to the nearly century-old Fergus Grand Theatre, and then cap the night with a classic sit-down dinner. Tapavino Fergus is a swanky wine-and-tapas bar, while the Brew House on the Grand has some of the best wings in town.

Make sure to grab something on tap at The Outpost Bottle Shop before heading back to your hotel (Fergus offers tons of cozy overnight accommodations). The historic Breadalbane Inn is a beloved retreat featuring the acclaimed Scozia Restaurant, the cozy Fergusson Room Pub and welcoming suites (many with fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs), while Best Western Plus and the nearby Elora Mill Hotel & Spa offer guests access to comfy stays and full-service spa services.

After Fergus, check out this storybook village near Toronto: it’s straight out of a wintry Netflix rom-com!

6 Super Bowl parties in Toronto serving up delicious game day eats

By

Erica Commisso

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2:10 pm

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Super Bowl party at Rebel — The Super Bowl set up at Rebel Nightclub.

Even if football isn’t your thing, we can all agree that Super Bowl parties always have the ultimate spread, featuring hearty snacks and savoury comfort food classics. Whether it’s spicy hot wings, nachos, pizza, chips or beer – there is something for everyone at the annual food-focused celebration marking the NFL championship game.

If you’re looking to watch the game this year with other foodies, er, football fanatics – you’re in luck! We’ve rounded up the city’s coolest Super Bowl parties so you can cheer on your team with some friends and most importantly, very good food.

Super Bowl Big Game viewing party at Rebel

Toronto, grab your squad: the official Super Bowl LX party is hitting Rebel on Sunday, Feb 8, and it’s 19+ only. Doors open at 4:30 PM at 11 Polson Street, where you’ll catch every play on massive screens while Skratch Bastid spins between breaks. Fuel up with Cherry St BBQ eats, play games and snag prizes while 1,000 fans soak in the gridiron energy. Visa Infinite cardholders get the VIP treatment with a $50 F&B credit, an exclusive meet-and-greet with NFL legend Chuba Hubbard, and a discount at NFLShop.ca. Tickets start at $28.30, general admission, and you’ll need a valid photo ID to get in.

Belfast Love Public House all-night watch party

If you want full King West chaos on Super Bowl Sunday, Belfast Love Public House is leaning all the way in. The bar is hosting an all-night watch party with multiple screens, booming sound, NFL-inspired food, drink specials and a steady stream of games, raffles, and prizes to keep things lively well past kickoff. Entry is free, but groups that want guaranteed seating can book table packages that bundle reserved spots with beer buckets and game-day food.

Watch party at Miss Ivy

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Miss Ivy is turning Super Bowl Sunday into a full-on lounge experience. Expect big screens throughout the space, game sound on, premium cocktails and elevated bites in a high-energy setting that feels more nightlife than sports bar. There’s also a fun twist for confident fans: an early prediction challenge that rewards correct picks with Miss Ivy credit. Tickets cost $20 but come back as a $20 credit, meaning you’re essentially just locking in your spot.

Super Bowl watch party at Old School

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Old School is leaning fully into the communal chaos of Super Bowl Sunday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the live broadcast starting at 6:30 p.m. on a massive screen. Expect a full bar, a special menu and a crowd that actually reacts to every play.

Super Bowl LVIII screening party at Fox on John

If watching the Super Bowl without fighting for snacks sounds like your personal nightmare, Fox on John has you covered. The downtown bar is hosting a Super Bowl LX watch party with the game front and centre on a big screen and a bottomless game-day menu to keep things moving. For $50 per person (plus HST), guests get unlimited wings, chilli, fries and sliders. There’s also a strong beer lineup and full drink menu to keep the vibes high from kickoff to the final whistle. Just don’t wing it: reservations are required and seating fills up fast. Book ahead if you want a guaranteed spot.