The City of Toronto has once again secured its reputation as the leading city for rat infestations in Canada, holding onto the top spot for the second consecutive year in the annual “Rattiest Cities” list.

The rankings are determined based on the number of commercial and residential rat and mice treatments conducted by Orkin Canada from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025. The competition for the dubious honour of Canada’s “rattiest” city saw Toronto and Vancouver, two of the nation’s most populous cities, going head to head for the top spot. Toronto, with its densely populated urban areas and widespread rodent issues, managed to maintain its position at the pinnacle of the list.

This year’s list also marked the inclusion of Ontario cities Mississauga and Ottawa, as well as Scarborough to the top 10. Victoria and Vancouver are the second and third place cities.

According to the city of Toronto, rodents typically make their homes in burrows or nests situated either under or in close proximity to ground level, often in the vicinity of buildings. They exhibit a preference for compact, narrow, dimly lit pathways that wind along the sides of structures or fences. On occasion, these creatures may also establish runways through tall grassy areas.

The top 10 “rattiest” cities in Canada for 2025, according to the list, are as follows:

1. Toronto
2. Victoria
3. Vancouver
4. Burnaby
5. Richmond
6. Mississauga
7. Kelowna
8. Ottawa
9. Scarborough
10. Moncton

In light of the growing rodent population and the introduction of rodenticide bans in various regions across Canada, Canadians should adopt proactive measures to prevent rodents from infiltrating their homes and properties.

This includes sealing cracks and holes in exterior walls, expansion joints, and foundations, as well as installing weather stripping around windows and doors. Additionally, they recommend installing screens on utility openings and ducts to prevent rodent access. Trimming shrubs, removing weeds, and decluttering yards and property to reduce hiding spots for rodents is another key step. Addressing moisture sources, such as clogged gutters, is also vital. Keeping stored objects elevated, approximately 45 centimetres off the ground, and rat-proofing sheds to prevent them from becoming rodent breeding grounds is essential.

Moreover, proper waste disposal practices are emphasized, as garbage can act as a magnet for rodents. Keeping garbage and food waste away from one’s property, using containers with secure lids, and carefully managing potential garbage overflow are crucial steps in rodent prevention.

Torontonians are about to get a very fancy midday date with one of pop’s biggest stars. Nick Jonas is bringing his Sunday Best Brunch series to The Six this weekend! The brunch takes place at the Powder Room in Yorkville on Sun, Dec 14, at 12 pm, with tickets going on sale Tuesday at 10 am.

 

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The event is part of Jonas’s new Sunday Best era, basically a run of intimate brunch performances tied to his upcoming solo album of the same name. The Powder Room is a newly opened supper club and cocktail lounge that’s known for its posh, old-Hollywood-meets-’90s-glam vibe, live music, and street style Michelin-worthy food program, making it a fitting backdrop for a Jonas brother.

Jonas first introduced the Sunday Best concept at a brunch event in Las Vegas earlier this month, where he announced his return to solo music and previewed new songs for a small crowd. Jonas has confirmed that his next solo album, Sunday Best, will be released on Feb 6, 2026, with pre-orders already live! The record will be his fifth solo studio album and his first since Spaceman in 2021.

 

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Full details about the Toronto brunch, including ticket pricing, what’s included, and whether Jonas will perform a full set of new songs or past faves, haven’t been publicly released yet, but keep an eye on his socials and website for more updates!

In the meantime, superfans can order Sunday Best gear, like limited edition classic navy hoodies, handprinted hoodies and tees, vinyl records and CDs.

As for the Powder Room, we recently listed it as one of the best bars, lounges and cafés to enjoy live music in Toronto right now. The restaurant is already getting attention for its caviar program, where tins of Siberian Baeri, Imperial Kaluga, Royale Ossetra and Beluga can be splurged on as part of a classic service with blinis and crème fraîche!

They also serve little luxury bites, like mini Wagyu hot dogs tucked into milk-bun rolls and crowned with caviar, chicken nuggets with caviar on the side, tempura Nova Scotia lobster, oysters, tuna crudo and potato poppers stuffed with mozzarella di bufala. You can check out their full menu here.

Toronto in winter can be surprisingly charming if you know where to go. Whether you’re planning a first date or maybe looking to shake up your usual routine, these winter date ideas are a mix of romance and a little bit of brag-worthiness. From outdoor curling lanes under twinkly lights to banya-style baths, here are 10 winter date ideas in Toronto that actually feel special.

1. Go winter curling (and strolling) at Holiday Hills Stackt Market

The shipping container complex at Bathurst and Front (28 Bathurst St) has transformed into a nostalgic winter wonderland, complete with bold light installations, a towering Christmas tree and a 120-foot light tunnel right through the middle of the market (Holiday Hills runs until Dec 28, 2025). Grab your partner and enjoy a friendly game of street curling on the West Patio’s curling lanes (reservations can only be made in person at the Blue Moon Brewery; games available Nov 2025-Feb 2026).

For more curling fun, Ace Hotel is turning its rooftop into a winter chalet with free curling and fondue! Before the season ends, check out more of Toronto’s best curling spots if you really want to rock on the ice this winter.

2. Lace up at a unique skating rink

 

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 Hangar Skate is coming back to the reinvented Downsview Airport lands (YZD) from Dec 19, 2025, to Feb 16, 2026, and this year’s edition is bigger (and icier) than ever! This season’s theme is Fire and Ice, and the rink is being reimagined as an “enchanted forest” with glowing LED performances, atmospheric icy soundscapes and hands-on workshops. Around the plaza, you’ll find local eats, classic winter drinks, and arcade games, creating a space that feels both magical and electric (making for a perfectly romantic evening).

From Dec 20-23, head to the Bentway’s iconic figure-eight skate trail under the Gardiner for some free winter magic. For a more low-key date night, Toronto’s outdoor rinks are now open across the city!

3. Head to a mystery lineup night at Basement Revue (Paradise Theatre)

Jason Collett‘s long-running half-literary, half-music variety show returns for its 17th season! Celebrated author/musician Cadence Weapon is guest-hosting on Dec 11 (but as always, the lineups are kept a surprise until the show begins). Takes place Dec 4, 11, 18, 23 and 30, 2025. This is a cute spot for a first date, and you can even grab a pre-show drink along Bloor (1006c Bloor St W).

4. Laugh together at a comedy show

What better way to bond with your partner than by laughing together at a holiday comedy show? Unwrap holiday hilarity with Rizz the Season at The Second City. Expect unhinged comedy chaos filled with festive songs, sketches, and improv, all while munching on small bites and sipping local craft beers. Make it a full evening by pairing the show with dinner at The Bentwood! The casual restaurant is located inside the same complex and overlooks Love Park. Indulge in chef-crafted offerings that range from shareable snacks to hearty mains (1 York St).

If Rizz isn’t your style, there are many more holiday comedy shows and specials happening across the city right now.

5. Winter market and ravine walk at Evergreen Brick Works

The annual Winter Market is a pay-what-you-can event that brings together artisans, local makers, food trucks and live performances! With the cozy winter garden and sparkling lights, it’ll feel like you and your date are strolling through a real-life Hallmark movie. Because the Brick Works sits right in the ravine, you can warm up with hot chocolate among the market stalls, then take a romantic winter walk along the surrounding trails or boardwalks. If your date is all about holiday festivities, you can also check out the St. Lawrence Market’s winter festival, WinterFest Toronto or the Cavalcade of Lights.

Want more inspo? Here’s a list of the 15 best Christmas and holiday markets in Toronto this year!

6. Get competitive at a Toronto trivia night

 

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 This is probably better for seasoned partners than a first date! If your love language is knowing weird facts, then check out these themed trivia nights at bars and cafés across the city. Or head to a Question Everything Trivia event for “trivia reimagined”. Expect laughs, sass, and pop-culture madness that keeps everyone engaged, whether you know the answers or not (events take place at various locations across the city).

7. Warm up at a modern-day banya bathhouse

This modern-day banya bathhouse spa (211 Geary Ave) is a relaxing sanctuary that blends thermal rituals with a restaurant-and-bar vibe, so you and your date can rotate between heat, steam, and cold plunges, and then linger over drinks and shareable plates. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat on the Geary Avenue strip (the neighbourhood is filled with tons of cool restaurants). If you’re looking for more cute ways to beat the winter blues, check out these five breathtaking saltwater spas and caves in and around the city!

8. Bond together at a classic winter show

If you want a traditional ‘dress-up and see a show’ type of date, Toronto’s holiday theatre lineup is perfect. The Sound of Music runs until Jan 4, 2026, at the Princess of Wales Theatre (300 King St W). This is cute if you’re looking for a more nostalgic production. Over at the Four Seasons Centre (145 Queen St W), The Nutcracker runs until Dec 31, 2025, so you and your date can experience some of the most memorable melodies of the season!

9. Team up in an escape room

This is the perfect way to find out how well you communicate! Challenge your critical thinking and problem-solving skills and work on ‘escaping’ a room (or maybe you’ll prefer to stay locked in?) There are dozens of escape room venues across the city, everything from tech-heavy horror missions in industrial warehouses to fantasy quests set in mystical settings. Captive Escape Rooms (43 Elm Street, Suite 200) offers one-hour, fully private games with story-driven scenarios like speakeasy heists and puzzle-box mansions. Or head to the majestic Casa Loma castle (1 Austin Terrace) and experience five immersive escape games with real-life actors.

10. Make it a foodie date

 

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 Don’t overthink it. Sometimes the simplest winter date is still the best: go out for an amazing dinner! For meat lovers, two Toronto smokehouses — Golden Horseshoe BBQ (657 Dupont St) and Cherry Street Bar-B-Que (275 Cherry St) — were recently named among the best BBQ joints in the world! If you’re craving steak, Jacobs & Co. (81 Bay St), Linny’s (176 Ossington Ave) and Bisteccheria Sammarco (4 Front St E) just ranked among the top 50 steakhouses in North America.

Into Ramen? Machida Shoten Toronto is a branch of the massively popular Japanese chain known for Yokohama Iekei-style ramen, and you can find the chain’s first Canadian outpost in downtown Toronto (326 College St).

If you’d rather share something a little more offbeat, head to The Golden Dragon (214 Ossington Ave) for the tastiest Irish-Chinese comfort food. The restaurant’s most popular item is the Spice Bag + Curry Sauce, built from 9 oz of crispy chicken with onions, peppers, chips and curry sauce, so exactly the kind of spicy-starchy comfort food that Irish-Canadian influencers have been raving about.

And if you still can’t decide, turn it into a running project: work your way through Toronto’s newest restaurant openings together (one date at a time!)

Puppy yoga was not on my holiday bingo card. But when you’re the mother of an eight-year-old who is obsessed with dogs — specifically golden retrievers — and you stumble across an Instagram post announcing a class with golden retriever puppies, the universe is basically telling you to get your credit card.

So we booked a session at Pups + Poses Yoga, located above Delisle Court at Yonge and St. Clair.  I wish I could pretend we went for the mindful stretching or the deep breathing, but let’s be honest: we went for the puppies. Ten of them. All eight weeks old, super playful and ridiculously soft, each one armed with a set of tiny, needle-sharp teeth.

The class technically starts with yoga, though “yoga” is a generous term for what happens when a swarm of puppies is released into a room full of squealing adults and children. A few people attempted sun salutations; most of us just tried to maintain eye contact with the instructor while a puppy chewed the ends of our hair. Staff members walked around placing puppies onto mats like wiggly little bundles of love.

And yes, because they’re babies, accidents happen. We were told to shout the code word — mango — if a puppy did their business. Nothing brings a room together quite like thirty strangers yelling “MANGO!” in unison as a tiny retriever confidently relieves himself on someone’s Lululemons.

My daughter, meanwhile, was in absolute heaven. This is a kid who is counting down the years until we get a dog, and she cradled those golden pups like they were the most precious things on earth. She didn’t care that she was basically being climbed on like a jungle gym by a golden retriever pup (although the nipping scared her a bit) — to her, it was pure joy.

 

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The fun part is that the breeds change all the time. One week it’s dachshunds, another week corgis, another week Maremma sheepdogs or springer spaniels. So yes, you can absolutely justify coming back because “it’s research” or “it’s a totally different experience this time.”

And then there’s Milo — kind of their unofficial mascot — a golden doodle born with a cleft nose who wasn’t expected to survive. He did, and now part of the proceeds goes to shelters and rehab centres.

While I might not call it zen — unless your idea of calm includes being climbed on by tiny puppies. But it’s the perfect Christmas gift for kids, adults, or anyone who could use a serious dose of happiness.

And I say that as someone who left with scratch marks, a destroyed bun and a child who is now counting the days until we go back.

Because we are going back. Obviously.

For the first time in its 96-year history, the FIFA World Cup is coming to Canada in 2026, and now Canada finally knows what its home World Cup will look like (at least in the group stage). At Friday’s Final Draw in Washington, D.C., Canada’s men’s national team, ranked 27th in the world, was placed in Group B with Switzerland (ranked No. 17), Qatar (No. 51) and the winner of UEFA Play-Off Path A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada will co-host with Mexico and the United States.

If you’re planning summer 2026 around the World Cup, make sure you’re in the city for June 12, 2026, at Toronto Stadium (Exhibition Place/BMO Field), which is when Canada opens its home World Cup campaign against the winner of Play-Off Path A (either Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina).

The full tournament schedule will be confirmed by FIFA on December 6.

“What an incredible opportunity this World Cup will provide our country. We now know our group opponents and will spend every opportunity preparing for the matches ahead,” Jesse Marsch, MLS Canada Head Coach of the Men’s National Team, said in a statement. “It’s time for the nation to rally around our team, the People’s Team. Let’s go Canada!”

Toronto is one of 16 World Cup host cities in North America and will stage six matches (including the first-ever men’s FIFA World Cup match on Canadian soil), as well as a Round of 32 match on July 2, 2026 (click here for the official match schedule). Matches in Toronto will take place at BMO Field, which is undergoing upgrades that will temporarily expand capacity from 30,000 to about 45,700 seats.

On June 18, 2026, the team heads west to Vancouver to face Qatar under the retractable roof at BC Place. On June 24, also in Vancouver, Canada wraps up the group stage against Switzerland, which could be a decisive game for knockout-round hopes.

Click here for updates on match-day plans, celebrations and FIFA World Cup 2026 info. Visit FIFA.com/tickets for all other FIFA World Cup ticketing information.

Frank Gehry, the Toronto-born architectural trailblazer whose iconic, rule-breaking buildings changed skylines around the world, has died at his home in Santa Monica, California. He was 96.

Gehry earned global fame for his fluid, unconventional designs, but Toronto was also central to his story. His most recent hometown project was a new expansion of the Art Gallery of Ontario, a follow-up to his acclaimed 2008 redesign. The latest work continued his signature blend of glass, wood and sweeping forms, reinforcing the AGO as one of the city’s most distinctive public buildings.

 And just blocks away, another Gehry project is now rising in the Entertainment District: Forma Toronto showcases a pair of twisting towers—his tallest designs ever. The development will also include cultural space for OCAD University.

Over more than five decades, Gehry designed more than 150 projects worldwide, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Chicago. But his defining masterpiece was the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, whose swirling titanium exterior became an instant icon and helped revitalize the Spanish city.

Gehry was born Frank Owen Goldberg in Toronto in 1929. After moving to Los Angeles in 1947, he studied architecture and began forging the expressive style that made him one of the most recognizable figures in contemporary design.

Gehry is survived by his family, including four children from his two marriages. His legacy lives on in the bold, imaginative buildings that reshaped cities around the world including our own.