One of Toronto’s favourite Mediterranean restaurants just closed — but a brand-new hotspot is already taking its place
After six years serving modern Mediterranean cuisine to Midtown Toronto, Byblos Uptown is closing its doors. The restaurant announced on Instagram that its final service will be October 20, 2025, thanking its team and neighbourhood regulars for their support since opening in 2019.
“Uptown, it’s been a beautiful chapter – thank you for being part of our story,” read the post. “Stay tuned for what’s next at 2537 Yonge St.”
When Byblos Uptown first opened, it marked the brand’s move beyond the Entertainment District, where its downtown sibling had already become a staple. Designed by Studio Munge, the space brought a warm, residential feel to the luxe Byblos aesthetic — think soft lighting, textured finishes and elegant Mediterranean details that fit seamlessly into the Yonge and Eglinton dining scene.
The menu mirrored the downtown favourite, offering Levantine-inspired dishes such as lamb ribs with carob molasses, Turkish manti dumplings and jeweled rice. At the time, it was seen as a sign that destination dining had officially moved north, giving Midtown its own share of the city’s culinary spotlight.
Now, as Byblos Uptown prepares to close, the team is hinting at something new for the same address. The post suggests that this isn’t goodbye, but rather a pause before the next chapter.
Diners can still experience the brand’s signature hospitality and Eastern Mediterranean flavours at Byblos Downtown on Duncan Street, which remains open and thriving.
L–R: Taylour Paige and Peter Outerbridge in 'It: Welcome to Derry.' Photo courtesy Warner Brothers Press
When Toronto-born actor Peter Outerbridge (Sullivan’s Crossing, Batwoman, Murdoch Mysteries) first auditioned for what was mysteriously billed as Fairview, he had little idea he was reading for the prequel to It. As in, Stephen King’s It.
“They don’t let you know what you’re auditioning for when it’s something like this,” he recalls with a laugh. “All I knew was I was auditioning for a very bad man.” The audition sides were “particularly dark and terrible,” and the project title was deliberately misleading. But the scenes stuck: Outerbridge was cast as Chief Clint Bowers in HBO’s highly anticipated upcoming series It: Welcome to Derry, which also sees Bill Skarsgard return as the frightful Pennywise from the recent film adaptations. It drops on Crave and HBO Max on Oct. 26.
For fans of King, the surname Bowers is a loaded one. Chief Bowers himself doesn’t appear in King’s 1986 novel, but the series introduces him as a new character tied to the family’s infamous legacy. “When I found out I was playing [him], it was quite exciting,” says Outerbridge. “They wanted that family to be represented in the backstory, so he’s sort of a composite of some of the characters from the book.”
A veteran of genre fare (he’s previously acted in Saw VI, Population 436, horror sequel Silent Hill: Revelation and more), Outerbridge relishes the chance to flex his horror muscle. “Horror explores our nightmares and fears through analogy and metaphor,” he says. “King’s heroes aren’t superheroes. They’re just everyday people — Bob from the Circle K — suddenly put into a situation where they’ve got to save the universe. That’s what draws us in: the last people that you think of as being heroes are a bunch of misfit kids who get picked on and bullied, right? Even as adults, they’re all very dysfunctional and they all have their problems, like most of us.”
Chris Chalk in ‘It: Welcome to Derry.’ Photo courtesy Warner Brothers Press
Filming Welcome to Derry was both a professional thrill and a personal homecoming. Though much of the series shot in Port Hope, chosen once again for its uncanny New England look, Outerbridge relished returning to Toronto for studio scenes — and to his family each night.
“Hollywood keeps calling Toronto,” he says. “The crews here are amazing and internationally known for their excellence. They problem-solve like crazy and get the job done.”
In fact, the difference in scale between Canadian and American productions was immediately apparent. “The biggest difference is money,” he admits. “In Canada, you don’t have the budget to throw money at problems, so crews learn to solve them creatively. On Derry, they didn’t want it to look like a TV version of the movies. So, every episode was shot like a film, for a month to two months. When you have money and it’s being used well, you really feel like you’re a part of something spectacular.”
He’s quick to point out, though, that Canada’s leaner budgets shape a different kind of artistry. “We shoot 17 pages a day sometimes. You get one or two takes, and you move on. That teaches you to be efficient and sharp as an actor. It’s a different muscle.”
Off-set, Outerbridge is every bit the Torontonian. Ask him about restaurants and he rattles off favourites across the city: a beloved sushi spot since closed on Bloor, The Friendly Greek on the Danforth, his local go-to Paupers Pub in the Annex. “That’s one of the best things about Toronto,” he says. “It’s such a multicultural hub. You can say, ‘I’m in the mood for seafood tonight,’ and you’ll find an incredible oyster bar downtown.”
Meanwhile, his formative moviegoing years were spent at the now-demolished University Theatre on Bloor Street, which still marks a milestone. “That was it, man — that’s where all the big premieres opened. The screen was enormous. Back then, you could sneak in and watch the same movie all day. That was my place.”
Today, he lives in the Annex, which he praises as one of Toronto’s friendliest and most walkable neighbourhoods. But he’s also drawn to the Junction. “It feels like what the Annex was 20 or 30 years ago,” he says. “It still has that edge to it. Gentrification is coming, but it hasn’t lost its grit yet.”
Outerbridge speaks about his hometown with the same warmth and pride that he brings to his work. For him, Welcome to Derry represents not just another credit in a long and eclectic career, but the chance to step into the vast and unsettling imagination of Stephen King — while staying rooted in the city that shaped him.
‘Grandmacore’ is a cute, nostalgic, hands-on lifestyle built around classic grandma hobbies, think knitting, crocheting, mending, baking and even nana-inspired fashion. The concept has jumped from TikTok into real life, especially among Millennials and Gen Zers. Instead of spending an evening doomscrolling, some are opting to hand-stitch hems or finish a sleeve. If nothing else, it’s a fun way to add simpler, more tangible routines to your week! Here are seven Toronto spots where you can lean into the grandmacore vibe.
This hidden gem in Bloorcourt Village is dedicated to all things yarn and sewing. It’s where beginners buy their first needles and pros debate fibre blends. The shop stocks artisanal yarns, fabrics, notions and embroidery supplies for your knitting, sewing, quilting and weaving needs. If you’re a newbie, check out their beginner-friendly knitting and weaving classes; you could walk away with a handmade tartan shawl or a beautiful cowl! The space even promotes international knitting retreats. 832 Bloor St W.
This boutique yarn shop is nestled in Kensington Market and carries a huge selection of high-quality yarns. It also offers a slate of knitting classes, covering everything from first projects and basic knit-and-purl stitches to continental knitting and granny-square crocheting. 86 Nassau St.
This Downsview space is part yarn heaven, part stitch hangout. It’s a bright space with a Crafteria café, so you can linger over an espresso with your swatch in hand in the Knit Lounge. Here, you’ll find the highest quality knitting yarns and wools from around the world, as well as trunk shows, photo-ready skein walls, plus grandma-inspired gift ideas, like holiday stitch stoppers and mitten kits. 672 Wilson Ave.
Head to Mount Dennis to check out this family-owned independent yarn shop specializing in natural fibre Canadian-made yarns, as well as supplies for knitting, crocheting, hand-spinning and weaving. Romni even offers free, downloadable patterns so you can knit your own bulky sweater, cotton stretch socks or triangle shawl. 208 Weston Rd.
Afternoon tea: Windsor Arms Hotel | Old Mill Toronto
What’s more grandma-like than a spot of tea? Head over to the Windsor Arms in Yorkville (18 St Thomas St) for grandma-approved sips, pastries, finger sandwiches and warm scones. The hotel has a daily Afternoon Tea service, with gluten-free/vegan menus, making it a perfect spot for a knit-and-sip outing with your friends (dont forget the matching cardigans and colour-coordinated outfits!). For peak storybook ambiance, head to the Old Mill’s Tudor-inspired rooms (21 Old Mill Road); they’ve served Afternoon Tea service since 1914.
Toronto Public Library crafting circles and maker spaces
Head to your local TPL branch for some calm, grandma-style crafting. Various branches host recurring knit/crochet circles and maker programming, like the Keep Calm and Carry Yarn Crafting Circle at the Reference Library’s Youth Hub (this is an all-ages, once-a-month space to create and chat). Head to the North York Central Library branch to check out its Fabrication Studio, where you can take classes on designing and sewing clothing. It’s outfitted with sewing machines, guidebooks and experts to help you learn the basics. Check out more TPL hobbies, crafts and games programming on their website.
Join the Guild if you want structure, inspiration and new friends. This inclusive knitting community promotes all things knitting and fibre arts. Monthly meetings bring in guest speakers, trunk shows and technique deep dives! There are also virtual and hybrid attendance options, so you can learn from your sofa or sit with the crowd. It’s a low-pressure way to level up your grandmacore skills.
As the Halloween spirit casts its enchanting spell, we’ve conjured up a bewitching list of all the delightfully eerie and ghoulishly delicious themed food offerings waiting to haunt your taste buds in the city.
Here are all the Halloween-themed food you can find in Toronto this month.
Helloween Ramen
@ramenisshin/Instagram
If you like the heat, head on over to Ramen Isshin during spooky season for a devilishly hot dish. The “Helloween” Yuzu Dora Ramen is so fiery it will give your taste buds a one- way ticket to hell. 421 College St.
Skull-tastic pizza
@fourbrotherspizza/Instagram
Halloween is the pizza industry’s peak season, and Four Brothers Pizza is stepping up the game with its Stuffed Pizza Skulls. Packed with zesty tomato sauce and oozing mozzarella cheese, they’re a must-try for those seeking a spooky Halloween treat. 540 King St. W.
Medieval Dungeon Dog
If you dare to dine in the dark, Canada’s Wonderland’s 2025 Halloween Haunt menu is serving up frightfully fun eats. Returning favourites like the Witch’s Poutine and Medieval Dungeon Dog join spooky new bites like the Dragon Fyre Wrap and Spicy Italian Grilled Cheese. Sweet tooths can dig into the Jack-O-Lantern Funnel Cake or Deep-Fried Maple Cookies — if the Graveyard Funnel Cake doesn’t bury you first. The chills continue at the new Conjuring-themed Mullin’s Bar, where cocktails like Valak’s Vice and Missing Annabelle promise a sinister sip. 9580 Jane St., Vaughan
Ghost Pepper Burrito
Mucho Burrito introduced the Ghost Pepper Burrito in 2012, pioneering the trend of spiciness in North American menus. It’s now back with two versions: Wimpy for milder palates and Hotter Than Hell for spice enthusiasts. Both feature grilled chicken, ghost pepper bacon, fig marmalade, jalapeños on a sundried-tomato tortilla. The ghost pepper, once the world’s hottest chili, adds a daring kick, and the burrito is available for a limited time at all Mucho Burrito locations.
As if watching the Blue Jays at home or a watch party while the team destroys the Seattle Mariners isn’t enough, now Rogers is giving fans the chance to win tickets for the next game back in Toronto.
Blue Jays fans will have a chance to score free tickets to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) thanks to a new Rogers pop-up event happening tomorrow at CF Toronto Eaton Centre.
From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 18, fans can visit the Rogers Dial the Dugout pop-up at the mall to leave a voicemail message of support for Blue Jays Manager John Schneider. Those who participate will be entered for a chance to win one of 200 pairs of tickets to ALCS Game 6 — and Game 7, if necessary — at Rogers Centre.
Rogers, owner of the Toronto Blue Jays, is giving away 500 free tickets in total for every home game during the ALCS.
Fans unable to visit in person can also call or text messages of support to 416-987-JAYS (English) or 514-807-JAYS (French, with former catcher Russell Martin), or post messages on social media using the hashtag #DialTheDugout for a chance to win one of 50 pairs of tickets for each game.
On Thursday night, the northern lights were faintly visible across southern Ontario, especially for those who were far enough from city lights!
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this was due to somewhat higher geomagnetic activity (with a Kp index of 5) reaching Earth’s atmosphere. When the auroral oval dips far enough south, there’s a moderate chance for the lights to be visible on the northern horizon under clear, dark skies.
If you missed last night’s aurora, NOAA forecasts show that G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm activity will taper into Friday night at G1 (minor) levels.
Isolated G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm activity is likely by late on 16 Oct with the arrival of CMEs that left the Sun over the course of 11-13 Oct. G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm activity is likely to carry on into 17 Oct. pic.twitter.com/H7OobuqjCV
— NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) October 14, 2025
A Kp of around 7 is often needed for clear, obvious aurora displays this far south. Tonight’s baseline is closer to Kp 4, and because Toronto sits at a middle latitude and experiences heavy light pollution, the odds remain pretty small (we’d need a brief spike to see anything noticeable in the city). The forecast for tonight is also cloudy with a good chance of showers, which further cuts visibility. But if you want to take a chance to see it, leave the city lights behind and find a clear view to the northern horizon. Give your eyes 10-20 minutes to adjust to the dark (you’ll be looking for a subtle gray-green glow!)
Before you head out, check the 30-Minute Aurora (OVATION) map for a short-term forecast of auroral location and intensity (watch for the green/red band edging toward southern Ontario).
If you miss the northern lights, there are other stargazing events to watch for in Toronto this year! The Orionids peak the night of Oct 20-21. Later in the year (Dec 13-14, between 6 pm and 8 am), the Geminids hit the sky. This is considered one of the year’s most spectacular showers, as you can expect up to 120 meteors per hour during! Days later, the Ursids will peak (on Dec 21-22, from about 5 pm-8 am), typically topping at around 10 meteors per hour.
And don’t forget the next super full moon on Nov 5, 2025! Because a supermoon is closer to Earth, it appears larger and brighter, making it a stargazing event you’ll definitely want to add to your calendar.
According to TimeandDate.com, you don’t need special equipment to view these celestial events. Check the timing for when the event is expected to peak. Find a secluded, yet safe viewing spot outside (preferably away from the city lights). A few good spots include Tommy Thompson Park (Leslie Street spit), Ward’s Island and Gibraltar Beach, the Scarborough Bluffs and Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve in Muskoka.
Once you find the perfect spot, lie down on the ground and look up at the sky.
Top Chef Canada just kicked off its 12th season, and three Ontario chefs are in the running— including one who works alongside Matty Matheson. Toronto’s Coulson Armstrong and Shai-Ann Tyson, along with Prince Edward County’s Charlotte Langley (Nice Cans and Langley Foods) are all in the running for the crown.
Here’s what they told us about stepping into Canada’s toughest kitchen.
Coulson Armstrong,Toronto, Culinary Director at Our House Hospitality
@primeseafoodpalace/Instagram
What inspired you to step into the Top Chef Canada kitchen this season, and how did it feel walking onto set for the first time?
“I was inspired by my family and my co-workers at Our House Hospitality Company. The first episode was filmed at St. Lawrence Market on a busy Sunday morning — it was overwhelming but exciting. I took a moment to take it all in and assess what this competition was all about.”
If Top Chef Canada had a mystery ingredient basket, what’s the one item you’d be thrilled to see…and the one you’d dread?
“Thrilled to see: good quality beef One I’d dread: through my cooking career there were ingredients that I didn’t really care for like grapefruit or mushrooms, but as a chef you learn to appreciate all ingredients and try to make anything work. But maybe the durian fruit could be a challenge. Or turtle…”
What was Matty Matheson’s reaction to you joining Top Chef Canada, and did he share any advice before filming?
“He said one thing to me — you better win. That’s it.”
Charlotte Langley, Prince Edward County, Nice Cans and Langley Foods
You’ve spent decades perfecting seafood dishes and sustainable practices — how did competing on Top Chef Canada push you to rethink or stretch your culinary boundaries?
“Top Chef pushed me to move faster, trust deeper, and create without hesitation. It reminded me that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand — it’s about adaptability and respect for every ingredient.”
Win or lose, what do you hope people take away about you and your cooking after watching the season?
That I cook with joy, integrity, and purpose. I want people to see that Canadian ingredients — from our fisheries to our farms — can be craveable, sexy, and full of heart. My hope is that viewers walk away inspired to eat more consciously and cook more fearlessly.
If you could convince the Top Chef judges to let you make a dish highlighting tinned seafood, what would it be and how would you wow them?
“A warm sardine escabeche — MSC-certified sardines reimagined with charred citrus, pickled fennel, and a silky smoked tomato emulsion. It’s humble but high-impact.”
How did your cultural background — Canadian, Trinidadian, and Venezuelan — influence the dishes you chose to make for the judges?
“My background plays a huge role in how I cook. I blend traditional Caribbean and Latin ingredients with fresh Canadian flavours — it all comes together in a way that still feels like home.”
If you could swap kitchens with any chef in the world for a day, who would it be and why?
Massimo Bottura. I love how he takes tradition and turns it into something completely new while keeping the heart of the dish alive. I’d love to experience his creative process and see how he finds inspiration in the smallest details.
Imagine you take home the title — what’s the first meal you’re cooking to celebrate, and who’s sitting at the table with you?
Definitely a big family-style meal, doubles, arepas, maybe some ceviche in honour of my husband’s roots. The table would be full of family, close friends, laughter, and music. I’d want it to feel like home. Because that’s what food is to me: love and celebration.
When Michelin-recommended restaurant 156 Cumberland shut down, there were a ton of questions – and now we finally have some answers.
The restaurant has rebranded to become OneFiveSix, and it’s found a new home on Queen Street. It’s got a lot of the same concepts and values, but it’s also got a ton of new ideas and dishes to match the area’s energy.
“We worked with The Make Nice Project, and everything you see in the restaurant is custom-made, including our chairs and tables,” says Sharon Chan, one of OneFiveSix’s operators. “We’ve also put in a great deal of effort to improve our food, drinks, and service details – overall improving the guest experience. Our core values remain the same – delivering great service to all our guests.”
OneFiveSix is the first Korean restaurant in an area that has no shortage of culinary destinations, and popular dishes include the Beef Tartare Tarts, the chicken wings that are deboned and stuff with seven grain rice, Sujebi (Korean-style hand-pulled noodles reimagined into a pasta dish), and a Korean-Style Meat Ssam platter, which features options like 48-hour slow-cooked beef short ribs and galbi-marinated skirt steak.
@jerkimchi_/Instagram
“We offer contemporary Korean cuisine, stepping away from the traditional boundaries of Korean food and something we haven’t really seen before in Toronto,” Chan says. “We combine Korean flavours and ingredients with Western culinary techniques, creating a new and unique interpretation of Korean style and taste.”
As for the cocktail menu, Chan says it’s designed to complement the food rather than compete with it for the spotlight, and it includes a selection of both signature and classic cocktails.
“Each drink is thoughtfully crafted with balance in mind, drawing inspiration from Korean ingredients and flavors,” Chan says. “So the cocktails enhance the dining experience without overpowering the dishes.”
As for the reopening, Chan says it’s been a trying experience with no shortage of obstacles.
“Reopening in our new space has been a long and challenging process – definitely longer than we expected. We faced more delays and obstacles than we could have imagined, and there were moments when it really tested our patience and perseverance. But now that we’re finally open, it feels incredibly rewarding,” she says. “It’s been a true labor of love, and we’re beyond happy to finally be back.”
If your perfect fall day involves diving into gooey mozzarella and perfectly crispy, crunchy, chewy crust, there’s a pizza party tour cruising through the GTA that you’ve got to check out. The Toronto Pizza Tour shuttles guests on a decked-out, lit-up coach bus (via the Circus Bus party coach) to several amazing slice shops in a single afternoon, with enough variety to sample as many as nine different pizzas in one day!
The tour lasts just over four hours, and your ticket includes bus transport and pizza at each stop, but drinks are on you, so bring water or quench your thirst at the restaurants.
The experience was created by video creator Joseph DeBenedictis and chef Clay Smith after their Hamilton pizza videos blew up online. The tour is designed like a movable feast: you hop on the pizza party bus, roll between stops, and eat at each pizzeria without worrying about transit or tabs. Bonus: guests can expect to visit at least one “surprise” pizzeria along the way!
There’s a Toronto Pizza West Side tour scheduled for Oct 29, 2025. Guests will likely visit North of Brooklyn (650 Queen St W.) for their delicious pepperoni and vodka verde pies; Mac’s Pizza (759 Dovercourt Rd.) for their Angry Pepperoni and Lemonhead styles, and Bar Sugo (1279 Bloor St W.) for their amazing wood-fired pizzas, zucchini pizza, and the classic Margherita! There might even be a sweet ice-cream interlude at Ruru Baked (659 Lansdowne Ave.).
The East Side Tour runs on Nov 26, 2025, from 12:00 to 4:30 p.m., departing from 111 Broadview Ave. This lineup includes Slowhand Pizza (99 Pape Ave), where guests can indulge in light, airy and delicious sourdough pizza; Liberty Pizza (657 Dundas St E) for anyone craving stone-baked New York-inspired artisanal slices; and One Night Only (ONO) Pizza for their organic dough and fresh basil. Tickets are $93.99 plus fees, with refunds available up to seven days prior.
If your spooky season plans tend to lean more toward haunted houses and ghosts than pumpkin patches, then consider heading to the CN Tower on Halloween Eve for a one-night-only paranormal investigation, taking place 114+ storeys above Toronto! On Oct 30, the Tower is hosting an after-hours investigation in partnership with The Haunted Walk, billed as “the world’s tallest paranormal investigation.”
The evening starts at the base of the Tower, then moves up to the Main Observation Level for scene-setting stories tied to landmarks below.
But the main event happens at “The Top” (formerly the SkyPod), which sits 33 storeys above the Main Observation Level, and is the highest observation platform in the Western Hemisphere (literally, the highest you can get in the city without being in an aircraft). That altitude and the Tower’s role as Canada’s largest antenna are core to the event’s premise: could a structure built to transmit earthly signals also capture or amplify signals from the great beyond? Spooky!
The event is led by seasoned hosts from the Haunted Walk who are well-versed in ancient and modern communication techniques, ensuring a night of discovery, wonder and maybe even otherworldly encounters (alas, their otherworldly communication techniques won’t be revealed ahead of time).
While the hosts will share a few of their favourite ghost stories during the evening, the focus is on attempting to make contact. They won’t use tricks or special effects, so they have no idea what will happen (but that’s part of the thrill, right?)
Group sizes are capped at 14 people to keep the vibe intimate, and each group’s experience will be different and unpredictable.
The world’s tallest paranormal investigation takes place on Halloween Eve, Thursday, Oct 30, at 7:15 pm, 8:30 pm and 9:45 pm, at the CN Tower (290 Bremner Blvd). Tickets are $99.99/person; the experience runs for 90 minutes, and it’s restricted to ages 16+.
Looking for the perfect fall adventure? Look no further than Ontario’s fantastic farmland. From apple picking and pumpkin patches to hayrides, honey, wine and more, October is one of the best times of year to explore the region. And for those in the mood for classic harvest-time fun, why not test your savviness in a corn maze?
Whether you choose a mini maze with the kids, a spooky night experience or a mega-maze challenge filled with clues and trivia, there’s plenty to choose from at these 10 a-maze-ing corn labyrinths just outside Toronto.
Nestled in the countryside between Lake Simcoe and Lake Scugog, Buzzing Bees Adventure Farm offers the perfect fall day trip for those looking to escape the city. At the farm shop, stock up on honey, maple syrup, jam and more — all made on-site throughout the year. To try something out of the ordinary, check out the farm’s haskap products, too. Considered a super fruit packed with antioxidants, haskap tastes like a cross between a raspberry and a blueberry.
Throughout the fall, try your hand at pumpkin bowling, take a spin on the pedal cart track or participate in the 10-acre corn maze challenge. Known for creating one-of-a-kind experiences each year, 2025’s corn maze involves a series of puzzles called “The Fairtytale Corn Maze Crusade.”
Curious if you’re resourceful enough to win the game? Come and find out for yourself!
Downey’s Farm invites you to a corn maze scavenger hunt this October. Head to Caldeon’s most iconic pumpkin-picking patch for a day filled with wagon rides, fresh country air and family cheer. Enjoy kid-friendly pumpkinfest activities like straw jumping, duck races and live entertainment. Pop into the “Boo Barn” for some Halloween scares or explore the exciting eight-acre corn maze.
Offering three unique scavenger hunts, getting lost in this corn maze is nothing but pure fun — especially considering the theme this year is Back to the Future, to celebrate the iconic film’s 40th anniversary!
Head to Watson Farms in Bowmanville for plenty of outdoor entertainment. Drop by anytime to explore the farm fresh market, pick some apples straight from the orchard, find your next jack-o-lantern in the pumpkin patch, or bundle up and enjoy a scenic tractor ride around the farm.
Looking for adventure? Check out the thre-acre corn maze perfect for families of all ages. Zig-zag your way through tall corn stalks, peek around corners and try your best not to get lost (or get lost on purpose and have a blast!).
For a Halloween twist, come to the farm after dark on select dates in October for their annual “Fright Nights.” Hosted in collaboration with Clarington Youth Centre, be prepared to get scared in a haunted corn maze filled with ghouls, ghosts and your worst nightmares.
Cookies, tarts and pies, oh my! Head to Hanes Farm & Corn Maze in Dundas for farm-made treats galore. For fall-themed fun, bring the family to enjoy a day interacting with farm animals or let the kids burn off energy in the play area. While visiting, check out the mini corn maze made for kids ages three and up in mind.
As for the big maze, be sure to grab a map and your best walking shoes and prepare for a few hours exploring the twists and turns of this approximately 20-acre corn labyrinth.
The Harvest Festival is in full swing at Pingle’s Farm Market. A short drive from Oshawa, this family-oriented farm welcomes you to come and play, explore and pumpkin pick. Enjoy great food, live music, mini putt, cute farm animals and more. For the kids, hay bales, slides and a trike track are always a hit — there’s also a mini corn maze perfect for little explorers.
For those looking for a bigger adventure, check out the six-acre corn maze, offering great fun for any age. While you’re at it, be sure to ask about the maze-o-vision glasses. These babies will help you navigate all those twists and turns like a pro.
Snyder’s Farm in Kitchener never disappoints with their annual corn maze, featuring five acres of fun for all ages and a spinner game to find a new path out every time.
Not for the faint of heart, at night the farm also transforms into “Fear Farm” — Canada’s largest haunted farm. Spend a fear-inducing evening filled with Halloween fun, where live actors lurk around every corner, just waiting for the perfect jump scare.
Featuring seven daring exhibits for Halloween lovers to explore, spot spooky characters on a haunted hike, hitch a terrifying hayride through the forest, visit a haunted house, or stop by the asylum for a nightmarish encounter.
As for corn mazes, the five-acre “stalking dead” challenge won’t disappoint. But tread carefully around each corner — you never know what monster you might encounter in this cornfield.
Pack a picnic and come and enjoy an afternoon at Applewood Farm Winery near Port Perry. Explore the pumpkin patch, buy a unique gourd or visit the farm boutique. Play a game of giant chess with the family and let the kids have fun in the play area before tackling the massive corn maze.
At a whopping 30 acres, this maze consists of over three kilometres of dead ends, twisting paths and plenty of fun for those looking to get good and lost. Afterward, head to the farm’s patio for a well-deserved glass of wine, house-made pumpkin cider or flight sampler.
Moments from Uxbridge, Cooper’s CSA Farm & Maze offers plenty of harvest-time revelry. During Fall Fest, which runs until Oct. 26, drop by and enjoy scenic wagon rides, animal viewing and pumpkin picking. While there, visit the farm shop for delectable treats and fresh produce (they also offer farm-to-table delivery services).
For a fun excursion with friends, take some time to explore the 10-acre corn maze before heading home. Featuring dizzying paths dotted with trivia questions and clues to help you along the way, this exciting maze is the perfect afternoon adventure. Plus, this year it has a very special theme — Support Local — featuring a massive maple leaf in the middle!
On Saturdays, bring your dog, and on Fridays, experience the Night Maze Walks — if you dare.
Nestled near the lakeside town of Brighton, Cricklewood Farm is also a short drive to Presqu’ile Provincial Park. Drop by to stock up on all your favourite fall-time goodies at the farm market, such as harvest produce, honey and more. Let the kids jump and play in bales of hay and spend some quality time together finding the perfect pumpkin straight from the patch.
Featuring two corn mazes, let the kiddos explore the one-acre mini maze or stick together and get lost in the seven-acre maze. During the final two Saturdays before Halloween, check out the maze after dark for an extra dose of fun.
This year, earnings from the corn maze will go to Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation.
From now until Oct. 31, Strom’s Farm & Bakery welcomes you to come and enjoy the festivities of the fall season in Guelph. Bring the family and enjoy several kiddie mazes and obstacle adventures, including a rope course and a peddle track. On weekends, take part in a pumpkin tossing challenge, sample the food trucks or cozy up next to the fire pit. While here, don’t forget to pick up a pumpkin or two after exploring the farm’s impressive corn maze.
Spanning five acres, this year’s corn maze includes over five winding kilometres of paths to get lost in, and all for a great cause, with funds going to Nutrition for Learning and Keeping Kids Fed at School.
Prefer an extra challenge? On select dates in October, try your luck at the night maze. Just be sure to bring a flashlight!
Toronto and the rest of Ontario are well represented in this year’s Chinese Restaurant Awards, which are spotlighting the best of Chinese dining across Canada with their inaugural Elite 30 Canada Awards. From Cantonese dim sum and banquet classics to modern Taiwanese and Sichuan spots, the awards offer a rare, independent look at the chefs and restaurants shaping the country’s Chinese gastronomy.
Curated by the Canada Taste Advisors Panel — a mix of seasoned critics, food writers and frequent diners — the awards are based on first-hand experiences, signature dishes, service and authenticity. The process is fully transparent, with conflict-of-interest checks and independent ballots, ensuring the list reflects what’s actually worth eating.
@laiwahheen/Instagram
Ontario made a strong showing in the Top 50 honourees with 18 spots including favourites like Lai Wah Heen, Mimi Chinese, R&D, Fishman Lobster Clubhouse Restaurant, and Miss Qu Barbecue & Restaurant. The range is impressive: from contemporary twists at R&D to classic Cantonese seafood feasts at Lai Wah Heen, there’s something for every craving.
British Columbia takes the lead overall with 28 honourees, highlighting the province’s thriving Chinese dining scene, while Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec and Ottawa fill out the rest of the Top 50.
Here’s a look at the 18 Ontario and GTA restaurants that made the Top 50 Honourees:
aKin — Modern Asian (Toronto)
Casa Victoria Fine Dining and Banquet — Cantonese (Markham)
Chengdu Street Food — Sichuan (Toronto)
Fishman Lobster Clubhouse Restaurant — Cantonese Seafood (Scarborough)
Flavourful House — Cantonese (Richmond Hill)
Jumbo Lobster Restaurant — Cantonese Seafood (Richmond Hill)
Lai Wah Heen — Contemporary Cantonese (Toronto)
Loon Fong Hotpot — Hong Kong Style Hotpot (Richmond Hill)
May Yan Seafood Restaurant — Cantonese (Scarborough)
Mimi Chinese — Modern Chinese (Toronto)
Miss Qu Barbecue & Restaurant — Chongqing Jianghu (Markham / Scarborough)
Mott 32 — Peking Duck / Modern Chinese (Toronto)
R&D — Modern Canadian Asian (Toronto)
Sang-Ji Fried Bao — Shanghainese (Toronto / North York)
Wonton Hut — Cantonese Noodle House (Markham)
Yu Seafood — Cantonese (Richmond Hill / Yorkdale)
Gongfu Bao — Hong Kong Style & Taiwanese (Ottawa)
Takumi BBQ — Dongbei BBQ (Ottawa)
The Elite 30 rankings will be revealed at the 16th Annual Chinese Restaurant Awards Ceremony on October 29 at the Vancouver Club. For the full list of nominees click here.
