Courtesy New Studio Architecture, by Jenna Marie Wakani
Get ready, Toronto — the pop-up market to end all pop-up markets is back next weekend for a two-day extravaganza. Two of the city’s biggest vendor markets, Hippie Market and The Welcome Market, are joining forces again for a collaboration that has been years in the making. On Oct. 18–19, the former two-storey Anthropologie space on Queen West will be filled with over 50 of Toronto’s coolest shops, art, handmade goods, vintage treasures and more.
The building is a bit of an icon on Queen Street for its historic exterior (formerly a church) and sprawling 7,000-square-foot interior, featuring exposed brick, stained glass windows and seriously boho vibes. Anthropologie had occupied the building since 2015, and only recently vacated the space in January of this year. Clearly no new vendor has stepped up to take over the space permanently yet — but for now, Torontonians will benefit from the vacancy with the launch of this market collaboration!
This is the second event in this space — Hippie Market and The Welcome Market hosted their first ever collaborative pop-up at the former Anthropologie in June, to great success.
L-R: The former Anthropologie storefront, the changing rooms inside the space
A video, posted jointly by Hippie Market and The Welcome Market, shows clips from their last event. The two floors are covered in booths, ranging from designer accessories to era-specific finds. Wood flooring, old fireplaces, soaring ceilings and arched windows add to the vintage vibes of the space. Arguably the best part is the well-lit changing rooms, a remnant of the old Anthropologie store, which makes the shopping experience even more seamless (vintage clothes can be notoriously challenging when it comes to sizing).
It’s no surprise these two markets finally decided to merge (even just for the occasional pop-up) — The Welcome Market currently occupies a space at 938 Queen St. W., and the park just across the street is often where Hippie Market pops-up during the summer months.
Now, the neighbours-turned-collaborators will bring a whole new shopping experience to the city with the pop-up market at 761 Queen St. W., running from 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Nothing quite says Halloween like fear and excitement all wrapped (or trapped) into one! If you’re looking to spend your Halloween solving cryptic puzzles about murderous monsters, haunted ships and vengeful ghosts, look no further. We have you covered with six escape rooms to try in the GTA this month.
This October, Escape Manor is hosting multiple horror-themed rooms that should leave you with the jitters for days to come.
In Devil’s Advocate, you decide to make a deal with the devil and it feels “too good to be true.”
In Cabin 13 a “silly game” played during a trip to the woods goes very, very wrong.
Abandoned by your guide and terrified by the screams you hear through the walls, the room Asylum will trap you inside a doctor’s office that’s the stuff of nightmares.
There’s also Death Row, where you and your team are trapped prisoners just one hour from execution.
Ever wanted to solve a murder years after it’s gone “cold”? Your mystery-solving abilities will be tested in Charlotte’s Attic; will you be able to figure out the motivation for a deranged father’s murder-suicide?
Alternately, in Dracula’s Library, you’ll run from the clutches of the famous blood-sucking count in an effort to expose him for what he truly is.
13 Doors traps you inside a haunted mansion that is equal parts terrifying and seemingly…alive?
All three of these Captive Escape Rooms are available for booking at Captive’s Toronto and Mississauga locations, but exclusive to Toronto is The Farm. While working on a farm, strange disappearances and blood-soaked boots have caused you to wonder: what’s really going on? All rooms on until Nov. 21 (and indefinitely afterwards).
Where: 60 Winges Rd. Unit #6, Vaughan, 2273 Dundas St. W. Unit #5, Mississauga, 3130 Highway 7 E., Markham
With locations in midtown Toronto, downtown Toronto, Vaughan, Mississauga, Markham and more, Trapped offers plenty of horror themed rooms with a wide variety of themes, from all realms of the macabre.
In Jack the Ripper, you and your team will be sent back in time to solve the mystery of one of the most infamous killers in history as homicide detectives.
In Below the Sphinx, on a tourist visit to Egypt you get lost in a secret chamber underneath the paws of the Sphinx and must escape, uncovering the chamber’s secrets along the way.
In 7734 Hound Lane, you and your friends venture inside a recently abandoned home that seems to have claimed the life of one of its former inhabitants.
Midnight Arcade gives you the opportunity to find something important you lost. After waking up in the hospital with a wiped memory, you have one hour to explore the last place you remember being before your tragic accident and hopefully reclaim your lost possession.
Room #057 is a hospital room that haunts your dreams but can’t exactly be recalled by your conscious brain. In search of forgotten memories, you and your team set out to discover the secrets behind this mysterious room.
Escape the Ghost Ship
@escapetheship/Instagram
Team size: Teams of 10-12
Price: $59 per person
Where: 585 Queens Quay W.
Until Nov. 2, something wicked is docked in the harbour at Queens Quay. Under the cover of darkness, you and your trusty crew have hijacked a seemingly abandoned ship, only to discover it is the ghost ship of Bethany Bishop. In order to save your souls from eternal seafaring, you must free the ghosts of Barnacle Beth and her crew and undo the curse once and for all — before it claims you!
Escape the Ghost Ship can be played in teams of six, with up to three teams (18 players) on deck at a time.
An ancient evil lingers in the air at Black Creek Pioneer Village. With a lantern in hand beneath the full moon, you must save your fellow villagers and stop an age-old curse from taking shape. If you’re interested in an outdoor escape experience, Where the Dark Things Dwell is the escape room for you. This spooky experience is only available until Nov. 26 on select dates, so book now for the immersive escapade of a lifetime!
Price: $34.95-$48.95 per person depending on team size
Where: 3478 Lawrence Ave. E. Unit C06
If you’ve always wanted to try a game about medical experimentation, step inside The Lab: Lockdown. Without clocks or windows, strangers are held captive inside isolated cells and are experimented on by an unknown entity. One of your cellmates has not only survived a point blank gunshot, but he’s escaped with his strength. All this begs the question: what are they doing to you?
Canada, a country of wonderfully diverse peoples and delightfully varied environments, has a special love affair with a somewhat unexpected pastime. If you are a Canadian, you might not even realise that it is surprising, but few countries have the same relationship with gambling that Canada has.
Sensible and pragmatic
Ontario’s Alcohol and Gaming Commission adopted what could be described as a sensible, realistic, and pragmatic approach, which has been a terrific commercial success. However, it takes the business of gambling very seriously, and enforcement is a major element of compliance. With remarkable advances in technology, it is now possible to place a bet without stepping inside any building.
With regulations covering the ‘bet anywhere, anytime’ phenomenon continually being updated, there are equally rogue operators out there who are always trying to get around the strict regulations. iGamingOntario’s mission is to ensure players are safe and protected from gambling harms. They also want to ensure that those operating in the territory have paid the correct levies so that revenues flow back into the provincial coffers. They are not necessarily concerned about which sites are fun or offer the best playing experience.
Safe and fun
Most players want a combination of fun and security when playing at online casinos in Canada or in licensed arcades and venues. Playing wisely is excellent fun, and it is good to know that entertainment providers have adopted codes of conduct to benefit their customers while making money for themselves. Expert review sites like Onlinecasino.ca can guide players, and their up-to-date advice and impartial ratings are invaluable.
Big glitzy options
Toronto has four top-rated casinos, so for those who fancy a full ‘night out’ experience, there is plenty of choice when trying to strike it lucky. The AGCO again regulates these to ensure that everything is as it should be. There is, however, the ever-present threat of unlicensed operators coming onto the scene. While setting up a bells and whistles casino might seem unrealistic, operating a shady gambling joint from a local store is a relatively easy thing to do.
Opportunities for the unscrupulous
Slot machines are an excellent option for the unscrupulous. In the right (or wrong place, anybody who fancies it can have a bet.. The machines are portable and relatively discreet. Slot machines can have uncontrolled profits heavily weighted in favor of the supplier. Tucked away in neighbourhood shops, these off-the-radar machines can tempt anyone to have a play, regardless of age, vulnerability, or self-control. Once embedded in the everyday street-level world of our city, the temptation to see them all over Canada could be too great for some unscrupulous traders.
It is easy to think that the only crime these days is of the cyber variety, but unlicensed physical gambling machines make easy pickings for rogue operators. Unlike their digital counterparts, which Random Number Generators control to ensure fairness, unregulated physical slots can be programmed not to pay out, or to payout only after a certain amount has been loaded into the machine.
Criminal operators know when the machines are about to ‘tip the jackpot’ and have been known to send in their man (or woman) at precisely the right moment to ensure the winnings remain in their cabal. While no one is suggesting that the machines the AGCO currently has in its sights are run by criminals, they are certainly being marketed disingenuously. Essentially, it is to do with whether the slots in question are games of skill or chance. The manufacturers are claiming the latter.
AGCO crackdown
Unsurprisingly, the AGCO is having none of it and has clamped down on these illegal gambling machines and the venues hosting them. The Chief Executive Officer, Dr Karin Schnarr, stated that unapproved gambling machines have no place in convenience stores or similar locations. There is particular concern about machines that are accessible to children and young people. Citizens can be sure that just as night follows day, a crackdown on physical machines will be followed by crackdowns on illegal online slots, because the two can go hand-in-hand and prey on the same victims.
What is the problem?
The physical machines, branded as Prime Slot, were games of chance like any slot machines. However, to circumvent the regulations, manufacturers claimed their games were skill-based, which ostensibly allowed them to be installed in convenience stores where gambling machines are not permitted. However, the crackdown by the AGCO did not end there. They also issued a reminder to all land-based casino and charitable gaming facility operators that any promotion, bonus, or credit described as “free” must be compliant with the regulatory standards
Retailers have been sent a Notice of Proposed Order to revoke their registration, but they do have the right to appeal the AGCO’s decision within 15 days to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), which is an independent adjudicative body under Tribunals Ontario.
Keeping it clean
The AGCO is keen to preserve the reputation of its thriving commercial market, which benefits all. It has been proactively sanctioning operators and affiliates involved in promoting anything that it considers to be illegal gambling. It has been said that it intends to use ‘all available powers’ to safeguard the public from the risks unregulated machines (and in turn sites) pose to the public.
The AGCO has the full support of other government officials, including Ontario’s Attorney General, Doug Downey. He has recently confirmed that illegal gambling will be ended in the province. The vast majority (83.7%) of Ontarians now gamble with regulated operators, which was always the intention of creating the market that exists today. Before launch, less than 30% of gambling was taking place in legal licensed premises, and all online gambling was taking place at offshore.
L–R: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lil Yachty modelling the new collection. Photo courtesy Canada Goose
NBA all-star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is no stranger to the spotlight. The current NBA champion and Most Valuable Player from the GTA is used to putting his best foot forward. On court, it’s his collaborative namesake shoe designed by Converse. Now, off of it, he’s releasing a collection alongside one of the city’s most renowned labels.
Gilgeous-Alexander was named Global Ambassador of Canada Goose in February 2024. Born and raised in Hamilton, he’s no stranger to the allure that the brand has. Toronto is one of Canada Goose’s most prolific markets, ranging from high school kids looking to flex on their friends to parents attempting to stay warm while walking their dog.
It only takes one or two swipes on social media to see that Gilgeous-Alexander is into fashion. That’s why it’s no surprise that he dug into the brand’s archive for his first release. Shot in front of the city’s skyline, Gilgeous-Alexander tapped his brother, Thomasi, and famous rapper Lil Yachty to model the four-piece capsule.
Each item was designed to combine aspects of ready-to-wear with personal customisation. This is evident in Gilgeous-Alexander pairing the tactical Wilu vest with nothing underneath. His brother sports the Alberni reversible fleece in the campaign. Forming a happy medium between the brothers’ sartorial choices is two mid layers, the Sequin Avitaion bomber and the Rosedale jacket.
The new Canada Goose collection, modelled in front of the CN Tower. Photo courtesy Canada Goose
The collection is a successful attempt at bridging the gap between the brand’s function-first approach and Gilgeous-Alexander’s style-conscious eye. What Gilgeous-Alexander added was era-forward silhouettes, which work in an array of wardrobes.
His first launch with Canada Goose represents more than just a few stylistic choices. Gilgeous-Alexander is a big fan of archive and designer clothing. His tunnel fits and Instagram posts boast brands ranging from Rick Owens and Maison Margiela to Louis Vuitton and Chanel.
His love for archive clothing and the city of Toronto also manifested in a trip to one of the city’s premier designer vintage hot spots last month. During his championship celebration tour, Gilgeous-Alexander brought his fellow Oklahoma City Thunder teammates to 20 Maud St. Owned by Alex Maxamenko and Christian Ferguson, the duo opened the players’ eyes to the breadth of fashion that exists in the city.
As Canadian athletes continue dominating at the world stage, fashion and beauty brands are beginning to take notice. Gilgeous-Alexander modelled look three on the runway for Thom Browne’s Spring 2023 show. Tennis player Felix Auger-Aliassime is acing serves on the court, as well as serving looks for Dior as their Brand Ambassador. In the beauty department, PWHL star Sarah Nurse is an ambassador for Revlon’s ColorStay collection.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Canada Goose’s collaborative collection launches on Oct. 7. The collection is available online and in person across select Canada Goose stores, including Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Pieces range from $650 to $1,295, and are available in sizes XS to 3XL.
The baked potato has been a popular staple for centuries, from street carts in Victorian London to the jacket potatoes that still steal the show in UK pubs. In North America, it earned a spot alongside steaks before a brief fast-food stint in the 1980s. But now, Toronto’s Spotato is giving the humble potato its moment, loaded up in delicious new ways and no longer just a side.
The brains behind Spotato, Anastasia and Mark, only moved to Canada a year ago. In an Instagram post, they shared that they never imagined opening a restaurant as new immigrants. They’re balancing parenthood with entrepreneurship — their toddler is never far from the action — and every detail of the space reflects their personal touch, from hand-built tables to thoughtfully crafted décor.
The Marry Me Mochi
The menu includes the chili con carne, piled high with slow-simmered beef, beans, cheddar, sour cream and cilantro. Shuk Style draws inspiration from bustling Middle Eastern markets, with pulled chicken, hummus, pickled cabbage and tahini. The veggie option comes loaded with roasted vegetables, beet salad, olives and tzatziki. Even pop culture makes an appearance: the Schrute Farm, named for Dwight Schrute from The Office, nods to his beet obsession with a potato topped with pulled pork, coleslaw and crispy onions.
The Tex Mex
For those who like to mix and match, Spotato offers a build-your-own model: start with a buttery potato, then stack proteins like pulled pork or English bangers, sides like babaganoush or roasted vegetables and sauces ranging from tahini to chimichurri.
Toronto has long embraced potato culture, from poutine to perogies, but baked potatoes have rarely had their moment. Spotato, at 2741 Yonge Street, aims to change that.
Huckleberry Rock in Muskoka is a great place to see fall colours
Last week it was Algonquin Park, and this week Muskoka is officially 100 per cent fall colour change right now and a beautiful sight to see.
Every hill, every lakeshore, every winding road seems dipped in paint — reds so deep they look like embers, oranges that glow in the late-afternoon sun, and yellows that shimmer like liquid gold.
And the show isn’t over yet. From Oct. 10 to 19, the Golden Encore begins. Here, American beeches, birches, and poplars take the stage, bathing forests in rich bronze and golden hues. Unlike the maples, these trees thrive in open landscapes, creating sunlit pockets across Muskoka’s rugged terrain.
There are countless ways to experience Muskoka in its autumn glory. Whether you stay in a cozy cabin, a lakeside resort, or simply perch on a Muskoka chair to watch the sun turn the forests to fire, the region offers front-row seats at every turn.
Boat cruises from Dorset, Port Carling, Gravenhurst, and Bracebridge are a great way to take it all in both on the trees and shimmering in the water below.
For those willing to hike, quiet trails at Limberlost Forest, Georgian Bay Islands National Park, Huckleberry Rock, and Walkers Point show hidden corners of fall’s beauty with breathtaking views.
Torrance Barrens
Our personal favourite is Huckleberry Rock near Milford Bay between Port Carling and Bracebridge, which is a short hike up a slab of the Canadian Shield to an incredible lookout.
Another gem is Torrance Barrens, which is so quiet and peaceful this time of year. And the colours are something to behold. There is a fantastic hike that loops around the lake, highly recommended.
Also try Hardy Lakes, which is a busy trail especially on the weekends, but drop-dead gorgeous.
Muskoka’s season also extends beyond the trees.
Stargazers can look up during Muskoka: Home of the Stars (Oct. 17–Nov. 8), which is a series of events all about observing the night sky. There is also the upcoming Bala Cranberry Festival, which happens every year on the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Whether you love pumpkin pie, the festive glow of jack-o-lanterns or just want an excuse to get out and have some harvest time fun, pumpkin festivals are here and ready to spice up your fall! From pumpkin parades to pick-your-own patches, here are some spooktacular pumpkin festivals to travel to for the whole family in and around Toronto.
Head over to Downsview Park for a day of fall-themed delights from Oct. 10-13. Pick the perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, have your fill of delicious fairground food and take a spin on several midway rides. Hop aboard the antique miniature train, cheer on the much-loved Super Dogs in a fun-filled show or get lost in the inflatable corn maze!
Every October, Dyment’s Farm in Dundas transforms into a fall-themed pumpkin paradise chock-full of family activities and play. Spend a sunny afternoon searching for your very own pumpkin, and snag some great photos too. Take a wagon ride along the picturesque Niagara escarpment and drop by the farm shop for some delectable pies and baked goods.
Take a scenic drive through Peterborough county and stop by the pretty town of Keene, where an annual Pumpkin Festival takes place on Oct. 18. Enjoy local food, a pumpkin pyramid, a quilt raffle and a fun-filled kid zone. While there, watch the giant pumpkin weigh-in contest featuring pumpkins over 1,000 pounds and tons of fun.
The 43rd annual Waterford Pumpkinfest is coming up next weekend from Oct. 17-19, and it’s full of all that small town festival goodness! Enjoy the pumpkin parade on Saturday, then catch the Soapbox Derby, a craft beer garden, midway games, line dancing (new this year) and more!
Take a trip to Bright, Ont., just outside of Kitchener, and enjoy fall activities at Snyder’s Farm all month long. Explore their 16 acre pumpkin patch, get lost in their annual corn maze, take a trip on their interactive hayride and have the kids spend all day in their farm play area — including a mega slide, a puppet show, a pirate ship playground, petting zoo, tree fort and more. As the weather gets cooler, grab at seat their VIP campfire experience, with a private pod just for you and your guests. And, not for the faint of heart, Snyder’s also puts on a fear farm every year, featuring seven legendary haunts.
Explore the twists and turns of an 8 km corn maze at Downey’s Farm in Caledon. Enjoy a wagon ride through the myriad of bright orange pumpkin fields, and grab a gourd to go. Get spooked in the Boo Barn or watch a duck race, then visit the super cute farm animals and explore the corn maze. Afterwards, head to the farm market to get your share of fresh produce, local wine and more pumpkins, of course.
Happening on Oct. 18, the Prince Edward County Pumpkinfest features the main event of the pumpkin weigh-off. If that’s not your jam, there’s plenty more to enjoy – from an annual pumpkin book sale to Halloween kids crafts, the Pumpkinfest parade, a pumpkin pie contest, craft show, community market and more.
Take a hayride through the golden fields of this charming fall wonderland just outside Courtice. Sip hot apple cider, meander colourful tree-lined paths and come upon a witch’s shack filled with bric-a-brac. Take a pony ride or explore the Halloween-themed barn. Get a photo op amid a sea of pumpkins before choosing one for home.
Journey to historic Upper Canada Village and experience a pumpkin-filled Halloween extravaganza on select nights until Oct. 31. Spend the evening spotting glowing jack-o-lanterns tucked amid every nook and cranny of the old fort, and snap some great pictures of the pumpkin-cast installations. You can also board a miniature toy train and experience the sound and light show in sync with “Ladies of the 80s” tunes.
Head to Proulx Farm in the Ottawa valley for a family-friendly day of pumpkin picking and fall activities. Running on Saturdays and Sundays until Oct. 26, explore several mazes and a cornfield, take a wagon ride through a shadowy forest or explore the farm boutique. When night falls, hop aboard a ghostly wagon ride through the countryside and explore two haunted houses with Skreamers.
On Nov. 1, many Toronto communities get together for their very own pumpkin parade. In a final Halloween hurrah, neighbours are encouraged to drop by their local park to show off their jack-o-lanterns in a spirited night of neighbourhood fun. Check your local park bulletin for updates, or get in touch with the City of Toronto to organize your own.
Just outside of Wasaga, celebrate all things pumpkin at Round’s Ranch. Running on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (and Thanksgiving Monday) until Oct. 26, get lost in the corn maze, take a tractor ride, pick a pumpkin and let the little ones loose in one of several playscapes. On weekend visits, try your hand at pumpkin bowling, pumpkin tossing or challenge others to a pie-eating contest.
Tonight, the full moon will light up the sky in honour of the Mid-Autumn Festival! This harvest festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is all about celebrating abundance, family and tradition. Across Toronto, eateries are unveiling their most delicious takes on the mooncake, from classic versions to Dubai Chocolate-inspired riffs. If you’re planning to celebrate with friends and family (or just want to treat yourself), here are five spots across the city serving up some of the most delicious mooncakes.
Daan Go is the place to go if you’re looking for mooncakes with playful flavours and meticulous technique. This year’s boxed sets feature both modern takes on traditional baked styles (think White Lotus Seed with Salted Egg, Houjicha and a Daan Go-style Five-Nut) and chilled, snow-skin options like Houjicha Black Sesame, Jasmine White Peach, Mango Cheesecake and Salted Egg Yolk. Even if the sets sell out online, you’ll likely find single mooncakes in classic flavours or snow-skin specials (like Dubai Chocolate and Pineapple Cheesecake) at stores, so it’s worth checking in person for a last-minute treat! Sets are $50-$55, and singles are around $12-$13. Various locations, including downtown (241 Spadina Ave.)
This Modern Euro-Asian bakery offers delicious Mooncake gift sets and flavours tailored to different palates. The contemporary Mooncake Gift Set of 6 ($60) includes Matcha Red Bean (Molten Egg Yolk), Taro (Molten Egg Yolk), Black Sesame (Molten Egg Yolk), Original White Lotus (Molten Egg Yolk), a Double Salted Egg (custard paste, salted yolk, baked salted-egg crumbs) and a tasty Chocolate Wafer (red velvet custard with Kit Kat!). The spot also sells single mooncakes ($10) and doubles ($19). Various locations: 3250 Midland Ave | 21 Famous Ave | 4910 Yonge St | 9255 Woodbine Ave.
3. Patisserie Gateau
This French-inspired Chinese bakery serves handmade mooncakes available in-store. This is perfect if you want to hand-pick boxes or buy a few individual cakes alongside delicious buns and pastries! Available at their shops at Centrepoint Mall and First Markham Place.
This upscale Chinese restaurant is known for its Cantonese dining and savoury dim sum, but offers a celebratory layer each fall with premium petite mooncakes and a special mid-autumn festival menu! This year, the Yorkdale location is offering a six-piece petite mooncake box for $78 (flavours include Molten Crusted Salted Egg Yolk, Matcha, Red Bean), available through Oct 6, alongside the holiday dining menu. It’s a one-stop option if you want to book dinner and pick up mooncakes on the way out! Yorkdale Mall, 3401 Dufferin St, Unit 601A.
Head to Saint Germain for handcrafted mooncakes with a touch of modern elegance. Choose from classic flavours to festive favourites, like the Winter Melon & Olive Nuts Mooncake (it’s lighter and more balanced, providing a refined alternative to lotus paste), single salted yolk with white lotus seed paste mooncakes, and double-yolk white lotus seed paste mooncakes. Perfect to munch on if you want something classic (but special) that you can grab on the go. Better yet, bring home a treat (or two) for your loved ones! Multiple locations around Toronto, including the Eaton Centre.
One of Toronto’s most iconic rock bands, Rush, is reuniting for a North American tour that includes two nights Toronto.
The 2026 tour will be the band’s first since the death of drummer Neil Peart in 2020. Surviving members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson made the announcement at a private event at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland on Sunday night.
The tour, titled Fifty Something, will celebrate Rush’s 50-plus years of music and the life and legacy of Peart. It will kick off June 7 at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles — the same venue where Rush played their final show in 2015 — and wrap up in Cleveland on Sept. 17. The band will perform on Aug. 7 and 9 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
Taking the drum seat will be Anika Nilles, an acclaimed German drummer and composer known for her technical skill and work with the late Jeff Beck.
“It’s been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of Rush,” Lee said in a statement, reported in Variety. “After a lot of soul-searching, we realized we miss it — and it’s time for a celebration. Neil was irreplaceable, but we’ve found a remarkable musician who can help us honor his legacy and bring these songs to life again.”
Lifeson, who has faced health issues in recent years, said the pair started casually jamming on old Rush songs and rediscovered their spark.
“To be challenged with that music again was exciting,” he said. “The more we played, the more I fell in love with the idea of performing again.”
Peart’s family, including his widow Carrie Nuttall-Peart and daughter Olivia, have reportedly given their full blessing.
Toronto isn’t just another stop on the tour — it’s home. The city is where Rush first formed in 1968, playing high school dances and small clubs around Willowdale and North York. Their self-titled 1974 debut album, released on Toronto’s own Moon Records, marked the start of one of rock’s most influential careers.
Rush’s rise helped put Toronto’s rock scene on the map, paving the way for Canadian acts to gain international recognition. From “Tom Sawyer” to “YYZ” — named after Toronto’s airport code — their music remains inseparable from the city’s identity.
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair returns to Toronto’s Exhibition Place this November, with new attractions, top sports and plenty of cute barnyard charm! It’s the world’s largest combined indoor agriculture fair and international equestrian competition, so expect hundreds of thousands of visitors to show up and learn, compete, shop and, of course, feast under one massive roof.
This year, the fair is leaning into the festive season with an all-new Holiday Market, making it the perfect time to get some early Christmas shopping done. You’ll get a chance to browse through curated lanes of handmade gifts, gourmet treats and seasonal delights!
We mentioned cute barnyard animals, and perhaps the one that will steal hearts first is Rosie: The six-year-old ‘baby-faced’ miniature donkey from Oshawa will make history as the first donkey to serve as The Royal’s Animal Ambassador! Look out for her in the lead-up to the fair (she’ll also greet guests on-site throughout the 10-day event).
At the fair’s core is the Royal Horse Show, which organizers call the No. 1 indoor event of its kind in all of North America. This year’s program again features international show jumping and finishes with the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Toronto on closing night (looking at past events, this will likely be the most electric night of the fair!)
The daily schedule mixes Olympic-level sports with crowd-faves, like the Mad Barn Big Ben Jumping Challenge, breed showcases, six-horse hitches, and the popular K9-Equine Challenge, which pairs elite riders with SuperDogs in a relay. The Rodeo takes over on Sunday, Nov 16, with qualifiers in the morning and the Royal Rodeo Finals in the afternoon.
Make sure to bring the whole family, as there will be adorable animals everywhere you turn!
Participate in feed-the-animals opportunities at the Royal Petting Farm, catch daily sheep shearing demos and check out the Animal Theatre, where animals at work and play are the stars of the show.
Beyond the animals and vendors, food takes center stage! The Royal’s Chef’s Table offers hands-on cooking classes led by notable chefs, while on-site restaurants will help fuel your long days of exploring! Head to the Hitching Ring Gastropub to watch horses warm up while dining or enjoying a drink (or two) from the bar, or visit the Bullpen Saloon for a hearty farmer’s breakfast or a cowboy-style lunch with a couple of beers.
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair takes place at Exhibition Place from Nov 7-16, 2025, marking the Fair’s 103rd year. Ticket prices vary: one-day general admission costs $37.11 (adult) | $28 (senior) | $24.72 (youth/children ages 4-17) | free (under 3). Separate pricing is available for multi-day passes, family passes and Horse Show evenings.
When you walk into Daisy May’s, the new all-day eatery at 968 Bathurst Street in the Annex, it feels less like a restaurant and more like a storybook of family heirlooms and neighbourhood memories. The wood countertop at the bar, once a beloved family tree. The church pews lining the wall once patiently waiting in storage at co-owner Theo Laan’s family home. Even the cheerful hand-painted signage and the wine bottles tucked behind the bar — many from friends’ vineyards in Prince Edward County — have a tale to tell.
As we walked through the space, Laan pointed out each detail with pride — salvaged, restored and thoughtfully placed to honour its origins and the people behind them.
Isabella Liberatore
Laan, originally from upstate New York, grew up in a family of blue-collar handymen. When the former Grapefruit Moon space became available, it felt almost fateful that he and co-owner Charlie Gabriel, longtime friends with a shared history in hospitality, would take it over. They rolled up their sleeves and transformed the space with the help of friends and family.
“The bartop here comes from that old tree at my family’s home in upstate New York” says Laan. “We milled it, sanded it, sealed it.” The same wood appears throughout the restaurant in smaller accents, part of a deliberate effort to reuse and repurpose wherever possible. Even the space’s former life as Grapefruit Moon isn’t forgotten — a picture frame on the wall holds a piece of its original patterned tile, a small tribute to the building’s history.
Isabella Liberatore
History is at the heart of Daisy May’s, not only in the furnishings but also in the story that brought the two owners together. Laan and Gabriel met as students at the University of Guelph, both working restaurant jobs to pay tuition. Laan had been cooking since he was a kid—“my dad couldn’t cook, so someone had to,” he jokes —teaching himself with cookbooks and cooking shows before working in several Toronto kitchens, including the neighbouring Mexican favourite El Pocho, where Gabriel worked front of house.
When the Bathurst Street spot became available, Laan initially planned a project with El Pocho’s owner, who later stepped back after realizing the extent of the renovation required. That twist of fate brought Gabriel fully into the picture. Today, their roles have flipped: Gabriel now runs the kitchen, while Laan oversees front of house alongside his fiancée Julia McDowell and Gabriel’s longtime partner Dubravka Zivkovic.
Isabella Liberatore
The restaurant’s name honours Laan’s grandmother, the original Daisy May, whose classic taste inspired the menu’s approach: humble diner staples with a slightly elevated twist — the kind of dishes Laan imagines would make his grandmother teasingly remark, “Oh, that’s fancy.” For now, Daisy May’s focuses on brunch and lunch, with dinner service on the horizon. And if the daytime menu is any indication, evenings will be worth the wait.
The food is unpretentious but elevated in all the right ways. The breakfast sandwich looks simple at first glance — eggs, bacon and cheese on an English muffin — but the details set it apart. Soft, custardy scrambled eggs are layered with thick-cut smoky bacon and sharp cheddar, while the addition of house-made pickles and pickled jalapeños delivers a briny, zesty kick reminiscent of Toronto’s cult-favourite Gold Standard.
The tater tots are another standout: crisp, golden bites with a shattering crust that gives way to fluffy potato, generously drizzled with garlicky aioli. And the challah French toast — thick-cut slices of pillowy challah are seared to a burnished crust, then topped with tangy whipped crème fraîche, a drizzle of maple syrup, a scattering of candied hazelnuts for crunch and a jewel-toned berry compote that pools against the toast.
Isabella Liberatore
The dining room reads like a collage of the community that helped bring it to life: bird paintings gifted by friends, curtains sewn by co-owner Gillian McDowell, even memorabilia from the now-closed Honest Ed’s. That sense of connection extends beyond the restaurant itself. Midway through our tour, Laan ducked out to the neighbouring floral shop, MayJune Flowers, eager to highlight their work. “Our friends and neighbours are incredible,” he says. “We just want to make sure everyone knows it.”
For the team behind Daisy May’s, it’s not just about eggs Benedict and mimosas — it’s about creating a space where diners linger, swap stories with strangers and maybe leave with a tip about a garage sale down the street. If you’re looking to become a regular at a neighbourhood spot — and explore a community that gives as much as it gets — Daisy May’s is a good place to start.
Forget picking up a pumpkin at your local grocery store—some of the best fall memories for families involve visits to pumpkin patches. These charming farms allow families to browse through thousands of pumpkins of every shape, size, and color, experience hayrides, petting zoos, stroll through giant corn mazes, and even sample delicious cider and baked goods.
Here are the best pumpkin patches near Toronto so you and your family can create more unforgettable fall memories together.
This Markham-area farm’s “pick your own pumpkins” and corn maze is now open until Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends). Before you leave, make sure to visit their farmer’s market and purchase the tastiest freshly prepared meals, soups, salads, bread, pies, muffins, and more! Pick your own pumpkin prices: $1/kg (45 cents/lb) or $45 for a full wheelbarrow. Weekday entrance fees: adults ($7); children 6–11 years ($3.50), children 5 and under (free).
Location: 10825 9th Line, Markham (park in the grass lot just south of the gravel Farm Market parking lot).
Located in Milton, Springridge has a fall fun farmyard for you to enjoy, featuring farm animals, a tractor-drawn wagon ride, a singing chicken show, giant sandbox, tube slides and more along with pumpkins and delicious treats at the market, bakery and gift shop! Admission costs $10 on weekdays and $18 on weekends for ages 2 and up.
Celebrate fall at this 148-acre Oshawa farm and pick-your-own pumpkins and apples. Navigate through the 6.5-acre corn maze (including a ‘mini maze’ for toddlers), or take in the sites on a wagon ride. On your way out, grab a few baskets of fresh produce and a famous Pingle’s Pie from the farmers market. You can purchase pumpkins for $10 each or $30 for four. If you want to bring your dog, Oct. 26 is “HalloWoof” day (doggy costumes are encouraged). Walk-ins accepted, but pre-purchasing your tickets online is recommended. Weekend General Admission (ages 2–92): $14.48.
This Mount Albert farm is about a one-hour drive from Toronto, and pumpkin-picking season is in full swing throughout October. Make sure to check out the farm’s 10-acre barnyard playland, visit the farm animals and sample delicious treats from the Farm Market Café. Their “fall fun festival”— complete with wagon rides, puppet shows, and a singing chicken and fox show — runs weekends until Oct. 26. Admissions costs $24.99 per person, excluding children under 2.
In addition to browsing through thousands of pumpkins, enjoy everything from unlimited wagon rides, an 8-acre corn maze, live entertainment, farm animals and more! Downey’s Pumpkinfest play area is open until Oct. 31. Tickets are $18.99 on weekdays and $24.99 on weekends (tickets must be purchased online prior to your visit).
Pick from an assortment of pumpkins and apples at this Caledon farm. The “farm pass” is $6.20/person, giving you access to the whole farm (excluding the sunflower fields), including the pumpkin patch, corn maze, straw jump, animals and wagon rides. While you’re there, purchase their cider, pies, honey, hazelnuts, apples and more at their porch market! It’s recommended for guests to reserve a time online (walk-ins will only be permitted if they have space). Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, until Oct. 31.
Explore thousands of pumpkins at this Insta-worthy farm! Strom’s harvest fun area runs until Oct. 31. In addition to pumpkins, enjoy everything from a ‘jumpin jack’ tile maze, a human foosball court, a 5-acre corn maze and trail, wagon rides, puppet shows, and pumpkin chuckin’. Weekend admission fees for ages 3 and up: $19.95 online; weekday admission fees for ages 3 and up: $12.95 at the gate.
Browse through thousands of pumpkins — of every shape and size — at this gorgeous pumpkin farm in the Niagara region (they even have a selection of giant pumpkins)! The farm doesn’t charge general admission; instead, you can pay per activity, including a petting zoo ($2 each) and corn maze ($3), Belgian horse drawn hayrides ($4/person), tractor hayrides (available during the week in October, $4/person), pony rides ($6/ride; 70 pound limit) and even unicorn rides ($6/person; 60-pound limit). The pumpkin patch is open 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Nov. 1.
Bring the whole family to Dyment’s Pumpkin Patch this October, located on a sprawling 120-acre farm property in Dundas. In addition to pumpkin picking, the farm offers playgrounds, bale climbs, scenic wagon rides, a corn trail, farm animals, and farm trails with beautiful lookouts. The farm and pumpkin patch are open Saturdays and Sundays in October, until Oct. 26. Tickets ($16) can be purchased online through their website (tickets are also available at the door).
