As we inch closer to warmer weather, many people are longing for a slower, prettier kind of weekend escape. Just a short trip from Toronto sits a small Ontario town with the most stunning stone buildings and heritage-rich riverside scenery, giving it a distinctly old-world European feel that’s just perfect for strolls and wandering about.
St. Marys stands out the moment you arrive. This Southwestern Ontario gem is set along the beautiful Thames River, nestled between Stratford and London, and is nicknamed “Stonetown” for its striking limestone buildings. It’s only about a 90-minute drive from Toronto, or you can also skip the car altogether: VIA Rail has an evening trip each day that takes you near the downtown core in just over 2.5 hours. St. Marys VIA Station was constructed way back in 1907 and continues to serve as the town’s train station today.
Explore the town further by hitting the trails. St. Marys has more than 25 kilometres of parkland, but the marquee route is the Grand Trunk Trail, where the Sarnia Bridge delivers panoramic views above the Thames River and out across the countryside. To dive deeper into the town’s history, follow a self-guided walking tour. You’ll get to choose from three unique tours that take you on a “journey through time,” and explore the origins behind relics like the Church Street Bridge, St. Marys Town Hall and the old Harrison Building.
Speaking of history, culture buffs will want to check out the St. Marys Museum. It sits inside an 1854 limestone house in Cadzow Park, nicknamed the “Castle in the Bush,” while the Station Gallery adds a contemporary-art stop inside the historic train station on James Street (yup, it’s the same building as the VIA Rail stop, so if you took the train into town, your cultural tour has already begun).
Then there’s the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, which gives the town one of the most unexpectedly strong niche attractions in all of Ontario! The Hall is open Wednesday to Sunday throughout May and June, and commemorates the great players, teams, and events from Canadian baseball history.
For food and drinks, most of the shops source locally, so it’s best to try a bit of everything. Snapping Turtle Coffee Roasters is a family-run micro-roaster nestled in the downtown limestone district, and is the perfect morning pick-me-up, with house coffees like Green Bridge medium, Cadzow Marble and Mill Race med-dark. For a beer stop, Broken Rail Brewing pours ale inside the restored 1858 St. Marys Junction Railway Station on Glass St, and it even offers charming workshops like Burn & Brews where you pour pints and candles.
Social Thirty-One is the place to go if you’re looking for a more posh setting. It’s located inside the St. Marys Golf & Country Club, and offers everything from smoked pork sandwiches to smash burgers and panko-baked pickerel (and Discover St. Marys has tons of other eateries you can check out!).
Concert season is basically in full swing once May rolls around, but live music doesn’t have to be an expensive summer habit. If you’re a little low on funds but still want to attend some of the best concerts across Canada this summer, Live Nation is launching a $30 ticket summer promotion! True to its name, concert tickets across the country, including a bunch in Toronto, will go for just $30 and will include all service fees (although taxes will be added at checkout).
The Summer of Live deal is available for a limited time on select shows. While ticket purchase limits will vary by event (the standard limit is eight), there’s no limit to how many different events you can buy tickets for!
The full list of concerts, dates and venue locations will be revealed on April 29, but a few artists/bands have already been announced. Highlights this year include 5 Seconds of Summer, The Guess Who, Karan Aquila, Owen Riegling, Laura Ramoso and Deep Purple.
There will apparently be over 300 shows available as part of this promotion in Canada, featuring venues of all sizes.
The official sale begins on April 29 at 10 a.m. and runs until May 5 at midnight — though if previous years are any indication, the earlier you buy, the better your chances are of actually snagging tickets, especially for the most popular artists on the list.
To purchase tickets when the sale begins, customers need to select the event, find the Summer of Live Promotion ticket type, then add that to cart and check out. Filtering the full list, once it’s out, by location can help fans narrow down which shows near them will actually be included in the promotion!
Visit LiveNation.ca/SummerofLive to see the full list of participating events when the list is revealed on April 29.
Toronto’s latest fashion-food crossover has landed at Eaton Centre (and seriously, what better way to shop than with a bit of chocolate)? Aritzia’s newly expanded boutique at Toronto’s biggest downtown mall now includes an A-OK Café, which is the brand’s in-house coffee shop, and the Toronto debut arrives with a collab featuring a limited-time chocolate cake sundae inspired by Prime Seafood Palace!
The catch is that the sundae is only available from Monday, April 27 to Sunday, May 3.
Limited edition collab merch between Aritzia and Prime Seafood Palace. Courtesy @aritzia/@primeseafoodpalace, Instagram
So, stop by, shop around, and maybe take a few Instagram snaps in front of the store’s Giant Bag, featuring artwork by Gregory Crewdson! And pick up some merch, too. Aritzia has also partnered with Prime Seafood Palace on limited-edition Sweatfleece styles for the opening, like cream-toned zip jackets, tees and crewnecks. You’ll also find Toronto-inspired bag charms (gifted with purchases of $200 or more from April 27 to April 29, while supplies last, so consider it a souvenir!).
And judging by the Instagram comments, customers are all for it. “Limited edition merch and a new A-OK Cafe? Say less,” one user said. Others are already calling it “everything,” describing it as “heavenly,” and begging that this collab goes on longer. “Please make this permanent.”
Catch the Prime Seafood Palace x A-OK Chocolate Cake Sundae collab at Aritzia’s Eaton Centre location (220 Yonge St.) from April 27 to May 3. Follow @aritzia for more details.
For survivors of sexual violence, the trauma is often compounded when the assault happens within an organization meant to provide care, education, or spiritual guidance. Whether it occurs in a classroom, a place of worship, or a healthcare facility, “institutional sexual assault” is defined by a profound breach of trust and a significant power imbalance.
In a recent episode of the “Know Your Rights” podcast, Sandra Zisckind, Managing Partner at Diamond and Diamond Lawyers, described these cases as a “Pandora’s box.” She noted that once one survivor comes forward, it often reveals a systemic pattern of abuse that has been hidden for years. “Usually when there’s one, there’s 20,” Zisckind explained, highlighting how predators in positions of authority often target the most vulnerable.
Why the Civil System Offers a New Path to Justice
While many survivors look to the criminal justice system first, the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard of proof is a high bar that often leads to low conviction rates. This is why civil litigation has become a vital tool for survivors.
Unlike criminal trials, civil lawsuits operate on the “balance of probabilities“, meaning you only need to prove that it is more likely than not that the harm occurred. This standard allows survivors to seek accountability not just from the individual abuser, but from the institutions that enabled them through negligence, such as:
Misplaced Priorities: Schools or universities that prioritize revenue-generating security (like parking cameras) over student safety zones.
Systemic Negligence: Organizations that ignore “red flags” or fail to conduct proper background checks.
Vicarious Liability: The legal principle that holds an employer responsible for the actions of their staff.
It Is Never Too Late to Seek Justice
One of the most important legal updates for Torontonians is the removal of the statute of limitations. In Ontario, there is no time limit to file a civil claim for sexual assault. Whether the abuse happened last month or 50 years ago, the doors to the courthouse are open. This acknowledges that trauma can be suppressed and that survivors often need decades to feel ready to speak out.
Seeking Accountability Across Every Sector
Institutional failures can occur in many environments. Survivors have the right to hold these entities accountable for their trauma:
Religious Organizations: For survivors of church sexual abuse, civil claims can address the “silent shuffle” where institutions move abusers between congregations to avoid scandal.
Educational Settings: School boards have a duty to protect students as a “reasonably prudent parent” would. Victims of abuse in Ontario schools can sue for failures in supervision.
The Care System: If the state failed to protect a child in its custody, survivors can pursue foster care abuse claims against the Children’s Aid Society.
Medical Facilities: Patients place extraordinary trust in healthcare providers. Any violation of that boundary allows for medical sexual abuse claims to ensure the perpetrator’s license is revoked.
Actionable Steps: Reclaiming Control
Prioritize Your Well-being: If you have been recently assaulted, seek care at a Toronto Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre. They provide compassionate care and evidence collection.
Recognize the Power of Testimony: In the eyes of the court, the passage of time does not make your testimony unreliable. Your account is the most powerful evidence you have.
Investigate the “Angle”: Even if the individual abuser has no money, a lawyer can help you determine if an institution (like a hotel, school, or workplace) had a duty to protect you.
Consult an Advocate: Seek a free and confidential consultation. This allows you to understand your options without any financial risk or obligation.
Get Expert Help from Diamond and Diamond Lawyers
Revisiting trauma is an act of immense courage, and you shouldn’t have to do it alone. The dedicated team at Diamond and Diamond Lawyers specializes in helping survivors secure compensation for therapy, lost wages, and emotional distress. Their “trauma-informed” approach ensures that your privacy and dignity remain the highest priority throughout the legal process.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of institutional misconduct, contact Diamond and Diamond today for a free, confidential case evaluation. Call their 24/7 support line at 1-800-567-HURT (1-800-567-4878) or visit diamondlaw.ca to start your journey toward justice.
About Jeremy Diamond
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about Jeremy Diamond.
We’ve made it past the winter storms, and the sun is finally out to stay. Birds are coming home, flowers will soon be budding: spring has truly sprung. That means it’s time for us to come out of hibernation and enjoy everything this city has to offer. Here are 26 ways to make the most of spring in Toronto this year.
Run a marathon (or watch one)
Marathon season really kicks off in May in Toronto, and it all starts with the Toronto Marathon, happening on May 3. Sign up for a 5K, 10K, half marathon or full one, or find a spot along the route and cheer on the brave runners as they pass by!
Take an Instagram-worthy shot of the cherry blossoms peaking in High Park
@ladybass/Instagram
High Park is a stunning area all year long, but you really don’t want to miss the brief time at the end of April to early May when the Sakura tree buds are at peak bloom. Showering you in a sky of pink, this spot is a photo opportunity you (and your Instagram followers) don’t want to miss out on.
Go birdwatching
From water fowl to preybirds and shorebirds, springtime means the return of some feathered friends. Head down to Tommy Thompson Park and keep your eyes and ears open for some new songs! Celebrate the return of 50 million migratory birds to Toronto each spring with the Spring Bird Festival on May 23.
What better way to celebrate the season than acting like a kid again outdoors? The Annual Pillow Fight Toronto is taking over a new location on May 23 (Berczy Park), so bring your best non-feathered pillow and let the fun begin.
For just one weekend a year, the city of Toronto opens the doors of some of the city’s most popular and interesting buildings to the public. Whether you want to explore museums, churches, cultural centres or Old City Hall, Doors Open Toronto is your chance to do it!
Do some spring cleaning
You know that thrifted sweater you love? Someone donated it. Maybe one of your own forgotten sweaters will be someone else’s thrifted find, too. Do some spring cleaning, find one of Toronto’s many second-hand stores that accept donations, and pass along the joy of thrifting, or find a clothing swap in the city for a more sustainable option that avoids contributing to landfills!
Attend a fashion show
Courtesy @fashionarttoronto/Instagram
Every May, Toronto becomes even more of a fashion destination than it already is, thanks to fashion week! Fashion Art Toronto is hosting its Spring/Summer Show from May 25–31, while Rchive is taking over a historic church to host Toronto’s Own Fashion Week from May 15–17.
Sip an iced coffee
Warm weather means it’s time to replace those daily cups of joe with a daily cup ‘o joe on ice. Though, if you’ve had one of the highly acclaimed iced drinks from Fika, you may never have gone back to a hot one in the first place.
Get inspired to start a garden
Visit the four greenhouses at the Allan Gardens Conservatory (the fifth one is currently under construction) and view plants native to regions across the world as well as some seasonal flowers that are just beginning to bloom. All this might just inspire you to get an early start on your own garden.
Learn to garden
But before you’re ready to get your hands dirty, you’ll have to learn what you’re doing. Learn from horticulturalists and hobbyists at the Spring Plant Sale event at the Toronto Botanical Gardens. This weekend extravaganza happening May 22–24 provides personalized recommendations and gardening tips from knowledgeable staff for all gardeners — whether you’ve got a green thumb or just starting out — as well as a wealth of plants that you can bring home with you.
Browse a flower market
Courtesy torontoflowermarket.ca
Now that you’ve learned expert advice from the experts themselves, you can begin your garden. Luckily, the Toronto Flower Market has got you covered! This outdoor market runs every month through spring, summer and into fall, with vendors coming from across the province to share everything they’ve got in bloom. Don’t miss the first one of the season on May 9!
Watch the Blue Jays
Let’s play ball! The Blue Jays are the hottest ticket in town for spring (at least until the FIFA World Cup rolls around) and you can still snag seats for as low as $30 in the Outfield District.
Picnic in the park
Pick up a basket of snacks (and maybe a bottle of wine) from Cheese Boutique and head out to Queen’s Park with some of the friends you’ve hidden from all winter. Remember, though, it’s not summer, so you’ll need two blankets: one to sit on and one to wrap around you to keep you warm. An umbrella might also be a good idea.
Cold water dip
Cold water swimming is all the rage these days, but if you’re looking to warm your way up to the cold water, maybe spring temperatures are the best place to start, after the ice has thawed. There are plenty of swimming holes not far outside the city, perfect for testing the waters — literally — and trying your hand at cold water swimming. Or visit Othership for a more guided cold plunge experience. Or try out Toronto’s first floating sauna and plunge pool!
The first weeks of spring are some of the freshest days of the year so you don’t want to stay locked up indoors. Toronto has plenty of trails to explore, perfect for watching the trees grow back their pines and watching the buds begin to bloom. From the Don Valley Trail to Humber West Trails, there’s plenty to see and explore!
Shop at a farmers’ market
Farmers’ markets are a great way to get fresh produce while finally getting outside again. Toronto’s outdoor markets are opening very soon! Evergreen Brick Works’s Saturday Market is moving outside again beginning in May, while Leslieville is set to open May 10 and Trinity Bellwoods on May 5.
Chase waterfalls
In order to get flowers to bloom, we need the snow to melt and lots of rain. All of this adds up to higher riverbanks and flowing waterfalls. Only a short drive form Toronto, Hamilton is home to over 100 waterfalls — the most of any city of its size — including the Devil’s Punchbowl, which might just be the best. When TLC said don’t go chasing waterfalls, they clearly hadn’t seen the Devil’s Punchbowl, because this is one you want to chase.
Attend a music festival
Music festival season begins earlier than you think in Toronto, thanks to the return of Electric Island! This summer music series, which kicks off May 16–17 in Woodbine Park, features some of the top electronic artists out there and is always a ton of fun.
Sip a mojito
It might not quite be consistently warm enough for a patio yet, but luckily some of Toronto’s favourites have heaters to keep it cozy all year round. And Hemingway’s, Toronto’s favourite rooftop patio, serves up a famous mojito — the perfect drink to bring in spring.
Go see a musical theatre classic
Kick off spring by discovering (or rediscovering) some of the most popular shows in the musical theatre world. Kinky Boots kicks off in May at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre and Moulin Rouge! The Musical is on right now!
Hop on a roller coaster
Courtesy centreisland.ca
Beat the summer holiday rush and check out Centreville Amusement Park right when it opens on May 2. Spring is the best time of year to go to avoid crowds. And lines!
Sing your heart out at a new (and improved) outdoor theatre
Budweiser Stage just got a major makeover — this spring, it’s being transformed into year-round music venue RBC Amphitheatre. To kick off the launch of the new stage, Imagine Dragons will be performing on May 21 for opening night!
Go for a bike ride
Sometimes a bike ride in the spring is better than a summer day because there’s no sun to distract you or wear you down. Take this chance to explore the concrete jungle on a bike for some of Toronto’s best trails like the Beltline.
Explore the city’s neighbourhoods
Have the cold winter months made you forget about all the reasons you love Toronto? While it’s nice to get out in nature after a while, sometimes it’s also necessary to just walk the streets again and see people. Take some time to stroll through Distillery District or meander down Ossington and just enjoy the scene…before it starts to rain.
Get festive
@winefesttoronto/Instagram
It’s festival season! Over the next few months, Toronto is hosting plenty of fun festivals to get you ready for summer. From the Wine Fest, May 15–17 to the Inside Out Film Festival, May 22–31 and Departure Festival (formerly Canadian Music Week) from May 4–10, the festivals offer Toronto’s best in everything from arts to culture, food and more.
Pick your own asparagus
Everyone thinks of fall as the month for pumpkin and apple picking, but do you know the season for asparagus? Spring! And about a two hour drive to Springwater, Barrie Hill Farm gives you the chance to pick your own asparagus! Keep an eye out for strawberry and blueberry picking later in the year.
Mel Gibson in 'The Continental' (Photo by Starz Entertainment/Katalin Vermes/Starz Entertainment )
Fan Expo Canada 2026 is still a few months away, and the celebrity guest list is already making headlines…just not for the reasons organizers might have hoped for. On Thursday, the convention announced on X that Mel Gibson will appear at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Saturday, Aug 29, hyping up the Oscar winner around the roles that made him a household name.
“He’s led revolutions, ruled the wasteland, and set the bar for epic storytelling. Mel Gibson’s roles in Lethal Weapon, Braveheart, & Mad Max are more than iconic—they’re legendary. Meet this cinematic hero when he comes to Toronto this August,” the X post stated.
He’s led revolutions, ruled the wasteland, and set the bar for epic storytelling. Mel Gibson’s roles in Lethal Weapon, Braveheart, & Mad Max are more than iconic—they’re legendary. Meet this cinematic hero when he comes to Toronto this August. Get tickets: https://t.co/rRa3m6uyqapic.twitter.com/hr2wWEdABr
Gibson is still a recognizable name, but a ton on controversies have followed him in recent years, including his 2006 anti-Semitic remarks during a drunk-driving arrest. He apologized, but was caught spewing racist and sexist language a few years later on leaked recordings involving former girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva; there was also a misdemeanour battery case involving Grigorieva.
More recently, some of the loudest criticism has been tied to Gibson’s political orbit. Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump named Gibson one of his “special ambassadors” to Hollywood, despite Trump’s proposed tariffs on foreign-made films.
So, unsurprisingly, fans of the massive pop culture convention aren’t too happy.
One reply on X called the booking “really questionable” and asked Fan Expo whether it had “any comment for your attendees who are opposed to hate speech.”
“My family was thinking of attending this year, but not anymore,” another user wrote, “please don’t let him close to my city.”
“Besides his antisemitism and other crap, he is also on board Trumps Hollywood tariff train,” one user wrote. “Let alone how that would work this pos is saying let’s f–k our film economy but then at the same time get paid to come here and charge Canadian fans for autograph and pic?”
“Not to shock the Expo organizers, but fandoms are fairly rife with non-whites and people of different sexual orientations; and God forbid (literally) women who work,” another Redditor said. “And for what? To meet the guy who used to be in Lethal Weapon movies? Is there a massive What Women Want fandom I’m unaware of? Just a dumb decision all around.”
“[The Expo] basically runs off of the free labour of volunteers and I know a considerable percentage would absolutely bail with a guest like Mel,” another user wrote.
The price tags aren’t helping either. Gibson’s prices start at $292.88 for a standard autograph or a photo op, and $346.13 for a premium autograph, with extras like JPEG copies, additional prints and authentication stickers costing more.
Fan Expo Canada takes place Aug 27-30, 2026, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. And yes, there will be other celebs in attendance if Gibson isn’t your cup of tea, including Elijah Wood and Sean Astin from The Lord of the Rings, a few actors from the early 2000s hit Lost and Alan Ritchson from Reacher.
SchittCon in 2019 featured appearances by Dan Levy, Eugene Levy, Noah Reid and Jennifer Robertson. Courtesy schittcon.net
Schitt’s Creek may have ended in 2020, but for fans of the show, the love still lives on — and this summer, you’ll have a chance to relive it all. SchittCon, the fan convention that started in 2019 in Toronto and even included a special visit with the stars, is making a grand return this summer. SchittCon 26 promises to bring fans together for an immersive, three-day experience inspired by the world of Schitt’s Creek.
SchittCon runs from July 31 — Aug. 3, and there are three ticket options for those who take part, each affectionately named after Schitt’s Creek characters. The David, priced at $1,600, is best for solo attendees or private stays and includes a private suite. The Stevie, priced at $1,350, features a shared suite, so it’s best for those attending with friends or a partner. The Mutt, priced at $1,100, includes full access to all programming, meals, transportation and events, just without accommodations, if you’re someone who lives close enough to transport yourself to and from the experience each day.
Over the course of the weekend, attendees will explore Niagara Falls, Toronto and iconic filming locations in what fans may recognize as the home base of Schitt’s Creek: Goodwood. There will also be special guest appearances by cast members, including Jennifer Robertson, who played the sweet and hilarious Jocelyn Smith. She’ll be appearing — alongside two Jazzagals, Mary Kelly and Jennifer Foster, and multi-hyphenate Elizabeth McEachern (you might recognize her from multiple roles across multiple seasons in the show!) — on Saturday, Aug. 1. Saturday evening will include a meet and greet, photo op and a live Q&A.
Attendees will get to see all the major filming locations, including the motel, the veterinary hospital and spots in Goodwood that include Bob’s Garage, the Schitt house, Rose Apothecary and Café Tropical. But most of the fun of SchittCon is getting to be among fans and reminisce about the show; the schedule builds in plenty of sightseeing, games and fun for some fan bonding!
The announcement of SchittCon comes after the news of Catherine O’Hara’s passing, who played the iconic Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek. Her 80-episode run on the series earned her an Emmy, Golden Globe, Critics Choise Award, Screen Actor’s Guild Award and Television Critics Association Award for Individual Achievement. Dan Levy shared in an emotional interview with CBS he’d thought about a Schitt’s Creek reboot before, but said that there’s no sequel without Catherine O’Hara: “You can’t.”
Tickets for the weekend can be purchased schittcon.net.
If you love jukebox musicals and snippets of classic pop hits from the 70s to the early 2000s you might enjoy Moulin Rouge! The Musical. It’s a fun and entertaining show with a lot happening, and heavy on the sass. But, that is a very big might.
Moulin Rouge! The Musicalis inspired by a 2001 movie of the same name starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. You know the one, “Lady Marmalade.” It was a whole thing.
The whole idea of this production is raunchy fun.
Moulin Rouge tells the story of Satine a cabaret dancer/prostitute in Paris during its bohemian heyday. It’s set in the Montmartre Quarter of the city at the turn of the 20th century. And, like any good Hollywood musical, along comes a tall drink of American water looking to become a songwriter.
Cue the romance.
But, this isn’t just any romance. This is a tragic romance, after all. Satine grew up on the streets and the Moulin Rouge cabaret is her home, and the artists and dancers her family. When it is sold to the baddie, here the Duke of Monroth, she is thrown in with the deal.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)
Thus begins a terrible spiral. A play within a play that adds a bit of Shakespearean verve to the musical mix, and ends, well, I won’t spoil it for you. But, the plot has something. There is meat. It’s too bad the very weak book by John Logan never fully plumbs the depths here.
The plot unwinds over a long series of pop music medleys, which if you like jukebox musicals will suit your tastes just fine.
First, the good news.
Satine is played by Gabriela Carrillo and she is the best perform in this show. And it is not even close.
Carrillo has the vocal chops to tackle any and every song thrown at her, and there are, literally, dozens. But, beyond that, her acting is fantastic. Her performance visceral.
And, to be honest, she too often carries the show.
Robert Petkoff as Moulin Rouge emcee and owner Harold Zidler hits all the right notes. His acting chops and tremendous voice steal more than on scene. What I enjoyed most about his performance was how he was visibly torn between his beloved Moulin Rouge and his family and his love and caring for Satine. It’s moments like these that make this, or any, musical worth seeing. Sadly, we need more here.
Robert Petkoff and the Company of Moulin Rouge! The Musical ( Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)
Also worth noting is the performance of Danny Burgos as Santiago.
One of the highlights of the show was the first scene of the second act, which includes Santiago and Nini, played very well by Kaitlin Mesh. The scene features the song “Bad Romance,” and it kicks the second act into another gear. The choreography and the performances got me excited that the best was yet to come.
The lighting in this scene, like much of a production, hits the right note.
There are a few things holding this show back. But, none are more impactful than the performance of the male lead, Ryan Vasquez, as Satine’s lover and songwriter Christian.
When he hit that sweet spot in his range and the song was a good choice, he did well. But, there were far too many moments when either his performance wasn’t up to par for the lead of a major stage musical or the song was bad for him — why is he trying to sing Adele? There was also very clear issues with his ability to harmonize with Carrillo during the duets.
But, equally important, his acting. This is a character that is supposed to rock Satine’s world. To make her question her life choices and sacrifice all for their love. Not the case here. If the was a more minor role, then okay, we can look past it. But this is the male lead.
The baddie, the arch Duke who is supposed to be a slime ball, actually gets more and more attractive as the play continues and Christian falls off the rails. That’s not supposed to happen. But, I guess, hats off to Aaron C. Finley.
Overall, as a result of this, and some other inconsistencies, the show lacked pop overall. Lacked that sultry, sexy energy.
Still, there is fun, there are hit songs, there is a bold and brassy dancing and lighting, a red-forward set and an overall mood that, at least to some degree, taps into that bohemian vibe that people love. And that’s a good thing.
If your idea of a fun musical is more of the jukebox variety that makes you want to sing-a-long and just have a good time and forget your troubles, Moulin Rouge! The Musical will work for you.
For me, Carrillo’s performance is worthy of praise. But, overall, this show was not good enough.
Looking for the best new restaurants in Toronto this week? The city’s dining scene keeps growing, and this week there are nine spots worth checking out. From a Japanese hambāgu steakhouse concept downtown to a hidden alley bagel shop drawing weekend lines, there are plenty of reasons to eat your way across the city. Here are the best new restaurants to check out right now.
Boru is Toronto’s first restaurant dedicated to Japanese hamburger steak (hambāgu), which is a cult-favourite dish in Japan! And this isn’t your traditional dining service. You’ll be seated around a circular counter at an open chef’s table. In the middle, cooks grill fresh-ground beef patties over open flames, serving them one at a time so each bite arrives at peak temperature. The space just soft-opened, so expect limited hours for now (Tues – Sun, 5:00 – 9:00 pm), but it’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for a non-traditional dining experience! 495 Adelaide Street W.
This Queen East newcomer serves up delicious fast-casual Mexican food that’s all about toppings and textures. The standout is the chorizo Mexicano burrito, packed with guacamole, chipotle mayo, queso Cotija, salsa fresca and crispy chicharrón for a bit of crunch! Taco-wise, you can mix and match, but the pork belly al pastor (with grilled pineapple and crema) and baja shrimp taco (with roasted garlic mayo and pickled kohlrabi) are already customer faves (Bonus: until April 30, each guest receives a complimentary taco!). Head over with a large group and dive into the nachos loaded with queso, salsa ranchera and guac or the Mexican street corn dusted in chilli and queso añejo. For dessert, try the four-piece churros or cinnamon-covered Mexican donut with cajeta sauce.780 Queen St E.
Arthur’s Snackette is tucked away in a back alley on St Clair Ave W, but don’t let its location fool you. The space is generating some serious buzz for its delicious Montreal-inspired sourdough bagels! The menu is simple but perfect for satisfying your carb cravings: go for the sunrise bagel, layered with egg salad, heirloom tomato, and cowboy pepper drizzle, or the garden bagel with cream cheese, cucumbers, pickled Vidalias, and herbs. Keep it classic with a bagel lathered in Tony’s cultured butter and Carla’s homemade jam, or go for something more luxurious, like the smoked salmon bagel with capers, dill and lemon EVOO. And there’s dessert, too. Try the signature sprinkle cookie with cream cheese frosting. 684 St Clair Ave W (in back alley).
ONDAK is new to the Junction, and serves the crispiest, sauciest and most indulgent Korean fried chicken! Skip the basics and go straight for the red-and-white boneless chicken, which layers sweet-and-spicy gochujang glaze with a creamy white drizzle for a best-of-both-worlds hit. If you want something classic, the soy garlic chicken delivers a sort of sticky, deeply savoury finish, while the golden cheeseling piles on sweet-and-salty cheese powder for a full-on comfort dish. Round out your meal with kimchi fries topped with sautéed kimchi or the chewy hotteok honey pancakes for dessert. Finish with an exotic Melona-infused soju cocktail. 2800 Dundas St W.
Mista Boiga has officially opened in one of Toronto’s coolest neighbourhoods, taking over the former Big Trouble pizza space. Instead of pizza, the new restaurant is all about the team’s long-running burger identity. And this shift hasn’t come out of nowhere. Even before the pizza shop closed, burgers had already become a significant part of Big Trouble’s menu, with options ranging from the OG smash burger to the Kwispy Wanch Burger, made with quality beef from The Butcher’s Son, and layered with American cheese, crispy onion, ranch sauce, jalapeño and pickled red onions on a potato roll. Diners will likely expect similar crispy-edged smash patties at Mista Boiga! 191 Geary Ave.
Som Tum Jinda’s new Kensington outpost just soft-opened, but is already serving up the most flavourful Isan plates! The menu is very traditional, with dishes like the tom yum seafood hot pot loaded with shrimp, mussels and squid, or the larb ped, a minced duck dish with herbs and crispy rice noodles. If you’re into sharing, the salt-grilled sea bass served with herbs and rice noodles is a must, while the massaman duck confit curry balances richness with tamarind tang. 356 College St.
Chu Loo is a sister spot to Shan Shan, and is somewhat of a mash-up between a Taiwanese-style bakery, comfort food restaurant and café. On the savoury side, try the Taiwanese beef noodle soup with pickled vegetables and beef tallow, followed by the braised minced pork rice topped with an egg, sausage and tofu if you’re really hungry. For snacks, the popcorn chicken with garlic and basil or crispy red-braised pork belly will hit the spot. Finish your meal with something sweet, like yuzu Basque cheesecake or a soft maritozzo bun filled with fresh cream. Wash it all down with The Summer Orchard cocktail, crafted with 100% white peach and guava purees, white rum, soda water and a touch of red guava syrup. 2181 McNicoll Avenue, Unit 1, Scarborough.
Lamoon’s new east-end location blends Thai comfort food with café-style drinks! The menu covers a ton, but start with the pad kee mao with holy basil and green peppercorns, the rich boat noodle soup, and the crispy pork belly stir-fried with chilli and garlic. For a fun fusion twist, try the sticky piggy burger on sticky rice buns with Thai jaew sauce. Pair your meal with a dirty Thai tea (Thai tea with espresso) or a pandan latte. 730 Queen St E.
9. Hakka + Co
If you’re craving wok-tossed Indo-Chinese comfort food, head to Church and Wellesley. Hakka + Co only opened in February and is already making an impression for classics like momos, noodles, fried rice and saucy wok mains! Start with the House Special Steamed Momos, available with veg, paneer or chicken, then add the Honey Chilli Potatoes for something crispy, sweet and spicy. For mains, the Desi Hakka & Co. Chow Mein is one of the menu’s standout signatures: think smoky, saucy noodles tossed with cabbage, onions, capsicum and green chillies in a spicy desi soy masala. Pair that with either the Burnt Garlic Noodles if you want something more aromatic and garlicky, or the Creamy Garlic Butter Noodles if you’re after a richer comfort-food pick. Oh, and if you like some serious heat, there’s even a wok main called Demonic – Hot as Hell! 555 Church St.
If your TikTok algorithm has been an endless stream of warm, melt-in-your-mouth cookies being scooped straight out of the pan and piled high into cups, then consider this your sign: Toronto finally has one of its own.
The viral “cookie scoop” has officially landed in the city, and it’s coming out of Little Pebbles, the tiny Baldwin Street bakery in Kensington Market that’s now giving Torontonians a chance to take part in one of the internet’s most indulgent dessert trends.
Blink and you’ll miss it. Hidden at 160 Baldwin St, Little Pebbles has dominated that corner since opening in 2016. Known for their delicate, detail-driven baking that draws from both Japanese and French traditions, they’re about to break all their rules for you. In a space that reflects the same restraint: minimal, all-white, with just a Mount Fuji poster breaking up the calm, they’re ready to bring a new energy to the bakery.
The “cookie scoop” is exactly what it sounds like. Imagine a large, deep-dish cookie that’s just shy of fully baked: crisp around the edges, molten through the centre, and soft enough to scoop straight into a cup. It’s a cross between a skillet cookie and cookie dough, designed to be messy, and torn apart by a spoon.
The cookie world has been heading here for years — from Levain-style cookies to edible dough to over-the-top chains—but it’s always felt just shy of what we actually wanted. Instead of ordering a finished dessert, you build it yourself. t starts with a warm, scoopable cookie, then shifts into something closer to an ice cream counter, loaded with toppings. chocolate sauce, fresh strawberries, or viral combos like pistachio and chocolate — even a Dubai-inspired mix with crunchy kunafa-style textures. Add-ons like crisp feuilletine bring contrast, turning each cup into a fully custom dessert.
At around $7 to $8 with toppings, it’s a shockingly affordable indulgence for something that feels over-the-top. And judging by the steady stream of people spilling in off Baldwin Street, Toronto is more than ready to grab a spoon.
April is almost over, and in just a few short weeks, we’ll be approaching summer! There’s plenty to do and see in Toronto in the meantime. From Raptors at the playoffs to documentary film fests and vintage markets, here are the best things to do in Toronto this weekend.
Comedian Irene Tu brings her razor-sharp wit and acclaimed standup to town for a two-night run in Toronto on Friday and Saturday. She’s opened for comics like Taylor Tomlinson and Ronny Chieng, and her first comedy album We’re Done Now debuted at #1 on iTunes!
Canadian rock band Triumph are back for a 50th anniversary tour! They’re heading on the road for the first time in 30 years, and the trio will be bringing back all their hits when they take to the stage at Scotiabank Arena on Friday on their Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded Tour.
On Sunday, head over to Evergreen Brick Works for Ecofair Toronto: a celebration of green month featuring over 100 vendors, a clothing swap, art workshops, nature-focused activities, bicycle repairs and more! The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Prepare to enter a world of glitz and glamour at the premiere of Moulin Rouge! The Musical in Toronto! Bringing to life Baz Luhrmann’s stunning film, this show has received 10 Tony Awards and is a true theatrical treat.
Running this week until May 3, the 2026 Hot Docs Festival is bringing documentaries from around the world to audiences in Toronto. Festival highlights include an exploration of queer rock icon Carole Pope’s life as well as the story of the investigative journalist who discovered the cover-up of the five Canadian professional hockey players accused of sexual assault.
The first round of the playoffs are under way, and our own Toronto Raptors are facing off against the Cleveland Cavaliers. After two losses, they’re making a return to Scotiabank Arena for game 3 on Thursday and game 4 on Sunday — and you can cheer them on from the stands!
Four vintage vendors are coming together on Saturday for a second-hand shopping pop-up in the parking lot of Typist Studios! Shop Odd Thing, Pearl Vintage Apparel, Not Forgotten Vintage and Vintage Markham will be bringing their best curated spring and summer pieces for you to browse and buy.
Need to refresh your bookshelf? On Saturday, Glad Day is hosting a mega book swap featuring hundreds of books. You can buy tickets or swap your own books for tickets, and then use those tickets to buy up as many books as you’d like!
Well, the rumours were true. One of Toronto’s most recognizable pizza names is getting ready to expand, and this time it’s heading to the Annex. Pizzeria Badiali will officially open its second neighbourhood slice shop on May 11 at the former Victory Cafe space near Bloor and Bathurst, bringing its much-loved pies to Mirvish Village.
The new outpost takes over the restored red brick corner building in the heart of the neighbourhood, giving the historic Markham St address a new chapter while keeping the old-school neighbourhood feel that helped make Badiali’s original Dovercourt location such a hit in the first place.
While the new shop will carry the same pizzas, salads and dips as the Dovercourt location, including signature faves like the pepperoni, vodka and Margherita slices, the Markham St location will be the only Badiali’s offering a grandma-style pizza, a style in which the dough is stretched into a tray and baked almost immediately, resulting in a square shape, thin crust and cheese that’s put on before the sauce (we never knew grandmacore pizza was a thing, but we’re here for it).
“We are excited to join the Annex neighbourhood, and even more excited about reopening this historic building for people to come have great pizza and hang out with their friends and family,” Ryan Baddeley, chef and co-owner of Pizzeria Badiali, said, adding that he’s been wanting to offer grandma-style pizza for a while now. “[We] can’t wait for people to come try our version, inspired by both New York Italian and traditional Italian cooking.”
The 1,400-square-foot restaurant is equally stunning, seating 30 guests inside, with front and side patios set to add more room later in the warmer months. The space was designed by Toronto firm Futurestudio, and pulls inspiration from New York Little Italy pizza joints, old-school coffee shops, Pizza Hut nostalgia and Badiali’s own Dovercourt aesthetic. The design celebrates the heritage of the Victorian-era building through a warmer, more contemporary lens, with custom Tiffany-style stained-glass pendants and a deep green-plum-vintage white colour palette that makes the shop feel like an age-old neighbourhood fixture.
As diners munch on their pizza, they can look through beautifully restored bay windows featuring hand-lettered signage from local artist Andrew Kidder, who also painted the original Badiali Dovercourt windows, adding another familiar Badiali touch!
Pizzeria Badiali Markham St opens on May 11, 2026, at 581 Markham St. It’ll be open seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pizzas, salads, dips and drinks can be enjoyed onsite, with pizza delivery to the neighbourhood available later in May. Once open, customers can order through pizzeriabadiali.com. Follow @pizzeriabadiali for more info!
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about 
