13 charming end of summer small town fairs to check out across Ontario

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12:27 pm

londonwesternfair — Courtesy westernfair.ca

We’re just a few weeks away from the end of summer, and what better way to close the season than by visiting a local fall fair? It’s a perfect mash-up of carnival rides, indie music and agricultural exhibits (so, fun every member of the family). Here are some of the top fairs across Ontario to look out for in the coming weeks.

Magnetawan Fair

mantegewanfair — Courtesy ontariovisited.ca

When: Aug. 28–31, 2025

Head to cottage country this Labour Day weekend and experience a traditional small-town fair filled with country charm. Visitors can explore everything from livestock shows and homecraft exhibits to children’s games, live performances, a colourful parade and even fun adult attractions like rock wall climbing and a mechanical bull ride! Don’t forget your pet — your four-legged friends can compete in the annual pet show for fun titles like “Best Dressed” or “Waggiest Tail”! The fair has deep roots, dating back to 1877, and is the perfect celebration of rural life and agricultural pride.

Kinmount Fair

When: Aug. 29–31, 2025

This traditional country fair promises a weekend filled with entertainment and agricultural showcases, including saddle horse shows, livestock judging and horse pulls. Animal lover? Both kids and parents will adore the barnyard petting zoos, pony rides and cute rabbit displays, as well as more unique attractions like the Extreme Dogs stunt show and Aces Flying Pig Races! The fairgrounds feature a midway with unlimited-ride passes, and annual crowd-pleasers like the truck & tractor pull, demolition derby and an amateur talent show. Admission: Adult Daily: $15 | Ages 12 & under: Free | Weekend Pass (Fri, Sat, Sun): $40 | Daily Parking: $10.

Durham Fall Fair

When: Aug. 29–31, 2025

This annual fair in Grey County is known as “The Best Little Fair in Ontario” for a reason! The weekend-long celebration features a lively Saturday morning parade, agricultural exhibits and tons of family-friendly entertainment, including a much-anticipated bridal show on Saturday afternoon (expect to see dresses spanning more than a century of style). There’s no midway, but visitors can still enjoy carnival-style fun at the Fun Factory, as well as classic fair competitions. Admission is by donation, so everyone can take part.

Stormont County Fair

stormountfair — Courtesy stormontfair.ca

When: Aug. 29–Sept. 1, 2025

Head to Newington this Labour Day weekend to celebrate the 158th year of the Stormont County Fair, and experience a blend of agricultural roots and family fun. Visitors will enjoy livestock shows, 4-H competitions, a bustling midway with tons of games, homecraft exhibits, tractor pulls and, of course, live music. This year’s highlights include the Friday night demolition derby, a Saturday parade, as well as plenty of activities for your little ones, including face painting, petting zoos, pony rides and specialty shows. Admission: $25 Friday | $20 Saturday or Sunday | $15 Monday | $70 weekend pass for unlimited access. Children under 36″ get in free | Seniors (60+) enjoy a $15 special on Sunday.

Port Perry Fair

When: Aug. 30–Sept. 1, 2025

Enjoy three days of live entertainment, baking contests, agricultural showcases and classic country fun! This year’s highlights include a Horse Pulling Competition on Monday and a vintage tractor display showcasing machines manufactured before 1960. And don’t forget the music. Fans can look forward to the return of the Steve Waters Band (from Peterborough) and headliner Tyler Joe Miller, whose Gold-certified hit “Pillow Talkin’” launched him onto the Billboard Canada Country chart. Click here for the full schedule of events. Admission: Adult (14 or over): $15 | Adult Weekend Pass (includes all 3 days plus the Sunday concert): $40 | Child (5-13): $10 | Weekend Child Pass: $20 | Pre-Schoolers (4 & under): Free.

Hymers Fall Fair

When: Aug. 31–Sept. 1, 2025

This charming country fair near Thunder Bay is more than a century old. Expect contests, horse and cattle shows, homemade food and quaint chats with friendly locals to experience the true atmosphere of Canadian country living. This year’s theme is Tailgates and Tractors! Admission: $10 general (13+) | $5 senior (60+) | $5 child (6-12) or $1 with zucchini or sunflower.

Cambridge Fall Fair

When: Sept.  4–7, 2025

This is one of the most popular end-of-summer fairs in Southwestern Ontario! Head to Dickson Park for activities the entire family will enjoy, from carnival rides to delicious food vendors. This year’s main events include a demolition derby on Friday night (bring a blanket as it might be a bit chilly) and an AC/DC tribute on Saturday evening, with special guest bands Flash Johnson and Brave & Crazy. Tickets are $16.83+ and are available through Eventbrite.

The Bruce Mines Fall Fair (Central Algoma Exhibition)

When: Sept. 5–7, 2025

This fair was first held in September 1880, making it an annual tradition that you’ll want to be part of! Popular main events will return this year, including the crash-up derby, horse shows, lawnmower races, muttin’ bustin’ and even the BMAS Horse Gaming Point Show, where riders and their horses tackle speed-and-agility challenges! Saturday will include live entertainment and a licensed beer garden for adults, with music by The Luxury (a Tragically Hip tribute act). On Sunday, expect everything from a goat showmanship show to a mullet hair competition and barnyard-style senior youth games. Admission: Daily passes: $10 for adults, $5 for teens | Kids 12 and under free all weekend. Concert-only tickets starting at $5 for youth, $20 for adults. Weekend passes: $25-$45, depending on concert access. Camping is available for $25 per night.

West Niagara Fair

When: Sept. 5–7, 2025

Gather your loved ones and enjoy a weekend packed with competitions, family entertainment and midway games! Highlights include two demolition derbies (Friday and Sunday), the annual Baby Show and agricultural favourites like the Antique Tractor Show & Pull and Farmers Olympics. Visitors can also enjoy a celebrity pie-eating contest (no word yet on the celebs), a wrestling event and a community spelling bee. If you’re into homemade products and produce, you’ll get to explore one of Niagara’s most impressive homecraft displays, featuring everything from giant vegetables to hand-stitched quilts! Admission: Adults: $10 | Kids: $5 (6-12).

Uxbridge Fair

uxbridgefallfair — Courtesy uxbridgefair.ca

When: Sept. 5–7, 2025

Enjoy a weekend filled with quintessential small-town rural tradition, hands-on competitions and family-friendly attractions! This year’s highlights include a classic car show, a Heavy Horse Show, a Horse Pull as well as tons of homecrafts, everything from knitted items and artwork to delicious baked goods. Foodies can sink their teeth into fair faves like chicken dogs, cotton candy, caramel corn and candy floss, as well as more unique dishes like Jamaican patties, chow mein and samosas. Admission: Adults: $15+ | Youth/Seniors: $10+. Kids under 5: Free.

Warkworth Fall Fair

When: Sept. 5–7, 2025

This fair was established way back in 1850, so it’s a huge event in Northumberland County! You can expect a weekend filled with country charm and community spirit. Friday night kicks things off with food and craft vendors, homecraft displays and performances by the Blue Rigbys, Simply Shania, a Chicks tribute show and Rayzor’s Edge. Saturday includes everything from sheep shearing demos and horse and pony pulls to the popular Bake Your Best Pie contest! Kids will love the petting zoo, puppet shows and midway rides, while adults can enjoy the beer garden, which runs late into the evenings, alongside live music sets. Admission: Adults: $10+ (depending on day) | Public school children: Free.

Western Fair

When: Sept. 5–14, 2025

Roam through indoor displays and experience competitions, animal shows, attractions and some of the best midway rides and games found in North America! This year’s crowd faves include monster truck competitions (Sept. 5, 10), a demolition derby (Sept. 7, 14), an animal barn, corn maze and the always-popular midway rides and games, where you can experience a gravity-defying mega drop tower, tasty corn dogs and live music! Tickets: $15+ | Free for kids 10 & under and seniors 65+.

Severn Bridge Fair

When: Sept. 6, 2025

This annual fair will be filled with musical acts performing on stage throughout the day, agricultural exhibits, delicious treats, vendors, a children’s “maker market”, face-painting for kids, games, prize-winning produce and tons of homemade items to purchase (so perhaps get some early Christmas shopping done!).

Billie Eilish played her first Toronto show here. Decades later, The Drake’s menu is the headliner

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Megan Gallant

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82466593 189938635744402 5753131958280709383 n (1) — Lily & Lilac for Dress to Kill Magazine

“It’s that emotional connection that people make with art and culture that keeps people coming back.”

That’s what Scott Hart, regional general manager of The Drake Hotel and its other properties, says when reflection on the legacy that the iconic Toronto landmark has built over the last two decades. From launching international music careers to spotlighting local talents, and serving up the tastes of the region, The Drake has become synonymous with buzz-worthy nights in the city — and, with a new menu under the direction of executive chef Daniel Hyam, there’s no chance of it losing its hold on the city anytime soon.

The Drake that exists today — a fittingly social accommodation that matches West Queen West’s vibrant crowd where there’s always something going on — got its start in 2001. Jeff Stober purchased the 1150 Queen Street West building, built circa 1890s, which had been the derelict Stardust rock club for many years, and opened The Drake in 2004.

“Jeff recognized that this was a neighbourhood that was about to explode,” says Hart. “It had all the components of being a very special neighbourhood with an incredible artistic community.”

The same can be said of Prince Edward County when The Drake Hotel properties expanded operations in 2014, transforming a modest bed and breakfast into the Drake Devonshire, a boutique resort and hotel. In 2019, the brand opened the Drake Motor Inn, located just down the road.

“People were going up north to Muskoka, they were going west to Niagara, but Prince Edward County was very much off the map, and Jeff recognized it had all these incredible lakes, and this incredible artistic community,” says Hart. “I think the artists have a way of being the first movers and helping create neighbourhoods.”

Over the decades since, The Drake Hotel has maintained its soaring, transcendent reputation with stylish rooms, rooftop-worthy cocktails, artfully rolled sushi and the vibrant music scene in The Underground. The Drake has gained a reputation as being a star’s launchpad, having hosted memorable shows from Daniel Caesar, Beck, the Weeknd and even Billie Eilish — the latter of which played her first Toronto gig at The Underground before she topped the billboards.

And it’s not just The Drake’s music scene shaping the entertainment of Queen West, as the venue has also staged comedy shows, hosted trivia nights, and spotlighted unique talents. It has also become famed for its energetic Saturday drag brunch featuring Miss Moço — who is also now bringing her fun performances to Prince Edward County once per month.

The Drake even shows its eye for art through the award-winning architecture and design. In 2022, the expanded Modern Wing brought 32 new rooms to the building, symbolically showing The Drake’s blend of history and the contemporary by combining the original Edwardian Classicism architectural style of the build with the sleek graphic touch of the 21^st century.

This blend of adapting to the time and maintaining its legacy, Hart says, is something The Drake always strives to find.

“It’s about consistency, so we remain committed to delivering a quality product at each of our locations over the last twenty years,” says Hart. “But secondly, evolution is part of our DNA. We’ve always stayed rooted in our commitment to culture, supporting the arts, local creators, culinary talent, and with the art and culture scene of the city constantly evolving, so have we. We embrace change.”

That can be seen through the new menu, launched by executive chef Hyam, who worked at the award-winning Nota Bene under chef David Lee before playing a key role in launching and growing the Planta group experience. Hyam joins the list of other notable Toronto chefs who stood in the The Drake kitchen, including Anthony Rose and Ted Corrado.

“It’s got a great reputation,” Hyam says. “I really felt like it was a great community within this one venue, and that’s proven true. Everybody that I’ve met loves working here and they’re all very passionate, and I think that shows through everything we do.”

Following the evolution of the dining scene in Toronto, this summer, The Drake has taken on a menu built around share plates, an expanded sushi program and comfort foods that show off Toronto’s multicultural culinary scene.

“We’ve made things a little bit smaller, a little bit more approachable,” Hyam says. “Flavours are recognizable to people, not strange. We have chicken wings but we put a sweet and spicy sauce on them, or we have hot dogs, but we do them a little bit with southwest flavours.”

How do you approach revitalizing a menu for a venue that has become so iconic in the city? According to Hyam, it means listening to what their diners want.

“There’s a real loyal following, not only to the restaurant but for the venue itself so we do have to make sure that we respect those guests that have always been coming and so the focus is always on quality,” says Hyam. “But it’s also about evolving in a way that is respectful to what is here and pushes boundaries a little bit (….) I like working in an environment where there’s so much history but at the same time, from the arts background, there’s a real desire to evolve and to try new things.”

But, he assures, no amount of evolution will result in removing the Drake Burger from the menu. Some things are meant to stay the same.

The UK’s famous themed ‘boozy brunch’ events are coming to Toronto

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Nisean Lorde

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11:34 am

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ukbrunchclub — Courtesy The Brunch Club/Facebook

We know that Toronto has a vibrant brunch scene, but the Brits take it to another level. The Brunch Club is the UK’s biggest party brunch brand, and their boozy brunch events are known for flamboyant themes, live music, delicious food and a bit of day drinking. And now, they’re bringing the fun to Toronto.

The Brunch Club will be hosting three themed events in the comings months in Toronto, all taking place between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. at One Eyed Jack Restaurant & Bar (287 Richmond St. W.) and include a full brunch spread, four cocktails and loads of entertainment, with prices starting at $79.99 per person.

The Toronto menu features everything from smashburgers and mushroom chicken penne to grilled Atlantic salmon and vegan crispy chicken salad! Drinks include Mango Rum Punch, Melon Ball, Sex on the Beach, Prosecco, and even soft drinks if you’re not into alcohol (each guest receives four drinks; just keep in mind that Ontario licensing laws cap “boozy brunch” drinks at four cocktails within the first hour).

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On Saturday, Oct. 18, don’t miss the GIMME! GIMME! GIMME! ABBA Boozy Brunch, filled with live performers who’ll transport you back to the golden era of disco! Expect DJs spinning old-school disco classics, ’70s costumes (guests are encouraged to dress for the theme) and sing‑alongs to songs like “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia” and more.

For a more soulful vibe, check out the R&B Classics Boozy Brunch on Saturday, Nov. 8. Guests will jam to ’90s and ’00s R&B (think early Ciara, Usher, TLC, Missy Elliott and Ja Rule), with DJs spinning all their fav R&B anthems.

Finally, to kick off the Christmas season, there’s a 90s Xmas Boozy Brunch on Saturday, Dec. 6. Imagine a giant ’90s Christmas party filled with festive classics and sing-alongs, like “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “Last Christmas,” “Santa Baby” and more cheeky UK holiday flair. Dress code: ’90s fashion with a Sexy Santa twist!

Click here for more information and tickets.

Where to see Labour Day fireworks near Toronto this weekend

By

Julia Mastroianni

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4:31 pm

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When this weekend rolls around, Torontonians will be looking for all the best ways to finish the summer with a bang — literally. Fireworks displays are often a popular way to celebrate (unless you’re a dog that is), and though they’re not permitted on Labour Day in many cities and townships, there are a few places to enjoy them in and around Toronto this weekend.

Canada’s Wonderland fireworks

The biggest Labour Day fireworks display in Ontario, Canada’s Wonderland always knows how to put on a great show. Known for their other massive holiday displays, including Victoria Day and Canada Day, the show is held just one day only, on Sunday, Sept. 1.

As always, it will begin when the park closes at 10 p.m. and features a custom design set to a different original soundtrack every time (so don’t worry if you’ve seen a Wonderland fireworks show before). With 11 separate firing positions and 1,800 firing cues to create a display that fills the park skyline, get ready for a 15-minute show that features 6,000 colourful explosions that will reach heights of over 800 feet.

End of summer celebration in Tecumseh

See out the last official weekend of the season with the End of Summer Celebration in Tecumseh. Hosted by Team Goran Re/Max Care Realty, expect a community bonfire and marshmallow roast, a performance by local artist Max Marshall, interactive lawn games and more. At dusk, head from Lakewood Park North to Lakewood Park South for a fireworks display. The celebration will take place on Saturday, Aug. 30, with a Sunday, Aug. 31 rain date.

Merritton Lions Club Labour Day weekend

This weekend, St. Catharine’s will be home to an entire Labour Day celebration — which includes a fireworks show at dusk! The Merritton Lions Club is running a long weekend carnival, beginning with a Dirty Denim Canadian tuxedo party on Friday, a beer garden and band on Saturday and then a full day of entertainment on Sunday. Expect kid-friendly fun, live bands and finally the incredible fireworks show at dusk. End off the weekend on a high note with the Labour Day parade on Monday.

Niagara Falls fireworks show

Join thousands of other visitors on the long weekend with a trip to Niagara Falls. If it’s fireworks you’re after, you can get not one, not two but three full nights of fireworks thanks to the 2025 Niagara Falls Summer Fireworks series, the longest-running fireworks series in Canada. Pair that with the nightly Falls illumination, which lights up the iconic Niagara Falls in a whole rainbow of colours, for a visually spectacular long weekend experience. Take a trip up the Skylon Tower or the Niagara SkyWheel for an even more incredible view of the festivities.

Port Elgin Fireworks

Head to the coast of Lake Huron near Saugeen Shores for another exciting display this weekend — the Rotary Club of Port Elgin’s Labour Day fireworks. Beginning at dusk, around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30 and running until 9:30 p.m., the show is happening at Port Elgin Main Beach.

Memories of Summer at Wasaga Beach

Visit Wasaga Beach this long weekend for Memories of Summer: an electrifying Labour Day celebration featuring a performance by Queen Flash, Canada’s top Queen tribute band! Spend the day enjoying food from amazing food trucks, dancing and singing to live entertainment and then catch the fireworks display at the end of night after the sun sets.

Famous wheel cake dessert shop from Taiwan has finally opened in Toronto

By

Nisean Lorde

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3:15 pm

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misterwheeltoronto — @misterwheel_toronto/Instagram

A new dessert destination called Mister Wheel opened its doors in Toronto earlier this month, just steps from the North York Centre subway station, bringing a fresh take on Taiwanese-style wheel cakes to Toronto’s food scene!

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These crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside pancake-like pastries (also known as wheel pies or red bean cakes) are traditionally made in round moulds that give them their wheel-like shape. Each one is filled with rich ingredients tucked inside the golden shell, ranging from classic red bean paste to custard, chocolate, cheese and even savoury options.

While several Toronto eateries already serve wheel cakes, most notably bubble tea shop FormoCha (55 Eglinton Ave. E.), Mister Wheel stands out with a menu dedicated entirely to freshly made-to-order wheel cakes and specialty drinks.

The cakes are made on a special iron griddle, where the chef pours in a layer of batter, adds filling to the centre and tops it with more batter before sealing the halves together. Instagram users recommend eating them hot right away (that’s apparently when they taste the best) and have praised flavours like Earl Grey milk tea, Matcha with Mochi, custard, pistachio, black sesame, savoury bacon with potato and even a limited-edition Canadian maple sugar wheel-flavoured cake!

You may have to wait a few minutes for your order, but customers love that “[e]very pie is prepared fresh right in front of you” and that you can expect “fluffy pancake-like dough with crispy exterior and generous amounts of fillings that aren’t too sweet.”

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Wheel cakes originally hail from Japan, where they’re known as imagawayaki, and date back to the Edo period. Throughout the years, they’ve become popular street foods in Japan and Taiwan, so these delicious treats will bring Torontonians a nostalgic taste from East Asia.

Mister Wheel was founded in Taiwan in 2017, and the North York branch marks the brand’s first location in North America. Visit Mister Wheel at 5317 Yonge St., North York, inside the Upper East Food Club.

Move over panini — there’s a new bread taking over Toronto’s sandwich scene

By

Erica Commisso

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Screenshot 2025 08 23 at 2 29 05 PM — Vero Italian Sandwich Co.

Italian sandwiches get a unique twist at Vero Sandwich Shop, a new eatery located at 488 Queen Street West. Inside, Italian chef Daniele Gagliotta makes everything fresh in-house, including the schiacciata bread which serves as the starting point for Vero’s sandwiches.

Chef Daniele is a world champion pizzaiolo, and the bread at Vero is his specialty. He helped craft the star of the operation, the 48-hour schiacciata sourdough, which uses flour imported from Italy and carries a texture similar to a thin, Tuscan focaccia. And Vero lets the dough take centre stage in every way possible, including make sure the space itself showcases the work that goes into making the schiacciata.

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“We designed the restaurant to be a completely open concept,” chef Daniele says. “Customers can see us making the dough while they wait for their sandwich.”

Schiacciata is all the rage these days – in Toronto, David Rocco’s Bar Aperitivo and Ariete el Toro use it, drawing comparisons to All’Antico Vinaio in Florence, Italy, where devoted visitors queue for up to an hour to indulge in the shop’s now‑famed schiacciata, lauded by Saveur as “home of the world’s best sandwiches” and once TripAdvisor’s most‑reviewed restaurant worldwide

As for Vero’s menu items, Italian-style options include the Smoke & Dolce, crafted with speck, smoked provolone, stracciatella, fig jam and arugula, the Gabagool, which is stacked with capicola, mortadella, fresh mozzarella, giardiniera, tomato and arugula, and The God-feather, which uses roast turkey, smoked provolone, caramelized onions, cacio e pepe crema and heritage greens. Prices for Vero’s sandwiches range from $18 to $24.

The eatery also offers a sweet treat in the form of a pane e nutella with toasted schiacciate, Nutella and pistachio.

Vero officially started welcoming guests last week and is open daily from noon to 6 p.m., with delivery and takeout options launching soon.

Ossington pizza hot spot Superpoint suddenly closes, but hints at a comeback

By

Nisean Lorde

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10:13 am

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After nearly 10 years of serving up thin-crust pizzas and house-made pasta on Ossington Avenue, Superpoint officially closed its doors on Sunday (at least temporarily). The restaurant hasn’t released an official statement, but news of the closure quickly spread across social media, as first reported by @dicks.world (Rick Silver).

The Toronto Restaurants Instagram page also reported on the closure. The announcement came without much information, but the Instagram post hints that renovations will soon begin at the site, located at 184 Ossington Avenue, so it’s possible the pizza hot spot is just undergoing renos.

As of publication, Google lists the restaurant as “temporarily closed”, and the official Superpoint account has been responding to Instagram comments with cryptic messages, like “Brb ??” and “We will be right back ?”, leaving some to wonder whether a reopening or relocation is in the works. When Insta users asked for clarification, or if the closure was temporary, there was no response. Their Instagram bio also reads “Be right back,” and the caption on the pizza joint’s one and only Instagram post also alludes to a return. Streets of Toronto has reached out for comment and will update if more information becomes available.

Throughout the years, Superpoint became the go-to spot for west end diners, serving classics like cheese and pepperoni pizza alongside more creative specialties, like the oyster and cremini mushroom pie or the salami and spicy honey combo. So the (temporary?) closure announcement has prompted heartfelt reactions across social media.

“No notice is crazy but man superpoint was an OG spot before so many of these places popped up in the last 5 years,” one Instagram user wrote, with another adding, “Superpoint was huge to Toronto pizza.. the sopressata honey was the first and best sopressata honey… They walked so places like badialis could run”.

Sentiments were similar on Reddit on Sunday.

“Aww that’s unfortunate news,” one Reddit user stated, while another said, “They’re definitely closing……happened to have a reso today and was told it’s their last night of business :((( left in total shock.”

Former U.S. VP Kamala Harris is heading to Toronto this fall

By

Nisean Lorde

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5:30 am

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Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris is heading to Toronto this November as part of a 15-city book tour.

Harris made the announcement in an Instagram post on Thursday. The tour kicks off in New York on Sept 24, one day after the release of her memoir “107 Days,” and will end at Miami’s Ziff Opera House in late November.

Harris lands in Toronto on Nov 16.

“107 Days is my candid and personal account of the shortest presidential campaign in modern history,” Harris stated in the post. “Over the next few months, I will travel our country to share behind-the-scenes moments, lessons learned, and how we keep moving forward together.”

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In another Insta post, the 60-year-old said that writing the book felt like living the campaign in reverse — “rewinding each moment and experiencing it all over again. Behind every speech I gave, hand I shook, and story I told on the road, there were deeper layers, quiet reflections, and lessons learned,” Harris said, adding that the book isn’t a recap of the race, it’s more of a candid and personal account of her journey — “the shortest presidential campaign in modern history.”

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Harris, who took over as Democratic leader after Biden dropped out last year July, was defeated in November by now U.S. President Donald Trump. If she had been elected, Harris would have been the first woman and the first woman of colour to have become president, so fans at the book event will likely hear a ton of behind-the-scenes stories.

As for Harris’s future, perhaps she isn’t through with politics. Sources close to Harris told NBC News in July that she was looking to keep her options open to run for president again in 2028.

A Conversation with Kamala Harris takes place at Meridian Hall in Toronto on Sun, Nov 16 at 3:00 pm. Bonus: Tickets include a copy of 107 Days.

Ten road trip-worthy patios to visit before summer ends

By

Jessica Huras

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5:00 am

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Toronto’s patio scene is certainly lively, but with summer coming to a close, you might want to squeeze in a road trip or two. We’ve got 10 of the best fine restaurants within a two-hour drive of Toronto with patios that are worth the trip.

Braai House, Stratford

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This innovative Stratford restaurant specializing in South African-influenced cuisine does lunch and dinner service on three patio spaces. Braai House takes reservations, so snag a spot in advance and you won’t need to worry about wait times.

Fabbrica, Thornbury

The Thornbury outpost of chef Mark McEwan’s Italian restaurant has a super popular and inviting patio. Head to Fabbrica to get your fix of wood-fired pizzas, hearty pastas and other approachable classics.

Miijidaa, Guelph

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Miijidaa‘s leafy patio space is a favourite among locals. This spot offers a large vegetarian and vegan selection alongside classics such as pork and elk tourtiére and seared trout.

555 Brewing, Picton

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Picton’s 555 Brewing has a large and casual patio, perfect for larger groups and cozy catch-ups (and drag shows!). Drive here to dine on wood-fired pizza and small-batch beers with a view of Picton’s cheerful downtown strip.

The Common, Stratford

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This relaxed restaurant specializes in eclectic comfort food. Mussels à la Normande with double smoked bacon, shallots, roast apple, calvados, crostini and organic green salad are among the dishes on the Common’s menu for this weekend.

The Bauer Kitchen, Waterloo

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The Bauer Kitchen in Waterloo is serving bistro-style eats paired with a lengthy list of wines by the glass. Reservations can be made through the restaurant’s site.

Revival House, Stratford

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Stratford’s beautiful restaurant set in a restored church has a pretty patio for lunch and dinner. The Revival House is known for its seasonal, French-influenced cuisine and craft brews.

Greystones, Orangeville

Housed in a rustic, historic building, Greystones has three distinct spaces that come together to create an old-meets-new vibe. The restaurant, lounge and café have modern details, including a hand-painted mural, complementing some of the building’s original features. On the menu you’ll find scrumptious house-made pasta, Mediterranean-inspired shared plates and meat and seafood dishes that come together to create a menu that’s sure to make any foodie’s mouth water. The whole experience is, as the eatery boasts, unlike any other. 63 Broadway, Orangeville

Mercer Kitchen, Stratford

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Mercer Kitchen’s street-facing patio is beautiful day or night. Head here for easy-going bistro fare and a solid selection of beers.

Borealis Grille & Bar, Kitchener

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Borealis Grille serves up locally-sourced fare and cool cocktails, all available to enjoy on their sprawling patio with great shade coverage.

The best nightlife things to do when the sun goes down in Toronto this month

By

Julia Mastroianni

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1:11 pm

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illuminated-kayaks — @torontokayaks/Instagram

Summer may be ending, but with the dreaded earlier sunset comes an exciting perk of living in this city — the nightlife. September is when Toronto comes alive with arts, culture, fascinating food experiences and pop-ups and plenty of other cool things to do when the sun and temperature goes down. From sunset yoga to pickleball parties, here are the best ways to make the most of your nights this season in Toronto.

Fire it up

Trillium Park

This little slice of summertime heaven in Toronto is still open and boasts a very large firepit, ideal for spending a warm summer night with friends. Trillium Park, part of Ontario Place, boasts one of the largest firepits in Toronto, offering a picturesque setting with breathtaking views of the sunset and the iconic Toronto skyline.

Christie Pits

Christie Pits’s firepit enhances the park’s offerings. It’s a place where you can gather around, enjoy the crackling flames and create lasting memories. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, sharing stories with friends or simply basking in the cosy ambience, the firepit at Christie Pits is a must-visit spot. It provides a perfect setting for year-round enjoyment, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a warm and inviting outdoor experience.

Nighttime activities

Immerse yourself

Experience the highly popular H20 Float Studio in Toronto’s Distillery District. Open until 11 p.m. every night, couples or singles can immerse themselves in a signature float experience of their choosing. Try the Starry Night Experience, where you’ll float beneath a ceiling of twinkling lights, creating the illusion of floating under a clear night sky. Or reconnect with nature through the Rainforest Experience, featuring gentle rainfall effects and calming ambient sounds to transport you to a serene jungle paradise. Are you ready to explore the unknown and unleash your creativity?

Sunset yoga

Wind down while the sun sets with a sunset yoga experience you won’t forget! On Aug. 26 and 28, head to Coronation Park for some peaceful, outdoor yoga right by Lake Ontario, hosted by certified yoga teacher Atreyee. You’ll get to salute the sunset as part of this experience, which begins with a sun salutation and flow and ends with breath work.

Glow-in-the-dark paddling

Light up the night after the sun sets, rent an illuminated kayak from Illuminated Escapes, and paddle along Woodbine Beach for some stunning skyline views. The kayak-canoe hybrids are transparent and lit up with rainbow LED lights, so you can spot some fish swimming below you as you go — plus, you can hook up your phone to the Bluetooth speaker for a little paddle party.

Rooftop roller skating

The roller skating pop-up by Suso Skate Co. is back at The Bentway and is running all the way through September. From Wednesday to Sunday, the pop-up features all kinds of themed events, such as Sixties Sundays and K-Pop Party, so be sure to dress accordingly!

Pickleball party

Embrace the fastest growing sport in North America at the very cool and lively Stackt Market. Fairgrounds operates courts right at the market, which are open until 9:30 p.m. for your dinking pleasure. There is an ongoing social pickleball evening on Tuesdays, as well as happy hour beer specials.

Pool bars

KŌST at Bisha Hotel

Perched 44 stories above Toronto’s entertainment district, Kōst offers an infinity pool with sweeping views and a trendy atmosphere. Enjoy modern Californian and contemporary Asian cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with a range of traditional and à la mode cocktails during the daily happy hour from 3 to 5 pm.

Harriet’s Rooftop at 1 Hotel Toronto

Exuding elegance and charm, Harriet’s Rooftop Bar at 1 Hotel Toronto provides expansive city views and a luxurious pool deck. Dive in or unwind from 12 to 11 p.m. daily, and enjoy expertly crafted cocktails until close.

Lavelle

Experience a day-to-night poolside extravaganza at Lavelle, located 16 stories above the city. This landmark venue offers unobstructed 360° views of Toronto’s skyline (that are particularly striking at night), private cabanas and three pools. Savour contemporary Latin and Japanese cuisine while refreshing cocktails quench your thirst.

For the best arts and culture in Toronto to enjoy when the sun sets, click here.

5 hidden gem cottage areas in and around Ontario that you have to see to believe

By

Ron Johnson

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To find the most serene escapes, we went way off the beaten path to find five cottage areas you can explore this summer that won’t be overcrowded and swarming with tourists but are bursting with small-town charm.

Manitoulin Island

Tucked away amidst the Great Lakes is Manitoulin Island, which also happens to be the biggest freshwater island on the planet. Because of its isolated location, the Northern Lights are visible from Manitoulin from August to October, making mid to late August a prime time to visit the island. Plenty of trails, rivers, and off-path escapes throughout the island, along with several shops and restaurants within the Gore Bay area. You can easily find a home to rent on the island, such as this one, and if you fall in love with the area, you can purchase a waterside plot of land like this one for a mere five million.

Sept-Iles, Quebec

French for ‘Seven Islands,’ Sept-Iles is one of the northernmost points in Quebec. If you’re seeking peace, this remote spot is worth the trek (you can travel by plane, train, bus, or car to this magnificent area). The most popular thing to do in the area is whale watching, aside from kicking back on a deck and absorbing the nature surrounding the seven islands. Find a cozy cottage to rent, and don’t forget to bring lots of books – the Internet in the north can be spotty, and we think that’s a good thing!

Temagami

Large open spaces, plenty of wildlife, parks galore, and a waterfront are what you’ll find in Temagami. This small municipality is part of northeastern Ontario and is approximately a five-hour drive from Toronto (you can also take a train or fly). This isn’t a spot you’ll want to visit if you prefer to shop and dine through a cottage break, but it’s an excellent way to stay off the grid for several days. The area also has some of the most expensive real estate, with homes starting around $800,000.

Temiscouata, Quebec

Bordering New Brunswick, Temiscouata is known for its cheese, maple syrup, and stunning views. Visiting this area is like stepping back to a simpler time when days are long and hours pass slowly – the type of cottage vacation that can soothe a city-dwellers soul. Staying in the area for a few days is simple, thanks to cottage rental options, quaint bed and breakfast selections, and quieter inns. Temiscouata is a long drive from the GTA (10 hours) but a quick (inexpensive) flight.

Canandaigua, New York

If you’re looking to cross the border, skip the popular towns upstate New York and seek out Canandaigua. This small picturesque town features homes built on the water, eclectic boutiques, museums, and historic homes. The city has a handful of cute bed and breakfast options and several cottage rentals. Canandaigua is a three-hour drive from Toronto, but it feels like an entirely different world.

TIFF to honour Toronto icon Catherine O’Hara at 2025 Tribute Awards

By

Nisean Lorde

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5:00 pm

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The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) just unveiled its final group of honourees for its 2025 TIFF Tribute Awards, with Toronto-born actress Catherine O’Hara being the recipient of the TIFF Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award.

The 71-year-old’s inspirational pop culture career has spanned five decades, from her groundbreaking work on SCTV to iconic roles in Beetlejuice, Home Alone, and, more recently, as the over-the-top matriarch Moira Rose on the hit series Schitt’s Creek.

O’Hara attended TIFF in previous years, promoting films like For Your Consideration (TIFF ’06), Penelope (TIFF ’06), The Right Kind of Wrong (TIFF ’13) and The Wild Robot (TIFF ’24).

This year, she’s starring in Seth Rogen’s satiric film The Studio (2025) about a newly appointed head of a movie studio (Rogen) who struggles to juggle corporate demands with creative ambitions (O’Hara plays Patty Leigh, the former studio head).

The Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award was introduced in 2023 and recognizes Canadians in the film industry who have made a global impact with their careers (past recipients include David Cronenberg (2024) and Shawn Levy (2023)).

“The 2025 Tribute Award honourees represent the very best of what cinema can achieve,” Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF, said in a recent statement, adding that this year’s honourees have created work that moves, challenges, and expands audiences into understanding the human experience. “Their artistry and commitment to storytelling cross borders and cultures, inspiring audiences everywhere.”

O’Hara will be celebrated alongside six other internationally acclaimed stars:

Idris Elba (TIFF Tribute Award in Impact Media, presented by Anne-Marie Canning): Honoured for his on-screen versatility, global impact and advocacy through the Elba Hope Foundation.
Kazu Hiro (TIFF Variety Artisan Award): A prosthetic makeup designer and contemporary hyperrealist sculptor behind transformations in the Darkest Hour, Bombshell and The Smashing Machine.
Nina Hoss (TIFF Tribute Performer Award): She’s known for her emotionally resonant portrayals of complex women! This year, she’s heading to TIFF for the world premiere of Hedda, Nia DaCosta’s modern reimagining of Ibsen’s classic (she stars as Eileen Lovborg).
Channing Tatum (TIFF Tribute Performer Award, presented by Cineplex): The Magic Mike alumnus stars in Derek Cianfrance’s Roofman, premiering September 6.
Jafar Panahi (TIFF Special Tribute Award): The Iranian film director returns with Palme d’Or winner It Was Just an Accident, his first film following his most recent prison sentence.
Zacharias Kunuk (TIFF Special Tribute Award): The Inuk filmmaker returns to TIFF with Uiksaringitara (Wrong Husband), his latest imagining of ancient Inuit stories.

The 50th edition of TIFF runs Sept 4-14, 2025. Click here for more A-listers you’ll likely spot on the red carpet this year.