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 comedy in an alley to trending piano bars, here are the best ways to make the most of your nights this season in Toronto.
Piano bars
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Jean Darlene Piano Room
Unleash your inner night owl and embark on an exhilarating adventure at the Jean Darlene Piano Room! Prepare yourself for an evening brimming with sensational live performances, ranging from soul-stirring pianists to captivating drag shows, infectious samba beats and thrilling themed singalongs at this hidden gem on Dundas Street West.
Wedlocks
Wedlocks, a new restaurant and piano lounge in Toronto’s east end, infuses fresh energy into the historic space once occupied by Whitlocks. Owner Michelle Slota opened this dynamic venue last August, offering a dual experience of fine dining and live entertainment. Slota aims for Wedlocks’ spacious 2,300-square-foot setting to leave a lasting impression on Toronto’s jazz community.
Toronto’s piano bar trend is blazing hot, even iconic spots like the Senator have hopped on board. After nearly a century of operation, the Senator revamped its second floor into a posh piano bar, right above the bustling main dining room. The Senator, famously graced by Elton John, was reborn after a whopping 884 days of closure, thanks to the enchanting piano bar.
Arts vibes
@@rickettes/@crybaby.gallery/Instagram
Cry Baby Gallery
Cry Baby Gallery is a unique blend of street art and mixology. Tucked behind an art gallery, this Prohibition-style speakeasy offers impressive cocktails and a low-key vibe. Step through the gallery’s passageway and uncover a mesmerizing space where street art meets a New York–style speakeasy. Cry Baby is a hidden gem celebrating creativity and offering an unforgettable experience in Dundas West.
Kissa is a new Japanese-inspired listening lounge on King Street West. It offers Japanese cuisine, elevated cocktails and music from the ’80s to early 2000s. The venue has a vintage sound system, DJ booth, record wall, disco balls, velvet details and ambient lighting. Kissa provides a unique blend of arts, music, cuisine and cocktails for an unforgettable experience.
Friday Nights at the ROM
Courtesy ROM After Dark
Experience the ultimate late-night fun in Toronto at the Royal Ontario Museum’s Friday Nights. Get ready to party among dinosaurs as this weekly event transforms the country’s largest museum into a vibrant bash. Sip on cocktails, indulge in delicious bites from pop-up food vendors, and enjoy live music. Each event is themed around the ROM’s latest special exhibit. It’s a unique and unforgettable way to explore the museum and have a blast after hours. Upcoming events are scheduled for Aug. 22 and Sept. 26.
Culture three ways
Courtesy Airbnb.ca
Music on a boat
Experience the enchantment of R&B Under the Stars, a captivating concert series presented in partnership with Waveland. Set sail on a pirate ship across Toronto Harbour where emerging vocalists showcase their talent. With shows running until Sept. 14, this series is highly regarded as Canada’s top musical experience on Airbnb.
Movies in a park
September is the perfect time to enjoy a movie outdoors! There are still a few venues running outdoor movie nights, including Evergreen Brick Works (showing family-friendly flicks, including Finding Nemo on Aug. 21 and Madagascar on Aug. 28) and the Harbourfront Centre (showing classics such as The Sound of Music on Aug. 19 and Titanic on Aug. 26). Kick off the school year in style!
Comedy in an alley
This intimate Queen Street East outdoor venue offers limited seating for a cosy and enjoyable experience in, yes, an alleyway. Featuring professional headlining comedians seen on Just For Laughs, JFL42, Comedy Network, CBC, HBO and CRAVE, along with special guest openers, Comedy Alley promises a fun-filled evening with friends. Be sure to reserve your seats in advance as this popular spot tends to sell out quickly.
It’s been a year since Canada’s first Nobu Restaurant opened its doors in downtown Toronto, and it has quickly become one of the city’s top dining destinations. Now, Nobu is making headlines as the only restaurant in the city to be shortlisted in the 2025 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards.
The awards recognize and celebrate the world’s most creative spaces (as well as the individuals and organizations behind them), encompassing everything from fine dining destinations to fast casual hangouts.
Nobu Toronto has been shortlisted in four categories: Hotel, Surface Interiors, Lighting and Ceiling. And there’s no question as to why. The restaurant’s interior was conceived by Toronto-based Studio Munge and features a blend of Japanese-inspired concepts and Canadian artisanship.
The 10,000 square-foot space spans two levels, boasting 278 seats. Upon entry, diners are welcomed by a sleek bar and lounge, two private dining rooms, a sushi bar and an outdoor terrace.
The lounge has an invitingly dark vibe with warmly lit pillars, but the mezzanine level is just as stunning, boasting a 20-seat sake bar and an intimate outdoor terrace reminiscent of a serene Japanese garden! Guests will admire the magically lit 28-foot bronze chainmail Lasvit chandelier, which resembles the folds of a Japanese kimono.
The bar sports a chic blue-and-white palette with a hand-applied plaster finish, artfully curving across the layered ceiling. When it’s time for dinner, guests can proceed to the 140-seat courtyard dining room on the second level, adorned with a porcelain art installation created by Canadian ceramic artist Andrea Braescu.
For a more discrete experience, the restaurant boasts a 10-seat private tasting room decked out in dark cherry wood and an intimate 20-seat dining room hidden behind the cascading chandelier. This room is enclosed in bronze-tinted glass and offers a sneak peek at the bar below!
Nobu will battle it out against restaurants from around the world, including Bangkok, Lisbon, Tokyo and Milan.
The awards ceremony will take place on October 27, 2025, at EPIK Dubai. In the meantime, you can read more about the restaurant’s elements here or, better yet, book a reservation before the summer is out.
The Toronto International Film Festival returns this September, and for its 50th anniversary, the city is going all out. Nearly 300 films will screen between September 4 and 14 for TIFF50, with Colin Hanks’ John Candy: I Like Me kicking things off on opening night. But it’s not just the red carpets drawing the spotlight — one of Toronto’s most glamorous dining rooms are serving their own blockbusters.
The St. Regis Toronto, the city’s tallest hotel and a magnet for visiting celebrities, is marking TIFF50 with a menu that’s both decadent and theatrical. Louix Louis, the hotel’s 31st-floor restaurant known for its grand whisky bar and breathtaking views, has taken its signature 13-layer King’s Cake and gone full sequel. For the festival, it’s been reimagined as a towering 50-Layer King’s Cake, with each tier representing a year of TIFF history, finished in edible gold. Only six slices exist, at $500 a piece making this easily the most exclusive dessert in town.
The festival-inspired menu doesn’t stop there. Guests can order a 50oz Australian Wagyu Tomahawk, flambéed tableside and priced at $1,500 for two to four diners, or splurge on a $250 Ossetra caviar and cocktail pairing dusted with gold flakes. There’s even a festival-ready Black Tie & Gold Dust cocktail — a jet-black mix of tequila, Kahlua and Amaro Montenegro, served with shimmering gold accents.
Downstairs, the Astor Lounge is marking TIFF week with a “Golden Premiere” afternoon tea and daily champagne sabering — yes, with an actual sword — bringing a little extra sparkle to an already sparkling festival.
For more on the St. Regis’ TIFF offerings, click here. Want to know which of the 291 films to see? Check out this article.
Despite the recent heat wave, summer in Ontario always feels like it’s gone too soon. Thankfully, we still have a few more weeks to squeeze in one last sun-soaked escape. Here are seven charming towns to check out before the season ends that offer the most perfect summertime vibes!
This picturesque little town in Wellington County is just a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto and was recently listed as one of the top trending domestic destinations among Canadians. With its dramatic limestone cliffs and emerald waters, the Elora Gorge is Ontario’s most photogenic swimming spot (so, perfect for Insta photos!) Cool off with a dip, then enjoy a relaxing float down the Grand River. After you dry off, wander through Elora’s historic downtown area. Visit the Lost + Found Café before having an intimate dinner at one of Elora’s top restaurants, like The Friendly Society or Sheppard’s Pub. There are also tons of cute stone buildings, galleries and breweries to explore. Click here to read all about Elora’s hidden gems.
Goderich has been nicknamed the “prettiest town in Canada” for a reason. Head to one of Goderich’s three beautiful beaches and revel in clear blue waters and white sand that will make you feel like you’re on a Caribbean island, all while admiring stunning sunsets that fill the entire sky! The downtown core is surrounded by an octagonal roundabout dubbed “The Square” and is the perfect spot to explore heritage buildings and restaurants (West Street Willy’s Eatery is the perfect joint for comfort food!) The town lies on the eastern shore of Lake Huron and is just under 3 hours from Toronto. Click here for more hidden gems in Goderich and to discover more underrated day trips from Toronto.
Tobermory is like heaven for outdoor lovers (after all, it’s perched at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula!) This quaint harbour village is just a 3.5-hour drive from Toronto and boasts the most scenic hiking trails and gorgeous views of the Georgian Bay. For the perfect swimming hole, head to Little Cove Beach. This breathtaking rock beach is nestled along the Lake Huron shoreline, and is surrounded by the most magical cliffs, cobblestones and turquoise waters. If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, take a boat ride over to Flowerpot Island, where you can hike, swim, snorkel and even go shipwreck-diving from a glass-bottom boat! Before you leave, visit the Grotto shoreline. This charming oasis is one of Bruce County’s most popular attractions due to its sparkling blue water hidden within an ancient limestone cave structure! Click here for more tips on how to spend a weekend in Tobermory.
This charming little community is known as the “Hub of the Lakes” as it’s situated on the Indian River between Lake Rosseau and Lake Muskoka. It’s also Muskoka’s oldest community, so expect tons of heritage buildings and cute brick-and-mortar shops! The best way to explore this picturesque town is on a walking tour, where you’ll discover cute art galleries and shop from local boutiques, like L’eau! In the evening, head to Tulo’s Taqueria for some Mexican-inspired food and drinks. Try the tuna tostada and down it with a spicy pineapple margarita! This is the perfect spot for a weekend of lakeside lounging. Click here for the ultimate Muskoka guide, including where to eat, stay and play this summer!
This hidden gem along Lake Erie is the perfect haven for eco-adventurers and foodies alike! The area is a former tobacco belt, so it offers everything from lavender and ginseng farms that are just perfect for roaming through to craft breweries and wineries for tasting tours. For a perfect afternoon, check out the Bonnieheath Estate Lavender and Winery near Simcoe, where you can sample their delicious wines or simply stroll through the fragrant lavender fields. If you’re into wildlife, check out the Long Point observatory (it’s perfect for birdwatching), or if you’re feeling more adventurous, rent some gear and enjoy a scenic kayaking experience along Big Creek. The area also boasts a hidden gem, something akin to a local ‘Riviera’ in the midst of Ontario: Turkey Point Beach on the north shore of Lake Erie! This two-kilometre stretch of shoreline boasts the prettiest sunsets and family-friendly summer vibes (without the major crowds found at commercial waterfronts). Click here for other weekend getaway ideas in Norfolk County.
Wellington is the perfect spot to visit if you’re into beaches, small-town boutiques and gorgeous sunsets! Stay at the trendy Drake Motor Inn if you’re looking for a room that blends nostalgic charm with modern comfort (think retro-style exterior doors and room terraces with bold, art-filled interiors). It’s just steps from the Drake Devonshire and Wellington’s stunning lakefront, making it the perfect place for a countryside adventure. Head to Base31 for interactive games or a live concert (it’s located on the site of a 70-acre WWII air training base) or spend a lazy summer afternoon at the nearby Sandbanks Provincial Park. Wellington is 2.5 hours from Toronto, so perhaps make it a weekend getaway!
The Niagara region is filled with 19th-century architecture, award-winning wineries and gorgeous, flower-lined streets, making it the perfect European-like getaway in the midst of Ontario! Stay at the charming Greenview Manor on the edge of Lake Ontario, where you can spend your days playing a round of golf, cycling the vineyard trails and enjoying a production at the renowned Shaw Festival. Step into the past with a historical walking tour guided by an expert historian, and discover iconic architecture and landmarks, like the Niagara-on-the-Lake clock tower that keeps an eye on all the summer fun along Queen St! Before you leave, check out the wineries, breweries and distilleries, where you can sample everything from rare vintages and special reserves to small batch specialties.
Whether you prefer yours chilled and mixed with mayonnaise or served warm and dunked with butter, there’s no denying that this classic New England treat is what summer is all about.
Here are 5 of the very best lobster rolls you can find in Toronto.
Indulge in the freshest seafood experience at this seafood haven located in King West. Every week, succulent lobsters are sourced directly from their own East Coast plant, ensuring unparalleled freshness and quality. Lobster Burger Bar offers a classic lobster roll that is not only delicious but also incredibly affordable, priced at just $28. Served chilled and accompanied by a delectable combination of mayo, lemon and black pepper, the lobster roll is perfectly complemented by a side of crispy shoestring fries.
Originating as one of Toronto’s pioneering food trucks, Buster’s Sea Cove has blossomed into a thriving brand, now with two locations and a growing presence. Among their impressive array of seafood delicacies, it is their Main-style lobster roll ($23.95) that continues to lure in diners even after three decades. Crafted using the finest Nova Scotia lobster, it is delicately blended with creamy mayo, zesty lemon, and fragrant chives, all nestled within a perfectly toasted bun.
John & Sons Oyster House
@johnandsonsoysterhouse/Instagram
John & Sons Oyster Housetakes pride in their ever-evolving menu that embraces the changing seasons. Each day, they curate a diverse selection of five to 10 fresh oysters, carefully sourced from their own beds in P.E.I. One of their standout creations is the lobster roll ($38), served either hot or cold, featuring a delicious combination of lemon herb mayo, a medley of butter greens and a flavourful shallot vinaigrette.
The Chase offers modern American cuisine in a dining room with chandeliers and an 80-person rooftop terrace overlooking the Financial District. The lobster roll ($46) is a highlight. It features fresh lobster dressed in dill mayo, served on a soft milk bun. The flavours are balanced and the portion generous.
At Blue Claw Lobster Shack, the East Coast Classic Roll features chilled lobster with mayo, celery, lemon, and black pepper. The Barrington Spicy Roll has warm lobster with sriracha aioli, onion, celery, herbs and lemon. Both are available a la carte, as a combo, or with double meat.
Long has By The Way Cafe reigned as one of the cornerstones of the Annex neighbourhood in Toronto. Especially on weekends when it was overrun by locals out for brunch. Neighbours would wave, friends would stop to say hello. But at the end of this month, its 40-year run will come to an end.
By The Way, a well-loved Middle Eastern brunch spot, is closing down after four decades in business.
The restaurant’s owners, Amir and Ruth Benedikt, shared the news on social media that Aug. 31, 2025, will be the final day at the Bloor Street location.
“After over 40 years in business and serving and meeting so many wonderful people, we and our family felt that it was time to start a new chapter,” the Benedikts wrote, in part. “It has been the people who have blessed us the most. Our family has been so fortunate to have met and worked with so many amazing staff members, have had the great fortune to have served so many loyal customers, and are immensely grateful for a supportive community.“
They also thanked the community for their support over the years and asked for patience during the restaurant’s final weeks.
Hopefully, a new owner will establish a similar vibe and neighbourhood-focussed mandate and provide the community with a sense of continuity that is so hard to find these days.
Toronto is celebrating the end of August with an all-out folk celebration on the Toronto Islands! The Toronto Folk Festival will take over Ward’s Island on Saturday Aug. 23 and Sunday Aug. 24, transforming the Wards Island Association (WIA) Pavilion (20 Withrow St) into a hub for music, dance, and community connection. Of course, the location makes this year’s event even more special. The Pavilion opened late last month, just over a year after the original WIA clubhouse and café were destroyed by fire.
Organizers describe the festival as a “grassroots, artist-led, community-registered not-for-profit event”, so it’ll showcase the city’s indie folk scene while bringing people together in a family-friendly setting (all ages are welcome!)
Festival-goers can expect two days of live performances from homegrown talent, including award-winning singer-songwriter Quique Escamilla, singer-songwriter Just Prince, “outlaw” country band Nicolette & The Nobodies, rock musician Dale Morningstar, traditional Argentine folk group El Ceibo Folklore, and tons more acts.
And it’s not just about the music. There’ll be cultural performances from groups like the Mexican Legacy Dancers, lawn games and tons of food and drink vendors. The event will run rain or shine, from 10:30 am to 9 pm, with music starting at 11:30 am (so, more than enough time to schmooze and meet new people).
Getting to the Island is part of the fun. Catch the Ward’s Island Ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal (click here for the summer schedule) or simply hop on a water taxi.
Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal in Hamnet, courtesy tiff.net.
As August comes to an end, it brings with it the seasonal equivalent of glancing at the clock late on a Sunday night. For most, the onset of dread kicks in as they close up their cottages, pack away their linen pants, and watch the sun set earlier each night. But for Torontonians (and cinephiles worldwide), August’s close signals a new season of excitement as the city transforms into a star-studded cultural hub. Every year, the Toronto International Film Festival returns to our streets, premiering the best films of the upcoming year. This year, for the festival’s 50th anniversary, the team has selected an exceptionally strong lineup of films, running from Sept. 4 to 14. With just under 300 films screening, it can be difficult to know where to focus your attention. Here are the most anticipated, must-see movies of the year — and the celebrities coming with them.
One of the most anticipated titles of the season, Frankenstein unites Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi and Mia Goth under the direction of recent honourary Torontonian Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water). After speaking at TIFF’s 2023 opening ceremony, del Toro is once again waving the checkered flag, sending this season’s lineup racing out of the gates. After pursuing this project for nearly 25 years, the passion project promises to be a deeply emotional reimagining of Mary Shelley’s classic, blending horror and poetry. If you’re asking yourself, “What’s new?” about del Toro’s reimagining, the creature (portrayed by Jacob Elordi) breaks from tradition as a sympathetic, emotionally complex figure whose humanity is foregrounded over monstrosity. Following the festival, the film will skip the box office and head straight to Netflix, so don’t miss your opportunity to see it on the big screen.
Emily Blunt and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in The Smashing Machine, courtesy tiff.net.
Making its North American premiere, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson returns to the big screen, this time in one of the year’s most unexpected pairings alongside Emily Blunt. Taking a dramatic departure from his long association with action and comedy, this role demands a profoundly emotional, character-driven performance apparently unseen before from the former wrestler. Written and directed by Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems, alongside brother Josh Safdie), The Smashing Machine is a biographical sports drama depicting the life of former MMA and UFC fighter Mark Kerr. Johnson will also take the stage for one of TIFF’s coveted “In Conversation With…” panels, making his presence in Toronto all but unmissable.
Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas in Sentimental Value, courtesy tiff.net.
After its 15-minute standing ovation at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, a comedy-drama by Joachim Trier (The Worst Person in the World) makes its Canadian debut on TIFF screens. With sweeping rave reviews and some of the festival’s most buzz-worthy chatter, this Norwegian feature starring Elle Fanning and Renate Reinsve is already being called “the best film you might see all year.” Following two sisters reuniting with their estranged father — a charismatic, once-renowned filmmaker — the story blends razor-sharp humour with aching family drama. When stage actress Nora refuses a role in her father’s planned comeback, only to see it handed to a bright-eyed Hollywood ingénue, the sisters are forced to navigate old wounds, shifting loyalties, and the chaos of an American outsider dropped into their fragile dynamic.
Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal in Hamnet, courtesy tiff.net.
Known for her intimate, character-driven work, Academy Award–winning director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland, Songs My Brothers Taught Me) has adapted Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 historical drama novel for the screen — and with it brings a casting choice that feels like a dream pairing: Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare. It’s an inspired match, with Mescal’s quiet intensity perfectly suited to a portrait of the Bard as both artist and man. Making its Canadian premiere, Hamnet follows Shakespeare and his wife Agnes (Jessie Buckley) as they face a timeless and devastating loss — the death of their child — unfolding a marriage shaped by love, grief and the shadow of the work it would inspire. It’s rare to see Shakespeare rendered not as legend, but as a flesh-and-blood husband and father — and rarer still through the lens of one of cinema’s most empathetic modern storytellers. Pair that with two of the most magnetic actors working today, and you have a period drama built to break your heart.
The year’s most dramatic cinematic transformation has arrived. Sydney Sweeney trades her blonde bombshell persona for a bruising, unrecognizable turn as queer boxing icon Christy Martin, opposite queer heartthrob Katy O’Brien (Love Lies Bleeding). O’Brien — who left every sapphic woman in the theatre catching their breath in 2024 — returns in another gut-wrenching role as Martin’s wife, Lisa Holewyne. In what feels like this year’s standout biopic, director David Michôd (Animal Kingdom, The King) assembles a team all-in on authenticity, with Sweeney reportedly altering her physical appearance and training intensively to capture Martin’s formidable physique — muscles, mouthguard and all. After the first official images of Sweeney in full fight mode exploded online earlier this year, fans couldn’t wait to see her metamorphosis on the big screen. Premiering as a TIFF Gala, Christy promises not just feminism in the ring, but reckoning, resilience and a career-defining test for Sweeney.
Rose Byrne in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, courtesy tiff.net.
After making waves at Sundance and earning Rose Byrne the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance at Berlinale, Mary Bronstein’s unflinching psychological drama lands in TIFF’s Special Presentations. An A24 release, the film features Byrne in what critics are calling a career-defining turn as Linda, a mother pushed to the edge by her daughter’s mysterious illness, a missing loved one, and a therapist played — against type — by Conan O’Brien. A$AP Rocky joins the cast in a quietly magnetic supporting role, adding yet another layer of intrigue. Raw, surreal and impossible to neatly categorize, the film refuses to soften the chaos of caregiving, instead leaning into its jagged edges. With its buzzy festival run and gut-punch emotional core, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You arrives in Toronto as one of the year’s boldest and most talked-about dramas.
Andrew Barth Feldman, Cooper Hoffman and Leslie Mann in Poetic License, courtesy tiff.net.
World premiering in TIFF’s Special Presentations, Poetic License is a meta family affair fans of Euphoria, This Is 40 and the Apatow clan won’t want to miss. Maude Apatow steps behind the camera for her feature debut, directing her real-life mom, Leslie Mann, in a whip-smart campus comedy. Following Liz (Mann) as a former therapist and soon-to-be empty nester who relocates to a new town for her husband’s job, her arrival becomes the point of tension for two best friends played by Andrew Barth Feldman and Cooper Hoffman as they both compete for her attention. With Nico Parker, Maisy Stella, Martha Kelly, Will Price and Cliff “Method Man” Smith rounding out the cast, Poetic License promises sharp wit, a little chaos and a lot of Apatow charm. It’s the rare debut that blends indie credibility with built-in pop culture buzz, pairing breakout Gen Z talent with Hollywood veterans. And with Maude calling the shots on her own family set, this one’s destined to be a festival talking point.
Bad Apples hands four-time Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan one of her boldest roles yet — Maria, a primary school teacher whose patience unravels as she clashes with an impossibly disruptive student. What begins as a wry satire of classroom politics swerves into something darker, with Ronan’s performance walking the knife’s edge between comedy and quiet menace. Directed by Jonatan Etzler in his English-language debut, the film has already been tapped to open San Sebastián’s New Directors Competition. It’s the kind of sharp, unpredictable turn that has fans buzzing — and could mark the most daring pivot of Ronan’s career.
Barbie Ferreira in Mile End Kicks, courtesy tiff.net
Making its world premiere in TIFF’s Special Presentations, Mile End Kicks is a Montreal-set rom-com from Canadian filmmaker Chandler Levack (who captured the hearts of Ontarians everywhere with 2022’s I Like Movies), pulling straight from her own past life as a young music critic. Barbie Ferreira stars as Grace, a 24-year-old writer who moves to Montreal to pen a book about Jagged Little Pill — only to fall into a love triangle with two members of the indie band she’s meant to publicize. Set in the heart of the Mile End — the same neighbourhood that gave us Arcade Fire and Grimes — the film hums with local colour, vintage record-store romance and original songs from Montreal band Tops. And in a film landscape starved for rom-coms, Levack is bringing the genre back with wit, heart and a lived-in charm.
By now, every outlet has already published the full list of this year’s CNE food creations — from pickle boats and noodle pizza to lobster ice cream and glitter tea. But not all of them are going to be hits. Some will vanish before the first weekend is over. Others will create pandemonium and lineups that stretch pass the ferris wheel. So instead of rehashing the whole menu, here are the five we think will dominate your Instagram, TikTok and group chats.
1. Butter ice cream
Move over, deep-fried, there’s a better butter in town. Legend Dairy’s sweet-and-salty soft serve is super indulgent and the novelty of actual butter in dessert form will have people lining up for the “just one bite” experience. (Food Building)
2. Ice “Kreamchi” dumplings
For those who are into all things sweet and savoury, these Korean pork dumplings topped with ice cream, bulgogi bacon glaze and kimchi from K-Dee’s Twisted Gourmet & Co., are a must-try. Some will call it genius, others a disaster. Either way, it’s a CNE reaction video waiting to happen. (Food Truck Frenzy)
3. The BACONE with spicy habanero bacon cotton candy
Who in Toronto could say no to Greekery Bakeshop’s pastry cone stuffed with cream, coated in maple, wrapped in fiery cotton candy and topped with a butter tart? This sugar-and-bacon spectacle was made for TikTok. (Midway).
4. Deep fried frozen watermelon
Sweet, crispy, and totally over-the-top, the deep fried frozen watermelon from Mr. Pickle is already blowing up on social media. Everyone’s obsessed, and the CNE literally just opened. (Midway)
5. Chicken nugget cookies
Craig’s Cookiesalready has cult status, so when you throw in chicken nuggets, BBQ dipping sauce and the weirdness factor, and you’ve got a cookie that’s gonna grab some major attention. (Food Truck Frenzy)
Comedian Ricky Gervais is taking in the sights in Toronto ahead of his sold-out “Mortality” world tour stop at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday evening. Earlier this week, he shared pics of the city to his 4.5 million+ followers, including a snap of a tree-lined pathway on the Toronto Islands, which he captioned, “I think The Islands in Toronto is one of my favourite places in the world.”
If it’s good enough for Gervais, perhaps it’s time to take a look at what makes the Toronto Islands so special! Here’s a guide to the 10 top things to do on the islands, preferably before the summer ends (and you won’t have to worry about transportation. Here’s a list of everything you need to know about navigating the ferry to the Islands!)
Centreville Amusement Park and Far Enough Farm
Centreville has been a family fav for nearly six decades, offering classic rides, an antique carousel and a tiny railway. Right next door is Far Enough Farm, where guests can meet and learn about over 40 species of farm animals and exotic birds! It’s a perfect experience for both kids and adults and a great spot to create lasting memories.
Check out the beaches
The beaches are perfect for a day visit and include change rooms, lockers, as well as lifeguards on duty from June to Labour Day. Centre Island Beach is the perfect spot for families, with a fast-food outlet nearby, lockers, bike rentals, picnic areas and lots of room to sunbathe. Ward’s Island Beach is a bit quieter and more scenic, so, a great area for a laid-back swim. Bonus: Near the beach, you’ll find paths that lead to charming wildflower-filled meadows and sand dunes! Hanlan’s Point Beach is known as Toronto’s clothing‑optional beach and is a popular historic site of early Pride gatherings.
Both Hanlan’s Point and Ward’s Island received Blue Flag designations, so feel free to jump into the water!
Explore the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse
This is the oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes and one of Toronto’s oldest buildings (it was built in 1808!) Just keep in mind that it has ghostly origins. Its first lightkeeper, J.P. Radelmüller, disappeared in 1815 in an assumed murder, making the lighthouse one of the most haunted places in the country! Still, it’s worth a visit. While you’re at it, check out these other Instagrammable lighthouses across Ontario.
Rent Bikes and explore the trails
Cycling is the fastest way to get around the islands. Bike rentals are available (a single bike goes for $10/hour or $30 for the day), allowing you to explore shaded paths and waterfront trails that stretch across the islands.
Explore the waters: Paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing and boating
Rent watercraft from the Harbour Nautical Centre and explore the waters and gorgeous shoreline scenery! If you’re feeling more adventurous, the Islands are great for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Expect a mix of charming city views and calm waters (so, there’s no pressure if you fall in). Launch from Hanlan’s Point or Centre Island. If you need a little guidance, Toronto Island SUP provides lessons, rentals, sunset paddle outings and SUP yoga experiences. Click here for more of the best places to go paddleboarding in Toronto.
Play a round (or two) of disc golf
Check out the 18-hole disc golf course at Ward’s Island. This course is challenging but has stunning views of the Toronto skyline! It’s also available to the public at no charge, on a first-come basis. Ken Climo, considered by some to be the best professional disc golfer of all time, lists it as one of his favourite courses. The practice basket and first tee are just beyond the Firehall. If anything, it makes for the perfect staycation activity.
Go on a picnic and enjoy the greenery
You don’t have to spend a ton of money at a fancy restaurant to impress a date. Pack a picnic and find a quiet meadow or marina nook to eat at! Then explore the winding trails on foot. It’s also a great way to relax and people-watch.
Check out Island-bound festivals
Toronto is celebrating the end of August with an all-out folk celebration on the Toronto Islands! The Toronto Folk Festival will take over Ward’s Island on Sat Aug 23 and Sun Aug 24, transforming the Wards Island Association (WIA) Pavilion into a hub for music, dance, and community connection. Of course, the location makes this year’s event even more special. The Pavilion opened late last month, just over a year after the original WIA clubhouse and café were destroyed by fire.
Visit local restaurants and cafés
Support local restaurants like The Rectory Café on Ward’s Island for traditional pub fare or the newly rebuilt Toronto Island Café!
Summer might be winding down, but Ontario’s festival season is far from over. While the Toronto International Film Festival might be September’s main attention-getter, Ontario is filled with lesser-known (but still wonderfully unique) celebrations that are more than worth the trip. Here are nine festivals to check out next month.
This free, family-friendly festival is perfect for anyone interested in the science fiction sub-genre of steampunk. Expect a scavenger hunt, more than 50 vendors, robot racing as well as a separate food court area for food trucks. Before you leave, relax with a cup a tea and watch some ‘tea-duelling’ hosted by The Toronto Steampunk Society in Templin Gardens! Takes place in downtown Fergus on St. Andrew St, behind the Fergus Public Library, 10 am-5 pm.
Who needs the Stratford Festival when you can explore all things garlic? The 17th annual Garlic Festival promotes Ontario garlic producers and artisan vendors. On the Saturday, expect wine, beer and spirit tastings alongside delicious food, and on Sunday, check out the cooking demos hosted by local celebrity chefs! Takes place indoors at the Stratford Rotary Complex, 353 McCarthy Rd, Stratford. Sat, Sept 6, 2025, 9 am-5 pm | Sun, Sept 7, 2025, 10 am-4 pm. General Admission: $10 | Two-day pass: $15 | 2 for $10 after 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (offer available at the door only). Kids 12 & under: free.
Celebrate four days of livestock shows, crafts, fruit & veggie contests and midway fun. If nothing else, check out the Demolition Derby on Saturday @ 6 pm (just arrive early as seats fill up fast!) Thursday admission: $5.00 | General admission (Fri/Sat/Sun): $15.00 for adults, $10 for youth and seniors | Family passes (2 adults/2 youth): $30.00 | Weekend passes – adults: $40.00, youth/senior: $20.00. Kids under 5 are always free. Takes place at Brampton Fairgrounds, 12942 Heart Lake Rd, Caledon.
Expect new bands, tons of art and exciting immersive experiences that will keep your eyes, ears and brain running non-stop. Featured performances include Juno-nominated alternative pop band Valley, Avery Raquel, Lear Haven, hip-hop artist Zak’isha Brown and more. Takes place in downtown Oshawa, with free community events taking place on King St E (between Centre St and Mary St) from 11 am to 10 pm on Sat, Sept 20.
Step into a world where steampunk meets magic. Think gears, gadgets and enchantment (so, totally uncommon and completely worth a weekend visit!) Expect buskers, live performances, games, and tons of local vendors. Bonus: guests are encouraged to dress up in their favourite wizardry or steampunk cosplay costumes! Takes place in downtown Amherstburg.
This is one of Ontario’s top fall festivals, filled with a street fair (on Main St from Prince Edward St to Victoria St), a children’s village (King Edward Park, 75 Elizabeth St), live music, vintage car shows (Brighton Public School, 24 Elizabeth St), and of course, tasty apple-themed treats! Brighton is surrounded by rich agricultural land, so expect an abundance of ripe apple orchards that are just perfect for strolling through, as well as roadside farmers’ stalls.
This Thorndale festival brings the legends of knights and maidens to life through medieval comedy, fire-eating performances, magic shows, jousting, Celtic music and large mugs of ale! The live, simulated combat experiences will be sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Ticket prices vary. Takes place at Thorndale Fair Grounds, 21737 Fairview Rd.
This is Canada’s answer to Munich, boasting a parade, beer halls, the joyful notes of accordion music and the aroma of sizzling schnitzel! Whether you visit for the lively polkas or delicious Bavarian dishes, it’s a family-friendly festival that everyone will enjoy. Different events take place on different dates and venues, so keep an eye on the events calendar. If you’re looking for one main event, check out the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade on Mon, Oct 13. It kicks off at 9:30 am.
Stroll through the charming town of Midland to explore gorgeous, street-mounted artwork and 30+ outdoor murals at this one-day festival. Both guided and self-guided tours are available! There will be live music, food trucks, make-and-take activities, as well as guided and self-guided tours of the murals. Make sure to check out the “Huron Native and Jesuit Priest at Sainte-Marie” mural along the beautiful waterfront on Georgian Bay. It measures 80 feet by 250 feet, making it the largest outdoor historic mural in North America! Takes place in downtown Midland, Harbourside Park, 475 Bayshore Dr.
You’ve probably seen Jon Montgomery on your screen in the country’s most picturesque adventure destinations as he supports teams of hopeful Canadians through unexpected physical and mental challenges, all hoping to cross the finish line first and win the grand prize. But before he was the host of The Amazing Race Canada (season 11 is currently airing on CTV), Montgomery was an Olympic skeleton racer, winning a gold medal at the 2010 Vancouver Games (and subsequently making headlines when he chugged a pitcher of beer handed to him by a fan in celebration). His wife, Darla Deschamps Montgomery, has a history in the thrill-seeking sliding sport too, earning her first World Cup medal as a rookie in 2011. Here, the reality competition series host shares how the pair went from training together to a life together.
How they met
Darla (a.k.a. Dish) and I met in the start house of the Calgary skeleton and bobsleigh track at the top of Canada Olympic Park in 2004. She went away to travel and when she came back in the summer of ’06, I made my move!
The first date
Our first date was an oyster/wine bar on 8th Avenue in Calgary called OPUS on 8th. We ate oysters, we laughed a lot and knew we wanted to spend more time together. We also named our first cat Opus a couple years after that first date.
The relationship
We both competed in skeleton at the time so I think our dating experience was a bit different than most. We trained together and travelled parts of the world together, competing in a sport we loved, supporting each other through all the challenges that high-performance sport takes you. Some of the most memorable moments in those early years was overlooking the Austrian Alps and experiencing the beautiful landscapes that Europe has to offer. It was like The Bachelor TV show without all the drama.
The proposal
I proposed after the 2010 Olympics while we were on vacation in the Bahamas. Our birthdays are May 5 and 6, so I proposed at midnight on May 5 in a hammock under the stars.
The wedding and honeymoon
We got married in Winfield, B.C. at a winery — right between Vernon and Kelowna. After the wedding, we spent a few great nights at Sparkling Hill in Vernon.
The kids (and pets)
We have two kids, two dogs, two fish, and recently acquired two rabbits.
Shared hobbies and interests
Our interests are very aligned and we both share a passion for health and wellness and love being outside on adventures. Dish is my best mate, soulmate, and if she learns to sail, like she’s threatening, I’ll be her first mate. But I’m not taking the lead on that one — I’m more of a solid-land-fella.
The secret to success
Supporting each other and communication — coupled with equal parts fun and laughter.
Balancing careers and a relationship
We don’t. Sometimes it’s busy and sometimes it’s slower. But we’re lucky to be able to be purposeful about life during its ebbs and flows, and regardless of the load, trying to find the moments to be grateful for whatever is going on; it’s a good trick to bring perspective.
The future together
Being grey…and ripped like a “mofo”…smiling with Dish watching our kids, along with their people, doing something they love!
