Just months after celebrating its 75th anniversary, a small business beloved by locals on Queen West is closing its doors. William’s Shoe Store, which first opened its doors in 1950 and has been owned by the same family ever since, is offering a final sale up to 80 per cent off that they’ve dubbed the “retirement sale.”
Originally opened by William and Maria Czarnota, their daughter Christine now runs the establishment.
“We have customers coming now who came here as children. Now, they come with their children,” Christine said in a video on West Queen West BIA’s Instagram page in honour of the company’s 75th anniversary earlier this spring.
They’ve kept it old-school — the shoe store never launched a social media presence or website of any kind. But word-of-mouth recommendations and great reviews have been more than enough to keep the shop in business for over half a century.
Specializing in wide and orthopaedic shoes and known for their affordable prices, the iconic striped awning and neon sign has been a familiar sight to those on Queen Street, and has been unchanged since the first year the family opened the shop’s doors.
Now that William’s is sadly closing, they’ve launched a so-called retirement sale for long-time shoppers to snag some final shoe deals.
Fans of the institution have already taken to social media to share the sad news — including Toronto artist and filmmakerSook-Yin Lee.
Shoppers have flooded the comments with memories of the many shoes they’ve purchased there over the years.
“Grew up on Niagara got my first pair of saddle shoes there early 1950,” one commenter wrote on the BIA’s anniversary post.
“My favourite neighbourhood store. Kimmy helped me choose a pair of boots that got me through last winter. Sorry to hear they’re closing,” another commenter wrote under Lee’s post.
Visitors to the store at 750 Queen St. W. can shop top brands from 30–80 per cent off during the retirement sale. It’s unclear how long the sale will last, but you can stop by every day of the week except Monday until the doors close for the final time.
Just a month old, there’s a new College Streettea house is already luring Toronto’s tea lovers — but Archi Element pours more than just a perfect cup. The tea house is also a hot new destination to view and buy ceramics, engage in tea ceremonies, and participate in artist-led workshops.
All of it unfolds in a minimalist, moody space awash in earthy tones, inspired by wabi-sabi — the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in the imperfect and impermanent. Neutral hues and wooden accents echo through the hand-crafted ceramics on display and for sale. Even the garbage bin is a work of ceramic art.
@archi.element/Instagram
“We should be reusing the pieces, no matter if it’s old or it’s broken, if we’re still able to fix it,” says Eunice Liang, the curator of the space who also owns the business alongside Nicole Zhang. “Wabi-sabi lifestyle means using the pieces that have already been cracked, so we don’t need to buy more and waste more materials.”
Liang, a former personal shopper, struggled to find a place in Toronto offering high-quality “luxury” plates and homeware.
“I’m looking for something fancy inside too, not just something to showcase to everyone from the outside,” says Liang. “For me, the meaningful part is when you go home and it feels homely and welcoming. That’s what should matter, not the outside.”
@archi.element/Instagram
Liang spent months travelling to Japan and studying in Jingdezhen, the “porcelain capital” of China, to learn the craft of ceramics. She believed she had to master it before selling it — an experience that deepened her understanding of the pieces she wanted to share with customers.
Now, Archi Element’s shelves are lined with vases, mugs and other ceramics crafted mostly in China, Japan and locally in Toronto, many using the traditional wood-fire technique. True to the wabi-sabi style, the pieces aren’t perfect — some may have cracks — but they remain smooth, matte-finished, functional, and all the more unique for it.
“I really appreciate it and hopefully people can appreciate the Asian ceramic work, too, because the way we make it is really different than North America,” Liang says.
@archi.element/Instagram
Not only can you shop for original tea mugs, but you can also book a tea tasting to explore the aromatic profiles of fresh phoenix oolong. Guests are guided through each tea’s history and flavour notes, snacking on nuts while learning the art of the tea ceremony. The teas featured in tastings change with the seasons.
If you don’t have time to stick around, there is a limited take-out menu of “tea mocktails” including some iced beverages for the summer. Highlights include an oolong tea drink, a jasmine green tea, a vegan matcha and a cold brew washed with pineapple, lime and milk.
“We want to provide a lot of unique quality for people to try out,” Liang says. “Instead of just coming to have an americano every single day, we want to bring some fun for daily life.”
@archi.element/Instagram
If that’s not enough, Archi Element also hosts workshops inspired by the wabi-sabi style. From creating floral displays to crafting your own ice cream bowl, these hands-on sessions are designed to help you slow down and savour the moment.
“I want audiences to come to the space and slow down, even if it’s just for ten minutes,” Liang says. “Just slow your time, spend more time on yourself, and pay more attention to yourself—not just showcasing for other people.”
Toronto may be a hub of multiculturalism, filled with diverse pockets of Jamaican, Italian, Greek, and Chinese culture, but it lacks a dedicated Spanish district. In comes Serge Ibaka. The former Toronto Raptor star teamed up with Madrí Excepcional, a premium Spanish-inspired beer, to put the spotlight on the city’s hidden Spanish treasures. The result is the “Serge Stamp List”, a curated guide to must-visit Spanish-inspired spots across the GTA!
Over the weekend, Ibaka toured the city, stopping at each handpicked location to give it his official “Serge Stamp” in the window (so, if you happen to spot this stamp, you’ll know it’s a mark of approval from one of Toronto’s most recognizable sports icons!) His goal is to help Torontonians discover authentic Spanish cuisine, culture and hospitality, all without having to book a flight.
The Serge Stamp List features six top picks in and around Toronto:
The Spanish Pig: A go-to for authentic Spanish imports, from jamón and chorizo to top-quality seafood and pantry staples (77 Roncesvalles Ave).
La Paella: This restaurant serves some of Toronto’s most authentic Spanish meals, including its namesake dish (1146 Queen St E).
Tapas at Embrujo: A flamenco-fueled experience blending Spanish music, arts and cuisine! Dine on authentic Spanish tapas classics like tortilla de patatas (97 Danforth Ave).
Campo Restaurant: Expect rustic Spanish-inspired dining with a focus on warmth, health and comfort food (244 Jane St).
Casa Barcelona: This restaurant has been a leader in Toronto’s tapas scene for over a decade! Guests can also dine on everything from piquillo peppers and tortilla (a traditional flat filled Spanish omelette) to crispy deep-fried squid and black beans stewed with smoky sausages (2980 Bloor St W, Etobicoke).
Café de Madrid: Brings the heart of Spanish tradition to the suburbs, one paella at a time (137 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville).
There’s something about a summer patio by the water that makes you think you’ve slipped out of Toronto and into some sun-soaked fantasy. And while summer in Toronto is pretty special, these waterfront spots will have you daydreaming that you’re oceans away.
If fried chicken had a cathedral, it would be Joe Bird. Sitting pretty on Toronto’s waterfront, this place is a full-on pilgrimage site for anyone who loves chicken, stunning views and a cold beer in hand. The menu’s a world tour — Gochujang-glazed Korean fried chicken, bao buns, birria tacos, smoky BBQ pulled pork, all served with delicious sides like jalapeño butter and cornbread. Pull up a lakeside seat, crack a pint and dig in! 207 Queens Quay W.
Toronto’s newest “MediterrAsian” hotspot, Queens Harbour, is redefining lakeside dining with unbeatable waterfront views and a glass wall showcasing the CN Tower. This massive 23,000-square-foot venue seats 800 and features a retractable roof covering the four-seasons “Queen’s Garden.” Inside, enjoy sharable Mediterranean-Asian dishes from chefs Robert Balint and Julien Laffargue, plus dramatic cocktails like the smoked teapot sake-gin pour. 245 Queens Quay W.
Simona
Along Toronto’s waterfront, Simona’s patio offers cinematic lake views. The summer menu showcases vibrant Sicilian dishes designed for sharing, paired with golden hour cocktails and sunlit interiors. It’s a warm, inviting spot that captures the essence of Sicily without leaving the city.59 Merchants’ Wharf
Boxcar Social is Toronto’s ambitious waterfront coffee and dining hub, seating over 200 inside with a patio overlooking Lake Ontario. Perfect for private events, breakfast gatherings, or coffee workshops, it’s where you sip espresso on the boardwalk and toast with wine on the patio. The menu’s a mix of sharable snacks and hearty mains: think crispy wings, wagyu potstickers, fresh mozz with prosciutto, and a stellar grilled cheese made rich with truffle butter.235 Queens Quay W.
Pearl Harbourfront offers award-winning authentic Chinese cuisine paired with stunning panoramic views of Toronto’s waterfront. Nestled inside Queens Quay Terminal, this longtime favourite delights locals and visitors alike. Famous for its dim sum lunch and diverse dinner menu, Pearl Harbourfront combines unforgettable flavours with floor-to-ceiling windows framing Lake Ontario and the city skyline.207 Queens Quay W.
Toronto is often ranked as one of the most pet-friendly cities in Canada and the world! This is particularly due to the city’s off-leash dog areas, which allow pups to run around, meet new friends and enjoy mental stimulation outdoors. Toronto currently has 84 off-leash areas (not all allow commercial dog walkers, but a lot do). Here’s a list of some of the most notable off-leash areas across the city:
Colonel Danforth Park
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The fully fenced, off-leash dog area (with a double-gated entrance) offers a safe way for pups to run around and play with other dogs. There are also many benches, so dog walkers can sit and rest! Recent improvements to the park include an expanded grass area, wood chips, large rocks, and more seating.
High Park is Toronto’s largest public park, and its leash-free dog park area is situated between Grenadier Restaurant and the High Park Zoo. The park isn’t fully fenced, so dog owners have to make sure their pups won’t run off as soon as the leash is off! There’s running water inside the park in case your dog gets thirsty after a play session with other dogs, as well as a few large benches and tables where dogs and owners can socialize near the park’s entrance. Membership is not required for this dog park, and commercial dog walkers are allowed.
Withrow Park’s off-leash dog area was the first city-sanctioned off-leash area in a downtown multi-use park in Toronto! Your pup will love the large fenced-in area (located between the outdoor ice rink and the ball diamond) surfaced with engineered wood fibre.
Address: 725 Logan Ave., near Logan Avenue and Bain Avenue.
Cherry Beach/Clarke Beach Park
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Both you and your dog can enjoy the sun, sand and water in this off-leash park area on the north shore! There’s fencing (although not fully enclosed) on three sides of the west side of the beach, so owners have to keep an eye on their pups.
Address: 1 Cherry St.
Sunnybrook Park
The off-leash dog area is fenced in, and commercial dog walkers can access it. For people with small pups, it has a separate area for dogs weighing less than 20 lbs.
This midtown park offers a fenced-off off-leash area for dogs, allowing them to safely run through a picturesque forest setting. Dog walkers will also enjoy the boardwalk and natural trail, as well as the Burke Brook stream, which runs through the park. As there is a lot to explore in the forest, it’s a favourite for commercial dog walkers.
Address: 190 Sherwood Ave. (Sherwood Avenue and Mount Pleasant Road)
Frank Faubert Wood Lot (Hand of God Park)
The off-leash area is fenced and located close to the Scarborough Civic Centre. Owners with small pups can access the separate area for dogs weighing less than 20 lbs!
Address: 185 Borough Dr., Scarborough
Cedarvale Park
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This park features sprawling fenced-in seasonal off-leash and year-long off-leash areas for your pups, near the cricket diamond and baseball field. The surface material is made of engineered wood fibre, so your dog will be more than comfortable!
Address: 443 Arlington Ave.
G. Ross Lord Park
Although there is no small dog area in this park, the off-leash area is fully fenced-in with double gates, so your pups will be safe while frolicking in the grass! Many of the reviews suggest that the dog owners are friendly and dogs well-mannered.
Address: 4801 Dufferin St.
Thomson Memorial Park
Courtesy Rishi Anand/Google
This off-leash space is vast, with three large separately fenced-in fields (one for large dogs, one for small dogs and one for shy/fearful dogs) for your dogs to frolic in, or for you to play a game of catch with your pup.
Address: 1005 Brimley Rd.
Click here for a full list of off-leash dog areas in the city near you. Remember when taking your pup to an off-leash area, it doesn’t mean unattended — keep an eye on your pet and place your dog’s waste into the appropriate waste bin.
Tonight is the Weeknd’s final performance at the Rogers Centre as part of the Toronto leg of his sold-out “After Hours Til Dawn” tour. While the Scarborough-born R&B singer is one of the most-streamed artists in the world, he hasn’t forgotten his Toronto roots.
According to a recent CBC report, The Weeknd, aka Abel Tesfaye, invited youth from the Boys and Girls Club of West Scarborough (BGC West Scarborough) to join him for one of his recent shows, and of course, the kids were ecstatic.
“All I see is just him walking towards me, and I was just saying, ‘hi, hi, hi’ and I see him put his arms out and he’s coming to hug me, and I’m just like, oh my goodness,” Soliana Derhanu raved.
“For him to come and hug us and stuff, it’s a really cool experience getting to know him. He really is just like a regular person that just really made it out and he was putting on for us,” James Nnabuogor added.
“He grew up in this area, Teasdale,” Jeremiah Rivaldo said, referencing a street in the Scarborough area. “It’s just insane to see like one of our people go up and go famous.”
According to Bridgette Rivaldo, Divisional Manager at BGC West Scarborough, for these youth, the concert was everything they could have ever hoped for.
“…it was the concert, it was the meet-and-greet, it was everything that came with it as a package deal,” she told the CBC, adding that some of the youth were in tears when they found out they’d meet the singer. “Even without this meet-and-greet, a lot of our youth come from low-income families, and they come from newcomer families. They would never even dream of having the opportunity to meet him, let alone being four seats up from the floor. It was surreal…”
“I’m deeply hono[u]red to receive the Key to the City. It feels good to be home. Toronto is where I found my voice, and I’m committed to helping the next generation find theirs,” The Weeknd said in a statement at the time. “That’s why I’m proud to support the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough and my former high school, Birchmount Park, providing youth with the means to unlock their full potential.”
The Weeknd will perform with Kaytranada And Mike Dean at the Rogers Centre tonight at 7:00 pm.
A Toronto tradition for 145 years, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is an absolute must for anyone visiting or living in the city. From the midway filled with whizzing rides and carnies calling you to a game of ring toss to the sugar rush you get from a bag of Tiny Tom doughnuts, the CNE is always a thrill.
Come for the corn dogs, the Super Dogs, or both. Catch the HorseCapades at the Horse Palace and shop till you drop at the International Pavilion. There are endless things to do at Canada’s largest annual fair — and don’t forget to come hungry. There’s always something new to try.
Kicking off festivities on Aug. 15 and wrapping up on Sept. 1, the CNE’s opening hours run from 11 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and 10 a.m. to midnight on weekends.
With opening day just around the corner, read on to find out how to get the most bang for your buck while the fair’s in town.
Advance ticket sales
Buy your tickets before opening day (Aug. 15) and get great discounts.
Head to theex.com or stop by participating retailers, including Metro, Longo’s, Walmart, Circle K and Food Basics, to snag an advance sale gift card.
Take advantage of reduced prices on general grounds admission for $25.11 and Ride All Day passes for $47.24 per person. Snag your discount before it’s gone (the sale is on until Aug. 14). Time’s a-ticking!
Get the most out of your Presto card
Your Presto card offers much more than a cheap ride on Toronto’s Red Rocket. It also offers numerous discounts for nearby entertainment, food venues, and attractions — including the CNE. Visit prestocard.ca for upt to a whopping 47 per cent off Ride All Day tickets and 27 per cent off general grounds admission.
Although the best deals happen before Aug. 15, you’ll still get a nice discount after that date — but it’ll be less.
Dig up those school passes
If you have kids, you may recall them coming home with CNE coupons during the final week of class. Well, now’s the time to dig those up and put them to good use!
Offering free grounds admission for those 5-13 years old, you’ll save $25 on each kid.
Can’t remember where you put these coupons? Or they never made it home in the first place? Fear not. Just click here to download them.
Look into your work perks
Whether you work at a startup or a corporate firm, many companies offer their employees exclusive benefits on more than just healthcare.
Given the Canadian National Exhibition has a massive corporate sales program, chances are your work has (or can get) some great CNE discounts. Head to your employee portal to see what’s available to you, or ask your HR team to find out more.
Student and alumni discounts
If you’re a post-secondary student or alumni of one of Ontario’s universities and colleges, look on your institution’s members page for Toronto CNE discounts or check in with your student union.
If you’ve got tickets to an upcoming event at the Budweiser Stage or BMO Field from Aug. 15 to Sept. 1, you’re in luck!
Whether watching a concert or catching the Toronto FC win a game, your tickets automatically include free grounds admission to the Ex.
Watching a performance by a legend like Neil Young followed by a few hours in Toronto’s most iconic midway? Now that’s a night to remember.
Opening day discount
Every year, locals flock to the CNE on opening day. Why? Because that’s when one of the best deals takes place.
Head to the Princess Gates on Aug. 15 and get in for just $15. The opening day price has increased by $2 from last year’s rate, but it’s still a steal compared to regular admission!
Weeknight discount
Considered the CNE’s version of “Happy Hour,” drop by the CNE after work and get a pretty great discount on admission for the night. For just $13, you can catch a performance at the Bell CNE Bandshell, go on a couple rides and eat your fill of the latest and greatest Ex snacks.
Drop by after 5 p.m. from Monday to Thursday (excluding Labour Day) for the discount. Just be prepared for crowds, though.
Kid’s Toonie Mondays
Another CNE tradition is the long-standing Kid’s Toonie Mondays. For a mere $2, kids ages 5-13 get grounds admission when accompanied by a paying adult. And remember — kids four and under are free.
Of course, if you’re going with the family to enjoy the midway rides, be prepared to pay separately for that.
Take advantage of the Ex Lunch
There’s a little-known perk dubbed the Excelunch Special, which grants refundable grounds admission to the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto if you visit between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
Head to any gate during the window to purchase your tickets, and return to that same gate for a refund no later than 2 p.m.
Time it correctly, and get up to three hours to enjoy the food, play a few games, and meander the fairgrounds. Just be sure you don’t miss the refund cut-off time. And don’t miss the new lunch time specials being offered at the Food Building from participating vendors this year!
The Yacoubian brothers (aka Seb, Saro and Serouj) will bring their fire-grilled kebab sandwiches and bowls to the new space, delivering bold flavours without compromising on quality or craft. Patrons can also expect the same culinary ethos that earned Taline a Michelin nod, but in a more casual format (so, perfect for lunch on the go, quick dinners or shared meals with friends and loved ones).
The new concept builds on deeply rooted family traditions. Whereas Taline honours their late mother through handcrafted dishes and nostalgic touches like her favourite wines and music, Giragi is a sort of tribute to their beloved father.
“Giragi” means “Sunday” in Armenian, so it’s named after the day traditionally set aside for family gatherings — a day where their father could often be found at the grill.
“In Armenia and Lebanon, kebab sandwiches are a way of life,” executive chef and partner Seb Yacoubian says. “They’re the food you grab after work, share with friends, or eat standing up on the street. We’re excited to introduce Toronto to that and to do it in a way that’s true to where we come from.”
Giragi first came to life last summer as a weekend pop-up in the alleyway behind Taline. Patrons often asked for kebabs (considering how popular they are in Armenian and Lebanese cuisines), which prompted the brothers to fire up a backyard BBQ-style setup in Rosedale! It quickly became a community fav, regularly selling out and drawing crowds with its bold flavours.
“It felt like a backyard party every weekend,” chef Seb added. “It had all the energy and warmth of home and we knew it needed to live on in a bigger way, and so Giragi was born.”
The Giragi menu offers kebab sandwiches wrapped in house-made flatbread, complemented with fresh herbs and sauces that balance richness with brightness. Standout dishes include the Hav spice-rubbed chicken topped with tahin, mango amba, pickled turnip and toum; the Davar beef kebab with hummus, pickled cucumber and onion-sumac salad; and the Vochkhar lamb with cucumber yogurt sauce, pickled turnip and Armenian herbs. And there are quite a few vegetarian options, like grilled halloumi or falafel with fennel tahin, tomato, herbs and pickled vegetables.
Salads and sides will round out the menu. Try the citrusy Fattoush, kale-based Tabule, Basturma Croquettes with whipped feta aioli, or Fasoulia, blistered green beans with fennel tahini and pomegranate.
Whatever you devour, your visit won’t be complete without a serving of the house hummus, blended smooth with tahin, green harissa, lemon and Aleppo pepper (it’s just perfect for dipping, layering or sharing!)
And as a nod to the man who always stood in front of the grill on Sundays, the space will feature a playful cartoon mascot inspired by the Yacoubian brothers’ dad.
Toronto is making a name for itself on the BBQ map. According to a new report, Toronto ranks eighth overall in BBQ popularity across the continent, placing it ahead of San Diego, St. Louis and even San Antonio, Texas!
For the Betway report, researchers analyzed 25 cities across the U.S. and Canada, looking at the number of BBQ vendors, the percentage of highly rated BBQ joints, festival offerings and search interests to discover the top spots for barbecue lovers.
Toronto boasts 121 BBQ vendors citywide, 49 of which are top-rated (4.5 stars or above), as well as three annual BBQ festivals. The city also sees a monthly search volume of 30 BBQ-related terms, showing that Torontonians have a steady appetite for smoked and grilled fare!
The only other Canadian city to make the top 25 was Calgary, ranked 20th, with a popularity percentage of 46.5.
Carbon Bar
Las Vegas may be experiencing a slump in tourism, partly due to Canadians opting for staycations as a result of the U.S. political climate, but it topped the list with a perfect BBQ popularity score of 100, thanks to its high concentration of top-rated BBQ joints and BBQ-themed festivals. Austin, Texas, home of the legendary Franklin Barbecue, came in second with a score of 94.2, followed by Birmingham, Alabama, and BBQ giants like Memphis and Houston!
Still, Toronto stood out among other major American BBQ heavyweights like Chicago, San Diego, and Charlotte with a BBQ popularity score of 59.7 per cent (just below Chicago’s 60.9 per cent). You can see the full list here.
According to the study, the highest-rated BBQ restaurant in Toronto is The Carbon Bar (99 Queen St E), which serves up Southern-inspired fare and craft cocktails surrounded by purple velvet banquettes and colourful pop art lining the walls. But there are many other spots you can get your grill fix! Check out these six finger-licking barbecue joints across Toronto, whether you’re craving a rack of ribs smothered in sauce or slow-cooked perfection.
After watching his wife, mother, and sister struggle to find dishes that accommodated their dietary needs, chef Kumar Ishan decided the best solution was to create a menu that anyone could enjoy.
Social Llama Cafe, which recently opened in the heart of Midtown, offers a deliciously healthy menu that’s fully vegetarian and vegan, meaning allergies, food sensitivities or preferences can all be accommodated, without compromising the quality of the meal.
“I decided to build the kind of kitchen I wish had existed for my family — a space where flavour meets trust, and where no one has to second-guess what’s on their plate,” Ishan says. “Social Llama Café is not just a restaurant — it’s a safe, joyful, inclusive dining experience.”
Everything he does is intentional, from the food he prepares to the name he chose for the cafe.
“Llamas are calm, strong, and intuitive creatures. They don’t seek the spotlight, but they carry presence. That’s what we want to offer here — a quiet, grounded space that holds room for everyone,” Ishan says.
Starting his culinary journey in India, Ishan has worked in the kitchens of major luxury hotel brands like Taj and LaLiT. Following his training, Ishan’s cooking career took a global turn as he headed up kitchens in Singapore, Dubai, the U.S., and the U.K., before eventually moving to Canada in 2023.
“Each country taught me something new — about food, people and the emotional side of hospitality,” Ishan says. The Social Llama menu follows a bistro format; diners can expect a little bit of everything, and most of the mains come with a house salad and a protein component.
“The menu is a reflection of my travels and training — from comforting pastas to elevated curries, and playful breakfast items to protein-rich smoothies,” Ishan says.“We don’t try to be an ‘Indian restaurant’ or an ‘Italian spot.’ We bring in global influences, layered with personal stories, and reimagine them through a clean, modern, inclusive lens.”
While Toronto’s plant-based scene continues to grow, Ishan says there’s still a gap when it comes to precision, transparency and allergen care, and misconceptions still arise.
“The goal was to create food that feels globally inspired, emotionally comforting, and nutritionally thoughtful — the kind of food that feels good during the meal and even after,” he says
Clarence Square Park in downtown Toronto is getting a summer refresh, thanks to a city collaboration with the Toronto Downtown West Business Improvement Area (TDWBIA). The small downtown park on Spadina Ave, just north of Front St, boasts a mature tree canopy, a couple of park benches and an enclosed dog off-leash area, but will receive tons of upgrades as part of this revitalization plan set to continue into 2026. Think tree trimming, fresh landscaping, 300 square metres of temporary decking, new tables and chairs, and a playful, three-dimensional “T.O.” sculpture made from reusable wooden blocks.
The area’s residential population is projected to exceed 55,000 in the next five years, so investing in parks and public spaces has been a top priority for the city.
“This is just the first step toward permanent improvements the City is planning for Clarence Square Park to meet our commitment to it being a welcome place for all,” Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, City of Toronto, said in a statement. “In 2026, we’re looking at implementing revitalizations to existing park features and heritage attributes, aiming to enhance this beloved, much-needed space in the King-Spadina neighbourhood.”
There will also be tons of free public programming at the park running through the end of September! The Clarence Square Summer Music Series features live performances from local musicians every Thursday to Saturday, from 12-2 p.m. and again from 6-8 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy games and surprise pop-up events.
“Our team has been focused on turning overlooked and underused spaces into destinations, which are key to supporting a growing residential and commercial population,” Dana Duncanson, Managing Director of the TDWBIA said. “Over the past two years, we’ve activated parks with free events like Downtown Movies in the Park in partnership with TIFF at David Pecaut Square, and upcoming events like Doggie Fest at Roundhouse Park and WellnessTO at Victoria Memorial Park.”
It’s August, and that means one major thing for gamers: It’s time to attend the FAN EXPO Canada exhibit! Later this month, tens of thousands of pop culture geeks will flock to Toronto to attend the largest comics/sci-fi/anime/gaming exhibit in the country and the third-largest pop culture event in North America. The expo started as a niche comic book convention that attracted a few hundred locals into a multi-faceted, multi-day event that attracts enthusiasts from across the globe (as well as some amazing celebrity guests)!
Before you go, here is everything you need to know about FAN EXPO Canada 2025.
What is FAN EXPO Canada?
The expo is Canada’s largest pop culture convention for anyone who’s into comics, sci-fi, horror, fantasy, anime, cosplay, and gaming. Expect four days of family-friendly activities, shopping, celebrity meet and greets, and photo ops. Check out the celebrity panels to get autographs from your fav celebs and receive inside scoops about beloved movies and TV shows! Watch professional comic artists battle it out in our popular sketch duels, learn from our “How To” workshops, and take photos with cosplay characters!
When and where isFAN EXPO Canada 2025?
The expo takes place from Thursday, Aug. 21 to Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (steps away from Union Station).
Show hours: Thursday 4 p.m.–9 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–7 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.. A special preview will take place on Thursday at 2 p.m. for VIP, Ultimate and four-day pass holders who purchase in advance.
FAN EXPO Canada 2025 Highlights
Get the perfectpic with your fav celebrity guests taken by a professional photographer! Each photo op includes one 8×10 printed photo, but you can bring up to three friends and share the cost of the photo op (additional prints and/or JPEGs are available for purchase). The cost of the photo depends on the celebrity. Meet your fav cosplayers! Crafters, builders, and master cosplayers will be around all weekend, so be sure to drop by the Cosplay Corner to meet them. Comic lovers can meet a bunch of legendary comic book creators and browse through hard-to-find comics at the Comic Creator area next to Artist Alley.
There are a few special events this year, including An Evening With Marty and Doc, where you’ll celebrate 40 years of Back to the Future with Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd themselves! Multiple packages are available for this experience, including the premium version, which includes one guaranteed in-person autograph, a professional photo op and a gold ticket to the seated event with the pair.
Ewan McGregor, of Obi-Wan Kenobi fame, will also appear for a live event on Saturday, with multiple packages available.
There will also be a ton of sci-fi- and fantasy-fueled interactive experiences, including lightsaber battles (fans are given “combat-ready sabers” for a safe and fun experience) and sci-fi & fantasy cosplay meetups (from Star Wars and Doctor Who to House of the Dragon and Lord of the Rings). Gamers can do everything from joining BattleTech and Dungeons and Dragons tournaments to participating in the Bell Esports Challenge tournament series (designed to develop the amateur Esports community) to learning from the gaming experts at panels! You can go head-to-head with your favourite comic creator during Sketch Duels, strut the cosplay red carpet, get up close and personal with screen-accurate replicas of your favourite props and more.
What celebrities will attend FAN EXPO Canada 2025?
Meet up with your fav celeb guests this year, including cast members from Smallville, The Boys, Yellowjackets, Dr. Who, Twilight, Back to the Future, Star Wars, Hawkeye, Sinners and more, as well as voice actors from Avatar: The Last Airbender, Hazbin Hotel, Justice League: Doom, Superman: The Animated Series and Spiderverse.
Special guests include Michael J. Fox, Ewan McGregor, Hailee Steinfeld, William Shatner, Christopher Lloyd, Mary Steenburgen, Tom Welling, Mike Tyson, Dafne Keen, John Boyega, Mason Thames, Brandon Routh, Tyler Hoechlin, Juliette Lewis, Michael Rosenbaum, Catherine Tate, Heather Locklear, Bitsie Tulloch, Peggy the Dog, Bob Gale, Lea Thompson, Peter Facinelli, Kellan Lutz, Jackson Rathbone, Ron Perlman, George Newbern, Sting, Trish Stratus, Kristin Kreuk, Erica Durance, Laura Vandervoort, David Giuntoli, Claudia Wells, James Tolkan, Mandip Gill, Dante Basco, Hudson Thames and Tim Daly.
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Where to eat at FAN EXPO Canada 2025
As the Metro Toronto Convention Center is located right downtown by Union Station, there are tons of restaurants of various cuisines within walking distance.
When is the best time to attendFAN EXPO Canada 2025?
Any day is perfect, but Saturday and Sunday will likely attract the most crowds as that’s when most exhibits, celeb panels, and cosplay events will take place. The opening day will also give fans a preview of what to expect and allow them to explore the venue.
How to get toFAN EXPO Canada 2025
Transit: Exit at Union Station, walk west on Front Street to the North Building, access the SkyWalk to enter the South Building OR when you reach Union Station, follow the SkyWalk to either the North or South Building.
Customers purchasing tickets to Fan EXPO Canada can now purchase an add-on GO Transit ticket, which will offer a seamless travel experience in one transaction — this includes an add-on 4-day round-trip fare for only $40 to help fans save and enjoy the event without the hassle of driving.
GO Transit Adult tickets:
4-DAY GO Transit Ticket Fare – $45.00
Thursday Adult GO Transit Fare – $15.00
Friday Adult GO Transit Fare – $15.00
Saturday Adult GO Transit Fare – $10.00
Sunday Adult GO Transit Fare – $10.00
GO Transit Youth tickets (Ages 13-17):
Thursday Youth GO Transit Fare – $10.00
Friday Youth GO Transit Fare – $10.00
Saturday Youth GO Transit Fare – $10.00
Sunday Youth GO Transit Fare – $10.00
Kids 12 and under can ride the GO transit for free. Riders can also transfer for free with one fare between GO Transit and TTC.
Car: From Toronto Pearson International Airport, take Highway 401 East to Highway 427 South. Follow Highway 427 South to the Gardiner Expressway.
To reach the North Building, exit at Spadina Avenue, proceed north on Spadina Avenue, and turn right on Front Street. Turn right on Simcoe Street then turn right into the garage.
To reach the South Building, exit at York Street. Proceed north two lights to Bremner Boulevard. Turn left on Bremner Boulevard. Turn left on Lower Simcoe Street then turn right into the garage.
