Toronto Guide - Hotel Version by Spafax

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2012 | Creative in the City

SIMPLY THE BEST:

TORONTO SHINES from beach to bistro, film to fashion

SAVOUR THE CITY

FOOD & DR IN K S PE CIAL S E CTION M O R E TO E EX X P LO R E: B BRAMPTO RAMP TO N, NIAGARA , MISSISSAU GA

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Departure Times & Locations (Travel non-stop directly to Niagara Falls): 7 am – Airport area location. Dixon Rd. & Carlingview Dr. Glass booth city bus stop in front of Travelodge Hotel

8 am – Downtown Toronto City Centre, Yonge St. at Dundas Square, near Eaton Centre Outside the Hard Rock Café

7:30 am – Bus stop at 33 Yonge St., 5 pm – Arrive back at city centre just north of Front St.

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Table of Contents

Toronto Magazine, Volume 5, Issue 1 Getting high on thrills at the CN Tower with EdgeWalk, the world’s highest full-circle hands-free walk.

Food & Drink Special: Savour the City 34 · Hot Stuff

Four celebrated chefs dish on the local food scene. By James Chatto

38 · Shake It Up

Top mixologists share their secrets on the city’s sizzling cocktails. By Margaret Swaine

40 · Vine Lines

Raise a glass to Ontario, home to an array of wonderful wines. By Natalie MacLean

42 · Brew Review

Pint-size breweries make a major impact on the growing beer landscape. By Stephen Beaumont

Features 46 · Star Treks

Found here: the hottest tickets and best venues and artists in entertainment. By Stephen Knight

50 · Only in Toronto

25 reasons why this city is like no other. By Michele Sponagle

54 · ’Tis the Season

Toronto’s unbeatable holiday spirit spreads magic and warmth. By Michele Sponagle

58 · Objects of Desire

Blockbuster treasures from four beloved cultural attractions. By Carol Perehudoff

63 · Green Scene

Brampton comes alive with festivals, relaxing spaces and new attractions. By Bill Brioux

66 · Celebrate Mississauga

Meet a festival city at its cultural peak. By Jennifer Lee

Photos: CN Tower (EdgeWalk); Kevin Gonsalves (restaurant)

69 · The Wonder of Niagara

Up close and personal with the legends of the Falls. By Anita Draycott

72 · Eau, What a Feeling

From lakes to rivers, action-packed pursuits make a splash. By Kate Pocock

76 · Discovery Walks

Hit the pavement to explore five unique urban themes.

TORONTO 2012 | 3

Table of Contents In Brief 22 · Sporting Life

An athletic primer—by the numbers. By Stephen Knight

24 · Fashion Forward

Inside Toronto’s thriving style and design scene. By Laura deCarufel

28 · Side Trips

Go ahead and use Toronto as a convenient hub from which to explore the best of Ontario. By Aliyah Shamser

30 · Village People

Two insiders, two neighbourhoods. Your ultimate guide to the LGBT community, from prime breakfast spots to browsing and bar hopping. By Michele Sponagle

Snapshots 18 · Second Sight

Iconic landmarks as you’ve never seen them before.

44 · The Luxe Life

Departments 6 · Contributors 8 · Welcome 10 · Cityscapes

124

Your black book: hot shops, cool restos, unique sleeps and more.

82 · Neighbourhoods of Greater Toronto 122 · Visitor Resources 124 · 2012 Event Calendar 126 · Parting Shot

On the Cover American sculptor Richard Serra’s massive Tilted Spheres greets passengers at Toronto Pearson International Airport in terminal one. Its large scale (39 feet long, 14 feet high) meant that it had to be installed before the walls and roof were built. It straddles the line between art and architecture beautifully. Photo by Lorne Bridgman

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Meet Mr. Geography, taxi driver extraordinaire, and take the most memorable ride of your life.

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Photos: Getty Images (Bautista); Arthur Mendonça (model); Geneviève Caron (Yonge-Dundas Square); Tourism Toronto (festival)

A stylish look at urban glamour and glitz. Photography by Geneviève Caron

What man wouldn’t love to shop at Harry Rosen? 5 FLOORS. HUNDREDS OF LABELS. HARRY ROSEN MENSWEAR. 82 BLOOR ST. W.

You may have heard a little about Harry Rosen’s service – delivery to your hotel, same-day alterations, shopping by appointment – but that’s only part of the story. Our flagship store in the heart of Yorkville offers five floors of designer menswear including an exceptional shoe department and six boutique style shop-in-shops. We have everything you need, from denim to bespoke, not to mention that famous service. Please drop by for a visit.

ARMANI COLLEZIONI HUGO BOSS BRIONI BRUNELLO CUCINELLI BURBERRY CANALI DOLCE & GABBANA ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA ETRO ISAIA LANVIN LORO PIANA PRADA RALPH LAUREN BLACK LABEL RALPH LAUREN RLX SALVATORE FERRAGAMO TOD’S TOM FORD

harryrosen.com 82BLOOR BLOOR STREET STREET WEST. 82 WEST I •416.972.0556 416.972.0556I WWW.HARRYROSEN.COM

Contributors

STEPHEN BEAUMONT Stephen Beaumont has been documenting the world of beer, spirits and cocktails for over two decades, along the way authoring or contributing to a dozen books, including the forthcoming World Atlas of Beer, co-written with Tim Webb and scheduled for publication in the spring of 2012. When not drinking or writing about flavourful beverages, he can often be found talking about them. JAMES CHATTO James Chatto is the author of six books and is one of Canada’s best-known food writers. He is the editor of harry Magazine, senior editor of Food & Drink magazine, food and culture columnist for ROM Magazine and restaurant critic for Zoomer magazine. As National Culinary Advisor to Gold Medal Plates, the Olympic athlete fundraiser, he gets to eat his way across Canada every fall. KEVIN GONSALVES A born-and-bred Torontonian, Kevin Gonsalves is a commercial photographer who works and lives in the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood. His images have frequently appeared in magazines such as Homemakers, Canadian Family, FASHION Magazine, The Fourth Period, Toronto Life, Wedding Bells and Where Essential. Kevin is a graduate of Toronto’s Ryerson University.

NATALIE MACLEAN Natalie MacLean, author of the bestseller Red, White and Drunk All Over, has just published her second wine book, Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World’s Best Bargain Wines, which is packed with character sketches of hilarious, obsessive winemakers, notes on travels to gorgeous vineyards, mouth-watering descriptions of food and wine, insider wine tips and neurotic humour.

Tourism Toronto Chair of the Board David Ogilvie President & CEO David Whitaker Senior Vice-President & Chief Marketing Officer Joel Peters Editor-in-Chief Vice-President, Communications Andrew Weir Director, Creative Services Bridget LeGrow Director, Industry Relations Pamela Laite Director, Member Care Denise Belgrove Managing Editor Michele Sponagle Senior Editor Laura deCarufel Design Spafax Canada Membership enquiries: 416-203-3820 Ad sales (Spafax Canada): 416-350-2425 Circulation: 340,000 Published by Tourism Toronto Queen’s Quay Terminal Box 126, 207 Queen’s Quay West Toronto, ON Canada M5J 1A7 Tel: 416-203-2600 Fax: 416-203-6753 Printed in Canada Toronto Magazine © 2012. Produced in cooperation with the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. All information is current as of press time. The publisher cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy of all information and will not be responsible for errors, changes or omissions.

CAROL PEREHUDOFF Based in Toronto, Carol Perehudoff is an awardwinning freelance writer with a passion for art, spas and travel. Her articles have appeared in a number of publications, including enRoute Magazine, the Chicago Tribune and Endless Vacations, and she writes a travel column for the Toronto Star. She blogs at www.wanderingcarol.com, has recently launched into making travel videos and is currently working on a memoir. CHRIS YOUNG Chris Young lives and works in Toronto, shooting everything from celebrity portraits to major sporting events for a wide variety of editorial and commercial clients both in Canada and the United States. Chris was born in England and worked in London for magazines, wire agencies, newspapers, NGOs and government bodies. He was twice commissioned by the Queen to take her family portraits.

www.SeeTorontoNow.com

This publication is printed on stock FSC certified and is 100% recyclable.

VisitToronto

360 Restaurant is one of Torontoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest dining destinations, located atop Torontoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous landmark, the CN Tower. Offering a spectacular 360-degree view of the city, an inventive, locally sourced, seasonal menu and an award-winning wine cellar, 360 Restaurant is an inspiring gastronomic experience in an unsurpassed setting. To book the ultimate dining experience, call 416-362-5411 or visit cntower.ca Complimentary elevation with the purchase of a main course.

Minister’s Message

President and CEO’s Message

Welcome to the Hello and welcome. Greater Toronto Area, a truly diverse and dynamic destination that has something to offer everyone as a multicultural and cosmopolitan capital. With a proud population of people from over 200 countries, speaking more than 130 languages, Toronto offers a unique opportunity to discover cultures from every corner of the world. Toronto showcases a vibrant variety of sights and sounds, from our inspired cultural scene, innovative festivals and world-class sporting events to our enticing international cuisine, premier shopping and renowned hotels. Throughout the seasons, our streets are alive with entertainment and excitement! Home to acclaimed attractions like the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Royal Ontario Museum and the iconic CN Tower, some of the world’s greatest treasures can be found just steps away. Beyond the downtown core, endless opportunities await you in Brampton, Mississauga and York Region! These centres boast some of the best golf courses, parks, trails, racetracks and shopping centres for you to explore. Whether you travel across the Greater Toronto Area, venture north to see the breathtaking wilderness of Ontario’s famed cottage country or head south to some of the world’s finest wineries, you’ll quickly discover why Ontario is not just a place to explore— but a place to experience!

We’re proud to present Toronto Magazine for 2012, featuring inspiration from across our great region and all the practical information you’ll need to craft your own adventure. You’ll find a cosmopolitan city with a style that is authentically Toronto and uniquely Canadian. Walk the streets by day and by night. Savour the sights, sounds and exhilarating tastes of every café, restaurant, market and festival. A vibrant, yet intimate downtown core is also the gateway to singular neighbourhood experiences found in every corner of the Greater Toronto Area, from Mississauga and our airport area to Brampton and beyond. Visiting our city is a choice you’ll be glad you made. More than 224,000 dedicated individuals are working in tourism and hospitality across Greater Toronto. We’re all here to welcome you and make your visit one you’ll remember for a long time. Visit our website to get up-to-the-minute event listings (SeeTorontoNow.com) and download the free See Toronto mobile app. While here, be sure to pick up your copy of the 2012 Toronto Visitor Guide. In it, you’ll find all the information you’ll need to explore one of the most exciting and unique cities you’ve ever visited. On behalf of all of us, welcome to Toronto! We’ve been expecting you.

David Whitaker President and CEO, Tourism Toronto

Michael Chan Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

Download Tourism Toronto’s new app here... get the inside scoop on Toronto events, restaurants, attractions and more! The See Toronto app is available in the app store.

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Toronto is an eclectic city. It changes almost

daily, morphs, evolves and grows in new and exciting directions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, repeat guest or even a local, it’s a destination that continues to surprise and delight the more you explore it. From topnotch regional ethnic cuisine to fashion finds and off-the-beaten-path attractions, there is always something amazing to see, do or taste.

Cityscapes Local Hero Call it a local food network. The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) is taking its locally sourced menu one step further with a new program that allows meeting planners to give their delegates a real taste of Ontario. It’s farm to fork at its very best. The program prioritizes Ontario producers, making them the MTCC’s main suppliers with a partnership that includes the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance (OCTA) and Food Network celebrity chef Brad Long, a long-time advocate of the “eat local” movement. mtccc.com —Aliyah Shamsher

10 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre puts local fare front and centre on its menus.

Cityscapes AROUND TOWN

A sleepover at the Ontario Science Centre

Unique Sleeps In Toronto, accommodations come in myriad forms. With the ROMkids Sleepovers, youngsters can spend a night at the Royal Ontario Museum, learning about its popular dinosaur skeletons. For budding adventurers, the Ontario Science Centre’s Destination Discovery! package is a sleepover experience complete with storytelling around an indoor virtual campfire, snacks and handson activities. If you prefer something more traditional, but still unique, head to the Park Hyatt Toronto. Interior designer Sarah Richardson’s foray into hotel design began with the Hyatt’s The Pink Suite. The newest addition to the mix? The Blue Suite, which Richardson has transformed using a cool palette and crisp chrome accents. History buffs can rewind back to 1964 when The Beatles stayed in the Royal Suite at Le Méridien King Edward Hotel. Their presence inspired more than 3,000 fans to flood the lobby. Five years later, John

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Lennon returned with Yoko Ono and stayed in the same suite the day before they began their bed-in-forpeace campaign. Art lovers can soak up the cultural vibe at The Drake Hotel. The Salon Rooms are filled with artwork from the hotel’s permanent collection (think pieces by Ken Lum and Elaine Stocki). The nearby Gladstone Hotel features 37 artistdesigned rooms, including the Tower Suite, created by mother-and-daughter team Jane and Christina Zeidler. At the Rogers Centre (home of the Toronto Blue Jays), sports fans can spend the night at the Renaissance Toronto Downtown Hotel. It offers the best seats in the house with field-view rooms overlooking the stadium. —A.S.

Creature comforts for ROMkids Sleepovers

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TORONTO 2012 | 11

Cityscapes around town Interactive exhibits and a host of memorabilia make the Hockey Hall of Fame a favourite.

Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame at Woodbine Racetrack

Actor and inductee Mike Myers adds glamour to Canada’s Walk of Fame.

Fame Game

12 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

On the Run Couldn’t pack your personal trainer? With bike routes, hiking trails and easily accessible running groups to join, continue your weekly workouts while exploring Toronto’s diverse neighbourhoods and scenic waterways. Cruise control: Take to the streets with BIXI (toronto.bixi.com), Toronto’s public bike-sharing system, which has 80 stations in the downtown core, all accessible 24/7. Want to go mobile? Map your route at Ridethecity.com/Toronto. Trailblazers: Meander between nature and urban reality with a Toronto hike along the Humber River Trail, the Don River Trail or the Rouge River Trail. Up for an adventure? The 800-km Bruce Trail begins near Niagara Falls and ends in the picturesque town of Tobermory. Waterways: Run, bike or stroll along the Martin Goodman Trail, which threads its way through Toronto’s waterfront, linking the Eastern Beaches and the Western Beaches. The newest addition to the trail—from Marilyn Bell Park to Coronation Park—offers uninterrupted views of Lake Ontario and beyond. Drop in: Retreat from the city with a class at The Yoga Sanctuary (theyogasanctuary.net), which has two locations in downtown Toronto. Mississauga’s Second Wind Pilates Plus (secondwind.net) offers a holistic approach to fitness and approximately 30 classes per week. If running is more your speed, the Toronto Running Club (torontorunningclub.com) features free runs every Wednesday evening. —A.S.

Photos: Doug Brown/Tourism Toronto (jockey); Hockey Hall of Fame; iStockphoto (Canada’s Walk of Fame)

Toronto has several landmarks that honour the achievements of Canada’s brightest stars. From hockey greats to world-renowned musicians, actors and directors, the country’s notables are commemorated throughout the city. Perhaps the best-known shrine is the Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF), housed in a beautifully restored 1880s bank building. Filled with a myriad of artifacts and memorabilia, the HHOF embodies Canada’s love of the game through an interactive hockey zone, the international hall, which has hockey paraphernalia from around the world, and the MCI Great Hall, housing the Stanley Cup and other trophies as well as portraits and biographical sketches of all inductees. You can also choose your own adventure with the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame at Woodbine Racetrack, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame at Glen Abbey Golf Club, and not far away, the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum in St. Marys, Ontario, and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in Hamilton. Spanning several blocks on King Street, between Roy Thomson Hall, the Royal Alexandra Theatre and the Princess of Wales Theatre, Canada’s Walk of Fame features plaques celebrating such A-listers as Mike Myers, Christopher Plummer and Michael J. Fox. —A.S.

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Cityscapes around town

Indian Rice Factory serves up flame-roasted lentil chips and fresh mint and coriander chutneys.

Flavours to Savour There’s more to love with Toronto’s diverse ethnic cuisine.

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Download this A one-stop spot for everything great in Toronto? With details on dining, attractions, shopping and events? Yes, there is an app for that. A terrific one that’s available free. See Toronto is the essential app for navigating the abundance of cool things to see and do in the city. It has nifty features like searchable restaurant listings to point the way to nearby eateries, maps, contacts, promotions and handy info on Brampton and Mississauga, too. —Michele Sponagle

Photo: iStockPhoto (iPhone)

As one of the most multicultural cities in the world, Toronto is home to virtually every flavour found in international fare. But what really makes it stand out is its rarefied array of regional cuisine. Pick virtually any kind of ethnic cuisine and you can go on a culinary journey through its country of origin with fork in hand, whether Italy, Korea, China, Japan or France. Take Indian food, for example. The Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi and Tamil cultures are all reflected in different eateries around the city. At Jaipur Grille in midtown, chef Pawan Mahendro—who was born in Amritsar, Punjab, in northern India—uses special menus to highlight specific regions in India. Maroli on Bloor Street West specializes in dishes from the state of Kerala, a land of waving palms and pristine beaches on the southwestern coast of India. Kerala is a melting pot of cultures (Indian, Dutch, British, Arab, Chinese and Portuguese), all of which influence its cuisine. The result is food that is spicy and flavourful but never overpowering. Dosa Darbar on Albion Road specializes in southern Indian dishes, including an impressive variety of dosas (rice pancakes). North of Bombay, located on Dundas West, serves classic north Indian cuisine such as bhindi masala and chicken tikka masala. With four locations scattered across the city, Bombay Bhel is known for dishes baked in its charcoal-fired tandoor oven, including tandoori chicken, which is first marinated in yogurt and a special blend of spices. Biryani House at Yonge and Wellesley has revived dum pukht (slow oven) cuisine, using traditional Awadhi-style preparation. Food is cooked in its own juices in a sealed pot over a very low flame, creating subtle blended flavours. Then there are 309 Dhaba Indian Excellence, The Host Fine Indian Cuisine, Amaya and the Indian Rice Factory. All offer sophisticated menus featuring cuisine from a host of regions. With so much choice, it’s just a matter of taste where you choose to go. —Margaret Swaine

Cityscapes around town

Love the Design offers a fun and funky shopping experience.

Retro in Metro If it’s quirky and cool, you can find it at Cat’s Meow.

Vintage hunters, take note: We’ve rounded up five spots where you can score the city’s coolest loot, whether you’re uptown, downtown, east or west. Avenue Road: Talk about a smash hit. The window displays at Cat’s Meow have been known to stop traffic, as frocks by boldfaced names like Dior and Balenciaga distract drivers (and would-be shoppers). Inside, the selection is a similarly stylish mix of YSL scarves and baubles by Chanel. Condition? Mint. Queen West: Hipsters flock to 69 Vintage, curated by owner and acknowledged Toronto vintage queen Kealan Sullivan. With its indie vibe and friendly staff, it’s the ideal spot to score a perfectly worn-in denim jacket, cool cowboy boots or a sweet 1960s shift dress. The Junction: Part gallery, part store, Smash is all about creative expression, from the custom furniture and glassware on offer to curios like moose antlers, Depressionera mug shots and an impressive collection of colourful Swizzle sticks. Leslieville: Love the Design inspires retail crushes. The airy, light-filled space is home to everything from “industrial chic” furniture to sepia-tinted Toronto maps to vintage seltzer bottles. Bonus: the shop’s couture stationery. Little Italy: The Arthur maximizes every inch of its 350square-foot space, offering kitschy items that would be at home in a circa-1970s cottage: fondue sets, picnic baskets and forest-green typewriters. Shag carpeting not included. —Laura deCarufel

Kitsch from the 1970s lives on at The Arthur.

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For more about hot Toronto shops, go to:

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TORONTO 2012 | 15

Cityscapes around town

What’s in a Name? Stories behind the city’s beloved landmarks. Honest Ed’s In 1948, businessman Ed Mirvish opened a bargain basement store, Honest Ed’s. It became a local favourite for its low prices, no-frills aesthetic and creative publicity stunts, like an annual turkey giveaway at Christmas. Later, as a theatre impressario, Mirvish produced over 300 shows, and his Mirvish Productions remains the lead player in the city’s theatre scene.

Celebrating the glory of Canadian football. The Grey Cup is more than just a championship football game. It’s an end-of-the-year tradition with grand celebrations and parties leading up to see who is the best team in the Canadian Football League. This year a 10-day city-wide festival unites the country, climaxing with the 100th Grey Cup game being played at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on November 25. It promises to be a historymaking event. The city is no rookie when it comes to hosting. It has already welcomed the Grey Cup—one of Canada’s largest and longest-running sporting events—on 46 prior occasions, including the first-ever game, held in 1909. In 1948, fans of the Calgary Stampeders infused the city with a carnivallike atmosphere—according to a famous tale, a football fan rode a horse through the lobby of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. 100thgreycupfestival.ca Some other notable moments from history: • The first Grey Cup game to go into overtime was in 1961, with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Hamilton Tiger Cats battling it out at Toronto’s CNE Stadium. It is still considered one of the best Grey Cup games ever. • In 2006, the Toronto Argonauts requested that the names of co-owners John Candy and Wayne Gretzky be added to the trophy they won in 1991. It was unusual to make the request so many years after the win, but the CFL said yes. • To date, the Toronto Argonauts have been the most frequent winners, with a total of 15 Grey Cup wins, most recently in 2004. • After the 100th Grey Cup game in 2012, the cup will no longer have room left for new plates that list the winners. 16 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

Nathan Phillips Square In power from 1955 to 1962, Nathan Phillips was Toronto’s first Jewish mayor, earning the moniker “mayor of all the people”—fitting for an increasingly multicultural city. He spurred the creation of the new City Hall, an architectural modernist marvel that opened in 1965.

Toronto Pearson International Airport Originally opened in 1939, the Mississauga airport went through several name changes before settling on its current name in 1984. Its namesake is Lester B. Pearson, the beloved 14th prime minister of Canada. The man friends and family called “Mike” won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to stem the Suez Canal crisis.

Eaton Centre Timothy Eaton was an Irish immigrant who started Eaton’s department stores, once the country’s most important retailer with a catalogue selling everything from hats to canoes. The Eaton Centre opened in 1977. For good luck, the legend goes, head to the Royal Ontario Museum and rub the toe of the bronze statue of Timothy.

Roy Thomson Hall The man who gave his name to this entertainment venue was a modest guy, despite his status as a media mogul who owned an empire with more than 200 newspapers and was made a baron. While living in London, he rode the subway to his office. The Thomson family donated $5.4 million for the construction of the hall, which opened in 1982.

Photos: CFL (Grey Cup); Tourism Toronto (Honest Ed’s)

The Big Kickoff

Cityscapes AROUND TOWN

History Class

Photos: Francisco Pardo (360); Fort York National Historic Site (soldiers); Allison Woo (Canoe and Luma)

360 at the CN Tower elevates fine dining to new heights.

On a clear day, the views of the lake from Canoe are unbeatable.

King West hot spot Luma offers prime people-watching.

Meals with a View Sit window-side at these unique eateries to watch the city shimmer and shine, day or night. Crystal clear: At the c5 Restaurant Lounge, located in the pinnacle of the Royal Ontario Museum’s Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, visitors dine under a soaring, peaked aluminumand-glass structure that offers stunning vistas of Toronto’s skyline. Daytime dwellings: The Roof Lounge at the Park Hyatt Toronto is the site of many a celeb-fuelled party (especially during the Toronto International Film Festival). Not to be outdone, the TIFF Bell Lightbox recently partnered with powerhouse resto brand Oliver & Bonacini to create Luma, which overlooks Toronto’s west-end theatre district. High-in-the-sky: Located on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower, Canoe (Oliver & Bonacini) is a favourite dining spot for local and visiting members of the elite. At 351 metres, 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower is in the Guinness World Records for having the world’s highest wine cellar. Home to two of Canada’s highest patios, 180 Panorama is set atop the 51st floor of the downtown Manulife Centre. Day at the races: With its three restaurants, Woodbine Racetrack offers exciting ways to dine, cheer and view, either near the finish line at Champions Bar and Patio or overlooking the track at the Woodbine Club or Favourites Dining Room. —A.S. VisitToronto

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Fort York marks the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. Toronto is known as a modern city, but the roots of the past run deep. Nestled downtown is Fort York, an historic gem that boasts the largest collection of War of 1812 buildings in Canada. With 2012 commemorating the bicentennial of that war, Fort York serves as a hub for events and activities, like re-enactments of military traditions from that time. Its role in Canadian history was pivotal. In April of 1813, the fort was engulfed in flames as U.S. forces attacked and occupied it. Later that year, it was rebuilt and successfully defended York (later called Toronto) from attack, securing its role as the capital of Upper Canada and ensuring that it stayed part of the British Empire. —M.S.

Tech City Toronto looks to the future with the 2012 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference. The city’s mission? To create the most inspired and technologically advanced conference in Microsoft history. Scheduled to run from July 9–13 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the Air Canada Centre, the event celebrates the best and brightest of the international Microsoft family. But for many die-hard tech fans, it’s all about the numbers: 640,000 (Microsoft’s global technology partners), 15,000 (people expected to attend the conference), 130 (countries represented) and 500 (events that will be taking place throughout the city). —A.S. TORONTO 2012 | 17

second sight The devil, as they say, is in the details, but the same could be said of design. And it’s often in the details that a city reveals its soul. In Toronto, replete with iconic sights, soul is everywhere— if you know where to look. So let’s play a game. Study these detail shots and guess which Toronto landmarks they represent. Then go find them. Consider it a day of soul-searching. By Laura deCarufel

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f TORONTO 2012 | 19

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a) Located in the city’s Financial District (near Bay Street and Wellington Street West), the Allen Lambert Galleria in Brookfield Place is one of Toronto’s most stunning public spaces. Designed by Spanish architect

North America, and an array of artwork, including The Audience by Michael Snow, which is located at the northeast and northwest entrances. d) A bronze sculpture of legendary Toronto-born pianist Glenn Gould greets

Santiago Calatrava, the soaring six-storey ceiling of the pedestrian

passersby in front of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation at Front

thoroughfare is meant to evoke a canopy of trees. It’s also a popular spot

Street and John Street. Created by sculptor Ruth Abernathy, the artwork

for art exhibitions, particularly during the annual Scotiabank CONTACT

is reportedly based on a famous photo of Gould sitting on a park bench

Photography Festival (May) and Luminato Festival (June). b) Artist Stephen Cruise’s ode to Toronto’s fashion industry—a nine-foothigh stack of brightly coloured buttons topped by a thimble—is situated on the busy corner of Richmond Street and Spadina Avenue. c) Every year, more than 3.5 million people visit the Rogers Centre (Front

near Lake Simcoe. 2012 marks the 80th anniversary of Gould’s birth. e) Opened to the public in 1899, Old City Hall is an impressive example of Romanesque Revival architecture, complete with cast bronze grotesques that overlook bustling Queen Street and Bay Street. f) Designed by celebrated Chinese architect Yansong Ma, these undulating

Street and Blue Jays Way), home to the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club and

condo towers grace central Mississauga near Square One Shopping Centre,

the Toronto Argonauts Football Team, as well as other top-tier sporting

one of the largest shopping malls in Canada. Inspired by the building’s curves,

events and concerts. It features the first fully retractable stadium roof in

residents dubbed the first tower “Marilyn” in honour of Marilyn Monroe.

20 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

Photos: Doug Brown/Tourism Toronto (Brookfield Place, Old City Hall); City of Toronto (thimble); Nik Wheeler/Corbis (Rogers Centre); Brendan Adam Zwelling (Glenn Gould statue; on previous page, Glenn Gould Foundation); Mississauga Tourism (towers)

Dundas St.

See where we can take you • Unlimited one day group travel any Saturday, Sunday or statutory holidays. Must have at least one Adult, maximum two Adults; can include children/ youths (19 years of age or under). Total persons cannot exceed six. • Unlimited one day individual travel any one day of the week. • Available at TTC collector booths and selected TTC Fare Media Sellers. • Map your route with TTC’s Trip Planner on ttc.ca *Conditions apply. See ttc.ca for details.

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01 Sporting Life

In the long history of Toronto sports, there are jersey numbers intimately connected to the athletes who wore them. We can’t do them all justice, but here’s a primer to impress your friends. By Stephen Knight

LUKE SCHENN The Maple Leafs are rebuilding and the stay-athome defenceman is part of the foundation. Although just 22, he’s already in his fourth NHL season.

DION PHANEUF The tough-as-nails defenceman and current captain of the Maple Leafs has had the playoff hopes of the city on his shoulders since arriving from Calgary in early 2010.

PAUL TRACY In 2003, the Thrill from West Hill was the toast of the race-car world with an amazing three wins to start the CART season. The Metallica-loving speed demon eventually won seven of 18 races to take the overall driver’s championship.

CHRIS BOSH Drafted in the first round with high expectations, CB4 was the go-to guy for the Raptors for seven seasons and is the franchise’s all-time leading scorer.

BILL BARILKO The former Maple Leafs defenceman is immortalized in The Tragically Hip’s haunting “Fifty Mission Cap.” The Timmins native died at just age 24.

ANGELA JAMES She grew up playing ball hockey in Toronto’s Flemingdon Park area back when girls weren’t welcome. She went on to win four gold medals at the Women’s World Hockey Championships. In 2010, James was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

ROBERTO ALOMAR Who can forget Alomar’s dramatic home run against Dennis Eckersley in the 1992 American League Championship Series? It was the psychological turning point, sparking the Blue Jays to back-to-back World Series titles.

22 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

DANNY DICHIO The take-noprisoners style of this English footy player had already endeared him to Toronto FC fans, but he was immortalized when he bagged the franchise’s firstever goal in a 3–1 home win over the Chicago Fire on May 12, 2007.

MATS SUNDIN The classy, understated Swede remains the Maple Leafs’ all-time leading scorer (987 points). He was sublimely talented, and he twice led the team to the Eastern Conference finals.

WENDEL CLARK The first overall pick at the 1985 NHL draft, Wendel Clark personified grit and possessed a laser-like wrist shot. Clark enjoyed three tours of duty as a Maple Leaf.

JOSE BAUTISTA The soft-spoken right fielder belted a major league-leading 54 home runs for the Blue Jays in 2010, then whacked another 43 dingers for the Jays in 2011.

Photos: Getty Images (Tracy, James, Dichio, Sundin, Bautista); NBA (Stoudamire); Toronto Argonauts (Clemons); Toronto Blue Jays (Alomar, Halladay and Stieb); Toronto Maple Leafs (Gilmour)

JOE CARTER In 1993, Joe Carter belted a Mitch Williams fastball over Rogers Centre’s left-field seats for a walk-off home run over the Philadelphia Phillies and back-to-back championships.

20 MIKE “PINBALL” CLEMONS Though he stands just 5' 6", the Toronto Argonauts running back won three Grey Cups as a player (1991, ’96 and ’97) and then won another, in 2004, as the team’s coach. He is one of only four Argos to have his number retired.

DAVE STIEB The ace of the Blue Jays pitching rotation throughout the 1980s, Stieb also owns the only no-hitter in franchise history, beating the Cleveland Indians 3–0 on the road on Sept. 2, 1990.

DAMON STOUDAMIRE Fans initially booed when then Raptors GM Isiah Thomas drafted the Arizona point guard. The boos turned to cheers when the undersized ball of energy was named NBA Rookie of the Year for 1995–96, the Raps’ inaugural season.

ROY HALLADAY The classy righthander was the Blue Jays’ star pitcher for most of the 2000s. In 2003, “Doc” posted a sparkling 22–7 won-lost record to win the American League Cy Young Award as best pitcher.

DOUG GILMOUR The tenacious centre’s crafty playmaking propelled Toronto to within one win of the Stanley Cup finals in 1993, and then he took the team to the conference finals again in ’94. The pride of Kingston is rightly part of the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2011.

TORONTO 2012 | 23

Fashion Inside Toronto’s thriving style scene Modern shoppers are a savvy set. They want it all: exciting emerging designers, go-to fashion labels and retail experiences that range from high-end designer flagships to indie boutiques stocked with off-the-radar finds. By Laura deCarufel Pink Tartan

JEREMY LAING Labelled “one to

PINK TARTAN Kim Catrall, Kate Hudson, Maggie Gyllenhaal. Pink Tartan, helmed by Kim NewportMimran, boasts a diverse celeb following. “The key to Kim’s success is that she knows her client,” says Lara Ceroni, ELLE Canada’s senior web editor. “The women who wear Pink Tartan know exactly what they’re getting: classic investment pieces that can transition effortlessly from the office to after-work cocktails.” The look is preppy and polished with undertones of fashion-forward innovation—think sophisticated shirt dresses, luxe cashmere coats and the occasional skin-tight leather pencil skirt.

Philip Sparks

24 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

Pink Tartan

PHILIP SPARKS Originally a menswear designer, Philip Sparks branched out into womenswear in 2010, inspiring

Jeremy Laing

rhapsodic tweets from the local style set. His aesthetic—sweet nostalgia that would be at home in a ’70s photo album—appeals to both genders, who snap up cozy cable-knit sweaters, plaid button-downs, and belted shirtdresses. “His clothes are undeniably, incredibly wearable, but that doesn’t mean he’s lost a sense of style for function,” says Ceroni. “His fabrics are very Canadiana—wool, plaid, sheepskin, tweed. Instead of shunning his roots, he champions them.”

Photos: George Pimentel (Pink Tartan); Collective Edit (Jeremy Laing); Philip Sparks

watch” since his 2005 debut, Laing is a current favourite of both Vogue and Style.com. Nicholas Mellamphy, creative director of The Room at the Bay, is similarly enamoured. “Jeremy Laing has a distinct vision,” he explains. “He is so singular with his use of texture, print and unusual fabrics.” Known for combining expert tailoring with a penchant for drapery, Laing was recently nominated for France’s prestigious ANDAM award. As Mellamphy notes, “Few Canadians have been able to break out of the pack and be considered as a hot international up-and-coming designer, but Laing has done it.”

ARTHUR MENDONÇA After a recession-induced hiatus in 2008, Arthur Mendonça relaunched his eponymous line last year, much to the delight of famous fans such as Canadian singer Nelly Furtado. His claims to fame are designs that honour the female form and use sumptuous fabrics and a beautiful colour palette. His signature look—sleek, sexy and fashionable—has translated into shimmering sequined dresses and tailored tuxedo suits, which has struck a chord on the global fashion front. According to Mellamphy, Mendonça’s fashion future is looking bright: “I’ve been receiving calls from New York requesting his runway gowns.” GRETA CONSTANTINE Founded by

Stephen Wong and Kirk Pickersgill in 2006, Greta Constantine is a current favourite label among Toronto fashion editors. “Their silk jersey dresses are sexy, feminine and yet incredibly easy to pull off,” says Ceroni. “You can throw on one of their Grecian-inspired gowns for a work function straight from the office and it instantly looks as though you’ve spent hours fussing

Greta Constantine

Bustle

Photos: Jenna Marie Wakani (Greta Constantine); George Pimentel (Bustle); Arthur Mendonça

“Whether in Hollywood or at home, the label is all about attracting attention.” over your outfit.” Greta Constantine has also found an audience with the stars, including A-list fans Angelina Jolie, Victoria Beckham and Naomi Campbell. Whether in Hollywood or at home, the label is all about attracting attention. Or as Ceroni puts it, “It’s for young women who want to elicit a response with what they wear. Wallflowers need not apply!”

BUSTLE Back in 2004, lawyers Shawn

Hewson and Ruth Promislow left their corporate Bay Street digs to focus on their nascent menswear line, Arthur Mendonça

Bustle Clothing. Today, the cheeky chic sportswear label counts celebs such as Nicole Ritchie and Jesse Metcalfe among its followers. The vibe is preppy hipster with a twist: ironic T-shirts, patterned shirts, bow ties and a fondness for sea-foam green. Clearly, the design team doesn’t take fashion too, too seriously. It’s an approach that works. Hewson and Promislow have collaborated with brands such as Audi, Vespa and, most recently, Toronto’s Hotel Le Germain Maple Leaf Square, for which they designed the staff uniforms. TORONTO 2012 | 25

Shop

Toronto is a shopper’s delight, whether you’re browsing for indie vintage finds, super-trendy designer pieces—or anything in between. Here are three can’t-miss hot spots. Joe Fresh

Project : Runways An insider’s guide to the local fashion scene The Star

BLOOR/ YORKVILLE Until recently, this upscale area was known for boutiques

bearing boldfaced names like Chanel, Prada and Max Mara. Now, those A-listers share the neighbourhood with an array of edgy stores, including UPC Boutique and nearby RAC Boutique, which offer in-the-know labels such as Wasson, Rodebjer and Canadian jewellery designer Jenny Bird. Just down the street from RAC on Cumberland Avenue, Eleven stocks only Canadian designer fashion: polished dresses by Vancouver label Obakki (Kate Hudson is a fan) and bold baubles by Toronto jewellery designer Rita Tesolin.

WEST QUEEN WEST With its bustle of cafés and indie boutiques, West Queen West

(from Tecumseh Street to Sorauren Avenue) is the perfect place to shop. Pho Pa owner Alexia Lewis takes pride in featuring up-and-coming Canadian labels like Juma. Down the street, Charlie specializes in lovely, ladylike frocks, while Robber caters to the ironicglasses crowd. Gents love the preppy Brit vibe at Ben Sherman, Klaxon Howl’s urban lumberjack style and the creative cufflinks on offer at GreenShag (left). Further west, dreamy Bicyclette offers pieces fit for a modern heartbreaker. A few blocks down, House of Vintage marks a multiblock stretch of jewel-box vintage shops, including The Future of Frances Watson, Philistine and The Public Butter. It’s not all retro retail, though. Made You Look, a hip jewellery store/collective, is a must-visit.

Mall HOP Toronto has malls in every size, especially large. Browse the perennial downtown favourite, the Eaton Centre, then venture north to chic Yorkdale or the open-air Shops at Don Mills. In the west, standouts include Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke, Square One in Mississauga and Brampton’s Bramalea City Centre. 26 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

The Up-and-Comer Held every July, Frugal Fashion Week benefits the Stiletto Project (which supports at-risk women) with a “frugalista” blend of pop-up shops and installations.

The Indie Known colloquially as FAT (Fashion, Art, Toronto), Toronto Alternative Arts and Fashion Week occurs every April, offering a stylish spring mix of fashion shows, photo exhibits and installation art.

Photos: Oxford Properties (Yorkdale); Joe Fresh

Yorkdale Shopping Centre, a north Toronto hot spot

Every March and October, the style set descends on LG Fashion Week, the hotly anticipated official showcase of both established brands such as Joe Fresh and Pink Tartan and new talents such as Amanda Lew Kee and Chloé Comme Paris. In 2012, the action is headquartered at downtown Pecaut Square, which transforms into a fashion mecca complete with white tents, spotlights and street-style photographers— and iPhone-wielding amateurs—snapping fashionistas on break between shows. It’s the city’s fashion HQ, with a front row filled with Toronto’s top editors, bloggers and fashion fans.

Side Trips Go ahead and use Toronto as a convenient hub from which to explore some of Ontario’s stellar attractions and natural beauty. By Aliyah Shamsher

Lake Huron

Tobermory What we love: Calling all divers, hikers, kayakers, golfers and even art lovers: Hike the majestic cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment or scuba dive along Canada’s National Marine Park. Eat local: Try the Georgian Bay whitefish prepared three ways at the Grandview Dining Room overlooking the bay. For a more casual atmosphere, follow the locals to The Fish & Chip Place. Stratford What we love: The architecture still reflects the prosperity and grandeur of Stratford’s Victorian past, while the city’s Stratford Shakespeare Festival is the best around. Eat local: At Rundles, a favourite pre-theatre spot among locals, choose the River Room for formal dining or the Garden Room to try chef Neil Baxter’s take on casual French haute cuisine. The Chocolate Trail—21 shops offering everything chocolate, from biscotti to chocolate mint tea—provides the ultimate sweet finish.

Point Pelee What we love: As Canada’s most southern point, Point Pelee is celebrated for its world-renowned bird sanctuary, and has captivated visitors who marvel at the annual migration of birds and butterflies. Eat local: First sip, and then dine, at Pelee Island Winery, where an in-depth look at the winemaking process is followed by a how-to session on wine and food pairing.

28 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

401 403

Lake Erie

Cambridge What we love: The Cambridge Farmers’ Market opened around 1830 and is the third-oldest market in the country. The city is also future-focused: Cambridge was awarded the 2011 Laureate Medal from Computerworld for innovative technology. Eat local: Acclaimed grand Chef Jonathan Gushue serves up seasonal organic ingredients from the on-site Langdon Hall kitchen vegetable garden at the award-winning The Dining Room.

Manitoulin Island What we love: With its status as the largest freshwater island in the world, Manitoulin Island attracts adventure enthusiasts year-round for outdoor fun, such as hiking and biking in summertime and ice fishing and snowmobiling in winter. Eat local: A flower-bedecked farmhouse turned local eatery, The Garden’s Gate is known for its creative use of local ingredients.

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Muskoka What we love: National Geographic travel editors recently chose Muskoka as the number one summer destination for its 1,600 lakes, granite cliffs carved out of the Canadian shield and artistically gnarled pine trees. Eat local: Rub shoulders with guests like Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson at Rosseau Grill at Windermere House. 400

Ottawa What we love: As Canada’s capital, this dynamic city—with more than one million residents—is always buzzing. Visit Parliament Hill or one of the many museums, galleries and theatre companies, or take in the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Eat local: Ottawa’s restaurant scene radiates outward from the Byward Market. Our top picks: Castlegarth for its bowl of pappa al pomodoro, and Town for its rich ricotta gnudi and smoked pork ragout.

Photos: Heringa/Ontario Tourism (Stratford and Cambridge); Danson/Ontario Tourism (Tobermory, Muskoka, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara); Briand/Ontario Tourism (Manitoulin Island); Jeff Speed/Ontario Tourism (Prince Edward County); O’Brien/Ontario Tourism (Ottawa)

Lake Simcoe

401

Toronto Lake Ontario

Niagara-on-the-Lake What we love: Take a carriage ride through the Old Town, or boat up the Niagara River. Then golf, sip and shop your way through what is often referred to as the loveliest town in Ontario. Eat local: Executive chef Jason Parsons, who works with winemaker Lawrence Buhler to showcase wines in his seasonal menus, leads Zagat winner Peller Estates Winery Restaurant.

Niagara Falls What we love: No matter how many times you’ve been to the Falls, it feels like the first time. They never fail to amaze and new attractions pop up regularly. Go classic and take a trip on the Maid of the Mist. Get wild with a Jet Boat Tour at the whirlpool. Or stroll through 40 gorgeous hectares of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. Eat local: The wine list at Monticello Grille House & Wine Bar puts Niagara wines front and centre. Sip your way through the offerings and enjoy it with great nibbles from the antipasto bar. And for value for the money, it’s tough to beat the $20 Grand Buffet at the Fallsview Casino.

Prince Edward County What we love: Ontario’s newest wine region makes a great excursion, with award-winning wineries producing wines from favourite grapes such as Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay. Eat local: East & Main Bistro—a top choice among Toronto chefs—had the idea to provide luxury comfort food with fresh local ingredients. Owners Kimberly and David do it right.

See ontariotravel.net for travel details and other great Ontario attractions. Pour de plus amples informations sur votre voyage en Ontario, visiter ontariotravel.net

50 KM

TORONTO 2012 | 29

hristina Zeidler spends plenty of time along Queen Street West, home to the Gladstone Hotel, built in 1889 and the oldest continuously operating hotel in Toronto. She is its developer and president, and was instrumental in turning the hotel into one of the hottest spots in the neighbourhood after an intensive renovation in 2005. Also a successful filmmaker, Zeidler has a deep appreciation for the local arts scene. All of which makes her an ideal guide to discover Queen Street West’s burgeoning LGBT scene. Zeidler might start her day at The Depanneur on College Street, a quaint and quiet place where she can grab a frittata or freshly made breakfast sandwich. On a leisurely

8:45 a.m. Breakfast at The Depanneur

morning, she may wander into her favourite galleries along Queen Street, including the Feminist Art Gallery (FAG), the only one of its kind in the city. She has tremendous respect for gallerists/artists Allyson Mitchell and Deidre Logue and their goal to shake up the existing power structures in the world of art. Paul Petro Contemporary Art is also a must-visit gallery for his well-chosen works of contemporary art. Zeidler then goes for a late lunch at Mitzi’s Café. Surrounded by art made by local talent, she savours bites of her poached egg special. Back on Queen, it’s tea time at Tealish, where teas of every description

7:45 a.m. Christina Zeidler relaxes at the Gladstone Hotel 08:45 a.m.

7:45 a.m.

11:35 a.m.

Village People By Michele Sponagle Photography by Johan Hallberg-Campbell

10:25 a.m. Starting the day at Maggie’s

30 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

haun Proulx has been called “King of All Media” by fab Magazine—a nod to his prolific contributions to television, print, online and social media. Proulx is the founder of Shaun Proulx Media, a company devoted to marketing directed at gay men. Based in Church Wellesley Village, the city’s established gaybourhood, Proulx starts his day at Maggie’s All Day Breakfast on

3:25 p.m. Shopping at Ma Zone

Charles Street. “It’s the best place to grab breakfast, especially the morning after the night before,” he jokes. “The staff is attentive, but not chipper, and Maggie’s does typical breakfast fare with a twist.” Then he might meander over to Jarvis Street to browse at Ma Zone. “It didn’t win its National Retailer of Distinction award without good reasons. This decor shop, just south of the Village, stocks ahead-oftrend pieces ranging from sophisticated to pop.” Couple that with an uptown visit to luxe department

Photo: Sergei Yahchybekov (Christina Zeidler)

Two insiders, two neighbourhoods. Your ultimate guide to LGBT Toronto, from breakfast to browsing to bar-hopping.

10:25 a.m.

11:35 a.m. Exhibit at the Paul Petro Contemporary Art gallery

(dessert, wellness, black, green, white, oolong and herbal) are sold, served and perfectly steeped. Though she’s not a habitual shopper, Zeidler is a fan of Studio Brillantine, a gay-owned-andoperated decor boutique in Parkdale that has an eclectic array of iconic objects from names such as Alessi, Rosenthal and Philippe Starck. Or she’ll browse through MADE on Dundas, which features work from The Brothers Dressier

and the Loyal Loot Collective, and INabstracto for design-forward items, from Frank Gehry–designed tables and chairs to birchwood lamps by Canadian Alex Suvjac. For dinner, it’s a table at her favourite restaurant, not surprisingly Gladstone Hotel Café or Melody Bar at the Gladstone. “Our focus is on local first and foremost. We deal directly with the farmers,” she explains. “With our cuisine, we take an old-school Canadian approach.” Zeidler is especially pleased with the homemade tourtière the

restaurant serves. “Our chef [Marc Breton] is French Canadian and his version is pretty tough to beat. It’s authentic and delicious.” To ease into the evening, Zeidler meets friends at The Beaver on Queen. “It’s queer owned and it has a great neighbourhood feel.” Then the night cranks up at The Henhouse on Dundas, where DJs spin tunes into the wee hours.

2:45 p.m. Shopping at Studio Brillantine

6:25 p.m.Dinner at the Gladstone Hotel Café 6:25 p.m.

2:45 p.m.

3:25 p.m.

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store Holt Renfrew. “It has to be included because haute shopping is a culture experience, darling.” Post-shopping, Proulx sets out for lunch. His pick? “I’m going to tell you a secret: The Carlton inside the new Holiday Inn in the Village. It just had a multimillion-dollar reno. It’s lovely, spacious, with an open-concept kitchen so you feel the energy of the chefs. Perfect for a private tête-a-tête.” After an afternoon on his laptop, Proulx is ready to chill. For predinner cocktails, Proulx likes Byzantium, a Village institution. “It’s always sexy and has an endless martini menu—perfect for an end7:25 p.m. It’s the cocktail hour at Byzantium

of-day treat, or a night out that leaves you glowing.” Come dinnertime, he heads to Fuzion in the Village. “It has a warm, earthy decor and sublime gastronomical offerings. In finer weather, the outdoor lounge is the place to see and be seen.” The energy goes into overdrive at the popular nightclub Fly. “It has my heart forever and ever, amen. It’s where international DJs touch down and club kids do their thing until dawn. It’s Toronto’s Studio 54.” For a nightcap, Proulx steps a tad outside the Village to go to The House on Parliament (affectionately known as The HOP). “There’s a mixed crowd and true pub grub with upscale fare, like a Kobe burger to die for.” On the nights when dancing isn’t in the cards, Proulx recommends Buddies in Bad Times, North America’s pre-eminent queer theatre company. “I find it thoughtprovoking every time I go.” Though

08:55 p.m.

8:55 p.m. Shaun Proulx socializing at Fuzion

it comes just once a year, Halloween on Church Street has to be experienced. And, Proulx adds, “SNAP!, the annual photographic fundraiser for the AIDS Committee of Toronto, is artsy, hip, inspiring and one hell of a party for a good cause.” TORONTO 2012 | 31

fOODâ&#x20AC;&#x2030; DRINK

Food & Drink

Photo: Kevin Gonsalves

SAVOUR THE CITY

Exquisite flavours FROM AROUND the world, local ingredients and skilled artisans meet in Toronto to create an unbeatably dynamic and delicious culinary scene.

VisitToronto

@SeeTorontoNow

Mobile App SeeToronto

TORONTO 2012 | 33

D f

HOT STUFF

Four of Toronto’s top chefs dish on the ingredients, markets and neighbourhood eateries that continue to fuel their fire. By James Chatto

amazing breadth of quality that we take for granted. We should be screaming about these places.

— What about the ingredients that are available? I love the pickerel and whitefish we get from the Great Lakes. Awesome quality! I use the pickerel on steamed buns at Bannock with cucumber-apple salad and a spoonful of local caviar. I’ve been so influenced by the great Asian restaurants in this city.

whO Anthony Walsh years in the business 22 restaurantS Canoe and Bannock style of food Canadian comfort food, from Toronto’s diverse communities to B.C. tuna teriyaki — If you opened a Bannock in Calgary or Vancouver would the menu be the same? No. People in different cities have different comfort foods. My comfort food is pork bone soup from Owl of Minerva, a Korean restaurant that’s open 24 hours a day, close to where I live. But it might just as easily be congee from one of those places up in Markham, or something from Little India. Toronto has this 34 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

— what’s your favourite place for a quick bite? Foxley is one. The owner-chef Tom Thai is one of the most talented cooks out there. — What’s the city’s best-kept secret? The porchetta at Vicentina, the Italian butcher’s shop up in Woodbridge. It’s done old-school with black pepper, chilies, salt and rosemary, the pork wrapped in the skin and roasted really slow. Unbelievable.

Photos: Chris Young (Walsh); Steve Krug (Tomaszeski); others courtesy of respective restaurants

whO Corbin Tomaszeski years in the business 23 restaurant C5, Royal Ontario Museum style of food Refined yet simple, classic and creatively presented VisitToronto

@SeeTorontoNow

— You’ve lived in Toronto since 2000. How has the city influenced your cooking? Toronto has so many pockets where you can be completely thrown into a new culture. And it’s not just tiny areas—there are these large neighbourhoods that reflect culture in their art, dance and, of course, in their food. I love food that tells a story and that’s what these neighbourhoods do best. You go to a Polish restaurant on Roncesvalles and, along with your meal, you get a snapshot of a different way of life. I love that. I want to create experiences that people will remember. — What’s your favourite place for a quick bite to eat? I live in the Beach area, not far from Gerrard and Coxwell, and there are tons of great little Indian restaurants around there. They’re not fancy, but the food is delicious. I like Leslieville and Ossington, too, for trying out new restaurants. I love visiting St. Lawrence Market, but also little markets that pop up in the park.

Mobile App SeeToronto

— What’s your favourite food shop? Diana’s Seafood Delight near Warden and Lawrence. Everything is so fresh and unbelievably good, but it’s the family that runs the business that makes the experience so special. They remember your name, what you like, and they’re always excited to show you what’s new. As a chef, that’s the kind of passion I look for in a purveyor.

“In Toronto, you can enjoy so many different types of cuisine, but you can also have totally unique sensory food experiences.” ••• — What’s your must-have local ingredient and why? I love so many, but I’d have to highlight Fifth Town Cheese Co. and Cuvée Catherine sparkling wine from Niagara. TORONTO 2012 | 35

D f Olympics and cooked a Canadian breakfast for the international press. Other chefs did smoked salmon on pancakes with maple syrup. I did a sweet potato dosa and we made a fabulous chutney with Ontario pears and apples. Now that’s a Toronto dish!

— Where do you go for a quick bite to eat? Curry Twist. It’s very small, warm and friendly with a nice little open kitchen. The fellows who own it are there all the time, and they make the city’s best naan bread.

whO Donna Dooher

— favourite food shops? I live in the Roncesvalles area, one of the few neighbourhoods left in Toronto that has a little greengrocer on every corner—ones where the owners take a lot of care with fruits and vegetables. For professional kitchen gadgets, I’m still a Nikolaou girl [Nikolaou Restaurant Equipment]. — What is Toronto’s best-kept foodie secret? The pierogies at Café Polonez. It’s been open 30 years and they do a great job.

years in the business 20 restaurant Mildred’s Temple Kitchen style of food Local and seasonal, with a nod to Toronto’s ethnic communities — Is there such a thing as a Toronto cuisine? We produce wonderful ingredients and excellent cooks, but we are not at the point where we can say this is our definitive cuisine. What we can do is celebrate our amazing diversity—not just in different cuisines but in the people who work in our kitchens. At MTK we have cooks from Russia and Tibet, Sri Lanka, China. I can’t tell you how much inspiration and knowledge has come my way just by working alongside them. — What are your favourite local ingredients? We have the best apples! And great sweet potatoes. I went out to Vancouver during the Food Lover’s Almanac

Save and savour the date 36 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

Winterlicious ( January 27—February 9) More than 150 restaurants challenge the winter blahs by creating special three-course lunch and dinner menus at very reasonable prices. toronto.ca/special_events

The Toronto Wine & Cheese Show (March) This three-day event dedicated to gourmet foods, wines, beers and spirits is held annually at the International Centre, Mississauga. towineandcheese.com

Summerlicious ( July) Take advantage of prix-fixe menus offered at top eateries once again at this muchanticipated event. toronto.ca/special_events

Photos: Chris Young (Dooher, Yoshida); others courtesy of respective restaurants

and I’m always excited when I find something new. My favourite is wild leeks, something we never use in Japan. I pick a bunch in the early spring and pickle half of them, use the rest fresh. Tuna with wild leek is a great match.

— How has working in Toronto influenced your cuisine? I still do traditional Edomae sushi and I don’t want to change that, but things are different here. Even the seasons! In Japan, we have four distinct and roughly equal seasons, each of which brings its own ingredients, so it’s easy for a chef to follow nature. Here, the winter is so long, summer is short and spring even shorter. It presents different challenges.

whO Hiro Yoshida years in the business 21 restaurant Hiro Sushi style of food Serious sushi with a twist Festival of Beer (August) Though the focus here is on beer, food plays an important role at this popular summer festival. Top chefs are on hand to show how beer and food come together. beerfestival.ca VisitToronto

@SeeTorontoNow

— so you must find other ingredients? Exactly. I use several suppliers in Toronto who bring in European fish—sardines and sticklebacks from Portugal, Italian anchovies. Fresh ingredients are always moody, depending on conditions in the ocean. But I have learned from the fishmongers, seen how they marinate sardines in olive oil with nothing but salt and a little garlic. I’ve borrowed that idea. I’m still studying local Ontario ingredients

Pilaros Taste of the Danforth (August 10—12) Toronto’s lively Greektown becomes a gourmet delight with the smell of grilled meat and garlic wafting through the air. tasteofthedanforth.com Mobile App SeeToronto

— What’s your must-try local find? Pho Tien Thanh is a Vietnamese noodle restaurant that’s on my daily shopping route. After I’ve been to City Fish and Newport, two of my fish suppliers, and to Lady York for Italian vegetables, I stop by for a bowl of pho with beef and tripe and an order of crispy little spring rolls. They’re finger-size and really excellent. I should steal that recipe one day.

“I’m still studying local Ontario ingredients and I’m always excited when I find something new.” ••• — Is there a hidden spot you would go TO for a date night? There’s a French bistro called Batifole close to the Chinatown near Gerrard Street and Broadview Avenue. It’s not much of a secret, but I like it very much. It’s very intimate with good, reasonably priced food and a nice selection of wines.

Vegetarian Food Festival (September) The gorgeous harbourfront setting for this long-running event, the largest of its kind in North America, adds to the fun factor. Sample new products and pick up some cooking tips. veg.ca

Gourmet Food & Wine Expo (November) No matter your level of wine know ledge, you’re sure to learn plenty from the experts on hand and have a blast nibbling on gourmet fare, too. foodandwineexpo.ca TORONTO 2012 | 37

D f

SHAKE IT UP our finest mixologists spill on the city’s hottest cocktails. By Margaret Swaine

38 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

orth America is going through a cocktail craze—and Toronto’s skilled mixologists are pouring their souls into the shakers, making drinks that steal the bar scene. These are cocktails that haunt your mind like an old flame, lingering in spirit long after the last drop is gone. Top shelf in this game? Frankie Solarik, whose devoted followers crowd into BarChef on Queen Street West. BarChef was selected as one of the top seven innovative new bars in the world by Food & Wine magazine, and every cocktail on its menu is 100-percent original. Solarik truly is a bar chef, working with molecular foams, gelatinous forms, smoke and infusions.

1 Frankie Solarik of

BarChef has built a loyal following for his innovative cocktails. 2 At the Black Hoof,

Jen Agg takes a classical approach to her drinks. 3 David Mitten

Photos: Kevin Gonsalves

pours cocktails with a global influence at the Harbord Room.

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The Vanilla Infused Manhattan is Solarik’s signature showpiece. Served in a huge bell jar filled with smoke, this mix of rye, made-in-house cherry vanilla bitters, hickory-smoked syrup and vanilla cognac tastes like a campfire-burnt marshmallow—albeit a deeply tasty and satisfying one. It’s a $45 cocktail, but that hasn’t stopped the bar from selling more than 3,000 of them. Asked about fellow Toronto mixologists whose work he admires, Solarik names Rob Montgomery at the Miller Tavern, Nishan Chandra at Blowfish, Kai Bent-Lee (powerhouse-chef Susur Lee’s son) at Lee and David Mitten at the Harbord Room. Mitten is a name that frequently comes up as one of Toronto’s in-the-know innovative mixologists. The New Brunswick native bartended all over the world before landing a job at Toronto’s Rivoli. In 2005, he and a partner opened Czehoski, the Queen West hipster haunt. Mitten’s latest venture is the Harbord Room, which he opened in 2009 with chef Cory Vitiello, formerly of the Drake Hotel. The drinks at the Harbord Room are variations on classics as well as original creations such as the Ronald Clayton

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(inspired by Mitten’s grandfather), made with Crown Royal whisky, vanilla, tobacco syrup and maple bitters. Jen Agg, who opened the Black Hoof on Dundas Street West with Grant van Gemeren in 2008, is another cocktail whiz of note. Her cocktails are classic, but with fresh, modern twists. The Hoof Manhattan mixes 10-yearold Alberta rye with sweet vermouth, Agg’s own spice-heavy bitters and a booze-infused cherry in the glass. Bill Sweete opened The Toronto Temperance Society (TTS) on College Street with the aim of creating Toronto’s first pre-Prohibition-style cocktail bar. “Our idea was to reach back and recreate that era,” says Sweete, an early player in Toronto’s cocktail revolution. At TTS, the bartenders create timeless cocktails such as Manhattans and Sazeracs using original methods and premium spirits. While some of their recipes are new, the majority are adapted from recipes that go back 100 years or more. Forgotten favourites such as the Aviation (gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice) and Vieux Carré (cognac, Sazerac, Benedictine, Carpano Antica) have been revived. Not to be outdone, many of the hippest, happening hotels have revved up their cocktail lists. Moses McIntee, head bartender at the RitzCarlton, lights up the night with the Blue Blazer, a classic cocktail made sensational by pouring a fiery blue flame between a pair of silver mugs. This “flairtending” technique dates back to the 1850s. At the Gladstone Hotel, the revamped Melody bar has a new cocktail list that conjures an old-school feeling. Highlights include the Marmalade Sour, the Blood, Sand and Smoke, and the Beet It (made with beet juice). One thing is for certain, what’s old has become new again. Welcome back.

Learn to make your own Torontini cocktail at

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TORONTO 2012 | 39

VINE LINES

ICEWINE. MERLOT. CHARDONNAY. ONTARIO’S LEADING WINEMAKERS ARE JUST GETTING STARTED.

et’s raise a glass to Ontario wines. They compete successfully on the international stage, supported by a vibrant industry that’s growing in both size and diversity every year. And wine drinkers have a bounty of excellent choices, crafted at the hands of the best winemakers on the planet. The number of Ontario wineries jumped from just 18 in 1989 to more than 150 today. Last year, they produced wine worth more than $650 million. In particular, Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wine, which meets specific quality criteria for how the wine is made, is one of the fastestgrowing categories in Ontario liquor stores. The proof is in the bottle. Take just three of Niagara’s most established wineries: Inniskillin, Jackson-Triggs and Reif Estate Winery. All three wineries have won hundreds of medals in the most prestigious competitions. Inniskillin first put Canada on the wine map more than 20 years ago with its spectacular icewine—dessert wine made from grapes frozen while still on the vine. It continues to win the most coveted awards in the industry, including the Best in Class for both icewine and dry table wine at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London. At the same competition last year, Jackson-Triggs captured the Best Canadian Producer Award, along with medals for its Entourage sparkling wine, among others. Reif Estate Winery won the Best Canadian Producer Award in 2002, and its icewines continue to sweep up the medals at the annual Cuvée Awards, considered the Oscars of Canadian wine.

40 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

Wineries such as Vineland Estates, Cave Spring Cellars, Peller Estates and Hillebrand are branching out into world-class wine and food pairing. Each has award-winning restaurants where you can savour their wines paired with a range of sumptuous dishes. They’re perfect stops for lunch or dinner when you’re travelling around wine country. While the Niagara Peninsula is the best-known region for Ontario wine, three other regions are catching up: Lake Erie North Shore, Pelee Island and Prince Edward County. They, too, offer a wide range of wines that include not only icewine, but also dry red, white, sparkling and rosé styles. Lake Erie North Shore’s Colio Estate Vineyards won Les Citadelles du Vin’s Trophée Prestige for its 2000 Merlot Reserve. This was the first time an Ontario merlot had ever claimed such an award, and what is truly impressive is that it was won in the backyard of the home of the merlot grape: Bordeaux, France. In Prince Edward County, Closson Chase, founded by Seaton McLean, television producer, filmmaker and former president of Alliance

1 Toasting with

Ontario white wine. 2 Anne Yarymowich

of Frank stocks up on local vintages. 3 Niagara grapes

bound for the bottle.

Photos: Ontario Tourism (glasses, grapes); Kevin Gonsalves (bottles, Yarymowich)

By Natalie Maclean

“There are so many Ontario award-winners and rising stars that trying to include them all could drive you to drink.” •••

Atlantis Communications, and his actor wife Sonja Smits, of “Street Legal” fame, was the first winery to win the inaugural Larry Paterson Award at the Ontario Wine Awards. Winemaker Deborah Paskus was recognized for her efforts as “the person who has demonstrated innovation in the vineyards.” Then there are the up-and-coming new wineries, a number of which are aided by industry veterans. For example, Domaine Equifera Estate vineyards, planted on several acres of Niagara Peninsula farmland that was originally home to legendary racehorses, are now making their mark out of the gate thanks to Inniskillin’s founder Donald Ziraldo. Together they have just launched Equifera Icewines to appeal to younger gourmet-seeking consumers. The 2008 Vidal Icewine was the Sweepstake Winner, Best

Dessert Wine at the 2011 Riverside International Wine Competition in California. In 2009, Le Clos Jordanne won the Judgment of Montreal tasting, an incredible recreation of the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting in which California wines were blind tasted by experts and beat their French counterparts. In this historic event, Le Clos Jordanne’s Claystone Terrace Chardonnay competed against 16 superlative Burgundian and Californian Chardonnays and took home the top honours. Even more surprising was the fact that 2005 was only the second year of production for the wine. There are so many more Ontario wine awardwinners and rising stars that trying to include them all in one article could drive you to drink. Fortunately, there are lots of terrific Ontario wines to choose from when this happens.

LocalSips What’s the newest pairing to hit the tables of Toronto? Ontario wine. Crush Wine Bar There are 45 Ontario wines on the list and more than 25 offered by the glass. Highlight: 1999 Henry of Pelham Riesling. Epic Restaurant, Fairmont Royal York Hotel Take your pick of over 65 Ontario wines on Epic’s continually growing wine list. Highlight: 2010 Hidden Bench Bistro Rosé. Allen’s Restaurant Truly invested in Ontario’s wine production, Allen’s has more than 150 Ontario wines to choose from. Highlight: Le Grand Clos Chardonnay 2004.

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Frank Restaurant, Art Gallery of Ontario Carrying Ontario wines exclusively, Frank features more than 80 bottles on its list and 11 by the glass. Highlight: Cave Spring Riesling Reserve 2007. Canoe Restaurant & Bar A champion of Canadian food and Canadian wine, you can find more than 150 Ontario wines on the list. Highlight: Leaning Post Pinot Noir (made from some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in Ontario).

TORONTO 2012 | 41

PINT-SIZED BREWERIES MAKE A MAJOR IMPACT ON CITY’S GROWING BEER LANDSCAPE.By Stephen Beaumont

BREW REVIEW PINT-SIZE BREWERIES MAKE A MAJOR IMPACT ON THE CITY’S GROWING BEER LANDSCAPE. By Stephen Beaumont

he Upper Canada Brewing Company, Toronto’s first modern craft brewery, opened its doors in 1985—which means that what we originally called “microbrewing” has existed for over a quarter century in Canada’s largest city. Having primed its palate in the 1990s and the early 2000s, Hogtown now finally seems ready to change its name to Beertown. One of the earliest, and still among the best, places to “drink local” is at the Front Street stalwart C’est What. The basement pub is a proverbial beer lover’s paradise, with 35 kegs and casks of all-Canadian, craft-brewed ales and lagers, including several of their own creation. Brush up on the bar’s beer philosophy by reading its Craft Beer Manifesto, posted at www.cestwhat.com. Just up the road from C’est What, beerbistro is another Toronto beer pioneer. Trendier than a pub and more casual than a fancy restaurant, beerbistro features a wide array of domestic and international beers, including numerous exclusives. It also boasts a food menu heavy on “beer cuisine,” including beer-flavoured ice creams. You

42 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

may never look at beer the same way again. Downtown’s biggest and best-known brewery is Steam Whistle Brewing, located in a historic roundhouse at the foot of the CN Tower. The $10, 30-minute tour incorporates elements of Toronto history, and begins and ends with a beer tasting: a sharply malty and refreshing lager, the brewery’s sole brand. Not far from Steam Whistle, at the foot of Bathurst Street, the Amsterdam Brewing Company provides contrast to the former brewery’s single brand strategy with a wide range of regular and seasonal releases, including a strong, malty Wee Heavy for winter and a fresh and lively Oranje Weisse in summer. They don’t give tours, but tutored tastings are offered on the weekend for $10 a person. Across downtown in the city’s historic Distillery District, the Mill Street Brew Pub offers an even wider selection of brews on their constantly changing draught taps, in what was once the tank house of the old Gooderham & Worts distillery—small wonder, then, that the name of their flagship pale ale is Tankhouse! Tours aren’t regularly

Photos: Gizelle Lau

1 Steam Whistle

Brewing is well known for its excellent pilsner. 2 Mill St. Brew Pub

is in the heart of The Distillery District.

3 Many a pint has been

raised at Bar Volo.

scheduled, but if they aren’t too busy, one of the brewers will usually be happy to walk you through the process from the dry side of the glass brewery walls. The Indie Ale House, which opened this past fall in the Junction neighbourhood (near Dundas West and Keele streets), is an ambitious brewery pub that brings brewing to a district that remained “dry” right up until the turn of the century. Thirsty Junction-ites are no doubt grateful. For inspiration, the Indie Ale House can look to the Granite Brewery and Restaurant, a brew pub survivor now entering its third decade of operation. Renowned for its cask-conditioned ales—English-style brews that receive their final fermentation in the barrel and are served at cool rather than cold temperatures—the Granite is an oasis of fine beer and pub food in the thriving Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood. When all that’s in order is a burger and a pint, heed the

Arguably Toronto’s finest beer destination, however, is in a location almost more unlikely than a suburban city centre. On an ever-changing strip of Yonge Street just below Bloor Street, Bar Volo has stubbornly survived for over 25 years, first as an Italian bistro, then as a beer-themed restaurant and most recently as a new breed: a “nanobrewery,” producing two keg batches of ale in a corner of its modestly sized kitchen. With a near-constant rotation of kegs and casks, Volo is beer central for travellers looking to sample the newest and most exciting brews from out back, across the province or around the globe. It’s another vital cog in the engine that is transforming Toronto into Beertown.

“Renowned for its cask-conditioned ales, the Granite Brewery is an oasis of fine beer and pub food.” •••

call of the Burger Bar in Kensington Market. Whether you like your patty veggie or made with organically raised all-Ontario beef, the Burger Bar has you covered, with an eclectic range of beers, including its own Augusta Ale, to complement your choice. For the ultimate breadth of selection, head a little further afield to central Mississauga’s West 50 Pourhouse & Grille. Boasting more than 100 taps, this restaurant and bar—near the Square One Shopping Centre—has enough to keep the dedicated beer aficionado busy for hours.

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TORONTO 2012 | 43

THE

LUXE

LIFE

Photography by GeneviĂ¨ve Caron

lamour and glitz have found a home in Toronto. From celebrity chefs to A-list boutiques, the city shines with an

abundance of offerings that delight the most discerning travellers. Sip champagne on a spectacular rooftop under the stars, admire the city’s skyline from a prime spot on the water and hit the town to discover haute and happening restaurants. It’s all here. And it’s fabulous. Toronto has always been a city that has prided itself on having it all. Now it has more, especially when it comes to luxury. Currently on the chic set’s radar? The Thompson Hotel rooftop, complete with saltwater pool, creative cocktails and stunning skyline views. Other downtown “It” spots include the newly opened Ritz-Carlton (where the spa is a must-visit), and La Société, a stylish 1920s-themed restaurant that attracts modern arbiters of the beau monde. Whether you want to dress to the nines and enjoy a sophisticated night out or you prefer to create your own oasis away from the crowds, Toronto boasts a full menu of ultra-luxe experiences. Stay tuned: In 2012, Trump International Hotel & Tower, Shangri-La and Four Seasons are due to open, bringing an array of top chefs (such as Daniel Boulud and Todd Clarmo) to the city’s flourishing fine dining scene.

TORONTO 2012 | 45

Star Treks It’s easy to spot celebrities in Toronto, home to some of the biggest A-listers on the planet. By Stephen Knight

hey say you don’t truly know someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. The same goes for a city. When you’re trying to get your head around the massive feast of entertainment options in Toronto, it’s helpful to know that some of today’s A-list entertainers have a major connection to the city. Take Rachel McAdams. Before she became a Hollywood sensation in movies like Wedding Crashers, The Notebook and The Time Traveler’s Wife, the Canadian actress studied theatre at York University. In 2001, the 33-year-old native of St. Thomas, Ontario, graduated from York University with a bachelor of fine arts degree and got her start in show biz performing with Toronto’s Necessary Angel Theatre Company. Her roots still run deep here. She lives in The Annex neighbourhood and can be spotted at Oyster Boy eating fish ’n’ chips or partying at Stones Place, a local bar. When asked why she loves living in Toronto, she replies, “It keeps me grounded.” If you enjoy big-budget productions in equally impressive venues, head to King Street West in the Entertainment District, which has the glittering and modern Princess of Wales Theatre and the legendary Royal Alexandra Theatre, Canada’s oldest continuously 46 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

operating theatre. In front of these two principal Mirvish venues runs Canada’s Walk of Fame. Here you’ll find the names of our biggest stars embedded in the sidewalk along with stylized maple leafs. In North York, the Toronto Centre for the Arts hosts an eclectic mix of musical performances, romantic comedies and the best of local and international talent. In 2012, Dancap will produce Shrek The Musical, West Side Story and Million Dollar Quartet for this venue. It will also present shows such as Beauty and the Beast at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. At the Rose Theatre in Brampton, a diverse lineup that includes everything from Bollywood spectacles to Canadian comics graces the stage. And at Mississauga’s Living Arts Centre, the mix for 2012 includes productions of Swan Lake, Don Giovanni and CATS. The Canadian Stage is a mainstay of the local theatre scene, boasting a full roster of shows at three venues: the Bluma Appel Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre), the Berkeley Street Theatre and the High Park Amphitheatre in the city’s west end. You’ll also want to see the curtain rise at the Jane Mallett Theatre and the 3,100-seat Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, newly renovated for its fiftieth

Photos: Universal Music Canada (Drake): Tourism Toronto (Peters): George Pimentel (McAdams)

Drake

anniversary, and featuring dozens of shows each year drawn from around the world. Just east of the downtown core is the historic Distillery District, home of the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, one of the newer kids on the theatre block and home to the Soulpepper Theatre Company, renowned for its classic presentations of plays by Samuel Beckett, Henrik Ibsen and Tennessee Williams. Or there’s Famous People Players, a black-light puppetry theatre company that employs people with physical and intellectual challenges. As for smaller productions, your program could be full with independent theatres scattered across the downtown core. Check out some of the first-class works at the Factory and Tarragon theatres, as well as Theatre Passe Muraille, Buddies in Bad Times, Annex Theatre, Theatre Rusticle and Hart House Theatre. When you’ve had your fill of thespian pursuits, amaze your friends by knowing that the Dora Mavor Moore Awards celebrate the best of Toronto theatre every June. oronto-born rapper Aubrey Drake Graham has gone from the cast of Degrassi: The Next Generation to international music stardom. Along the way, Drake has made sure to show Toronto the love with frequent performances in his hometown. He even dedicated his latest CD, Take Care, to the city. The 25-year-old Grammy nominee has played everywhere, from the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre to the Air Canada Centre. Drake’s debut studio album, Thank Me Later, sold 447,000 copies in its first week and quickly went platinum, with sales of more than one million.

Russell Peters

So, whether you’re a fan of arena rock, a connoisseur of indie bands, a jazz or classical lover or a worldmusic aficionado, Toronto has enough concert venues to keep roadies busy until well into the next decade. While some of music’s larger acts and ensembles can be found at the Rogers Centre, Massey Hall, the Molson Amphitheatre or the Air Canada Centre, smaller groups can be found in a handful of venues with colourful histories, including the El Mocambo, Lee’s Palace, the Rivoli, the Horseshoe Tavern, Cameron House, Phoenix Concert Theatre and The Opera House. If jazz is your thing, then the Rex Hotel, Grossman’s, Trane Studio, Dominion on Queen, The Pilot or Reservoir Lounge have you covered. Or check out one of the stellar jazz festivals, like the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, and the Beaches International Jazz Festival. And for indie band fans, put NXNE in your calendar for June 11 to 17. It presents emerging artists along with major headliners in an event devoted to technology and the arts. ne of Canada’s most familiar exports these days is Russell Peters. The 41-year-old star, raised in Brampton, is one of the world’s most successful comedians, and he got his start at Toronto’s Yuk Yuk’s, a comedy-club favourite that helped launch the careers of many Canadian talents, including Jim Carrey, Mike Myers and Howie Mandel.

Rachel McAdams

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TORONTO 2012 | 47

Behind the lens

Today, Peters has a bestselling autobiography, Call Me Russell, as well as a film, Breakaway, which premiered at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. Meanwhile, Yuk Yuk’s has also come a long way since it opened in 1976. The venerable comedy institution now has 18 locations across the country, from St. John’s to Vancouver. Founded by Mark Breslin and Joel Axler, it continues to nurture top-notch Canadian talent. The Second City is another legendary North American comedy training ground. Created in Chicago in 1959, the comedy troupe established a beachhead in Toronto in 1973. Graduates of the Canadian edition of Second City include such award-winning funny people as Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara and Martin Short. One of the best things about Toronto and its venues is that you can experience live theatre, hot music and LOL-worthy comedy within walking distance—sometimes even on the same block! So, now that you are armed with knowledge, we recommend a good night’s sleep, because if you want to sample even a small chunk of Toronto’s generous entertainment offerings, you’ll need an early start.

48 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

Photography is in your family DNA. When did you first pick up a camera, and what kind was it? I’m a third-generation photographer. My grandfather was a photographer, and I was always working in my father’s studio. I would hold the flash at big Portuguese weddings as a young teenager. My brother gave me my first camera when I was 14 years old. It’s a Hasselblad, and I still have it. How did you decide that the red carpet was where you would pursue your career? I just love movies. I love old Hollywood, the glamour and the energy. Who was your first celebrity shot? It was Robert De Niro at the Elgin Theatre in 1993. There were about five or six photographers [there were 1,200 accredited media at the 2011 TIFF]. They said, “All media over here [on the red carpet],” so I went. I was just a guy with a camera. Who is your favourite celebrity to shoot? Madonna. She’s an icon, and everyone loves Madonna. I’ve shot her many times. She sets the tone for everything, and she brings the glam out.

Today, everyone has a digital camera or a cameraphone. Does this affect how you do your job? Yes and no. There’s a lot of low-quality photography out there. There’s not too much glamour in a cellphone [shot]. Also, publicists and management can tighten up on control, because they don’t want to lose control of how the celebrity is perceived, which can affect your access. For you, what is the best part about shooting the Toronto International Film Festival? I love the red carpet and I love the A-listers. I get to actually hear their conversations, and you realize they’re just normal people. I also enjoy going home to crawl into bed at 5 a.m. after a night of shooting. If you could have lunch with anyone you have photographed, who would it be and why? Robert De Niro, and I wouldn’t bring my camera. It would probably be an awkward conversation because I idolize him. Also, Angelina Jolie. She has a good head on her shoulders, and she’s done so much. She really helps the world, and I would love to talk to her about all her experiences. —Stephen Knight

Photos: Tourism Toronto (sign); courtesy of George Pimentel

Meet George Pimentel, Toronto’s celebrity snapper. Catching up with George Pimentel isn’t easy. The Toronto-based photographer extraordinaire is just as much a staple on the red carpet as diamonds and movie stars. If there are celebrities on hand, Pimentel will be there shooting for top Canadian and international magazines. During the 2011 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, he shot 20,000 photos. How does he do it? Pimentel has some snappy answers.

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Only Toronto in

There is no place in the world like Toronto. It stands apart from other destinations, and is chock full of once-in-alifetime unique, unexpected and unusual experiences. Sure, comparisons to the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other great cities can be flattering, but there are things to do, see and eat here that you will not find elsewhere. This list proves what many visitors have already discovered: thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no place like Toronto.

Here are 50 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

25 reasons why

Take yourself out to the ball game. The Blue Jays are Canada’s only Major League baseball team. Tour the Rogers Centre, home to the world’s first fully retractable roof. An awe-inspiring feat of engineering, it opens or closes in 20 minutes and is 31 storeys high.

The puck stops here for hockey fans. The Hockey Hall of Fame features the world’s largest collection of hockey memorabilia, including the Stanley Cup.

Toronto is home to Casa Loma, North America’s only real, full-size castle, which spreads out over 98 rooms, complete with medieval turrets, gorgeous gardens and secret passageways.

Photos: Doug Brown/Tourism Toronto (Casa Loma); CN Tower (EdgeWalk); Fairmont Hotels & Resorts (apiary)

Feel the heat at North America’s biggest Caribbean festival. The Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto is a grand-scale shindig that first hit the streets in 1967 and combines wildly creative and colourful costumes with soca, calypso, salsa, steel pan and reggae artists along a 1.5-kilometre route.

The Fairmont Royal York was the first hotel in the world to make its own honey on its rooftop. Now its apiary is home to 300,000 bees that produce more than 363 kilos of honey every year.

There are thrills aplenty at the CN Tower, which is still the tallest freestanding structure in the western hemisphere. Its newest high-rise star? EdgeWalk, the world’s highest full-circle, hands-free walk. Adrenaline seekers stroll at the edge of the CN Tower’s main pod just above 360 Restaurant, along a ledge that’s only 1.5 metres wide, 116 storeys above Toronto.

Bono, Madonna and George Clooney have attended TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival). The annual celebration attracts more than 400,000 moviegoers to films from over 65 countries. It’s North America’s most important film festival.

Like your thrills on a large scale? At Canada’s Wonderland, Leviathan, the country’s fastest (148 km/h), steepest (with an 80-degree drop) and tallest (93.3 metres) roller coaster, is new this summer.

Welcome to a land Down Under—and we’re not talking Australia here. PATH is the largest underground walkway in the world, linking 28 kilometres of shopping, restaurants, services and businesses, and encompassing approximately 1,200 stores.

TORONTO 2012 | 51

Go fish. On Toronto’s doorstep, you can relax with pole in hand and hope for a great catch. The salmon—especially Chinook and Atlantic varieties—are abundant again in the Credit River. The prime spots include Forks of the Credit Provincial Park near Brampton and the harbour in Port Credit in Mississauga, where the river empties into Lake Ontario. It’s urban fishing at its best.

Meet Toronto’s newest polar bear residents, Inukshuk, Aurora and Nikita, who were rescued by the Toronto Zoo after being orphaned in the wild. They live in Tundra Trek, a recently opened state-of-the-art habitat, designed for animals from the North.

The Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art is the only museum in North America that focuses exclusively on ceramics.

Ride the red rocket, as streetcars are known in Toronto. Hop onboard the 501 Queen streetcar any time, day or night, and enjoy the 24.8-kilometre ride—the longest route in North America.

Often ranked among the best food markets in the world, the St. Lawrence Market has been feeding Torontonians for more than 200 years. Sample your way through a fantastic array of cheeses and breads, and try the wildly popular peameal bacon sandwich. There’s even a vendor who sells nothing but rice (over 40 varieties).

52 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

Sole-searching begins here. The Bata Shoe Museum boasts the world’s most comprehensive collection of footwear and related artifacts.

Founded in 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum is Canada’s largest museum of world cultures and natural history, with six million objects in its collection. In 2007, it added 175,000 square feet of exhibition space inside the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal—a muchphotographed architectural wonder.

The Toronto Islands are North America’s largest car-free urban community. Bikes and feet are the preferred modes of transportation—the ultimate green scene.

British author Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, was a frequent visitor to Toronto and Canada. Discover his Canadian connection at the Toronto Reference Library, which has one of the world’s finest collections of Doyle‑related items on display in its A Case of Considerable Interest exhibit.

Opa! Spread along Danforth Avenue, Greektown is home to North America’s largest Greek community. Shop, eat, drink and be merry—Greek-style!

Photos: Metro Zoo (polar bears); Doug Brown/Tourism Toronto (fishing, market, Pride Week); Bata Shoe Museum (shoe); Francisco Pardo (streetcars); CONTACT (photo exhibit)

Here’s some fun that really clicks. The Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival is a month-long event, the world’s biggest devoted to the art of photography. It attracts snap-happy camera buffs each May. With more than 1,500 artists showing their work at over 250 venues, this is where inspiration happens.

Held each June, Toronto’s Pride Week is among the biggest organized LGBT events anywhere in the world, with attendance estimated at up to one million people—gay, bisexual, transgender and straight. Already an international affair, the celebration will go truly global when Toronto hosts World Pride in 2014.

The Ontario Science Centre is a hub for innovation and inspiration. It welcomes more than one million guests annually who explore subjects ranging from space to magnetism in an interactive environment.

Architecture fans should head to the Distillery District for a stroll back in time. The area is the site of North America’s largest and best-preserved collection of Victorian industrial architecture.

Head to the Air Canada Centre and cheer on the Toronto Raptors, the only place in Canada to watch live NBA action.

Toronto is home to Canada’s only female master sommelier (one of just 180 in the world). Jennifer Huether works for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which includes restaurants such as e11even, home to 4,000 bottles displayed in a stunning glass cellar.

TORONTO 2012 | 53

Toronto’s unbeatable holiday spirit spreads warmth and magic. By Michele Sponagle

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Of course, shopping is front and centre as gift lists grow long with the names of family members and friends. Fortunately, there are superb presents on offer at special events, like the One of a Kind Christmas Show & Sale in late November. More than 800 local artisans gather at the Direct Energy Centre to create a marketplace like no other. If you seek the unique and the truly special, this is a must-stop shop. The Distillery Historic District makes the most of its exceptional setting, complete with cobblestone laneways and stunning historic warehouses. Its December Christmas Market recreates a traditional European shopping experience rarely seen in North America. It attracts crowds of people who love to stroll amid the sparkling decorations, quintessential holiday treats and the spicy

Photos: Doug Brown/Tourism Toronto

’Tis The Season

oronto is a city that loves to celebrate in grand style any time of year, but come the holidays, the revelry is pumped up exponentially for those who love to lose themselves in the magic of the season. And neighbourhoods sparkle with Christmas lights, adding to the festive mood. Once upon a time, Santa came to town on a single float that carried him from Union Square to Eaton’s department store. That was in 1905. Fast-forward more than a century and Santa has plenty of company. The annual Santa Claus Parade brings together more than 25 floats, 25 bands and 1,700 participants, making it one of the longest and biggest in the world. A crowd of over half a million merrymakers ensures that Santa’s arrival at the end of the parade is a warm one, even on a chilly day.

01 The Distillery District turns into an authentic

European Christmas market each year.

02 The holiday season kicks into high gear with

the annual Santa Claus Parade.

03 Windows get the full festive treatment

from students in Ryerson University’s Retail Management program.

04 Shoppers revel in the array of artisans offering

their wares at the One of a Kind Show & Sale.

scent of warm mulled wine in the air and pick up a little something to please a special someone—maybe even themselves. People stroll along Yonge Street in the evenings, then head to Queen Street to enjoy the wonderfully imaginative animated displays in the windows of the Bay’s flagship store. For long-time Toronto residents, this unveiling is a long-standing tradition that has marked the arrival of the holiday season since the early 1900s. One downtown retail strip taps into the talents of Ryerson University’s Retail Management students, who have paired up with Downtown Yonge Street merchants. Their challenge? To create the most dazzling windows possible—on a budget of $100—during the annual Window Wonderland event. You may pass the windows on your way to City Hall and its central gathering place, Nathan

Phillips Square (named for the mayor of Toronto who led the city from 1955 to 1962). The reflecting pool of summer turns into a skating rink in winter. Bring your own skates or rent a pair on-site, and then relax later with a cup of hot chocolate as you watch talented skaters—and wobbly newbies—glide over the ice lap after lap. Be there the last week of November for the Cavalcade of Lights, a tradition for over 45 years, where the city’s official Christmas tree is lit, alongside an amazing fireworks display against the Toronto skyline. Live music amps up the dazzle factor for an evening you won’t forget. Love to soak up more tidings of joy? Attend Illuminite, a holiday lighting ceremony at Yonge-Dundas Square, held around mid-November. Perhaps the most graceful

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01 Handel’s Messiah performed at Roy Thomson

Hall is a much-anticipated event.

02 Yorkville gets decked out in all its festive glory. 03 Audiences take in the spectacle of The Nutcracker, a holiday tradition from The National Ballet of Canada. 04 Downtown glitters brightly as night falls.

wildlife lovers may want to head to the Toronto Zoo for the Annual Christmas Treats Walk. For more than 35 years, the zoo’s wild inhabitants have been receiving a Christmas-themed treat from the resident zookeeper on this special day. Visitors get a treat too: halfprice admission. For New Year’s Eve, a celebration on a grand scale is a fitting denouement to the holiday season. Families and friends of every age flock to Nathan Phillips Square once again to whoop it up and ring in the new year. The event showcases top musical acts at the very welcome post-holiday price of zero. And public transit is free for the evening, courtesy of the Toronto Transit Commission. It’s one more reason to celebrate another great holiday season in the city.

Photos: Cylia von Tiedmann (orchestra); Doug Brown/Tourism Toronto (Christmas tree, street); Bruce Zinger (The Nutcracker)

display of talent seen at holiday time is The Nutcracker, performed by the National Ballet of Canada, a cultural staple in the city for more than 60 years. This version was choreographed in 1995 by Canadian James Kudelka, best known for his blending of classical ballet and modern dance moves. The whimsical sets, fantastic creatures and a sweeping score by Tchaikovsky transport audiences into the golden palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the icy world of the Snow Queen. Audience members who have made this an annual outing are just as captivated as those seeing the show for the very first time. For classical music lovers, Handel’s Messiah is as much a part of the holidays as Christmas cards and presents. Top vocal soloists with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra bring this 1741 composition to life. Bonus: the ambience of Roy Thomson Hall, one of Toronto’s outstanding architectural gems, built in 1982. Its Gabriel Kney pipe organ took more than 20,000 hours of labour to install, and as its notes fill the concert hall, it’s clear that it was time well spent. On Boxing Day (Dec. 26),

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Objects of Desire When it comes to blockbuster treasures, Toronto’s museums have plenty of them. Here’s a look at some not-to-be-missed objects from four beloved cultural institutions. By Carol Perehudoff

Stanley Cup, Hockey Hall of Fame

The Stanley Cup hangs out with Mike Bolt, the Keeper of the Cup. 58 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

If there was ever an icon of the people, this is it. The Stanley Cup is the most celebrated trophy in the sporting world. It’s also likely the most well travelled, having racked up more than 750,000 miles in the last five years alone. When it’s not on the road, the cup has a prize position in the magnificent domed Great Hall at Toronto’s Hockey Hall of Fame. There are actually three versions of the cup, and all call the Hall of Fame home. In addition to the official presentation cup, a finely crafted replica is used as a stand-in when the original is travelling. Visitors can also see the actual silver bowl donated by Canada’s Governor General, Lord Stanley of Preston, in 1892. Deemed too brittle for trips in 1970, it was retired to a cushy life in a vault off the Great Hall. As North America’s oldest trophy in the realm of professional athletics, the Stanley Cup has a lengthy and colourful history: Every summer, each member of the NHL’s winning team gets the cup for one day. It has been dogsledding, fishing, bowling and snowmobiling. It was drop-kicked onto the frozen Rideau Canal in 1905, has visited Afghanistan on a goodwill tour and raised millions for charity. As befitting such a major celebrity, the Stanley Cup gets rock-star treatment. It even has its own bodyguard, the Keeper of the Cup, who accompanies it wherever it goes. One of the lucky keepers is Mike Bolt, a chaperone for the trophy since 2000. “I still pinch myself,” he says. “I can’t believe I have this job. Just being the guy who gets to travel around with it is an honour.” As an A-list celebrity, the trophy moves in lofty circles, rubbing shoulders—or, at least, handles—with everyone from Tom Hanks to Kid Rock. “They’re in as much awe of it as anyone else,” Bolt says. “It’s a magnet. Everywhere you go, thousands of people want to see it.”

Gordo, the largest dinosaur on view in Canada.

“As befitting such a major celebrity, the Stanley Cup gets rock-star treatment.” Crafted from silver and nickel alloy, the cup is 89.54 centimetres tall and weighs 15.9 kilograms. Every year, the champions’ names are engraved on a lower band, which is eventually replaced. As for the record holders, the Montreal Canadiens have won the trophy an impressive 24 times, and Henri “The Pocket Rocket” Richard is listed 11 times. More than a trophy, the Stanley Cup is part of our heritage. Hockey is the quintessential game of Canada, and the cup represents the best the sport can be.

Gordo the Barosaurus, Royal Ontario Museum

Talk about having a skeleton in the closet. When the Royal Ontario Museum was searching for a sauropod—the classic long-necked, long-tailed dinosaur—to complete its new display, they had no idea that there was one already lurking in their midst. In fact, parts of a barosaurus (a member of the sauropod group) had been at the ROM for 45 years. Just how do you lose a 27-metre-long dinosaur? “We knew the pieces were there,” says Dr. David Evans, associate curator of vertebrate palaeontology. “We just lost the context that allowed us to put the bones together in a single skeleton.” To get the full story we need to go back to 1962. The late ROM curator, Dr. Gordon Edmund, acquired the rare

skeleton in a trade with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, but the massive fossil proved too big to display. After Edmund retired, the dinosaur’s pieces were separated, shelved and shuffled around, and eventually no one knew where they were. Fast-forward to 2007. The ROM’s daring new expansion, the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, was set to open, and it included the Age of Dinosaurs gallery on Level 2. Three of the four most recognizable dinosaur types were already in place: a T. Rex, a triceratops and a stegosaurus. The search for a sauropod began. On a trip to Wyoming to look at a potential skeleton, the newly hired Evans came across an article mentioning a barosaurus at the ROM, and from there, shall we say, the pieces fell into place. Nicknamed Gordo, the barosaurus is the diamond in the ROM’s crystal. It’s the largest mounted dinosaur skeleton in Canada, and the only “real fossil”-mounted barosaurus in the world. It’s a blockbuster sight. Sauropods include the largest land animals ever to stomp the earth, and when alive, Gordo weighed as much as 15 tons. Surprisingly, such a rare item doesn’t require a lot of special care. “What’s awesome about original fossils is that they’re basically rocks,” Evans explains. “They’ve been mineralized, so the bones aren’t sensitive to sunlight.” That’s good news for dino fans because Gordo can be out in full view, his whip-like tail sweeping through the air, transporting us back 150 million years to the late Jurassic period when the barosaurus roamed an area of Utah now known as Dinosaur National Monument. “We looked all over the globe for a sauropod,” Evans says, “and it led us to our own backyard.” TORONTO 2012 | 59

“The astonishing thing is that for years the oil painting languished in near obscurity.”

A detail from The Massacre of the Innocents by Peter Paul Rubens

The Massacre of the Innocents, Art Gallery of Ontario

It’s not every painting that has a room specially built for it, but The Massacre of the Innocents by Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens is no ordinary artwork. When arts patron, the late Ken Thomson, bought the baroque masterpiece in 2002 at Sotheby’s in London, it was the most expensive Old Master painting ever purchased at a British world auction. The price? A cool £49.5 million ($76.7 million US). And when Thomson donated it to the Art Gallery of Ontario, it became the star of its collection. So what makes it stand out? “It’s exceptional because of its raw power, immense sophistication and enormous ambition,” says Lloyd DeWitt, curator of European art at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Painted around 1610, it’s a dramatic and heart-wrenching scene of Herod the Great’s soldiers killing the newborn males of Bethlehem after it was prophesied that one would become King of the Jews. “It has all the passions that are so difficult for artists to show,” DeWitt says. “The brutality of the soldiers, the fierce protectiveness of the mothers and the innocence of the children.” The astonishing thing is that for years the 60 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

oil painting languished in near obscurity after being mistakenly attributed to a minor painter while in the Prince of Liechtenstein’s collection. It was sold into private hands in 1920, nearly bombed in the Second World War and hung for decades in an Austrian monastery. It wasn’t until it was brought to Sotheby’s that it was recognized as a lost Rubens masterpiece. “We’re discovering new works all the time,” says DeWitt. “That’s one of the joys of this business.” It’s a huge responsibility for an institution to be the custodian of such a work, and the design for the stunning new expansion of the Art Gallery of Ontario paid careful consideration to the painting’s surroundings, with famed architect Frank Gehry getting personally involved. The focal point of the Thomson European Collection, the painting hangs in a dimly lit room with deep burgundy walls. Masterfully illuminated with spotlight lighting, the colour is vivid and the flesh looks incredibly real. You’d never know that barely visible anti-reflective glass, part of the microclimate vitrine, protects the painting from changes in moisture and temperature fluctuations. “Rubens was the art god of his day,” DeWitt says. “He was in demand by every emperor and king.” Today, he’s in

demand by every museum, but has found a home at the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Jewelled Mojari, Bata Shoe Museum

Photo: Kevin Gonsalves

Shoe fanatics drool over these golden slippers: the Bata Shoe Museum’s bejewelled mojari, elaborate curl-toed footwear from the early 19th century. Once owned by the Indian ruler Nizam Sikandar Jah of Hyderabad, the mojari are among the most precious pairs of shoes in the world and so sought after that they were stolen from the museum in 2006, along with two other valuable Indian artefacts. Thankfully for shoe fans the world over, the mojari stand out. They were returned to the museum after employees at a nearby photo shop recognized an image of the stolen treasure on a customer’s order and contacted the police. While the museum’s extensive collection contains some 10,000 pairs of footwear and more than 13,000 artefacts altogether, it’s easy to see why the mojari were targeted. “They’re made of precious metals,” says museum curator Elizabeth Semmelhack. “They were the only shoes made of gold in the gallery.” It may be the gold sequins and ruby, diamond and emerald embellishments that first catch the eye, but the mojari’s bling value is not why they are prized by the museum.

“Their value lies in their historical provenance,” Semmelhack says. “They were made in a royal workshop and worn by the Nizam. They can lead us to understand the splendour of the Nizam’s court.” Elaborately embroidered with gold metal thread and with a throat—the area that encircles the ankle—of jewelled cloisonné, the shoes have an Aladdinesque fairy tale quality that would make Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw weep. “Whoever made them had a beautiful sense of colour and balance,” Semmelhack says. Valued at about $160,000, the mojari were acquired in 1999 from a British dealer and have been treated with kid gloves ever since. “Our first job is to protect them for future generations,” says Semmelhack. Due to their organic nature, all textiles are fragile. And it’s not the gold that makes the mojari so delicate, it’s their vivid mustard- and pumpkin-coloured insoles of silk velvet. To preserve them, the shoes are not kept on permanent display but stored in a cushioned box in a humidity-controlled storage room. When they are on view, fibre-optic lighting in the museum’s galleries helps block out damaging ultraviolet rays. And yes, security has been beefed up since the robbery. “More cameras, case alarms, the whole nine yards,” Semmelhack says. The museum doesn’t plan to lose such a one-of-a-kind treasure again.

Elizabeth Semmelhack, curator of the Bata Shoe Museum

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We’re the endangered African penguins at the Toronto Zoo! There may not be many of us in the world, but thanks to the Zoo’s breeding program, we’re changing that, one baby penguin at a time. torontozoo.com

facebook.com/thetorontozoo

Green Scene

Photo: Tourism Brampton

Brampton comes alive with festivals and new attractions. By Bill Brioux

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here’s a saying among the locals: “All roads lead to Brampton.” Many commuters use the four 400-series superhighways to get to this city of over half a million people located northwest of Toronto— Canada’s eleventh-largest city. When they arrive, they discover a multicultural mosaic that’s a little bit country and a little bit rock ’n’ roll. You don’t have to look far to find the two faces of Brampton—they’re right downtown. You can see the

Lake Ontario

flowering of cultures both old and new at the just-expanded Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives, reopening in the spring of 2012. Partially housed in one of the city’s oldest public buildings, the Peel County Jail (built in the Confederation year of 1867), the Gallery is a place where the past and future are linked in a variety of displays. Local and national artists are featured in the new gallery spaces, one of which houses a sketchbook by Tom Thomson.

Make a splash at the Wild Water Kingdom.

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Heart Lake Conservation Area is perfect for leisurely strolls.

Turn back time at the historical Bovaird House.

The crown jewel of Brampton’s revitalized downtown is undoubtedly the Rose Theatre. Now in its sixth season, this 880-seat, multimillion-dollar facility has welcomed performers such as the Pointer Sisters, Joan Rivers and Diana Krall to its stage, as well as touring Broadway productions of shows such as The Wizard of Oz, A Chorus Line and the Mel Brooks musical Young Frankenstein. There are also local productions from homegrown performing arts groups such as the Peel Panto Players and the Brampton Festival Singers. Directly in front of the Rose Theatre is the large concourse known as Garden Square, which is well used throughout the year. During the summer months, Shakespeare in the Square brings the Bard to Brampton in live performances here, and the Square comes alive on New Year’s Eve when a stage is set up and acts 64 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

such as Sam Roberts and 54-40 perform for the crowd.

off to the market In summer and fall, local artists display their wares at booths set up by the Brampton Arts Council. It’s all part of the experience that is the Brampton Farmers’ Market, a downtown event held Saturdays from late June through Thanksgiving. One of the biggest on-the-street events in Ontario, the Farmers’ Market offers fresh locally grown produce and baked goods. There is also a growing number of vendors who sell organically grown fruits and vegetables. And if you like great Greek food hot off the grill, this is the place to find it. Downtown is also where the annual Brampton Global Jazz and Blues Festival gets toes tapping. The second edition is scheduled for August 2012, with performances

both inside and outside the Rose Theatre, various downtown restaurants and the area’s largest shopping mall, the newly expanded Bramalea City Centre. Bobby McFerrin and Dr. John took part in the inaugural fest, with McFerrin even contributing to jazz workshops. There are jazz films as well as a taste of world cuisine, according to Brampton manager of tourism Sharon Wilcox. “It’s a fabulous weekend of jazz and jams,” she says. Besides the Farmers’ Market and the music festival, Brampton’s downtown streets are also home to several seasonal parades. The city’s annual Santa Claus Parade was one of the first in the area to be held at night. The event is believed to have inspired other municipalities to do their ho-ho-ho-ing after dark. Carabram, the annual multicultural festival with pavilions from several countries, turns 30 in 2012.

Be there as the curtain rises at the Rose Theatre.

Bagram dancing at the Rose Theatre on Brampton Day.

Photos: Tourism Brampton

The more recent Flower City Parade is an opportunity for Brampton to show off its roots, so to speak.

cultural finds Just down Main Street from the Rose Theatre is Gage Park, one of Brampton’s local treasures. Dating back to 1903, the park is distinguished by an old-fashioned bandstand gazebo in the middle surrounded by a large skating oval. In the winter, particularly during the annual New Year’s Eve festivities, the park is packed with skaters. All skate past a unique veterans’ monument carved out of a single red oak tree. It depicts local hero Bill Bettridge, a decorated veteran of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France. If the park puts you in the mood to explore Brampton’s heritage, your next stop might be Bovaird House. Open from mid-February to midDecember, the Georgian-style farm-

house is filled with 19th-century artifacts. Take a guided tour of the house and the gardens, or head downtown for the self-guided walking tour. You can obtain a booklet that will allow you to explore some of the city’s historical landmarks at your own pace, with plaques set up along the way to highlight notable spots. If walking in nature is your thing, you’ve come to the right city. The Heart Lake Conservation Area—so named for the shape of the lake— is spring-fed and part of the Etobicoke Creek watershed. It is blissfully removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, an oasis of nature and even a fisherman’s paradise, as it is stocked with hundreds of rainbow trout each year. Walking the trails along the banks and into the woods is picturesque in the fall, when the leaves are ablaze with colour. As Wilcox says, “You’d never know you

are in a city.” Canoe rentals are also available. Similar back-to-nature experiences are available in Brampton’s west end at Eldorado Park, the city’s oldest, where an amusement park once flourished and the city’s last outdoor swimming pool exists. “The beautiful Credit River runs right through Eldorado Park,” says Wilcox. An even more hidden Brampton body of water is Professor’s Lake, tucked behind a residential community just south of the new Brampton Civic Hospital. Professor’s Lake may be ringed with houses, but there is public access with a beach and boatrental area. It is a favourite stop for ducks and geese, as well as for local kids with fishing rods in hand.

ACTION-PACKED Thrill-seekers might rather visit Wild Water Kingdom, Canada’s largest water park. The 100-acre attraction features a variety of water slides, pools and lazy rivers, including a saltwater tidal-wave pool. There’s even an indoor sports complex, minigolf and a state-of-the-art drive-in movie theatre. And speaking of thrills, the Powerade Centre is home of the Brampton Battalion, the city’s Ontario Hockey League hockey team. See the NHL stars of tomorrow in action from the 5,000-seat arena, which will serve as the wrestling venue for the 2015 Pan American Games. Brampton is certainly a city to explore, one that continues to expand in size, culture and attractions. As mayor (and chief booster) Susan Fennell says, “From natural retreats, a cultural and historic downtown, popular sporting events, top-notch entertainment, quality accommodations and shopping, Brampton has everything a visitor needs.” For more on visiting Brampton, go to www.TourismBrampton.ca TORONTO 2012 | 65

Celebrate Mississauga Meet a festival city at its cultural peak. By Jennifer Lee

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the excitement our city has to offer.” The latest addition to the city’s cultural scene? Celebration Square, a reno and rejuvenation of Mississauga’s former Civic Square, which opened in summer 2011. Adjacent to City Hall and spanning 6.6 acres, Celebration Square doubles as a stateof-the-art multimedia destination, complete with an amphitheatre and an interactive water feature that transforms into the city’s largest skating rink each November. This new outdoor community centre plays host to more than 100 free public events, performances

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and activities annually, attracting 300,000 visitors.

Culture club The Square has become a cultural hub, hosting a range of live performances,

such as Canadian jazz musician and Juno Award nominee Matt Dusk, as well as popular event series such as Take 2: Culture Days on the Square. With over 70 events hosted over

Photo: Doug Brown/Tourism Toronto

anked among Canada’s fastestgrowing metropolises, Mississauga is a vibrant cultural centre. It has an exciting offering of museums, theatres and restaurants, plus a calendar packed with festivals featuring everything from live music to food tastings. It’s an exciting time for the sixth-largest city in Canada, founded 38 years ago and now home to 729,000 people. Mayor Hazel McCallion is proud of the community spirit her city is cultivating: “Mississauga’s festivals help bring the community together and provide visitors with an opportunity to experience

Celebration Square

Photos: Mississauga Tourism

“It’s an exciting time for the sixthlargest city in Canada, founded 38 years ago and now home to 729,000 people.” three days. Culture Days is a community-driven volunteer movement dedicated to encouraging visitors to get involved in the local arts scene. It’s a fall tradition, held at the end of September. Visitors can catch the Mississauga Symphony on the main stage or a live jazz show in the amphitheatre before heading to the upper and lower squares, where parents and children enjoy hands-on, kidfriendly activities. Families, meanwhile, flock to Doors Open Mississauga. Part of Culture Days, it’s an annual free event that gives the public access to heritage VisitToronto

@SeeTorontoNow

Port Credit Pier Port Credit Pier

Downtown Mississauga

treasures—many unsung. Join a guided tour of the central library and visit the Canadian rare book collection, and then stop by the Kids’ Zone, located in the library’s children’s department, to catch a reading. Lucky tots may bump into beloved literary characters such as the Queen of Hearts. Baby boomers should flock to Grangestock, a yearly celebration of all things from the 1960s, with the emphasis on music and flower-powered fun.

The sound of music The city’s renowned musical talents lend their Mobile App SeeToronto

skills to Opera Mississauga, the Mississauga Choral Society and the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra. Highlights include the Mississauga Choral Society’s rendition of Handel’s Messiah in November, which marks the beginning of the holiday season, and one-of-a-kind performances such as the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra’s tribute to The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album—note for note— in April 2012 at the Living Arts Centre. The popular venue also hosts the Just For Laughs Roadshow (April 15) and dance troupe Stomp (May 8–9).

The onstage talent multiplies during the warmer summer months with the arrival of music festivals such as Telus Mosaic, showcasing the many facets of south Asian culture through dance, visual arts, film, music and more. The annual Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival brings together artists such as blues performers Dr. Hook, Elvin Bishop and Mavis Staples. Events with great taste The summer months also welcome festivals dedicated to gourmet flavours. The global collection of TORONTO 2012 | 67

Angler on the Credit River in Erindale Park

Mississauga Waterfront Festival

street eats tempts crowds with a host of events, from the sampling of sweet and savory staples at 26 international pavilions at the Carassauga Festival (May 25–27)—one of Ontario’s largest multicultural festivals, representing 64 countries—to tucking into mobile cuisine from Mississauga and surrounding areas offered at Food Truck Eats. Here, vendors from local restaurants roll into Celebration Square, bringing their menus directly to the people and turning the city into an epicurean playground. 68 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

ON THE WATERFRONT For those with a taste for tranquility, Port Credit, Mississauga’s lakefront village, is a relaxing retreat. Situated on Lake Ontario, its walking and cycling trails at the Lakefront Promenade Park beckon both adventure-seekers and nature lovers to the region. Ranked as one of Ontario’s top 100 festivals for nine consecutive years, the annual Mississauga Waterfront Festival in June sees over 65,000 people travel to the city for the weekend to enjoy live performances on the main stage by Canadian stars like

Sam Roberts, Jann Arden and Chantal Kreviazuk. Kids head to the Family Fun Village for a multitude of hands-on activities, carnival rides and water shows. Aside from the city’s many heritage sites, there are events in smaller surrounding communities such as the village of Streetsville. For the last 40 years, the Streetsville Founders’ Bread & Honey Festival (a nod to the mills and apiaries in the area) has been the city’s benchmark family outing. It’s well loved for its petting zoo, musical performances, carnival rides

and the popular Bread & Honey Parade and race with competition categories for teens and adults. It’s clear why Mississauga has earned a reputation as festival central— it’s a vital hub of art, culture and community anchored by Celebration Square. As Mayor McCallion says, “The Square showcases the talent and cultural diversity that exist in our city.” That’s just one of many reasons to include the heart of Mississauga in your travel itinerary. For more on visiting Mississauga, go to www.MississaugaTourism.ca

Photos: istockphoto (fishing); Doug Brown/Tourism Toronto (festival)

“Ranked as one of Ontario’s top 100 festivals, the annual Mississauga Waterfront Festival in June sees over 65,000 people travel to the city.”

The Wonder of Niagara Up close and personal with the legends of the Falls. By Anita Draycott

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he thundering roar, the majestic arching rainbows rising from the mist, the sheer force and fury of nature as the mighty river plunges from a towering precipice into a vast abyss... Niagara Falls has been wowing tourists since the midVictorian era, when the Falls were an obligatory stop on the Grand Tour of North America. The advent of railways and steamships made it easier for folks to travel. After World War I, privately owned automobiles brought even more tourists to the impressive waters. They came then, as they do today, to marvel at two sets of cataracts: the American Falls and the even more spectacular Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side of the border.

Wonders never cease, and one of Ontario’s most famous tourist attraction never ceases to be a magnet for romantics and adventurers. In 1859, tightrope walker JeanFrancois Gravelet, known as the Great Blondin, not only walked across the Falls, he also stopped to take a swig from a bottle hoisted up from the Maid of the Mist below. In later performances, the audacious showman rode a bicycle, pushed a wheelbarrow and fried an omelette while balancing on the rope. As a publicity stunt in 1901, a schoolteacher in her sixties named Annie Edson Taylor was the first person to plummet over the Horseshoe Falls in a wooden barrel padded inside with a mattress. Remarkably, she survived. Other daredevils did not, and such antics are now against the law. In Steele’s Book of Niagara Falls, published in 1840, the author Oliver G. Steele writes, “No person should come to Niagara for the first time, and leave the same day; it is utterly impossible for one to conceive or realize its grandeur or beauty in such a visit.” TORONTO 2012 | 69

On board the Maid of the Mist

So heed Mr. Steele’s advice and take time to savour this world wonder. Every year Niagara Falls builds on its iconic history by offering more enticing attractions, accommodations and ways to experience these remarkable waters and environments.

GO WITH THE FLOW There are plenty of ways to “do” Niagara Falls. The oldest is to don a blue slicker and board the Maid of the Mist. The company has been traversing the Niagara River since 1846. For a multisensory thrill, try the new Niagara’s Fury: The Creation of the Falls. Feel the full wrath of Mother Nature as you stand on a platform that tilts and shakes while the temperature dips. You experience 10,000 years 70 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

Wine barrels ready to tap

in about 15 minutes of sensory overload. If you prefer to stay dry, take a flight via Niagara Helicopters. Or try out the Niagara SkyWheel: On this gigantic Ferris wheel in the Clifton Hill area, the glass pods are air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter. Every evening, the Falls are illuminated and there’s a seasonal razzle-dazzle fireworks extravaganza. The best place to enjoy them is with cocktail in hand from the R5 Lounge in the Fallsview Casino Resort.

RELIVE HISTORY During the War of 1812, the Niagara region was the scene of multiple American invasions and battles. To commemorate the bicentenary of that historic event, a new Niagara Falls History Museum will open

in July with a permanent 1812 exhibit. Battle enactments, military balls and parades will also be part of the 2012 festivities.

ROMANCE THE FALLS Niagara Falls earned its reputation as the Honeymoon Capital of the World when the daughter of Aaron Burr, the third vice-president of the United States, chose to honeymoon here in 1801. John Lennon and Yoko Ono celebrated their honeymoon at Niagara Falls, and Superman (Christopher Reeve) wooed Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) at the cataracts. Romance is alive and well at the Sterling Inn & Spa, billing itself as Niagara Falls’ only boutique hotel, where all guests are served a complimentary breakfast in bed.

Biking is a great way to tour Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Photos: Steve Xu (Falls); Tourism Ontario (barrels); Jeff Speed (bike); Tourism Niagara (golf); Tourism Toronto (vineyard)

Hit the links surrounded by the beauty of Niagara.

GO DOWNTOWN The recently gentrified Queen Street neighbourhood, dotted with boutiques and cafés, is a terrific place for a wander. If you’re in the mood for a savory or sweet treat, head to Paris Crêpes Bistro. The eatery also houses La Boutique, where you can pick up freshly baked baguettes and goodies for a picnic. GET PHYSICAL Join Zoom Tours for their Pub Lunch and Winery cycling adventure. Mount your bike at the Best Western Fallsview Hotel and pedal along the Niagara Parkway, stopping at the Floral Clock and Horticultural Gardens. Sir Winston Churchill referred to the Niagara Parkway as “the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world.” Sample the goods

at a few wineries before heading to what the 1996 Communities in Bloom awarded the prettiest town in Canada, Niagara-onthe-Lake. From there, you can take a shuttle back to Niagara Falls.

PEEL ME A GRAPE For more vino immersion, book a Divine Red Wine Wrap at the Shaw Club Hotel & Spa in Niagaraon-the-Lake. Your indulgence begins with a grape exfoliating scrub, followed by a warmed wine-hydrating mask. While your grape wrap is working its wonders, your therapist gives you a gentle scalp massage, and then finishes by applying a hydrating cabernet body balm. TAKE A SWING If a leisurely nine fits your schedule, start your swing

where it all began back in 1875 when the Niagaraon-the-Lake Golf Club opened. Acknowledged as the oldest golf course in North America—where the game is still played on the original site—this stately tract meanders along the shores of Lake Ontario and around historic Fort Mississauga. The two newest kids on the block are the Grand Niagara Club and Thundering Waters. The former is a classic parkland gem by architect Rees Jones—a mix of beauty, intrigue, subtleties and lots of risk. Thundering Waters, John Daly’s first signature course in Canada, is located a mere 1,400 metres from the Horseshoe Falls. Daly kicked off the opening ceremonies by trying, unsuccessfully, to smack a ball across the Niagara Gorge from Canada to the U.S. You might expect a Daly course to be a long grip-it-and-rip-it sort of adventure, but this par-72, measuring just 6,000 metres from the championship Daly tees, is more of a riskand-reward layout requiring accurate aim. Like big bad John himself, there’s never a dull moment. For more on visiting Niagara, go to www.NiagaraParks.com

Wine & Dine Niagara’s food and wine scene now rivals the Falls in popularity. The region boasts more than 50 wineries. Most offer informative tours, and many have excellent dining options. Epicureans also love to gather around the commodious table in chef Mark Picone’s Culinary Studio in Vineland. Chef Picone orchestrates multi-course lunches and dinners using seasonal ingredients, locally sourced. Reservations are by appointment. Dining at a winery is a sublime experience in Niagara. Rows of neatly planted grapes provide a pretty background for meals where the wine is front and centre. Chef Frank Dodd at the Hillebrand Winery restaurant uses local ingredients grown in the same soil as the grapes in dishes that let true flavours shine with every bite. At Strewn, foodies can take a hands-on approach and take a cooking class or let the chef do the work at its Terroir La Cachette.

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Sugar Beach

Eau, What a Feeling Water play makes a splash with action-packed pursuits at the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doorstep. By Kate Pocock

72 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

alk about picturesque: Toronto is located smackdab on the shores of Lake Ontario. Add a system of urban rivers flowing freely southward—the Humber and the Credit, the Rouge and the Don—and the result is a 46-kilometre shoreline that pulses with wave action and scenic beauty for residents and visitors alike. Visitors appreciate the lakeside geological wonders, such as the Scarborough Cathedral Bluffs and the headwaters of the Niagara Escarpment, which flow into the mouth of the Credit River (teeming once again with both salmon and fishing enthusiasts). But it’s the range of activities and array of exciting experiences—many within minutes of the downtown core—that attract people to Toronto’s waterfront. Bike along the shore or cruise to the Toronto Islands in all manner of watercraft—from historic tall ships to mango-coloured kayaks. Swim in the lake, ride the wind on a kiteboard, appreciate the music of Yo-Yo Ma playing through the supplied headphones in the Music Garden. Spot a sandpiper in Tommy Thompson Park, dance to swing music or simply sit under a pink umbrella, feet buried in sugary sand, and listen to the lapping of the waves as hundreds of species of birds fly by. The wealth of opportunities is a revelation to visitors and even some resident Torontonians.

ARTY GEMS The beauty and fun available waterside is continuously evolving. City planners, landscape architects, nature lovers and three levels of government work to revitalize the lakefront. Most dramatic is Waterfront Toronto’s award-winning New Blue Edge project, which boasts a billion-dollar budget. The goal? To create an uninterrupted water’s-edge pathway with unique parks and public spaces. The project is well under way, and there’s already buzz about it. People love the new multi-purpose design features, such as Sherbourne Common’s “Light Showers” art

Photos: Doug Brown/Tourism Toronto

Harbour Erindale Park, bridge overToronto the Credit River

“Visitors can’t believe that we have salmon at the doorstep of Canada’s financial capital.” A bridge spans the Credit River in Erindale Park

sculpture towers: They release ecologically filtered water while light “flows” in glowing colours, turning them into moving art pieces. Then there are the curvy Wave Deck sidewalks at Harbourfront Centre. “People love the Wave Decks,” says Bill Boyle, the Centre’s former chief executive officer. “People are even taking wedding photos there! It’s something we never expected.” One of the most popular tourist attractions in Canada, Harbourfront Centre annually draws about 12 million people who can choose from more than 4,000 events, many of them free. Visitors might encounter rap music from the Arctic, photographic exhibits by Canadian First Nations artists or art from China’s ethnic minorities.

THE REEL THING And what about fish? Thanks to a restoration program created by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and more than 40 other partners, Lake Ontario is now filled with Coho, Atlantic and Chinook salmon, trout and more. Budding fishermen can charter a boat at the Port Credit Harbour Marina from any of the several licensed charter boat companies and head out with rod and reel. On a busy summer weekend, thousands of men, women and kids cast lures to win prizes during the seven-week Great Ontario Salmon Derby, the world’s largest freshwater fishing contest (part of the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show). Each year, the lake is stocked with 520,000 Chinook Fry, so your chances of landing a good catch are high. And it may be a whopper. The top 70 fish caught in recent years have weighed more than 13 kilograms. Get close to where the action is with companies like Salmon Strike Sportfishing Charters. The salmon are thriving again with their successful return to the Credit River. It’s a perfect time to get TORONTO 2012 | 73

Simcoe Wave Deck at Harbourfront

Riding the waves When summer hits, the waterfront becomes a sea of sails and paddles. Rent a sailboat or powerboat, try stand-up paddleboarding or rent a canoe. If you’re a novice, take a lesson, opt for a tandem (double) kayak or join a Paddle & BBQ kayak evening, which provides food, fellow paddlers and a nighttime view of the city skyline. “It’s a perfect little mini vacation,” says Dave Corrigan, owner of the Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre. If you’d like someone else to “row your boat,” any number of vessels cruise the harbour. Hoist the sails on the Kajama tall ship, splash into Lake Ontario on the Hippo (a bus that floats) or board a historic Toronto Island ferry to explore any of the 13 islands on Toronto’s doorstep, where you can rent a bike, hike the boardwalk or hit the beach. For a floating dining adventure, sign up for a cruise on one of Mariposa Cruises’s nautical beauties. Trips run the gamut from one-hour harbour tours to themed events such as a 1950s-style Rock ’n’ Roll dinner cruise. “It’s an evening out, dinner, dancing, being out on the water and enjoying the skyline,” says Jana Ray, director of sales and marketing at Mariposa Cruises. Life’s a beach With eight city beaches now earning a Blue Flag designation (an international standard recognizing eco friendship and cleanliness), beach bums can frolic in the waves 74 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

as well as picnic on the sand. Choose from Centre Island (great for kids), Gibraltar Point (with a reportedly haunted lighthouse), Ward’s Island (uncrowded), Cherry Beach (windy enough for kiteboarding), Hanlan’s Point (clothing optional), the Beaches’ Woodbine Beach (complete with volleyball action), Kew Balmy Beach (the start of the 56-kilometre Martin Goodman cycling trail) and Bluffer’s Park Beach, located beneath the Scarborough Cathedral Bluffs (for wildlife ops and a scenic nature trail). If you prefer swimming in something man-made, dip into the Donald D. Summerville Olympic Pool at Woodbine Park and watch skilled divers show off as they plunge from the tower. Splash in the spacious heated rooftop pool at the Radisson Hotel Admiral (Harbourfront Centre) or join Jersey Shore look-alikes at Polson Pier pool on the largest outdoor patio in North America. Prefer privacy? Head to the sandy shore beneath the art-deco-style R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant in the Beaches. Or if you want old-fashioned Muskoka-chair comfort visit the new Canada’s Sugar Beach beside a promenade adorned with trees and embellished by a huge striped granite boulder and water music from a splashpad fountain. Pure beachy fun in the heart of the city.

Chilling on the beach

Photos: Doug Brown/Tourism Toronto

hooked on urban fishing at its finest. “Visitors can’t believe that we have salmon at the doorstep of Canada’s financial capital,” says Walter Oster, the Derby’s chairman. “You can leave your Bay Street office and, within an hour, be in a boat, ready to drop your line into the water to fish.” As an added perk, all of the Salmon Derby proceeds go back into conservation efforts.

DISCOVERY t

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Electr ic

Museums

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WALKS & Galleries

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Take to the streets to explore the best

of Toronto, from historic landmarks to haute hot spots and everything in between. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve mapped out five insider tours that allow you to experience every inch of this exciting, eclectic city. Let the block parties begin!

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ELECTRIC AVENUES

Busy from dawn to dusk, the downtown core sizzles with energy. Stroll, shop, catch a concert or sit back and enjoy the unparalleled people-watching. Nathan Phillips Square

Photos: Tourism Toronto; all illustrations in this story by Lisa Smith

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1 / TORONTO EATON CENTRE This lively shopping destination stretches two full city blocks and houses more than 230 retailers. 220 Yonge St., torontoeatoncentre.com 2 / YONGE-DUNDAS SQUARE Framed by giant screens, the corner of Yonge and Dundas is both a bustling public space and home to unique concerts and festivals throughout the year. Southeast corner of Yonge and Dundas streets, Ydsquare.ca 3 / T.O. TIX Last-minute craving for live theatre? This ticket booth offers discounted tickets for same-day shows or full-price advance tickets. Corner of Yonge and Dundas streets, totix.ca 4 / ED MIRVISH THEATRE Founded in 1920, the theatre was originally a combination vaudeville house and motion picture theatre before becoming one of Canada’s most vital theatrical hubs. 244 Victoria St., mirvish.com 5 / MASSEY HALL Audiences rave about the acoustics in this circa-1894 music hall, which welcomes the world’s most exciting musical acts. 178 Victoria St., masseyhall.com 6 / ELGIN AND WINTER GARDEN THEATRE CENTRE Magnificently restored, the world’s last-remaining operating double-decker theatre boasts an eclectic lineup, featuring everything from family musicals to rock concerts. 189 Yonge St., heritagetrust.on.ca/ewg 7 / THE BAY Canada’s oldest department store, The Bay has undergone a modern facelift, including a revamped high-end shopping mecca called The Room, which attracts discerning fashionistas. 176 Yonge St., hbc.com 8 / NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE Named for a former mayor of Toronto, this public space is a favourite spot for strolling, sitting and people-watching. In the winter, rent skates and glide along the central ice rink. 100 Queen St. W., Toronto.ca 9 / TORONTO CITY HALL With its distinctive curving architecture, City Hall is both the hub for local government and a beloved landmark. 100 Queen St. W., Toronto.ca 10 / FOUR SEASONS CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Sleek and sexy, minimalist yet warm, this architectural marvel features a theatre built specifically for opera and ballet. It’s home to the Canadian Opera Company and is the performance venue of The National Ballet of Canada. 145 Queen St. W., coc.ca

Toronto Eaton Centre

TORONTO 2012 | 77

Gooderham Flatiron Building

HERITAGE

Bring your camera to capture the beauty of Toronto’s historic district. Though boutiques, restaurants and galleries are housed in charming heritage buildings, they are as modern as it gets. 1 / UNION STATION “You build your stations like we build our cathedrals,” Edward, Prince of Wales, said in an address during the 1927 opening of Union Station, still Canada’s most glamorous transportation hub. Front and Bay streets, Toronto.ca/union_station 2 / HOCKEY HALL OF FAME Housed in a former bank building, this museum boasts the world’s largest collection of hockey memorabilia. 30 Yonge St., hhof.com 3 / SONY CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Featuring A-list entertainment from around the world, Canada’s largest soft-seat theatre also offers culinary creations by executive chef Stephen Lee, formerly with the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Village. 1 Front St. E., sonycentre.ca 4 / GOODERHAM FLATIRON BUILDING This iconic building—one of the most photographed in the city—houses a friendly pub and fronts charming Berczy Park. 49 Wellington St. E. 5 / ST. LAWRENCE MARKET A must-visit for all foodies, this award-winning market offers everything from fresh seafood to exotic cheeses to piping hot loaves. The peameal bacon sandwich is legendary. 92 Front St. E., stlawrencemarket.com 6 / THE DISTILLERY DISTRICT Go back in time in this lovely cobblestone village, a former whisky distillery and now home to luxe shops, galleries and restaurants. 55 Mill St., thedistillerydistrict.com 7 / YOUNG CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS One of Toronto’s leading cutting-edge theatres, the Young Centre features productions by Soulpepper Theatre Company and George Brown College’s Theatre School. 55 Mill St., Bldg. 49, youngcentre.ca

St. Lawrence Market

Front Street

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Union Station

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

Toronto’s cultural landscape is vast—spanning Old Masters, dinosaur bones and cutting-edge exhibitions—but the city’s museum and gallery district keeps all the action within walking distance.

Photos: Tom Arban/Tourism Toronto (Gardiner Museum); Doug Brown/Tourism Toronto (AGO)

Gardiner Museum

1 / BATA SHOE MUSEUM You don’t have to be a dedicated follower of fashion to admire the 10,000 shoes on display in this unique museum. 27 Bloor St. W., batashoemuseum.ca 2 / ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC More than a first-rate arts and education facility, the Conservatory is home to Koerner Hall, one of the most beautiful concert halls in Canada. 273 Bloor St. W., rcmusic.ca 3 / ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM (ROM) Follow the avant-garde crystal that juts out onto Bloor Street to discover one of Canada’s best-loved museums. 100 Queen’s Park, rom. on.ca 4 / GARDINER MUSEUM Housed in an acclaimed modernist building, this boutique museum explores the history, significance and style of ceramics with a 3,000-plus-piece collection. 111 Queen’s Park, gardinermuseum.on.ca 5 /QUEEN’S PARK Home to the provincial legislative building, this urban park was named for Queen Victoria and also boasts modern appeal. Each fall, the park hosts Word on the Street, Toronto’s popular book and magazine festival. University Ave., ontla.on.ca 6 / KENSINGTON MARKET This bohemian enclave features an exciting array of bakeries, cafés, cheese shops and organic butchers. Streets are pedestrian-friendly on the last Sunday of the month between May and October. Kensingtonmarket.ca 7 / CHINATOWN Toronto’s largest Chinatown is home to affordable groceries, souvenirs, home decor shops and authentic restaurants, many of which stay open well past last call. Dundas and Spadina streets. 8 / ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO (AGO). Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry recently revamped the AGO, adding a stunning glass corridor and an avant-garde winding staircase. The gallery’s 4,000-plus pieces include canvases by the Group of Seven and more recent work by up-and-comer Shary Boyle. 317 Dundas St. W., ago.net 9 / OCAD UNIVERSITY If students at this art and design college want inspiration, all they need to do is look up: The playful rectangular building housing the Sharp Centre for Design sits 26 metres above street level atop colourful pegs. 100 McCaul St., ocad.ca 10/ TEXTILE MUSEUM OF CANADA. Attracting fashion fans and history buffs alike, this museum features more than 12,000 pieces, including garments and unique fabrics. 55 Centre Ave., textilemuseum.ca

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Bata Shoe Museum

Art Gallery of Ontario

TORONTO 2012 | 79

ENTERTAINMENT

In Toronto’s cosmopolitan nightlife core, you can pick your pleasure: sports, ballet, theatre, symphony, comedy or late-night clubbing. a repair facility for Canadian Pacific Rail steam locomotives, is now the site of one of Toronto’s top breweries, known for its smooth, crisp Pilsner.

2 3 4 1

255 Bremner Blvd., steamwhistle.ca; trha.ca

10 / AIR CANADA CENTRE This award-winning sports and concert venue is home to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and Toronto Rock Lacrosse. The newly expanded Maple Leaf Square features a giant screen and the Real Sports Bar & Grill, a sports fan’s dream, with 199 HD TVs.

50 Bay St., theaircanadacentre.com

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1 / SECOND CITY Featuring improv-based sketch comedy, this venue boasts a vibrant theatre troupe, which has included Canadian comedy greats such as Eugene Levy and John Candy. 51 Mercer St., secondcity.com 2 / TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX The headquarters of the annual Toronto International Film Festival, the Lightbox also hosts year-round screenings and film-focused exhibitions. 350 King St. W., belllightbox.ca 3 /PRINCESS OF WALES THEATRE Featuring original murals by acclaimed artist Frank Stella, this spectacular 2,000-seat theatre hosts blockbuster productions such as The Sound of Music and War Horse. 300 King St. W., mirvish.com 4 / ROYAL ALEXANDRA THEATRE Known as The Royal Alex, this beaux-arts stunner opened in 1907 and has been an integral part of Toronto’s theatre scene ever since. 260 King St. W., mirvish.com 5 / ROY THOMSON HALL Home of the renowned Toronto Symphony Orchestra, this concert hall also hosts gala screenings during the Toronto International Film Festival. 60 Simcoe St., roythomson.com 6 / CANADIAN BROADCASTING CENTRE AND CBC MUSEUM Dedicated to producing top-notch TV and radio programming in both official languages, the nation’s broadcaster is housed in a unique 12-storey facility. 250 Front St. W., cbc.ca/facilities 7 / ROGERS CENTRE Famous for its fully retractable roof, the Rogers Centre is home to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball club and the Toronto Argonauts football team. 1 Blue Jays Way, rogerscentre.com 8 / CN TOWER. This Toronto landmark features three observation levels, a glass floor, the acclaimed 360 Restaurant, and the brand-new EdgeWalk, the world’s highest hands-free full-circle walk, 116 storeys in the air. 301 Front St. W., cntower.ca 9 / STEAM WHISTLE BREWING/JOHN ST. ROUNDHOUSE. This historic roundhouse, once

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TIFF Bell Lightbox

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Lorem ipsum On the waterfront

WATERFRONT

Photos: Doug Brown/Tourism Toronto (Royal Alex, waterfront, skyline); Sam Santos/WireImage for TIFF (Lightbox)

Explore the beauty of Lake Ontario’s sparkling waters. Enjoy urban beaches with soft, sugary sand and galleries, gardens and hip boutiques connected by boardwalks and bike trails.

1 / EXHIBITION PLACE Catch a Toronto FC soccer game at BMO Field, cheer on your knight at Medieval Times or meander by the Direct Energy Centre and Allstream Centre. Each August, Exhibition Place welcomes the Canadian National Exhibition, with rides, games and delicious food kiosks. explace.on.ca 2 / ONTARIO PLACE Extending through three man-made islands, this parkland offers cultural, leisure and entertainment activities, and is also the site of the famed Molson Canadian Amphitheatre. 955 Lakeshore Blvd. W., ontarioplace.com 3 / TORONTO MUSIC GARDEN Designed by acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma and landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy, this lovely waterfront garden hosts an eclectic array of concerts and is open year-round. 475 Queen’s Quay W., harbourfrontcentre.com 4 / HTO PARK Escape for an afternoon snooze under a cheery yellow beach umbrella on this man-made urban beach, which also features grassy knolls and a waterfront promenade. 339 Queen’s Quay W. (Queen’s Quay and Rees St.), waterfrontbia.com 5 / HARBOURFRONT CENTRE & YORK QUAY CENTRE A year-round cultural hub, Harbourfront offers cutting-edge visual art, a diverse range of free festivals every weekend in the summer and, each October, the International Festival of Authors. 235 Queen’s Quay W., harbourfrontcentre.com 6 / THE POWER PLANT CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY Housed in a repurposed 1920s powerhouse (complete with iconic smokestack), Canada’s leading contemporary art gallery offers groundbreaking exhibitions, talks and events. 231 Queen’s Quay W., thepowerplant.org 7 / QUEEN’S QUAY TERMINAL Overlooking Lake Ontario, this eclectic shopping centre features premium boutiques and restaurants and is home to the Museum of Inuit Art, the only museum of its kind in southern Canada. 207 Queen’s

Toronto’s skyline glitters with light.

Quay W., qqterminal.com 8 / TORONTO ISLANDS A 10-minute ferry ride brings you to the Toronto Islands, which include Ward’s Island and Centre Island, home of the popular Centreville Amusement Park. Toronto.ca/ parks/island 9 / REDPATH SUGAR MUSEUM Take a tour of this operating sugar port and refinery on the shores of Lake Ontario, sure to leave a sweet aftertaste. 95 Queen’s Quay E., redpathsugars.com 10 / SUGAR BEACH Once a parking lot, Toronto’s newest man-made beach is now a true summer destination, with a maple tree-lined promenade, sugary sand and vibrant pink beach umbrellas. At the foot of Lower Jarvis St., waterfronttoronto.ca

TORONTO 2012 | 81

Neighbourhoods The Distillery District charms with cobblestones and historic buildings, but its thrills—gallery hopping, fine dining, theatre-going—are thoroughly modern.

The Neighbourhoods of Greater Toronto Yorkville, the city's top spot for haute shopping finds

Where the city comes alive. Toronto’s neighbourhoods are the heart of the city. They pulse with life, and each has a personality all its own. A visit isn’t complete without exploring this matrix of culturally diverse regions that make Toronto the vibrant, eclectic destination that it is. From century-old enclaves to the newest and emergent, there is always something fresh to discover just around the corner.

bloor-yorkville.com

This well-loved shopping area has grown up and flourished since its days as a hippie hangout in the 1960s. Today, Bloor-Yorkville is home to Toronto’s “Mink Mile” featuring top international names like Tiffany, Gucci, Cartier and Prada alongside the best of Canada at Holt Renfrew, Harry Rosen and Roots. Yorkville’s bustling streets and cobbled lanes house designer boutiques, luxury hotels, galleries and fine dining, all surrounding one of the city’s top gathering spots at Village of Yorkville Park. 82 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

The Entertainment District torontoed.com

By night especially, this downtown hub packs in plenty of the city’s hippest restaurants, theatres, bars and nightclubs. During the day, it’s just as lively with popular attractions such as the CN Tower, Rogers Centre and the new TIFF Bell Lightbox, home to the Toronto International Film Festival. As you stroll, look beneath your feet to see the who’s who of entertainment immortalized with a star in the sidewalk that makes up Canada’s Walk of Fame.

Photos: Tourism Toronto

Bloor-Yorkville

Neighbourhoods HEART OF THE CITY

Downtown Yonge downtownyonge.com

There’s plenty of fun to be had in the Yonge and Dundas area. It’s a prime spot for peoplewatching, catching a movie, dining and, of course, shopping at the landmark Toronto Eaton Centre, one of the most visited attractions in the city. Across the street, Yonge-Dundas Square serves as a dynamic venue for concerts, events, community celebrations and cappuccino sipping, too. On balmy days, it’s a blast to watch kids run through the numerous fountains dotted throughout the square.

The Waterfront waterfrontbia.com

In a city perched on Lake Ontario, it’s not surprising that so much happens along the water’s edge. There are festivals aplenty (celebrating everything from local authors to spicy food) at the Harbourfront Centre, and

a thriving art scene, thanks to contemporary art venues such as The Power Plant. Catch a ferry to the Toronto Islands nearby, or stick to the mainland where you can relax at HTO Park or the Toronto Music Garden (designed by Yo-Yo Ma), or dip your toes in the sand at Sugar Beach (complete with lounge chairs and pink umbrellas).

Old Town Toronto oldtowntoronto.ca

The city began in this neighbourhood, once home to the first parliament and ports. Nibble your way through St. Lawrence Market, often rated as one of the top markets in the world. Or browse through the north market on a Sunday in search of an antique treasure. The wellpreserved Victorian architecture serves as a great background for vacation photos. Sit and watch the black squirrels scurrying around St. James Park, once

Festive flair at the Gerrard India Bazaar

you’ve had your fill of shopping, theatres, galleries and restaurants in the area.

Queen West westqueenwest.ca; queenstwestbia.ca

Welcome to funky town and the centre of all things cool and trendsetting. Somehow, the mix of textile stores, tattoo parlors, chic boutiques, loft spaces, vintage stores and bars is a harmonious one, creating a real neighbourhood where people actually live and play. A new crop of chic watering holes, spas and indie fashion outlets stocking mostly Canadian designers are the latest additions to this wildly eclectic downtown hub.

Kensington Market kensington-market.ca

The world comes together here. Often ranked as one of the best street markets in North America, this dense cultural labyrinth of narrow streets houses a mix of Caribbean, Latin American, European and Middle Eastern shops and restaurants. Peppered within are secondhand/vintage clothing stores, fishmongers, street musicians and cafés. This is the place to pick up everything from your favourite bands from the ’70s on vinyl to exotic produce and artisan cheese.

Photos: Tourism Toronto (bazaar); Doug Brown/Tourism Toronto (market)

Kensington Market, the perfect spot for people-watching and vintage hunting

Church-Wellesley/ The Gay Village churchwellesleyvillage.ca

Within the downtown core, this neighbourhood is the gathering place for the city’s LGBT community (Canada’s largest), but everyone is always welcome to visit its lively offerings of restaurants, shops, coffee hangouts and clubs. Every summer, it’s also action central with the arrival of Pride Week celebrations, a popular citywide event that is capped by the highly attended Pride Parade.

Chinatown chinatownbia.com

The crowds come to this bustling area for its authentic Asian spirit, found at the eateries, malls, markets and street vendors around Spadina and Dundas. Souvenir shopping is an adventure here, with imported goods from China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and beyond. Take a place in one of the traditional Asian restaurants dishing out plates of fine (and budget-friendly) food. Find the flavours of Szechwan, Hunan, Mandarin, Cantonese and Vietnamese cuisines here, from bubble tea to pho (soup).

Financial District & PATH/The Underground City toronto.ca/path

Look up, look way up, to view the monolithic skyscrapers of glass and steel that rule this neighbourhood. Beneath, an underground city awaits with 28 kilometres of interconnecting passageways known as the PATH (the world’s most extensive underground network). It links 50 office towers, more than 1,200 stores, many of the city’s top restaurants, hotels and visitor attractions, and five subway stations, including Union Station train/ bus terminal.

The Annex & Mirvish Village bloorannexbia.com; mirvishvillagebia.com

Surrounding the University of Toronto, bohemia rules in this student-populated and ethnically diverse neighbourhood. The landmark Honest Ed’s bargain department store TORONTO 2012 | 83

Neighbourhoods HEART OF THE CITY

Crowds enjoy the Taste of the Danforth festival in lively Greektown.

The Danforth/ Greektown thedanforth.ca

A walk along Danforth Avenue reveals Toronto’s rich Greek heritage, with traditional Greek grocers and restaurants. These mix seamlessly with trendy nightclubs and cafés that stay open late into the night. Streetfront patios provide a perfect window onto the bustling scene. Linger longer and stay for dinner, too, so you can sample grilled souvlaki, saganaki (flaming cheese) and honeysoaked baklava.

at the corner of Bathurst and Bloor sets the tone, while budget-friendly restaurants, bookstores, quaint cafés and iconic bars keep this spot casual and full of a youthful spirit that is entertaining no matter what your age is.

Little Italy littleitaly.sites.toronto.com

Italian heritage runs deep, with family-owned-and-operated restaurants, gelaterias, bakeries and grocers lining the streets of this lively neighbourhood that is home to an ethnically diverse mix of residents. But everyone loves this area of the city. The food attracts many; authentic dishes taste like they were made

by the Italian grandmother you always wish you had. A lively range of nightspots completes the picture.

Corso Italia torontocorsoitalia.com

Centred around St. Clair and Dufferin, this neighbourhood also shows off its Italian roots with stores that feature the best of Italian fashion, produce and restaurants. The best espresso this side of Rome and cannolis worth blowing any diet for make this a must-visit area. La dolce vita reaches a crescendo during the Corso Italia Festival each summer, when eat, drink and be merry is the prevailing theme.

Nightlife excitement on downtown Yonge Street

The Beaches

Cabbagetown oldcabbagetown.com

A recent revamp has turned this former working-class neighbourhood (one of the city’s oldest and most established) into a true gathering place, thanks to a plethora of galleries, cafés and cozy restaurants. In the heart of Cabbagetown lies Riverdale Farm, complete with chickens, ducks, goats, cows and pigs—the perfect site for vacationing families who like a bit of country charm thrown in with the urban hum.

Gerrard India Bazaar gerrardindiabazaar.com

beachesbia.com

Home to the largest South Asian marketplace in North America, the Gerrard India Bazaar (Little India) is where Toronto’s Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi communities congregate. Browse for unique souvenirs among the traditional Indian greengrocers and sari and gift shops. When your shopping bags are filled, relax over wickedly good Indian cuisine that boasts authentic flavours and cooking techniques.

Liberty Village

Bloor West Village & High Park

Enjoy the relaxed pace and eclectic bohemian feel found among the bakeries, candy stores and quirky shops that line Queen Street East. Head toward the lake and pass lovingly tended cottage-style homes before roaming along the boardwalk that gives visitors unencumbered views of Lake Ontario. Local sunbathers and swimmers gather here to celebrate summer in the city.

lvbia.com

Once dotcom central, Liberty Village has parlayed its techcred into a growing residential community, with former factories from the industrial era being turned into trendy lofts. The revitalized Liberty Market Building is quickly becoming a local landmark, home to a growing mix of hangouts. An emerging art scene and modern eateries make this an area that’s equally welcoming to visitors and local residents.

bloorwestvillage.ca

Here, in the city’s greenest neighbourhood, you can delight in Eastern European pastries, coffee and culture. Expansive High Park attracts runners, walkers and people-watchers. Take your time and explore its manicured gardens, zoo, swimming pool, restaurants and vegetable gardens—a welcome oasis of calm. Check for events such as Shakespeare in the Park, an annual summer tradition.

Photos: Doug Brown/Tourism Toronto

Admiring the view from the waterfront Beaches neighbourhood

84 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

Neighbourhoods MORE TO EXPLORE

Petal power at Brampton's Flower City Parade

MORE TO EXPLORE Vibrant, lively, historic—all adjectives that describe both Toronto’s downtown core and the array of boutique villages and unique neighbourhoods that surround it. Name your experience and you can have it here: visit award-winning wineries, hit the links at an outstanding course, stroll through quaint cobblestone streets or browse chic shops and antique stores.

Woodbine & Airport Area SeeTorontoNow.com

Standard arrivals and departures? Hardly. In this eclectic area, you can stay in a luxe hotel, sample innovative cuisine in sophisticated restaurants or shop at the Woodbine Shopping Centre, where little ones flock to an indoor Fantasy Fair featuring pint-size rides. Adults can cheer on their favourite horses from the stands or clubhouse at Woodbine Racetrack. The venue attracts some of the top racehorses in North America.

Albion Islington Square

Photos: Tourism Toronto

Albionislingtonsquare.com

This vibrant shopping district is a destination for shoppers looking for a bit of sparkle. It boasts Toronto’s highest concentration of jewellers specializing in gold and diamond designer jewellery. Art is another of its main attractions. Murals depicting scenes of the area’s history decorate the side of buildings along Dundas Street West, creating an impressive outdoor gallery.

Port Credit Portcredit.com

Known as Mississauga’s "village on the lake," Port Credit is situated

at the mouth of the Credit River along the shores of Lake Ontario—making it one of the most picturesque areas in the province. It recently celebrated its 175th birthday. Its beginnings as a harbour town (receiving mainly grain and lumber) are still very much part of the present. Hikes along the 15-kilometre section of the Waterfront Trail show off the natural beauty of the area. Outdoorsy types can go fishing, now that the salmon stock is flourishing in the Credit River. Meanwhile, explore the Farmers’ Market (Saturdays from June to October) or browse through boutiques, well stocked with jewellery, crafts and fashions from local artisans.

ethnic population, which boasts a strong East Indian community, means that restaurants offering authentic cuisine are abundant and well worth visiting.

beginning with five mills established in its early days. The annual Bread & Honey Festival pays homage to those roots.

Mississauga City Centre

Unionville

Mississauga.ca

Unionvilleinfo.com

In Mississauga, Canada’s sixth most populous city, cultural adventures await. The recently renovated Celebration Square is its cultural hub, home to more than 100 free public events, festivals and performances every year. You can also skate on the Square’s ice rink, visit the state-of-the-art amphitheatre and meander through an array of lovely gardens. Or head to Square One, one of Canada’s largest shopping malls; the popular Living Arts Centre for a wide range of performing arts; or the expansive Playdium for all-ages fun.

Brampton Brampton.ca

Brampton earned its “Flower City” moniker with its everblossoming flower festivals, award-winning flowerbeds and gorgeous floral displays. Nature also rules at the city’s Gage Park, which opened in 1903 and now has myriad trails, whether for running or rollerblading, as well as a temperature-controlled skating trail set among the pines. The Rose Theatre, located in the heart of historic downtown, is home to top-tier theatre, musicals and symphony performances. Brampton’s diverse

Located only 33 kilometres northeast of downtown Toronto, this jewel-box-like village feels like a different world. It’s quiet, peaceful and scenic, thanks to the plethora of green spaces, grand Victorian homes and historic storefronts. A ride on the heritage railway is a picturesque way to learn about the old buildings, mills and churches that line Main Street and reflect the 18th-century legacy of the town’s first settlers.

The Niagara Region Tourismniagara.com

While the Falls themselves are spectacular enough to warrant a visit, the Niagara region offers a dynamic year-round visitor experience. The best views come at the base of the Falls with a trip on the Maid of the Mist, a long-time Niagara tradition. Museums with big names such as Ripley’s and Louis Tussaud (Madame’s great-grandson) are always a big hit with the kids. A must-do? Explore the award-winning wineries, many of which offer free tastings and on-site restaurants dedicated to creating dishes that bring out the best flavours in the wine.

Mississauga's Celebration Square

Streetsville Villageofstreetsville.com

Lively and rich in history, Mississauga’s scenic “village in the city” sits on the banks of the Credit River. Here, you can enjoy modern comforts—shopping, spa treatments, relaxing with a latte at an inviting café—while admiring the largest concentration of historic buildings in Mississauga. An evening walking tour, conducted by candlelight, reveals the stories behind the charming facades and how the town has evolved, TORONTO 2012 | 85

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Discover Toronto Ready to discover Toronto? Use the next pages to plan a magical visit to one of the world’s most dynamic—and friendliest—lakeside cities. Find detailed info on Toronto’s top attractions, restaurants and shops, plus the scoop on transit. Each section is colour-coded, so you can flip to exactly what you’re looking for. Let’s go!

Attractions

Restaurants

Retail / Shopping

Tour operators

Tourism partners

Transportation

Visitor resources

TORONTO 2012 | 87

Listings attractions

attractions Andrew’s Charter 416-347-2143 www.andrewscharter.ca With more than 30 years experience, Andrew’s Charter offers salmon fishing and Toronto Island boat cruises on Lake Ontario onboard beautiful yachts. Hosting charter boat of the 2008 Great Ontario Salmon Derby grand-prize winner. Bike Train Initiative Transportation Options c/o Toronto Bike Group 850 Coxwell Ave.; 416-338-5083, 866-333-4491 www.biketrain.ca Explore Toronto and Ontario by bike! Visit bicycle-friendly businesses along the way and access trail and route information. Arrive by train and bring your bike or rent one enroute. Cameron Air Service Inc. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport 416-233-7663, 1-877-877-2409 www.cameronair.com Cameron Air offers customized executive and scenic charter flights. A fleet of amphibious aircrafts allows them to turn any location, land or water, into a destination. Canadian Canoe & Kayak Trips Wilderness Adventures 24 Beaumonde Heights Dr., 416-746-7427, 1-866-383-9453 www.wildernessadventures.ca Experience three-to-seven-day, 88 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

all-inclusive canoe, kayak or dogsled adventures in Algonquin Park or Georgian Bay. Round-trip transportation from Toronto is available, as are custom group trips and rates. Exotic Car Tours 1058 South Service Rd. E., Oakville; 905-815-1300, 1-855-815-1300 www.exoticcartours.ca Drive 6 dream cars all day at their racetrack or tour Ontario’s best back roads. Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, Lotus, Bentley. Niagara Parks Journey Behind the Falls 6650 Niagara Pkwy., Niagara Falls; 905-354-1551 www.niagaraparks.com Experience this fully accessible, year-round attraction at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls. Elevators transport you to viewing decks beneath the Falls. Owl Rafting on the Ottawa River 40 Owl Ln., Forester’s Falls 613-646-2263, 1-800-461-7238 www.owl-mkc.ca Owl Rafting provides exciting whitewater trips down the Ottawa River rapids, with a BBQ cruise back to its lakeside resort. One- and two-day packages; May to Sept. No experience necessary.

Sailing for You 539 Queen’s Quay W., Pier #2; 416-276-9343 www.sailingforyou.ca Providing adventurous guests with a spectacular view of the Toronto Harbourfront, islands and city skyline, this sail is fully catered with captain and crew. Personalized charters for 2 to 15 guests. Salmon Express 15 Front St., South Mississauga; 416-931-7693 www.salmonexpress.com Provides full-service professional charters for fishing and pleasure cruises. Tourisme aérien Laurentides (Fly Tremblant) 150 Roger Hébert, La Macaza, QC (819) 681-3373, 1-888-887-7335 flytremblant.com Providing accessible access to the Laurentian tourism destination region through flight connections to MontTremblant International Airport. The Laurentian region is widely recognized throughout Quebec as a four-season holiday area. Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours 61 Melville St., Niagara-on-the-Lake; 3050 Niagara Pkwy., Niagara Falls 905-468-4800, 1-888-438-4444 www.whirlpooljet.com This exhilarating whitewater experience takes place aboard 1,500horsepower jet boats on the Niagara River. A family adventure in Niagara

for all ages 6+. Comfortable suite-style accommodations and catering make it worth checking into.

Amusement / Theme Parks Canada’s Wonderland 9580 Jane St., Vaughan, 905-832-7000 www.canadaswonderland.com New for 2012: Leviathan, the tallest and fastest rollercoaster in Canada. Wonderland features 200 attractions such as 69 rides including 16 roller coasters, along with Splash Works, Planet Snoopy and KidZville play areas. Open May to Oct. Centreville Amusement Park Located on the Toronto Islands Summer: 416-203-0405, Winter: 416-234-2345 www.centreisland.ca With more than 30 rides and attractions—including a new family ride which opened in 2010—the park also offers restaurants, shops, games, and parkland. Only a seven-minute ferry ride from the city, it’s open May 5 to Sept. 30 and all weekends in May and Sept., weather permitting. Fallsview Indoor Waterpark 5685 Falls Ave., Niagara Falls 905-374-4444, 1-888-234-8408 www.fallsviewwaterpark.com Directly across from Niagara Falls, this waterpark is home to three acres of family fun: 16 slides, a giant wave pool, adult-only Jacuzzis, Tiny Tots

Photo: Tourism Toronto

Adventure Tourism

Listings attractions

Splash Park, an outdoor sun deck and a year-round activity pool.

The 60,000-square-foot Sports Dome is open Oct. to May.

Fantasy Fair 500 Rexdale Blvd., Woodbine Shopping Centre 416-674-5437 www.fantasyfair.ca Fantasy Fair is Ontario’s largest indoor amusement park. Located inside Woodbine Shopping Centre, Fantasy Fair offers bumper cars, a rollercoaster, a ferris wheel and a train. Open yearround; parking is free.

Art & Special Exhibit Galleries

Formula Kartways Inc. 79 Bramsteele Rd., Brampton, 905-459-1073 www.formulakartways.com In business for over 16 years, this indoor karting centre offers the fastest, longest indoor racetrack in Ontario with a 1/4-mile track and kart speeds up to 45 km/h. NASCAR SpeedPark 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Vaughan, 905-669-7370 www.NASCARSpeedPark.com A race-themed amusement park, the SpeedPark features five racetracks, a state-of-the-art arcade, kiddie rides, laser tag, slot car track, rock climbing, driver merchandise and more. Group, team-building and corporate programs are available. Nightmares Fear Factory 5631 Victoria Ave., Niagara Falls; 1-905-357-3327 www.nightmaresfearfactory.com The Nightmares Fear Factory has guaranteed spine-tingling terror for the adventure-seeking visitor to Niagara Falls for over 30 years. Ontario Place 955 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 416-314-9900, 1-866-ONE-4-FUN www.ontarioplace.com Play all day at Toronto’s only 96-acre waterfront park. Enjoy live entertainment, rides and attractions as well as a newly expanded Froster Soak City—or catch a film in the newly renovated IMAX® 3D Cinesphere. Playdium 99 Rathburn Rd. W., Mississauga; 905-273-9000 www.playdium.com The ultimate high-tech family entertainment centre features interactive and physical games, rides and sports simulators, go-karts, minigolf, nine variable-speed batting cages and Water Wars. Bonus: the new Spin Zone Bumper Cars and MaxFlight Simulator. Wild Water Kingdom 7855 Finch Ave. W., Brampton 416-369-0123, 1-866-794-WILD www.wildwaterkingdom.com The Kingdom features 16 slides, a Dolphin Bay water playground, a half-acre wave pool, a quarter-mile lazy river, batting cages, minigolf, Caribbean Cove and licensed restaurants. Open June to Labour Day.

Art Gallery of Mississauga 300 City Centre Dr., Mississauga, 905-896-5088 www.artgalleryofmississauga.com The AGM is a contemporary public gallery that showcases the best in regional, national and international contemporary art. Offering a variety of intriguing exhibitions, including Abraham Anghik Ruben: Shaman’s Dreams, (spotlighting the Inuit artist); Picture House: The Art of Bollywood; Art at Work: Corporate Collecting Today. Art Gallery of Ontario 317 Dundas St. W.; 416-979-6660 www.ago.net With a collection of more than 89,000 works of art, the redesigned Art Gallery of Ontario (by renowned architect Frank Gehry) is among the most distinguished in North America. Visit the website for more info. Bay of Spirits Gallery 156 Front St. W.; 416-971-5190 www.bayofspirits.com Offering a fine selection of native art and crafts, the gallery specializes in Inuit art, and artwork of the Pacific Northwest Coast and the Six Nations. Collectors can choose from totem poles, original paintings and jewellery. Cedar Ridge Creative Centre 225 Confederation Dr.; 416-396-4026 www.toronto.ca/culture/cedar_ ridge.htm Housed in a mansion built in 1912, the Centre includes an art gallery and studios that provide classes, workshops and seminars. Innovative exhibitions featuring a variety of media are held in the gallery from Sept. to June. Eskimo Art Gallery Inc. 12 Queen’s Quay W., 416-366-3000, 1-877-364-6845 www.inuitart.com Specializing in Inuit art from Canada’s Arctic, the gallery has gained an international reputation for providing one of the largest and finest collections of contemporary Inuit sculpture in Canada. Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery 399 The West Mall; 416-394-8628 www.toronto.ca/culture Dedicated to the promotion of art and artists in the community, the gallery displays works from local, national and international sources. It primarily features artworks of annual juried shows of art organizations, and also hosts monthly exhibits. Market Gallery, The 95 Front St. E., South St. Lawrence Market, 2nd floor, 416-392-7604 www.toronto.ca/culture The gallery offers changing exhibitions

that focus on the art and cultural history of Toronto. Call for hours; admission is free. Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art 952 Queen St. W.; 416-395-0067 www.mocca.ca MOCCA exhibits and promotes innovative art by Canadian and international artists whose works engage and address challenging issues and themes relevant to our times. Neubacher Shor Contemporary – The Venue 5 Brock Ave.; 647-933-0193 www.nscvenue.com One of Canada’s leading and most influential contemporary art galleries and cultural centres. NSC showcases, nurtures and develops exciting talent as well as provides an innovative program of curatorial projects, multidisciplinary performances and unique cultural experiences.

Breweries / Wineries Hillebrand Winery 1249 Niagara Stone Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake 905-468-7123, 1-800-582-8412 www.hillebrand.com Along with its award-winning vintages and sparkling wine cellar, Hillebrand offers personalized tours, tastings, an extensive winery boutique and a Collector’s Boutique. Hillebrand Winery Restaurant serves lunch and dinner, and the entire facilities are available for group dining. 90 min. from Toronto. Inniskillin Wines 1499 Line 3, Niagara-on-the-Lake 905-468-2187, 1-888-466-4754 www.inniskillin.com Experience the Founders’ Hall, the new interactive hospitality centre featuring a demonstration kitchen with wine and food experiences that highlight wine pairings, including the versatility of icewine. Open daily year-round. Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery 2145 Regional Rd. 55, Niagara-on-the-Lake 905-468-4637, 1-866-589-4637 www.jacksontriggswinery.com Experience a contemporary and stateof-the-art winery, open daily, yearround. Enjoy guided tours, tastings, wine and food pairing in the tasting gallery, and monthly special events. Magnotta Winery 271 Chrislea Rd., Vaughan 905-738-9463, 1-800-461-9463 www.magnotta.com Magnotta offers complimentary tours starting daily at 2 p.m., which include tips on winemaking, bottling techniques, wine tasting and fine art. Enjoy winery-direct prices on more than 180 world-class VQA and international wines, spirits and beer.

Old Credit Brewing Company Ltd. 6 Queen St. W., Mississauga, 905-271-9888 www.oldcreditbrewing.com Located in the heart of Port Credit, Old Credit Brewing Co. crafts a quality Amber Ale, Pale Pilsner and Holiday Honey. Visit the facility to experience a new taste of an old tradition. Peller Estates Winery 290 John St. E., Niagara-on-the-Lake 905-468-4678, 1-888-673-5537 www.peller.com Peller Estates features tours, tastings, an extensive winery boutique, a Reserve Boutique, award-winning vintages and an underground barrel cellar. The Peller Estates Winery Restaurant serves lunch and dinner, and all facilities are available for group dining. 90 min. from Toronto. Steam Whistle Brewing 255 Bremner Blvd., The Roundhouse Toronto 416-362-2337, 1-866-240-2337 www.steamwhistle.ca Enjoy Toronto’s own Steam Whistle Pilsner, brewed at the historic railway roundhouse. The on-site retail store offers unique merchandise along with fresh beer. Open daily to the public, including public tours. Call to inquire about hosting private parties. Stratus Vineyards 2059 Niagara Stone Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake 905-468-1806, 1-866-468-1806 www.stratuswines.com Stratus Vineyards is an innovative, gravity-flow winery dedicated to growing and producing limited quantities of premium wine in the art of assemblage. Stratus is the first building in Canada and winery in the world to achieve LEED™ certification from the Canada Green Building Council. Willow Springs Winery 5572 Bethesda Rd., Stouffville, 705-642-9463 www.willowspringswinery.com Willow Springs Winery is situated atop the renowned Oak Ridges Moraine. The winery produces award-winning VQA wines and also provides a beautiful backdrop for all family and corporate functions. Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake Niagara-on-the-Lake; 905-934-1372 www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com Nestled below the Escarpment—a landscape of vineyards and orchards that stretches to the picturesque Niagara River parkway and the shores of Lake Ontario—26 distinctive wineries are located just minutes from each other, the best of Ontario wine country. Visit the website for touring itineraries, trip planning tools and year-round events. TORONTO 2012 | 89

Listings ATTRACTIONS

CABARET/ DINNER THEATRE Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament 10 Dufferin St., Exhibition Place 416-260-1170, 1-888-WE-JOUST (935-6878) www.medievaltimes.com Travel back in time to an 11th-century Spanish castle. Witness brave knights on horseback in a tournament of sword-fighting and jousting while feasting on a four-course meal. Open year-round at Exhibition Place. Mysteriously Yours... Mystery Dinner Theatre 2026 Yonge St.; 416-486-7469, 1-800-NOT DEAD (668-3323) www.mysteriouslyyours.com Participate in the solving of an interactive whodunit: Come for dinner and the show, or the show only, every Fri. and Sat. and some Thurs. (Also: Wed. matinees at Toronto’s historic Old Mill.) Student/senior discounts and group rates are available. Second City, The 51 Mercer St., 416-343-0011, 1-800-263-4485 www.secondcity.com Enjoy a performance by the company that inspired SCTV, Saturday Night Live and Whose Line Is It Anyway? The Second City troupe performs topical sketch comedy satirizing all aspects of everyday life. Past alumni include Mike Myers, John Candy and Eugene Levy. Stage West All-Suite Hotel & Theatre Restaurant 5400 Dixie Rd., Mississauga 905-238-0042, 1-800-263-0684 www.stagewest.com This 630-seat dinner theatre, renowned for its buffet and nightly plays, also features a 224-room all-suite hotel with indoor pool and waterslide. Call for tickets and information.

CITY TOURS Air Canada Centre Tours 15 York St., Real Sports Apparel, inside Maple Leaf Square 416-222-8687 www.acctour.ca An hour-long tour allows you to walk the same halls as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and the entertainment world’s greatest stars. Gain intimate access to the home of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors. All About Toronto 27 Clovercrest Rd. 416-495-TOUR (8687) www.allabouttoronto.com All About Toronto offers private and fully customized tours in 18 different languages provided for both Toronto & Niagara Falls. Airport meet & greet services, transportation and harbour cruises are also available. Groups welcome. Art InSite Tours 21 Sullivan St., Unit D 416-979-5704 www.artinsite.com Art, design and architecture tours of Toronto, led by arts journalist Betty Ann Jordan, emphasize key venues and districts while highlighting hidden treasures and local heroes. Bruce Bell Tours 110 The Esplanade, #906 647-393-8687 www.brucebelltours.ca The Bruce Bell Tours bring Toronto’s past alive in an informative and humorous way by offering walking tours by one of the city’s most respected historians. Chariots of Fire Ltd. Pick up at Dundas Square 905-693-8761, 1-866-833-0460 www.niagara-tours.ca Chariots of Fire offers day sightseeing tours to Niagara Falls, including the

Great Adventure for Ages 6+

Maid of the Mist boat or Skylon Tower observation level, Whirlpool Rapids, floral clock, hydroelectric dams, Queenston Heights, wineries and Niagara-on-the-Lake. $60 per person (3 years and under are free). Chowbella Culinary Experiences & Concierge 647-403-8030 www.chowbellaconcierge.com ChowBella specializes in food walking tours and other culinary experiences in and around Toronto. Chowbella’s tours explore Toronto’s ethnically diverse neighbourhoods, uncovering hidden gems along the way. City of Toronto Parks Discovery Walks City Hall, 100 Queen St. W., 8th fl., West Tower www.toronto.ca/parks/ The Discovery Walks are a series of free self-guided walks that link the city ravines, parks, gardens, beaches and neighbourhoods. Informative signage help you experience an area’s heritage and environment. City Sightseeing Toronto Various pick-up locations in the downtown core 416-410-0536, 1-877-371-TRIP (8747) www.citysightseeingtoronto.com With professional and experienced staff, City Sightseeing Toronto provides hop-on, hop-off Double Decker City Tours (including a free boat tour) and Luxury Niagara Falls Day Tours. Discover Toronto Walking Tours Downtown Toronto; 416-778-4150 www.discovertoronto.com Unique walking tours for discerning travellers. Revealing, fun stories from Toronto’s past and present, led by a former journalist. Private group tours. Discover Toronto Walking Tours makes sightseeing meaningful.

EcoCab Tours 6 Dalhousie St.; 416-467-9229 www.ecocabtours.com Driven and narrated by your very own City Guide, these unique electricassisted bicycles allow you to see Toronto at your own speed and only visit the attractions you choose. Empress of Canada Cruises 260 Queen’s Quay W., Ste. 1408 416-260-5665 www.empressofcanada.com The Empress of Canada yacht cruises the Toronto Harbour and Island lagoons, offering an evening of cruising, dining and dancing under the stars aboard a luxury cruise ship. Genova Tours 230 Rose Park Dr.; 416-367-0380 www.genovatours.com Specializing in walking tours, executive van tours for individuals and small groups, Genova Tours offers 30 walking tours, from two-hour to all-day tours. Van tours visit Niagara Falls, Kitchener/Waterloo or Prince Edward County. Gray Line of Toronto Boarding is in front of CitiBank Place 123 Front St. W. 289-288-0155, 1-800-594-3310 www.grayline.ca Gray Line offers everything from double-decker, hop-on hop-off city tours to fully escorted Niagara Falls day and evening tours. Also available: day trips to Wonderland, overnight packages and group pricing. Harlequin Cruises Inc. 1 Yonge St., Ste. 104; 416-364-6999 www.harlequincruises.com Styled after a Mississippi River Boat with the largest dance floor on the water, the River Gambler offers scenic dinner-dance and luncheon cruises of the Toronto waterfront.

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Scan. Visit. Enjoy.

1.888.438.4444 Niagara Falls, ON Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON Lewiston, NY • Daily departures from May to October • Splash gear and footwear provided • One hour or 45 minute guided trip 90 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

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Listings attractions

Heritage Toronto Walks 157 King St. E., 3rd floor 416-338-3886 www.heritagetoronto.org Heritage Toronto Walks offers free neighbourhood walking tours across Toronto, exploring the people, places and events that have shaped our city. No reservations required. Insider Shopping Toronto Ltd. 416-843-1189 www.insidershoppingtoronto.com Only have two hours to shop in a city and want to discover the hidden treasures only locals know about? Insider Shopping Toronto offers customized shopping, chauffeured limousine or walking tours with your own personal shopper and guide, the owner/founder of Insider Shopping Toronto, Barbara Captijn. Hourly rates. iTourGuides Ltd. 25 Scrivener Sq., Ste. 302 416-921-7060 www.itourguides.com iTourGuides develops and sells recorded walking tours of various destinations that can be listened to on iPods or MP3 players. Visit the website to download the tours. Jonview Canada Inc. 191 The West Mall, Ste. 800 416-323-9090 www.jonview.com Jonview Canada is the country’s leading incoming tour operator. It offers a range of products, including guided tours, individual packages that combine air and train travel, adventure packages; and customized group packages, which are distributed in approx. 50 countries.

and dinner-dance cruises, fireworks cruises, casino cruises and New Year’s Eve cruises. It can also be rented out for meetings, Christmas parties, theme parties and film & TV shoots/ wrap parties. Maid of the Mist Steamboat Company 5920 River Rd., Niagara Falls 905-358-5781 www.maidofthemist.com The Maid of the Mist offers a halfhour boat tour of the American and Canadian falls. Tours operate April/May to Oct. 24, and hours vary; please call to confirm. Adults, $16.50; children (6-12), $10.10. Prices include H.S.T. Mariposa Cruises 207 Queen’s Quay W., Ste. 425 416-203-0178, 1-866-627-7672 www.mariposacruises.com Specializing in hospitality cruises & sightseeing tours, Mariposa Cruises operates six vessels docked in central waterfront. Mariposa hosts corporate & social events, harbour tours, Sun. brunch and dinner cruises. Midland Tours Inc. 10 Robert St. E., Penetanguishene 416-777-9177 www.midlandtours.com Cruise the legendary 30,000 Islands on Georgian Bay or Barrie’s beautiful Kempenfelt Bay with Midland Tours. Tours run May to Oct.

National Helicopters Inc. 11339 Albion Vaughan Rd., Kleinburg 1-866-361-1100 www.nationalhelicopters.com Celebrating 27 years of safe flying, National Helicopters Inc. offers yearround scenic tours from heliports in downtown Toronto and Niagara-on-theLake. Experience the ultimate view of either Toronto or Niagara Falls. Custom packages are available for any size group. Niagara Airbus 905-374-8111, 1-800-268-8111 www.niagaraairbus.com Niagara Airbus offers door-todoor daily winery tours of Niagara, Niagara Falls sightseeing custom tours and Toronto city tours, as well as friendly driver guides. The fleet is air-conditioned and both groups and individuals are welcome. Niagara Canada Tours 6205 Airport Rd., Bldg. A, Ste. 300, Mississauga 416-751-4722, 1-888-220-2938 www.torontolimotours.com Specializing in City of Toronto bus day tours, Niagara Falls bus day tours, winery tours, Lion Safari tours and much more, Niagara Falls bus tours include Niagara-on-the-Lake, wineries, Maid of the Mist and also offer free time to explore other Niagara attractions. Airport transfers available.

round, Niagara Tours offers a fully narrated tour, including the Maid of the Mist and lunch overlooking the Falls. Full-day excursions are available, as are day and evening excursions. Two departures daily, 7 days per week; convenient downtown hotel pickups. Segway of Ontario 37 Mill St., Bldg. 37, Unit 106 416-642-0008, 1-866-405-8687 www.segwayofontario.com Ride into the storied past of the Distillery District with the futuristic and easy-to-learn Segway. Segway also offers guided walking tours, as well as bicycle and e-bike rentals. Shop Dine Tour Toronto/ Niagara Sightseeing Yonge-Dundas Sq.; 416-463-7467 www.shopdinetourtoronto.com Explore Toronto on an antique double-decker bus with a friendly, knowledgeable team, full historic narration, and the option to “hop on” and “hop off” at over 20 stops throughout the city. Niagara Sightseeing includes the famous Maid of the Mist boat ride, free time to explore Niagara Falls, and a regional wine tasting of Canada’s icewine.

Niagara Helicopters Limited 3731 Victoria Ave., Niagara Falls 905-357-5672, 1-800-281-8034 www.niagarahelicopters.com For more than 48 years, Niagara Helicopters has been transporting guests around the world. The tour showcases the Whirlpool Rapids, American Falls and majestic Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Open 365 days a year.

Step On/Step Off Toronto City Tour 259 Lakeshore Blvd. E., 1st floor; Mississauga Heritage Foundation 416-868-0400 1921 Dundas St. W., Mississauga www.torontotours.com 905-828-8411 Travel along the lively streets of www.heritagemississauga.com Toronto and enjoy Toronto at your The Mississauga Heritage Foundation own pace over 20 km. with 19 stops provides self-guided or guided along the way. Enjoy the informative Jubilee Queen Cruise Lines walking tours, heritage-themed narrated city tour and enjoy Toronto’s 539 Queen’s Quay W.; 416-203-7245 exhibits, local historical research, Niagara Tours neighbourhoods and attractions. A 259 Lakeshore Blvd. E., 1st floor; www.jubileequeencruises.ca books and information. Visitors are 2-day pass allows you to get on and 416-868-0400 Jubilee offers corporate and private welcome to explore the historic off the tour at your leisure. Several charters, Toronto Islands and Toronto www.torontotours.com Robinson-Adamson Grange. See daily departures from all downtown Harbour tours, as well as brunch Falls experience year website for more details. Toronto hotels. 67285_MOTM_BUF_2012AdResizing / 6.75” Ax Niagara 3” / CMYK / pub: all TORONTO Magazine

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Tall Ship Kajama, The Queen’s Quay W., At the foot of Lower Simcoe St. on the water Reservations: 416-203-2322, 1-800-267-3866 www.tallshipcruisestoronto.com Sail aboard a traditional 165-ft., threemasted schooner. Sit back and relax while enjoying a cold drink from the fully licensed bar on deck. Six of the finest sailing and motor yachts are available for private charter. TAP into TO! Greeters City Hall 100 Queen St. W., 8th floor - West Tower 416-33TAP-TO (416-338-2786) www.toronto.ca/tapto Meet a Toronto greeter and have them show you their favourite Toronto neighbourhoods and activities, with this free service designed to give you a taste of Toronto. Tasty Tours 416-871-7133 www.tastytourstoronto.com Sweet! Tasty Tours takes you on a walk around a Toronto neighbourhood, sampling delicious chocolates, cupcakes and more served up by various stores, while also discovering tidbits of sweet history. The Culinary Adventure Company 301-36 Charlotte St.; 416-565-1730 www.culinaryadventureco.com Experience Toronto off-the-beaten path with a series of foodie-related adventures, including neighbourhood walking food tours, progressive dinners at some of Toronto’s best-loved restaurants, and canoe paddles to the Toronto Islands with a gourmet picnic. Enjoy food, adventure and discovering hidden gems in a new city. Toronto Architecture Tours c/o Toronto Society of Architects; 234 Bay St. www.torontoarchitecturetours.com Join the Toronto Society of Architects’

Guided Walking Tours to see and learn about some of Toronto’s most significant architecture. Highlights include contemporary buildings by outstanding local and international architects that have enhanced our streets and neighbourhoods while transforming the city. Tours are offered June through Sept. Toronto Balades 704 Spadina Ave.; 416-656-3355 www.torontobalades.ca Toronto Balades offers educational walking tours of the City of Toronto in French. Discover the city’s forgotten past, numerous parks, ethnic neighbourhoods, a mix of cultures and the city’s green initiatives. Toronto Bicycle Tours 275 Dundas St. W.; 416-477-2184 www.torontobicycletours.com Offering guided bicycle tours of Toronto, Toronto Bicycle Tours go beyond the typical tourist track, exploring the diversity and beauty of the city’s neighbourhoods and parks. Please call to reserve. Toronto Canoe Tours 283A Queen’s Quay W.; 416-993-4224 www.canoetoronto.com Travel back in history and visit Toronto Islands in Voyageur 18-person canoes. This active transportation alternative is an ideal way to explore the flora and fauna of the island parks. Toronto Harbour Tours Inc. 145 Queen’s Quay W., Pier 6 416-203-7786 www.harbourtourstoronto.ca Toronto Harbour Tours offers an entertaining, fully narrated one-hour tour of the Toronto Harbour and Islands. One-hour evening cruises are also available during the summer, and there are several departures daily.

Stop on the Toronto Islands when conditions allow. Toronto Hippo Tours 151 Front St. W., 416-703-4476, 1-877-635-5510 www.torontohippotours.com Offering unique 90-min. land and water sightseeing tours on amphibious buses, Toronto Hippo Tours depart conveniently from 151 Front St., just east of the CN Tower. May to Oct. Toronto Queer Walking Tours The Gay Village; 647-225-7727 www.torontoqueerwalkingtours.com A queer walking tour with a personal guide, these tours also feature school educators who provide walking tours to groups big or small. Tours are available for different parts of the city. Tour Guys 647-230-7891 www.tourguys.ca Explore Toronto with Tour Guys, which offers scheduled free city walking tours and specialty tours. Private guides are also available for hire. University of Toronto Historical Tours 25 King’s College Circle, Nona Macdonald Visitor Centre 416-978-5000 www.utoronto.ca U of T offers historical walking tours of the downtown campus from June to Aug., weekdays at 2:30 p.m. (Holidays excluded.) Groups of 10 or more must book in advance. Walk T.O. 647-239-5899 www.walkto.ca Explore Toronto from its graveyards to its green rooftops on these in-depth and unique guided walking tours. Educational, private and group tours are available.

Concert Venues Air Canada Centre 40 Bay St.; 416-815-5500 www.theaircanadacentre.com This multi-purpose 19,800-seat facility provides a state-of-the-art curtaining system with full telescopic and balcony seating. The grid system is readily equipped to handle the most sophisticated lighting and stage production. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts 145 Queen St. W.; 416-363-6671 www.fourseasonscentre.ca The Four Seasons Centre features a multi-purpose 2,000-seat auditorium, a 100-seat amphitheatre and multiple lounges, meeting rooms, and rehearsal halls suitable for meetings, lectures, launches, receptions and sit-down meals. John W.H. Bassett Theatre 255 Front St. W.; 416-585-8118 www.mtccc.com A 1,330-seat theatre featuring a large, professional stage area, flexible lighting and sound, the John W.H. Bassett Theatre is designed to accommodate elaborate stage productions and provides excellent acoustics and unobstructed sightlines. Massey Hall 178 Victoria St.; 416-593-4822 www.roythomson.com/rent_mh The grande dame of local music halls— which has been a part of Toronto’s music history since 1894—Massey Hall’s programming includes pop, rock, classical and contemporary music. Rogers Centre 1 Blue Jays Way; 416-341-2222 www.rogerscentre.com A unique domed stadium with a retractable roof, the Rogers Centre

Two hundred years of peace makes it easy to forget a war. How will you remember? Toronto’s War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration launches June 2012 www.toronto.ca/1812 92 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

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specializes in concerts, sporting events, private field events, gala dinners and corporate baseball games. Accommodates 40,000 to 60,000 fans. Roy Thomson Hall 60 Simcoe St.; 416-593-4822 www.roythomson.com This concert hall presents top international performers and is home to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and Toronto International Film Festival Gala screenings. Royal Conservatory 273 Bloor St. W.; 416-408-0208 www.rcmusic.ca At the Royal Conservatory, choose from more than 75 classical, jazz, pop, cabaret, and world music concerts. See and hear international performers in world-class venues: Koerner Hall, Mazzoleni Concert Hall, and the Conservatory Theatre, located in the Royal Conservatory’s TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning.

Entertainment Complexes/Sites Air Canada Centre 40 Bay St.; 416-815-5500 www.theaircanadacentre.com Showcasing top professional sports and entertainment, the ACC is the home of Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors. Get the scoop on upcoming shows by becoming an MLSE Live Insider. Air Combat Zone Inc. 5170 Dixie Rd., Ste. 101, Mississauga; 905-602-4775 www.aircombatzone.com Fly F-18 flight simulators at a jet fighter entertainment centre—a fun adventure for both families and wannabe fighter pilots.

All Star Interactive 2791 Eglinton Ave. E.; 416-261-5011 www.allstarinteractive.ca Experience All Star Interactive’s new interactive Event Venue, which features 24 DBA IQ synthetic bowling lanes and automatic scoring. Also on offer: cosmic bowling, billiards tables, and Culinary Creations catering, which is available in addition to the full-service bar and kitchen. CN Tower 301 Front St. W. 416-86-TOWER (868-6937) www.cntower.ca Toronto’s CN Tower includes an exciting elevator ride, spectacular views from three observation levels—including the glass floor and sky pod—as well as fine and casual dining, an arcade and unique Canadiana shopping. Downsview Park 1-35 Carl Hall Rd.; 416-952-2222 www.downsviewpark.ca Expansive green space allows for small- to large-scale outdoor events including culture, sports, recreation, dining and leisure. The Downsview Park Sports Centre offers indoor and outdoor soccer, indoor beach volleyball, indoor ball hockey, indoor basketball, circus arts training, fitness training, squash and more. Evergreen Brick Works 550 Bayview Ave.; 416-596-1495 http://ebw.evergreen.ca/ These heritage-designated buildings have been redeveloped with a sustainability and mix-use agenda. Corporate event and meeting spaces will co-exist with offices, a gourmet café, cooking classrooms, a winter skating trail,pavilions and garden backdrop settings. eZone, The 120 North Queen St.; 416-252-8300 www.theezone.ca A sports entertainment and event

venue offering indoor golf, whirlyball, laser tag, a multi-sport court, slot car racing, billiards and a licensed full-service restaurant, The eZone is available for corporate and social groups, as well as adult and children’s parties and events. Hershey Centre SportZone 5600 Rose Cherry Pl., Mississauga 905-502-9100 www.hersheycentre.com The Hershey Centre SportZone includes the Hershey Centre 5,000-seat arena with additional three-rink pads, the Sports Complex with an indoor sports field, gymnasium, gymnastics centre and two outdoor sports fields, the Iceland arena with four-rink pads and a skateboard park. Hockey Hall of Fame 30 Yonge St., Brookfield Place; 416-360-7735 www.hhof.com Home of the Stanley Cup, the Hockey Hall of Fame features state-of-the-art games, interactive exhibits, largerthan-life statues, a replica dressing room and rink zone, theatres, a newly expanded gift shop, and hockey’s most precious artifacts.

for ages 5 to 85, whether in a group or on your own. Brampton, 241 Clarence St., 905-456-9999 Mississauga, 1224 Dundas St. E., Unit 9 905-272-8000 Richmond Hill, 9625 Yonge St., 905-883-6000 Toronto, 1980 Eglinton Ave. E., 416-285-1333 Niagara’s Fury, Niagara Parks 6650 Niagara Pkwy., Niagara Falls 1-877-642-7275 www.niagarasfury.com Experience the sights and sounds of the creation of Niagara Falls in an immersive 4D Universal Studiosstyle attraction. OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack 555 Rexdale Blvd.; 416-675-1101 www.olg.ca Experience 2,000+ slot machines (from 1 cent to $5), free live entertainment on Fri. and Sat. nights, dining and horse racing. Only 20 min. to downtown Toronto. Open 24 hrs, 7 days a week.

IMAX Theatre Niagara Falls 6170 Fallsview Blvd., Niagara Falls 905-358-3611, 1-866-405-4629 www.imaxniagara.com Discover the Falls from a new perspective—on a screen that’s six storeys high. This 45-minute film tells Niagara’s fascinating true stories. Available in 8 languages.

Ontario Science Centre 770 Don Mills Rd.; 416-696-1000 www.ontariosciencecentre.ca The ontario science centre offers hundreds of interactive exhibits and daily science demonstrations. Home to KidSpark, a unique discovery playground for children eight and under. The Weston Family Innovation Centre allows youth to create and innovate; the Space Hall is home to Toronto’s only public planetarium; and the Shoppers Drug Mart® OMNIMAX® Theatre features a varied lineup of IMAX® films that run hourly throughout the day.

Laser Quest www.laserquest.com Studio-style attraction. Not just for kids, this interactive laser adventure game provides an even playing field

Playdium 99 Rathburn Rd. W., Mississauga; 905-273-9000 www.playdium.com Playdium features over 200 interactive

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and physical games, rides and sports simulators. The 11-acre outdoors include go-karts, minigolf, 9 variable speed batting cages and “Water Wars.” New rides include the Spin Zone Bumper Cars and MaxFlight Roller Coaster Simulator. Polson Pier Entertainment Inc. 11 Polson St.; 416-649-7437 www.polsonpier.com This 23-acre complex has three distinct indoor venues including the Sound Academy concert hall, the Glass Room overlooking Lake Ontario and the largest fully licensed waterfront patio in Canada. Activities include an outdoor swimming pool, beach volleyball, soccer, golf driving range, a 18-hole pro putt, downtown Toronto’s only drive-in movie screen, and much more. Powerade Centre 7575 Kennedy Rd. S., Brampton; 905-459-9340 www.poweradecentre.com Located 15 min. from Toronto Pearson International Airport, the Powerade Centre offers a 5,000-seat arena, three community rinks, five baseball diamonds, three cricket pitches, outdoor paintball, ball hockey and parking for 1,700 cars. Real Sports Bar & Grill 15 York St., Maple Leaf Sq. 416-815-REAL (7325) www.realsports.ca At 25,000 square feet, Canada’s largest sports bar and restaurant offers a 39-foot HD television screen, 112 beers on tap and an upscale menu. Real Sports Bar & Grill is located adjacent to the Air Canada Centre and is part of Maple Leaf Square. Ricoh Coliseum 100 Princes Blvd., Exhibition Place 416-263-3900 www.ricohcoliseum.com Ricoh Coliseum, home of Toronto Marlies, is conveniently located in downtown Toronto and offers event

versatility: It can accommodate a small intimate event or can convert to a large concert venue housing more than 6,000 fans. RINX 65 Orfus Rd.; 416-410-7469, 1-888-829-1067 www.rinxtoronto.com Canada’s only indoor amusement complex offers minigolf, bumper cars, laser tag, bowling, rollerskating rink, ice-skating rink and a video arcade. Open 24 hrs. or 7 days a week by appointment. Rogers Centre 1 Blue Jays Way; 416-341-2222 www.rogerscentre.com A unique domed stadium with a retractable roof, the Rogers Centre specializes in concerts, sporting events, private field events, gala dinners and corporate baseball games. Accommodates 40,000 to 60,000 fans. Skylon Tower 5200 Robinson St., Niagara Falls 905-356-2651; 1-800-814-9577 www.skylon.com Located 775 feet above Niagara Falls, the Skylon Tower features a revolving dining room, a summit-suite buffet dining room, ride-to-the-top, indoor/ outdoor observation decks and an indoor amusement area. TIFF Bell Lightbox 350 King St. W., Reitman Sq. 416-599-8433 www.tiff.net The TIFF Bell Lightbox is home to diverse programming such as the Sprockets International Film Festival for Children; Cinematheque Ontario, a year-round screening program; and the largest collection of Englishlanguage Canadian film ephemera in its Film Reference Library. The Toronto International Film Festival occurs every Sept.

Skypod *

360 reStaurant look out horizonS reStaurant GlaSS floor

Wave Pool The Lois Hancey Aquatic Centre 5 Hopkins St., Richmond Hill 905-508-9283 (WAVE) http://wave.sites.toronto.com/ Swim and surf in four-foot waves, bodysurf, ride the 160-ft. waterslide, or relax in the sauna at York Region’s only indoor wave pool. Available for group rentals and birthday party packages. Wheelchair-accessible. Yonge-Dundas Square 1 Dundas St. E.; 416-979-9960 www.ydsquare.ca The Square is a special-event venue and urban plaza that attracts community-based and commercial special events—a unique feature that distinguishes Yonge-Dundas Square from other civic squares. The Square is available for bookings 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year.

Festivals & Events Albion Islington Fusion of Taste Festival 925 Albion Rd.; 416-743-3267 www.albionislingtonsquare.com The Fusion of Taste Festival is a oneday celebration of South Asian culture. The festival is a showcase of ethnic dancing, performing arts, an art show and over 56 vendors with diverse cultural wares. July 21, 2012. Art of Jazz Brampton Enterprise Centre 33 Queen St. W., Brampton 905-874-3321 www.artofjazz.org This acclaimed festival celebrates today’s best jazz, blues, world music, dance, film, art, educational workshops, world cuisine and more. Beaches International Jazz Festival 1798 Queen St. E.; 416-698-2152 www.beachesjazz.com July 20–29, 2012. The Beaches

International Jazz Festival features more than 100 bands, and admission is free.  Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival 205–2336A Bloor St. W. 416-410-9965 www.ukrainianfestival.com Sept 14–16, 2012. North America’s largest Ukrainian street festival, held in Bloor West Village, offers great food, music, children’s activities, exhibits, films, late-night entertainment and more. Brampton Classic Cars 33 Queen St., Brampton 905-874-2936 www.bramptondowntown.com Admire the mint-condition classic cars which parade into the Four Corners (Queen and Main St.). The parade converts into a show-and-shine car show. Brampton Thursday Night Concert Series 33 Queen St., Brampton 905-874-2936 www.bramptondowntown.com The series offers a free concert in Gage Park in downtown Brampton, held Thurs. evenings from 7 to 9 p.m, June to Sept. See the website for more information. Canada Blooms: The Toronto Flower and Garden Festival Direct Energy Centre; Exhibition Place 416-447-8655, 1-800-730-1020 www.canadablooms.com March 16–25, 2012. Canada Blooms is co-locating with The National Home to create North America’s largest home and garden event at the Direct Energy Centre. Experience gardens, Canada’s largest flower show, meet top garden personalities, and shop in the greatly expanded Blooms Markeplace. Named one of North America’s Top 100 Events and Canada’s Top Garden Attraction.

An Adventure At every level 416-86-tOWer CntOWer.CA

motion theatre ride & film

*edgeWalk is seasonal

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Canadian Film Centre’s Worldwide Short Film Festival 2489 Bayview Ave.; 416-445-1446 www.cfccreates.com June 5–10, 2012. In downtown Toronto, the CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival (WSFF) showcases specially themed 90-min. programs, which feature between five and 22 films. $10 a ticket. Canadian Music Week 905-858-4747 www.cmw.net March 21–25, 2012. With 900 artists, 60 venues, and 20 films, Canadian Music Week is an annual international music convention featuring Canada’s largest new music festival—Canadian Music Fest—a film festival and a comedy festival. Canadian National Exhibition Exhibition Place; 416-393-6300 www.theex.com Aug. 17 to Sept. 3, 2012. One of the largest annual fairs in North America, the CNE offers a variety of entertainment including shows and concerts, Kids’ World, a large carnival midway, a working farm, shopping, an air show and more. Canadian National Sportsmen’s Shows/Toronto Sportsmen’s Show Metro Toronto Convention Centre; North & South Buildings 905-361-2677, 1-888-695-2677 www.sportshows.ca March 14–18, 2012. This year marks the 65th edition of Canada’s largest outdoor consumer show—an event that has attracted more than 10 million visitors in its first half century. Visitors can discover products for hiking, camping, hunting, boating, fishing or an enjoyable outdoor vacation. Carassauga Festival Inc. Mississauga; 905-615-3010 www.carassauga.com May 25–27, 2012. 68 countries will be represented at different pavilions throughout Mississauga during the three-day multicultural festival depicting sights, sounds, tastes and aromas of each country. Cirque du Soleil Under the Grand Chapiteau at The Port Lands 51 Commissioners St. www.cirquedusoleil.com Opens Sept. 5, 2012. Visit them Under the Grand Chapiteau for the 32nd production from Cirque du Soleil since its beginnings in 1984. City Of Toronto - Bike Month 850 Coxwell Ave.; 416-338-5090 www.toronto.ca/cycling Discover Toronto by bike. Toronto Bike Month starts the last week of May and includes city-wide events. For more info, or to get a free Toronto bike map, call 311, or visit toronto.ca/cycling.

COMMFFEST Global Community Film Festival 416-362-5570 www.commffest.com Held in the historic St. Lawrence Market district, COMMFFEST combines film with dynamic forums for communities to engage in a dialogue on social and cultural issues. See website for dates. Creativ Festival 905-773-2092, 1-800-291-2030 www.creativfestival.ca April 27–28, 2012. Held at the Internationl Centre, the Creativ Festival is about inspiration, creativity and shopping. Discover what’s hot, new and next in sewing, knitting, beading, quilting, needlework, scrapbooking, crafting and more. Check website for Oct. 2012 dates. Everything To Do With Sex Show, Direct Energy Centre 905-738-8884, 1-866-929-SEXY www.everythingtodowithsex.com Covering topics from romantic dinners to sexual bondage in a non-threatening environment, the ETDWSS appeals to couples and singles alike. Highlights include seminars, events, demonstrations and a dungeon area. Refer to website for 2012 dates. Franco-Fête de Toronto 20 Lower Spadina Ave., 416-644-1575 www.franco-fete.ca Franco-Fête is a free event celebrating Canada’s diverse francophone heritage. As the biggest event of its kind in southwestern Ontario, Franco-Fête offers activities in French for all ages, from kids’ events and family-friendly shows to top-billed artists for evening concerts. Fringe of Toronto Theatre Festival Various Fringe venues in downtown Toronto 416-966-1062, 1-866-515-7799 www.fringetoronto.com July 4–15, 2012. Toronto’s largest theatre festival with 145-plus productions from Canada and around the world. Every style of show, plus a special venue for kids. Free entertainment, prizes and dancing at the Fringe Club. Harbourfront Centre 235 Queen’s Quay W.; 416-973-4000 www.harbourfrontcentre.com A popular year-round destination, the Harbourfront Centre is situated along the waterfront, offering an eclectic blend of arts, culture and recreation as well as an outdoor patio and indoor café. Annual events include festivals, dance, theatre and musical performances. Honda Indy Toronto Exhibition Place; 416-588-7223 www.hondaindytoronto.com July 6–8, 2012. The Honda Indy Toronto features the drivers and

all-new 2012 race cars of the IZOD IndyCar Series on the streets of Toronto. Enjoy a week-long festival of racing, live entertainment, VIP parties, charity events and interactive activities at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto. Hot Docs 416-203-2155 www.hotdocs.ca Apr. 26–May 6, 2012. Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival is North America’s largest documentary festival. Each year, the festival presents a selection of more than 150 cutting-edge documentaries from Canada and around the globe, reaching audiences of over 120,000. imagineNATIVE Film & Media Arts Festival Various locations; 416-585-2333 www.imaginenative.org Oct. 17–21, 2012. This international festival celebrates the latest works by indigenous peoples on the forefront of innovation in film, video, radio and new media. Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film & Video Festival TIFF Bell Lightbox, Reitman Sq. 350 King St. W., 416-977-6847 www.insideout.ca May 17–27, 2012. Join Inside Out for the 22nd anniversary edition of Canada’s largest lesbian and gay film festival. Over 11 days, the festival draws audiences of more than 30,000 to an array of events including parties, panels and screenings of Canadian and international film. JerkFest - Jerk Food Festival Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Rd., Etobicoke; 416-993-5123 www.jerkfestival.ca Come out to the 11th-annual Jerk Food Festival, the family-friendly festivities are located at Centennial Park, Etobicoke at the base of the Ski Hills. For more information, phone or visit www.jerkfestival.ca. Luminato, Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity Various locations across the city 416-368-3100 www.luminato.com June 8–17, 2012. Luminato is an annual celebration of the arts infusing Toronto’s stages, streets and public spaces with theatre, dance, classical and contemporary music, film, literature, visual arts and design. Mississauga Marathon 1 City Centre, Suite 605, Mississauga 905-949-1910; 905-949-2931 www.mississaugamarathon.com May 5–6, 2012 Mississauga Marathon Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 2K and relays. info@ mississaugamarathon.com. Under Amour participant shirts available. Regarded as the Greater Toronto Spring Marathon.

Mississauga Waterfront Festival 20 Lakeshore Rd. E., Memorial Park Mississauga; 905-891-0002 www.themwf.com Held every Father’s Day weekend at Memorial Park in Port Credit, the Mississauga Waterfront Festival offers headline concerts, a kids stage, Family Fun Village, Heritage Stage, vendors, crafters, petting zoo, buskers, sports zone, carnival, waterski shows and more. Mosaic – South Asian Heritage Festival of Mississauga Celebration Square Mississauga 905-949-1910; 905-949-2931 www.mosaicfest.com 7th annual Mosaic – South Asian Heritage Festival of Mississauga. Traditional and contemporary art, culture and cuisine from South Asia at Mississauga’s City Centre. Free admission and parking. North by Northeast Music & Film Festival 189 Church St., lower level 416-863-6963 www.nxne.com June 11–17, 2012. This festival celebrates the best new music and music-related films, plus a digital interactive media conference: 7 days/nights in June, 50 venues, 625 artists, 50 films, 80 panels and presentations. There are club showcases till 4 a.m., plus free daytime & evening performances. One of a Kind Show and Sale 416-960-3680 www.oneofakindshow.com Featuring works by hundreds of unique artists, designers and craftspeople, the One of a Kind Show and Sale focuses on homegrown talent, creating an interactive personal shopping experience. Visit website for show location and dates. Planet in Focus: International Environmental Film Festival 55 Mill St., Bldg. 74, Ste. 402 416-531-1769 www.planetinfocus.org Planet in Focus Environmental Film Festival showcases environmentally themed films as a catalyst for public awareness, discussion and appropriate action on the ecological health of the planet. Portugal Week 722 College St., Ste. 306 416-536-5961 www.portuguesealliance.com Since 1987, the ACAPO has been organizing the Portugal Week Festival on behalf of our 43 affiliated member organizations to celebrate and honour Canadian Portuguese Culture in Ontario. Pride Toronto 416-927-7433 www.pridetoronto.com June 22–July 1, 2012. Pride Week 2012 begins with an official launch event and ends on Sun. July 1 with the Pride Parade. The Street Festival takes place from Fri., June 29 to Sun., July 1. TORONTO 2012 | 95

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Queen West Art Crawl Along Queen St. W., from Bathurst to Roncesvalles 416-516-8301 www.queenwestartcrawl.com Sept. 14–16, 2012. A weekend-long festival of creativity and community, the Queen West Art Crawl celebrates and cultivates the unique character, diversity and ethos of Queen West— a natural habitat for individual artists, arts organizations, artist-run centres and businesses that promote art and culture. Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, The The Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place; 416-263-3400 www.royalfair.org Nov. 2–11, 2012. The largest of its kind in the world, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair includes family entertainment, specialty gifts, dog shows, equestrian demonstrations, interactive learning centres, livestock and agricultural product competitions, plus the world-renowned Royal Horse Show. Science Rendezvous Various locations through the GTA www.sciencerendezvous.ca Explore the mysteries of science side-by-side with leaders in the field at this exciting one-day festival that brings science to the streets! Science Rendezvous, it’s where people and science meet. May 12, 2012. Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto Along Lakeshore Blvd.; 416-391-5608 www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com Take part in North America’s biggest Caribbean-style carnival, now in its 45th year. Enjoy a parade of more than 20 masquerade bands in the most competitive carnival competition outside the Caribbean. Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival Held at various locations across the GTA; 416-539-9595 www.scotiabankcontactphoto.com May 1–31, 2012. This annual monthlong photography festival features over 1,000 local, national and international artists at more than 225 venues across the Greater Toronto Area. Scotiabank Nuit Blanche www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca Sept. 29, 2012. For one sleepless night, experience Toronto transformed by artists at the annual sunset to sunrise celebration of contemporary art. Discover art in unlikely spaces, choose from hundreds of projects and chart your own path. Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon 260 The Esplanade; 416-944-2765 www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com Oct. 14, 2012. Canada’s fastest marathon offers options for marathons, halfmarathons and 5-km runs. Join 15,000 runners—both first-timers and Boston qualifiers—from across the world. 96 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

Shen Yun Performing Arts Presented by NTDTV Canada 420 Consumers Rd.; 416-787-1577 www.torshow.com Jan. 12–15, 2012. Held at the Sony Centre, the all-new 2012 production of Shen Yun brings to life classical Chinese dance and music in a colourful, creative show. Taste of Little Italy 622 College St.; 416-698-9053 www.tasteoflittleitaly.ca On College Street, from Bathurst to Shaw, sample foods from over 45 restaurants in Little Italy for $1–5. Listen to music from around the world on street corners, and enjoy authentic Italian beer and wine. Admission is free. TD Toronto Jazz Festival 82 Bleecker St.; 416-928-2033 www.torontojazz.com June 22–July 1, 2012. An annual 10-day, world-class jazz festival, the TD Toronto Jazz Festival showcases more than 1,500 international artists and attracts over 500,000 people. It’s recognized as one of North America’s premier musical events. Tennis Canada, Rogers Cup presented by National Bank 1 Shoreham Dr., Ste. 100 416-665-9777, 1-877-2-TENNIS www.rogerscup.com Aug. 4–12, 2012. Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Canada’s own Milos Raonic return to Toronto to compete in the Rogers Cup at the Rexall Centre, York University. Visit rogerscup.com or call for details. The Great Ontario Salmon Derby Canadian Waters of Lake Ontario 905-361-2677; 1-888-695-2677 www.sportshows.ca July 7–Aug. 25, 2012. Sponsored by the Toronto Sun, the 16th Annual Great Ontario Salmon Derby is North America’s largest freshwater fishing derby and takes place in the Canadian Waters of Lake Ontario. The Derby boasts an average participation of 21,000 people annually over a 50-day period. Fishermen/women compete for various weekly prizes. The Streetsville Founders Bread and Honey Festival The village of Streetsville, Mississauga; 905-816-1640 www.breadandhoney.com Held on the first weekend of June, this is Mississauga’s longest-running festival, commemorating the founding of the historic Village of Streetsville. Highlights include a parade, children’s activities, fishing derby, and live entertainment. Other traditions include the Lions Club Carnival, Rotary Consumer Market, crafters market, heritage games, displays and demonstrations. Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle Blues & Jazz Festival Port Credit; 905-271-9449 www.southsideshuffle.com Sept. 7–9, 2012. The 12th-annual

Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle, Port Credit’s Blues & Jazz Festival, is Mississauga’s musical Mardi Gras, featuring Canadian and international musicians throughout the village. Toronto Chocolate Festival 416-923-4686 www.torontochocolatefestival.com During this city-wide festival, Toronto becomes a chocolate-coated metropolis as events, including the Chocolate Ball and the Luxury Chocolate Show, celebrate everything chocolate. Toronto International BrazilFest (a.k.a. BrazilFest Toronto) Earlscourt Park 1200 Lansdowne Ave. 416-299-5932 The Annual Toronto International BrazilFest (a.k.a. BrazilFest Toronto) is Canada’s largest Brazilian cultural event dedicated to showcasing Brazilian culture including its food, dance and music. Toronto International Film Festival 416-599-TIFF (8433), 1-888-599-8433 www.tiff.net Sept. 6–16, 2012. Diverse programming including TIFF Kids International Film Festival in April; Cinematheque Ontario, our yearround screening program. The Toronto International Film Festival; and the largest collection of English-language Canadian film ephemera in the Film Reference Library. Various venues in the Toronto Entertainment District neighbourhood and across the city. Toronto International Jamaica Day Celebration 647-889-6424 www.jamaicadaytoronto.com This is a family festival geared to educate, entertain, and share the rich culture of Jamaican community. See the website for more information. Toronto Just for Laughs Festival 1-514-845-3155, 1-888-484-HAHA (4242) www.hahaha.com Including prestigious galas hosted by comedy’s biggest stars, multicultural programming, free outdoor concerts and street arts all taking place in the heart of downtown Toronto. Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition Nathan Phillips Square 416-408-2754 www.torontooutdoorart.org July 6–8, 2012. At Canada’s largest juried outdoor art exhibition, hundreds of artists exhibit and sell their work. The exhibition attracts more than 100,000 attendees. Waterfront Blues 1798 Queen St. E.; 416-698-2152 www.waterfrontblues.ca June 1–3, 2012. Waterfront Blues features a spectrum of blues performed by a carefully selected array of Canadian and international artists.

Word on the Street, The Queen’s Park Circle; 416-504-7241 www.thewordonthestreet.ca Sept. 23, 2012. A book lover’s paradise with a marketplace of over 250 book and magazine exhibits, TWOTS features readings by hundreds of Canadian authors, poets, and storytellers, as well as writing workshops. Check website for location.

Gardens & Parks Allan Gardens Conservatory 19 Horticultural Ave., 416-392-7288 www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca/ tours/allangardens.htm Open 365 days a year, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Allan Gardens features six greenhouses comprising more than 16,000 sq. ft. of colourful seasonal plants that supplement the permanent plant collection. Ashbridge’s Bay Park Lakeshore Blvd. E. and Coxwell Ave. www.toronto.ca/parks/parks_ gardens/ashbridge.htm Ashbridge’s Bay Park is a park, marina, natural habitat, softball venue, and one of Toronto’s top places to be in the warmer seasons. Centennial Park Conservatory 151 Elmcrest Rd.; 416-394-8543 www.toronto.ca/parks/parks_ gardens/centennialgdns.htm The Centennial Park Conservatory features 12,000 sq. ft. of interesting plant collections in three glasshouses, and offers six seasonal flower shows. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking is free. Charles F. Watson Family Gardens Hwy. 10; Brampton www.tourismbrampton.ca These showpiece gardens are an oasis of colour, situated along the Etobicoke Creek Trail, located at Hwy. 10, on the east side at Peel Village Pkwy. Claireville Conservation Area Albion Rd. (Hwy. 50), north of Steeles Ave., Brampton; 416-667-6295 www.trcaparks.ca A large, relatively dense forested retreat in the southeast corner of Brampton, Claireville Conservation Area contains some significant heritage features for the city. Claireville is a passive conservation area, preserving local wildlife and natural landscape. Cummer Skateboard Park 6000 Leslie St.; 416-395-7803 www.toronto.ca/parks/parks_ gardens/cummer.htm This 1,440-sq.-m facility is designed to replicate elements of the street, including stairs, railings, benches and curbs. Open during daylight hours only; admission is free.

Listings attractions

Donald M. Gordon Chinguacousy 9050 Bramalea Rd., Brampton 905-458-6555 www.tourismbrampton.ca Escape from the winter weather in the greenhouse, or bask in the gardens under the summer sun. The gardens and greenhouse are located at the south end of the park fronting Queen St. E. Edwards Gardens 755 Lawrence Ave. E. 416-392-8188 www.toronto.ca/parks/parks_ gardens/edwardsgdns.htm Edwards Gardens features colourful floral displays, rock gardens, butterfly gardens, theme gardens, secluded pathways, and picturesque bridges over Wilket Creek, which is home to geese and ducks. Edwards Gardens is also the home of the Toronto Botanical Garden. Eldorado Park 8520 Creditview Rd., Brampton 905-874-2860 www.tourismbrampton.ca Eldorado Park is a popular Brampton public recreational park, offering places to fish, walk, picnic, and relax along the riverbanks. Eldorado is also home to the only outdoor public pool in Brampton. Franklin Children’s Garden, The Centre Island; 311 www.toronto.ca/parks/franklin Inspired by Franklin the Turtle, the garden is a special place to play in and learn from, to discover nature, and to enjoy the great adventure of learning. Gage Park Main St. S. & Wellington St. W., Brampton; 905-874-2300 www.tourismbrampton.ca The landmark gazebo and skating trail mark the entrance of Gage Park, Brampton’s first municipal park. Set in Brampton’s historic downtown, today’s Gage Park offers rollerblading, jogging, a children’s play area and wading pool. Heart Lake Conservation Area 10818 Heart Lake Rd., Brampton 416-667-6295 www.trcaparks.ca Brampton’s multi-purpose recreation park, Heart Lake Conservation Area takes its name from the spring-fed kettle lake, which is roughly shaped like a heart. Located within the Etobicoke Creek watershed, the park has attracted more than five million visitors since it opened in 1957. High Park 1873 Bloor St. W.; 416-392-8188 www.toronto.ca/parks/highpark A 400-acre wilderness park right on the subway system, High Park offers miles of nature trails plus a trackless train, zoo, children’s garden, adventure playground, and a restored 1837 cottage.

HtO Park 399 Queen’s Quay W. www.toronto.ca/harbourfront/ index.htm From the urbanity to the north and the islands to the south, this picturesque atmosphere allows you to rest and relax by the waterfront. Loafer’s Lake 30 Loafer’s Lake Ln., Brampton 905-846-2370 www.tourismbrampton.ca Along the Etobicoke Creek, picturesque Loafer’s Lake is a popular place for relaxing and taking photographs. Start your walk along the Etobicoke Trail here. Music Garden 475 Queen’s Quay W. 416-338-0338 www.toronto.ca/parks/ featured-parks/music-garden With its garden design, the Music Garden uses nature to interpret Bach’s First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello. Each movement within the suite corresponds to a different section in the garden. Open year-round; admission is free. Niagara Parks Commission Table Rock Centre 6650 Niagara Pkwy., Niagara Falls 1-877-642-7275 (NIA-PARK) www.niagaraparks.com This Falls experience features top Niagara attractions including Niagara’s Fury, Journey Behind the Falls, White Water Walk, Butterfly Conservatory, Falls and river-view restaurants, top golf courses and unique shopping.

award-winning themed gardens and year-round programs and events for all ages on gardening, horticulture and the greening of Toronto. Toronto Ontario Temple 10060 Bramalea Rd., Brampton Toronto Ontario Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brampton features gardens and impressive fountains. The Temple’s gardens are open to the public during the growing seasons: Sat. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun. and Tues. to Fri. noon to 8 p.m. Closed Mon. The Temple respectfully requests that there be no smoking or picnicking on the grounds. Trinity Public Labyrinth at Trinity Square Park Trinity Square Park (behind 483 Bay St.) 416-392-1759 www.toronto.ca/parks/labyrinth/ index.htm Toronto’s first outdoor labyrinth in a public park, the Trinity Public Labryinth was created out of turf grass and is 77 feet in diameter. Open late spring until the snow comes. Admission is free.

Golf Club at Bond Head, The 4805 7th Line, Bond Head 905-778-9400, 1-877-472-6348 www.clublink.ca This award-winning 36-hole club offers two different courses as well as an instruction facility and gourmet dining. There is also a fully equipped conference centre, ideal for wedding receptions, charity and corporate events.

Professor’s Lake 1660 North Park Dr., Brampton 905-791-7751 www.tourismbrampton.ca Professor’s Lake is a man-made, spring-fed lake spanning 65 acres. It features well-groomed sandy beaches and is used extensively for windsurfing, canoeing, sailing, paddle boating, and fishing.

Glen Abbey Golf Club 1333 Dorval Dr., Oakville 905-844-1800 www.clublink.ca Canada’s most famous course has hosted the PGA Tour’s RBC Canadian Open a record 25 times. It offers gourmet cuisine and conference facilities in its expansive clubhouse.

Tommy Thompson Park 3 Leslie St.; 416-661-6600 www.tommythompsonpark.ca The park has become well known as a significant nesting and staging area for a wide range of birds and other wildlife. More than 290 bird species have been observed on-site.

Lionhead Golf & Country Club 8525 Mississauga Rd., Brampton 905-455-8400 www.golflionhead.com Two championship golf courses are available for corporate golfing events and public play. The clubhouse offers luxurious banquet and reception areas and locker rooms.

Toronto Blue Flag Beaches Toronto Island www.toronto.ca/beach Centre Island Beach, Gibraltar Point Beach, Hanlan’s Point Beach and Ward’s Island Beach are all found on the Toronto Island. Take the ferry at the foot of Bay St. and Queen’s Quay. For ferry info, call 416-392-8193, from June to Sept.

Ontario Tee Times Association 889 Damascus Ct., Newmarket 905-852-6408 www.ontarioteetimes.com Toronto Highlands Golf Trail is a collection of nine championship courses located at Toronto’s top six public-access golf clubs, along the 100 Mile Trail loop. Accommodation and packages are available.

Toronto Botanical Garden 777 Lawrence Ave. E. 416-397-1340 www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca Designed to educate and inspire, Toronto Botanical Garden offers 12

Wooden Sticks Golf Club 40 Elgin Park Drive, Uxbridge; 905-852-4379 www.woodensticks.com Wooden Sticks Golf Club is a public

golf course featuring 12 golf holes inspired by famous holes from the PGA. The inclusive golf package includes carts, snacks, practice facilities and two meals with regular green fees. Accommodations are available in the on-site cabins.

Museums / Historic Houses / Education BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir & Heritage Museum 61 Claireville Dr.; 416-798-2277 www.toronto.baps.org This unique-to-Canada architectural monument is made with 24,000 pieces of marble and stone. Discover the more than 10,000-year-old heritage of India. Admission is free to Mandir. Bata Shoe Museum, The 327 Bloor St. W.; 416-979-7799 www.batashoemuseum.ca Changing exhibitions, events and family-friendly programs make each visit to the Bata Shoe Museum unique. Benares Historic House Museums of Mississauga 1507 Clarkson Rd. N., Mississauga; 905-615-4860 www.museumsofmississauga.com Step into the past and capture a taste of life in the early 19th and 20th centuries. Shed light on the past with the Museums of Mississauga. Bovaird House 563 Bovaird Dr. E., Brampton 905-874-2804 www.bovairdhouse.ca/ A significant Brampton heritage landmark, the Historic Bovaird House property features heritage gardens typical of 19th-century plantings, including a rose garden, herb garden and orchard. Bradley Museum - Museums of Mississauga 1620 Orr Rd., Mississauga 905-615-4860 www.museumsofmississauga.com Step into the past and capture a taste of life in the early 19th and 20th centuries. Shed light on the past with the Museums of Mississauga. Casa Loma 1 Austin Terrace; 416-923-1171 www.casaloma.org This 98-room castle features unique architecture, decorated suites, soaring ceilings, and rich wood carving. Explore secret passages or traverse an 800-ft. tunnel to luxurious stables. Open daily. Colborne Lodge 11 Colborne Lodge Dr., High Park 416-392-6916 www.toronto.ca/colborne This cottage is a monument to John and Jemima Howard, the couple who founded High Park. Built in 1837, it contains many original furnishings, artifacts and artwork. TORONTO 2012 | 97

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Design Exchange 234 Bay St., Toronto Dominion Centre 416-363-6121 www.dx.org Canada’s design museum, the DX presents public exhibitions about design as well as education programs, lectures and design competitions. Free admission to ground-floor exhibits.

McMichael Canadian Art Collection 10365 Islington Ave., Kleinburg 905-893-1121, 1-888-213-1121 www.mcmichael.com Experience the essence of Canada minutes from Toronto. View works by Group of Seven, First Nations, Inuit and contemporary Canadian artists in a 100-acre woodland setting.

Fort York National Historic Site 250 Fort York Blvd.; 416-392-6907 www.toronto.ca/fortyork The birthplace of urban Toronto, Fort York features Canada’s largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings and was the site of the U.S. attack and the Battle of York in April 1813. Open year-round.

Montgomery’s Inn 4709 Dundas St. W.; 416-394-8113 www.toronto.ca/montgomerysinn Experience the life of a traveller seeking comfort at the inn 150 years ago. When Thomas Montgomery managed the inn, it was a lively meeting place for the community. Events held throughout the year carry on this tradition. Tea is served Tues. to Sun.

Gardiner Museum 111 Queen’s Park; 416-586-8080 www.gardinermuseum.on.ca The Gardner Museum offers an intimate look at one of the world’s oldest forms of art and material culture: ceramics. It also features award-winning architecture and “Toronto’s best gift shop” (Vogue).

MZTV Museum of Television 550 Queen St. E.; 416-599-7339 www.mztv.com Recently renovated, this museum is a fully functioning media facility. Please check the website for more info.

Gibson House Museum, The 5172 Yonge St., at North York Subway 416-395-7432 www.toronto.ca/museums Step back in time and visit the elegant farmhouse built for the Gibson family in 1851. Its Georgian exterior is a testament to the dramatic lives the household pursued long ago. Historic Zion Schoolhouse 1091 Finch Ave. E.; 416-395-7435 www.toronto.ca/museums Built in 1869 and restored in 1910, Zion Schoolhouse provided elementary education to generations of children of L’Amaroux. Today, this one-room schoolhouse offers educational programs for booked groups. Pre-arranged visits only. LCBO Store/Summerhill 10 Scrivener Square (Yonge St., south of Summerhill Ave.) 416-922-0403 www.lcbo.com/www.vintages.com Located in the fully restored historic North Toronto station, this 30,000sq.-ft. landmark includes a 145-ft. Venetian clock tower, the great hall, marble walls and brass ticket wickets. Features include gift ideas, a vintages area, tasting stations and a demonstration kitchen. Mackenzie House Museum 82 Bond St.; 416-392-6915 www.toronto.ca/museums This Greek Revival row house was the last home of Toronto’s first mayor William Lyon Mackenzie. Explore the museum, the recreated print shop and gallery featuring changing exhibitions. 98 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

National Film Board of Canada, Mediatheque 150 John St.; 416-973-3012 www.nfb.ca/mediatheque The NFB Mediatheque offers a window into Canadian culture in the heart of Toronto’s entertainment district. Watch NFB films in state-of-the-art personal viewing stations and attend film screenings or innovative workshops. Old Mill Inn & Spa, The 21 Old Mill Rd. 416-236-2641, 1-866-653-6455 www.oldmilltoronto.com In the valley of the Humber, The Old Mill is a bit of England far from England. Rich in history the Inn offers dining, spa treatments and scenic views. Ontario Science Centre 770 Don Mills Rd. 416-696-1000, 1-888-696-1110 www.ontariosciencecentre.ca Explore one of Canada’s most visited cultural attractions, which features new exhibitions, science demonstrations, hundreds of interactive experiences and films under the IMAX® Dome. PawsWay 245 Queen’s Quay W. 416-360-7297, 1-888-608-7297 www.pawsway.ca Located by the Harbourfront Centre, PawsWay celebrates dogs and cats— and their owners. Admission is free and pets are always welcome. Redpath Sugar Museum 95 Queen’s Quay E.; 416-933-8341 www.redpathsugar.com The Redpath Sugar Museum features

a collection of memorabilia relating to the Canadian sugar industry and the Redpath family. A film about sugar is shown in the theatre free of charge. Group tours available by appointment. Royal Ontario Museum 100 Queen’s Park; Museum subway station 416-586-8000 www.rom.on.ca Explore Canada’s largest museum of world cultures and natural history. Discover dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, Canada’s First Peoples, gems and minerals and more, alongside dining, shopping and unique architecture. Scarborough Museum Thomson Memorial Park 1007 Brimley Rd.; 416-338-8807 www.toronto.ca/museums Located in Thomson Memorial Park, the Scarborough Museum features buildings and collections depicting life in Scarborough, from a settler’s log house to the turn-of-the-century Cornell House. Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens 285 Spadina Rd.; 416-392-6910 www.toronto.ca/spadina Spadina, the elegant home of the Austin family, was built in 1866. The museum’s interior has recently been restored to reflect how Torontonians and the Austin family lived during the 1920s and 1930s. St. Lawrence Market Complex 92 Front St. E.; 416-392-7219 www.stlawrencemarket.com A historic site, gallery and unique modern marketplace in Old Town Toronto, the St. Lawrence Market Complex features more than 50 specialty vendors, a Saturday farmers market, Sun. antiques market and historic St. Lawrence Hall. Textile Museum of Canada 55 Centre Ave.; 416-599-5321 www.textilemuseum.ca The TMC offers a variety of exhibitions including shows based on their permanent collection of over 12,000 artifacts and contemporary exhibitions of the work of Canadian and international artists. Open year round: Daily 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Wed. 11 a.m.– 8 p.m. Wed. after 5 p.m. are pay-whatyou-can. Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre 67 Pottery Rd.; 416-396-2819 www.toronto.ca/todmorden Explore 19th-century settlement and industrial development in the Don Valley. Visit the Papermill Gallery for rotating art exhibits from local artists or stroll through its 9.2-hectare wildflower preserve.

Toronto Reference Library 789 Yonge St.; 416-393-7131 www.torontopubliclibrary.ca Located in Toronto’s downtown core, the Toronto Reference Library is the largest public reference library in Canada and houses the rare collections of Arthur Conan Doyle and Canadiana. It also provides free high-speed Internet access, email, research databases and other electronic resources. York Museum 2694 Eglinton Ave. W., in the Centennial Recreation Centre, 416-394-2759 www.toronto.ca/culture/york_ museum.htm The York Museum tells the stories of the former City of York. The museum collects and displays objects representing the economic, political and social history of the former city from its early beginnings to the present.

NEIGHBOURHOODS / BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT Albion Islington Square BIA 925 Albion Rd., Ste. 100 416-743-3267 www.albionislingtonsquare.com A unique shopping district, the Square showcases gold and diamond jewellery, clothing and textiles, salons, skin care and laser centres, medical and professional services, alongside international cuisine. Check out the Fusion of Taste Festival in July. Beach BIA 416-693-2242 www.beachbia.com Visit the small-town charm of this Toronto lakeside community. Stroll the scenic three-kilometre boardwalk and visit cosy cafés and unique shops. It’s a hop away from downtown on the Queen East streetcar. Bloor-Yorkville BIA 55 Bloor St. W., Ste. 220 416-928-3553 www.bloor-yorkville.com A top shopping, dining and tourist district, this area features high-fashion retailers, unique boutiques, sidewalk cafés, haute cuisine, galleries, museums, spas and salons. Home to the Royal Ontario Museum, Gardiner Museum and Bloor-Yorkville IceFest. Brampton Downtown Development Corporation (BDDC) 33 Queen St. W., Brampton 905-874-2936 www.bramptondowntown.com Visit downtown Brampton and experience year-round special events. Dine at one of many restaurants or spend the day relaxing at one of the many salons or spas. Chinatown BIA 287 Spadina Ave., Unit D, 2nd floor 416-260-9800 www.chinatownbia.com Home to a diverse range of shops

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offering baked goods, herbal medicines, books, videos, household items, and Chinese arts and crafts, this area also features many jewellery stores, watch wholesalers, fabric, garment, children’s wear and perfume stores. Church-Wellesley Village BIA 511 Church St., 2nd floor 416-393-6363 www.churchwellesleyvillage.ca Centrally located in the heart of downtown, Church Wellesley Village (or Church Street) is the entertainment and social hub of Toronto’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community. The village is a safe, energetic and diversified community which hosts an array of annual festivals and events and offers a variety of unique restaurants, bars, shopping and services all year round. Distillery Historic District, The 55 Mill St.; 416-364-1177 www.thedistillerydistrict.com A centre for arts, culture, food and entertainment, this national historic site includes 44 heritage buildings and numerous brick-lined courtyards. Explore the district’s many restaurants, art galleries, artisan boutiques, specialty retail stores and more. Downtown Yonge BIA 40 Dundas St. W., Ste. 300, 416-597-0255 www.downtownyonge.com Home to the Toronto Eaton Centre, Yonge-Dundas Square, 10 Dundas East, eight hotels, 150 bars and restaurants, 600 retail stores and live theatre, this urban experience offers something for everyone. Eglinton Way BIA, The 533 Eglinton Ave. W., Ste. 200; 416-487-3294 www.theeglintonway.com Located in north Forest Hill just

west of Yonge Street, this pedestrianfriendly thoroughfare includes a collection of upscale boutiques, salons, cafés, fitness, health and wellness practioners and professional services.

The sidewalks are often packed with locals and visitors sipping espresso on the many outdoor patios along the street.

Gerrard India Bazaar 1426 Gerrard St. E.; 416-465-8513 www.gerrardindiabazaar.com Open year-round, the Bazaar is the largest ethnic market of Indian goods, fashions, fabrics, jewellery and food in North America. Rediscover the richness of the Orient.

Mirvish Village BIA 647-456-2411 www.mirvishvillagebia.com An enclave of art, culture and cuisine in midtown Toronto, Mirvish Village BIA offers a unique shopping and dining experience with specialty bookstores, vintage shops, art galleries, contemporary fashion, restaurants and the landmark Honest Ed’s Bargain Shopping Emporium.

GreekTown on the Danforth BIA 699 Danforth Ave., Ste. 201 416-469-5634 www.greektowntoronto.com, www.tasteofthedanforth.com A vibrant community that combines modern Mediterranean life and ancient Greece. Shops, boutiques, restaurants and nightclubs located along Danforth Ave. Easy subway access: Chester, Pape and Donlands. Enjoy the Taste of the Danforth in August.

Peel Aboriginal Network 375 Howden Blvd., Unit #8, Brampton; 905-453-4636 www.peelaboriginalnetwork.org The Peel Aboriginal Network’s vision is to support increased awareness and education of Aboriginal heritage, history and current issues that will continue to strengthen Aboriginal culture and a sense of community in Peel Region. The PAN hosts an annual Aboriginal Gathering; for more info, visit the website.

Kingsway BIA 3029 Bloor St. W., Etobicoke 416-239-8243 www.kingswaybia.ca The Kingsway shopping district, an extension of the neighbourhood, offers a mix of small specialty shops, fabulous restaurants and pubs, professional and medical services. It’s easily accessible by subway; exit at the Royal York subway station.

Port Credit BIA 105 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga 905-278-7742 www.portcredit.com Port Credit bills itself as the hippest place in the 905. Visit the website to discover what’s new.

Little Italy BIA 622 College St. www.littleitalyintoronto.ca This lively neighbourhood is the original home of Toronto’s Italian community. It’s packed with trattorias, trendy restaurants, cafés and nightlife.

Queen St. W. BIA Queen St. W.; 416-384-2946 www.queenstwestbia.ca Queen St. West (from Simcoe to Bathurst Street) is home to a thriving fashion district with an array of clothing and fabric stores, renowned live music venues showcasing a wide spectrum of artists from rock to jazz, and food from around the world.

St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood BIA 92 Front St. E.; 416-410-9242 www.stlawrencemarketbia.ca The historic heart of Old York, this area offers live theatre, dance, music, visual arts, fine dining, friendly pubs, jazz clubs, picturesque historic sites, one of the world’s best markets and unique shopping at Toronto’s largest collection of fine home decor and design stores. Streetsville BIA 280 Queen St. S., Mississauga 905-858-5974 www.villageofstreetsville.com In the Village in the City of Mississauga, parking is free. Relax in a restaurant or pub and plan a shopping spree in Streetsville. Toronto Entertainment District BIA 100 Simcoe St., Ste. 110 416-926-1337 www.torontoed.com Toronto’s dynamic Entertainment District is home to nightlife, dining, live music, dance, comedy, film, festivals and professional sports. Village of Islington, Toronto’s Village of Murals 4943 Dundas St. W., Islington to Kipling www.villageofislington.com This five-block, 20-mural art walk explores over 15,000 ft of murals nestled among sidewalk cafés, coffee houses, pubs, shops and restaurants. Steps to the TTC; minutes to airport. Groups welcome. Waterfront BIA, The Queen’s Quay Terminal, South Atrium, 207 Queen’s Quay W. 416-596-9821 www.waterfrontbia.com Visited by 12 million people annually,

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Listings attractions

this area is home to hotels, parks and gardens. Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands form a unique backdrop for the many shopping, dining, cultural and entertainment attractions. York-Eglinton BIA 605 Oakwood Ave.; 416-789-1835 www.yorkbia.com York-Eglinton is a vibrant international market with shops and restaurants that cater to the city’s diverse heritage. In Aug., enjoy the International Street Festival featuring multicultural music, shopping, food and more.

Entertainment: Performing Arts Canadian Opera Company 227 Front St. E. 416-363-8231, 1-800-250-4653 www.coc.ca The largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the five largest in North America, the COC enjoys one of the highest attendance and subscription rates in North America. Performing in their opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, hailed internationally as one of the finest in the world, and is also the performance venue for the National Ballet of Canada. Dancap Productions 416-644-3665, 1-866-950-7469 www.dancaptickets.com Captivating Broadway theatre! Dancap brings the best of Broadway to Toronto in 2012. Performing at the Toronto Centre for the Arts: In the Heights, Feb. 7–9; Shrek, March 20– April 1; West Side Story, May 8–June 3; Million Dollar Quartet, July 10–29; and A Christmas Story, Dec. 18–20. Performing at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts: Beauty and the Beast, July 3–22. Greg Frewin Theatre 5781 Ellen Ave., Niagara Falls 905-356-0777, 1-866-870-3002 www.gregfrewintheatre.com Experience the art of illusion with magician Greg Frewin. Enjoy a Las Vegas-style magical review featuring rare, majestic tigers. Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, The 4141 Living Arts Dr., Mississauga 905-306-6000, 1-888-805-8888 www.livingartscentre.ca A multi-use facility, the Living Arts Centre houses performance theatres, an exhibition gallery, eight professional art studios and sophisticated meeting facilities, offering performances, courses, birthday parties, camps, artist residency and more. Free parking. 100 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

National Ballet of Canada, The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts 145 Queen St. W. 416-345-9595, 1-866-345-9595 www.national.ballet.ca With more than 60 dancers and its own symphony orchestra, The National Ballet ranks as one of the world’s top international dance companies. The National Ballet performs Nov. to June at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Opera Atelier St. Lawrence Hall 157 King St. E., 4th Floor 416- 703-3767 www.operaatelier.com Opera Atelier produces opera and ballet from the 17th and 18th centuries. These productions draw upon ideals of the period, featuring internationally acclaimed soloists, period ballet, original instruments, elaborate stage decor, exquisite costumes and an imaginative energy that sets Opera Atelier apart. Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir 427 Bloor St. W. 416-964-6337 www.tafelmusik.org Join Canada’s orchestra on period instruments for a season of baroque and classical masterpieces, under the inspired leadership of music director Jeanne Lamon. Toronto Dance Theatre 80 Winchester St.; 416-967-1365 www.tdt.org Toronto Dance Theatre is one of Canada’s leading dance companies, recognized for the intelligent, provocative vision of its choreography and the exceptional artistry of its dancers. Toronto Mendelssohn Choir 60 Simcoe St., 416-598-0422 www.tmchoir.org The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Canada’s renowned vocal ensemble (150 voices), presents annual concert series of choral masterpieces. Toronto Symphony Orchestra Roy Thomson Hall 60 Simcoe St.; 416-593-4828 www.tso.ca Led by Maestro Peter Oundjian, the TSO features renowned musical talent and a diverse repertoire, such as Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and Bruch’s “Scottish Fantasy” performed by violinist Joshua Bell. Young Centre for the Performing Arts 55 Mill St., Bldg. 49 416-866-8666 www.youngcentre.ca With 45,000 square feet of awardwinning performance studio space, Young Centre’s programming includes three annual festivals, as well as performances in dance, music, theatre and the spoken word.

SPAs Elmwood Spa 18 Elm St. 416-977-6751, 1-877-284-6348 www.elmwoodspa.com A wellness destination, the Elmwood caters to those who want stress relief and relaxation in a serene atmosphere. Joanne Lipp European Skin Care, Electrolysis & Laser 11 Main St., Streetsville, 905-858-8911 www.europeanskincare.com With more than 40 years experience, this village spa provides complete aesthetic electrolysis and laser services to both men and women. Novo Spa - Yorkville 66 Avenue Rd. 416-926-9303, 1-866-926-9303 www.novospa.ca Located in Yorkville, Novo Spa offers bestselling couple’s packages (Taste of Heaven and Luxury for Two), steam bed body therapies, holistic and registered massage therapy, advanced facials, a boutique salon and more. Open daily. Quartz Crystal Spa Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto® 325 Bay St. 416-637-5050 www.quartzcrystalspa.com Inspired by old-world European baths, the essence of this healing mineral is the foundation for signature quartz treatments. Artisan decor creates an unparalleled spa experience evoking classic Hollywood glamour amongst modern city skylines. Serenity Day Spa, The 103 Lakeshore Rd E., MIssissauga 905-891-1439 www.theserenityspa.com Located in picturesque Port Credit Village along the shores of Lake Ontario, one of Mississauga’s premiere day spas offers pampering treatments for both men and women, professional massage therapy and is one of a few exclusive Aveda spas in the GTA. Shizen Spa at Pantages Hotel 200 Victoria St. 416-369-7882, 1 866-852-1777 www.shizen.ca Inspired by the Japanese word for nature, the Shizen Spa offers resultsoriented treatments hand-picked from around the globe, a large whirlpool and a spacious mani/pedi area. Spa at the Windsor Arms Hotel, The 18 St. Thomas St. 416-934-6031, 1-877-999-2767 www.windsorarmshotel.com This luxury spa offers an extensive number of treatments and packages including anti-aging facials, massage and holistic therapies. Extras include private treatment rooms, locker facilities, beverage lounge, pool, sauna and steam rooms. Open daily.

Sweetgrass Spa 111e Queen St. E.; 416-368-5300 www.sweetgrassspa.ca A boutique spa located in Verity, an exclusive downtown woman’s club, Sweetgrass offers a full range of spa services and a lounge with spa cuisine by George Restaurant. Full amenities include an ozonated swimming pool.

SPECTATOR SPORTS Mosport International Raceway 3233 Concession Rd., #10, Bowmanville 905-983-9141, 1-800-866-1072 www.mosport.com Featuring Canada’s biggest sports car race, the Mobil 1 presents Grand Prix of Mosport and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Toronto Argonauts Football Club Rogers Centre, One Blue Jays Way 416-341-ARGO (2746) www.argonauts.ca Live at the Rogers Centre, the Toronto Argonauts are North America’s oldest professional football club. Call for tickets to get in on the action for the 2012 Argonauts season. Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club One Blue Jays Way Rogers Centre 416-341-1234 (tickets), 1-888-OK-GO-JAY (outside Toronto) www.bluejays.com The Toronto Blue Jays play 81 home games at the Rogers Centre from April to Sept. For general ticket inquiries, call or visit the website. Toronto FC 170 Princes’ Blvd. BMO Field 416-360-GOAL (4625) www.torontofc.ca Canada’s first Major League Soccer team plays in BMO Field at Exhibition Place. MLS is the top professional soccer league in North America. The season runs from April to November. Toronto Lynx Soccer Club/ Lady Lynx Soccer Club 100 Westmore Dr., Ste. 8 416-251-4625 www.torontolynxpremiersoccer.com The Toronto Lynx (PDL) and the Toronto Lady Lynx (W-League) represent the highest level of amateur soccer in Canada—as well as fun, family-friendly entertainment. Catch both teams at Centennial Park Stadium and throughout the GTA from May until July each year. Toronto Maple Leafs 40 Bay St., Air Canada Centre 416-815-5700, Tickets: 416-872-5000 www.mapleleafs.com Check out classic National Hockey League action with the Toronto Maple Leafs live at the Air Canada Centre.

Listings attractions

Toronto Marlies Ricoh Coliseum, Exhibition Place 100 Princes’ Blvd.; 416-263-3926 www.marlies.ca Catch the Toronto Marlies, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs, live at Ricoh Coliseum. Affordable, family-friendly; visit the website for more information.

Ed Mirvish Theatre 244 Victoria St. 416-872-1212, 1-800-461-3333 www.mirvish.com This lavishly restored theatre is a historical venue in the Yonge-Dundas Square corridor. It’s home to a variety of quality stage productions. See website for show schedule.

Toronto Raptors Basketball Club Air Canada Centre 40 Bay St.; 416-815-4892 www.raptors.com Catch NBA action at the Air Canada Centre, home of the Toronto Raptors.

Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre Centre 189 Yonge St.; 416-325-4144, 1-855-622-2787 (Tickets) www.heritagetrust.on.ca/ewg Visit the last double-decker theatre in the world—a National Historic Site. Year-round guided tours are available, Thurs. and Sat., at 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. Call 416-314-2871 for more information.

Toronto Rock Lacrosse Club 40 Bay St., Air Canada Centre 416-596-3075 www.torontorock.com Support the Toronto Rock as they look to defend their NLL title at the Air Canada Centre. Woodbine Racetrack 555 Rexdale Blvd. 416-675-RACE, 1-888-675-RACE www.WoodbineEntertainment.com At the Woodbine Racetrack, wager on live world-class horse racing, or play in the casino. Experience the elegant dining and meeting facilities. Open year-round offering afternoon or evening programs. Admission and parking is free.

STAGE THEATRE

Factory Theatre 125 Bathurst St.; 416-504-9971 www.factorytheatre.ca Factory Theatre develops Canadian playwrights and artists and has been welcoming audiences to see exclusively Canadian plays since 1970. Its downtown heritage building is home to two theatre spaces. Famous PEOPLE Players Dine & Dream Theatre 343 Evans Ave. 416-532-1137, 1-888-453-3385 www.fpp.org Canada’s Famous PEOPLE Players offers a unique showcase and exciting music. Lunch and dinner shows are available.

Rose Theatre Brampton 1 Theatre Ln., Brampton 905-874-2800 www.rosetheatre.ca Rose Theatre is a state-of-the-art performing arts centre in the heart of Brampton. The main hall of 880 seats hosts theatre, touring Broadway shows, dance, concerts and corporate events. Royal Alexandra Theatre 260 King St. W. (Mirvish Productions) 416-872-1212, 1-800-461-3333 www.mirvish.com This 101-year-old theatre is Toronto’s oldest theatre and has never been converted for any other use. See website for show schedules. Second City, The 51 Mercer St. 416-343-0011, 1-800-263-4485 www.secondcity.com Second City offers live comedy theatre satirizing aspects of everyday life. Enjoy the show in its licensed theatre. Dinner and show packages available. Shaw Festival 10 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake 905-468-2172, 1-800-511-7429 www.shawfest.com The Shaw Festival offers theatre in the heart of Niagara wine country, including 11 plays in four theatres from April to Nov. Theatre getaway packages available.

Canadian Stage Company, The 26 Berkeley St.; Princess of Wales Theatre Sony Centre for 416-368-3110 (Box Office), 300 King St. W. the Performing Arts 1-877-399-2651 416-872-1212, 1-800-461-3333 1 Front St. E.; www.canadianstage.com www.mirvish.com 416-368-6161 Canadian Stage’s powerful 2011/2012 An award-winning theatre located in www.sonycentre.ca season features contemporary the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment Canada’s largest performing arts Canadian theatre and dance. The District, the Princes of Wales offers venue, the Sony Centre hosts a variety diverse lineup includes Another Africa, an eclectic lineup including megaof entertainment including dance, Red, Cruel and Tender, The Game of Love musicals. See website for musical concerts, spectacles and SCTO_Toronto_Magazine_thirdpg_11-2011 12/14/11 2:21 PM Page 1 and Chance and more. show schedules. popular children’s shows.

Soulpepper Theatre Company 55 Mill St., Bldg. 49; 416-866-8666 www.soulpepper.ca This actor-founded classical repertory company, founded in 1998, offers interpretations of history’s greatest stories year-round at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts in the Distillery District. Stratford Shakespeare Festival Stratford 519-271-4040, 1-800-567-1600 www.stratfordfestival.ca Stratford, located an hour-and-ahalf’s drive west of Toronto, is home to North America’s largest repertory theatre, offering musicals, dramas and comedies. Tarragon Theatre 30 Bridgman Ave.; 416-531-1827 www.tarragontheatre.com Award-winning, nationally acclaimed Tarragon Theatre is known for its development, creation and performance of new work. “Your best bet for lively Canadian drama is the Tarragon.” (The Globe & Mail) Toronto Centre for the Arts 5040 Yonge St.; 416-733-9388 www.tocentre.com This venue features three unique stages to house a multitude of events from orchestral and rock concerts to bigbudget musicals to community and corporate events to gala fundraisers. Young People’s Theatre 165 Front St. E. 416-862-2222 www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca Canada’s largest not-for-profit theatre for young audiences has been producing award-winning, professional plays and musicals since 1966. Housed in a heritage building in downtown Toronto, Young People’s

TICKETS $12-$29 • GROUP DISCOUNTS

DINNER & SHOW PACKAGES

VOTED TORONTO’S #1 NIGHTLIFE ON TRIPADVISOR.COM

SECONDCITY.COM • 416-343-0011 51 MERCER ST. (2 BLOCKS NORTH OF THE CN TOWER)

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Listings ATTRACTIONS

Theatre (formerly Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People) is near family-friendly restaurants and attractions.

TICKET & BOOKING SERVICES T.O. TIX 5 Dundas St. E., Yonge-Dundas Square 416-536-6468, 1-800-541-0499 www.totix.ca Toronto’s official one-stop ticket shop features day-of discount and full-price advance theatre, dance, opera, music, sports and special event tickets. Purchase online or at Yonge-Dundas Square.

ZOOS / ANIMAL PARKS African Lion Safari 1386 Cooper Rd., (Safari Rd., between Hwy. 6 & 8, north of Hamilton), Cambridge 519-623-2620, 1-800-461-WILD (9453) www.lionsafari.com At African Lion Safari, over 1,000 exotic animals roam freely in large game reserves. Enjoy live bird and animal shows, nature tours and watch elephants swim. May 5 to Oct. 8, 2012

Bird Kingdom 5651 River Rd., Niagara Falls 905-356-8888, 1-866-994-0090 www.birdkingdom.ca The world’s largest indoor free-flying aviary, Bird Kingdom brings you face-to-face with wildlife in a natural, tropical setting. View and interact with birds, reptiles and more. Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory 2500 Kossuth Rd., Cambridge 519-653-1234 www.cambridgebutterfly.com Stroll among thousands of free-flying butterflies in a year-round tropical garden featuring more than 85 species of tropical plants, waterfalls and exotic birds. Discover a live honey bee observation hive and vast insect collection. Café and free parking. Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory 2405 Niagara Pkwy., Niagara Falls; 905-356-8119 www.niagaraparks.com At this glass-enclosed conservatory, more than 2,000 tropical butterflies float through a lush rainforest setting. Just 9-km north of Niagara Falls. Open year-round; fully accessible.

Reptilia 2501 Rutherford Rd., Bldg. A, Vaughan; 905-761-6223, 1-888-REPTILIA (737-8454) www.reptilia.org Canada’s largest reptile zoo houses some of the world’s largest and deadliest reptiles, including Induna, Canada’s largest Nile Crocodile at 1,200 lbs and over 14 ft. Packages available for group tours and special events. Riverdale Farm 210 Winchester St.; 416-392-6794 www.toronto.ca/parks/featured-parks/ riverdale-farm/ Wander through 7.5 acres of farmland and wooded areas, around ponds and into butterfly-herb-vegetableflower gardens. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Toronto Zoo 361 A Old Finch Ave., Hwy. 401 & Meadowvale Road (exit 389) 416-392-5929 www.torontozoo.com The Toronto Zoo offers 5,000-plus animals, year-round events, daily Keeper Talks and Splash Island (seasonal). Visit the new Endangered African Penguin Exhibit and the

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award-winning 10-acre Tundra Trek, home to the zoo’s three young polar bears.

ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES Toronto CityPASS 1-888-330-5008 www.citypass.com/toronto With Toronto CityPass, visitors skip lines and save nearly half off regular admission prices. Includes admission to CN Tower, Casa Loma, Ontario Science Centre, Royal Ontario Museum and Toronto Zoo. Adults, $66 (includes HST); Kids 4–12, $39 (includes HST). Purchase online at CityPass.com or at any participating attractions.

WELLNESS Second Wind Pilates Plus 155 Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga 905-891-9642 www.secondwind.net One of the earliest Pilates studios and certification schools to open in Canada, Second Wind specializes in Pilates, Integrated Movement Therapies (IMT) and Yoga Therapy with a focus on rehabilitation, postural re-education and functional movement.

Listings Restaurants

restaurants Cajun Big Daddy’s Bourbon Street Bistro & Oyster Bar 212 King St. W.; 416-599-5200 www.bigdaddys.ca Lively, upscale New Orleans-style eatery. House specialties include oysters, steaks, catfish, king crab and lobster. Lunch, Mon.–Fri.; dinner daily. Southern Accent Cajun, Creole and Soul Restaurant 595 Markham St.; 416-536-3211 www.southernaccent.com The sights, sounds and tastes of New Orleans await you. Cozy corners, private rooms and a 1940s bar will make you feel as warm as southern hospitality. It’s always Mardi Gras at Southern Accent!

CANADIAN / AMERICAN

Photo: Tourism Toronto

180 Panorama 55 Bloor St. W., 51st fl. Manulife Centre, 416-967-0000 www.180panorama.com Set atop the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre,180 Panorama is voted as having the best view of the Toronto skyline, best cocktails, incredible cuisine and a stunning private VIP lounge. 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower 301 Front St. W. 416-362-5411, 1-800-123-4567 www.cntower.ca Offers award-winning Canadian regional cuisine, impeccable service and an internationally recognized wine cellar with more than 500 choice

labels. 360 revolves once every 72 minutes with spectacular views overlooking Toronto 1,000 feet below.

buffets, menus and theme-specialty menus at every seating.

snacks, as well as brunch, all offered in elegant surroundings. Open 6:30 a.m.–11 p.m.

Allen’s 143 Danforth Ave. 416-463-3086 www.allens.to A Toronto institution, noted for naturally raised meats and fresh salads, an all-Canadian wine list and more than 330 whiskeys. Lunch, dinner daily.

Canoe Restaurant & Bar 66 Wellington St. W., TD Bank Tower, 54th fl., 416-364-0054 www.oliverbonacini.com Features regional Canadian artisanal cuisine in a fine-dining environment with spectacular views. Bar with a view. Private dining rooms and exclusive openings. Lunch and dinner Mon.–Fri.

Bb33 Bistro and Brasserie 33 Gerrard St. W. 416-585-4319 www.bb33.ca Enjoy creative dishes using fresh local ingredients. The bistro is open for dinner only, and the brasserie features both à la carte selections and a breakfast buffet.

Carousel Bakery Ltd. 93 Front St. E.; 416-363-4247 www.stlawrencemarket.ca Home of the internationally acclaimed Canadian peameal bacon sandwich. Large selection of international breads and other delicious sandwiches, including chicken and veal parmigiana and smoked salmon. Open Tues.–Sat.

Courtyard Café 231 Carlingview Dr., Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Airport; 416-675-0411, 1-800-791-9442 www.marriottcourtyardtoronto airport.com Fabulous buffet breakfast, served in the Courtyard Café.

Boiler House Restaurant, The 55 Mill St., Bldg. 46 416-203-2121 www.boilerhouse.ca Offers a distinctive chophouse menu in an award-winning industrial chic setting. Free live jazz Thurs.–Sat. night. Jazz brunch Sun. Europeandesigned patios in the summer. Events: up to 500 people.

Casey’s on Front 123 Front St. W.; 416-955-4550 www.caseysbarandgrill.com Here, you’re encouraged to try something new and unexpected that you normally wouldn’t make at home. Try classic items like the Butcher Block Burger, or discover new flavours, such as Korean Fire Beef or Chicken Pecan Lollipops.

Elm Bank Bar and Bistro 135 Carlingview Dr. Hotel Indigo Toronto Airport 416-637-7000; 1-888-401-2378 www.elmbankbistro.com Offers an international menu, with a dash of Mediterranean cuisine. Seats 100 in casual yet sophisticated decor style. The restaurant resides in the Hotel Indigo Toronto Airport.

Café Monterey 3450 Dufferin St., Holiday Inn Toronto Yorkdale 416-789-5161 www.hiyorkdale.com Full-service dining rooms offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, with

Chardonnay Grill & Lounge 5444 Dixie Rd., Delta Toronto Airport W., Mississauga; 905-624-1144 www.deltatorontoairportwest.com Fully licensed dining facility with diverse international cuisine. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night

Fallsview Restaurant 5875 Falls Ave., Niagara Falls 905-374-4444 www.niagarafallshotels.com Located on the penthouse level of the Sheraton on the Falls hotel and offering breathtaking Falls views and

Cora’s Breakfast and Lunch 277 Wellington St. W.; 416-598-CORA (2672) www.chezcora.com Located in the heart of the Entertainment District, Cora’s serves a delicious range of freshly prepared breakfast, amazing fruit and lunch dishes. Liquor licensed. Ideal for sitdown, also takeout. Catering available.

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Listings restaurants

Greenery Restaurant/ Waves Lounge 1677 Wilson Ave.; 416-249-8171, 1-800-267-0997 www.daysto.com Informal, licensed family restaurants. Greenery serves breakfast daily from 6:30–10:30 a.m. Waves offers light snacks and full-course dinners daily from 6–9:30 p.m. (or later). Hank’s 9 1/2 Church St.; 416-504-2567 www.hanks9church.com A really spiffy diner with amazing lunch and dinner and awesome weekend brunch. Hard Rock Cafe Toronto 279 Yonge St.; 416-362-3636 www.hardrock.com/toronto Located directly across from the Eaton Centre and steps away from the Canon Theatre. Great American food, legendary rock ’n’ roll memorabilia and cool merchandise. Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill Brampton 154 West Dr., Brampton 905-457-5200 www.jackastors.com Enjoy fresh and tasty guest favourites like fresh burgers and sizzling fajitas, or unique dishes from around the world. At Jack Astor’s, there’s never a dull moment and never a dull menu!

Flower City Restaurant 30 Peel Centre Dr., Holiday Inn Toronto - Brampton Conference Centre, Brampton; 905-792-9900, 1-866-464-2999 www.holidayinn.com/bramptonon One of Brampton’s best restaurants offering a great atmosphere to relax and dine. Unwind with a drink and mingle with friends in the Flower City Bar & Lounge. Close to Toronto Pearson International Airport and adjacent to Bramalea City Centre. Fox and Fiddle Pub & Lounge 185 Yorkland Blvd., Yorkland Hotel Toronto; 416-493-9000, 877-602-7666 www.yorklandhotel.com Full-service restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fox Bistro, The 640 Dixon Rd., Radisson Suite Hotel Toronto Airport; 416-243-7912 www.radisson.com/hotels/ontorair/ dinings Savour all-day dining in the casual elegance of The Fox Bistro or unwind by the fireplace and enjoy some of the fine menu options offered. 104 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

FRANK 317 Dundas St. W., Art Gallery of Ontario 416-979-6688 www.ago.net/frank Executive Chef Anne Yarymowich brings you outstanding contemporary comfort cuisine: food that is warm and inviting, prepared with honesty and integrity. FRANK’s menu showcases seasonal ingredients and an executive Ontario wine list. Franklin House, The 263 Queen St. S., Mississauga 905-369-0500 www.thefranklinhouse.ca Built in 1855, The Franklin House is one of Mississauga’s best pubs. Two patios, parking, live music and a private party room. Located right in the heart of Streetsville. George Restaurant 111 Queen St. E.; 416-368-6006 www.georgeonqueen.com “Best Canadian Restaurant 2006” – Zagat; “Best Restaurant 2006 Toronto” –The Economist. Seasonal Canadian cuisine by Chef Lorenzo Loseto. Upscale, but informal, in a 19thcentury chocolate factory in historic downtown Toronto. Picturesque courtyard. Private dining.

Gilead Café and Bistro 4 Gilead Pl.; 416-362-1957 www.jamiekennedy.ca This warm, intimate restaurant— complete with a colourful array of hand-jarred preserves that decorate 2 walls—lends itself to a casual, fun ambiance coupled with an exceptional dining experience. Chef Kennedy creates modern Canadian cuisine with a French influence. Menus change with the seasons and all ingredients are sourced from local artisanal suppliers. Globe Bistro 124 Danforth Ave.; 416-466-2000 www.globebistro.com One of Toronto’s favourite restaurants, whether you visit for a romantic dinner or business meeting. Its modern Canadian menu features local and seasonal ingredients alongside a thoughtful wine and champagne list. Great Burger Kitchen 9 1/2 Church St.; 416-504-8494 www.greatburger.ca Our burgers are made with naturally raised beef grown in Ontario. We serve our burgers on organic buns from Brick Street Bakery. Low-carb wraps or lettuce wraps.

Jack Astor’s - Entertainment District 133 John St.; 416-595-9100 www.jackastors.com Renowned for its combination of delicious food, best-in-class beverages and energetic atmosphere. With the best patios in Toronto, Jack’s is the best place to have fun and enjoy a night out. Jack Astor’s - Front Street 144 Front St. W.; 416-585-2121 www.jackastors.com In the heart of downtown Toronto, it’s a fun and irreverent place that’s perfect for unwinding after work, meeting up with friends for lunch or watching the game. Jack Astor’s - Toronto 2 Bloor St. E., Hudson’s Bay Centre; 416-923-1555 www.jackastors.com Renowned for its combination of delicious food, best-in-class beverages, and energetic atmosphere. With the best patios in Toronto, Jack’s is the best place to have fun and enjoy a night out.

Photo: Tourism Toronto

world-class cuisine. Featuring the famous 80-foot Fallsview buffet, and a delectable à la carte menu. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Jack Astor’s Dundas Square 10 Dundas St., 4th floor; 416-263-9800 www.jackastors.com Renowned for its combination of delicious food, best-in-class beverages, and energetic atmosphere. With the best patios in Toronto, Jack’s is the best place to have fun and enjoy a night out.

Listings Restaurants

Le Café Restaurant 55 Hallcrown Pl.; 416-493-7000 www.radisson.com/torontoca-east Offers a splendid buffet for breakfast and an international buffet for lunch upon request or for special occasions. Fantastic à la carte menus also available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Warm, friendly service. Loose Moose Tap & Grill, The 146 Front St. W.; 416-977-8840 www.theloosemoose.ca The Loose Moose is known for its diverse style, excellent food and rockin’ atmosphere. Join us at the Loose Moose and party like a rock star…That’s the way we roll. Matisse Restaurant & Bar 90 Bloor St. E., Toronto Marriott Bloor Yorkville Hotel; 416-920-6500 www.matisserestaurant.ca Named for the master whose colourful work inspired the restaurant’s original trompe l’oeil decor. Canadian regional cuisine with a Mediterranean flair. Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. Milestone’s Grill & Bar Festival Hall 132 John St.; 416-595-1990 www.milestonesrestaurants.com Whether it’s for lunch, brunch, dinner or a drink, Milestone’s offers globally inspired meals, enticing bar creations, friendly staff and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whatever the occasion, great food and experiences await. Mr. Greenjeans Restaurant and Bar 220 Yonge St., Toronto Eaton Centre, 416-979-1212, 1-800-461-5369 (Groups) www.mrgreenjeans.ca 20 million visitors and counting. Always new, always great fun, value and choices. Apps, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, pizza, steaks, chicken, fish, wow desserts and kids menu too. Simply delicious! Pickle Barrel Atrium, The 312 Yonge St.; 416-977-6677 www.picklebarrel.ca The Pickle Barrel has been serving Toronto and the surrounding area with fantastic food, great family atmosphere and unbelievable value for over 35 years. With more than 300 menu items, there’s always something for everyone!

Seasons at the Prince 900 York Mills Rd., Westin Prince Toronto Hotel; 416-444-2511 www.westin.com/prince Informal dining, providing breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mon.–Fri., 6:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sat.–Sun., 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Shopsy’s Island Deli Bar & Grill/ Carousel Café Centre Island; Summer: 416-203-0405, Winter: 416-234-2345 www.centreisland.ca Located on the shore of Centre Island, the Shopsy’s Island Deli Bar & Grill offers a breathtaking view of Toronto’s skyline and a friendly deli, pub and fresh grilled food experience. The Carousel is the perfect lakeside family restaurant, capturing the spirit of Centreville. Shopsy’s Delicatessen 96 Richmond St. W., Sheraton Centre; 416-365-3354 www.shopsys.ca A Toronto institution for over 75 years. Deli favourites include corned beef on rye and cheesecake. A large selection of Cuban cigars from our walk-in humidor. Catering, take-out, breakfast, lunch, dinner, large patio. Ideal venue for large groups. Casual.

AE, MC, V cards accepted. Shopsy’s Delicatessen - Markham 7240 Woodbine Ave., Markham; 905-474-9333 www.shopsys.ca A Toronto classic since 1921. Traditional deli favourites: corned beef piled on rye, famous cabbage rolls, and a great beer and entrée selection. Catering, breakfast, lunch, dinner, late-night. Casual.

Wayne Gretzky’s 99 Blue Jays Way; 416-979-7825 www.gretzkys.com A dynamic space layered with hockey artifacts from The Great One’s own collection. Wood oven-baked pizzas, grilled steaks, pastas and ribs. Rooftop patio/lounge. Lunch, dinner daily. Casual.

Snug Harbour Seafood Bar & Grill 14 Stavebank Rd. S., Mississauga; 905-274-5000 www.snugharbourrestaurant.com The wraparound, heated patio overlooks Lake Ontario and the Credit Village Marina. The varied menu includes seafood, steaks, pasta, pizza and oyster bar. Open year-round.

West 50 Pourhouse & Grille 50 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W., Mississauga; 905-804-9582 www.hiprestaurants.com “Canada’s largest draught house,” West 50 Pourhouse & Grille is an upscale/casual beer-bistro eatery featuring classic rock, 24 plasma TVs and over 100 taps of draft beer. Groups welcome.

Victor Hôtel Le Germain, 30 Mercer St.; 416-883-3431 www.victorrestaurant.com In the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District, Victor features an atmosphere of relaxed elegance and style, showcasing seasonal and sustainable cuisine sourced from local producers. Victor welcomes you and your guests to enjoy an affordable, memorable dining experience.

Whistler’s & The McNeil Room 995 Broadview Ave.; 416-421-1344 www.whistlers.ca Celebrating 30 years in business, Whistler’s Grille & The McNeil Room is a very popular dining destination minutes from downtown. With a delicious grille menu and newly remodelled facilities, live jazz and blues and weekend DJs, casual dining and special event capabilities for up to 500 guests.

Sightseeing on an empty stomach is just so barbaric. Pickle Barrel Grand Atrium on Bay 312 Yonge Street 416.977.6677

Pump House Grille Co., The 40 Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga; 905-891-7867 www.pumphousegrilleco.com Nestled in the heart of bustling Port Credit, the motto at The Pump House Grille Co. is drink, eat well, be happy. 7 days a week. Q, The 1633 The Queensway; 416-251-3129 www.theqbbq.ca The Q is a friendly neighbourhood restaurant committed to offering quality meals and full beverage service in two dining room areas with combined seating for 280 guests.

For all other locations visit www.picklebarrel.ca TORONTO 2012 | 105

Listings restaurants

Zazi’s Place 6355 Airport Rd., Mississsauga; 905-677-7331 Offering a full-service restaurant with delicious food and economical prices.

CHINESE China Buffet King 22 Metropolitan Rd., Howard Johnson Inn & Suites Hotel; 416-321-6868 www.hojotoronto.com One of Toronto’s largest selections of Asian and North American buffet items. More than 200 items to choose from. Mandarin Restaurant www.mandarinrestaurant.com Mandarin’s all-you-can-eat Chinese & Canadian buffet has something for everyone! Choose from over 130 items, including fresh salads & sushi, hearty soups, mouthwatering entrees, and delectable desserts. Brampton 238 Biscayne Cres.; 905-451-2222 Etobicoke; 1255 The Queensway; 416-252-5000 Scarborough 2206 Eglington Ave. E.; 416-288-1177 Mississauga 3105 Dundas St. W.; 905-569-7000 87 Matheson Blvd E.; 905-502-8000 Toronto 1027 Finch Ave. E.; 416-736-6000 200 Queen’s Plate Dr.; 416-746-6000 2200 Yonge St.; 416-486-2222 Pearl Harbourfront Chinese Cuisine 207 Queen’s Quay W.; 416-203-1233 www.pearlharbourfront.ca Unique waterfront view with floorto-ceiling windows of the Toronto harbour. Cantonese and Szechwan cuisine, dim sum lunch. Casual. Lunch and dinner daily.

FRENCH A Taste of Quebec 55 Mill St., Building 32, Unit 101; 416-364-5020 www.atasteofquebec.com A specialty food boutique specializing in the very best terroir products and artisan cheeses from the province of Quebec. It is housed in a beautiful 4,300 sq. ft. space, two-thirds of which has been transformed into a gallery accommodating up to 150 people. La Maquette Restaurant 111 King St. E.; 416-366-8191 www.lamaquette.com Rendezvous in the solarium overlooking the sculpture garden and waterfall with elegant French and Italian cuisine. Enjoy the prix fixe menus, $35+ and the extensive wine list. Lunch, Mon.–Fri., dinner Mon.–Sat. Closed Sun. 106 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

Marcel’s – Le Saint Tropez 315 King St. W.; 416-591-8600; 1-888-MARCELS www.marcels.com The best of France under one roof. Award-winning French cuisine upstairs. Intimate and romantic. $15–29. Provençal bistro atmosphere downstairs. Live entertainment nightly. $12–23. Open 7 days a week.

INDIAN 309 dhaba Indian Excellence 309 King St. W.; 416-740-6622 www.dhaba.com Most memorable meal award and winner of other accolades. Chef P.K. offers innovative and intense tastes in some of his divine creations with selective vintage wines and creative martinis. 630 Maroli Indian Kerala Restaurant 630 Bloor St. W.; 416-483-5393 www.maroli.com The only Indian restaurant in the city which serves Indian Kerala cuisine. Malabar is a magical land located on the southwestern coast of India. Kerala/Malabari food is complex, distinctive and flavourful and unlike any other kind of cuisine to be found in India.It is also home to some of the finest foods to be had in the country.

INTERNATIONAL Annona 4 Avenue Rd.; 416-324-1567 www.parkhyatttoronto.com With its oversized windows overlooking fashionable Yorkville, Annona offers local, seasonal flavours and traditional favourites created by award-winning Executive Chef Joan Monfaredi. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and afternoon tea. AZURE Restaurant & Bar InterContinental Toronto Centre, 225 Front Street W.; 416-597-8142 www.azurerestaurant.ca Azure Restaurant & Bar creates a warm atmosphere with a delightful combination of visual elegance, delectable Canadian cuisine, fine wines and cocktails. Enjoy live jazz every Thurs. through Sat.

along with savoury burgers and daily rotisserie specials. Features a café, bi-level patio and billiards area. Brassaii 461 King St.; 416-598-4730 www.brassaii.com Nestled in a courtyard, just west of Spadina on King Street West, it draws together the elegance of a new-world bistro with the comfortable feel of a New York diner. Breakwater Restaurant The Waterside Inn Hotel, 15 Stavebank Rd. S., Mississauga; 905-891-6225, 1-877-264-7770 www.watersideinn.ca Guests are welcomed with tables set with sparkling silver, fine china and crisp linen—a perfect setting for superb cuisine. Each dish is an inspiration, a skillful blend of the finest ingredients, artistically presented and complemented by an extensive wine cellar. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Burrito Boyz 9 Stavebank Rd., Mississauga; 905-891-2699 www.burritoboyz.ca A small local eatery that offers gourmet Mexican burritos made to order, with fresh ingredients brought in and prepared daily. Burrito Boyz 575 College St.; 416-588-2699 www.burritoboyz.ca Gourmet Mexican burritos made with fresh quality ingredients brought in daily. Seating and patio available. Burrito Boyz 218 Adelaide St. W.; 647-439-4065 www.burritoboyz.ca Gourmet Mexican burritos made to order. Pre-order, take-out and catering. Open late night for clubgoers. Seating available.

Barney’s Joint 1199 Kennedy Rd.; 416-751-5551 www.barneysjoint.ca Good food, good music and good company! The atmosphere provides an upscale casual dining experience alongside billiards for your entertainment. At night, it transforms into a lounge & nightclub which will excite your senses.

Burrito Boyz Brampton 210 Queen St. E.; 905-454-2690 Mississauga 19 Dundas St. E.; 905-279-2699 Streetsville 17 Tannery St.; 905-567-2699 Toronto 3803 Lakeshore Blvd. W.; 416-251-2699 www.burritoboyz.ca Gourmet Mexican burritos made to order. Pre-order, take-out and catering. Fresh quality ingredients brought in daily.

Bloor Street Diner 55 Bloor St. W., Manulife Centre; 416-928-3105 www.bloorstreetdiner.com A blend of American diner and French brasserie, popularized by its fresh selection of salads and wraps,

Burrito Boyz 1197 The Queensway, Unit 3; 416-354-2699 www.burritoboyz.ca A small local eatery that offers gourmet Mexican burritos made to order, with fresh ingredients brought in and prepared daily.

Café Nicole Novotel Mississauga 3670 Hurontario St., Novotel Mississauga, Mississauga; 905-896-1000 www.novotel.com Cuisine with international influences carefully prepared by the chef. Buffet breakfasts. Table d’hôte and à la carte menus offered for lunch and dinner. A special children’s menu and room service are also offered. Chefs’ House, The 215 King St. E.; 416-415-2260 www.thechefshouse.com A unique dining experience! This restaurant serves as a real-time learning experience for culinary and hospitality students at George Brown College, and as a destination of choice for the dining public. Coffee Mill, The 99 Yorkville Ave.; 416-920-2108 www.coffeemillrestaurant.com Warm, cozy café in the heart of Yorkville. Continental cuisine served with European flair. Reasonably priced lunch and dinner specials. Music, Fri.– Sun. evenings. Large secluded patio. Opened 44 years ago. DeMaple Restaurant & Lounge 6257 Airport Rd., Four Points by Sheraton Toronto Airport, Mississauga; 905-678-1400, 1-800-565-5769 www.fourpoints.com/torontoairport Open daily from 6:30 a.m.–11 p.m. Enjoy the newly renovated environment, offering an uncomplicated, relaxing atmosphere. Taste the menu items by Chef Robert Davis. EPIC, at The Fairmont Royal York 100 Front St. W.; 416-860-6949, 1-800-441-1414 www.epicrestaurant.ca EPIC takes a reputation for innovation and quality and infuses it with premium ingredients from Ontario’s best growers. Each meal is presented in its fluid, contemporary environment. Fifth Grill Restaurant, The 225 Richmond Street W. 416-979-3000 www.thefifth.com The Fifth Social Club, a bar-nightclub with an upscale clientele remains a continual favourite after eight years. The Fifth Restaurant has been rated number one in Toronto. Great venues for private events. Fuzion Resto-Lounge & Garden 580 Church St.; 416-944-9888 www.fuzionexperience.com An urban oasis for dining, cocktails, corporate and private functions. Trend-setting food inspirations of Chef Sam Girgis perfectly match Fuzion’s eclectic dining experience.

Listings Restaurants

Great Cooks on Eight 401 Bay St., The Simpson Tower, 8th fl.; 416-861-4333 www.greatcooks.ca Vibrant lunchtime restaurant with breathtaking view overlooking Nathan Phillips Square. Leading culinary centre perfect for corporate cooking events and recreational cooking classes. Follow us on Twitter at www. twitter.com/greatcookson8. Kultura Social Dining 169 King St. E.; 416-363-9000 www.kulturarestaurant.com Cuisine without borders. Combining classic techniques with the freshest seasonal ingredients, it offers unique trans-ethnic dishes from its crosscultural kitchen, brought to the table gradually so guests can share each one. La Brasserie 33 Carlson Ct., Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport; 416-675-1234 www.crowneplaza.com Open daily from 6:30 a.m.–11 p.m. A varied international menu including full buffet breakfasts. Lunch features a scrumptious pasta bar and dinner special or an evening buffet sure to please all palates. Sun. brunch, 11 a.m–2 p.m. Lone Star Texas Grill 200 Front St. W.; 416-408-4064 www.lonestartexasgrill.com Mesquite-grilled, fajitas, steaks and Texas barbecue. Frozen and traditional margaritas. Minutes to the Rogers Centre and across the street from the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Lunch, dinner daily. Mildred’s Temple Kitchen 85 Hanna Ave., Ste. 104; 416-588-5695 www.templekitchen.com Mildred’s Temple Kitchen is dedicated to providing warmth, great service and a unique culinary experience. Worship flavour at our Temple in the heart of Liberty Village. Mizzen, The 1 Harbour Sq., Westin Harbour Castle; 416-361-7454 www.westin.com/harbourcastle Offers exquisite à la carte dishes and a buffet to satisfy the most discriminating of palates. Nota Bene Restaurant 180 Queen St. W.; 416-977-6400 www.notabenerestaurant.com Nota Bene was named Canada’s best new restaurant by Toronto Life and Air Canada’s enRoute magazine and was voted one of Canada’s top ten new restaurants by WHERE magazine. Prime Steakhouse 18 St. Thomas St.; 416-971-9666, 1-877-999-2767 www.windsorarmshotel.com Located at the Windsor Arms Hotel. Serving top-quality Canadian meat, seafood, poultry, veal, lamb and a daily selection of vegetarian choices. Open 7 days a week.

Quest Restaurant & Bar 6750 Mississauga Rd., Delta Meadowvale Resort & Conference Centre, Mississauga; 905-542-4039,1-800-422-8238 deltameadowvale.com/dining Newly opened Quest Restaurant & Bar at the Delta Meadowvale will be the dining destination in the City of Mississauga. The executive chef has prepared a new menu with a global cuisine focus. Great flavours and warm attentive service await your dining experience. Rectory Café, The 102 Lakeshore Ave., Wards Island, Toronto Island; 416-203-2152 www.rectorycafe.com A cozy and unique Toronto experience. A short 10-minute ferry ride to historic Ward’s Island community and park. Fully licensed restaurant and art gallery offer privacy, romance and unparalleled views. Rosewater 19 Toronto St.; 416-214-5888 www.rosewaterroom.com Minutes from Toronto’s Financial and Entertainment districts, The Rosewater offers a fresh and unique dining experience. This historic building lends an air of casual decadence while dining on modern classics. Sassafraz Restaurant 100 Cumberland St.; 416-964-2222 www.sassafraz.ca Providing an elegant atmosphere ideal for individual, corporate or social gatherings. For a unique dining experience, inquire about its private balcony overlooking the indoor garden with waterfall and 20-ft. vertical garden. Savana Restaurant and Lounge 5825 Dixie Rd., Best Western Toronto Airport West, Mississauga 905-670-8180 www.savanarestaurant.com Eclectic, casual, family-friendly menu. Patio, atrium lounge and dining room. Open daily, 6 a.m.–11 p.m. Groups up to 150 are welcome.

flavours, the hearty menu includes locally cultivated fruits and vegetables, all prepared with a modern twist and served in impeccable style. Tabule Restaurant 2009 Yonge St.; 416-483-3747 www.tabule.ca Located in the heart of midtown Toronto, Tabule is known as one of the finest Middle Eastern eateries. The chef’s interpretation of traditional dishes has created a menu that will delight your senses. A warm interior, and professional staff contribute to a truly unforgettable dining experience. Ultra 314 Queen St. W.; 416-263-0330 www.ultratoronto.com An unequalled urban oasis, striking the perfect balance of the dining and nightclub frivolities. A sophisticated fusion of cuisine, worldly wines and cocktails backed by a hip soundtrack and an ambience of cool comfort. Zachary’s Lounge 950 Dixon Rd., The Westin Bristol Place - Toronto Airport; 416-675-9444, 1-800-937-8461 www.starwoodhotels.com Relax in Zachary’s Lounge offering casual sophistication and continental cuisine. Open 11 a.m–1:00 a.m. Zachary’s private dining room offering formal dining is available by reservations only for groups of 9 to 90 people.

ITALIAN Alfredo’s 655 Dixon Rd., Doubletree by Hilton Toronto Airport; 416-246-7904, 1-800-668-3656 www.torontoairport.doubletreebyhilton.com An upscale dining service with intimate setting and award-winning service. Enjoy exceptional Northern Italian and continental cuisine in Alfredo’s, a distinguished Toronto dining experience. Open for dinner. Mon.–Sat., 5:30 p.m.–10 p.m.

Spice Route Asian Bistro & Bar 499 King St. W.; 416-849-1808 www.spiceroute.ca The experience at Spice Route is sheer bliss. The design is relaxing and indulging; the mixture of eclectic Asian decor, mesmerizing music and distinctive cuisine is the soul of this spot.

Alice Fazooli’s! - Mississauga 209 Rathburn Rd. W., Mississauga; 905-281-1721 www.alicefazoolis.com Offering a variety of wines from around the world and perfect cocktails paired with food that is bold and fresh. The atmosphere is relaxing and comfortable and the service is genuine.

Stock Restaurant Trump International Hotel & Tower® 325 Bay St., 31st fl.; 416-637-5550 www.stockrestaurant.com Rising above Toronto on the 31st floor of Trump International Hotel & Tower®, Chef Todd Clarmo brings international flair to Stock’s steak and seafood. Using European techniques and global

Archeo Trattoria 55 Mill St.; 416-815-9898 www.archeo.ca Intimate contemporary pizza and pasta house. Prices are exceptionally reasonable and the service is casual and friendly. The Archeo Trattoria’s cozy patio is one of the best getaway spots in the city. Events up to 150 persons.

Biagio Ristorante 155 King St. E.; 416-366-4040 www.biagioristorante.com Fine Italian cuisine served in a bright and elegant atmosphere with a variety of great wines. Located in historic St. Lawrence Hall, in the market district, near the downtown core. Lunch, Mon.–Fri.; dinner, Mon.–Sat. Boston Pizza Front & John 250 Front St. W.; 416-593-8555 www.bostonpizza.com Boston Pizza at Front and John offers a high-tech sports bar and a casual dining setting serving gourmet pizzas, pastas and a wide variety of appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts. Coco Lezzone 602 College St.; 416-535-1489 www.cocolezzone.com Experience Mediterranean culture and style in the heart of Little Italy. It offers a menu bountiful and full of flavour, an exotic martini list, and provides excellent and friendly service. Enzo’s Two Guys from Italy 128 Queen St. S., Mississauga; 905-826-5100 enzostwoguysfromitaly.com Casual, family-owned and operated restaurant and bar for 25 years, situated in the heart of Streetsville. It offers a wide selection of fresh Italian food, including homemade pizza. Hot House Café Market Square 35 Church St.; 416-366-7800 www.hothousecafe.com Extensive menu features pastas, gourmet pizza, steaks, salads and vegetarian dishes. Eclectic wine list, martinis and Scotches. Lunch and dinner daily. Dinner buffet Wed. Award-winning Sun. brunch with live jazz. Il Fornello King Street 214 King St. W.; 416-977-2855 www.ilfornello.com Located in the Entertainment District, the Zagat-rated “Top 10 in Toronto” restaurant is steps away from Roy Thomson Hall and the Royal Alexandra and Princess of Wales theatres. Joe Badali’s Ristorante Italiano & Bar 156 Front St. W.; 416-977-3064 www.joebadalis.com Located across from the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in the Entertainment District. Serving fresh pasta, fresh sauces, plus pizza, steak, chicken, fresh fish and more. Large patio. Lunch, dinner daily. Great for parties and events. TORONTO 2012 | 107

Listings restaurants

Kit Kat Italian Bar & Grill 297 King St. W.; 416-977-4461 www.kitkattoronto.com Warm, fun southern Italian cooking and hospitality. Antipasti, pasta, steak, seafood and many moderately priced wines. Lunch, Mon.–Fri.; dinner daily. Casual. Street-type patio, international and local celebrity hangout. La Fenice Ristorante 319 King St. W.; 416-585-2377 www.lafenice.ca Pure, classic Italian flavours. Its specialty is Mediterranean-style grilled fresh fish dressed with extra-virgin olive oil. Lunch, Mon.-Fri.; dinner, Mon.-Sat. Smart casual. L’unita 134 Avenue Rd.; 416-964-8686 www.lunita.ca  Located in Upper Yorkville, L’unita offers an intimate, convivial dining setting featuring seasonal “new Italian” fare with an extensive regional and local wine list. Malena 120 Avenue Rd.; 416-964-0606 www.malena120.ca Located in Upper Yorkville, Malena features the Italian farmhouse cuisine of the Ionian Sea with an intimate bar, wine cellar and private dining room. Old Spaghetti Factory 54 The Esplanade; 416-864-9761 www.oldspaghettifactory.net A family favourite. Much in the food and whimsical decor to amuse the kids. Specializing in pastas, chicken and steaks. Children’s menu available. Walking distance to downtown attractions. Lunch, dinner daily. ORO Restaurant & Private Dining 45 Elm St.; 416-597-0155 www.ororestaurant.com Daring cuisine is complemented by an award-winning wine list and refined service in a most elegant yet welcoming environment. Offering three private rooms for dinners and cocktail receptions. Lunch, Mon.–Fri.; dinner, Mon.–Sat. Papa Giuseppe’s 26 Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga; 905-990-5009 www.papagiuseppes.com Located in the heart of Port Credit. Cozy atmosphere with an open kitchen concept offering a variety of pizza, pasta, fresh sandwiches and great wine. Outdoor patio; public parking; take-out available. Sotto Sotto Ristorante 116A Avenue Rd., Lower Level; 416-962-0011 www.sottosotto.ca Immerse yourself in the romance of Italy with the charm of an intimate dining room bathed in pools of candlelight. Authentic regional dishes make Sotto Sotto a true dining oasis. 108 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

Spuntini Ristorante & Bar 116 Avenue Rd.; 416-962-1110 www.spuntini.ca Located close to Yorkville, Spuntini boasts an intimate dining atmosphere with a menu that features homemade pasta, fresh seafood, a friendly staff and a patio perfect for people-watching. Thyme Ristorante 347 Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga; 905-271-8871 www.thymeristorante.com Voted best Italian restaurant in Mississauga. Great tasting, freshly prepared gourmet food. Specializing in pasta, gourmet pizzas, risotto, chicken, veal and seafood. Vertical 100 King St. W., First Canadian Place; 416-214-2252 www.verticalrestaurant.ca Conveniently located at King and Bay streets, this upscale southern Italyinspired restaurant will amaze you with its simplicity and freshness and passion for exquisite dining. Superb wines are also available.

Japanese Akashiro 260 Yonge Street, Toronto Eaton Centre, 416-596-9900 www.akashiro.ca Akashiro is a new urban eatery located within the Toronto Eaton Centre on the concourse level, providing customers with a wide range of healthy sushi cuisine. Benihana Japanese Steakhouse, at The Fairmont Royal York 100 Front St. W., The Fairmont Royal York Hotel; 416-860-5002, 1-800-441-1414 www.fairmont.com/royalyork Enjoy the excitement of teppanyaki cooking right at your table with Benihana’s highly skilled and trained chefs. Winner of WHERE magazine’s “Most Memorable Meal” award for two consecutive years.

and Ontario’s most extensive list of premium sake. Private dining options and valet available. Sagano Japanese Restaurant 2035 Kennedy Rd., at the Delta Toronto East www.sagano.ca Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at its finest in an intimate and elegant setting. Escape the ordinary, dine with style and admire a panoramic view while enjoying our fine Japanese cuisine.

LOUNGES & BARS Academy of Spherical Arts, The 1 Snooker St.; 416-532-2782 www.sphericalarts.com Comfortable club setting offering a relaxed turn-of-the-century ambiance. A casually elegant menu is enhanced by an acclaimed selection of wines, beers and spirits. Lunch, dinner and special events. Roc ‘n’ Doc’s 105 Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga; 905-891-1754 www.rocndocs.ca Roc ‘n Doc’s live music grill & rooftop patio—Port Credit’s only rooftop patio. The area’s best live music 7 days a week. All new look, all new menu. Suits Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto® 325 Bay St. www.trumptorontohotel.com Cherry blossom-infused vodka and unique spirits are the basis for a robust martini menu and exceptional mixeddrink offerings. Master Sommelier John Szabo has selected rare bottles for discriminating guests who enjoy a classic, sophisticated bar.

MEDITERRANEAN

Blowfish Restaurant & Sake Bar 668 King St. W.; 416-860-0606 www.blowfishrestaurant.com Located in Toronto’s stylish King West District. It features a brilliant combination of innovative gourmet sushi complemented by a menu of hot and cold plates for sharing.

La Pergola Ristorante 45 Coventry Rd., Brampton; 905-494-5403, 1-877-453-9300 ext. 5318 www.montecarloinns.com/ lapergola.html From the traditional Italian Alla Campagnola to the Asian-inspired spicy masala, this eclectic menu will stimulate your taste buds like never before. Bursting with the warmth and hospitality of Italy and making your culinary experience a memorable occasion.

Ki Modern Japanese + Bar 181 Bay St., Brookfield Place; 416-308-5888 www.kijapanese.com Combining the essence of traditional Japanese cuisine with the latest modern influences, Ki is designed to inspire indulgence. Featuring innovative creations from the sushi bar, delicious hot plates

Sultan’s Tent & Café Moroc, The 49 Front St. E.; 416-961-0601 www.thesultanstent.com Experience a four-course French Moroccan Sultan’s feast while dining on plush divans under shimmering lantern-lit tents, sipping cocktails and mint tea, admiring the charms of the belly dancers.

NIGHTLIFE Barney’s Joint 1199 Kennedy Rd.; 416-751-5551 www.barneysjoint.ca Barney’s Joint offers an upscale casual dining experience and billiards for your entertainment. At night, it transforms into a lounge and nightclub. C Lounge 456 Wellington St. W.; 416-260-9393 www.clounge.ca Toronto’s first spa-inspired lounge featuring a 2,500-sq.-ft. patio surrounded by private VIP cabanas and a feature pool. Soft ambient music and sexy candlelight will set the relaxed mood outdoors. Courthouse 57 Adelaide St. E.; 416-214-9379 www.liveatcourthouse.com Wrapped in the mystique of a bygone era with soaring 25-ft. ceilings, authentic fireplaces, and exclusive mezzanine level, the Courthouse transforms every Sat. night into Toronto’s hottest dance party. Crocodile Rock 240 Adelaide St. W.; 416-599-9751 www.crocrock.ca Great for an after-work party or late-night dancing. A nightly DJ spins retro, classic rock and dance music. Toronto’s most popular and famous party bar, restaurant and nightclub. Drake Hotel 1150 Queen St. W.; 416-531-5042, 1-866-372-5386 www.thedrakehotel.ca With nightly live entertainment and innovative art salons, the Drake has come to be known as an energetic hub for visual and performance art, dining and hospitality and Toronto’s cultural, entertainment and culinary landmark. Fifth Social Club, The 225 Richmond St. W.; 416-979-3000 www.thefifth.com The Fifth Social Club, a bar-nightclub with an upscale clientele, remains a continual favourite after nine years. The Fifth restaurant has been twicerated number one in Toronto. Great venues for private events. Gladstone Hotel 1214 Queen St. W.; 416-531-4635 www.gladstonehotel.com Touted as one of the top-ten bars in the world (Condé Naste Traveler, May 2007), the Gladstone’s Melody Bar has been rockin’ the hood since 1889. Lively crowds enjoy local bands, celebrity DJs and legendary karaoke. Locus 144 Liberty Village, 144–171 East Liberty St.; 416-583-2131 www.locus144.com Locus? A locality. A place. The scene of

Listings Restaurants

any event or action (especially the place of a meeting). A centre or focus of great activity or intense concentration. See what our chef has in store for your tapas dining experience. Lula Lounge 1585 Dundas St. W.; 416-588-0307 www.lula.ca Toronto’s home to live Cuban, Brazilian and world music, Lula is also a fully-equipped event venue, boasting a fabulous tropical menu and private meeting/party room. Dinner and dancing packages available every weekend. Muzik 15 Saskatchewan Rd., Exhibition Place; 416-595-9998 www.muzikclubs.com Providing guests with an unprecedented degree of luxury and service; from the sumptuous design and private VIP lounges to specially trained staff and attentive hostesses. Located on the grounds of Exhibition Place. Phoenix Concert Theatre 410 Sherbourne St.; 416-323-1251 www.phoenixconcerttheatre.com The Phoenix Concert Theatre is Toronto’s premier concert facility. This 18,000 sq. ft. space encompasses 3 different environments and is fully equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology. Polson Pier Entertainment Inc 11 Polson St.; 416-649-7437 www.sound-academy.com Featuring indoor/outdoor venues and the largest waterfront patio in North America. Activities include pool, beach volleyball, soccer, driving range, billiards, drive-in, team building and more. Spectacular lakeside dining and world-class nightclub. Turf Lounge 330 Bay St.; 416-367-2111 www.turflounge.com Offering the finest in cuisine, sophisticated surroundings, unparalleled service and the dynamic excitement of horse racing and wagering, Turf Lounge is downtown Toronto’s most unique five-star dining experience.

Photo: Doug Brown/Tourism Toronto

PUBS Alder & the Sparrow 2180 Islington Ave.; 416-240-9944 www.choicehotels.ca/cn310 This quaint restaurant and lounge is attached to the Quality Suites Hotel and provides traditional fare. Function rooms are available for up to 50 guests along with packaged menus. Brazen Head Irish Pub 165 East Liberty St.; 416-535-8787, 1-888-743-8368 www.brazenhead.ca An authentic Irish pub located in

trendy Liberty Village offering great food, private rooms and three fabulous patios overlooking the Toronto skyline. Bookings available for groups of 15 to 450. Brogue Inn, The 136 Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga; 905-278-8444 www.thebrogueinn.com Enjoy nightly showcases of the many tastes of Ireland. Stop for a drink in The Snug, lunch in the bar or have an elegant dinner in the dining room. Experience the legendary Irish family hospitality. Cuchulainn’s Irish Pub 158 Queen St. S., Streetsville; 905-821-3790 www.cuchulainns.ca Offering great food, rare Irish and Scottish whiskys and a selection of draughts and wine, Cuchulainn’s is a great place. Live music every Thurs.– Sat. night. Make your day an Irish one. Duke of Devon 66 Wellington St. W., TD Tower/ Toronto Dominion Centre; 416-642-3853 www.thedukepubs.ca Five min. from the Air Canada Centre.

Come in before or after the game for premium service, a refreshing pint and excellent pub fare, or stay and watch the game. Duke of Kent 2315 Yonge St.; 416-485-9507 www.thedukepubs.ca Located on Yonge Street, just north of Eglinton, take a step back in time to a truly authentic British pub. Offering excellent food, friendly service and great fun. Duke of Richmond 20 Queen St. W., Toronto Eaton Centre; 416-340-7887 www.thedukepubs.ca The cornerstone of the world-famous Toronto Eaton Centre, offering great food, fine draught beer and wine, and warm friendly service; an ideal place for shoppers and theatre patrons alike. Duke of Somerset 655 Bay St.; 416-640-0921 www.thedukepubs.ca An enjoyable atmosphere, welcoming hospitality and, of course, great food, the Duke of Somerset offers a variety

of beverages from fresh draught to terrific wines and specialty cocktails. Duke of Westminster First Canadian Place, 77 Adelaide St. W.; 416-368-2761 www.thedukepubs.ca The place to meet in Toronto’s Financial District. Located in First Canadian Place, this British-style pub is near the Air Canada Centre, Rogers Centre, and three of Toronto’s premier theatres. Duke of York 39 Prince Arthur Ave.; 416-964-2441 www.thedukepubs.ca Three floors of beautifully hand-crafted interiors, warm friendly service, and a track record of more than 25 years add up to Toronto’s premium pub experience. Families welcome. Fionn MacCool’s 310 Front Street W.; 416-340-1917 frontstreet.fionnmaccools.com Fionn MacCool’s is known for its craic, the unique combination of great food, good cheer and fun times. Enjoy authentic, freshly prepared Irish TORONTO 2012 | 109

Listings restaurants

favourites and a selection of appetizers and entrees that leave typical pub food behind. Grace O’Malley’s Irish Pub & Restaurant 14 Duncan St.; 416-596-1444 www.gracies.ca “Toronto’s Maritime Headquarters.” Whether enjoying scrumptious meals— it has a top-notch menu—or partaking in “sociables” with the best East Coast bands. It’s the best craic in town. Irish Embassy Pub and Grill 49 Yonge St.; 416-866-8282 www.irishembassypub.com Voted Toronto’s best pub and grill. Close to major attractions. Excellent food, lunch, dinner, snacks. Awardwinning weekend brunch, 11 a.m.– 3 p.m. All games shown on 50” plasmas. Sixteen draught beers. Open daily until 2 a.m. Keating Channel Pub & Grill, The 2 Villiers St.; 416-572-0030 www.keatingchannelpub.com Great food and good fun! Featuring an extensive lunch and dinner menu, 18 beers on tap, pool table, darts, giant screen Sony HD TV’s and a huge

waterfront patio with an awesome view of Toronto’s skyline. Madison Avenue Pub 14 Madison Ave.; 416-927-1722 www.madisonavenuepub.com Located in three Victorian mansions, six floors of British-style pubs with live music on weekends. In the Annex, near U of T. Lunch, dinner daily, weekend brunch. Mill Street Brew Pub Distillery District, 55 Mill St., Building 63; 416-681-0338, 1-888-743-8368 www.millstreetbrewpub.ca Located in the historic Distillery District, the Brew Pub features an open-concept brewery, sampling bar, retail store and full-service restaurant and event space. Bookings are available for groups of 15 to 200. P.J. O’Brien 39 Colborne St.; 416-815-7562 www.pjobrien.com Close to major attractions, an authentic Irish pub that offers traditional Irish hospitality, a premium selection of beer, wine and whiskys. Live music Fri. and Sat. nights. Lunch/ dinner, Mon.–Sat. until 12 a.m.

Watermark Irish Pub and Restaurant, The 207 Queen’s Quay W.; 416-214-2772 www.watermarkirishpub.ca Bringing the luck and charm of the Irish to the Harbourfront district. Located in the Queen’s Quay Terminal, Watermark features a panoramic view of Toronto’s harbourfront, seating for 240 inside the pub and patio space for up to 220.

SEAFOOD Fisherman’s Wharf of San Francisco 69 Richmond St. W.; 416-364-1344 www.fishermanswharf-toronto.com Located in the heart of downtown. Voted “Most Memorable Meal Award” from 2007 to 2010. Boasting its signature Seafood Platter. Count on outstanding service and exquisite dining experience. Lunch, dinner daily. Private rooms available. Lucy’s Seafood Kitchen 6905 Millcreek Dr., Unit 8, Mississauga; 905-567-8950 www.lucysseafoodkitchen.com Voted Mississauga’s Favourite Seafood Restaurant 12 years in a row. Casual New England-style atmosphere with a wide variety of fresh fish delivered daily, pasta, Angus steaks and unique appetizers. Oyster

bar, happy hour menu daily, live entertainment Friday nights. Pier 4 Storehouse Restaurant 245 Queen’s Quay W.; 416-203-1440 www.pier4rest.com A casual hideaway on the downtown waterfront. Enjoy live lobster, fresh fish, steaks and pastas on the patio. Lighter fare available in Wallymagoos Marinebar. Lunch, dinner daily. Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill 55 Mill St., Bldg. 62; 416-361-5859 www.purespirits.ca Most celebrated fresh fish and seafood restaurant in the city. Provides a spectacular setting for dining or after-work drinks.

SPANISH Embrujo Flamenco Tapas Bar 97 Danforth Ave.; 416-778-0007 www.embrujoflamenco.com Toronto’s only authentic Spanish tapas bar/restaurant. Embrujo Flamenco focuses on the regional cuisine of Spain, together with live flamenco shows and a wine list exclusive to Spanish wines.

SPORTS & BILLIARDS Crooked Cue, The 75 Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga; 905-271-7665 www.crookedcue.ca More than 10,000 sq. ft. of casual dining, billiards and special-event facilities. Featured on CBC and TSN, it has been voted Mississauga’s best pool hall for 10 years running. Real Sports Bar & Grill 15 York St., Maple Leaf Square; 416-815-7325 www.realsports.ca It’s game time in Toronto at Canada’s largest sports bar and restaurant. With a 39-foot HD television screen, 112 beers on tap and an upscale menu. Located adjacent to the Air Canada Centre and part of Maple Leaf Square. 25,000 square feet of pure sports lovers’ fun.

www.bardis.com

56 York St toronto, ontario JuSt north of front St. tel: 416.366.9211

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STEAK HOUSES Bardi’s Steak House 56 York St.; 416-366-9211 www.bardis.com Small, intimate, owner-operated steak house established in 1966. Winner of Wine Spectator magazine’s Award of Excellence. Lunch, Mon.–Fri.; dinner, Mon.–Sat. (Sun. seasonally). Private dining room for 14 guests.

Listings RESTAURANTS

Canyon Creek Chop House 156 Front St. W.; 416-596-2240 www.canyoncreekchophouse.com Exceptional service in a casual, yet elegant atmosphere for lunch, dinner or late-night dining. Specializing in signature steaks, chops and fresh seafood. Classic cocktails and more than 30 wines by the glass. Fred’s Not Here 321 King St. W.; 416-971-9155 www.fredsnothere.com A cozy bistro located within the Toronto Entertainment District. Daily fresh seafood and prime steaks. Minutes away from major hotels, theatres and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Keg Steakhouse & Bar, The 165 York St.; 416-703-1773 www.kegsteakhouse.com Specialties include the finest cuts of steak, mouth-watering prime rib, delicious seafood and decadent desserts. Contemporary atmosphere with warm and friendly service. Morton’s, The Steakhouse 4 Avenue Rd.; 416-925-0648 www.mortons.com The signature menu features perfectly grilled prime-aged beef, fresh fish and seafood, and delectable entrees accented by à la carte selections. Open for dinner nightly. Reservations recommended.

seafood and most tender steaks in town. For large party inquiries, please contact toronto@theshoreclub.ca. Tom Jones Steak House 17 Leader Ln.; 416-366-6583, 1-800-263-1671 www.tomjonessteakhouse.com One of the city’s oldest steak houses; located in the Financial/Theatre districts. Intimate and elegant. USDA prime steaks, fresh fish and award-winning wine list. Piano bar upstairs. Lunch, Mon.–Fri. Dinner daily. Smart casual.

THAI Bangkok Garden 18 Elm St.; 416-977-6748 www.bangkokgarden.ca Acclaimed as one of North America’s premiere Thai restaurants. The food is authentic, based on centuries of Thai culinary tradition. Open Mon.– Sat. for dinner, Mon.–Fri. for lunch. Reservations recommended. Spring Rolls 85 Front St. E.; 416-365-3649 www.springrolls.ca A unique pan-Asian dining experience that offers sophisticated style, high quality and value prices. Its extensive

and creative menu provides a culinary tour with a distinct contemporary flair.

WINE BAR Ciao Wine Bar 133 Yorkville Ave.; 416-925-2143 www.ciaowinebar.com Ciao Wine Bar offers a truly authentic Italian experience in a contemporary yet soulful environment in Toronto’s Yorkville District. Indulge in traditional Italian fare in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Crush Wine Bar 455 King St. W.; 416-977-1234 www.crushwinebar.com Celebrated wine bar with extensive offerings by the glass complemented by modern cuisine with an emphasis on local produce and organics. Spacious restaurant and modern bar feels like a cross between a loft and a brasserie. Private rooms available. Lunch, Mon.–Fri.; Dinner, Mon.–Sat. Screen Lounge 20 College St., 2nd floor 647-351-2040 www.screenlounge.ca A gorgeous upscale lounge in the heart of Toronto. 120-seat rooftop patio with retractable roof and 120seat main floor lounge. Open for lunch

and dinner. Wide-ranging menu from sushi to lobster and steak. Classic cocktails, premium martinis and bottle service menu. Available for private bookings and events. Ten Restaurant & Wine Bar 139 Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga; 905-271-0016 www.hiprestaurants.com/ten/ index.html One of Port Credit’s best hot spots! The distinctive decor, opulent atmosphere and meticulous service of Ten Restaurant is sure to wow you. Located at Lakeshore and Hurontario. Wine Bar 9 Church St.; 416-504-9463 www.9church.com Wine Bar supports a healthy, ethical, sustainable, local food culture.

RESTAURANTS & SERVICES Mississauga Dines 416-566-3463 www.mississaugadines.com Mississauga’s best online restaurant directory. Find the best restaurants in your area, make reservations online, read and write reviews, view pictures, menus, websites and so much more.

Quinn’s Irish Steakhouse & Bar 96 Richmond St. W., Sheraton Centre; 416-367-8466 www.quinnssteakhouse.com Located in the Sheraton Centre, Quinn’s Steakhouse & Irish Bar is a casual, mid-priced restaurant featuring excellent steaks, seafood and pasta, extensive wine and whisky lists. Private rooms available. Large groups accommodated. Bar open late. Ruth’s Chris Steak House 145 Richmond St. W., Toronto Hilton Hotel; 416-955-1455 www.ruthschris.ca Specializing in aged, corn-fed USDA prime beef that is served fresh. Large portions, from eight to 24 ounces. Fresh seafood available. Dinner daily. Smart casual. The Shore Club 155 Wellington St. W. 416-351-3311 www.theshoreclub.ca Located in Toronto’s Theatre District, The Shore Club sets out to define your evening, complimenting the ethereal elegance and luxury of the restaurant and cocktail lounge with a decadent menu focused on classic surf and turf fare, only serving the freshest fish, TORONTO 2012 | 111

Listings RETAIL/SHOPPING

RETAIL / SHOPPING ANTIQUES Toronto Antiques on King and The Cynthia Findlay Collection 284 King St. W.; 416-345-9941 www.torontoantiquesonking.com Located in the Theatre District, Toronto Antiques features 6,000 sq. ft. of antique finds and vintage living, offering a diverse selection of vintage and estate jewellery, porcelain, silver, curios, antique maps, art glass and more.

APPAREL/ ACCESSORIES

Freda’s 86 Bathurst St. 416-703-0304, 1-888-373-3271 www.fredas.com Freda’s is an award-winning Canadian fashion designer whose collections are made with fine European fabrics and special attention to detail. GOTSTYLE The Menswear Store 60 Bathurst St.; 416-260-9696 www.gsmen.com GOTSTYLE offers a selection of clothing, sportswear, shoes, accessories, grooming products and 112 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

Photo: Tourism Toronto

Banana Republic Toronto Eaton Centre 218 Yonge St., Level 3; 416-355-2321 www.bananarepublic.ca Banana Republic Toronto Eaton Centre Women offers an assortment of women’s apparel including occasion wear, modern classics and weekend wear rooted in city style.

Listings retail/shopping

more. Choose from classic styles to trendy designer brands, and visit Toronto’s only in-store barbershop and spa for men. Harry Rosen Inc. 82 Bloor St. W. 416-972-0556; 1-800-917-6736 www.harryrosen.com Harry Rosen offers extensive collections of top labels including Tom Ford, Brunello Cucinelli, Armani Collezioni, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Etro, Hugo Boss, Versace, Prada and more. Visit the website to shop online. Jeanne Lottie Fashion Inc. 32 Scollard St.; 416-968-2299 www.jeannelottie.com Featuring handbags by Canadian designer Jane Ip, Jeanne Lottie Fashion is the coolest handbag shop in Toronto (as chosen by Toronto Life magazine). Now offering unique accessories, jewellery, special ocassion and bridal wear. Just White Shirts Scotia Plaza, Concourse Level; 40 King St. W.; 416-364-8551, 800-221-8595 www.justwhiteshirts.com Just White Shirts features fine fabrics and meticulous single-needle tailoring. Buttonholes are stitched 144 times to ensure non-ravel wear, and collars are designed with removable stays and the finest linings.

clothing, jewellery, shoes, purses and accessories. Stock is added daily; 50 to 75% off sales year-round. Via Cavour 87 Avenue Rd.; 416-925-1866 www.viacavour.ca Matchless service. Impeccable brands. A European sense of style and panache. The very best in fashion in an environment reminiscent of an exclusive gentlemen’s club. Not for everyone. Distinctly for you.

ART GALLERIES Beaux-Arts Brampton 70–74 Main St. N., Brampton 905-454-5677 www.beaux-artsbrampton.com Art exhibits change regularly in two galleries featuring contemporary work of local and distant artists. Open studios, membership and art classes are available to the public. Admission is free. Mayberry Fine Art 110 Yorkville Ave. 416-923-9275, 1-877-871-9261 www.mayberryfineart.com Located in Yorkville, Mayberry Fine Art are dealers in historical and contemporary Canadian works of art. For over 38 years, Mayberry has helped clients build significant and valuable collections of art.

River Coyote Gallery 53 Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga 905-278-3337 www.rivercoyote.ca Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this award-winning gallery features original art by leading and emerging Canadian and international artists. Worldwide shipping, custom framing, office and home consultations are available. Only 20 min. west of downtown Toronto. Thompson Landry Gallery The Distillery District 55 Mill St., Bldg. 5, Unit 102 416-364-4955 www.thompsonlandry.com Offering a focus on contemporary artists from Quebec, this gallery is housed in a 2,700-sq.-ft. space with 14-ft. limestone walls. The feel of Old Quebec City in downtown Toronto.

BOOKS, MUSIC & GIFTS Blue Banana Market 250 Augusta Ave.; 416-594-6600 www.bluebananamarket.com Blue Banana features one-of-a-kind gifts from around the world and an in-store coffee shop.

DEPARTMENT STORES Bay, Bloor Street, The 44 Bloor St. E.; 416-972-3333 www.thebay.com

The Bay at Yonge & Bloor flagship store offers an enhanced selection of designer brands, services and exciting special events. Honest Ed’s Bargain Shopping Centre 581 Bloor St. W.; 416-537-1574 www.honesteds.sites.toronto.com Under the famous bright marquees, Honest Ed’s is a bargain centre with 160,000 sq. ft. of unique and entertaining shopping. Open daily.

FACTORY OUTLETS Canada One Factory Outlets 7500 Lundy’s Ln., Niagara Falls 905-356-8989, 1-866-284-5781 www.canadaoneoutlets.com Featuring 40 brand-name outlets, including Coach, Nike, Sony, Levi’s Outlet, Surplus Diesel, Esprit, Stokes, Carter’s OshKosh, Guess, Adidas, The Body Shop, Tommy Hilfiger, Salomon and Roots. Open every day except Dec. 25. Cookstown Outlet Mall RR#1, 3311 Simcoe Rd. 8 9, Cookstown; 705-458-1371 www.cookstownoutletmall.ca Coach Factory, Tommy Hilfiger, BCBG MaxAzria, Danier, Aldo, Royal Doulton and Nine West are just some of the brand-name outlets you’ll discover at Cookstown Outlet Mall. Located just 40 minutes north of Toronto.

Ladner’s Clothiers 220 Queen St. S., Streetsville 905-826-2344 www.ladnersclothiers.com A full-service menswear store located in Streetsville. Since 1959, Ladner’s has been servicing men’s clothing needs with collections that reflect careful attention to quality and value. Expect the best at Ladner’s. Marilyn’s/Home of the Wardrobe Doctor 200 Spadina Ave., Fashion District 416-504-6777 www.marilyns.ca Marilyn’s offers ladies Canadian designer clothing, in sizes 2 to 24, at 20 to 80& off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. Includes individual wardrobe image consulting and group seminars by appointment. Quiksilver 339 Queen St. W. 416-205-0000, 1-800-576-4004 www.quiksilver.com Quiksilver apparel and footwear brands represent a casual lifestyle for young-minded people that connect with its board-riding culture and heritage. Twice is Nice 235 Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga 905-274-5569 www.twiceisniceresale.ca Twice is Nice is a ladies consignment store selling nearly new, brand-name TORONTO 2012 | 113

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Dixie Outlet Mall 1250 South Service Rd., Mississauga, 905-278-3494 www.dixieoutletmall.com Offering more than 135 stores and services including Aeropostale, Jacob Outlet, Nine West Shoe Studio, Guess, La Vie en Rose, Naturalizer Outlet, Costa Blanca Outlet, Aldo, and more.

FLEA MARKETS Merchants’ Flea Market Inc. 1921 Eglinton Ave. E.; 416-757-5698 www.merchantsfleamarket.com Indoor market with 250 vendors; free admission. Open Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Front section, with more than 40 vendors, is open Wed. to Sun. Includes a large jewellery exchange.

SHOPPING CENTRES Bramalea City Centre 25 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton 905-595-4760 www.bramaleacitycentre.com The dominant regional shopping centre in Brampton. This 1.4 millionsq.-ft. enclosed two-level centre has undergone a complete interior renovation, and offers a mix of over 360 stores and services, including Sears, the Bay, Zellers, Metro, Best Buy and Price Chopper.

JEWELLERY

Brookfield Place 181 Bay St.; 416-777-6480 www.brookfieldplace newsandevents.com Embrace modern urban commerce and culture in the Allen Lambert Galleria, which is home to a mix of shopping, dining options and upscale amenities. Access to Union Station via the PATH.

Von Besser Jewellery 294 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga 905-990-4653 (GOLD) www.vonbesser.com A unique boutique featuring handcrafted pieces made from precious and semi-precious stones, gold, silver and platinum. Shop online.

Hazelton Lanes Shopping Centre 87 Avenue Rd.; 416-968-8680 www.hazeltonlanes.com Hazelton Lanes is a luxury shopping destination located in the heart of Yorkville with more than 60 unique fashion, lifestyle and service boutiques, spanning more than 200,000-sq.-ft..

Queen’s Quay Terminal 207 Queen’s Quay W., 416-203-3269 Customer Service: 416-203-0510 www.qqterminal.com Explore specialty stores and restaurants, all in a unique lakeside setting. Also featuring a Sobey’s grocery store, Royal Bank and ATM on-site.

Shops at Don Mills 1090 Don Mills Rd.; 416-447-6087, Guest Services: 416-447-0618 www.shopsatdonmills.ca Ontario’s first open-air shopping centre, the Shops at Don Mills offer shops, restaurants and services surrounding a vibrant Town Square. Using GPS? Enter 1060 Don Mills Rd. to find them.

Sherway Gardens 25 The West Mall; 416-621-1070 www.sherwaygardens.ca Sherway Gardens is an upscale shopping destination. Key stores include Holt Renfrew, Sporting Life, A&F, Victoria’s Secret, LaCoste, Juicy Couture, Michael Kors, Pottery Barn, Coach, GEOX, Aritzia, BCBG, and many more.

Square One Shopping Centre 100 City Centre Dr., Mississauga 905-279-7467 www.shopsquareone.com Located in Mississauga’s City Centre, Square One offers more than 360 stores and more than 40 places to eat. Located at Hwys. 403 & 10, it’s 20 minutes from downtown Toronto and 10 minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Shoppers World Brampton 499 Main St. S. (Hwy. 10 & Steeles Ave.), Brampton, 905-459-1337 www.shoppersworldbrampton.com Located at the northwest corner of Hwy. 10 and Steeles Ave., Shoppers World offers 180 shops and services, including Staples, Winners, Zellers and Oceans. Located minutes from 407 ETR, Hwy. 10 and Hwy. 401.

Toronto Eaton Centre 220 Yonge St.; 416-598-8700 www.torontoeatoncentre.com The Eaton Centre is a top retail destination in the heart of downtown Toronto with more than 230 shops, services and restaurants. Shopping hours: Mon. to Fri., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sat., 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The

Vaughan Mills 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Vaughan 905-879-2110 www.vaughanmills.com Vaughan Mills offers a mix of factory outlets, concept stores and actionpacked entertainment attractions. Take the free daily shopping shuttle from May to Sept.

SHOPPING TOURS ShopDine Tour Toronto 66 De Grassi St., Ste. 2 416-463-7467 (shop) www.shopdinetourtoronto.com “Jump on and jump off” one of the open-top double-decker buses at over 30 locations. Use the District Map Directory and experience the shopping, dining, attractions and sightseeing Toronto offers. Tickets valid for every day of your stay.

starts here!

SOUVENIRS/CANADIANA

Open 362 days a year!

Experience unique shopping and dining on the WATERFRONT

Closed Christmas, New Year’s Day & Good Friday

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207 QUEEN’S QUAY WEST • 416-203-0510 QQTerminal.com

Duty Free Americas 716-284-8168 www.dutyfreeamericas.com Stop, shop and save before visiting Canada. Enjoy savings on wine, beer, tobacco, designer fragrances, cosmetics, fashion watches and more. Located at all the major border crossings going into Canada. Peace Bridge Plaza Buffalo; 716-886-5000 Queenston-Lewiston Bridge Plaza; 716-284-8409 Rainbow Bridge Plaza-Niagara Falls; 716-284-8168. Peace Bridge Duty Free 1 Peace Bridge Plaza, Fort Erie 905-871-5400, 1-800-361-1302 www.dutyfree.ca The largest duty-free store in North

Listings retail/shopping

America, this location features luxury products at tax- and duty-free prices. Currency exchange, McDonald’s and a Tim Hortons food court are located within.

SPECIALTY SHOPS Ada’s Corner 223 Queen St. S., Streetsville 905-286-1132 www.adascorner.com Locally based retail gift and fashion store located in the heart of Mississauga, Ada’s carries fashion accessories, gift and home decor items. All The Best Fine Foods Limited 1101 Yonge St.; 416-928-3330 www.allthebestfinefoods.com All The Best is a must-visit destination for lovers of high-quality, natural and delicious foods in a beautiful heritage environment featuring local artisan products and unique gourmet gift baskets. Basketcase, The 7 Mohawk Ave., Mississauga 905-278-1995 www.basketcasetoronto.com The Basketcase has been providing gift baskets and fresh flowers of top quality and value for more than 28 years. Corporate accounts welcome with express delivery anywhere in North America. Cake Royale Inc. 168 Queen St. S., Ste. 102, Streetsville 905-369-0558 www.cakeroyale.com Specializing in custom and traditional cakes and pastries for every special occasion, Cake Royale also offers a variety of gourmet sandwiches, specialty coffees and a licensed café. EfstonScience: The Science and Astronomy Superstore 3350 Dufferin St.; 416-787-4581 www.escience.ca This all-ages superstore showcases

everything from telescopes, binoculars and microscopes to science kits and science fun. Gitta’s 271 Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga 905-274-7198 www.gittas.com Gitta’s carries fabrics, specialty fibres and wool for cross-stitch, petit point, needlepoint and hardanger. Custom framing and pillow finishing. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. La Casa Del Habano 141 Yorkville Ave.; 416-926-9066 www.lacasadelhabano.ca Housing the largest selection of the very finest Cuban cigars in the city and a variety of smoking and men’s accessories, this cigar shop also offers a patio, complimentary espresso for customers and an art gallery. Linda’s Craftique 275 Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga 905-274-4115 www.lindascraftique.com An inviting spot in Port Credit’s East Village, Linda’s is packed with the latest fibres and colours for knitters of all skill levels. Optical Trends 4U 228 Queen St. S., Streetsville 905-813-0001 www.opticaltrends4u.com Optical Trends 4U carries the latest trends in eyewear and eyewear accessories. Designers include Versace, Fendi, Chloé New York, Boss, Dior, Gucci, Armani, Kio Yamato, Ed Hardy and more. Express your individuality. Private Moments Lingerie & Ladies Wear 259 Lakeshore Rd. E., Port Credit 905-278-8055, 1-866-553-0125 www.privatemoments.ca Located in Port Credit, Mississauga,

since 1985, this shop specializes in brafitting and post-mastectomy products. Ruti’s Needlebed 10 Thomas St., Streetsville 905-821-9370 www.ruti.ca Mississauga’s largest quilting, knitting and crocheting store offers a huge selection of yarn, fabric and supplies. It provides classes to suit your schedule for quilting, knitting, crocheting and sewing. Salon Bardot 212 Queen St. S., Streetsville 905-567-8701 www.salonbardot.com Located in the heart of Streetsville, Salon Bardot offers experienced, dedicated stylists. The salon is an exclusive carrier of the full Aveda line. Streetsville Treasures Inc. 8 Thomas St., Streetsville 905-285-9989 www.streetsvilletreasures.com This shop offers a variety of gifts, such as memorabilia items like Betty Boop, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and I Love Lucy. The Birds And Bees 56B Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga 905-278-6666 www.thebirdsandbees.com This full-service adult store offers high-quality lingerie, costumes and novelties in a relaxed and informative atmosphere. The Store Mason’s Chandlery 1 Port St. E., Mississauga 905-278-7005, 1-800-263-1506 www.thestoremasons.com Since its inception 31 years ago, this family-owned and operated business located in Port Credit, has provided a diverse range of sailing and marine products, from footwear to state-ofthe-art navigation systems. Founder of the Port Credit in Water Boat Show.

250 stores

Zest For Living 6 Elizabeth St. S., Mississauga 905-486-0191 www.zestforliving.ca Zest carries extensive collections of gifts, body and bath products like Nougat of London, furnishings and home decor and tableware, including Maxwell & Williams and Emma Bridgewater.

WINES /SPIRITS LCBO Store/Atrium on Bay 595 Bay St., Concourse Level 416-979-9978 www.lcbo.com/www.vintages.com Offers an extensive selection of wines, spirits and beers, including many premium products and regular tastings. Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun.,12–6 p.m. LCBO Store/Manulife Centre 55 Bloor St. W.; 416-925-5266 www.lcbo.com/www.vintages.com Offers an extensive selection of quality wines, spirits and beers, including many premium products and regular tastings. Mon.–Wed., 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Thurs.–Fri., 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun., 12–6 p.m. LCBO Store/Queen’s Quay 2 Cooper St.; 416-864-6777 www.lcbo.com/www.vintages.com Offers a wide selection of wines, spirits and beers, including premium products, an extensive vintages area, a gift centre and regular tastings. Mon.–Sat., 9:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun., 12–6 p.m. LCBO Store/Summerhill 10 Scrivener Square (Yonge St., south of Summerhill Ave.), 416-922-0403 www.lcbo.com/www.vintages.com The immaculately restored North Toronto Railway Station (circa 1916) is now the largest wine and spirits store in Canada. Mon.–Fri., 9:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

free shuttle

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TOUR OPERATORS

All About Toronto 27 Clovercrest Rd. 416-495-TOUR (8687) www.allabouttoronto.com All About Toronto offers step-on guide service, and professional escorted city tours of Toronto and Niagara Falls. All tours customized for groups up to 1,000. Eighteen languages spoken, plus airport meet-and-greet, coach service and harbour cruises available.

Ellison Travel & Tours 311 Main St., Box 1990, Exeter 519-235-2000, 1-800-265-7022 www.ettravel.com A Canadian independent inbound/ outbound tour operator specializing in personalized tours and special interest groups to Canada, Ellison emphasizes an educational and cultural experience.

JTB International (Canada) Ltd. 2 Carlton St., Ste. 1510 416-367-5824, 1-800-268-5942 www.jtb.ca JTB specializes in local tours and custom organized tours in the Japanese language. Fully appointed travel agency, online with Sabre; professional planners for travel to Japan.

Cross Canada Travel Inc. 71 City View Dr.; 416-247-7349 www.crosscanadatravel.com Cross Canada Travel Inc. provides hotels, attractions, fly-drives, soft adventure packages, city vacations, railway packages and custom tours from coast to coast.

Incentours Inc. 291 Eglinton Ave. E. 416-480-9122, 1-800-511-7190 www.incentours.com Incentours offers customized tours for groups and individuals, with services across Canada. Tours available with Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking guides.

DMCi - Destination Management Canada Inc. 65 Overlea Blvd., Ste.105 416-425-8001 www.dmci.ca DMCi offers programs across Canada, with expertise in hospitality, specialized groups, incentives, event production, entertainment, transportation, spouse programs, dining experiences, recreational events, team building and VIP arrangements.

JacTravel Canada 1847 West Broadway, Ste. 305, Vancouver, BC 604-687-5999 www.jactravel.bc.ca Receptive operator offering complete group and FIT services throughout Canada with technology offering B2B online booking plus xml capability. Multilingual staff, service, flexibility and creativity distinguish us from our competitors.

NGH Tours & Travel 3265 Hwy #7, Unit #3A; Markham 905-948-9299, 1-888-948-9299 www.nghtours.com Established in 1989, NGH is one of the most widely recognized IATA travel agents providing one-stop travel solutions; air tickets/tour/cruise/ hotel/coach. Receptour Canada 651 Notre-Dame W., Ste. 130, Montreal, PQ 1-514-987-0022, 1-800-987-4493 www.receptourcanada.com A Canadian inbound company that specializes in creating and operating unique tour packages throughout Canada,

TOURISM PARTNERS

Municipality of Port Hope 56 Queen St., Port Hope 1-905-885-2004, 1-888-767-8467 www.porthopetourism.com Historic Port Hope is one hour east of Toronto on Lake Ontario. Deemed to have one of the best preserved main streets in Ontario, it offers numerous antique, boutique and specialty shops and a fine selection of restaurants, year-round theatre and well-appointed B&Bs. St. Jacobs Country 1386 King St. N., St. Jacobs 519-664-1133, 1-800-265-3353 www.stjacobs.com St. Jacobs offers nearly 100 shops, a huge farmers’ market, theatre, outlet mall, fine dining and lodging. Exhibits include The Mennonite Story, model railway and historic displays. Open year-round. Tourism Brampton 2 Wellington St W., Brampton 905-874-3601 www.tourismbrampton.ca Located immediately north of 116 | www.SeeTorontoNow.com

Receptour offers worldwide travellers a variety of products; guaranteed departure tours, escorted in Italian, Spanish and Portuguese; original stay packages and FIT itineraries. Tanca Business Centre Canada Inc. 55 Town Centre Ct., Ste. 518 416-296-0889 www.tancatravel.com Tanca provides accommodation arrangements as well as promotes business and government exchange programs between Canada and China. Toronto Tours Ltd. 259 Lakeshore Blvd. E., First Floor 416-945-3416 www.torontotours.com Toronto Tours accommodates sightseeing and receptive needs for groups and FITs for Niagara Falls Day Trips and Toronto City Tours as well as Air Canada Centre tours. It also offers customized itinerary planning, multilingual guides, Toronto Harbour tours, ground and airport transport, theatre and entertainment.

TransporTation

Toronto’s international airport, Brampton offers natural retreats, stateof-the-art cultural facilities, quality accommodations and more. Contact Tourism Brampton or visit the website for your personal guide. Tourism Burlington 414 Locust St., Burlington 905-634-5594, 1-877-499-9989 www.tourismburlington.com On the shores of Lake Ontario and an hour from Toronto and Niagara Falls, Burlington is home to a magnificent waterfront and the Niagara Escarpment. It’s a city for all seasons and activities. Tourism Hamilton 34 James St. S., Hamilton 905-546-2666, 1-800-263-8590 www.tourismhamilton.com An urban destination surrounded by nature, Hamilton offers a blend of history, culture and outdoor adventure. Located less than an hour west of Toronto, it’s also home to a vibrant arts scene and a vast outdoor playground for nature lovers.

AIRLINES Air Canada Toronto Pearson International Airport 1-888-247-2262 www.aircanada.com Air Canada offers travel to more than 912 destinations in 159 countries worldwide, in conjunction with Air Canada Connector carriers, and Air Canada’s Star Alliance partner airlines. Cameron Air Service Inc. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport 416-233-7663, 1-877-877-2409 www.cameronair.com Cameron Air offers customized executive and scenic charter flights. A fleet of amphibious aircrafts allows them to turn any location, land or water, into a destination. Porter Airlines Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport 416-619-8622, 1-888-619-8622 www.flyporter.com Porter Airlines, based at Billy Bishop

Toronto City Airport, serves regional Canadian and U.S. markets, providing a premium passenger experience based on speed, convenience and service.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS Airport Express Aeroport (A Pacific Western Company) 905-564-6333, 1-800-387-6787 www.torontoairportexpress.com The exclusive scheduled and on-demand service connects Toronto Pearson International Airport and downtown Toronto. Motorcoaches are fully accessible, outfitted with seat belts and WiFi enabled. Purchase tickets online at discounted rates. Luxury Coach 416-746-5466 www.luxury-coach.com Luxury Coach offers a modern fleet of sedans, limousines, club vans, minicoaches, luxury coaches, executive coaches and 48–56 passenger highway coaches. Call for airport transportation, casino runs, leisure and corporate travel.

Listings TRANSPORTATION

Niagara Airbus 905-374-8111, 1-800-268-8111 www.niagaraairbus.com Niagara Airbus offers scheduled and charter transportation between Toronto and Buffalo airports, and Toronto and Niagara region, as well as sightseeing tours of Toronto, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls wineries and casino.

BUS SERVICES Can-Ar Coach Service 905-738-2290, 1-800-387-7097 www.can-arcoach.com Offering well-equipped, 32-, 47- and 55-passenger luxury motor coaches, this service specializes in group charters, airport and local transfers. Sightseeing and North America-wide touring. Itinerary planning assistance available. Special 49-passenger activity coach rates available. City Sightseeing Toronto 416-516-7433 www.citysightseeingtoronto.com Providing luxury coaches, mini coaches, school buses, double-decker buses, mini trolleys, dinner transfers, airport transfers, conference shuttles, site surveys and more. Informative commentary from live guides. Coach Canada A Stagecoach Group Company 416-961-9666, 1-800-461-7661 www.coachcanada.com With its large fleet of modern motor coaches, mini coaches, school buses throughout Ontario for charter services/shuttles, Coach Canada offers daily scheduled services throughout Ontario and Quebec Dignity Transportation Inc. 416-398-2222, 1-866-398-2109 www.dignitytransportation.com One of Ontario’s oldest and largest service providers for those with special needs, Dignity Transportation offers 50 accessible vehicles such as vans and buses, plus North America’s first wheelchair-accessible limousine. First Student Canada 905-294-5104, 1-866-652-4352 www.firstcharterbus.com First Student Canada offers affordable coach bus alternatives regardless of group size or destination. Greyhound Canada Transportation 416-594-1404, 1-866-313-0339 www.greyhound.ca Specializing in group tours, sightseeing, conventions, airport transfers, meetings and incentive transportation, Greyhound features modern 54- and 47-seat deluxe,

washroom-equipped highway coaches. Wheelchair accessible coaches available. Chartered coaches to anywhere in Canada. Luxury Coach 416-746-5466 www.luxury-coach.com Luxury Coach offers a modern fleet of sedans, limousines, club vans, mini coaches, luxury coaches, executive coaches and 48–56 passenger highway coaches. Call for airport transportation, casino runs, leisure and corporate travel. Niagara Airbus 905-374-8111, 1-800-268-8111 www.niagaraairbus.com Niagara Airbus services conferences and special events, offering airport transfers, Niagara Falls tours, Toronto city tours, Buffalo airport service and custom winery tours. The fleet includes mini coaches, coaches and town cars. Service is 24-hours. Pacific Western Transportation Ltd. 905-564-3232, 1-800-387-6787 www.pacificwesterntoronto.com Offering luxury charter coaches, Pacific Western features day trips, shuttle services, airport transfers and more. The entire fleet is equipped with seat belts. RX Transportation Solutions 416-771-7264 www.rxtransportation.com Rx Transportation Solutions provides ground transportation to the corporate, association and sports market. Stewart Conference and Events 705-743-8683, 1-800-561-4275 www.pcae.ca Stewart Conference and Events offers comprehensive group transportation management and design services for all sizes, based on requirements and expectations. Swiftrans Services Ltd. 416-614-0999, 1-888-353-6111 www.swiftrans.ca Swiftrans Services specializes in mini coach and full-size coach charter rentals for corporate, tour and con vention markets. The fleet consists of both 31-passenger mini coach and 56-passenger deluxe motor coaches. The Toronto Bus Company 416-868-0400 www.torontotours.com The Toronto Bus Company offers ground transportation services with minivans, 21- and 24-passenger executive coaches, 46- and 55-passenger coaches, luxury sedans and limousines.

LIMOUSINES Bennington Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation 905-670-5466, 1-800-313-7262 www.benningtonlimo.com With more than 40 years experience, Bennington is a full-service transportation company offering transportation services to the corporate and VIP market in and around the Greater Toronto Area. Best Toronto Tours & Limousines Inc. 416-751-4722 www.torontolimotours.com Best Toronto provides elegance and luxury for any occasion, including corporate and sporting events, weddings or concerts. All events are catered with professional and discreet VIP services. Airport transfers and Niagara Falls day tours are available. Dignity Transportation Inc. 416-398-2109, 1-866-398-2109 www.dignitytransportation.com One of Ontario’s oldest and largest service providers for those with special needs, Dignity offers 50 accessible vehicles, such as vans and buses, plus North America’s first wheelchairaccessible limousine. Francesco’s Limousine Inc. 416-893-2641, 1-866-271-1679 www.francescoslimousine.ca Specializing in a wide variety of luxury transportation services for celebrities, corporate VIPs, tours and more, Francesco’s also offers airport transportation to domestic and international airports. The company’s fleet includes the latest models of Lincoln and Cadillac limousines, Escalade SUVs, mini buses and more. Global Alliance Worldwide Chauffeured Services 416-410-3555, 1-800-267-0122 www.global-alliance.ca Global has provided professional ground transportation in Toronto and surrounding areas since 1988. Fully licensed and insured, with a companyowned fleet. Global Transportation Network 416-441-3409, 1-877-872-6772 www.gtnpartners.com A worldwide chauffeured ground transportation company since 1974, GTN Partners specializes in sedans, SUVs, executive vans, buses, mini to full-size coaches. Available for airport, corporate, group or special events. Limo 9 Inc. 647-999-9999 www.limo9.ca Providing experienced limousine

service for special events such as Niagara trips, casino trips, nights on the town and city tours, Limo 9 offers cars that include executive Lincolns, Escalade SUVs and eight-passenger stretch town cars. Luxury Coach 416-746-5466 www.luxury-coach.com Luxury Coach offers a modern fleet of sedans, limousines, club vans, mini coaches, luxury coaches, executive coaches and 48–56 passenger highway coaches. Call for airport transportation, casino runs, leisure and corporate travel. MIB Limousine & Concierge Services Inc. 905-847-8187 www.miblimo.ca Driving beyond your expectations. MIB offers safe vehicles, experienced drivers and a concierge service to enhance the experience. Rosedale Livery Limited 905-677-9444, 1-800-268-4967 www.rosedalelivery.com After 30 years, Rosedale Livery has extensive experience in group transportation, is fully licensed and insured, and offers service throughout North America. Royal Limousine Services Inc. 416-777-2255 www.royallimousineservices.com Royal Limousine Services offers a variety of luxury vehicles ranging from a standard Lincoln town car to a coach limo bus. Royal is available for corporate events, meet and greets, and also does affiliate work in cities across Canada, Europe and the United States. Toronto Tours Limousine Company 416-868-0400 www.torontotours.com Customize your private sightseeing experience for a Niagara Falls day trip and Toronto city tour. Multilingual guides are available on request. Stretch limousines and sedans. Worldwide Corporate Limousine Services Inc. 416-636-3777, 1-866-363-3777 www.corporatelimousine.ca Worldwide provides executive chauffeured services with a fleet consisting of executive sedans, stretch limos, SUV Denalis and executive vans. It specializes in livery, city tours, site inspections, airport services and out-of-town services.

PARKING Toronto Parking Authority 416-393-7275 www.greenp.com With more than 50,000 municipal parking spaces, the Green P provides safe, conveniently located TORONTO 2012 | 117

Listings TRANSPORTATION

and competitively priced off- and on-street parking.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Toronto Transit Commission 416-393-4636 www.ttc.ca The TTC offers a Day Pass ($10) and Family Day Pass (2 adults, up to 4 kids), which allows unlimited travel on all regular TTC services.

RAIL SERVICES VIA Rail Canada 1-888-VIA RAIL (842-7245) www.viarail.ca VIA offers daily departures to major cities throughout the Windsor-Quebec City corridor. Save with senior and youth fares.

RENTALS Avis 1-800-TRY-AVIS (879-2847) www.avis.ca Avis has more than 25 locations in the Greater Toronto area, offering rentals on cars, SUVs and vans.

including compacts, full-size cars, SUVs and minivans. Serving Toronto Pearson International Airport and convenient downtown locations. Visit the website or call for details.

TAXIS Co-op Cabs, Associated Toronto Taxicab Co-operative Limited 416-504-2667 www.co-opcabs.com Co-op provides sedan taxicab service, van service, wheelchair-accessible taxi service, parcel delivery service and prepaid gift cards. All major credit cards, debit, Co-op plastic taxi cards and cash are accepted.

Visitor Services Travellers Aid Society (TAS) 416-366-7788 www.travellersaid.ca Provides information on local transportation, attractions, current and future events, accommodations, as well as emergency assistance in travel-crisis situations through counters at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Union Station and Coach Station.

Travellers Assistance Services 647-808-0098, 905-676-2868 (Airport Terminal 1) www.travellersassistance.ca Non-profit volunteer organization providing free tourist and referral information and assistance to tourists visiting Toronto. Booths manned by volunteers at Union Station (departures), Coach Terminal and Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Diamond Taxicab Dispatch Services Limited 416-366-6868 www.diamondtaxi.ca With 60 years experience, Diamond offers more than 450 cars equipped with GPS dispatch and debit/credit machines to meet your taxicab transportation needs.

Photo: Doug Brown/Tourism Toronto

Thrifty Car Rental 905-612-1881,1-800-THRIFTY www.thrifty.com Thrifty offers late-model vehicles

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Index

180 Panorama 309 dhaba Indian Excellence 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower 630 Maroli Indian Kerala Restaurant

103 106 103 106

A Taste of Quebec 106 108 Academy of Spherical Arts, The Ada’s Corner 115 African Lion Safari 102 Air Canada 116 Air Canada Centre 92, 93 90 Air Canada Centre Tours Air Combat Zone Inc. 93 Airport Express Aeroport (A Pacific Western Company) 116 Akashiro 108 Albion Islington Square Fusion of Taste Festival 94 98 Albion Islington Square BIA Alder & the Sparrow 109 Alfredo’s 107 107 Alice Fazooli’s! – Mississauga 90 All About Toronto All Star Interactive 93 115 All The Best Fine Foods Limited 96 Allan Gardens Conservatory Allen’s 103 Andrew’s Charter 88 Annona 106 Archeo Trattoria 107 89 Art Gallery of Mississauga Art Gallery of Ontario 89 90 Art InSite Tours Art of Jazz Brampton Enterprise Centre 94 96 Ashbridge’s Bay Park Avis 118 106 AZURE Restaurant & Bar

Banana Republic 112 Bangkok Garden 111 BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir & Heritage Museum 97 Bardi’s Steak House 110 Barney’s Joint 106, 108 Basketcase, The 115 Bata Shoe Museum, The 97 Bay of Spirits Gallery 89 Bay, Bloor Street, The 113 Bb33 Bistro and Brasserie 103 Beach BIA 98 Beaches International Jazz Festival 94 Beaux-Arts Brampton 113 Benares Historic House – Museums of Mississauga 97 Benihana Japanese Steakhouse, at The Fairmont Royal York 108 Bennington Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation 117 Best Toronto Tours & Limousines Inc. 117 Biagio Ristorante 107 Big Daddy’s Bourbon Street Bistro & Oyster Bar 103 Bike Train Initiative 88 Bird Kingdom 102 Birds and Bees, The 115 Bloor Street Diner 106 Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival 94 Bloor-Yorkville BIA 98 Blowfish Restaurant & Sake Bar 108 Blue Banana Market 113 Boiler House Restaurant, The 103 Boston Pizza - Front & John 107 Bovaird House 97 Bradley Museum – Museums of Mississauga 97 Bramalea City Centre 114 Brampton Classic Cars 94 Brampton Downtown Development Corporation (BDDC) 98

Brampton Thursday Night Concert Series 94 Brassaii 106 109 Brazen Head Irish Pub Breakwater Restaurant 106 109 Brogue Inn, The Brookfield Place 114 Bruce Bell Tours 90 Burrito Boyz 106

C Lounge 108 103 Café Monterey Cafe Nicole – Novotel Mississauga 106 Cake Royale Inc. 115 Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory 102 Cameron Air Service Inc. 88, 116 Canada Blooms: The Toronto 94 Flower and Garden Festival Canada One Factory Outlets 113 88 Canada’s Wonderland Canadian Canoe & Kayak Trips 88 Wilderness Adventures Canadian Film Centre’s 95 Worldwide Short Film Festival Canadian Music Week 95 95 Canadian National Exhibition Canadian National Sportsmen’s Shows – 95 Toronto Sportsmen’s Show 100 Canadian Opera Company Canadian Stage Company, The 101 117 Can-Ar Coach Service 103 Canoe Restaurant & Bar 111 Canyon Creek Chop House 95 Carassauga Festival Inc. 103 Carousel Bakery Ltd. Casa Loma 97 103 Casey’s on Front Cedar Ridge Creative Centre 89 Centennial Park Conservatory 96 88 Centreville Amusement Park Chardonnay Grill & Lounge 103 90 Chariots of Fire Ltd. Charles F. Watson Family Gardens 96 Chef’s House, The 106 106 China Buffet King Chinatown BIA 98 ChowBella Culinary 90 Experiences & Concierge Church-Wellesley Village BIA 99 111 Ciao Wine Bar 95 Cirque de Soleil 95 City of Toronto – Bike Month City of Toronto Parks – 90 Discovery Walks City Sightseeing Toronto 90 Claireville Conservation Area 96 Club at Bond Head, The 97 93 CN Tower Coach Canada/ A Stagecoach Group Company 117 Coco Lezzone 107 106 Coffee Mill, The Colborne Lodge 97 COMMFFEST Global Community Film Festival 95 113 Cookstown Outlet Mall Co-op Cabs, Associated Toronto 118 Taxicab Co-operative Ltd. 103 Cora’s Breakfast and Lunch Courthouse 108 Courtyard Café 103 95 Creativ Festival Crocodile Rock 108 Crooked Cue, The 110 116 Cross Canada Travel Inc. 111 Crush Wine Bar 109 Cuchulainn’s Irish Pub Culinary Adventure Company, The 92 Cummer Skateboard Park 96

Dancap Productions DeMaple Restaurant & Lounge Design Exchange

100 106 98

Diamond Taxicab Dispatch Services Ltd. Dignity Transportation Inc. Discover Toronto Walking Tours Distillery District, The Dixie Outlet Mall DMCi – Destination Management Canada Inc. Donald M. Gordon Chinguacousy Downsview Park Downtown Yonge BIA Drake Hotel Duke of Devon Duke of Kent Duke of Richmond Duke of Somerset Duke of Westminster Duke of York Duty Free Americas

EcoCab Tours Ed Mirvish Theatre Edwards Gardens EfstonScience: The Science and Astronomy SuperStore Eglinton Way BIA, The Eldorado Park Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre Centre Ellison Travel & Tours Ltd. Elm Bank Bar and Bistro Elmwood Spa Embrujo Flamenco Tapas Bar Empress of Canada Cruises Enzo’s Two Guys From Italy EPIC, at The Fairmont Royal York Eskimo Art Gallery Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery Evergreen Brick Works Everything To Do With Sex Show, The Exotic Car Tours eZone, The

118 117 90 99 114 116 97 93 99 108 109 109 109 109 109 109 114 90 101 97 115 99 97 101 116 103 100 110 90 107 106 89 89 93 95 88 93

Glen Abbey Golf Club Global Alliance Worldwide Chauffeured Services Global Transportation Network Partners Globe Bistro GOTSTYLE The Menswear Store Grace O’Malley’s Irish Pub & Restaurant Gray Line of Toronto Great Burger Kitchen Great Cooks on Eight Great Ontario Salmon Derby, The GreekTown on the Danforth BIA Greenery Restaurant/ Waves Lounge Greg Frewin Theatre Greyhound Canada Transportation

97 117 117 104 112 110 90 104 107 96 99 104 100 117

Harbourfront Centre 95 Hank’s 104 Hard Rock Cafe Toronto 104 Harlequin Cruises Inc. 90 113 Harry Rosen Inc. Hazelton Lanes Shopping Centre 114 97 Heart Lake Conservation Area 91 Heritage Toronto Walks Hershey Centre SportZone 93 97 High Park 89 Hillebrand Winery 98 Historic Zion Schoolhouse Hockey Hall of Fame 93 95 Honda Indy Toronto Honest Ed’s 114 Bargain Shopping Centre 95 Hot Docs Hot House Cafe – Market Square 107 97 HtO Park

Il Fornello – King Street imagineNATIVE Film & Media Arts Festival IMAX Theatre Niagara Falls Incentours Inc. Inniskillin Wines Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film & Video Festival Insider Shopping Toronto Ltd. Irish Embassy Pub and Grill iTourGuides Ltd.

107 95 93 116 89

Factory Theatre 101 Fallsview Indoor Waterpark 88 103 Fallsview Restaurant Famous PEOPLE Players’ Dine & Dream Theatre 101 Fantasy Fair 89 106 Fifth Grill Restaurant, The Fifth Social Club, The 108 109 Fionn MacCool’s First Student Canada 117 Fishermans Wharf of San Francisco 110 Flower City Restaurant 104 Formula Kartways Inc. 89 Fort York National Historic Site 98 Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts 92 Fox and Fiddle Pub & Lounge 104 Fox Bistro, The 104 Francesco’s Limousine Inc. 117 Franco-Fête de Toronto 95 FRANK 104 Franklin House, The 104 Franklin Children’s Garden, The 97 Fred’s Not Here 111 Freda’s 112 Fringe of Toronto Theatre Festival 95 Fuzion Resto-Lounge & Garden 106

Jack Astor’s – Dundas Square 104 Jack Astor’s – Entertainment District 104 Jack Astor’s – Front Street 104 Jack Astor’s – Toronto 104 Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill – Brampton 104 Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery 89 JacTravel Canada 116 Jeanne Lottie Fashion Inc. 113 JerkFest – Jerk Food Festival 95 Joanne Lipp European Skin Care, Electrolysis & Laser 100 Joe Badali’s Ristorante Italiano & Bar 107 John W. H. Bassett Theatre 92 Jonview Canada Inc. 91 JTB International (Canada) Ltd. 116 91 Jubilee Queen Cruise Lines Just White Shirts 113

Gage Park 97 Gardiner Museum 98 Genova Tours 90 George Restaurant 104 Gerrard India Bazaar 99 Gibson House Museum, The 98 Gilead Café and Bistro 104 Gitta’s 115 Gladstone Hotel 108

95 91 110 91

Keating Channel Pub & Grill, The Keg Steakhouse & Bar, The Ki Modern Japanese + Bar Kingsway BIA Kit Kat Italian Bar & Grill Kultura Social Dining

La Brasserie

110 111 108 99 108 107 107

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Index

La Casa Del Habano 115 La Fenice Ristorante 108 La Maquette Restaurant 106 108 La Pergola Ristorante La Villa Fine Foods & Bakery 109 113 Ladner’s Clothiers Laser Quest 93 115 LCBO Store/Atrium on Bay LCBO Store/Manulife Centre 115 115 LCBO Store/Queen’s Quay LCBO Store/Summerhill 98, 115 105 Le Café Restaurant Limo 9 Inc. 117 115 Linda’s Craftique Lionhead Golf & Country Club 97 99 Little Italy BIA Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, The 100 Loafer’s Lake 97 108 Locus 144 Lone Star Texas Grill 107 105 Loose Moose Tap & Grill, The Lucy’s Seafood Kitchen 110 109 Lula Lounge Luminato, Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity 95 L’unita 108 116, 117 Luxury Coach

Mackenzie House Museum 98 Madison Avenue Pub 110 Magnotta Winery 89 Maid of the Mist Steamboat Company 91 Malena 108 106 Mandarin Restaurant Marcel’s – Le Saint Tropez 106 Marilyn’s/Home of “The Wardrobe Doctor” 113 Mariposa Cruises 91 Market Gallery, The 89 92 Massey Hall Matisse Restaurant & Bar 105 113 Mayberry Fine Art McMichael Canadian Art Collection 98 Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament 90 MIB Limousine Services 117 Merchants’ Flea Market Inc. 114 Midland Tours Inc. 91 107 Mildred’s Temple Kitchen Milestone’s Grill & Bar Festival Hall 105 110 Mill Street Brew Pub Mirvish Village BIA 99 Mississauga Dines 111 Mississauga Heritage Foundation 91 Mississauga Marathon 95 Mississauga Waterfront Festival 95 Mizzen, The 107 Montgomery’s Inn 98 Morton’s The Steakhouse 111 Mosaic – South Asian Heritage Festival of Mississauga 95 Mosport International Raceway 100 Mr. Greenjeans Restaurant and Bar 105 Municipality of Port Hope 116 Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art 89 Music Garden 97 Muzik 109 Mysteriously Yours... Mystery Dinner Theatre 90 MZTV Museum of Television 98

NASCAR SpeedPark 89 National Ballet of Canada, The 100 National Film Board of Canada, Mediatheque 98 National Helicopters Inc. 91 Neubacher Shor Contemporary The Venue 89 NGH Tours & Travel 116

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Niagara Airbus Niagara Canada Tours Niagara Helicopters Ltd. Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory Niagara Parks Commission Niagara Parks Journey Behind the Falls Niagara Tours Niagara’s Fury, Niagara Parks Nightmares Fear Factory North by Northeast Music & Film Festival Nota Bene Restaurant Novo Spa – Yorkville

91 91 91 102 97 88 91 93 89 95 107 100

Old Credit Brewing Company Ltd. 89 Old Mill Inn & Spa, The 98 Old Spaghetti Factory 108 93 OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack One of a Kind Show and Sale 95 89 Ontario Place Ontario Science Centre 93, 98 97 Ontario Tee Times Association Opera Atelier 100 115 Optical Trends 4U ORO Restaurant & Private Dining 108 88 Owl Rafting on the Ottawa River

P.J. O’Briens Irish Pub & Restaurant 110 Pacific Western 117 Papa Guiseppe’s 108 PawsWay 98 Peace Bridge Duty Free 114 Pearl Harbourfront Chinese Cuisine 106 99 Peel Aboringinal Network Peller Estates Winery 89 109 Phoenix Concert Theatre Pickle Barrel Atrium, The 105 110 Pier 4 Storehouse Restaurant Planet in Focus: International Environmental Film & Video Festival 95 Playdium 89 Polson Pier Entertainment Inc. 94, 109 Port Credit BIA 99 Porter Airlines 116 Portugal Week 95 Powerade Centre 94 95 Pride Toronto Prime Steakhouse 107 Princess of Wales Theatre 101 Private Moments Lingerie & Ladies Wear 115 Professor’s Lake 97 Pump House Grille Co. 105 Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill 110

Q, The Quartz Crystal Spa Queen’s Quay Terminal Queen St. West BIA Queen West Art Crawl Quest Restaurant & Bar Quiksilver Quinn’s Steakhouse & Irish Bar

105 100 114 99 96 107 113 111

Real Sports Bar & Grill 94, 110 116 Receptour Canada Rectory Café, The 107 Redpath Sugar Museum 98 Reptilia 102 Ricoh Coliseum 94 RINX 94 River Coyote Gallery 113 Riverdale Farm 102 Roc ’n’ Doc’s 108 Rogers Centre 92, 94 101 Rose Theatre Brampton Rosedale Livery Limited 117

Rosewater 107 93 Roy Thomson Hall Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, The 96 101 Royal Alexandra Theatre Royal Conservatory 93 117 Royal Limousine Services Royal Ontario Museum 98 111 Ruth’s Chris Steak House Ruti’s Needlebed 115 Rx Transportation Solutions 117

Sagano Japanese Restaurant 108 Sailing for You 88 Salmon Express 88 115 Salon Bardot Sassafraz Restaurant 107 107 Savana Restaurant and Lounge Scarborough Museum 98 96 Scarborough Rendezvous Science Rendezvous 96 96 Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Scotiabank CONTACT 96 Photography Festival Scotiabank Nuit Blanche 96 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon 96 111 Screen Lounge Seasons at the Prince 105 90, 101 Second City, The Second Wind Pilates Plus 102 100 Serenity Day Spa Segway of Ontario 91 101 Shaw Festival Shen Yun Performing Arts – Presented by NTDTV Canada 96 Sherway Gardens 114 Shizen Spa at Pantages Hotel 100 ShopDineTour Toronto/ Niagara Sightseeing 91, 114 Shoppers World Brampton 114 114 Shops at Don Mills 105 Shopsy’s Delicatessen Shopsy’s Delicatessen – Markham 105 Shopsy’s Island Deli Bar & Grill/Carousel Café 105 111 Shore Club, The 94 Skylon Tower Snug Harbour Seafood, Bar & Grill 105 Sony Centre for the Performing Arts 101 Sotto Sotto Ristorante 108 Soulpepper Theatre Company 101 Southern Accent Cajun, Creole and Soul Restaurant 103 Spa at the Windsor Arms Hotel, The 100 Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens 98 Spice Route Asian Bistro + Bar 107 Spring Rolls 111 108 Spuntini Ristorante & Bar Square One Shopping Centre 114 St. Jacobs Country 116 St. Lawrence Market Complex 98 St. Lawrence Market 99 Neighbourhood BIA Stage West All-Suite Hotel & Theatre Restaurant 90 Steam Whistle Brewing 89 Step On/Step Off Toronto City Tour 91 Stewart Conference and Events 117 Stock Restaurant 107 Store Mason’s Chandlery, The 115 101 Stratford Shakespeare Festival Stratus Vineyards 89 Streetsville BIA 99 Streetsville Founders Bread and Honey Festival, The 96 Streetsville Treasures Inc. 115 Suits 108 Sultan’s Tent & Cafe Moroc, The 108 100 Sweetgrass Spa

Swiftrans Services Ltd.

117

T.O. TIX 102 Tabule Restaurant 107 Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir 100 Tall Ship Kajama, The 92 Tanca Business Centre Canada Inc. 116 TAP into TO! Greeters 92 101 Tarragon Theatre Taste of Little Italy 96 92 Tasty Tours TD Toronto Jazz Festival 96 111 Ten Restaurant & Wine Bar Tennis Canada, Rogers Cup 96 presented by National Bank Textile Museum of Canada 98 113 Thompson Landry Gallery Thrifty Car Rental 118 Thyme Ristorante 108 Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle 96 Blues & Jazz Festival TIFF Bell Lightbox 94 Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre 98 111 Tom Jones Steak House Tommy Thompson Park 97 Toronto Antiques on King and The Cynthia Findlay Collection 112 Toronto Architecture Tours 92 Toronto Argonauts Football Club 100 92 Toronto Balades Toronto Bicycle Tours 92 Toronto Blue Flag Beaches 97 Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club 100 Toronto Botanical Garden 97 117 Toronto Bus Company, The 92 Toronto Canoe Tours Toronto Centre for the Arts 101 96 Toronto Chocolate Festival Toronto CityPASS 102 100 Toronto Dance Theatre Toronto Eaton Centre 114 Toronto Entertainment District BIA 99 Toronto FC 100 92 Toronto Harbour Tours Inc. Toronto Highlands Golf Trail 92 Toronto Hippo Tours 92 Toronto International Film Festival 96 Toronto International BrazilFest 96 Tornto International Jamaica Day Celebration 96 Toronto Just for Laughs Festival 96 Toronto Lynx Soccer Club/ Lady Lynx Soccer Club 100 100 Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Marlies 101 Toronto Mendelssohn Choir 100 Toronto Ontario Temple 97 Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition 96 Toronto Parking Authority 117 92 Toronto Queer Walking Tours Toronto Raptors Basketball Club 101 Toronto Reference Library 98 Toronto Rock Lacrosse Club 101 Toronto Symphony Orchestra 100 Toronto Tours Limousine Company 117 Toronto Tours Ltd. 116 Toronto Transit Commission 118 Toronto Zoo 102 Tour Guys 92 Tourism Brampton 116 116 Tourism Burlington 116 Tourism Hamilton Tourisme aérien Laurentides (Fly Tremblant) 88 Trail of Lights at Downsview Park 90 Travellers Aid Society (TAS) 118 118 Travellers Assisstance Services Trinity Public Labyrinth at 97 Trinity Square Park Turf Lounge 109 Twice Is Nice 113

Index

Ultra 107 University of Toronto Historical Tours 92

Vaughan Mills 114 Vertical 108 113 Via Cavour VIA Rail Canada 118 Victor 105 Village of Islington, Toronto’s Village of Murals 99 Von Besser Jeweller 114

Walk T.O. Waterfront BIA, The Waterfront Blues Watermark Irish Pub and Restaurant Wave Pool Wayne Gretzky’s West 50 Pourhouse & Grille Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours Whistler’s Grille & The McNeil Room Wild Water Kingdom Willow Springs Winery Wine Bar Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake Woodbine Racetrack Wooden Sticks Golf Club Word on the Street, The Worldwide Corporate Limousine Services Inc.

X, Y, Z

110 94 105 105 88 105 89 89 111 89 101 97 96 117 94 98 100 100 101 107 106 115

Photo: Doug Brown/Tourism Toronto

Yonge-Dundas Square York Museum York-Eglinton BIA Young Centre for the Performing Arts Yong People’s Theatre Zachary’s Lounge Zazi’s Place Zest for Living

92 99 96

TORONTO 2012 | 121

Listings VISITOR RESOURCES

Toronto: The Vitals Make your trip in and around the city feel like home Location: The capital of Ontario, Toronto is on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, 352 kilometres west of Ottawa, 504 kilometres west of Montreal. Population: 2.5 million in the city of Toronto, 5.6 million in the Greater Toronto Area Area: 641 square kilometres Money: Canadian Dollar (CAD) Sales tax: 13% Harmonized Sales Tax Gratuity: Similar to the U.S.—15 to 20% for good service at, for example, a restaurant or hair salon, or in a taxi. Time zone: Eastern time—so you won’t have to adjust your watch if you’re from Boston, Philadelphia, Washington (DC), New York or Miami.

Photo: Tourism Toronto

Climate: Toronto’s weather is tempered by Lake Ontario, which softens the winter bite and eases the summer heat. Average winter temperatures range between 0 and –10 C, with snow usually on the ground between December and March. Summer, or “patio season” as Torontonians call it, usually hovers around 20 to 30 C.

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Listings visitor resources

Arriving in Toronto By Air Toronto has two main airports. Toronto Pearson International Airport (code YYZ), just west of Toronto, is the main point of landing for most domestic and international flights. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (code YZT), on the Toronto Islands, services domestic, chartered and select U.S. flights. The Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is just a short ferry ride from shore, and then minutes from Union Station by taxi or streetcar. Toronto Pearson is 27 kilometres west of the city and is about a half-hour drive from downtown. There are several ways to get into the city from the airport. You’ll find major car rental outfits at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, open daily, 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.: Avis, 1-800-TRY-AVIS; Budget, 1-800-268-8900; Dollar/Thrifty, 1-800-THRIFTY; Hertz, 1-800-654-3131; and National/Alamo, 1-877-222-9075. Find detailed directions to the city on TorontoPearson.com, or online. If you’re not driving, there are lots of options. Check if your hotel offers an airport shuttle service. If not, you won’t have trouble finding a taxi or airport limousine. The average cost of getting into the city is about $50. To save money, take the TTC, Toronto’s transit system. Take the 192 Airport Rocket to Kipling Station or the 58A Malton to Lawrence West Station, where you can link to the subway line servicing the downtown core. Riding the “red eye”? Catch the 300A BloorDanforth bus from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. and the 307 Eglinton West from 1:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. — both operate every 45 minutes. Visit ttc.ca for more info. To be comfortable yet frugal, take the Airport Express, a luxury bus service that connects Toronto Pearson to downtown Toronto. Each bus boasts leather seats and en route Wi-Fi capability, with direct service to seven downtown hotels, as well as the University of Toronto campus. The Airport Express costs $23.95 one way, $39.95 round trip, and runs every 20 to 30 minutes between 4 a.m. and 1 a.m., depending on the direction. Visit torontoairportexpress.com for the official schedule. By Bus Toronto’s main terminal for out-of-town buses is located downtown, at 610 Bay St. Call 416-393-7911 or visit torontocoachterminal.com for more information. For buses to other cities in and around the GTA, catch a GO Bus from 140 Bay St. (at Front St., just east of Union Station). Call 416-869-3200 for more information or visit gotransit.com.

By Train All trains arrive and depart from Union Station (65 Front St. W.). VIA Rail handles most of Canada’s intercity routes and connects to the U.S. via Amtrak. The Amtrak/VIA Maple Leaf route runs from New York to Toronto daily and takes around 12 hours, depending on the border wait. For more information: 1-888VIA-RAIL, viarail.ca or 1-800-USARAIL, amtrak.com; for general station information, call the Travellers’ Aid Society at 416-366-7788. Getting Around By TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) With four lines and 74 stops, Toronto’s subway system is easy to navigate. Maps are on all subway cars and also available at station ticket booths. Every subway stop connects to streetcar or bus routes that web throughout the city and connect to the GTA — hang onto your transfer to make your connections for free. Single fare is $3 for adults ($2 for students/ seniors, $0.75 for children) — buses and streetcars require exact fare. You can save money and avoid token lines if you buy blocks of four in advance. Or save money by buying a day or week pass. Single day passes cost $10 and allow unlimited rides from the start of service until 5:30 the following morning. On weekends and statutory holidays, the $10 day pass includes unlimited travel for a group of up to six people with a maximum of two adults. Weekly passes, valid from Monday to Sunday, cost $36 ($28 for students/ seniors). Visit ttc.ca or call 416-393INFO for further details. For information on routes out of the city and into Toronto’s neighbouring suburbs and countryside, check out the GO Transit bus and train schedules at gotransit.com. Planning to visit Mississauga? Visit mississauga.ca and look for the “click n’ ride” route planner, where all you need to do is punch in your origin and destination, and the website will map out your best route. For travel in Brampton, visit Brampton Transit at brampton.ca and click Residents, then Services for a link to more information on getting around with Brampton Transit. By Taxi There are a host of cab companies in Toronto, but all charge the same base rate of about $4 and $1.60 per kilometre or $0.50 a minute. The easiest cab number to remember is 416-TAXICAB, which will connect you to all taxi and airport limousine companies.

By Bike Renting a bike in the city is easy. Wheel Excitement, on the waterfront at Queen’s Quay West, is Toronto’s largest bike and inline skate rental outfit. Call 416-260-9000 or visit wheel excitement.ca for more information. Other bike rental shops include Set Me Free in High Park (416-532-4147) and Little Italy (416-516-6493), Enduro Sport in Leaside (416-449-0432), Cyclepath in North Toronto (416-487-1717), and Toronto Island Bicycle Rental on Toronto Island (416-203-0009). Then visit toronto.ca for a copy of Toronto’s Cycling Map, highlighting the city’s bicycle paths. On Foot Toronto is a city of neighbourhoods, each maintaining its own unique identity (see pages 82 to 85). There are a series of trails throughout the city’s parks, gardens and beaches. (Routes are outlined online at toronto.ca.) Many Toronto pedestrians weather the winter chill with help from PATH, a navigable maze of underground walkways and shopping arcades that runs directly beneath the downtown core. The 28-kilometre PATH connects five subway stations, six major hotels and some of Toronto’s main attractions, including Union Station, Roy Thomson Hall, Air Canada Centre, the CN Tower, Eaton Centre and City Hall. PATH maps are available online at toronto.ca. Helpful Tourist Info and Services The large Ontario Travel Information Centre is located at Atrium on Bay (20 Dundas St. W.) immediately north of the Eaton Centre. You can also find visitor information about Toronto and vicinity in a new information centre on the southeast quadrant of Nathan Phillips Square, at the corner of Queen and Bay streets. Or visit the tourist information booth at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (North Building on Front St.) as well as tour and information desks on Queen’s Quay at York St. Want insider advice? Torontonians are keen to show you the city through their eyes. The Toronto Greeter Program and the TAP into TO initiative will send a volunteer greeter to welcome new visitors. By pairing guests and greeters with similar interests, the program offers visitors a chance to connect with Toronto — and Torontonians — on a personal level and to tap into the pulse of the city. Call 416-33-TAPTO for more info. More questions? Call Access Toronto at 416-338-0338 or 311 within city limits (Monday to Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m).

Entry Requirements At the border, visitors are required to present their passport and, if needed, a valid visa. U.S. citizens require a U.S. passport or another valid travel document to enter or re-enter the U.S. U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to cross into Canada (unless coming from a third country), but are required to have valid photo ID, proof of citizenship and, if available, their Permanent Resident Card. U.S. citizens can visit—without a visa—for up to 180 days. Frequent travellers between Canada and the U.S. should consider a NEXUS card, a valid Canada-U.S. travel document that also promises expedited and simplified border clearance. Find more information about NEXUS at cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/ menu-eng.html. For more information about entry requirements, visit http://travel. state.gov./travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/ cis_1082.html (U.S. government site), or cbsa.gc.ca/security-securite/ admiss-eng.html#s1 (Canadian government site). Legal Matters • The legal drinking age is 19, and licensed establishments are allowed to serve between 11 a.m. and 2 a.m. • To get married in Ontario, consenting partners, 18 and older, must first obtain a marriage licence. Submit the application (available online) with two pieces of valid ID, along with the $100 to $150 fee, and it can generally be processed within a day, after which the licence is valid for 90 days. Same-sex marriage has been legal here since 2003. All of the information you need, along with the application form, is available at settlement.org.

visitor services Travellers Aid Society (TAS) 416-366-7788 www.travellersaid.ca Provides information on local transportation, attractions, current and future events and accommodations, as well as emergency assistance in travelcrisis situations through counters at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Union Station and Coach Station. Travellers Assistance Services 647-808-0098 (info), 905-676-2868 (Airport Terminal 1) www.travellersassistance.ca Non-profit volunteer organization providing free tourist and referral information and assistance to tourists visiting Toronto. Booths manned by volunteers at Union Station, Coach Terminal and Toronto Pearson International Airport.

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Event Calendar FESTIVALS & EVENTS 2012

North by Northeast Music and Film Festival

Mississauga Waterfront Festival

January Toronto International Boat Show Jan. 14–22 torontoboatshow.com Toronto International Design Festival Jan. 23–24 tidfonline.com Winterlicious Jan. 27–Feb. 9 toronto.ca/special_events

February Canadian International Auto Show Feb. 17–26 autoshow.ca Beach BIA Family Day Festival Feb. 20 beachesbia.com

March Canada Blooms: The Toronto Flower & Garden Festival Mar. 16–25 canadablooms.com

Please note: Dates are subject to change without notice. Please consult websites. For a complete calendar, please visit

VisitToronto

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TD Toronto Jazz Festival

April Sprockets: TIFF Kids International Film Festival Apr. 10–22 sprockets.ca Hot Docs Film Festival Apr. 26–May 6 hotdocs.ca Creativ Festival Apr. 27–28 csnf.com

May

National Home Show Mar. 16–25 nationalhomeshow.com

Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival May 1–31 scotiabankcontactphoto.com

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Mar. 17 topatrick.com

Goodlife Fitness Toronto Marathon May 6 runtoronto.com

Canadian Music Fest Mar. 21–25 canadianmusicfest.com

Carassauga: Mississauga’s Festival of Cultures May 25–27 carassauga.com

One of a Kind Spring Show and Sale Mar. 28–Apr. 1 oneofakindshow.com

Doors Open Toronto May 26–27 toronto.ca/doorsopen

Photos: Phil Ogynist (NXNE); Ontario Tourism (jazz festival, Pride Toronto); Doug Brown/Tourism Toronto (Mississauga Waterfront Festival, Cavalcade of Lights, TIFF)

FESTIVALS & EVENTS CALENDAR Toronto has it all, from celeb-packed parties at the Toronto International Film Festival to foodie-inspired menus at Taste of Little Italy, to jazz festival tunes that echo through the downtown streets. The 2012 roster of events celebrates the spirit of every neighbourhood, which together shape the region’s vibrant cultural landscape.

Event Calendar festivals & events 2012

Pride Toronto

Cavalcade of Lights

June Unionville Village Festival Jun. 1–3 unionvillefestival.com Waterfront Blues Festival Jun. 1–3 waterfrontblues.ca 40th Anniversary Streetsville Founder’s Bread and Honey Festival Jun. 2–3 breadandhoney.com CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival Jun. 5–10 worldwideshortfilmfest.com LuminaTO Jun. 8–17 luminato.com Woofstock Jun. 9–10 woofstock.ca North by Northeast Music and Film Festival Jun. 11–17 nxne.com Mississauga Waterfront Festival Jun. 15–17 themwf.com Taste of Little Italy Jun. 15–17 tasteoflittleitaly.ca War of 1812 Bicentennial Jun. 15–24 toronto.ca/1812 Flower City Parade Jun. 16 brampton.ca Redpath Toronto Waterfront Festival Jun. 21–24 towaterfrontfest.com

Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival Jun. 23–24 dragonboats.com Queen’s Plate Jun. 24 woodbineentertainment.com/ queensplate

July Toronto International Film Festival

Canada Day Jul. 1 toronto.ca/special_events mississauga.ca Toronto Fringe Theatre Festival Jul. 4–15 fringetoronto.com Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition Jul. 6–8 torontooutdoorart.org Honda Indy Toronto Jul. 6–8 hondaindytoronto.com Summerlicious Jul. 6–22 toronto.ca/summerlicious

Mosaic, South Asia Heritage Festival of Mississauga Aug. 16–19 communityart.ca

torontoflamencofestival.com Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Oct. 14 torontowaterfrontmarathon.com

Canadian National Exhibition Aug. 17–Sept. 3 theex.com

International Festival of Authors Oct. 17–27 readings.org

Scotiabank BuskerFest Aug. 23–26 torontobuskerfest.com Corso Italia Toronto Fiesta Aug. 31–Sept. 3 torontofiesta.com

Salsa on St. Clair Jul. 7–8 tlntv.com

September

Carabram: Brampton’s Multicultural Festival Jul. 13–15 carabram.org

Toronto International Film Festival Sept. 6–16 tiff.net

Beaches International Jazz Festival Jul. 20–29 beachesjazz.com

Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle Port Credit Blues + Jazz Festival Sept. 7–9 southsideshuffle.com

August Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Parade Aug. 4–5 torontocaribbeancarnival.com Tennis Canada Rogers Cup Aug. 4–12 rogerscup.com

Pride Toronto Jun. 22–Jul. 1 (Parade Jul. 1) pridetoronto.com

Brampton Global Jazz and Blues Festival Aug. 9–12 artofjazz.org

TD Toronto Jazz Festival Jun. 22–Jul. 1 torontojazz.com

Pilaros Taste of the Danforth Aug. 10–12 tasteofthedanforth.com

Halloween on Church Oct. 24–31 churchwellesleyvillage.ca

November Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Nov. 2–11 royalfair.org 100th Grey Cup Festival Nov. 16–25 100thgreycupfestival.ca The Santa Claus Parade Nov. 18 thesantaclausparade.ca

Just for Laughs JFL 42 Sept. 21–30 hahaha.com

One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale Nov. 22–Dec. 2 oneofakindshow.com

The Word on the Street Sept. 23 thewordonthestreet.ca

Cavalcade of Lights Nov. 24 toronto.ca/special_events

Scotiabank Nuit Blanche Sept. 29 scotiabanknuitblanche.ca

December

October Toronto International Flamenco Festival Oct. 12–20

Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market at the Distillery District Nov. 30–Dec. 16 torontochristmasmarket.com New Year’s Eve Dec. 31 toronto.ca/special_events TORONTO 2012 | 125

Parting Shot

E How did this idea of quizzing passengers begin? I love geography and I studied it extensively. As I was driving around the city, I wondered how I might use this knowledge. I thought it would be good to spread what I know to my passengers in a fun way. I don’t need to be in a classroom to teach. E What kind of reactions do you get? My customers like being asked questions very much. When they leave my car, they are laughing and happy. It’s like they have just been to a comedy show. I treat them like they are guests in my home.

E Why geography and not history or music? Other countries have a lot of history, but Canada has a lot of geography. We are a big country. But I find that people do not know much about geography. Only one in 1,000 people can answer my questions correctly.

E What is it about Toronto that you love? Toronto is my city. I love the people here. It’s so multicultural. You have people who come here from every corner of the world and they bring with them their culture, traditions and different ways of life. It creates a huge mountain of information and knowledge that makes us like no other city.

E What are your favourite

Toronto does not have an official ambassador, but if it did, it would have to be Mohammad Saaed Collins, a.k.a. Mr. Geography. The cab driver, originally from Kuwait, has been making rides in his taxi unforgettable for locals and visitors since 1997. He serves as an unofficial quiz master, asking passengers questions about geography. The reward? If the passenger answers correctly, the ride is free. The concept has become a hit, earning him celebrity status. He is sought out by regulars and has earned an international following. Hollywood came calling, and he has appeared on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien. This local hero is a proud Torontonian on a mission to share his love of geography and Canada with the world.

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E Can you give us a typical question you might ask your passengers? Okay. What is the tallest mountain in Canada? For the answer, go to SeeTorontoNow.com/mrgeography. – Michele Sponagle

Photo: Nadine Hoffman

In the driver’s seat with Mr. Geography

parts of the city? I like spicy food, so I like to go for lunch in Little India, around Gerrard and Coxwell. I like Italian food, too, so I will eat in Little Italy, around College and Clinton. But what I like most are the CN Tower and Lake Ontario. No matter how many times I see them, I still think they are very beautiful.

TORONTO’S CASTLE

TORONTO’S CASTLE Visit Canada’s Majestic Castle, Casa Loma, and step back in time to the elegance and splendour of the Edwardian era. Explore elegantly decorated suites, secret passages, soaring towers and magnificent Estate Gardens. Gift Shop, Cafe and Parking on site. 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON. Close to the Dupont Subway Station.

416-923-1171 · www.casaloma.org

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