2 h. ago Ontario provincial park has largest visible Indigenous pictograph collection in Canada

There's no need to leave Ontario this summer if you're looking for scenic adventures.A fan favourite Ontario Park soon opens for the season on May 9, and it's truly stunning. Bon Echo Provincial Park is a perfect mix of views and hikes, and here's what you need to know before you go.Located about three and a half hours from Toronto, north of Kingston, Bon Echo's biggest draw is the gorgeous 100-metre-high Mazinaw Rock, which is covered in over 260 historic Indigenous pictographs.The rock has Canada's largest collection of this type of pictograph, and having seen them myself, I can tell you they're mesmerizing.The other awesome thing about this park is that there are hiking trails for hikers of all skill levels. Ranging from an easy 1 km to a more challenging 4.8 km, the trails here can be explored by all.One of the most popular trails is the Cliff Top Trail, which leads to the pictographs — but be warned, it's ...

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11 h. ago A totally retro Toronto house just hit the market for only $750,000

If you're a sucker for hardwood floors, stained glass windows, and original wood trim, 125 Dawes Rd. might just be your vintage dream come true.Located in Toronto's East York area, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom semi-detached brick home is bursting with character.From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by retro charm. The living room. Think stained glass windows, a formal dining room with gumwood trim and a plate rail, and even an original wood-burning brick fireplace for those chilly winter nights.The dining room. While the house proudly leans into its vintage vibe, not everything is stuck in the past.The kitchen. The kitchen has seen some updates, according to the listing. The other side of the kitchen features a washer and dryer in one of the closets. Although the dishwasher might predate the Spice Girls and could probably use an update.The basement. The basement, complete with orange carpeting and an almost comically overs...

Economics

5 d. ago More beer stores in Ontario are abruptly closing down including two in Toronto

The Beer Store in Ontario is preparing to shut down four locations across the province in June, following dozens of other closures earlier this year. In a news release on its website, The Beer Store revealed that two locations in Toronto, namely those at 761 Queen St. W. and 1270 Woodbine Ave. in East York, would be closing for good on June 15. Two other stores in Ontario, including one at 7676 Islington Ave. in Woodbridge and one at 2144 Carling Ave. in Ottawa, will also be shutting down on the same day. In addition, the company noted that The Beer Store site in Sault Ste. Marie, located at 250 Bruce St., will be closing its retail footprint and transforming fully to a distribution warehouse to "better service the needs" of customers. "The Beer Store has been in business for over 97 years, and we take pride in serving our customers with the best service possible while offering a wide selection of beer and an easy...

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5 d. ago Toronto's most iconic Jamaican patty shop opening in new neighbourhood

A Jamaican patty shop in Toronto that could very likely be categorized as the city's most iconic is gearing up to open a brand-new location, but it won't be around forever.Many are of the opinion that the almighty Jamaican patty is at least equally worthy of signature dish status in Toronto as the city's official signature dish, the peameal bacon sandwich.In terms of accessibility, at least, you'll be far more likely to find yourself within spitting distance of a patty than a peameal bacon sandwich, save (maybe) for if you're physically inside of St. Lawrence Market.Indeed, there's really no shortage of places in Toronto where you can find a patty when the craving hits, so much so that it would be entirely conceivable to think that they'd all just blend into the background.Against unparalleled competition in the city, though, Oakwood Village's Randy's Patties has managed to rise above the noise and stay there ever since 1979.After shutting do...

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5 d. ago Frank and Oak closing all retail stores including these Toronto locations

If you're looking for a deal on new clothing, this Canadian fashion retailer might be the place to look, given its future.Montreal-based Frank and Oak is closing all 14 of its retail stores in Ontario, Quebec, and BC and selling its intellectual property, according to new court documents. The news comes just three months after Frank and Oak filed for creditor protection with around $71 million in debt.In a document posted online, Frank and Oak's parent company, UGC Canada Holdings Inc., stated that on April 15, the Superior Court of Quebec approved a motion for the sale of certain assets, an authorization to proceed with the liquidation process, and other orders. Now, UGC Canada Holdings Inc. will be liquidating the company's inventory (including furniture, fixtures, and equipment) across all brick-and-mortar stores. As a result, three Toronto locations, including those at The Well (486 Front St.), Queen West, and the Eaton Centre, will be shuttered.Court ...

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6 d. ago You can get free stuff at Toronto IKEA locations by trading in old furniture

If you're hanging onto some old furniture, mirrors, or lamps, you'll be pleased to hear that you can trade in select items for an IKEA gift card this week in the Greater Toronto Area. That's right, when you bring in an eligible, gently-used piece of furniture to a participating IKEA location, you'll receive either a $25 gift card for small furniture items or a $50 gift card for large furniture items. "We believe that all furniture deserves a second chance, even furniture that isn't ours," IKEA Canada's website reads. The initiative, which takes place between April 25 to 26 as part of Earth month, is in partnership with Furniture Bank, a registered charity and social enterprise that redistributes gently-used furniture and housewares to families and individuals experiencing furniture poverty.     View this post on Instagram           A post shared by IKEA Ca...

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6 d. ago Over a dozen interested parties eyeing leases of 65 Hudson's Bay store locations

As the Hudson's Bay Company era nears its end, many of its soon-to-be vacated spaces may find new life with different tenants, with decisions on many sites expected in the weeks ahead.By Summer 2025, all 96 of the company's brick-and-mortar stores will close following a liquidation process that first began last month — including six locations that had previously been spared, such as the downtown Toronto and downtown Montreal flagship stores, but are now slated for closure as of a new court filing this week.From the outset of the court-approved liquidation process last month, Hudson's Bay engaged commercial real estate firm Oberfield Snowcap to market and sell its leases and properties, as a measure to generate additional operating revenue. This has been aptly named as the "Lease Monetization Process."Final bids for leases due on May 1According to a court filing earlier this week, as a part of the ongoing federal Companies' Creditor...

Culture

1 week ago Food festival with eats from over 40 countries coming to Toronto

Food festival season is right around the corner for Toronto, bringing with it the much-anticipated return of a slew of annual favourites, including the always-electric Pan American Food and Music Festival.Returning to the city's food festival circuit for its 13th year, Toronto's Pan American Food and Music Festival (or PanamFest, as it's also known) is a huge celebration of cuisines and cultures spanning the Americas, from Canada to Chile.I can't think of a better city to play host to a festival that celebrates diversity and multiculturalism than Toronto, and no better location to serve as its backdrop than Nathan Phillips Square, illuminated by the glow of the Toronto sign.The weekend-long festival is set to feature a host of restaurants and chefs from across the city and beyond, churning out dishes and snacks from 41 different countries in North, Central and South America.Whether you're in the mood for poutine, plantain or Pão de Queijo, there&...

Culture

2 w. ago Toronto's favourite slider joint is branching out with a new location

Mustard yellow, with a smiley-faced logo, menu of sliders, tots and budget drinks, Little Italy's most anticipated arrival is poised to delight both ardent fans and waves of Toronto newcomers.Set to breathe life into the sizeable location recently vacated by All Star Wings & Ribs, Pennies Bar is bringing its cheap-and-cheerful brand of hospitality to a new area of town."It's always been the plan to open up a second location," says owner James Bateman. "We survived Covid, which really feels like a proof of concept for us."We've been looking for a great next spot with a corner patio, and we've always loved the energy and culture of the College Street West strip," he adds. "We see it as a classic Toronto location for our classic slider joint."Known for its menu of sliders—from cheeseburger to veggie El Paso melt—Pennies is also adored for its crispy loaded tater tots, happy-hour deals and laidback energy. At its new location, enthusiasts will find th...

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2 w. ago $1.3 Ontario home is proof that a bungalow doesn't have to be boring

If you're looking for an affordable yet exceptional new home outside of the hubbub of city life, your prayers have been answered: this $1.3 million Ontario bungalow is your new best friend.Located less than an hour's drive from Toronto, just west of Brampton, 60 Garrison Square is a charming freehold bungalow townhome replete with character and comfortable finishes in the delightful Georgetown community.Resting within a sought-after and well-maintained enclave, this lovely home is the ultimate intersection of luxury, privacy and convenience, all at an appealing price point.The main living space.At around 1500 sq. ft., 60 Garrison Square is living proof that bungalows are no reason to sacrifice on space, nor style.The home boasts sky-high vaulted ceilings, a flood of natural light, California shutters throughout, and, in the living room, a cozy gas fireplace, all of which contribute at once to create the feeling of spacious openness without compromising on comfort.The kitchen.Ju...

Economics

2 w. ago $1.3M Ontario home is proof that a bungalow doesn't have to be boring

If you're looking for an affordable yet exceptional new home outside of the hubbub of city life, your prayers have been answered: this $1.3 million Ontario bungalow is your new best friend.Located less than an hour's drive from Toronto, just west of Brampton, 60 Garrison Square is a charming freehold bungalow townhome replete with character and comfortable finishes in the delightful Georgetown community.Resting within a sought-after and well-maintained enclave, this lovely home is the ultimate intersection of luxury, privacy and convenience, all at an appealing price point.The main living space.At around 1500 sq. ft., 60 Garrison Square is living proof that bungalows are no reason to sacrifice on space, nor style.The home boasts sky-high vaulted ceilings, a flood of natural light, California shutters throughout, and, in the living room, a cozy gas fireplace, all of which contribute at once to create the feeling of spacious openness without compromising on comfort.The kitchen.Ju...

Economics

3 w. ago Toronto Mexican restaurant chain quietly shuts down original location

A Toronto-based Mexican restaurant chain has quietly shuttered one of its busy downtown locations without notice.It's been well over a decade since La Carnita first began whipping Toronto Mexican food fanatics into a tizzy with their elevated(-ish) takes on street food staples like elotes, tacos and churros — and, boy, did the fervor ever stick around.Undoubtedly aided in the mid-2010s by co-founder Andrew Richmond's then-viral (or whatever the 2015 version of viral was) ice cream chain, Sweet Jesus, whose locations all either shared a space with or neighbored La Carnita locations, the Mexican joint was unstoppable for years.Sweet Jesus has since closed down all of its downtown Toronto locations (though a few are still open in the GTA and elsewhere in Ontario), but La Carnita, for its part, has held strong.Unfortunately for lovers of tacos, tequila, and all those other treats you've come to expect from the chain, their ranks have fallen by one, as La Carnita's original locatio...

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4 w. ago Hooters files for bankruptcy and here's what that means for Toronto location

U.S.-based restaurant chain Hooters, which is known for its chicken wings and all-female serving staff wearing revealing outfits, has officially filed for bankruptcy protection, and here's what that means for the chain's only Toronto location. On Monday, Hooters of America (HOA) Restaurant Group filed the motion for Chapter 11 protection in the North Texas Bankruptcy Court in Dallas.The company has been facing mounting financial challenges, and as a result, announced that it has entered into a restructuring support agreement to effectuate a sale transaction that will allow for the continued operation of the business under new ownership. The company has reached an agreement with a group of current franchisees, called the Buyer Group, to acquire and operate certain company-owned Hooters locations. The group is comprised of two existing Hooters franchisees, who collectively currently own and operate over 30 per cent of the domestic franchised Hooters locations, including...

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4 w. ago These were the best April Fools' Day pranks in Ontario this year

If you haven't caught on yet, it's officially April Fools' Day 2025 in Toronto, and as anticipated, many local attractions, businesses, and restaurants are taking to social media in hopes of pranking their followers and customers.From unrealistic moves to head-scratching and custom-made drinks for your four-legged friends, here are our picks for the best April Fools' Day pranks that tricked people in Toronto this year.Canada's Wonderland relocationDid you hear? Canada's Wonderland is relocating! Well, not actually, but plenty of people fell for this prank posted by the amusement park's social team this morning.    View this post on Instagram           A post shared by Canada's Wonderland (@canadaswonderland)The team joked that the park will be relocating to Wonder Island in 2031, a custom-built island located right by downtown Toronto. One person even asked if the amusement park would be providing a...

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4 w. ago Hooters, known for chicken wings and skimpy uniforms, files for bankruptcy

The latest iconic restaurant brand to falter in the face of stubborn inflation and Americans’ fading interest in eating out

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4 w. ago Toronto servers at this restaurant get to choose how much you need to tip

As you take your last few bites of your meal and the bill arrives, you're suddenly faced with a familiar dilemma — should you tip 15, 18, 20 per cent, or maybe even more? You might find yourself reflecting on your waiter's service, the quality of the food, or how perfectly your steak was cooked.However, at this new Toronto restaurant, you can forget all that. Here, the servers do all the deciding for you.That's right, at Revoir le Calendrier, located in Toronto's Financial District, servers are given the power to decide exactly how much you need to tip. The restaurant, which officially opened its doors on Tuesday, is shaking up the traditional tipping concept with its revolutionary take, and some customers are still finding it difficult to wrap their heads around the idea.General Manager Alfred Pols tells blogTO that the restaurant's unique approach aims to reward both excellent service and customer etiquette."People are struggling financially more than ever. Food is expe...

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