Toronto Zoo’s new baby giraffe Imara will be featured on Drake’s upcoming album

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12:22 pm

drake imara giraffe baby — L–R: @champagnepapi/Instagram, baby giraffe Imara courtesy Toronto Zoo

It’s the most Toronto collab in music history: a surprising artist is joining Drake for a feature on his upcoming new album! Drake has been teasing the release of another album for a few months now, and this past weekend he hinted once again that Iceman is coming soon. On Wednesday, he decided to drop a little snippet of one of his upcoming songs, and the teaser featured none other than Imara, the Toronto Zoo’s newly-named baby giraffe!

The short clip, released on his Instagram, featured the not-so-dulcet sounds of Imara layered over a beat. Giraffes normally make sounds so faint and low-pitched that humans can’t actually hear them, so it’s likely that Drake had to use some pretty high-tech equipment to capture Imara’s voice for the song!

He didn’t reveal anything else about the song or the album, instead simply captioning the post, “IMARA LOVE,” followed by (fittingly) the giraffe emoji and ice cube emoji.

Drake has been teasing the release of Iceman for over a year now, dropping a few singles that will likely be included on the new album and including hints on multiple Instagram posts. But it was this past weekend, during his speech honouring Nelly Furtado’s induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the Juno Awards, where he dropped a real hint.

“Enjoy your Hall of Fame status, it’s long overdue… Iceman coming soon,” was how Drake ended his speech.

It’s unclear why Drake decided to include Toronto Zoo’s new giraffe on his album, but we’re loving this ultra-Toronto collab! And his timing is impeccable: he dropped the teaser featuring Imara just a day after her name was officially announced by the zoo. Over 23,000 people participated in the public vote for her name, and Imara (which is Swahili for strong, firm and resilient) won!

If this announcement is any indication, Iceman is gearing up to be Drake’s most experimental album yet. Who knows which animals he might tap next to feature on an upcoming single — maybe the Toronto Zoo’s adorable new Komodo dragon siblings?

In other news — April Fool’s!

From Jamaican patties to vegan donuts these are the best mystery boxes in Toronto

By

Jennifer Schembri

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12:19 pm

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SnapInsta Ai 3478729735326020177 — @toogoodtogo.can/Instagram

If you haven’t downloaded Too Good To Go yet, consider this your sign. The European based app from Denmark connects customers to restaurants, grocery stores and bakeries to offload unsold food at the end of the day in order to reduce food waste and bring patrons some of the city’s best bites on a budget. Think of it as a last-minute goodie bag of quality goods at a fraction of the price. While you may not get to choose exactly what’s inside, the surprise is half the fun. The thrill of the haul hits just right when it feels like gaming the system. Users beware: the goodie bags often mimic snowflakes in that no two bags are alike, and the best ones sell out fast.

We did the work so you don’t have to. Here are the Toronto spots that pay off.

1. Oretta Caffe

This King West cafe is consistently offering up one of the most reliable savoury bags in the city — the perfect afternoon pick me up to brighten even the darkest work day. Previous hauls have included Italian sandwiches and baked goods like margherita calzones, truffle paninis, meat-filled pastries and loaded turkey sandwiches stacked high on a poppy seed bun with avocado, tomato, and aiolis. At $6.99 for a bag valued around $21, it’s one of the most consistent lunch upgrades on the app.

2. Courage Cookies

courage cookie 1 — @couragecookies.to/ instagram

If you’re going to gamble, do it with butter. Courage Cookies is baking up thick, decadent cookies that are intentionally slightly less sweet than some of the overloaded cookie styles we’re seeing around the continent. With rotating daily favours, you never know what you’re going to see in your bag. Everything from matcha or s’mores, peanut butter and banana, classic snickerdoodle, or even the occasional rice crispy cookie thrown in the mix. Bonus: there are often gluten-free and vegan options. At $6.99 with near-perfect ratings, it’s one of the safest bets on the platform.

3. Nord Lyon

Nord Lyon is proof that budgeting can feel luxurious. The surprise bags can skew a little higher in price, usually between $7.99 and $9.03, but the payoff is very real. Indulgent desserts that feel like a first-class trip to France: eclairs, brioche donuts, pistachio croissant wheels, smoked salmon croissant sandwiches and more.

4. Golden Patty

This Kensington Market institution is consistently overstuffing their goodie bags. Golden Patty is known for its generous portions, often packing bags with multiple flaky, freshly baked Jamaican patties in flavours like beef, jerk chicken, curry shrimp, callaloo, and ackee and saltfish. At $6.99 for roughly $21 in value, this is one of the best quantity-to-price ratios in the city.

5. Forno Cultura

forno culture — @fornocultura/ instagram

With the sheer amount of locations, Forno Cultura can be a hit no matter where you’re located. Whether your bag is stuffed with sandwiches, pastries, cookies, jarred items, breads, or focaccias, this third-generation operation focused on traditional techniques and organic flours is a reliable entity in this city with consistent quality across all locations. Now with Too Good to Go, at $6.99 for a $21 value, it’s one of the most balanced options between sweet and savoury.

6. Summerhill Market

For the meal preppers, the organic eaters, and those committed to nourishing their body — Summerhill Market’s surprise bags, produce bags, and more may just be the easiest way to dedicate yourself to your health in this city. This upscale neighbourhood grocer is known for their prepared foods. It’s less about treating yourself and more about fueling yourself, with actual meals made from scratch you may just get lucky and find your fridge filled with items like chicken pot pie, soups, salads and the occasional pantry staple.

7. Eataly

The one that started it all. The bag that inspired this story. Eataly’s Too Good To Go drops are among the most coveted in not just this city, but New York’s as well and for good reason. With multiple bag types ranging from bakery to prepared foods to mixed grocery, you might walk away with focaccia, pasta, sauces, sandwiches, produce or pastries. Prices typically land between $8 and $15, but the value regularly exceeds $24. The only catch? You have to be fast. These sell out almost instantly. Consider this the prize in the city’s best scavenger hunt.

8. Atelier Pasta

Atalier pasta — @atelierpastaco/ instagram

Normally, a choose-your-own-adventure in pasta form. On Too Good to Go — choose-someone-else’s-adventure. Atelier’s bags lean into the fun of their concept: fresh pasta tossed in anything and everything, a parmesan wheel, or rotating sauces like truffle, pesto, tomato, or wicked toppings like mushroom, beetroot and spinach. The surprise element works here because everything is good. Bags range from $5.99 to $7.99, with values up to $24, and often include generously portioned pasta or even a secret pizza.

9. Bloomer’s

Too Good to Go hasn’t excluded our celiacs or vegans. Bloomer’s consistently ranks amongst the best baked goods in the city, despite their inventive ingredients and continues these high rankings on our budget friendly app. Often packing seven to eight full-sized vegan doughnuts into a single bag for around $7.99 and over 50 rotating flavours, Bloomer’s has earned their reputation for quality. Pro tip: their treats are known to hold up even after freezing, making this one of the best deals in the city.

10. Prince Street Pizza

One of the few gourmet pizza names on the app, and it delivers. For $6.99, you’re typically getting around $21 worth of thick, square slices from one of the city’s most talked-about pizza spots. It’s a rare chance to try an indulgent spot without committing to the full price (or the full line).

82 of the best things to do in Toronto in April 2026

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Julia Mastroianni

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12:06 pm

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It’s April, and it’s officially spring in Toronto! While the weather is still a bit unpredictable, rain is coming and so are the flowers — and with it, some of the best events and culture the city has to offer. Here are the most important dates, events and festivals that everyone in Toronto needs to know for April.

Events, festivals and important dates in Toronto in April 2026

April 1: Hayley Williams at Massey Hall

April 1: Trixie Mattel and Katya at Meridian Hall

April 1: April Fools Day

April 1: First day of Passover

April 1–4: Bat out of Hell at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre

April 2: Josh Baker at Coda

April 2: Glen Hansard at The Great Hall

April 2: Dirty Dancing in Concert at Meridian Hall

April 3: Good Friday

April 3–5: Canadian Pet Expo

Mae Martin, courtesy Andrew Max Levy

April 4: Mae Martin at Massey Hall

April 4: Hassan Phills at Meridian Hall

April 5: Easter Sunday

The Easter parade in the Beaches is one of the best events in Toronto this weekend — Courtesy beacheseasterparade.ca

April 5: Beaches Lion Club Easter Parade

April 6: An Evening with David Sedaris at Massey Hall

April 6: The Neighbourhood at Scotiabank Arena

April 6: Naika at History

April 7–8: Lily Allen at Massey Hall

April 7–19: Chicago at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre

April 7–26: The Book of Mormon at Princess of Wales Theatre

April 7–May 3: Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary at Crow’s Theatre

April 8: Perfume Genius at The Great Hall

April 8: International Day of Pink

April 8–11: Symphonically Spielberg: The Music of John Williams at the TSO

April 9: Alice Phoebe Lou at The Concert Hall

April 9: Chris Grey at Danforth Music Hall

April 9: yung kai at The Mod Club

April 9–12: Spring One of a Kind Show

April 10–12: Toronto Silent Film Festival

April 11: CamelPhat at History

April 11: Sam Roberts Band at Massey Hall

April 11: Witchz at The Great Hall

April 11–12: The Baby Show at the Enercare Centre

April 11–26: Clyde’s at Bluma Appel Theatre

April 12: Jackson Wang at Coca-Cola Coliseum

April 12: Toronto Art Crawl Spring Pop-Up

April 12: Anthony Green at Danforth Music Hall

April 12: Ivan Urgant at Meridian Hall

April 13: Raye at Coca-Cola Coliseum

April 13: Snail Mail at The Concert Hall

April 13: GoldFord at Danforth Music Hall

April 14–15: Diana Krall at Massey Hall

April 14–May 3: Inside American Pie at CAA Theatre

April 15: LANY at Coca-Cola Coliseum

April 15: The Maine at History

florenceandthemachine — Courtesy @universalmusicgermany/Instagram

April 16: Florence + The Machine at Scotiabank Arena

April 16: Carlos Vives at Coca-Cola Coliseum

April 16: Asim Azhar at Danforth Music Hall

April 16–19: Toronto Ukrainian Film Festival

April 17: Maisie Peters at Phoenix Concert Theatre

April 17: John Butler Trio at History

April 17: Jonas Blue at CODA

April 17: Equality Day in Canada

April 17–18: Oh Wonder at Danforth Music Hall

April 17–18: West Side Story: Film with Live Orchestra at Meridian Hall

April 17-19: T.O. Food and Drink Fest

April 18: Under Armour Toronto 10K

April 18: Xenia Concerts and TO Live Present: An adaptive concert with Mattmac & Phoenix the Fire at Meridian Hall

April 18: NBA playoffs begins

April 18: NHL playoffs begins

April 20: Demi Lovato at Scotiabank Arena

April 21–May 10: The Division at Crow’s Theatre

April 22: Earth Day

April 22–May 10: Moulin Rouge! The Musical at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre

April 23: Lewis Capaldi at Scotiabank Arena

April 23: Dave at Coca-Cola Coliseum

April 23: The Last Dinner Party at Massey Hall

April 23: Tyler Shaw at The Mod Club

April 23-May 3: Hot Docs International Documentary Film Festival

April 24: Allie X at Danforth Music Hall

April 24: Triumph at Scotiabank Arena

kayleehunter afctoronto — Kaylee Hunter, courtesy AFC Toronto

April 24: Northern Super League regular season begins

April 24–26: The Tragedy of Hamlet: Prince of Denmark at The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres

April 25: Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman at Massey Hall

April 25–May 16: Bluebeard’s Castle/Erwatung at the Canadian Opera Company

April 26: Joost at History

April 26–May 3: The Festival of Literary Diversity

April 27: ichiko aoba at Massey Hall

April 27: Bring Me the Horizon at Scotiabank Arena

April 29: Callum Scott at Massey Hall

April 30: Anticipation: The Carly Simon and James Taylor Story at Meridian Arts Centre

April 30: Nimesh Patel at Meridian Hall

Toronto’s “weather rollercoaster” could change when High Park cherry blossoms bloom in 2026

By

Nisean Lorde

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11:01 am

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Cherry blossom season is fast approaching, but Toronto’s volatile and unpredictable weather might seriously impact when, and how long, the sakura trees bloom! While the city’s annual cherry blossom obsession is edging closer, but most buds remain in the first stage, with only a few beginning to hint at the next phase, according to the latest Sakura Watch update from Steve Joniak (aka Sakura Steve). A select few buds were showing bright green tips, which are considered an indicator of the second stage, but the trees are still waiting for warmer temperatures before they fully move on to the next stage.

According to Joniak, the weather is the most important factor in how quickly the trees progress from bud to blossom, but the forecast this week is a complete roller coaster in terms of temperatures and rainfall, with colder days giving way to much warmer ones and then falling right back again.

“Some days even swing within 10 degrees Celsius between the highs and lows. Add to that even more precipitation, a couple of days heavy, that will further saturate the park. Yes, rain is good for spring, but too much rain can also hamper the trees’ progress a bit, as they prefer sunnier conditions to help them grow,” Joniak said, adding that, “[t]oo much moisture can invite rot, disease, and insects seeking shelter from the rain.”

Before mapping out your annual blossom pilgrimage, High Park Nature Centre’s tracking guide says that blossoms in High Park usually reach peak bloom in late April to early May, and that it’s difficult to predict the exact timing more than 10 days in advance because the process is heavily temperature-dependent.

And High Park may be the headliner, but it’s not the only place to catch cherry blossoms across the province. In Toronto, you can also head to Trinity Bellwoods Park, Centennial Park, Edwards Gardens, the area around Robarts Library, Woodbine Park, Toronto Island Park, Exhibition Place, the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, and York University to catch pretty glimpses of pink-and-white blooms!

Mayor to open pop-up wine bar in Little Italy to celebrate FIFA World Cup

By

Jennifer Schembri

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7:30 am

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Olivia Ciao is set to take over Toronto one meatball at a time

In a move that proves she’s finally ready to trade her bike for a disco ball, Mayor Olivia Chow is officially swapping the boardroom for the barroom. In an exclusive reveal this morning, the City announced the glittery grand opening of Olivia Ciao — a one-day-only wine bar and high-energy dancing destination in the heart of Little Italy.

The name, of course, is all about the branding: a pun on her last name, a nod to College Street’s heritage and a sparkling “hello” (and a fast “goodbye”) to the city’s $380 million FIFA budget. The pop-up is the Mayor’s way of ensuring Toronto is match-fit for the FIFA World Cup. With the city set to host six massive matches — including the historic first-ever kickoff at Toronto Stadium on June 12.

nerfee mirandilla o1EDsUFmuXQ unsplash — Nerfee Mirandilla/Unsplash

But the real goal is the workers. For today only, TTC employees and City staff can eat and drink for half price, provided they can keep up with the Mayor on the floor.

“Our transit workers have dealt with enough 504 King streetcar diversions to deserve a glass of Chianti, a pepperoni pizz and a mandatory dance break,” the Mayor said, sporting a custom, rhinestone-encrusted green, white and red tracksuit. “If we’re going to welcome 48 nations and millions of fans, our staff needs to practice their footwork — on the dance floor and the subway platform.”

wonder kim t Gb p Oxg unsplash — Wonder Kim/Unsplash

The Olivia Ciao menu features a theatrical lineup of World Cup eats, including Yellow Card Carbonara, the Midfielder Margherita and Penalty Box Bruschetta. Guests are encouraged to carb-load while watching the Mayor lead a choreographed line dance through the restaurant to celebrate Canada’s place in the tournament.

But don’t get too attached to College Street. If the wine flows and the books balance today, the Mayor envisions a full “Olivia Empire” taking over the city. According to her grand plan, one waterfront neighbourhood is slated for Olivia Chowder, a comfort-food destination for those chilly lakefront days. And for the winter crowd she’s pitching Olivia Château, a luxury après-ski lodge perfect for ski season. Why leave the 65-restaurant rollout to Bobby Flay when the City can do it with dance parties and half-priced espresso?

Reservations are handled exclusively via the 311 app (expect a 20-minute hold for “technical difficulties”)

Toronto Zoo’s new baby giraffe just got an adorable name

By

Julia Mastroianni

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3:20 pm

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imara toronto zoo giraffe — Courtesy Toronto Zoo

Toronto Zoo’s newest addition finally has a name! When a baby Masai giraffe joined the zoo family on Feb. 22, the little one was affectionately nicknamed “Baby Long Neck” as the community was invited to submit their votes for an official name. The results are finally in: after more than 23,000 votes were cast, Baby Long Neck is officially Imara!

The name received over 8,000 votes, beating out the other four names included in the vote. All five names were chosen in collaboration with the Kenyan Honorary Consulate in Toronto to reflect the endangered Masai giraffe species. Due to illegal hunting and habitat loss, there are fewer than 35,000 Masai giraffes still surviving in the wild. The species has experienced a more than 50 per cent decline in the past 30 years.

The name Imara is Swahili for strong, firm and resilient. And the giraffe calf has certainly been growing fast: born at a shocking 6 feet, 4 inches, she’s already shot up to 7 feet!

toronto zoo giraffe — Imara and her mom, Mstari, at the giraffe habitat. Courtesy Toronto Zoo

“She stands for a symbol of strength, optimism and resilience not only for her endangered species but in a world eager to be reminded that hope still thrives,” Dolf DeJong, CEO of the Toronto Zoo, said in a statement.

Imara made her public debut at the zoo on March 13, and apparently there were lineups to see her stretched through the Toronto Zoo’s Africa Savanna over March Break. Visitors have been asked to stay calm and quiet in the giraffe house to respect her development and help her get used to crowds.

You can visit Imara between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. every day. The baby giraffe is also currently up for adoption through the zoo — adopting an animal helps the zoo care for animals, offer educational experiences and protect wildlife through vital conservation programs.

Toronto’s Velvet Underground is being replaced by a nightclub, and people have thoughts

By

Nisean Lorde

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2:27 pm

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velvet underground hyve — Courtesy jdoe1213/Reddit

The next chapter for 508 Queen St. W. won’t be another live music room after all. The old Velvet Underground space is now being marketed as Hyve, a nightclub and event space billing itself as “Toronto’s premier nightlife experience.” Its online rollout, though, is getting a bit of side-eye across social media.

For starters, Hyve’s online presence is a bit confusing: depending on whether you’re looking at the venue’s .com or .ca site, the club is either “coming soon” or already up and running.

The new concept also looks like it’ll be a full pivot from Velvet’s more intimate concert venue. Expect a flashier, VIP-nightlife model that includes a raw industrial-chic room with Funktion-One sound, LED-heavy production, themed nights spanning techno, afrobeats, hip-hop and house, as well as VIP tables, bottle service and dedicated hosts.

The venue does promise to be an inclusive, safe space with a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, but people on Reddit still have thoughts. In a recent thread, one commenter wrote that Hyve “sounds like an energy drink,” while another said that the venue “really doesn’t fit into the surrounding old building aesthetics at all.”

More than a few also said the site’s pictures and text seem a bit off, pointing to non-working ticket buttons, broken social media links and out-of-date event listings (users added that the “grand opening” date is listed as Friday, Jan 17, which would have been 2025, and an indexed page on the Canadian domain says that the venue “has become the definitive destination for those seeking a premium nightlife experience”).

Perhaps a lot of the piling on is tied to what the address used to be. Velvet Underground had long been part of the Queen West nightlife, first as a mid-90s club associated with emo and goth-themed dance nights and 102.1 The Edge broadcasts, then, after a 2015 shutdown and renovation, as a live-music venue that reopened in February 2016. Over the years, the venue became a familiar stop for touring acts and locals alike, even hosting Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill release party in 1995!

Velvet’s closure was announced last September, when the venue said its lease was ending and the property was being returned to the owner for a new chapter. At the time, the loss hit a nerve because the Velvet was joining a growing list of Toronto venues that music fans have watched disappear, including spots like the Bar Orwell, The Orbit Room, Cold Tea Bar, The Hideout and the Dakota Tavern.

If nothing else, the new site is bringing up all sorts of nostalgic feelings for OG Underground dwellers.

“Their website makes the place sound awful. Door policy to ensure a ‘sophisticated’ atmosphere; get outta here,” a Reddit user noted. “I spent so many wonderful nights at Velvet. It’s a real shame to see it turned into what sounds like a mediocre and likely overpriced club. The VIP booth comes with a sparkler show, though, so there’s that.”

If you’re curious about what happens next at the space, follow @hyve.toronto for updates.

Gen Z has spoken: Expect to see this outerwear trend on everyone in Toronto this spring

By

Julia Mastroianni

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2:01 pm

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April showers have arrived, but who says rainwear has to be boring? Gen Z is all about wearing vintage, and this season, it’s vintage trench coats that are ruling the spring fashion trends. Not only are they more stylish, they’re also often way more affordable! We pulled from the archives to find the best vintage trench coats, available right now in Toronto, and Jeanne Beker helped us pair them with the coolest water-resistant boots to give your rainy day look a modern update.

These one-of-a-kind vintage coats are being held exclusively for Streets of Toronto readers until April 6; contact the shop to buy!

A. Burberry coat + tall red boot

Black Diamond Vintage, $300, 1446 Dundas St. W.; Browns, $220, 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr.

B. ’80s blue trench + water-resistant platform

Mama Loves You Vintage, $65, 541 Queen St. W.; Gravity Pope, $290, 1010 Queen St. W.

C. Earthy green trench + waterproof suede Chelsea boot

Pic Vintage, $98, 1338 Dundas St. W.; Pajar, $220, ca.pajar.com

D. ’80s YSL coat + tall white boot

The Cat’s Meow, $1,695, 180 Avenue Rd.; Matt & Nat, SALE $112, mattandnat.com

E. Snakeskin jacket + square toe bootie

217 Vintage, $178, 559 Queen St. W.; La Canadienne, $299.99, 138 Cumberland St.

F. Plum coat + leopard print boot

Siberia Vintage, $89, 955 Bloor St. W.; Sporting Life, SALE $99.98, 3401 Dufferin St.

G. ’90s London Fog coat + Vancouver rain boot

Tell Them It’s Vintage, $168, 1449 Dundas St. W.; Canada Goose, $595, 220 Yonge St.

H. Classic trench with removable liner + heeled lug sole

Chosen Vintage, $78, 1599 Dundas St. W.; Heel Boy, $250, 773 Queen St. W.

Your ultimate guide to visiting Toronto’s most famous filming locations in real life

By

Nisean Lorde

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1:26 pm

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Handmaid's Tale filmed in Toronto — Handmaid's Tale/Hulu

Toronto has a habit of sneaking onto screens even when it’s pretending to be somewhere else. One set turns the city into a slick corporate superhero tower, while another transforms into a brooding campus or a post-awards-party setting. Here are a few popular spots you’ll recognize from iconic film and TV productions.

Aga Khan Museum: The Man from Toronto

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A post shared by Toronto filming locations (@toronto_filming_locations)

The Aga Khan Museum (77 Wynford Dr.) is the setting for a Washington, D.C., art-museum meet-up in The Man from Toronto (just remember, it’s pronounced “Torono,” not “Toronto”). The late Professor Fumihiko Maki, winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, used light as his inspiration when designing the building, so, depending on the time of day or season, light animates the building in many ways, throwing patterns on the exterior walls of Brazilian granite and illuminating the open-roofed courtyard (making the museum especially striking on screen).

Joni Restaurant (Park Hyatt Toronto) and Lavelle: Heated Rivalry

One of the fun newer additions to Toronto’s filming-location circuit is Heated Rivalry, which uses two very different nightlife spots in the city. In the series, Joni’s dramatic staircase and polished interiors are transformed into a glam post-awards-party setting, while Lavelle’s rooftop pool deck and skyline views stand in for Tampa during All-Star weekend. In real life, Joni in Yorkville (4 Avenue Rd.) is open daily from morning through dinner, with brunch and afternoon tea in the mix, while Lavelle (627 King. St. W.) rises 16 storeys above King West with a lounge bar, dining room, pools, cabanas and amazing city views.

The Lakeview Diner: The Shape of Water

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A post shared by The Lakeview Diner (@thelakeviewdiner)

In The Shape of Water, which won the Oscar for Best Picture in 2018, this historic diner with 24-hour brunch (1132 Dundas St. W.) was retrofitted into a Dixie-themed pie shop in Baltimore. One memorable scene features Giles sitting down for key lime pie and ‘conversation’ with a mute janitor (she takes a bite of the pie and sticks out her green-stained tongue). In real life, it remains an iconic Toronto diner, dating back to 1932 (and the owners have since added key lime pie to the menu!) Other notable films shot here include Cocktail (1988), Hairspray (2007) and Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (2004).

Lee’s Palace: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

This cult-fave is filled with recognizable Toronto filming spots you can check out in real life. According to Movie Locations, the library where Scott first sees Ramona is the Wychwood branch (1431 Bathurst St. at St. Clair Ave. W.), and the area where Scott and Ramona go for a romantic stroll at night is by Baldwin Steps, leading through Spadina Park from Davenport Rd. at Spadina Rd.

Scott meets his high-school girlfriend, Knives Chau, outside her school (filmed at St Michael’s College School, 1515 Bathurst St); you’ll recognize the setting, but the stone archway is hidden under a covering of ivy. Lee’s Palace (529 Bloor St W) is also one of the 2010 movie’s key music-scene locations. The rock concert hall in the Annex is where Sex Bob-omb opens for Envy Adams’s band and where Scott faces another ex. And Lee’s is no stranger to movie sets. Decades ago, its interior was filmed as a Jamaican reggae club in 1988’s Cocktail, starring Tom Cruise.

Roy Thomson Hall: The Boys

Parts of the world’s most popular superhero show were filmed at Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe St.). The Boys digitally tweaked the building’s curved-glass exterior into Vought’s Seven Tower, but it’s unmistakably Toronto. In real life, the hall is still very much itself: the home of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra!

Allan Gardens Conservatory and Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres: The Umbrella Academy

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Toronto shows up in The Umbrella Academy through two of the city’s most atmospheric spots! In the first season, the Elgin Theatre (part of the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres, 189 Yonge St.) serves as the backdrop for Vanya’s violin-rehearsal scenes, providing a dim, almost haunted interior. The historic Yonge Street venue is a National Historic Site and the last operating stacked theatre complex in the world. Allan Gardens Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave.) appears later in the season during a dreamy scene where Luther, trying to charm Allison, turns the conservatory into a glowing, romantic fantasy.

Sankofa Square: The Handmaid’s Tale

In The Handmaid’s Tale, Sankofa Square (formerly Dundas Square) appears in flashbacks to pre-Gilead life, using one of downtown Toronto’s most instantly recognizable intersections to capture the busyness of the city before everything “turns”. The square sits at Yonge and Dundas and draws millions of visitors each year, with festivals, concerts, public art, buskers and other large-scale activations.

The team behind Kramer’s Bar & Grill is launching a three-restaurant Italian empire across Toronto

By

Megan Gallant

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11:48 am

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Blue horses and genuine Italian hospitality will soon be found in neighbourhoods across Toronto. A cozy Etobicoke restaurant that opened in December and is known for its quality service will soon be expanding to open three restaurants within less than a year.

Located at 848 The Queensway, The Blue Horse Cucina comes from the team behind Kramer’s Bar & Grill, a beloved and lively Yonge Street pub that had been in Davisville Village for more than a decade. Kramer’s closed its doors for good at the end of August 2025 when their lease was ended for redevelopment of the building.

SnapInsta Ai 3807304716381226516 — @thebluehorsecucina/Instagram

In December, Christian Chiari, Ben Toma and executive chef Steve Birdwell took over the building that was formerly Pazzia Osteria. With Chiari and Toma both being Italian, they decided to go back to their roots with The Blue Horse Cucina.

“We’ve been working together for roughly 11 years and there is that big influence of Italian cuisine and Italian culture for us,” says Chiari. “The stars really aligned when we found this place — a little cute, holistic space — so it really became very natural to bring the Italian culture and cuisine to life.”

That authenticity is clear from the moment you step into the diner and are greeted in Italian — something Chiari says is always fun to watch customers embrace. The space itself is warm and intimate, the kind of atmosphere only a small, friend-run restaurant can create, with classic red-and-white checkered tablecloths and green foliage snaking across the ceiling.

SnapInsta Ai 3809358758737603693 — Housemade focaccia

The menu draws on northern and central Italian cuisine, with a focus on handmade pastas crafted from fresh, simple ingredients. Standout dishes include the linguine alla pescatora and tagliatelle with braised veal shank ragù, while salads, roasted chicken breast and steak round out the menu.

The dishes can be paired with a large selection of Italian wines, including those less popular like a pecorino or corvina. The knowledgeable staff is there to help diners not only find their new favourite, but the ones that pair best with their meal.

If you were a fan of Kramer’s, you might recognize the inspiration behind the name The Blue Horse — the iconic statue that once stood outside the pub. The large plastic horse became something of an urban legend after mysteriously appearing on Kramer’s patio one morning, seemingly out of nowhere.

“I’m not sure where the horse came from, I’m not sure even how it was transported to Yonge Street, but it showed up there at the pub and we didn’t know what to do with it,” says Chiari, noting that many people took photos and climbed the horse over the years.

“It became the symbol of the public community, because there was a lot of laughter and a story behind that horse. It really became something that we wanted to bring with us. It was a memory, and we got attached to that idea and that symbol of community and fun.”

The horse is currently in storage, waiting to return to Yonge Street when The Blue Horse Eatery opens this summer. Located at 1867 Yonge Street, the new spot will pay homage to Kramer’s, bringing a neighbourhood pub back to the area with snacks, good wine and warm hospitality. Chiari says the goal is to welcome back longtime regulars while opening in time for the World Cup.

SnapInsta Ai 3813126065636583777 — Grilled Octopus

But that’s not the only expansion in the works for the team. The Blue Horse Rotisserie will be coming to 554 Parliament Street in Cabbagetown, which, Chiari says, they hope to open before the end of summer.

Despite the rapid growth, Chiari says all The Blue Horse locations will be a welcoming space where customers are invited to get to know the owners, learn more about the food and drinks, and stick around a while.

“It’s not just a small business. It’s really part of the community. It’s really fun and we want to welcome people and have them remember us not just for the meal but for that hospitality and experience.”

The best spots for Easter brunch in Toronto from skyline views to massive seafood towers

By

Nisean Lorde

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2:39 pm

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SnapInsta Ai 3857238755049213463 — W Toronto

Easter already? Yup! The holiday falls earlier than usual this year, on Sunday, April 5, 2026, and Toronto has no shortage of spots where you can dress up and linger over a delicious brunch. From a castle buffet at Casa Loma to lobster Benedict, seafood bars and chocolate-heavy finales, the city’s Easter lineup is super festive and very reservation-worthy.

Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto

Celebrate Easter Sunday with a little la dolce vita at this Michelin-starred spot. The limited-time Sunday brunch begins April 5, with seatings starting at 11 a.m. At $100/person, diners can enjoy the Feature Tasting Menu while taking in the city’s gorgeous skyline and water views. Although we don’t have exact Easter menu details, guests will likely be treated to thoughtfully composed dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients and the signature refinement the restaurant is known for. This is a more intimate experience that’s perfect for anyone looking to mark the occasion with understated luxury! Reservations are through OpenTable. 1 Harbour Square, 38th floor.

Casa Loma

What better way to celebrate Easter pageantry energy than at an actual castle? Casa Loma’s April 5 Easter brunch is a prepaid $90/person buffet served inside the castle, so guests can explore the historic property before or after their 90-minute brunch seating!

Indulge in breakfast-station staples like chocolate and butter croissants, cinnamon rolls, blueberry pancakes and cinnamon-mascarpone French toast, or check out the omelet station for something more classic. There’s a seafood bar featuring smoked trout, Argentinian shrimp, bacon-wrapped scallops and seared salmon, as well as pasta options like butternut squash ravioli and veal ravioli, and hot-station mains like roasted honey ham, Ontario rainbow trout and carved prime rib! Bonus: if you have kids, there’s a $65 Child Brunch add-on available. Reservations are through OpenTable. 1 Austin Terrace.

Living Room, W Toronto

Celebrate Easter in true W style at the W Toronto Hotel! On April 4 and 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the hotel’s lobby lounge, the Living Room, will transform into the season’s destination for a festive spring brunch. Expect interactive stations, an Ontario cheese board with grapes, dried fruit and nuts, a breadbasket with whipped butter and seasonal jam, wellness shots, fruit platters, pastries and petits gâteaux. For mains, standouts include the chicken and waffles with truffle maple syrup and steak and eggs finished with chimichurri, while a smoked salmon croissant and wellness breakfast bowl round out the lineup. Pricing: $75/person | $30/child (12 and under). Reservations are via OpenTable. 90 Bloor St E.

REIGN Restaurant & Bar, Fairmont Royal York

Put on your Sunday best and head to REIGN inside the Fairmont Royal York! The hotel’s Easter lobby installation is a sculptural, oversized egg, adorned with delicate seasonal details and crowned by a canopy of blooming pink branches, bringing some fun springtime renewal energy to the Fairmont (look out for it from March 26 to April 27).

Now for the food: On April 4 and 5, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., guests can gather over a Lobster & Polenta Benedict, a Croque Madame French Toast layered with black truffle mornay and crackling crunch, and a Tiramisu Pancake Stack with mini chocolate eggs, alongside tasty brunch classics. There’s also a lemon-asparagus salad if you want something lighter, as well as a braised lamb shank with spring vegetables for a heartier dish. For a sweet finale, Executive Pastry Chef Kapila has handcrafted a chocolate egg inspired by the iconic lobby installation. Bonus: the $75 tableside add-on reveal could come with a golden ticket for a Fairmont Gold weekend stay! For prices and reservations, visit OpenTable. 100 Front St W.

TOCA at The Ritz-Carlton

TOCA is bringing back its popular Easter brunch buffet on April 5 with two seatings (12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.), featuring a massive seafood bar and Easter-inspired desserts, complemented by a carving station with slow-roasted meats and live-action pasta stations! It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for a luxe meal rather than simple eggs and toast. Prices: $185/adult, $85/child (12 and under). 181 Wellington St W.

LOUIX LOUIS at The St. Regis Toronto

LOUIX LOUIS has one of the most balanced Easter brunches on this list! The Easter Royal Brunch Buffet takes place on April 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ($125/adult | $55/child), so guests can expect part-buffet, part-plated signature dishes, with select à la carte faves all served in a sky-high dining room. Load up on house-made viennoiseries, fresh seafood, carved ham and lamb, seasonal salads and artisanal cheeses, then order something distinctly brunchy, like the Lobster Omelet with tarragon béarnaise or the Chicken & Waffle with maple butter and truffle honey. Dessert is also festive, with a chocolate Easter display, a chocolate fountain and made-to-order crêpes. 325 Bay St.

Auberge du Pommier

Auberge du Pommier’s Easter meal service runs April 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. as a five-course prix fixe for $130! It’s set in a North York French dining room, making it a perfect choice if you’re looking for a quieter, more refined alternative to the city’s grand buffets. Start your Easter brunch with the crêpe mille-feuille layered with peas, mint, tarragon, morels and Comté, then move on to duck sausage and an Œufs Vol-au-Vent with poached egg, puff pastry, Béarnaise and jambon de Paris. For the main, choose between aged lamb with Koshihikari rice and barley miso jus, or red sea bream with radish, seaweed, caviar and beurre blanc, before finishing with a chocolate-raspberry gâteau de Pâques and petit fours. 4150 Yonge St.

Ontario’s best Easter festivals and egg hunts in 2026

By

Rebecca Hesse

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12:48 pm

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The weather in Toronto is only just starting to warm up, but the 2026 calendar has spoken: Easter is coming early this year! Whether you celebrate the holiday or you’re just in it for the egg hunts and the chocolate, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the festivities in Ontario. Spend the long weekend watching colourful floats drive by at an Easter parade, hunting for treats at an egg hunt or capturing the perfect family photo op with the Easter bunny at a nearby farm. Hop into spring with these 10 Easter events all around Ontario.

Beaches Easter Parade

When: Sunday, April 5, 2026

Head over to Queen Street East in the Beaches on Easter Sunday and take part in a long-standing Toronto tradition. Celebrating 60 years, this fun-filled afternoon of colourful floats, marching bands and good old family fun is a great way to celebrate spring. Looking for more long weekend festivities? Check out the community Easter egg hunt on Friday, April 3.

Aurora Easterpalooza

When: Saturday, April 4, 2026

This Saturday, visit Aurora for a delightful Easter-themed morning. Try your luck at egg fishing, take the family on an interactive story walk, traverse the hopstacle course and snap a photo with the Easter Bunny. For an exciting scavenger hunt with great prizes, download the Goosechase app before April 6 and join the fun.

Markham Easter Funfest

When: April 3–6, 2026

Throughout the entire Easter weekend, the Markham Fairgrounds will be buzzing with festivities. Take the kids for a spin on a midway ride or join them in a round of mini putt. Nosh on some carnival favourites, and join in on the Easter egg hunt in the barn.

Community Easter Egg Hunt Muskoka

Easter Egg Hunt Photo — Courtesy muskokaheritageplace.ca

When: Sunday, April 5, 2026

If you happen to be in cottage country over the weekend, stop by the Muskoka Pioneer Village for a family-friendly Easter egg hunt. With thousands of colourful, delicious chocolate eggs awaiting discovery, it’ll be a fun time for all. Bonus points to the lucky kids who finds the golden eggs tucked around the field — they’ll receive a special prize from the Nutty Chocolatier!

Sarnia Easter in the Park

When: Saturday, April 4, 2026

Celebrate Easter on the shores of Lake Huron this weekend. With family-friendly entertainment, including train rides, inflatables, face painting, a magic show and an Easter Bunny appearance, the kids will have a blast. Meet some furry friends the children’s animal farm and search for some Easter eggs, too.

Easter Eggstravaganza at Willowtree Farm

When: April 3–5, 2026

Journey down the enchanted Spring Forest Trail at Willowtree Farm and discover colourful eggs along the way. Listen to the Easter Bunny spin a magical tale and get the kids crafting at the greenhouse. A stop at the farm cafe will be a welcome treat for the grown-ups — as is a visit to the on-site farm market, featuring fresh produce and preserves.

Pickering Easter Parade

When: Saturday, April 4, 2026

Pickering is bringing the community together for a fun-filled Easter parade filled with buskers, clowns and festive floats. Afterwards, stop by the local Royal Canadian Legion Branch 606 between 11 a.m. and 122 p.m. to continue the party with a BBQ. Take part in the annual Bonnet Contest (featuring not just bonnets but bikes, wagons and doll prams, too), and enjoy some games and live entertainment.

Easter Weekend at Friday Harbour

fridayharboureaster — Courtesy Friday Harbour Resort

When: Saturday, April 4, 2026

Head over to the Friday Harbour resort community for a weekend filled with Easter delights. Sign the kids up for basket weaving and bag decorating, traditional Easter egg decorating or even a spring tie-dye activity. Events run from 12–3 p.m., and don’t miss out on the ninth annual egg drop, running from 2–3 p.m. (teams can pay $15 to join).

St Jacobs Farmers Market Easter Egg Hunt

When: Saturday, April 4, 2026

Southwestern Ontario’s favourite farmers’ market invites the family to celebrate Easter with an exciting morning of egg hunting. Running at three separate times (9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.), prepare to scour the farmyard in search of eggies, enjoy a meet and greet the Easter Bunny and explore Canada’s largest year round farmers’ market for some take-home goodies. Plus, some of the vendors will be offering Easter candy and treats — if you can find them!

Downey’s Easterfest

When: April 3–5, 2026

Book your tickets and stop by Downey’s Farm for a day of Easter family fun. Spot adorable baby farm animals, search for Easter eggs with the kids and hop aboard a wagon ride for a storybook adventure. Before heading home, explore the farm shop for tasty treats and freshly baked goods. You can also take part in an Easter dance party, let your inner artist shine at a bunny ears colouring station and have fun at a magic show.