10 of the best new restaurants to check out in Toronto this week

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12:38 pm

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Looking for the best new restaurants in Toronto this week? The city’s dining scene keeps growing, and this week there are 10 newer spots worth checking out. From a Turkish-Mediterranean newcomer on Queen East to an upscale Indian opening on College Street, here is your definitive guide to the 10 best new places to eat in Toronto right now.

1. Hume

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This Riverside gem recently celebrates its grand opening with a menu focused on Turkish-Mediterranean comfort food with a few fun twists. Start with the Anatolian Trio Dip if you’re heading over with a group, or the pumpkin mücver fritters with tahini sauce if you want something snacky and a little different. From there, the köfte with potato purée is a house fave, while the Avunya mantısı (pulled chicken with baked Turkish phyllo, crispy chickpeas, yogurt and slightly spicy butter sauce) is ideal if you want richer, more distinctive flavours. 782 Queen St E.

2. Petty Cash

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Petty Cash earns a spot this week because its relaunch looks substantial enough to feel new again. The King West hangout has reopened with an elevated space featuring a photobooth, a billiards table, live sports, curated live bands Thursday through Saturday, and happy hour daily from 5 to 8 pm! Head over with a group of friends and make it a shareable night: order one of the house pizzas, like the Margherita if you want something classic, or the Eggplant Parmigiana if you want something a little heavier, as well as wings or another app while you settle in. If you go midweek, the $17 Steak & Frites Wednesday special is a good excuse to make a return visit. 487 Adelaide St W (entrance on Portland).

3. Aangan

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Little Italy just got a much glossier Indian option in Aangan! This modern restaurant on College St boasts an intimate dining room, a curated beverage program and a private Mandala Room for groups. The food is a styled-up take on regional Indian cooking, but the obvious order is the Signature Smoky Butter Chicken, finished with fire-roasted red peppers! If you’re heading over with a large group, try the Sweet Potato Chaat layered with yogurt, tamarind and pomegranate, the Coconut Prawn Curry with lemongrass and coastal spices, or one of the charcoal-oven signatures like the Kokum Chicken Tikka. For the rest of March, Aangan is also offering a three-course tasting menu for $55! 556 College St.

4. Eden Garden Resto & Bar

Eden Garden Resto & Bar is the place to be if you’re looking for a suburban hangout with comfort-food-heavy options. The menu is packed with burgers, pastas, fried starters and steakhouse mains. Start with the lamb spring rolls or coconut green chilli shrimp, and then go for the Spicy Burger with chipotle mayo, BBQ sauce, fried onions and jalapeños or opt for the Seafood Pasta or Cajun Salmon if you want a heartier dinner. 1806 Pharmacy Ave.

5. Taco Factory

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Taco Factory is one of the more casual additions on this list, but that’s part of its appeal! The street-style stop on Widmer St has combo-friendly pricing with the perfect eats rotation, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos, with proteins like chicken, beef, beans, fish and steak, as well as sauces like salsa verde and guacamole salsa. The $10 lunch power box is a good option if you’re trying it for the first time, but the Fries Supreme, chips and guac, or a Mexican Walking Taco will round out your experience nicely. Open 6 days a week (Tuesday-Sunday). 11 Widmer St.

6. Bánh Mì Journey

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This compact Vietnamese bánh mì and café shop on Queen E sits across from the Fox Theatre. Try delicious sandwiches like the betel leaf beef and Nha Trang fish cake bánh mì, along with drinks like egg coffee and a salted matcha latte. If you’re going for the first time, go for the grilled pork, grilled chicken or grilled meatball bánh mì, as well as a Vietnamese phin coffee and a rotating mix of matcha-coffee hybrids. 2383 Queen St E.

7. Hinode Udon and Tempura

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Hinode is nestled in Richmond Hill, but its dishes justify the detour! The restaurant is a new udon and tempura spot that makes its noodles in-house, with broth made fresh with dried fish imported from Japan. Keep it simple with kake or zaru udon, or go straight to the signatures like nikutama udon with beef and hot spring egg, duck meat udon, or curry udon. Or indulge in the Mapo udon with a spicy sauce that coats the soft cubes of silken tofu, with tasty bits of ground pork and scallion! Add an assorted tempura platter, shrimp tempura or takoyaki on the side, and you’ll have a comforting meal that doesn’t feel too heavy. 324 Hwy 7 #3, Richmond Hill.

8. Pho Golden Star Premium

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Pho Golden Star Premium is one of the more interesting Vietnamese spots to put on your radar, especially if you don’t mind a drive to Markham! The restaurant has been active since last September, but it’s getting fresh attention now for doing more than the standard pho-house script. Start with the spring rolls or fresh shrimp-and-pork rolls and then opt for more distinctive specials like crab sticky rice, Vietnamese beef stew with baguette and mountain jelly salad. 4500 Steeles Ave E, Markham.

9. Mieluna

Mieluna is a chic new restaurant and café that’s nestled in the heart of the Financial District, blending European and Middle Eastern influences with a 100 per cent halal menu. Go for the truffle eggs Benedict with turkey bacon, lathered in a rich, truffle-infused hollandaise, or the citrus mascarpone French toast topped with orange zest and blueberry. For lunch, the melty cheese burger, served in a cast-iron skillet with a decadent cheese sauce, is a win. 483 Bay St, South Tower.

10. Aangan Toronto

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Aangan brings a sophisticated touch to Indian dining. The restaurant focuses on authentic flavours and regional specialties that elevate traditional Indian comfort eats into a high-end experience. The butter chicken and lamb Rogan Josh are early faves for their depth of spice, and pair perfectly with fresh, garlic-brushed naan. For something more exotic, try the Shakarkandi chaat, highlighted with sweet potatoes, spices, yogurt and pomegranate seeds, topped with crispy potato salli. 556 College St.

Tarragon Theatre’s ‘Queen Maeve’ is must-see theatre of the very best kind

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Ron Johnson

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12:08 pm

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Clare Coulter as Queen Maeve (photo: Jae Yang)

When I think about death and aging, at least in the context of literature, the first person that comes to mind is always Dylan Thomas and his immortal words: “Do not go gentle into that good night. Old age should burn and rave at close of day. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

Those words were top of mind during the opening night performance of Queen Maeve at Tarragon Theatre. The play, a world premiere penned by the iconic Canadian playwright Judith Thompson, jumps into this world with two well-aged feet.

Queen Maeve centres on an elderly woman who appears to have lived an ordinary life and now resides in a nursing home in Cornwall, Ontario. As we soon find out, this 88-year-old charmer played to perfection by Clare Coulter, is actually Maeve, the reborn legendary Irish warrior queen.

Clare Coulter and Ryan Bommarito in 'Queen Maeve' (photo: Jae Yang) — Clare Coulter and Ryan Bommarito in ‘Queen Maeve’ (photo: Jae Yang)

From the confines of her bedroom — a bedroom and a home that could be any retirement home anywhere in the province — she reflects on a life shaped by battle, love, loss, and the consequences of her choices.

It is something, some place, we all end up, at the end of our journeys, reflecting on the struggles and challenges of life, the highs and lows. And, we all need to prepare. As a way to spark conversations and self-reflection, this play is perfect. I wouldn’t change a single thing. The issues that Maeve encounters in her life might be unique, but the struggles, the feelings, the fears, are universal. For all but a lucky few, life is a challenge interrupted by moments of joy.

To that end, maybe we are all warrior queens and warriors kings. If we make it to the end, why not declare ourselves champions?

The production blends myth and reality in a moving meditation on aging, legacy, and what it means to confront the final chapters of life with courage. And it is something from which we can all learn.

Queen Maeve is rooted in Irish mythology and the story of the Queen of Connacht, one of four traditional regions of Ireland.

ClareCoulter PH JaeYang Tarragon QueenMaeve2683 — Clare Coulter in ‘Queene Maeve’ (photo: Jae Yang)

The set is simple, the play a scant 80 minutes. The acting? Sublime

Coulter as Queen Maeve offers one of the best and most memorable performances I’ve seen in the last year. Her supporting cast of Ryan Bommarito, Caroline Gillis and Sarah Orenstein add depth and emotional balance to Thompson’s text.

One of the marks of a wonderful play is the conversations it sparks immediately after, the next day, the next week.

The key to Queen Maeve’s success is in its resonance. It’s one of those plays that gets the gears moving, that sparks chats about important topics. It is universal and the more we talk about it, the better off we will all be.

This is a play to see. Bold, poignant, and unforgettable.

Annual swan parade in this small Ontario town is getting cancelled to protect the birds

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Keena Al-Wahaidi

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8:51 am

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Stratford Swan Parade (Instagram: @rheothompsoncandies)

A popular Ontario swan parade that’s been a tradition for three decades is being cancelled this year.

Each first Sunday of April, The Swan Parade Celebration ushers a procession of swans led by a bagpipe band through downtown Stratford. Crowds of people watch on as they’re eventually released into the warm waters of the Avon River, after spending the cold months in their winter quarters.

Although it’s a spectacle that many look forward to, the big reason the city is axing it is to reduce the stress on its swans. In a statement made by the City of Stratford, they’ll be “taking a different approach to its annual swan release going forward” by returning them to Lake Victoria.

But in years to come, the city will be making assessments based on a number of factors.

“The determination will be made each year based on factors like water levels, weather and mating patterns,” the statement read. “The goal is to reduce the stress on the swans as much as possible as they make their seasonal return to the open water.”

The swans of Stratford have been owned by the city since 1918, when they first received swans as gifts from J.C. Garden, a machinist who donated a pair he originally bought in Battle Creek, Michigan. They’ve been an iconic fixture in town ever since — in the late ’60s, a prima ballerina from the National Ballet even led the swans down to the river.

While the procession of swans down to the river at the arrival of spring has been happening for decades, Stratford turned the tradition into an official parade as of 1984.

In previous years, the Swan Parade has turned into quite the community event, with past festivities including photo ops and horse-drawn carriage tours.

For those who are hoping to watch the release of the swans, the city says they’ll be providing more updates as soon as they’re available.

10 huge restaurant chains you didn’t know started in the Toronto area

By

Nisean Lorde

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5:00 pm

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SnapInsta Ai 3674428436994698546 — @rosiesburgers/Instagram

Toronto has long been fertile ground for restaurant entrepreneurs, producing chains that began as single neighbourhood shops and grew into recognizable brands far beyond the 416. A recent Instagram post by Toronto Business Forensics analyst Alex Kouba highlighting major franchises with Toronto roots got us thinking — so we took a closer look, fact-checked the list and rounded up 10 brands that can credibly claim GTA origins.

10. Rosie’s Burgers

Rosie’s is one of the newer names (and smallest chains) on this list, but it has strong GTA roots! The burger joint was founded in 2020 by brothers Daniel and Dustin Gelman, with early growth ties to Port Credit, Mississauga. As of March 2026, the opening of its Montreal shop marked Rosie’s 13th location in Canada. Brand revenue isn’t disclosed, but Toronto Business Forensics expert Alex Kouba estimates Rosie’s revenue at about $20 million annually (based on an estimated 10 locations).

9. Pizzaiolo

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The Petrella family’s pizza story stretches back to the 1940s in a little town in central Italy, where Nonno Giuseppe and Nonna Ida opened their very first pizzeria, but the Pizzaiolo brand itself was launched by their son Luigi Petrella in Toronto in November 2000! The company has since grown to 40+ locations in the GTA and projects growth to 80 locations in 2026. The annual revenue numbers are a bit harder to pin down, but according to Kouba’s Insta post, the chain generates more than $19 million per year (based on an estimated 77 locations).

8. Hero Certified Burgers

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This popular burger spot opened its first restaurant at Hazelton Lanes in Yorkville in 2003, with a citywide party celebrating the debut of the Signature Burger! There are now about 60 Hero locations across Canada, including virtual kitchens. The company doesn’t publicly report current annual revenue, but Kouba estimates Hero at roughly $70 million a year, while RocketReach places it at about $131 million.

7. St. Louis Bar & Grill

St. Louis Bar and Grill first opened its doors in Toronto in 1992 and has been 100% Canadian-owned and operated ever since, selling over 2 million pounds of wings annually! Its parent company, Aegis Brands, said the chain generated $133 million in system sales in 2025, with 81 franchised locations.

6. Pizza Nova

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Pizza Nova’s story started in Scarborough in 1963, when the Primucci family opened the original restaurant. More than six decades later, the company has over 150 locations, making it one of the GTA’s best homegrown pizza chains! We don’t have publicly disclosed up-to-date annual revenue numbers, but Foodservice and Hospitality reported that Pizza Nova recorded $139 million in sales in 2017, with 140 locations at the time, while Kouba estimates that number is now closer to $170 million.

5. Second Cup

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Second Cup’s roots trace back to 1975, starting from a single store on King Street in downtown Toronto! In June 2025, the brand opened its 179th location in Canada, giving it one of the bigger store counts on this list. Current annual revenue figures aren’t publicly available, but the company reported about $27 million in total revenue for 2019.

4. Osmow’s

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Osmow’s is a GTA success story! The popular shawarma spot began in 2001, in Streetsville, Mississauga, where founder Sam Osmow reworked a small sub shop into the first Osmow’s. The company now has over 230 locations, with Foodservice and Hospitality reporting that the chain generated more than $140 million in annual sales in 2023, while Kouba estimates that number could now be closer to $230 million.

3. Freshii

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Freshii was born in Toronto in 2005, and while the brand has changed ownership since then, it remains one of the city’s best-known fast-casual exports. This popular ‘healthy-meets-delicious’ chain now has more than 300 locations worldwide. Before its sale to Foodtastic, Freshii reported $149.8 million in total system sales for 2021. Kouba estimates that number could now be as high as $280 million per year (based on 343 locations).

2. barBURRITO

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barBURRITO opened its first restaurant in downtown Toronto in 2005 and has grown into one of the country’s most popular homegrown burrito joints. There are now more than 375 locations nationwide! The chain was forecast to generate more than $180 million in system sales for the fiscal year ending April 2024.

1.Pizza Pizza

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Canada’s most popular pizza spot was founded in Toronto in 1967! Pizza Pizza launched at the corner of Wellesley and Parliament and has since grown into a pizza empire. In 2024, its royalty pool included 672 Pizza Pizza restaurants and 102 ‘Pizza 73’ restaurants, for 774 locations combined, with total system sales of $620.6 million!

One of Brazil’s most iconic soccer players coming to Toronto for legends match

By

Ron Johnson

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1:52 pm

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Ronaldinho will play in Toronto at the Living Legends match — Instagram: @ronaldinho

For the first time ever, Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho will take the pitch in Toronto this spring, headlining a legends match at BMO Field on May 8.

The exhibition will feature a team of Brazil legends squaring off against a team of fan favourites from Toronto FC. The Living Legends game will be the first match played inside the stadium since its newly expanded renovation just weeks before Toronto hosts matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Headlining the Brazil Legends side is Ronaldinho, easily one of the most creative and fun players ever to play the sport. Known for his footwork, impossible passes and a permanent grin, the former FC Barcelona and AC Milan star will be playing on a Toronto pitch for the first time.

“I’ve played in many cities around the world, but this will be my first time playing at BMO Field in Toronto,” Ronaldinho said in a statement. “I’ve heard a lot about the passion for football here, so I’m excited to experience the energy of the fans and to share a special night of football with them.”

Joining him on the Brazil Legends squad are several familiar names from the golden era of Brazilian football, including striker Adriano, midfielder Emerson and fullback Maicon.

On the other side will be a roster of players who helped define the early decades of soccer in Toronto.

Leading the Toronto FC Legends team is Sebastian Giovinco, the electrifying forward whose spectacular goals and playmaking turned him into one of the most beloved players in the club’s history.

“Toronto has the best fans in MLS and has always had incredible support for the game,” Giovinco said. “To come back and share the pitch with former teammates and legends of the sport and play in front of the fans at BMO Field will be a special moment for me. It will be a great night for this city and the fans.”

He’ll be joined by several other Toronto FC icons, including striker Jozy Altidore, Canadian international Julian de Guzman and hometown hero Dwayne De Rosario.

Tickets for the Living Legends match go on sale this week through Ticketmaster.

Ontario’s best maple syrup festivals and sugar shacks to visit in 2026

By

Rebecca Hesse

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12:54 pm

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maple syrup ontario — Courtesy ottawatourism.ca

March may be a confusing month, weather-wise, but there’s one major highlight to look forward to in Ontario: maple season. No fridge is complete without a bottle of that golden syrup on hand at all times — but once a year, we get a chance to see how it actually gets made. Visiting a sugar bush makes for the perfect, ultra-Canadian day trip, whether you’re taking a road trip for the weekend or making March Break plans.

If you’re interested in exploring maple sugaring season firsthand, hope to learn more about this amber delicacy, or want a unique experience, here are a few places to help you get started. From Muskoka to Niagara, Halton and beyond, March is prime time to head to the sugar shack. While you’re at it, try exploring the many delightful nearby towns – it makes for a great day or weekend trip.

Maple Town at Mountsberg

When: Weekends and holidays until April 5, and daily during March Break

From sap collection to transformation into the sugary liquid Canadians hold dear, you’ll love learning about sugar maples with a Conservation Halton guide. After, sample fresh syrup on a hot stack of pancakes accompanied by a warm drink. For further exploration, head to nearby Rattlesnake Point — recently named one of the most photogenic natural spots in the world — for inspiring nature trails through 800-year-old cedar forests and scenic lookout points.

Elliot Tree Farm Maple Syrup Experience

elliotttreefarmmaple — Courtesy elliotttreefarm.ca

When: Weekends and holidays until April 5, as well as March 16 and March 20 of March Break

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and sample award-winning maple syrup. Hike (or toboggan) the farm’s sugarbush trail, taste sap from the tree and head to the sugar shack to watch the pros at work before exploring the Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario. Afterward, stop by Orangeville for dining, local shopping and charming historic strolls.

Elmira Maple Syrup Festival

When: April 11

Join a 60-year town tradition and celebrate the sweetest time of year — maple syrup season. Enjoy wagon rides, syrup tasting, family activities and a pancake-flipping contest. For a unique experience, visit Elmira via the Waterloo Central Railway, a heritage train journey and book sugar bush hikes at nearby farms. For further exploration, visit neighbouring St. Jacobs and meander Canada’s largest farmers market.

Sweet Water at Crawford Lake

mountsbergmapletown — Courtesy conservationhalton.ca

When: Weekends and holidays until April 5, and daily during March Break

Learn about Indigenous sugar water traditions, sample maple and birch sap on an expert-guided excursion, and explore a 15th-century Longhouse village for a fascinating peek into the past. After, cozy up by the fire and sample maple taffy. To enjoy more of the beautiful outdoors, try cross-country skiing.

Pefferlaw Creek Farms Maple Syrup Festival

When: Weekends until April 19, excluding Easter Sunday (April 5)

Dig into a scrumptious breakfast of farm-fresh sausages and pancakes made from a secret family recipe — all with a good serving of maple syrup. Take a guided hike through the sugar bush, learn about tree-tapping, and visit the sugar shack for maple syrup-making insights. And, if you can’t get enough of maple season, visit nearby Sunderland between April 11–12 for the Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival.

Brooks Farms Maplefest

When: March 14–22, March 27, April 11–12, April 18–19

Take an educational sugar bush tour and discover the science behind creating maple syrup. Set the kids free in the Barnyard Playland and delight in a wagon ride through the farm. Taste artisanal maple syrup, roast marshmallows by the fire and tuck into a stack of flapjacks.

Maple Syrup Festival at Bruce’s Mill

When: March 14–22, March 28–29, Easter weekend (April 3–5)

Take an enchanting horse-drawn wagon ride, experience demonstrations on Indigenous and early settler maple syrup production methods, and enjoy scenic winter hiking trails. Shop fantastic maple-infused gifts, and enjoy a filling pancake breakfast. For an additional cost, trek among the treetops or explore Uplå, a massive suspended net adventure park.

PEC March Maple Madness

When: Weekends in March

Explore multiple family-owned sugar bush trails, snowshoe through vineyards and sugar maple woods, and try your luck at maple syrup-related trivia. Buy delectable baked goods and small-batch maple syrup, and have a boozy break at several local wineries, breweries and cider houses. While you’re at it, stay the weekend in one of Prince Edward County’s lovely B&Bs, enjoy superb local dining experiences, or book a guided maple tour day trip.

Muskoka Maple Trail and Maple Festival

muskokamaplefest — @muskokamaple/Instagram

When: Festival on April 25, Maple Trail is open until April 26

Enjoy Muskoka’s finest epicurean and experiential activities on the Maple Trail and discover why Canadians covet this sticky treat. Dine on maple-infused dishes, explore sugar bushes by wagon ride, and uncover the rich history of this early spring tradition. On April 25, celebrate the season with treats, entertainment and revelry in welcoming Muskoka style, complete with maple taffy, pancake breakfast and a wood carving demo.

White Meadows Farms Sugar Bush Trek

whitemeadowsfarmsmaple — Courtesy whitemeadowsfarms.com

When: Weekends until April 12, daily during March Break, Good Friday (April 3)

Discover four generations of maple syrup-crafting tradition at White Meadows Farm. Take an expert-guided tour through the sugar bush and learn the fascinating legacy behind this time-honoured Canadian delicacy. Get hands-on and tap a tree or create your own maple taffy in the snow. And don’t forget to stop by the sugar shack to see where the magic happens. While here, why not make a weekend of it and head to Niagara-on-the-Lake or the Falls?

The New York Times just spotlighted this Mississauga plaza, and the online reaction is intense

By

Nisean Lorde

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9:45 am

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Ridgeway Plaza has drawn international attention — Ridgeway

Mississauga’s Ridgeway Plaza has long been one of the GTA’s most talked-about food destinations, but it has now officially landed on the global stage. In a recent feature, The New York Times framed the west-end plaza as an unlikely suburban nightlife hub — a place where late-night eats, culinary tourism and neighbourhood tensions all collide in one packed commercial complex.

“Food is bringing thousands of people together to an unexpected place: a plaza west of Toronto. Some fear it’s tearing a neighborhood apart,” the article’s caption reads.

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The attention isn’t exactly surprising if you’ve ever tried to find parking there on a weekend. The plaza has grown to about 120 food spots in roughly three years, many of them Middle Eastern and South Asian. The Times highlighted just how unusual the plaza feels for the suburbs: some businesses stay open until 4 a.m., one barbecue spot closes only for a few morning hours, and a Pakistani restaurant recently extended service to 5:30 a.m. during Ramadan. Business reps told the paper the plaza has, for better or worse, already become a tourist destination (hence, the title of the feature, “The Suburb That Won’t Sleep”).

Suburban strip plazas typically support thousands of businesses and jobs, and many have become important cultural gathering places outside the downtown core, especially in communities with large immigrant and racialized populations (the city did an entire study about this).

If nothing else, this tension has lit up local Reddit threads after the article dropped. Many commenters don’t deny that Ridgeway has parking and late-night behaviour problems, but argue that the deeper issue is suburban design:

“The plaza [is] vast, but all the cars, narrow sidewalks, and horrible design make it a chore to wander… This plaza was meant to bring drivers to a massive parking lot with restaurants. It is the Seventh Circle of Hell.”

Others felt the coverage focused too much on broader anxieties and not enough on the actual food culture. As one Redditor questioned, “Why would a US media outlet be interested in coming to Mississauga to publish a story about ‘badly behaved patrons’ of a plaza?” pointing out that the focus on “exploding populations” misses the mark on the city’s actual demographic shifts.

Howie Mandel tells all about new Canadian spinoff ‘The Price is Right Tonight’

By

Ron Johnson

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7:50 pm

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howie mandel price is right — Courtesy Citytv

This month, Canadian comedy icon Howie Mandel is returning to his roots: the game show. The former Deal or No Deal host is taking on a brand new gig, an all-Canadian The Price Is Right spinoff, The Price Is Right Tonight, premiering on March 10. We caught up with him to get the scoop on his new hosting job and how he prepared to bring the famous show to Canada.

How does it feel to be hosting such an iconic show and back home in Canada?

A win-win. You know, I love the game as a fan. I love the opportunity to be the host. I’d love to do it anywhere, but getting to come home makes it even more special. It’s my home, and it’s especially enjoyable to get to bring that energy back to Canada.

You mentioned adding a “fresh, high-energy twist” to the show. What can Canadian audiences expect?

I can answer that in one word: me. I just bring myself. Back when I got asked to do Deal or No Deal, I was really afraid because I thought I had to come on as a comedian or play a character. And then when I realized these are real people with real hopes and dreams and their lives could change forever based on what happens in a game, I dropped everything and just showed up as myself: rooting for the people, setting the stakes, feeling as tense as they do about getting something right and not let them fear of making a mistake. When the show finished taping, I was so embarrassed. It was the first time I’d ever been on TV not playing a character or doing comedy. But that’s what worked. So that’s the big twist. I just bring myself.

Were there any particular challenges in adapting such an iconic U.S. format for a Canadian prime time audience?

No, not really. I don’t think you adapt things for Canada. If anything, some of the biggest comedians, biggest shows, biggest talent come out of Canada anyway.

You’ve had such a diverse career in comedy, acting and hosting. How has your approach to live television evolved over the years?

I’m incredibly comfortable in really uncomfortable situations. After almost 50 years, you learn that you don’t know how someone will react, how a game will unfold or whether something will go wrong or amazingly right. My comfort is in discomfort. It’s a roller coaster. I love thrill rides. This show is the ultimate thrill ride.

**What lessons from your stand-up and improv work have been most useful when hosting a big, live-format show like The Price is Right Tonight?**

Be prepared to be unprepared. This is humanity — people don’t know what game they’ll play or what choices they’ll make. We don’t know the outcome of anything. Lots of people need comfort, certainly, but I’m incredibly prepared for the unexpected because of my career.

Of all the roles you’ve taken on, what do you feel has most prepared you for this one?

Stand-up.

Growing up in Toronto, what were some of the experiences that inspired your love for comedy?

Everything I ever got expelled for or in trouble for seems to be what I get paid for today.

Are there any Toronto traditions that you plan to bring into your hosting style or the show itself?

Well… if I make a mistake, I will say “sorry.” It’s a Canadian tradition.

**If you could invite one Canadian celebrity to join you on The Price Is Right Tonight, who would it be?**

Gretzky — just because he’s the Great One.

This charming Ontario town is home to the world’s largest maple syrup festival

By

Nisean Lorde

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5:00 pm

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Springtime in Ontario is about to get a whole lot sweeter. The Elmira Maple Syrup Festival returns on Saturday, April 11, 2026, bringing a full day of pancakes, maple taffy, wagon rides, live music, shopping and sugar bush tours to the Waterloo Region town! The event is recognized by Guinness as the world’s largest single-day maple syrup festival, drawing tens of thousands of visitors from across the globe each year to celebrate all things maple.

The day starts early, and the small-town charm is part of what makes the festival a classic Ontario outing. After parking in one of the designated lots ($5 cash), visitors can catch a wagon ride into town, which is a pretty wholesome way to begin a day devoted to syrup!

From there, the natural first stop is the festival’s famous pancake breakfast at Lions Hall, where guests can indulge in hot pancakes, maple syrup, sausages, and drinks (breakfast starts at 7 am). As the morning unfolds, the downtown core fills up with 100-plus vendors, maple treats and live entertainment. But one of the festival’s signature sights is maple taffy being poured onto snow in Gore Park!

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Apart from the breakfast rush, there’s enough happening to turn the trip into a full-day outing. Live music runs at the Bandstand in Gore Park from 8 am to 4 pm, while the Woolwich Memorial Complex hosts another entertainment stage from 8 am to 3:30 pm, with local bands, buskers, food trucks and vendors. If you’ve got killer spatula skills, you can even enter the Pancake Flipping Contest from 10 am to noon!

Families have their own dedicated stop, too. The Family Fun Area (open from 9 am to 3 pm) features a farm-focused discovery zone with animals, interactive displays, equipment showcases and photo ops. Bonus: the festival’s mascots, Amber and Flapjack, are part of the fun as well!

Over at Elmira District Secondary School, the Crafts & Collectibles Show runs from 8:30 am to 4 pm for anyone who wants a quieter browse away from the busy stretch of the mall.

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One of the best reasons to go, though, is that Elmira doesn’t stop at selling maple syrup; it shows you where it comes from. From 9 am to 3 pm, festival-goers can head to the Sugar Bush Tour area near EDSS and catch a bus to a local farm, where the process of tapping maples, collecting sap and boiling it down into syrup is explained on-site. To get all geeky: sugar maple sap is roughly 98% water and 2% sugar, and it takes about 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup, which makes that little pour over pancakes feel like even more of an event.

The Elmira Maple Syrup Festival returns on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in downtown Elmira. Follow @elmiramaplesyrupfestival for updates.

A new marine terminal at the foot of Yonge could bring cruise ships to Toronto’s central waterfront

By

Nisean Lorde

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3:34 pm

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Rendering of cruise ship terminal that could be coming to Toronto — Toronto Port Authority

Toronto’s central waterfront could eventually get a much flashier front door for visitors arriving by sea. On March 5, the Toronto Port Authority issued a Request for Proposals for a firm to prepare a business plan for a new multi-use Marine Terminal at the Yonge Street Slip, a move that signals the start of a potentially major tourism play at the south end of Yonge Street.

According to the tender notice, questions are due by March 23, with submissions due by April 2, meaning Torontonians may be one step closer to having a glimpse of what a new marine gateway at Yonge Slip might look like.

Destination Toronto recently noted how the Yonge Street Marine Terminal is still in the early planning stages, with the concept set to include a public plaza and pier, anchored by a signature architectural landmark on the central waterfront. The facility would also ideally accommodate Great Lakes passenger cruise ships, marine transit services and some recreational boating activity.

If nothing else, this could be a huge shift for Toronto’s visitor economy. Right now, the Port of Toronto’s cruise ship terminal is located at 8 Unwin Ave, near Cherry St. The Toronto Port Authority’s current 2026 cruise schedule lists 45 ship calls between April and October, with its existing cruise operation welcoming nearly 20,000 visitors annually while contributing to a regional Great Lakes tourism economy worth about $280 million.

A terminal at Yonge Slip would bring all of this activity much closer to the heart of downtown!

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For now, the project remains at the business planning stage, but if it moves ahead, the foot of Yonge could eventually become much more than a place to stroll by the lake.

You can find out more about the project here, and follow @torontoportauthority for more info.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Ontario? What Toronto Players Should Know

By

Dorothy Chudzinski

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3:09 pm

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Fallsview Casino 3 — ©Niagara Falls Tourism

Sports betting is legal in Ontario, but only within a regulated system that is narrower and more closely monitored than many Toronto residents assume.

Sports betting has become a visible part of Toronto’s sports calendar. It appears during Maple Leafs broadcasts, sits alongside Raptors coverage on weeknights and spikes every autumn when the NFL season tightens. What feels seamless on screen, however, is governed by a framework that draws firm lines around who can offer betting services and how those services are allowed to operate in the province.

Ontario’s approach is not informal and it is not universal. Betting is legal here only through operators that have been approved to operate inside the province’s regulatory structure. That distinction is significant because access alone does not equal legality, and advertising presence does not guarantee provincial approval.

What legal sports betting means in Ontario in 2026

Single-event sports betting became permissible in Canada after federal law changed in 2021, but each province was left to decide how that change would be implemented. Ontario opted for a competitive model that allows private operators to offer betting while remaining under provincial oversight. That system launched in April 2022 and has expanded steadily since.

By late 2025, the scale of the market was clear. Ontario’s regulated sportsbooks handled more than $9.3 billion in wagers in November 2025 alone, generating $406.2 million in non-adjusted gaming revenue in that single month. Those figures, released as part of the province’s monthly reporting, marked one of the strongest periods since the market opened and reflected peak activity during overlapping NHL, NBA and NFL seasons.

In practical terms, Ontario’s regulated sportsbooks offer betting across major professional leagues, international competitions and global sporting events, while certain categories, including youth sports, remain prohibited.

Toronto sits at the centre of that activity. The city’s concentration of professional teams and constant sports schedule make it a natural driver of betting volume. That visibility can blur the line between legal and merely accessible, especially during high-profile games when multiple brands compete for attention.

Why the system feels crowded from a Toronto perspective

Ontario’s regulated market comprises dozens of approved brands, all operating simultaneously. That density is intentional. The province designed its system to replace grey-market activity with regulated competition rather than a single government-run option.

The result is a marketplace where choice is high, but clarity can suffer as a consequence. If you follow sport in Toronto, you feel this most clearly during busy stretches of the calendar, when betting promotions surface across broadcasts and digital platforms at the same time. That visibility has become part of the city’s wider sports culture, but it does not mean the rules are relaxed; it reflects a system where competition is permitted within clearly defined provincial limits.

Those limits include age restrictions, location verification and ongoing compliance requirements that apply equally across operators. Betting is legal only for adults physically located in Ontario, and platforms are required to confirm that location before allowing wagers.

How to tell whether a sportsbook is approved for Ontario play

With so many brands visible to Ontario bettors, the most reliable way for you to judge legitimacy is to look beyond availability and focus on provincial registration. Sportsbooks that are legally allowed to accept wagers in Ontario must operate within the iGaming Ontario framework and meet ongoing standards set by provincial regulators, including requirements around player verification, data reporting and responsible operation.

If you want to confirm which platforms are registered for Ontario play, a regularly updated list of Ontario sports betting sites can provide useful context. These overviews outline sportsbooks that are active within the province’s regulated market, explain how each one fits into Ontario’s framework and compare practical details such as app functionality, banking methods and betting coverage. Used this way, they serve as verification tools rather than endorsements, helping you understand which operators are structured specifically for Ontario players.

Fallsview Casino 1 — ©Niagara Falls Tourism

How iGaming Ontario and AGCO oversee legal betting in the province

Ontario’s sports betting system works the way it does because responsibility is split between two different bodies. One deals with how betting businesses are allowed to operate commercially. The other focuses on rules, standards and what happens when those rules are crossed. That separation is a big reason the market feels busy and competitive, but not loose.

iGaming Ontario sits on the commercial side. It is the body that brings private sportsbooks into the provincial system and sets the terms under which they can operate. That includes how platforms are approved to launch, what kind of betting they can offer and how revenue is shared with the province. The idea behind this setup was straightforward: draw betting activity into a regulated space instead of leaving it scattered across offshore sites with no local oversight.

Regulation itself sits with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, commonly referred to as the AGCO’s oversight of internet gaming. This is the body that handles licensing, monitors compliance and steps in when operators fall short of what is required. Its work covers everything from technical standards and reporting obligations to advertising rules and enforcement action. When penalties are issued or policies are tightened, those decisions tend to come through AGCO channels rather than commercial agreements.

Because the two roles are kept separate, sportsbooks are not simply approved and forgotten about. They operate under ongoing conditions, with commercial expectations on one side and regulatory scrutiny on the other. That balance is what allows Ontario to run a large, competitive betting market without stepping away from active oversight.

Enforcement is active, not symbolic

One of the clearest indicators that Ontario’s system is actively monitored is enforcement. In January 2026, provincial regulators issued a $350,000 penalty against a major sportsbook for failures related to identifying and reporting suspicious betting activity. The case did not involve a high-profile league, which underscored that oversight applies across all markets, not just headline sports.

For Toronto residents, this reinforces the distinction between regulated betting and unregulated access. Approval comes with ongoing obligations, and operators are expected to meet compliance standards well beyond launch.

Advertising rules and what has changed

Ontario has also tightened how sports betting can be advertised. Restrictions around inducements and the use of celebrities and athletes in promotions have reshaped how betting appears during broadcasts. The goal has been to limit broad public exposure while keeping information available to adults who actively seek it out.

The effect has been subtle but noticeable. Advertising remains present during games, but messaging has become more restrained compared to the early days of the market. The shift reflects a system that is settling into regulation rather than expanding without limits.

What to keep in mind before placing a wager

Sports betting is legal in Ontario, but only within boundaries that are actively enforced and updated. When placing a wager, it helps to approach betting platforms the same way other regulated services in the province are approached. Approval status matters. Oversight matters. Where a platform resides within Ontario’s framework matters far more than promotional noise.

The reality is that betting has become part of the sports routine, moving in step with the same seasons and schedules that define local fandom. Knowing how the rules work does not change how games are watched or discussed; it simply keeps any wager within the lines Ontario has drawn.

How to spend a perfect day in this Toronto neighbourhood named one of Canada’s greatest

By

Lauren DiBenedetto

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2:29 pm

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banditbrewery roncesvalles — Courtesy banditbrewery.ca

Roncesvalles, or “Roncy” as the locals call it, has long held its own as a small but mighty neighbourhood in downtown Toronto. Deep in the west end, the strip prides itself on contrast, featuring both old-world charm and quietly cool modernities. Bordering on suburbia, the heart of the strip finds itself surrounded by homes. Best known as the beating heart of Toronto’s Polish community, this well-worn street has evolved into something rich with culture: historic homes, specialty grocers, cult-favourite cafes and design-forward boutiques all packed into one endlessly walkable stretch. It was even once in the running to be named Canada’s greatest neighbourhood! As the weather starts to warm up there’s no better time to play tourist in your own city. If you find yourself yearning for a true Toronto Saturday, this is the perfect lineup for a day in Roncy.

The most important meal of the day here is breakfast: if there’s one reason to go to Roncesvalles, it’s in search of a breakfast sandwich. Gold Standard is a Toronto establishment that needs no introduction; it’s built its own reputation for serving the best breakfast sandwiches in the city, and the secret is restraint. There’s nothing over-the-top here, no viral gimmicks or hot honey drownings. Instead it’s all in the simplicity: everything you’d expect out of a breakfast sandwich with quality ingredients, cooked to perfection and served out of a tiny walk-up window.

While I may never go to Roncesvalles without making a stop at Gold Standard, if you’re in the mood for something slower, The Ace would be the place that made me change my mind. This vintage 1950s-style diner earned itself a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its high-quality, moderately priced dishes. They blend classic diner comfort with elevated farm-to-table cooking. Their standout brunch features thick slices of brioche French toast topped with caramelized peaches and vanilla bean whipped ricotta, or duck confit and king oyster mushroom toast finished with soft poached eggs and hollandaise. Everything arrives on beautifully decorated floral ceramic plates, giving the whole meal a rustic elegance.

Next up, the most crucial element of the day: coffee. When it’s time to fuel up for the long day ahead, you won’t want to miss one spot on the list: Reunion Coffee Roasters, a Canadian family-owned specialty roaster.

Cherry Bomb Coffee is another long-standing favourite, roasting beans in Prince Edward County and serving them out of a small, fast-moving cafe that has fuelled the neighbourhood since 2005.

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Once caffeinated, wander the surrounding residential streets for a glimpse of the neighbourhood’s architectural charm. Roncesvalles is famous for its rows of early 1900s Victorian and Edwardian homes. Note the brick work, stained glass windows and sprawling front porches. On weekends, you might even stumble across an open house, making it an excellent excuse to explore the tree-lined streets.

Head slightly south and you’ll find yourself in High Park, one of Toronto’s most treasured green spaces. This transformative spot in the city wears many hats. Nearly two-thirds of the park remains in a natural state, home to the outdoor amphitheatre where Shakespeare in the Park takes place each summer, and the blooming cherry blossoms in spring.

Only true Torontonians know that hidden somewhere within the park lies the High Park Zoo, free to visit and more than a century old. Add a little bit of whimsy to your day and check out the animals ranging from bison and capybaras to peacocks, emus, yaks and West Highland cattle in the spring.

Back on Roncy, the street’s independent shops make it dangerously easy to spend an entire afternoon browsing. Peach Boy is a standout for parents, packed with playful kids clothing, toys and decor that feel far cooler than your average children’s shop.

Mellah Moroccan Rugs is impossible to miss thanks to its vibrant pink storefront and stunning collection of vintage Beni rugs. This is the kind of shop where you wander in just to browse textures and colours.

Home design lovers will want to linger inside 313 Design Market, a carefully curated space filled with furniture, lighting and home accessories from both emerging and established brands. Everything here feels intentional and inspiring. A shop you revisit slowly while piecing together your dream interior.

Nearby, Avenue Daughter blends antique and contemporary home decor into a distinctly eclectic aesthetic, while Baa Bazaar offers vintage-inspired homewares and gifts: think bold prints, rich textures and playful objects.

Food lovers will find just as much to explore. Spanish Pig is Toronto’s go-to destination for authentic Spanish pantry staples, like jamón, chorizo, luxury canned seafood and specialty cooking ingredients. Thin Blue Line Cheese showcases artisan cheeses from Quebec and Ontario, while The Source Bulk Foods offers a more elegant take on the bulk store concept with hundreds of organic pantry staples and sustainable household goods.

For nostalgic fun, Sweet Thrills continues to be one of the neighbourhood’s most beloved shops. First opened in the late ’90s, the candy and board game store became a community institution before briefly closing due to rising rent. Now that they reopened in a new location thanks to neighbourhood support, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to rediscover some old-school classics.

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If you’re stocking up for dinner at home, Russell’s Butcher & Deli offers whole-animal butchery and expertly prepared cuts, while nearby sister spot Alimentari specializes in fresh pasta and seasonal sauces. The shop-local Italian favourite first began selling at Toronto farmers’ markets before opening their first location here in Roncy a year and a half later.

The Mercantile is another Roncy gem, packed with thoughtful pantry finds ranging from Matty Matheson Food Company cravings to locally made frozen treats. Find ready-to-go Craig’s Cookies chocolate chip cookie dough as well as Honey’s plant-based ice cream in fun flavours.

Book lovers will want to carve out some browsing time too. Another Story Bookshop has long served as a progressive community hub, while A Good Read offers a carefully curated mix of new and used titles. Just down the street, She Said Boom! blends books and records into one treasure trove of rare vinyl and cult classics.

As the sun begins to set and evening rolls around, now’s the time to let Roncy’s Polish heritage take centre stage. Cafe Polonez is one of the longest-standing Polish restaurants in the city and something of a neighbourhood institution. Over the years it has welcomed everyone from celebrity chef Matty Matheson to visiting political figures, all drawn to its deeply comforting, traditional Polish dishes.

For something more contemporary, Restaurant Stop offers a refined take on Eastern European flavours with French elegance. The menu leans heavily on seasonal ingredients, with dishes like potato cakes topped with caviar or delicate veal sweetbreads paired with a rotating wine list.

Toronto restaurant patios — The patio at Bandit Brewery

Wind down at one of Roncy’s best patios and pubs. Bandit Brewery, inside a converted autoshop, offers a glass-covered patio that works well on colder nights, while Loons, a classic English pub, delivers one of the largest patios in the neighbourhood, perfect for a summer night.

Before heading home, catch a film at the Revue Cinema, one of Toronto’s oldest and most beloved theatres. Built in the early 1900s, the historic venue has spent more than a century screening films for the neighbourhood. From war-time fundraisers in the 1910s to cult classics and curated film series today, if you haven’t seen a movie in Revue, are you even from Toronto?

And what would a perfect day be without a sweet treat? As the final pit stop of the night, make sure to stop at Ed’s Real Scoop. The small-batch ice cream and gelato shop that’s been serving in Roncy for over two decades. The signature burnt marshmallow flavour has been recognized as one of the 100 most iconic ice cream flavours in the world.

This hub of culture offers old-school bakeries and modern cafes, or century old theatres and funky home design shops. Roncesvalles proves that sometimes the best way to experience the city is simply to explore one really good street.

After exploring Roncesvalles, spend a perfect day in this unexpected neighbourhood that was recently named Toronto’s coolest.