Daylight saving time begins this Sunday: Here’s what it means for Toronto

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4:47 pm

Daylight saving time (DST) returns this Sunday, March 8, 2026, meaning Toronto (and most of Ontario) will lose an hour of sleep overnight as clocks jump ahead. The trade-off, though, is brighter evenings (and hopefully, slightly less of a need to worry about dark evening drives).

The switch happens at 2:00 am this Sunday: the time will skip straight to 3:00 am (or, if you have non-smart appliances, you’ll need to set your clocks forward by an hour when you wake up). In Toronto, the sunlight shift will be instantly noticeable! On Saturday, sunset is around 6:13 pm, but on Sunday, it’ll be about 7:15 pm, so you’ll have more than enough light to explore the city after dinner!

Most of Ontario follows DST, but a small number of communities in northwestern Ontario don’t observe it, so they won’t “spring forward” with Toronto. Across Canada, DST is used in most places, except for a few areas. Most of Saskatchewan stays on the same time year-round, and Yukon has made a permanent switch with no seasonal clock changes.

Quebec has launched a public consultation on whether to scrap the twice-yearly clock change, with 91 per cent of respondents saying they want to stop changing the clocks.

But the big change is happening in British Columbia: the province has announced it will adopt permanent, year-round daylight saving time! “Spring forward” on March 8, 2026, will be the last time change for most of the province, meaning once November arrives, when clocks would normally fall back an hour, B.C. won’t change clocks.

“This decision isn’t just about clocks. It’s about making life easier for families, reducing disruptions for businesses and supporting a stable, thriving economy,” B.C. Premier David Eby said in a statement.

With B.C. taking the plunge, some are wondering if Ontario will follow suit. In 2020, Ontario’s legislature passed the Time Amendment Act, which would make daylight saving time the standard time year-round. But it’ll only come into force on a day set by provincial proclamation (and Ontario leaders have repeatedly pointed to the need to stay aligned with neighbouring jurisdictions, especially Quebec and New York State, before flipping the switch).

Whether Ontario follows suit or not, DST has a surprisingly Canadian history. The idea of daylight saving time first surfaced in the late 1800s, but one of the earliest real-world experiments happened in Ontario. In 1908, residents of Port Arthur (now part of Thunder Bay) moved their clocks forward, which is often cited as one of the first DST periods used anywhere.

DST spread more broadly during wartime, as it became tied to energy-saving and production goals. In Canada, its first federal use is often traced back to a 1918 wartime measure, after which the practice evolved unevenly across provinces and municipalities over the decades.

Gorillaz just announced fall tour dates and here’s how to get tickets in Toronto

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Keena Al-Wahaidi

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3:42 pm

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gorillaz band — Courtesy @gorillaz/Instagram

This fall just got a lot more exciting for virtual band fans. Gorillaz has finally mapped out their grand North American tour, with stops in some of the continent’s biggest cities — including Toronto.

To celebrate the latest release of their new album, The Mountain, Gorillaz are set to stop in Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on Oct. 4. The tour — titled The Mountain Tour — starts on Sept. 17 in Orlando, and it will have its only other Canadian stop in Montreal’s Bell Centre. The tour will make its final stop back in the U.S., in Seattle.

The long-awaited new album will feature 15 tracks and includes collaborations and contributions from icons like Johnny Marr and Dennis Hopper. Gorillaz last played in Toronto in 2022 for their eighth album Cracker Island, marking four years since their last stop in the city.

Their upcoming tour is a chance for fans to listen live to the band’s ninth studio album, a soulful musical experience that music outlet NME describes as “a world-building ode to death and starting over.”

For those unfamiliar with Gorillaz, the musical group is a U.K.-based virtual band, first started by singer-songwriter Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett. Gorillaz is primarily made up of fictional members 2-D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle and Russel Hobbs. The band most recently won a Grammy for Best Alternative Album in 2024.

How to get tickets to Gorillaz in Toronto

When Gorillaz stop in Toronto on Oct. 4, they’ll be joined by special guests Little Simz and Deltron 3030.

If you want to snag tickets to the show, tickets for the general public will go on sale starting Mar. 9 at 10 a.m. But fans can also sign up online to get access to presale tickets, no code required. The artist presale will take place on March 6 at 10 a.m.

Tired of swiping? This hidden Toronto restaurant is being called ‘Hinge but offline’

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Nisean Lorde

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2:32 pm

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Fried Chicken Dinner Taster @judyyu15 tastetoronto — @judyyu15

For those who’ve hit peak Toronto dating-app fatigue, a new concept making the rounds on Instagram might tempt you back into the wild! Woosuk Pocha is a new-ish Korean late-night spot at Yonge and Wellesley that’s being pitched as a sort of “blind date pocha.”

You enter via Dakgogi (look for the chicken sign out front), order some Korean comfort food, and if you’re feeling bold, perhaps connect with strangers and maybe even meet your future love interest!

While Woosuk Pocha hasn’t officially put ‘dating service’ on the menu, the internet has already decided its fate. One influencer,’s review recently went viral for claiming the spot is basically ‘Hinge or Bumble but offline,’ suggesting it’s the new go-to for meeting Toronto’s most stylish singles. Whether or not you actually walk out with a phone number, the ‘offline dating’ hype has turned this corner of Wellesley into a major late-night social hub

Even if you don’t meet the love of your life at Woosuk Pocha, you can still indulge in late-night Korean faves! The super-crispy fried chicken is the headliner at Woosuk, and pairs amazingly with their selection of soju. Try the half-and-half chicken option if you want two flavours in one order. For bold picks, opt for the cult-fave “prinkle” (cheese powder) and saucier choices like snow red and snow prinkle.

If you’re a wings person, there’s an entire section to order from: one pound of wings in flavours like buffalo, honey garlic, BBQ, soy, yangnyeom, and green onion, and premium flavours like soy garlic, hot soy garlic and even a spicy “volcano” option (visit on Tuesdays for 50 per cent off wings).

Or head over with a group of friends! The menu bundles crowd-pleasers like a half chicken paired with loaded fries: kimchi fries and a pitcher/soju or bulgogi/kimchi pork fries and a pitcher/soju. There are also more pocha-coded pairings, like chicken feet, egg soup, a rice ball and soju, as well as drink-forward options like egg soup with two bottles of soju! For something simpler, you can do a soup-and-soju set, like tuna kimchi soup or sliced pork kimchi soup and soju. And if you’re really hungry, go all out with the Dakgogi nachos!

Complement your meal with a grape-blueberry sparkling rice wine!

Woosuk Pocha is located at 25 Wellesley St E., about two minutes from the Wellesley subway station.

The best Sunday roast in Toronto that actually lives up to the hype

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Nistha Chaudhary

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2:00 pm

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SnapInsta Ai 3817941941464438356 — The Dorset

While the Sunday roast is a British tradition, Toronto has a massive soft spot for this rich and indulgent meal. From Victorian-style pubs in Cabbagetown to chic gastropubs in Yorkville, the city takes its Yorkshire puddings very seriously.

Here’s our round up of some best restaurants serving Sunday roast in Toronto.

The Queen and Beaver Public House

For over a decade, The Queen & Beaver has been the undisputed gold standard for an authentic British pub experience in the downtown core. Tucked into a cozy, converted house at 35 Elm St., the atmosphere is pure “London gastropub,” complete with wood-panelled walls and a hidden rooftop patio. Their Sunday service kicks off at 12 p.m., featuring a prime striploin of beef for $30.50, though they frequently offer a succulent roast lamb for those looking to switch it up.

House on Parliament

House on Parliament located at at 454 Parliament St., is famous for its generously portioned Sunday roast, featuring a massive, melt-in-your-mouth prime rib. A key highlight is the rich gravy and addition of horseradish, which offers a traditional British pub experience. Known for its large, satisfying servings, featuring a massive, melt-in-the-mouth prime rib served in thick, tender slices that eat more like a full steak than a standard roast. Because the servings are famously generous and the quality is top-tier, this $37 plate has become a total obsession for the locals—so much so that the roast frequently sells out well before the evening rush

The Oxley

The Sunday roast at The Oxley is uniquely known for its elevated, authentic British pub style, offering a refined twist on the traditional weekend feast. Located in Yorkville at 121 Yorkville Ave., what sets The Oxley apart from the rest of your more typical roast spots is the choice of protein: a succulent Muscovy duck served with a celeriac and watercress velouté. Priced at $38, the plate also includes a massive Yorkshire pudding and rich gravy that lives up to the restaurant’s reputation for generous, satisfying portions.

The Dorset

If you’re looking for a Sunday Roast that feels a bit more 2026 than “old-school pub,” head over to The Dorset at The Well (457 Wellington St. W.). This spot has quickly become a local favourite for its massive variety — they don’t just do beef, they offer five different protein-heavy options to satisfy everyone in the squad. You can go classic with the rump of beef and horseradish or the leg of lamb with mint sauce, or pivot to the chicken supreme with stuffing or the buttery prime rib. They’ve even got the vegetarians covered with a cauliflower steak served with a savoury mushroom jus. Diners can choose a classic roast a la carte or option for the $60 three-course prix fix, which includes a starter, main roast and dessert.

The Berczy Tavern

At The Berczy Tavern, the Sunday roast stands out for its “Montreal-style” preparation, a 24 hour, multi-step process involving curing, a slow roasting and finishing with mustard (meat is hand-brushed with mustard for a unique flavour), served alongside half-priced wine and martinis all night. Available on Sundays from 5 p.m. until sold out.

Kitchen On Sixth

For a relaxed and budget-friendly Sunday roast, Kitchen on Sixth offers a proper British-style meal at only $24. The highlight is the massive, crispy Yorkshire pudding, often described as one of the best in the city, paired with roast beef or chicken, roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables and gravy. The meal is served from 3:45 p.m. to 9p.m., and is only available in limited quantities so making an early reservation is important.

Countdown is on: It’s 100 days until the FIFA World Cup in Toronto and the city is celebrating

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Julia Mastroianni

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1:44 pm

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fifa world cup toronto — Courtesy toronto.ca

The countdown is officially on! Tuesday marks 100 days until the biggest sporting event of the season, the FIFA World Cup 2026 — and specifically, 100 days until the tournament’s first Canadian match at Toronto’s BMO Field. To celebrate, the city is putting on a totally free party!

The party is taking place at Rebel on Tuesday evening, aptly titled 100 Days to Go. Attendees can expect a showcase of cultural performances, flavours and festivities, all in honour of the communities that will be represented at Toronto Stadium during the tournament. Countries include Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Germany, Ghana, Panama and Senegal — you’re encouraged to wear your team colours and get excited as Toronto gears up to welcome the world to our city!

There’s certainly plenty to celebrate: by being selected as one of 16 host cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States, Toronto will be the first Canadian venue to host a FIFA World Cup fixture. The city will be hosting six matches — including an opening match with Canada itself!

Canada made it to the last tournament in 2022 but didn’t win a match, failing to advance further than the group stage. This time, playing on actual home turf on the world stage may be the motivation they need to make it through: they’ll be facing off against the winner of Play-Off Path A on June 12.

Toronto has been gearing up for the big showdown for months now, including by putting their homes on Airbnb during the weeks of the World Cup to earn big.

For now, you can prepare for the World Cup by partying at Rebel from 5:30–9:30 p.m.!

How did some of Toronto’s best bands and music acts get their names?

By

Ron Johnson

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11:44 am

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From comic strips to keyboard screens, here are the origins of the names of Toronto’s biggest bands and musical acts from Our Lady Peace to Peaches.

One of Canada’s most popular bands ever, Our Lady Peace, led by Raine Maida, found its name in a 1943 poem, “Our Lady Peace,” by American poet Mark Van Doren. Inspired by its tone, the band adopted it after previously performing under the moniker As If.

Toronto alt-rockers The Beaches looked closer to home, naming themselves after the city’s east-end neighbourhood where several members grew up. Rebranding from Done with Dolls, they’ve since emerged as one of the country’s hottest rock bands. They are back playing the Kee to Bala, in Muskoka, on Aug. 21 and 22 this summer.

The Beaches playing Coachella festival — Instagram: @thebeachesband

City and Colour is a literal play on founder Dallas Green’s name — Dallas is a city, green is a colour. Under that clever moniker, Green, who found fame as a member of the band Alexisonfire, has built a career on intimate, emotional songwriting.

For Metric, the name came from a song Emily Haines and bandmate Jimmy Shaw were working on in Toronto in the late ’90s. When the word “Metric” appeared on a keyboard’s LED screen, and Haines has said it felt sleek, electronic and “no bullshit.” And that vibe fit the band just fine.

The Sadies reportedly took their name from the hillbilly comic strip Li’l Abner, created by Al Capp. The reference is to Sadie Hawkins and the strip’s “Sadie Hawkins Day,” when women chased bachelors down the aisle.The Sadies became one of Canada’s most respected alt-country bands.

Max Webster wasn’t a person at all. The name of Kim Mitchell’s original band was invented by bassist Mike Tilka, who’d previously played in a band called Family at Mac’s that performed a song titled “Webster,” itself inspired by jazz saxophonist Ben Webster.

Electro-punk provocateur Peaches (a.k.a. Merrill Nisker) adopted her stage name in the mid-’90s as a nod to the final line of “Four Women” by Nina Simone. True to that punk lineage, Peaches built an international career on fearless, genre-bending performances. And she’s at the Danforth Music Hall on March 4.

And then there’s PUP, which stands for “Pathetic Use of Potential.” According to frontman Stefan Babcock, the phrase came from his mother, who warned that starting a rock band might be exactly that.

Toronto is celebrating its 192nd anniversary with a DJ skate party and fireworks

By

Nisean Lorde

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2:10 pm

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Celebrate Toronto is back at Nathan Phillips Square this weekend for a free anniversary festival marking Toronto’s 192nd birthday. If nothing else, it’s the perfect excuse to head downtown and maybe end your night under a fireworks show! The all-ages event takes place this Saturday, March 7, and features a winter-friendly mix of shopping, food stalls, live music, skating and a few surprises outside City Hall.

There’ll be over 150 vendors selling locally crafted goods as well as food stalls with globally inspired flavours! If you’re going with friends and want to make it an evening, there’s a licensed 19+ Glow Bar/Beer Garden pouring drinks.

In between sips, check out (or even participate in) the Mirvish Productions DJ Skate Party at the Nathan Phillips Square ice rink: skaters are encouraged to show up dressed as their fave theatre character.

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And don’t forget the music. Grab your dancing shoes and groove through the night with local bands and DJs on the live music stage. The festival’s lineup includes The Queen’s Own Rifles Band and Bugles (3–4:30 p.m.), Toronto electro-pop artist Dani Doucette (7–7:45 p.m.) and DJ/performer Flipside (8–10 p.m.).

If you’re into hands-on history, check out the Up-Close with Museum Stories tent for art activities inspired by the Aga Khan Museum’s Collections and the temporary exhibition Light: Visionary Perspectives. Drop in, experiment with materials and take home a piece of your own inspired creation! Or head to the Toronto Zoo’s tent to discover how the zoo is working to protect wildlife and habitats.

As night falls, get ready for the sky to burst into a symphony of sparkles: the fireworks show will light up City Hall at 9 p.m., followed by music by MC Flipside to end the night (9:05–10 p.m.).

And because it’s a celebration, there are contests, too. Check out the Toronto Trivia game (with prizes like Toronto Zoo tickets), along with a dance challenge happening on-site during the festival. There’s also a photo contest, with winners announced on March 31, 2026. You can find out more about the contests on the Celebrate Toronto website.

Celebrate Toronto takes place Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 3 to 10 p.m. at Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St. W.), rain, snow or shine! Follow @celebratetoronto for more updates.

Duff’s Famous Wings closes College Street location after nearly 20 years

By

Jennifer Schembri

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1:33 pm

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Duff's Famous Wings Toronto closure announcement 2026 — Duff's Famous Wings

Little Italy is losing a longtime wing spot. Today the team behind Duff’s Famous Wings confirmed they are permanently closing their College Street location after nearly 20 years. The announcement, posted on Instagram, ends the run for the 558 College St. storefront that has served fans of classic Buffalo wings since 2007.

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Duff’s history goes back much further. In 1946, Louise Duffney opened a corner “Gin Mill” in Amherst, just north of Buffalo. The first batch of chicken wings appeared in 1969, quickly building a reputation that rivaled the legendary Anchor Bar. By 1985, the “famous” label was official, and Duff’s had become a destination for anyone seeking authentic Buffalo wings.

That tradition came to Canada in 1998, when twin brothers Hy and Rob Erlich worked with the original family to bring the recipe north. The first Toronto location opened on Bayview Avenue, followed by the College Street spot, which became a neighbourhood staple for nearly two decades. The West End location stuck to the 1969 approach: large, never-frozen wings, with a “medium” sauce hotter than most competitors’ “hot.”

The Duff’s team thanked staff and the Little Italy community in their statement, but the closure marks the loss of one of the few places in Toronto still serving a proper Beef on Weck, a Buffalo sandwich staple.

The Canadian flagship at 1604 Bayview Ave., remains open, still following the same methods Louise introduced over 50 years ago.

Catherine O’Hara was honoured with a posthumous SAG award and standing ovation

By

Julia Mastroianni

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1:11 pm

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the studio catherine ohara — Catherine O'Hara and Seth Rogen in 'The Studio.' Courtesy Apple TV

The late, great Catherine O’Hara received a posthumous award at the 2026 Actor Awards (previously known as the SAG Awards) on Sunday. The honour comes nearly a month after her death.

The comedy icon from Toronto won best female actor in a comedy series for her role as Patty Leigh in The Studio. Canadian Seth Rogen, who co-created The Studio, took to the stage to accept the award on her behalf — and the audience got to their feet for a standing ovation in O’Hara’s honour.

Rogen referred to O’Hara as a “genius,” “kind” and “gracious” in his speech, and he ended the speech by encouraging everyone to share her work with the people in their lives who might not know it.

The award marked another final, historic moment for the comedy legend’s career: O’Hara’s win marked the first time a female actor has won a posthumous Actor Award. It’s also only the third time in history that one has been awarded (Heath Ledger and Chadwick Boseman were both posthumously awarded for their work).

The entire cast of The Studio also won the award for best ensemble in a comedy series later Sunday night. The two awards bring O’Hara’s Actor Awards tally up to four — she won two in 2021 for her iconic performance as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, both outstanding actress in a comedy series and outstanding ensemble in a comedy series.

Many A-listers in the audience teared up as O’Hara was honoured on Sunday, including a few of her former co-stars from films like Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

O’Hara died on Jan. 30 from a pulmonary embolism, at age 71.

Toronto legend Jim Carrey’s rare awards show appearance sparks online debate

By

Nisean Lorde

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12:24 pm

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Jim Carrey doesn’t pop up on red carpets the way he used to, which is part of why his latest outing felt kind of like a jump-scare for fans and conspiracy theorists online. But recent statements seem to quell any rumours that a clone of the iconic Toronto comedian is running around attending awards shows on his behalf.

Last Thursday, the Toronto actor attended the 51st César Awards in France, where he accepted an Honorary César and even gave a speech entirely in French! Language skills aside, photos and clips of the 64-year-old iconic actor quickly began circulating online, with viewers zeroing in on everything from his straighter, shoulder-length dark hair to a noticeably different face and more subdued vibe.

On Sunday, legendary British drag performer/prosthetic make-up artist Alexis Stone added fuel to the controversy, posting a carousel on Instagram with the caption: “Alexis Stone as Jim Carrey in Paris.” The slides included two pics of Carrey at the event, as well as an image showing a mask, teeth and a dark wig resembling Carrey’s new hairdo.

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A post shared by Alexis Stone (@thealexisstone)

Stone is known for uncanny celeb transformations, so his Insta lit up, with some treating his post as gospel and others demanding receipts.

“The conspiracy theorists have had a FIELD DAY because of you,” one Instagram user said, while another added, “Man no way, I knew it!!! Jim it’s probably laughing out loud now.”

But plenty of commenters are asking for more proof. “Still suspicious,” one user wrote, while others stated, “I need the real Jim Carrey to confirm,” and “I need video evidence immediately.”

Others questioned whether one of the images looked AI-generated, with comments like “The last photo looks like AI” and “The last pic is in fact ai guys.”

Well, the conspiracy theories were becoming so widespread that an official representative of the awards had to issue a statement that confirmed Carrey’s, ahem, authenticity.

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As the body-double theories continue to spread, the César Awards’ general delegate, Gregory Caulier, pushed back publicly, calling the controversy a “non-issue.”

In a statement to The Guardian, Caulier said Carrey had been deeply involved in the planning for months and had even worked on the pronunciation of French words for his speech.

“…I just remember his generosity, his kindness, his benevolence, his elegance,” Caulier said.

Carrey, who is undoubtedly one of the funniest people to come out of the Toronto area, hasn’t publicly commented about the appearance change. He attended the awards with his partner, Min Ah, his daughter, Jane Erin Carrey, and his grandson, Jackson.

Even Matty Matheson stops by this old-school Toronto Polish restaurant

By

Jennifer Schembri

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12:22 pm

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In a city that never stops chasing the next food trend, Cafe Polonez has done something much harder: it has remained. The Roncesvalles institution has been serving traditional Polish comfort food for more than four decades, a true testament to the people who built the legacy and the generations of Torontonians who’ve kept coming back.

The restaurant has been family-run since 1981, when Zymunt and Irena Zychla purchased the business under the same name after immigrating from Poland. Irena had worked her first job in Canada in the kitchen under the previous ownership before learning that the restaurant would come up for sale. The couple poured their life savings into keeping a piece of home alive with them in this new country, building what would become one of Toronto’s longest-running Polish restaurants.

63af0cdc 3985 486a b0fc c527200718e6 — Cafe Polonez circa 1984

Today, 45 years later the restaurant remains in the family. Patrick Front, now co-owner of Cafe Polonez alongside his mother Zofia Jedynak, is the the latest chapter in a story that spans multiple generations. Old photographs from the early 1980s show a very different Toronto dining room that we so know and love today. Wood-panelled interiors, modest dining spaces, and a neighbourhood that, then more than ever, was deeply tied to the city’s Polish diaspora. In one archival photo, a young Zofia stands behind the bar, long before she would become one of the restaurant’s co-owners.

“Many people called her ‘Princess Diana’ back then, I can see why in these photos” says Front. For Patrick, the restaurant has always felt like a home, a home consistently filled with his extended family–much like family holidays. He spent his earliest memories of working surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, and more as everyone lent a hand in the up-keeping of the family establishment. He grew up around the tables, bussing dishes as a kid and eventually returning in his twenties after working in other restaurants.“I feel like I was born here,” laughs front. “People tell stories of me hiding under the tables and eating the
sugar packets.”

Family photos from the restaurant’s early years capture the true spirit of Cafe Polonez: an immigrant’s Canadian dream, with their ambition and their willingness to bet everything on their new life. Zygmunt and Irena built the restaurant into a cornerstone of Roncesvalles, serving home-style dishes that resonated deeply with the Polish community, offering a respite in the difficult life that exists thousands of miles away from home.

That sense of comfort and continuity is the very aspect that still defines the restaurant today. Front describes watching families return year after year, seeing the generations grow alongside himself. Children who once came in with parents now coming in with children of their own. “You see generations come back,” he says. “People miss grandma’s cooking. This is something familiar.”

Over the years, Cafe Polonez gained the love, admiration and loyalty of the community– attracting an unexpected roster of high-profile visitors: including politicians, church leaders, and local celebrities. One of the most memorable visits came in the 90s, when former Polish president Lech Wałęsa dined in the restaurant, but the most memorable moment didn’t happen in the dining room. Front recalls how his grandmother had recently broken her leg and was unable to join them that evening.

trudea — Trudeau and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki

Upstairs she stayed in her apartment where she was resting when the President insisted on meeting her. Wałęsa quietly went up to greet her, catching her completely off guard. “He surprised her while she was in her nightgown,” Front says. “That was a huge moment for the family.”

Decades later the restaurant continues to draw in political leaders. Front recalls a more recent visit from former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who stopped by for a meeting with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. This homecooking, family style restaurant suddenly found itself at the centre of Canada’s political negotiations.

“They came in weeks ahead of time,” Front says. “Security sweeps, dogs, the whole thing.”
During the visit, the politicians gathered around the kitchen, celebrating Polish culture and learning how to make pierogi from the restaurant’s longtime professionals. Both a surreal but fitting moment for the place that’s always blurred the line between dining room and family room. Political leaders, Toronto locals, and Celebrity chefs alike gather at this local watering hole to feel the soul. Matty Matheson of Matty’s Patty’s and FX Productions The Bear has also been known to stop by, though Front insists that the restaurant’s legacy continues because they always tried to stay grounded in their roots. “We just try to preserve what’s always been,” he says.

SnapInsta Ai 3494067802578047731 — Tour of Poland platter

Despite Toronto’s rapidly shifting dining scene, Cafe Polonez has endured while many neighbourhood spots have disappeared. The longevity, according to Front, comes down to consistency and the people behind the scenes.“A lot of the staff have been with us for years,” he says. “That’s really the magic.”

The menu stays true to the traditional essence his grandparents built their legacy on: Pillowy pierogis, hearty helping of cabbage rolls, and the comfort of home-style dishes that resist trends in favour of familiarity.

To the family, the restaurant’s true legacy isn’t measured in celebrity visits. Following the passing of his grandfather last year, the moments rooted in family memories are more meaningful. “It’s seeing people come back,” he says. “That’s the special part.”

Want a warm-up right now? This gorgeous riverside town is one of Ontario’s most southern spots

By

Nisean Lorde

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9:51 am

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Tucked near the southern tip of the province sits a charming Ontario town boasting a gorgeous riverfront and genuinely interesting history, making it perfect for a small-town weekend getaway. And it’s so far south, it gets warmer faster than anywhere else in the province.

Amherstburg lies near the mouth of the Detroit River in Essex County, which is often touted as Ontario’s warmest pocket, so it’s a great spot if you’re craving an early taste of patio season. And the area has a little ‘down south’ feel (think vineyards, river breezes under the backset of gorgeous sunsets and stately streets), making it an easy escape.

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If you’re driving from Toronto, it’s just over four hours via Highway 401. If you’d rather not drive the whole way, take a VIA train to Windsor (Amherstburg is part of the Windsor area), and finish the trip by rideshare once in the region.

When you arrive, start at the waterfront (it’s the town’s main draw). A key stop is King’s Navy Yard Park: the large waterfront park is known for its gardens and strolling paths right along the river. History nerds will love how the park mirrors the site of an early naval yard (dating way back to the late 1700s) tied to shipbuilding in the region.

For nature lovers, Essex County’s section of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail connects to cycling routes across the area, linking small heritage towns, parks and wineries. The County also has some seriously gorgeous birding and nature hotspots, including Holiday Beach, Hillman Marsh, and Point Pelee (the southernmost point of mainland Canada). They’re not all in Amherstburg proper, but they’re part of what makes this region such a strong weekend base!

Next up: a stop at the Fort Malden National Historic Site (and you don’t have to be a military buff to enjoy it). Wander through preserved grounds and enjoy some storytelling. The site has connections to the War of 1812 and runs interpretive programming that sometimes includes costumed interpreters and demonstrations. It’s also a nice two-for-one with the waterfront: you’ll get great river views while you’re there!

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One of the most meaningful stops in town is the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. The museum lets you step back in time through in-house tours so you can get a first-hand look at the stories and contributions of African-Canadians, including those who escaped slavery from the U.S.

For a smaller, atmospheric history hit, make a pit stop at Park House. This 18th-century dwelling is nestled on Amherstburg’s main street. The long-told story is that it floated down the Detroit River to Upper Canada by its Loyalist owners when Detroit was handed over to the Americans by the Brits in 1796!

As part of your downtown wander, head to the Gibson Gallery for a mid-afternoon stop. This former Michigan Central Railroad Station, circa 1896, has been renovated to its original Romanesque glory, and boasts towering ceilings, hardwood floors and bevelled glass windows. You’ll also find a full season of exhibits showcasing Essex County artists, as well as artifacts and memorabilia housed in the attached caboose. Best of all: admission is free (donations encouraged). Afterward, grab a coffee and pastry from Bucket List Coffee Roastery (it’s about a 5-minute walk from the gallery).

And because you’re in Essex County, check out a winery or two. Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery bills itself as Ontario’s only beachfront winery, located on Lake Erie’s south-facing shore (so you can do tastings and lakeside views in the same stop). From there, you’re close to the broader Essex Pelee Island Coast wine region, which boasts multiple wineries across the county if you feel like turning your trip into a tasting crawl.

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In the evening, head downtown and explore Amherstburg’s enviable dining scene! Since Essex County is Ontario’s warmest county, Amherstburg’s patio season generally runs longer than you’d expect, stretching from the end of March to the beginning of November.

Visit Riccardo’s Italian Restaurant right on Dalhousie St after a waterfront walk. The Salty Dog is another downtown fave, known for its upscale pub-style menu and wood-fired pizzas (bonus: they have a heated patio during colder months). Or head to the Wolfhead Distillery & Restaurant if you like the idea of tours/tastings and food all in one place.

After visiting Essex County, check out this charming Lake Huron village: it’s packed with iconic beaches and unreal sunsets!