Allan Gardens Conservatory was founded in 1858 and is one of Toronto’s oldest parks. Its beautiful 16,000 sqaure foot conservatory houses housing thousands of plants providing an visitors a downtown oasis.

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Canada produces 85% of the world’s supply and exports over 30,000 tones to more than 40 countries. We have the First Nations people to thank for this delicious food. They discovered how to collect the sap from the tree by making incisions into the trunk and letting it drip into birch bark containers. They experimented with cooking the sap to create the delicious syrup and candy we’ve come to associate with spring thaw in Canada.  Pioneers learned how to process the sap from the Natives and each spring created Sugar Shacks where they would create the year’s supply of maple sugar—the only sugar available to them.

Both Bruce’s Mill and the Kortright Conservation are participating in the Maple Syrup Festival running from March 3 until April 4.

Go for a guided tour in the forest and see how the sap is taken from the trees. Try some sap samplings, see Maple Syrup demonstrations, see how they make maple syrup taffy and take a horse drawn wagon ride.  Visit either conservation are from March 3 until April 4 to get a taste of the Canadian spring. It’s a sweet way to celebrate the end of winter!

Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area, Stouffville Road and Warden Avenue. Maple Syrup Festival: Daily 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adults : $ 9, Kids, seniors and students : $ 6.50. For reservations call: 416-667-6295.

Kortright Conservation Area, 9550 Pine Valley Drive Woodbridge. Maple Syrup Festival: Daily 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adults : $ 9, Kids, seniors and students : $ 6.50. For reservations: Phone: 905-832-2289, email: info@kortright.org

Canada produces 85% of the world’s supply and exports over 30,000 tones to more than 40 countries. We have the First Nations people to thank for this delicious food. They discovered how to collect the sap from the tree by making incisions into the trunk and letting it drip into birch bark containers. They experimented with cooking the sap to create the delicious syrup and candy we’ve come to associate with spring thaw in Canada.  Pioneers learned how to process the sap from the Natives and each spring created Sugar Shacks where they would create the year’s supply of maple sugar—the only sugar available to them.

Celebrate spring at local Sugar Shacks at two of Toronto’s conservation areas. Both Bruce’s Mill and the Kortright Conservation area. Go for a guided tour in the forest and see how the sap is taken from the trees. Try some sap samplings, see Maple Syrup demonstrations, see how they make maple syrup taffy and take a horse drawn wagon ride.  Visit either conservation are from March 3 until April 4 to get a taste of the Canadian spring.

Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area, Stouffville Road and Warden Avenue

Maple Syrup Festival: Daily 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adults : $ 9, Kids, seniors and students : $ 6.50

http://trca.on.ca/enjoy/locations/bruces-mill-conservation-area.dot

Kortright Conservation Area, 9550 Pine Valley Drive Woodbridge, Ontario
905-832-2289, info@kortright.org Maple Syrup Festival: Daily 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adults : $ 9, Kids, seniors and students : $ 6.50

http://www.kortright.org/home/

Photo by Paul Tichonczuk

On Feb 25 and 26 celebrate winter in style at the 7th Annual Bloor-Yorkville IceFest where you can celebrate winter in Toronto.

Watch as ice carvers take out their picks, chisels and even chainsaws to transform blocks of ice into masterpieces at the 14th Annual Sassafraz Ice Carving Competition.

Sculptures start their creations on Friday afternoon and continue on through until Sunday. Cast your vote for your favorite sculpture on Saturday and Sunday between 2pm and 5pm. The People’s Choice Sculpture will be announced at 5:15 pm at the sound tent on Cumberland Street.

Ice carving demos will be held on Friday and on the weekend for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to visit the Winter Wilderness Exhibit and see how 35,000 pounds of ice have been transformed into a Canadian forest. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a Ice Log Cabin complete with a Lumberjack splitting wood next to a log fire, a moose gazing among carved totem trees as well as other Northern animals. All made from ice!

There’ll be music in the streets while you watch on-street figure skating performances by Glisse on Ice, enter draws to win a special weekend package, and enjoy a selection of Yorkville fine restaurants serving hot chocolate, drinks and comfort food. Try a delicious soup at Sassafraz or some crepes at Jacques Bistro du Parc. There will also be desserts offered from Baker Street.

Warm up by visiting the shops in Yorkville and do some window shopping. Come to Yorkville’s IceFest and celebrate winter in style!

Photo courtesy of Theatre Archipelago/Obeah Opera

A new take on Salem

Obeah Opera is a new look at the infamous Salem witch-hunts and trials of 1690s. This fully opera written by Nicole Brooks and directed by ahdri zhina mandiela with musical direction by Tova Kardonne is showcased at the 918 Bathurst Theatre. A joint production of between b current and Theatre Archipelago, the Obeah Opera is sung in complete a cappella form. The cast of 15 tells the story of five women accused of practicing Obeah, a type of West African magic and mysticism practiced in the West Indies. The play runs from Feb 22 to March 4.

A joyous documentary

The Royal Ontario Museum is showcasing the infectious documentary RasTa: A Soul’s Journey. It follows Donisha Prendergast, the charismatic 25-year-old granddaughter of Bob and Rita Marley who journeys to eight countries — Jamaica, Canada, Britain, the United States, Ethiopia, South Africa, Israel and India – to explore the roots and evolution of the Rastafari movement. Screening every Saturday and Sunday in February in the ROM’s Eaton Theatre.

A history in song

Blues singers Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley perform a rocking history lesson. Sugar and Gold traces the path of early Canadian black settlers fleeing from their life of slavery in the South U.S., to live freely in Canada. The duo performs at the Albert Campbell Library on Feb 21, at the Gerard/Ashdale library in the morning of Feb 23 and at the Downsview Library in the afternoon on Feb 23.

South African flair

The Soweto Gospel Choir brings their African Grace show to the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts on Feb 24 and 25. The 24-piece gospel group, winners of twoGrammy and an Emmy, perform a combination of traditional African music and contemporary tunes with South African flair.

Photo courtesy of dance Immersion

Celebrating Black Dancers

dance Immersion will perform TRIBUTE: A Moving History of Canadian Blacks in Dance at Harbourfront from Feb 23 -25. The 17 edition of its annual showcase presentation celebrates black dance artists and their contribution to Canadian dance. The show uses dance, film and spoken word to pay homage to contributions of Len Gibson, Jeni Legon, Dindi Lidge, Zab Maboungou, Paul Pettiford, Kevin Pugh and Jean Sheen. Compagnie Danse Nyata Nyata, and Caribbean Dance Theatre will both be presenting works from Canadians choreographers accompanied by contemporary blues poet, Amani.

February 23 – 25, 2012

http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/whatson/today.cfm?id=3277

Enjoy distinctive chocolates and truffles created by chocolatier David Castellan at his Soma Chocolate shop in the Distillery District. Using raw cocoa beans, Castellan creates chocolates with surprising combinations. Try the chocolate bars made with chilies, ginger and vanilla, milk chocolate with dried cherries, sultry bergamot truffles or luscious caramel. Enjoy home-made gelato or a a cup of Mayan hot chocolate on the patio.

Head over Kensington Market to The Chocolate Addict. This tiny shop is filled with everything chocolate dipped from cashews, fortune cookies to Pringles. Try one of the hand-made chocolate roses, a speciality of the owner.  Pick up some chocolate loonies, moose droppings (chocolate-covered almonds) or icewine truffles. Buy fair trade chocolate alongside premium offerings for Dolfin and other well known chocolates. In the summer, the shops sells ice cream in the summer and hot chocolate in the winter.

Yorkville’s MoRoCo sells boutique European chocolates ranging from chocolates, Truffles, Macarons, Confections and bars all made in house by using Valrhona Chocolate from France. Next door is the Salon serving lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and afternoon high tea and of course hot chocolate. The menu includes a variety of sandwiches, pastas and salads along with phenomenally decadent desserts. Late night events include a mixologist lounge with a DJ. There’s even chocolate hand print wall of fame.

Xococava at Yonge and St. Clair sells an array of gourmet truffles for the adventurous. Try chocolates infused with traces of cedar, chorizo, fennel pollen, olive oil, or thyme. Its ice cream and sorbet are equally delicious and unusual created with seasonal ingredients.

Delight Chocolates has two locations offering its handmade, fair trade, organic chocolates. The original shop is in the Junction and the newer shop is on West Queen West. Both offer delicious chocolate ranging from the conventional to the extra-dark, pumpkin spice or cardamom-rosewater. Also available: incredibly rich, all-natural organic ice creams and sorbets.

Playing a round at the Charlotte Room

Get your game on in TO at one of the pool halls in the city. Whether you are looking for something retro, upscale or low-key, there’s a place for you to get your eight ball moving.

Andy Poolhall is a cozy club located in Little Italy is decorated in a 1960s theme soaked in psychedelic reds purple, turquoise, black and white with pleather chairs fashioned into trippy and bubbly shapes. The lounge also has row of black and red chairs designed by Pierre Paulin of Paris for the first-class Concorde departure lounge at JFK International Airport in New York City. Sit back in one of them and enjoy a drink and listen to the great soul music while you wait for one of the five well-maintained red-felt pool tables to be free. A great place to hang out.

The Charlotte Room is an elegant game club located in the Entertainment District with seven customized quality pool tables and four custom made poker tables. You can also grab one of the comfortable chairs, order something from the well-stocked bar and pick out something from the games library equipped with all the classics: Boggle, Yahtzee, Risk, Cribbage, Backgammon and more. There’s also a great menu with good food and nice change from the typical pool greasy pool hall offerings. Enjoy a classy, laid back evening at this club.

Home to the defunct Brunswick Balke Collender Company, once the largest manufacturer of billiard tables in Canada, the Academy of Spherical Arts is the ultimate spot for pool lovers. There’s 20,000 square feet of space divided into different rooms, each with a different theme. The Samuel May Room has some of the original 100 year old tables built by the Samuel May and Company while the George Chenier Room, the former loading dock, offers a room for smaller groups. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or diner at the club with a classic steak house menu and a bar well stocked with over 350 wines, 60 grappas, 20 vintage ports, 130 cognacs and over 100 international beers. There’s also a great selection of cigars.

The Rivoli Theatre, an old vaudeville and burlesque theatre from the 1920s, has an upstairs pool room with 13 vintage tables. Put your name on the waiting list and then head downstairs for a bite to eat or catch some of the entertainment in the Back Room. A great place to enjoy the buzz on Queen Street.

Prices to play vary from each location so check before heading out. Weekends are always busier so be sure to make a reservation when possible.

Skating under the arches. Photo by Ken Nickerson

Toronto has over 50 outdoor artificial ice rinks so skating is a popular pastime in this city. The city does a great job of maintenance and you’ll find wonderful rinks in each neighborhood. Don’t worry if you’ve left your skates at home. All of the rinks have skate rentals.

 Skate at City Hall

Toronto’s most famous rink is found at Nathan Phillips Square located alongside the New City Hall. The three solid arches that stretch over the ice rink have been named the Freedom Arches and there is a piece of the Berlin Wall at the base of the center arch on the south side. Skate along to the recorded music ranging from reggae to classical. At nights, the rink is light up against the night sky casting a romantic glow on the ice. 100 Queen Street West. Hours: From first light until 10 pm, seven days a week. Admission: Free. Skate rentals: $10 for adults, $5 for children. For ice conditions, call the skate rental office at 416 304-1400.

 Skate at the factory

Glide under the open air and the rafters of an 1889 historical building at the Evergreen Brick Works. Formerly the Don Valley Brick Works, this industrial quarry and factory site has been transformed into park and natural area. It’s now  a wildlife haven at the heart of Toronto’s ravines. The city recedes behind the wooded valley walls as you wind through the garden mounds listening the birds. 550 Bayview Avenue. Hours: Thurs 5 – 9pm, Sat/Sun 11am – 4pm. Admission: Free. Skate rentals: Pay what you can, $5 recommended. Call ahead for conditions: 416-596-7670.

Skate at the lake

The Natrel Rink is one Toronto’s favorite outdoor rinks. Situated on Toronto’s harbor, this winter gem is part of Harbourfront Centre and is open 7 days a week. There’s an indoor change room with  lockers and washrooms and Lakeside EATS serves hot food and drinks. Every Saturday night is DJ Skate Night where local DJs spin their fresh grooves while you glide and get a new perspective on fusion. 235 Queens Quay West Hours: Sun-Thurs 10am-10pm, Fri/Sat 10 am-11pm. Admission: Free. Skate rentals: $8 adults, $6 children. Rink Info: 416 973-4866

Have fun gliding through Toronto!

Photo by Sam Javanrouh, Flickr

Nearly every bar, nightclub and restaurant will be open to celebrate New Year’s in Toronto. You can come simple or you can go elaborate. Here’s 6 suggestions for partying to help you decide.

Celebrate early with the kids

Gibson House Museum is offering a traditional Scottish Hogmanay with a holiday meal followed by music by the fire and storytelling. Food and drink will be made ready for the First-Footer, a dark-haired gentlemen who brings luck to the home by being the first to cross the threshold. December 29-30, 7 pm, 5172 Yonge Street just north of the North York Centre Subway Stop. 416-395-7432. Free admission.

The biggest party in town is free

Ring in the New Year at Nathan Phillips Square with the crowd that gathers for the Citytv free, annual outdoor New Year’s eve concert. This year Backstreet Boy Howie D, Karl Wolf, JRDN, Neverest, Aleesia, Anjulie and the cast of American Idiot will be there to entertain everyone.  Starting at 10 p.m., the show is simultaneously broadcast on Citytv and New Year’s Eve event, with some of Canada’s top Canadian musical talent and midnight fireworks.

 Affordable dance parties

Toronto dance clubs are offering a night of dancing. Most tickets are under $30 but there are strict dress codes in effect.  DJ MRK and Tigerblood will be spinning that The Mod Club New Year’s Eve party, one of the best selling parties in town. Come and listen to DJs spinning indie, electro, dubstep and rock. NYE 2012 at City Nightclub will have three rooms spinning three different sounds with house, hip-hop, mash-ups and club anthems throughout the night.  Wetbar New Year’s 2012 bash will have DJs Vesh and Flawless spinning party anthems all night, with hors d’ouerves and party favours. VIP and bottle service is available. Dress code is in effect.

Hip dinner and drinks

Love Triangle brings three parties to the Gladstone Hotel on New Year’s Eve. Have smart cocktails in the upstairs Champagne Gallery, listen to live music from iDRUM in the Melody Bar and performances from Jokers of the Scene and Soul Proprietor in The Ballroom. There is also a four course prix-fixe dinner from Executive chef Marc Breton available. It is an additional $50 and available between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Sail into the New Year

Jump on board the Jubilee Queen for its annual New Years Eve Celebration Cruise in the Toronto Harbour. Your tickets include a cocktail party, buffet dinner and champagne at midnight. Ring in the New Year while sailing past the Toronto skyline. $119.95 per person.

Viva Las Vegas

Feeling the need for some glitz and schmoozing for the New Year. Head over the Sheraton Centre Hotel for the Viva Las Vegas party inside the Grand Ballroom. The event is hosted by Fame Media and offers an explosive lightshow, Vegas showgirls, complimentary champagne and a midnight dessert station. The music will be House, Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae and Cover. Dress code in effect. $80 at the door.

Wherever you party, be sure not to drink and drive. Grab a cab after your party and get home safe and sound.  Happy New Year!

Photo by Doug Brown. Courtesy of Tourism Toronto

Toronto is a multicultural city but that doesn’t stop it from celebrating a traditional Christmas. The whole city joins in the fun and gets into the spirit of the season. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate in Toronto, check out these fun events.

Glide to the groove

Slap on your skates and groove to Saturday DJ Skate Nights feature DJs spinning everything from hip hop and reggae to electronic. It all takes place Harbourfronts Natrel® Rink, an outdoor skating rink by the lake. Spin to the music of 1 LOVE T.O., Cozmic Cat and Denise Benson, Dr. Jay de Soca and more. Saturday nights, 8-11 pm. Free admission.

Of mice and magic

Canada’s National Ballet celebrates 60 years and for the holiday season revives James Kudelka’s 1995 version of the Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky’s beloved Christmas ballet has been a Toronto holiday staple since the mid-twentieth century. Kudelka’s interpretation is famed for its beautiful set designs and choreography that underscores the children’s symbolic journey into adolescence. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, December 10 until 30th.

Cavalcade of Lights

It’s been a 45-year tradition to light up City Hall’s Nathan Phillips Square with a dazzlingly display of lights. Every evening at dusk, the Christmas tree and skating rink are lit up. Wander through the display of lights or bring your skates for a tour around the rink. This year, neighbourhoods and tourist attractions are also participate in the Cavalcade of Lights festival and adding their brilliant creations of light. Take a walk around the city and soak up the magic. On Dec 23 inside the Rotunda at 11:30 am, there will be a free Christmas concert with with performances by the Toronto Beaches Children’s Chorus, Nathaniel Dett Chorale, All the King’s Voices and the Tower Brass.

Magic at the Castle

Professor Wick’s Magical Castle & the School of Wizardry transforms Casa Loma into an theatrical spectacular that will wow kids of all ages. Professor Wick’s Magical Castle blends mechanical wizardry, music and comedy delivered by an outlandish cast of “steam punk” characters. Professor Pepper opens the School of Wizardy with magic between juggling and balancing acts. Kids will even have a chance to learn and perform their own magic tricks. Casa Loma, December 3, 2011 until January 8, 2012 . Professor Wick’s Magical Castle Showtimes: 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 am, 2:00 pm & 3:00 pm. The School of Wizardry Showtimes: 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm & 3:30 pm.

Break from tradition

Christmas is a time where we get to revisit crazy family members. Share in the madness of the season with a few laughs courtesy of The Second City’s Dysfunctional Holiday Revue. It’s become an annual tradition in Toronto. With a seasonal blend of hilarious scenes, songs and SC’s trademark improvisation, the show is a lighthearted look at the underside of the holidays. Laugh along at the uneven gift exchanges with the clueless boyfriend, couples therapy with Joseph and Mary and other spoofs sending up all that is ridiculous about this magical season. December 7 until Jan 2, 2012.

Xmas bouquets

If the holiday shopping is getting you down, grab some moments of tranquility at the Christmas flower show at Allan Gardens and Centennial Park Conservatory. The conservatory is warm, lush and quiet. From December 4 to January 8, 2012 you can enjoy Victorian Christmas Carollers, hot cider, cookies and children’s activities. From 5 pm until 7pm Sit with the flowers and watch the candle lighting throughout the Conservatory for some real holiday magic.

Happy Holidays!

The Third Annual City Carol Sing

Come and sing along with some of the city’s great singers and support the Food Banks of Canada. Special guests appearances with International Opera Star Richard Margison, tenor and Lauren Margison, soprano. Featuring The High Park Choirs of Toronto, The Larkin Singers, The Choirs of Yorkminster Park Baptist Church & Christ Church Deer Park, VIVA! ARTS! Brass, William Maddox, Organist and Eric Robertson, Music Director.

Be sure to bring your donation to the Daily Bread Food Bank.

Admission: Free
Date: Saturday, December 17, 2011
Time:  2 pm
Location: Yorkminster Park Baptist Church 1585 Yonge Street (one block north of Yonge and St. Clair)

The Christmas Story at The Church of the Holy Trinity

One of Toronto’s oldest holiday traditions, the pageant as first staged in 1938 at this lovely 164-year old heritage church. The story of the nativity is told through a series of narrated scenes linked by beautiful organ music and carols from an unseen choir. Close to 100 volunteers, including babies who take turns playing the role of baby Jesus, perform in one of two casts.

Admission: Suggested donation: $20 adults, $5 children
Date: December 9-11, 16-18, 22-24.
Time: Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings: 7:30 pm., Saturday & Sunday matinees: 4:30 pm.
Location: Church of the Holy Trinity, 10 Trinity Square,West side of the Toronto Eaton Centre