Every Torontonian knows about Honest Ed’s–Hell–most every Canadian knows about Honest Ed’s. You can’t miss those sparkling lights as you drive through Bathurst and Bloor, and there’s no way to avoid that neon circus sign as you exit the subway.

Honest Ed’s is a staple Toronto store that everyone should have the chance to shop (or at least laugh as you browse through the isles) in at some point in their life. If you haven’t been before, go now! NOW. GO. we’ll wait…

When you first enter, you’ll walk into a large bright room full of shelves and hand painted sign in the familiar blue and red writing. Who paints all of these signs anyway? They must have someone that does this as a full time job, because those signs are changing all the time!

You can browse around here for a very long time, before you realize that the store is much larger than this. MUCH. MUCH. LARGER.

Honest Ed’s is kind of like one of those “choose your own adventure” books.

1. Make your way up the stair case to face the evil racks of T-Shirts in the land of bedding and clothing.

2. Head downstairs to fill your belly on snacks and dried goods, before continuing on to the lair of the light bulbs.

Okay, maybe the T-shirts aren’t evil–but isn’t that how those books always go?

Had you chosen the second option, you would now be on your way into the electronic and housewares section. This room has just about everything that you might need for your kitchen, bedroom, bathroom or garage.

Best word to describe Honest Ed’s? Eclectic.

At this point in the maze of Honest Ed’s, you will come to another set of stairs. Go up one floor for office supplies and beauty products, or another level to get to another floor of clothing (children’s this time). A semi-level off of that section holds DVD’s, CD’s and other random items. Well hey–pretty much all of the items here are random.

You’ve made it to the end. Congratulations.

Take your items to the cashier and check out. You’ve successfully made your way through Honest Ed’s. Unless you’re still lost in the food basement.

The title says it all.

We recently took a really interesting tour of the Toronto Distillery District with Segway of Ontario, and we were not disappointed.

There are countless tours around Toronto, showcasing the highlights and positive features of our city and its past. These tours do not tell you the whole truth. Segway of Ontario‘s Explosions, Booze and Death tour takes you down a dark path into the depths of Toronto’s seedy underbelly and dismal past. You learn the real truth about Toronto’s rich history, focusing on the impact of the The Gooderham and Worts Distillery in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Where do Explosions, Booze and Death come into play?

The Distillery suffered a number of fires over the years, including one very large disaster brought on by an explosion inside the factory. The building still stands today, sporting the original walls with the reminiscent chars from the very same flames that licked the walls many years ago.

Booze should be a little obvious; it was a distillery. Gooderham and Worts’s main product? Whiskey.

Workers were paid in wages according to their level of sobriety. Those that merely showed up hungover were paid the most, while those that were passed out by noon, made the least.

During these times, whiskey was cheaper than well water, and served as the growing city’s source of “clean water” (as it was all that most people could afford). Those that chose to drink the available non-well water (rather than whiskey) contracted various diseases and often died because of it. In the eyes of the public, the whiskey was considered like a medicine, and even saved them from death.

The coolest thing that we learned on our tour? After Worts’ killed himself after his wife’s death in 1833, his 13 year old son dropped out of McGill University (yes–at 13 years old!) and canoed up the St. Lawrence River from Montreal to Toronto to come take over his Father’s position as brew master. As our tour guide said–he was probably the most bad ass kid in Canadian history!

We happened to take our tour during the Toronto Christmas Market that was on at the Distillery District. The place was full of holiday cheer as we learned about Toronto’s dark history. The Christmas lights twinkled, but we pictured explosive fires burning to the ground. We wandered through the narrow alleys of the Distillery, and out onto the main cobbled lane way.

No tour of Explosions, Booze and Death is complete without a tasting of the local booze, at the Mill Street Brewery. I tried the Original Organic Mill Street Lager and the Mill Street Stock Ale. My favourite was the Original Organic Lager, and I will definitely be returning for some more in the future.

It was certainly the first tour that we have been on that featured a delicious beer tasting, and even more reason to make this awesome tour even better.

If the beer wasn’t enough, we also had a chocolate tasting!

We all tested a dark chocolate stick from SOMA. While we savoured our delightful treats, we watched as the chocolate makers sifted liquid chocolate around through the glass windows of the kitchen. It was a nice way to warm up from the cold December air, before we headed back out through the streets of the Distillery.

Overall we learned a lot more than we ever expected about Toronto’s true history. If you want a more genuine tour in Toronto, we highly suggest heading on over to the Distillery District and taking part in the Explosions, Booze and Death tour with Segway of Ontario. This awesome company doesn’t just provide guided segway tours of the Distillery, but some pretty cool walking tours like the one that we took part in.

It didn’t feel like a traditional tour, where your tour guide if rehearsing a script to you. It was personable, small, and felt more like a few friends walking through the Distillery. Our guide really knew what he was talking about, but didn’t push the facts at us like school children.

Declare that you are not a tourist, step off the beaten path with Explosions, Booze and Death!

I spent yesterday afternoon at Novo Spa in Yorkville, getting a facial and relaxing in the beautiful facility. I drank tea, enjoyed a soothing facial, and even had a refreshing shower after it was all over. It was a perfect way to spend an afternoon, and was like a holiday escape without actually leaving the city!

After a brief walk through the lovely neighbourhood of Yorkville, I arrived at Novo Spa, ready for my treatment. I received a friendly welcome and a tour of the facilities. The layout was designed in a “U shape“, with the hallway leading back to the main lobby. Treatment rooms were along the left hallway, with couples rooms on the back wall, and waiting/relaxation rooms  on the inside.

After I got a sense of the calming environment, I headed into the women’s change room to undress and robe-up. I padded around in my comfy new slippers and large squishy robe.

Next, I made my way over to a small glass tea lounge, compete with tables, chairs and a healthy snack bar. I was given a choice of teas to drink, and decided on Roobios Sweet Embrace. It came served on a cute little platter with the tea pot and a flower. The tea itself was delicious, I couldn’t get enough. With a little added honey, I sipped it slowly as I listened to the gentle music around me.

There was also a waiting/relaxation room available for all guests.

I was summoned to the treatment room and my facial was about to begin.

Climbing up onto the table, I slipped under the covers and got comfortable. It felt more like a bed, and I’m pretty sure–given any more time alone–I would have easily fallen asleep. The room was small, dark and quiet. The walls were a dark shade of tan, almost swallowing up the light that was available. The only light in the room came from a small square on the wall, and a couple of flickering candles behind me. Soft music played over the speakers, in a melody of pan flutes and gentle instruments.

Some of the rooms even have tiny twinkle lights all over the ceiling. The lights change colours in a sweeping motion and almost give the illusion of staring up at the stars on a warm summer evening.

I was very relaxed.

After a quick assessment, my facial therapist determined that I had normal skin, with a slight dry area on my cheeks from the changing weather.

First, she removed my eye make-up with an herbal make-up remover, and used a firm acai cleanser on the rest of my face. With a quick stone crop mist, it was on to the exfoliants. She applied a raspberry eye exfoliant and a citrus lip exfoliator. It felt cool, and smelled delicious.

Next, came a pear and poppy seed microderm polisher, which was massaged into my skin, and then wiped away with a warm towel. Each time my skin started to feel a little cold from the treatments, the warm towel would bring a welcomed touch of heat.

After the towel, a lime stimulating mask was applied. This one smelled even better than the last. At first, I thought it was a lemon scent, but soon picked out that lime scent.

Following the lime mask, a seven herb treatment mask was applied.  I was close to falling asleep again, but was happily surprised when my facial therapist started to massage my hands and arms. If there’s one thing I love more than a facial, it’s a massage. A facial with a massage is even better!

Afterward, a raspberry eye masque and citrus lip plumping masque were applied. Still feeling completely relaxed, I wiggled my toes around under the heavy duvet comforter.

And then came the final (and my favourite) masque. The strawberry rhubarb masque. YUM. Obviously, I didn’t taste it, but the smell was absolutely delicious. It smelled like a dessert had been spread directly onto my face, and was soothing my skin. I felt even more relaxed as this serum worked away at replenishing my skin.

With the final warm towel wiping away the masque, I took a few deep breaths, knowing that the treatment was coming to an end.

My facial therapist applied a finishing herbal eye contour cream and a stone crop serum and moisturizer, before she offered me some lemon water, said goodbye and exited the room.

I took a moment to slowly rise from the comfortable bed and make my way to the door. I walked down the hallway of doors that were labelled as different exotic locations, and imagined myself in each one of them.

Entering the women’s change room, I headed straight to the shower. With complimentary organic shampoo and conditioner, I washed my hair and also washed away any of the remaining serums that may have been on my shoulders. I then retrieved my belongings from my locker, got dressed and ready to leave.

The spa provides complimentary essentials for getting yourself ready, like brushes and hair-dryers, as well as lotions and sprays.

Feeling 100% refreshed and rejuvenated, I exited Novo Spa and headed back down the streets of Yorkville, with a smile on my face.

Personally, I loved Novo Spa! I’ve been to some pretty amazing spas around the World–including the infamous Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Novo Spa was right up there as a number one contender for relaxation and a world class, calming atmosphere. Don’t forget to leave a tip for your own therapist; especially if you loved the service as much as I did!

Visionary & Genius

Painter, architect, sculptor, musician, scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, cartographer, botanist & writer.

Upon witnessing such an intimidating body of work, our own lives achievements are admittedly brought into perspective.

Although Da Vinci’s inventions and manuscript studies may be considered common place in today’s world of ever evolving technology, it is interesting to visually investigate and consider these notions and ideas as he did.

Have you ever watched the way a bird positions its wings as it glides on the wind?  Do you know how this relates to flight methods today?

“Human subtlety will never devise an invention more beautiful, more simple or more direct than does nature because in her inventions nothing is lacking, and nothing is superfluous.”

Though not all of us are blessed with gifts of artistry, innovation and insight, we can certainly all relate to the fascination and  pursuit of both skilled and higher learning. The motivation to better understand our environments and seeking to create, build, or dream of a better world.

My favourite parts of the exhibit were viewing the diary entries, sketches, and recreated living space.

The exhibit allowed for me to really piece together this picture, not of Da Vinci the renaissance man, but rather as a person. Although he was so productive and truly gifted, he seemed also a very humble and respectful man. A man of grace and passion.

“I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.”

This quote by Leonardo himself, truly speaks to his own character. He faced the day to day and made leaps and bounds in progress ,while always maintaining his integrity.

Overall this exhibit was a wonderful sensory and reflective experience. An interesting and educational way to spend an afternoon in Toronto.

“As a well-spent day brings happy sleep”

 

 

 

We’ve been noticing the progress of the ALT Hotel, as it has been built up over the past year near Pearson Airport, and anxiously awaited it’s grand opening.

Opening this November, we took the opportunity to stay at the hotel within it’s first month to see what all the fuss was about.

Expectations: exceeded.

ALT Hotel is accessible by the Pearson skytrain, so you don’t have to wait in the cold for an airport shuttle. It stands out from the other countless airport hotels in that it is unique and modern.

Forget about the standard bed, monotonous wallpaper and stark bathrooms–we introduce to you an ALTernative way of spending the night.

The beds themselves are the most comfortable beds we have tested in all of Toronto.

They are the perfect combination of foam and feather with the ability to knock you out for three days straight. But don’t fear, your iPhone dock radio alarm will wake you up in time!

An iHome docking station sat beside the bed for charging use and the option to personal music. A connection system is roosted beneath the television for easy access to files on your laptop or external drives.

The bathrooms are ultra chic with a peek-a-boo shower that features a glass wall into the bedroom area. Don’t shower in boredom, watch a little Breakfast Television as you get ready for your day.

Complete with luxurious Argan oil products, the facilities are among the best in the city.

ALT uses geothermal energy in powering their environment along with other measures to retain heat, such as thermal windows with low emission rates, ventilation exhaust and water used in commercial washers.

ALT features energy efficient and remote lighting in the room and sensored lights in the hallways. All products in the room can be reused, refilled or recycled, and each room holds a recycling bin. Talk about an environmentally friendly hotel!

The rest of the hotel doesn’t stray from the modern theme, with beautiful art and design in every room. Take a snack or drink at the dining area, or relax in the front room. Play games in the back or become immersed in social media at the #ALTExpo Instagram wall.

Prior to opening the hotel, the public had been asked to submit their favourite photos of different colours, via ALT’s social media pages. A different colour was provided each day during the month, and one winner was selected each day (thereby winning a weekend at the hotel).

In the end there were hundreds of photographs and they were all arranged in a beautifully shaded mosaic in the lobby. Among the small squares, larger plaques feature the winning photographs. Even more unique are the small screens which are placed along the centre of the wall. Each screen holds a pattern of photos that seem to pop up at random, but are actually generated by Instagram.

Instagram users can use the hashtag #ALTexpo on any photo that they upload to instagram, and it will appear on this very wall within 3 seconds. 3 seconds! We thought it was so cool, that we just had to try it out for ourselves. We utilized the hashtag and waited… It worked! Our photo appeared right in front of our eyes and we were blown away at the intricate social media genius on such stunning art-piece.

Not only is ALT the obvious choice for airport hotel accommodation, but we say that it’s even worth the trip all the way out from downtown. Don’t believe us? Check it out for yourselves at $149 per night.

SPECIAL OFFER:

After the holidays come the 99 days of ALT!

The new no frills-chic ALT Hotel Toronto Pearson is starting the New Year off with 99 days of ALTernative hospitality for $99. That is a 30% discount on the standard daily rate of $149 for anyone traveling between January 1^st and April 9^th.

What better way to start a winter vacation than a good night’s sleep in an ultra-comfy bed that is a mere seconds away from Pearson International Airport’s terminals? Need to park while on vacation? Stay one night and park inside the economy parking lot for 8 days for $169 or stay one night and park for 15 days for $239! Take the quick LINK train to shuttle, free of charge, between the parking lot, airport and our hotel.

I Heart TO Reader PERK

Simply mention this blog post when making your reservation and you will also receive a $10 voucher to use toward any of the fresh and healthy items in the hotel’s ALTcetera menu, items such as delicious freshly baked croissants in the morning, the most flavourful gazpacho North of the 401 or, my the curry & coconut milk chicken.

Reservations can be made over the phone at 1.855.855.6080 or enter promo code BLOGPERK when reserving online at althotels.ca.

Café Diplomatico has always been a personal favourite of mine, in Toronto. It started out as an accidental birthday tradition, and quickly became a welcomed visit.

The restaurant doesn’t ooze with elegance, or sport a fancy interior, but that’s the great thing about it. Just like the best restaurants in Italy, it appears as something average, but the food is what you come back for.

Having eaten at the best pizzeria in Napoli, that isn’t much more than a hole in the wall, I can definitely agree that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.

The restaurant is long and narrow, and filled with café tables and chairs. Framed photos adorn the walls, displaying famous patrons of the past. Italian music plays from the speakers and the space is dimly lit in the night. Nights are jam packed with hungry customers, while it feels like an entirely different restaurant in the day time.

Café Diplomatico serves many amazing dishes that are not only a treat to the taste buds, but a feast for the eyes. Some of the dishes, like the panzarottis are enormous!

My personal favourite items are the pasta menu choices. I’m a pasta girl and Café Diplomatico’s pastas are to die for!

I haven’t tried everything on the menu yet, but I’m slowly making my way through. I’ll definitely keep heading back for more.

You can view the menu here.

First, we watched the Rocky Mountain Express. Having gone on the actual train journey myself, I was excited to watch the film for a third person view. It was like reliving the exciting train experience in the comfort (and warmth) of the local theatre.

Taken on a journey, we zipped through tunnels and over bridges, in the gorges of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. We learned a detailed history of how the rail road was constructed and many of the stories and tragedies that came along with it.

We viewed gorgeous Canadian landscapes and felt like we were flying around in a helicopter above it all.

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At times when the camera would swoop up over a mountain cliff, our stomachs would swoop with it. It was great.

The next week we came back for more. This time we were going to watch IMAX’s Under the Sea. The poster alone was quite enticing and we anxiously awaited show time.

Waiting in line we could see the operations behind the enormous films, as they were loaded and unloaded before our very eyes. The reels were huge and apparently many times the length of the CN Tower.

We filed into the theatre once again, claiming our favourite seats in the middle.

The films began with a number of fishy encounters. We met different species and different coloured characters. The fish traveled in schools and some traveled alone.

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Everyone once in awhile a child in the theatre would let out a surprised scream as one of the fish would make a sudden movement. At feeding time the fish would hunt, and attack their prey with speedy force.

My favourite part of the entire film was the sea lion cameo. The sea lions were intrigued with the camera gear, and swam around the lens inquisitively. They just looked so happy and innocent, it was really fun to watch. They were adorable.

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By the time the film ended we felt like we had gone for a swim. It certainly didn’t bother my stomach, but I felt like I had been floating around the whole time!

We really enjoyed both films and pan to go back soon to watch more. Keep your eyes open for the new featured films as the Ontario Science Centre always has new surprises in store!

Arriving at the Ontario Science Centre on a Friday afternoon was quite different from our last experience on the previous Saturday. This time we were able to park reasonably close to the entrance and didn’t have to wait in any line ups. If you have the chance to visit during a weekday, I would highly recommend it. Saturday’s experience was lovely too, but parking was more of an adventure and there were definitely a lot of large crowds. Friday was perfect.

Upon making our way into the main exhibition halls, we stopped at the GPS adventures installation at the bottom of the escalators. Being a geography major myself (that specializes in GIS), I was quite thrilled about the activity.

We entered the maze.

A right turn here and and left turn there, we rounded many corners and doorways before suddenly we were back where we had already been

We’ve been here before.

It was definitely a maze. Getting a little too excited about it all, we were not keeping proper track of our score card, or the directions instructed. We were just looking at all the images and display cases within the geographic labrynth.

We definitely had to take a look at the “cheat code” located under a safety latch a couple of times. We stamped our card as we went along, but I’m pretty sure that we were lost.

Okay, I give up.

We agreed collectively and decided to try to find the quickest way out. Of course, not before trying on some of the cool travel gear!

Not so easy.

We turned left twice, made a quick right and stepped over the bridge before sliding into the next right sided doorway. We zipped around two more corners until we reached another wall. Turning back, we felt confident in the next turn, before we reached another dead end.

Finally, three more turns and a couple of hops, and we were safely out of the seemingly endless maze.

I stepped back, looking at the sides. It didn’t even look that big. I’d love to try it again from the beginning and hopefully pay better attention this time.

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We continued on into the rest of the Centre.

Entering a large room, we were stopped by a shout…

Hey! You just walked through a pile of leaves! Rake them back up!

Surprised, we looked around wondering where the leaves were. They were in the form of green leaf-shaped lights on the floor, blowing around in the imaginary wind that we had created.

Oops.

We started kicking our feet to bring the pile back together. All done.

Next, we made a left into the KidSpark. Hey, we might not be kids any more, but we like to have a little fun too.

First, I watched some of the kids creating paper air planes and aiming them through targets. I didn’t want to disturb them, but it looked like fun!

Next we posed for photographs that we then found transformed into large installations made entirely out of bubbles. Each photo would appear in a collection of tiny bubbles in the shape of that person’s face. It was incredible.

We tried a sound room full of lights, a wall full of words and instruments made out of tools.

One machine told me just how damaged my skin was, and I realized that I should wear more sunscreen!

We also spent a great deal of time dancing around the the LED light hallway that was beautifully lit in fluorescent colours, which in turn–turned us different colours.

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Overall we had a really fun day (two days infact seeing that we had also been there the week before!) and definitely plan to go back again soon. There’s no end of fun things to do at the Ontario Science Centre, so it really doesn’t matter if you go more than once… You’ll still find something new and awesome in your next visit!

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Stay tuned for more about the Leonardo da Vinci exhibition and our IMAX experience!

Do you ever see those open-topped, double decker tour buses driving around downtown Toronto and laugh at all the tourists hanging over the sides, with their noses dug into their viewfinders? Most cities have them, and it’s no wonder, because they really are the best way to see a city.

They may appear a little cheesy to a local, but that’s the fun of it. Every Torontonian should take the chance, at least one, to view their city through the eyes of the tourist. You’ll probably see something that you have never actually seen before, and you’ll definitely learn a thing or two about this amazing city.

Hop-on hop-off tours are great for tourists and locals alike. Tourists will get the bang for their buck, and locals can take scenic panoramic skyline photographs and create a whole new Facebook album ;]

With City Sightseeing Toronto passengers will make an in-depth loop around the city, catching glimpse of all the city’s major attractions and tourist hot-spots, culminating the tour with a scenic boat cruise around the Toronto islands.

You can hop off at the Distillery District, wander around for 20 minutes (or more), and return to the bus.

You can hop back on at Dundas Square after shopping at the Eaton Centre or perusing the Yonge Street shops.

You can get shots of OCAD, the AGO, and the ROM, while driving through the vibrant side streets of Toronto.

You’ll pass by St. Lawrence Market and the Gooderham Building (Flat Iron Building) en route to your next stop.

There’s no end of amazing photographic opportunities on this awesome tour.

Next time you’re visiting Ontario’s Capital, or bored with friends, or even trying to think of a fun date–why not cruise around the city in style, on a open-topped double decker bus?

This is a video of our recent visit to Jungle Cat World. Watch as we visit with the lemurs, a lynx, a 16 day old tiger, a tiger and cougar cub, a young fox, some full grown tigers and lions, and finally a friendly llama.

Jungle Cat World was an amazing experience, and we urge you to get out to Orono to see it for yourself.

Thanks to our guide Carl, for basically narrating this entire video for us, with tons of interesting information!