It has hosted many important special exhibitions, but its permanent collection includes the largest collection of Canadian art in the world. It also houses works from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, European art, African and Oceanic art, as well as a modern and contemporary collection. There is  a large collection of photography, drawings and prints. The Henry Moore Sculpture Centre is an iconic part of the gallery, but there are also other sculptural displays as well as film, video, graphic art, installations, architecture and other three dimensional forms.

While the building was first constructed in 1922, its latest incarnation was developed by star architect Frank Gehry in 2004, which opened to the public in November 2008. This building space included a new entrance as well as a four story wing made of glass and titanium, which overlooks Grange Park. On the front of the building, a new wood and glass façade called the Galleria Italia along Dundas Street allows the AGO to be easily recognizable from a distance. A key interior piece is a sculptural spiral staircase that seems to float on air, linking the main event space with the Centre for Contemporary Art.

These new spaces houses an extensive collection from the famous Canadian Group of Seven, and works ranging from up-and-coming contemporary artists to well known historical pieces. The AGO is a comprehensive display of art and it is well worth it to spend a day wandering the galleries. It is short walking distance from Backpackers on Dundas.

General admission is $19.50, seniors’ tickets are $16, student and youths are $11, while children five and younger are permitted free entry. A family pass is available for $49 for two adults and up to five youths. Note that there is free entry to the Permanent Collection on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Ontario high school students can also see the Permanent Collection for free Tuesday through Friday after 3 p.m. with a valid student ID.

Los Campesinos. Image Credit: Los Campesinos Offical Press Photo.

What: The Lunarfest 2012 Lunar New Year Festival celebrates the Year of the Dragon with multi-disciplinary expressions of Chinese tradition. There will be visual installations, puppet shows, workshops, traditional Chinese New Year activities and of course, culinary treats. There will also be a series of Lunar Skate programs with merge Canadian skating culture with Asian New Year traditions.
When: All day from Friday, January 20 to Tuesday, January 24, 2012.
Where: Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON).
Cost: Free.
More info: See the official site.

What: Costume 101 Seminars for aspiring costume designers for film and television. This is the place to be if you have ever dreamed of playing dress up for a living and aiding in the creation of character personalities on the big and small screen.
When: Saturday, January 21, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where:  TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King West, Toronto, ON)
Cost: $230, single seminar $20.
For more info and to register: Email mailto:elearning@caftcad.com

Who & What: Twee power pop group Los Campesinos are playing a two night bill with openers Parenthetical Girls.
When: Saturday, January 21 and Sunday, January 22, 2012, doors at 9 p.m.
Where: Lee’s Palace (529 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON)
Cost: $20.
For more info: Check out the Official site of Lee’s Palace.

What: Monster Jam, where top Monster Jam trucks entertain with jumps, stunts and thrills. Get set for pure gasoline driven testosterone.
When: Sunday, January 22, 2012 and Monday, January 23, 2012 at 11 a.m.
Where: Rogers Centre (1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto, ON)
Cost: $20 – $50.
For more info: See the official site.

Official Poster. Image Credit: Bashed! All Girls Pillow Fight Revue organizers.

What: Bashed! All Girl Pillow Fight Revue, a spectacle where extraordinary women prove their pillow prowess in on the underrated art of pillow fighting. The organizers expect us to be shocked and amazed at unexpected events throughout the night!
When: Saturday, January 14, 2011 at 10 p.m.
Where: Lee’s Palace (529 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON)
Cost: $20 at the door, $15 in advance.
More info: Official site.

What: The Toronto International Boat Show comes back to this year with an indoor wakeboarding pool, watersports, seminars, fishing trips, power boats, canoes, kayaks, fishing boats, trawlers and much more.
The annual visitor’s favourite – The Lake – is back again this year. The world’s largest indoor lake for boaters is used by both novice and experienced boaters to test and discover boating in canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and inflatable devices. The Lake will also feature wakeboarding and boat-handling demonstrations.
The Discover Boating centre offers free resources for experts and you can hear Zac and Abby Sunderland, the youngest people to ever circumnavigate the seas and Cape Horn. There is also Island Village, with the sounds of the Caribbean.
When: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekdays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., show runs until January 22, 2012.
Where: Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place (100 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto, ON).
Cost: $18 general admission, $15 for seniors, $20 unlimited weekday evening pass, $25 two day adult pass, $19 two day senior pass and free for children 16 years and under when accompanied by an adult.
More info: Official site.

What: DJ Skate Night beside the Harbourfront, where your nighttime skating experience is heightened by music and lights. It is the perfect place for a winter outing. You can boogie down and enjoy one of winter’s favourite activities at the same time!
When: Saturday 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., runs Saturday until February 19.
Where: Harbourfront Ice Rink (235 Queens Quay, Toronto, ON).
Cost: Free. There is a fee for skate rentals.
More info:  Office site.

Chinatown Toronto Spadina Avenue and Sullivan Road in 2009. Image Credit: chensiyuan via Wikipedia.

Every city has a Chinatown, but to the size and importance of various Asian settlements in the City, there are a few Chinatowns in the city. Here’s a quick breakdown of where they are:

The Old Chinatown:

This is the largest and oldest Chinatown in Toronto, based at the intersection of Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street. This area grew massively in the 1960s due to the lifting of racial exclusion policies and Chinese businesses expanded in this area. While an earlier Chinatown had been existed and demolished, this became the main business centre for the Asian community and it is bound between Spadina Avenue, Dundas Street, College Street and University Avenue.

East Chinatown:

Based in the Riverdale neighbourhood, this area grew out of property increases in the downtown Chinatown. Thus a smaller, secondary Chinatown was formed and it is based on Gerrard Street between Broadview Avenue and Carlaw Avenue. Like the Old Chinatown, this is only a short TTC ride from the Backpackers on Dundas.

Mississauga Chinese Centre:

While this one is in a western suburb within the Greater Toronto Area, it is quite a distance away from the downtown core. It is in the City of Mississauga and hosts a replica of the Nine Dragon Wall, a Garden pavilion, stone sculptures and fortress at the Great Wall. Located at 888 Dundas Street East, Mississauga, ON, it has many shops and restaurants.

Pacific Mall:

This is the one of the largest indoor Asian shopping centres in Canada. Located on the northeast side of Steeles Avenue and Kennedy Road in Markham, ON, the general vicinity also includes Market Village and another shopping plaza, which cumulatively have over 500 shops and restaurants. The Town of Markham is based on a high population of Asian descent, making the location a very popular for eating and shopping.

The Elwins will be playing the Tranzac this New Year's Eve. Image Credit: Dave Meisner,

Here’s a short guide to what’s happening this New Year’s Eve in Toronto:

What: New Year’s Eve Fetish Ball.
When: 9:30 p.m.
Where: Opera House (735 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON).
Cost: $25 advance or $30 at the door.
Info: This is the first New Year’s event at the Opera House and it is bound to be a memorable event as the dress code is to be fetish inspired.

What: The Back in the Day 90’s New Year’s Eve.
When: 9:30 p.m.
Where: Sound Academy (11 Polson Pier, Toronto, ON)
Cost: $20 in advance.
Info: For all those that complain about how it’s another year to get older, here you can revel in the days of the 90’s with musical tribute to old school hip hop, R&B, House, Reggae, Pop and TV show themes. The bar will be extended until 3 a.m. and there will also be alive countdown from Times Square in New York, midnight champagne toast, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and party favours.

What: New Year’s Eve with Steve Aoki and Thomas Gold.
When: 9:30 p.m.
Where: Koolhaus (132 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON).
Cost: $70.
Info: Celebrate the New Year in style with some of the most popular international DJs.

What: The Garrison New Year’s Eve 2012.
When: 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Garrison (1197 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON).
Cost: $20 in advance.
Info: The popular bar will be spinning tunes with Going Steady DJ’s Chronologic in the big room and Shit la Merde in the front room. This will be a place for trendy hipsters and Queen West crowd.

What: Tranzac New Year’s Eve.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Tranzac (292 Brunswick Avenue, Toronto, ON).
Cost: $12 advance or $15 at the door.
Info: See a great line up of bands including the Elwins, Maylee Todd, Drumheller, Rouge, Moon King, Dr. EW, Kite Hill, the Weather Station, Lisa Bozikovic and much more.

What: Citytv New Year’s Bash 2012.
When: 10 p.m.
Where: Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON).
Cost: Free.
Info: The annual outdoor all-ages event takes place again this year where favourite local Citytv personalities take over the square to host the bash. This year will feature performances by Karl Wolf, Howie D, Anjulie, JDRN, Neverest, Aleesia and more!

Santa at the 2009 Toronto Santa Claus Parade. Image Source: Loozrboy via Wikipedia.

So what is actually open on Christmas Day in Toronto, you ask? Where are we travelers to go when there are no relatives around and 90% of the city is closed for the holidays? Or when we must find some extra gifts or food? Well, there are a few tried and true places that are always open on Christmas Day.

On Christmas Eve, get all your shopping done as malls, LCBOs (beer and wine stores), and grocery stores will close early in the day.

On Christmas itself, the TTC will run on a Sunday schedule, meaning that most routes will start at 9 am.

So while most businesses, banks, malls, the LCBO and Beer stores will close on Christmas, here’s what’s open:

Pacific Mall (Steeles and Kennedy Road, Markham, ON): While this is technically in the suburbs, it is a major draw on Christmas Day. It is one of the largest Asian shopping districts in North America and along with the nearby Market Village and surrounding area, there are over 500 shops, stalls and restaurants. This is a good bet if you are in the mood for Asian food. Expect it to be extremely busy that day.

Movies Theatres (various locations throughout the city): While each theatre has different opening hours and some of the boutique cinemas will be closed, the mainstream theatres will be open and in fact, there will be three new movies opening that day. You can check out the new films the new Tom Hanks film Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, sci-fi action film the Darkest Hour and the Spielberg directed War Horse.

Shoppers Drug Mart (various locations): Canada’s largest pharmacy chain will have various retail locations open on Christmas day, should you require a last minute gift, a prescription or emergency makeup!

The Kitchen Table (various locations): If you suddenly remember you forgot a certain specialty food item for your secret recipes, this is the place to go. This small grocery chain within the downtown core has fresh fruits, veggies, baked goods, meat, deli and flowers from around the world.

Happy holidays!

Here are some suggestions of where to get the coolest souvenirs:

The Drake General Store (1144 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON): The idea behind this store is a culmination of the classic general store, museum shop and flea market stand. Supporting local artists, the local artists are proud to show their Canadian roots with items showing the nation’s heritage as well as antiques and items from around the world.

Valhalla (791 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON): This storefront on Queen West was voted one of the best stationary and card shops in the city by BlogTO. It carries a wide range of gifts including B-movie postcards, retro toys, novelty items and vintage Canadiana postcards.

Spacing Magazine: Spacing Magazine is one of the better Canadian magazines to come out in the recent years. It “uncovers the joys, obstacles and politics of Toronto’s urban landscape by cutting through the cynicism.” Focusing on public transit, urban design, public art, community planning, and sustainable development, online store offers magazine subscriptions, buttons, magnets that display places and issues important to Torontonians. Check out the Subway buttons (starting at $2.50 each), displaying the names of each of our TTC stations.

Native Canadian Centre of Toronto (16 Spadina Road Toronto, Ontario, ON): The Cedar Basket is located within the Native Canadian Centre and is Toronto’s First Nations owned and operated store. The First Nations community sells authentic gifts including clothing, leather items, carvings, beaded jewelery and more.

Of course, you can always visit one of the souvenir shops dotted around the city, on Yonge Street and in the Eaton Centre for more Canadiana.

You can also save some money to buy more gifts when you stay at the very affordable Backpackers on Dundas.

A typical Christmas Dinner. Image Source: MOTA.

A backpacker’s life is filled with adventure, although the holidays may be a little bit harder to get through. Miles away from family and friends, it’s hard to celebrate on your own. Even when you are with old friends, or newfound friends, finding a place to eat on Christmas can be a challenge.

Here’s our guide to eating out on Christmas in Toronto. It’s one of the few holidays in the county where almost everything is closed.

Here are some suggestions on finding a place to have your holiday dinner:

Ethnic Neighbourhoods: Some ethnic areas may still be open as Christmas is not as important of a holiday. For example, Chinatown at Dundas Street and Spadina Avenue may have some restaurants and shops open, while Pacific Mall to the north of the city in Markham (Steeles Avenue and Yonge Street) is open for the day. There may even be Jewish food open on Bathurst Street and Wilson Avenue. The food here might be quite different than your typical holiday dinner, but it could be chance to try something new and unexpected.

Major Hotels: The Royal York (100 Front Street West, Toronto, ON), Hemispheres at the Metropolitan Hotel (110 Chestnut  Street, Toronto, ON) and the Victor at the Hotel Le Germain (30 Mercer Street, Toronto, ON) usually serve a lavish holiday dinner so you can give these a try. Bookings for these are usually made in advance and prices are quite steep. There wil be special offerings of duck, rabbit and pork so expect to see families having their big Christmas dinner here instead of at home.

Certain Restaurants: While the Drake (1150 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON) will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the Drake Café will be open for coffee and pastries, as well as plenty of pork. There will be a 200 pound big and according to Toronto Life, the chef has yet to decide if it will become honey-baked ham or pork glazed with maple and mustard.

Backpackers on Dundas: Of course, Backpackers on Dundas will be taking part in Christmas celebrations for our guests! You can get details from the staff closer to the date, but there will definitely be something so you can celebrate with your fellow backpackers!

The skating rink at Nathan Phillips Square. Image Credit: John Vetterli via Wikipedia.

What: Ice skating in the city’s most famous skating rink, under the solid arches at Nathan Phillips Square.
When: All December.
Where: Nathan Phillips Square (NW Corner of Queen Street West and Bay Street, Toronto, ON).
Cost: Free to use. Skate rentals cost $10 per adult and $5 per child.

What: One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale, a huge selection of unique and one of a kind gifts, crafts, artwork and much more by Canadian artists.
When: Thursday, November 24 to Sunday, December 4, 2011.
Where: Direct Energy Centre (100 Princes Boulevard, Toronto, ON).
Tickets: $14 at the door or $12 online for adults, $7 seniors and $7 for students between 13 and 17.

What: Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market.
When: Saturday, December 3, 2011.
Where: Distillery District (55 Mill Street, Toronto, ON).
Info: The Distillery Districts hosts a family friendly environment with lighting displays, local handcrafted products and much more.
Cost: Free.

What: Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade, where Santa will visit South Etobicoke (Mimico, New Toronto and Long Branch).
When: Saturday, December 3, 2011.
Where: Begins at Dwight Avenue at 10am and heads west along Lakeshore, nearly to Browns Line.
Cost: Free.

What: Toronto Motorcycle Show.
When: Friday, December 9 to Sunday, December 11, 2011.
Where: Metro Convention Centre (255 Front Street West, Toronto, ON).
Cost: $16 for adults, $10 for seniors and $10 for those between 6 to 15.

What: Toronto AnimeCON, where anime fans will come together for an afternoon with vendors, contests, special guests and the opportunity to see other fans in costume.
When: Sunday, December 11, 2011.
Where: Metro Convention Centre (255 Front Street West, Toronto, ON).
Tickets: $15 general admission.

What: The Toronto Zoo’s Annual Christmas Treats Walk, where admission is half price all day and you can see many of the animals enjoying their special Christmas treats in the morning. A non-perishable food item for the food bank would be much appreciated at the entry.
When: Monday, December 26, 2011.
Where: The Toronto Zoo (2000 Meadowvale Road, Toronto, ON).
Tickets: On December 26, 2011, tickets are $11.50 general admission, $8.50 seniors, $6.50 for children 4 to 12 years old.

Outside the Eaton Centre. Image Source: Wikipedia.

Canadian stores, including the ones in our very own Toronto, are getting in on the American tradition of Black Friday on November 25, 2011! Sure, some stores are calling it something else, but it is essentially the big shopping day to start your Christmas shopping or load up on discounted items.

While Torontonians used to drive across the border to get some of the deeply discounted wares, wait in long lines and deal with crowds, but they may not have to anymore as retailers are offering some great deals this weekend.

There has been a slow growth of participation in Black Friday events in Canada and among the stores participating in the event are Apple, Banana Republic, Best Buy, Body Shop, Canadian Tire, Chapters and Indigo, Future Shop, Gap and many more. Many online retailers will also be participating.

For example:

American Eagle Outfitters will be offering an extra 40% off your entire purchase both in-store and online starting today and running until Sunday. If you are purchasing online, use the code 72429831 to get the discount plus free shipping.

The Gap will be offering up to 60% off regular priced items.

Canadian Tire will be distributing a special flyer of deals, which include KitchenAid appliances that rarely go on sale as well as Saturday and Sunday Door Crashers.

Makeup store Sephora will be selling Stila makeup palettes for $12, regularly $76 dollars and hardly ever go on sale.

Check out RedFlagDeal, Toronto’s most comprehensive site about what’s offered. They have a whole section of the Black Friday deals for this weekend.

So why go cross-border shopping to the States when there are taxes, duties, gas and the hassle at the border. You can still get good deals here. In fact, staying at Backpackers on Dundas is already a year-round deal, and it is close to many major shopping destinations like the Eaton Centre, Queen Street West and Yorkville.