Get Ready for 2012!

Posted on December 27, 2011 by

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!

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What’s Open Christmas Day 2011 in Toronto?

Posted on December 23, 2011 by

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!

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Souvenir Gifts from Toronto

Posted on December 16, 2011 by

If you are traveling to Toronto this holiday season, that may be get you off the hook from getting Christmas gifts or sending well wishes to your friends, family and other loved ones. While you may not have space to lug things around in your travel backpack, here are some suggestions for the coolest, kitschy and unique Toronto souvenir gifts.

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.

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Where to Eat on Christmas Day

Posted on December 6, 2011 by

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!

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What’s Going on in December?

Posted on December 2, 2011 by

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.

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Black Friday

Posted on November 23, 2011 by

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.

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What’s Free and Happening on Friday, November 18, 2011

Posted on November 17, 2011 by

Friday is a particularly good day for backpackers and travelers as there are plenty of things going on in the city for free!

Here’s a list of what’s on:

What: Celebrating Community Victories – Standing Up To The Harper Threat.
Who: This is a panel discussion with Algonquin Nation policy consultant Russell Diabo, Ryerson U’s Pamela Palmater and others. You may need some background on the topic, but it may be an interesting talk.
When: Friday, November 18, 2011. 7 p.m.
Where: 252 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON
For more info: defendersoftheland.org/Toronto

What: Discussion on Coups, Free Trade and Human Rights on the changing face of Canadian foreign policy in Latin America and the Caribbean
Who: Leading the talk will be Betty Matamoros and Kevin Edmonds
When: Friday, November 18, 2011, 7 p.m
Where: 614 Markham Street, Toronto, ON
For more info: beitzatoun.org.

What: The screening of The Greatest Movie Ever Sold Toronto.
Who: The film is by by Morgan Spurlock of Super Size Me fame.
When: Friday, November 18, 2011, 6 p.m.
Where: Centre For Social Innovation (215 Spadina, Toronto, ON)
For more info: streetstoscreens.eventbrite.com.

What: The Moose Show Craft Show and Sale, the premier Canadian Craft show event, just in time for your Christmas shopping.
Who: The Mooseshow.
When: Thursday and Friday, November 17 & 18, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. and Saturday,November 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: The Canadian Broadcasting Centre (250 Front Street West, Toronto, ON)
For more info: mooseshow.com.

What: Occupied Economies: Designing Solutions To Global Problems Panel discussion.
Who: Panel guests include former mayor David Miller, OCAD president Sara Diamond, members of Occupied Toronto and others.
When: Friday, November 18, 2011, 4:45 p.m.
Where: Design Exchange (234 Bay Street, Toronto, ON)
For more info: gladstonehotel.com

What: The Very Beautiful Things Aboriginal arts, crafts and fashion sale.
When: Friday, November 18, 2011 to Sunday, November 20, 2011, noon – 5 p.m.
Where: Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen West, Toronto, ON)
For more info: gladstonehotel.com.

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