Quoi faire à Toronto, ON

Both at-home chefs (where enthusiasm outweighs inexperience) and top restaurateurs agree: Toronto is home to some of Canada’s most unique cookware shops, locally minded food organizations, and ethically informed grocers, not to mention a crew of kitchen equipment spots that will have you running home to concoct your latest masterpiece. Take it to the next level by visiting one of these beautiful bodegas or specialty shops.

Toronto is filled with excitement during the summer season, with music and food festivals, concerts and outdoor events happening every day. This is your time to have fun with your style – like Halloween, but without the mask. So get rid of that work and school uniform and let the carefree-you come out to play. Find the perfect statement and flowing pieces to heighten your look at one of these local shops.

The Montreal-born burger festival stops into town for a week of competition among 18 top-tier restos and burger bars. Choose wisely, folks — many a mean burger awaits you out there. From brisket and lobster tails to your classic Angus beef to a stellar vegetarian option, here are some of the burgs we’re heavily anticipating. Remember though, this is but a taste. Be sure to check out the full line-up at leburgerweek.com.

Toronto’s a tech-savvy city that’s buzzing day and night and these seven electronics stores are here to satisfy your every need. Whether it’s a computer cable, Bluetooth speakers or a new tablet or laptop, you’ll find it at a competitive price.

Each July, this Toronto food festival rolls into town, inviting chefs of top-of-the-line and beloved-by-locals restaurants to create prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus. With over 200 restaurants participating, the selection process can be overwhelming. So we took on that burden for you – our Toronto City Editor drooled, sampled, and sipped to get you The List. Check out these guaranteed delicious spots for Summerlicious 2015.

Toronto’s west-end denizens aren’t coffee snobs per se, but they certainly know the difference between a fresh-pressed Americano and a flavourless cup of drip. Here are some top-notch cafés west of Spadina that are earning respect and adoration from some of the city’s most discerning coffee drinkers.

There’s no need to travel across the Don River to satisfy your caffeine cravings. These indie espresso bars have evolved into community hubs that keep east end coffee lovers loyal thanks to their talented baristas and top-notch food and drink.

If you haven’t run with this fashion trend yet, then what in the world are you waiting for? From the runway to the streets, sneakers are the new chic. Ditch those heels and slide into comfort while still looking like a boss. Here are a few local footwear boutiques to help you get the look.

Discover Toronto’s most seductive holes-in-the-wall, cocktail bars and upscale restaurants for craft cocktails and designed-for-sharing snack and small plates. Not only do these spots tout delicious fusion fare and complex drinks, they are also easy on the eyes, transporting you from bustling Toronto street corners to a tiki bar, a Spanish taverna, or an art deco lounge.

Back to school or post-summer apartment upgrade – whatever the moving sitch you’ve found yourself in, one thing’s for sure: ya need some stuff. Discount wares, stellar sales, and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces are ideal ways to populate your living space on a dime, and these homeware shops, antique markets and design depots are your prime local spots to get the look for less.

As if you didn’t know already, where there’s a gourmet burger renaissance happening, there’s bound to be some attempts at making the hot dog into a more gourmet meal as well. Whether you’re a purist, or willing to think outside the box when it comes to your franks, this Toronto list will have something for you.

Is there anyone out there who truly enjoys shopping for a new bathing suit? Probably not, but the colourful selection of suits and helpful sales staff at these Toronto swimwear shops might make the process a little less painful.