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Toronto skyline at sunset.

Whether you are visiting Toronto or living here and looking for ways to have fun, the city’s gaming scene gives people lots of options. With a great selection of state-of-the-art, modern facilities, as well as some excellent retro gaming establishments, there is something for everyone.

Take a look below to learn more about the most fun ways to enjoy playing video games, enjoying physical activities, and winning money.

Most people are scared to check their wallets after a night out, but Toronto’s selection of casinos gives people the opportunity to finish the night with more money than they started with.

The Woodbine Racetrack casino is one of the most popular and visitors can enjoy a selection of traditional table games or fun new slot machines. Visitors to Toronto can also enjoy the best slots online, which have return-to-player (RTP) percentages as high as 99% – perfect for when you feel like staying in. Gambling fans can also play at an instant withdrawal casino and enjoy their winnings paid into their account immediately, ready to go and spend on other attractions and activities in the city.

If you are more interested in a retro gaming experience, Queen Street’s Tilt Arcade Bar could be right up your street. Enjoy everything a good pub has to offer including drinks and food, and by paying a $10 fee you will also have access to the top retro games including Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, Jenga, Pinball, and much more.

For a more futuristic and immersive gaming experience, head along to Levelup Virtual Realty Arcade for a selection of fun and exciting games. You will be able to choose from single-player or multiplayer VR experiences that cover everything from zombie survival to mountaintop adventures.

Another must for video game enthusiasts is the Invictus Game Station, the PC gaming lounge that is the perfect location for friendly competition.

If you are on the lookout for a group activity, Toronto’s Rec Room offers a variety of entertainment options that are perfect for all ages. An interactive arcade offers a variety of fun and exciting games, while traditional ten-pin-bowling, ping pong, pool, indoor rock climbing, and axe throwing will ensure everyone goes home tired from an action-packed evening.

Another fun activity that is great for all ages is the Rollerpony roller skating rink which is the largest in Canada, spread out over 34,000 square feet.

Archery Circuit provides visitors with a truly unique and fun experience, and archery isn’t the only activity on the cards. Dodgeball and Nerf guns are also available for an adrenaline fuelled day out.

The blacklight arena is the first of its kind in the country, and you will be able to plan your outfits to make the most of the colour popping ambience.

Last, but definitely not least are the city’s great selection of board game cafes including Snakes and Lattes and For The Win Board Game Cafe and Bar.

Visitors will enjoy a much more laid back vibe and can enjoy a variety of new and traditional board games while chatting, having fun, and sampling some great food and drinks.

 

 

 

Ben Stiller lit up the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024 for the premiere of his latest film, “Nutcrackers.” Looking sharp and exuding charm, Stiller interacted with fans and posed for photos, making the event truly memorable at the Roy Thomson Hall

In attendance at the red carpet along with Stiller were actress Jena Sims and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. Ben Stiller, Homer Janson, Ulysses Janson, Atlas Janson, Arlo Janson. The film is directed by David Gordon Green.

Jena Sims, actress

 

Photos by Nick Lee

toronto skyline

The vibrant, beautiful city of Toronto is perched on the edge of deep blue, sparkling waters. People who travel here will get to experience so many things in one place that it’ll honestly feel more like a Canadian tour than spending their time in one city. Outdoor life calls to visitors from gorgeous coastlines and trails deep in the woods. Cityscapes and world-famous skylines hold architectural and aesthetic interest. A diverse local population showers the city with a host of cultural influences and events — and don’t even get us started on the food. It is a big city, and the surrounding areas (think Niagara Falls, Algonquin Provincial Park, and Mount Nemo) have a lot to offer locals and tourists alike — but how will you get around? These are the most luxurious travel options you could hope for when exploring Toronto and the surrounding areas.

Book a Private Jet

Visiting a new place for a trip full of enriching, exciting, and incredibly luxurious experiences is one of the great joys in life. Since most long-distance travel takes place in the air (if you’re traveling from outside Canada, you’ll almost certainly be considering a plane trip), it would only make sense to start the journey as you mean to go on: in the lap of luxury in your own private plane. Booking your long-distance travel with an Air Charter service rather than choosing a commercial flight gives you so many advantages and so many ways to enjoy your flight. We’re not asking you to take our word for it! Here are the facts:

  • Booking a private plane makes your airport experience simpler and more comfortable. Checking in is a breeze because you get to do it at a private gate: there are no long lines and no paying extra for advanced boarding.
  • Your private jet is your oyster. The only people in the cabin, aside from an impeccably trained flight crew, will be you and your party. No strangers taking up the entire armrest, no crying babies, and no feet under your seat. Just space, soft and comfortable seating, and people you choose to be around.
  • The food and beverage options on a private flight are far more enticing than a pre-packaged choice of chicken or beef. Some planes may have room for a galley, so your meals will be cooked on-site. All private planes will provide a diverse menu or confirm food options from an extensive list upfront. Before you know it, you’ll be sipping champagne and nibbling on sushi at cruising altitude.
  • You can pack what you like (within reason) and not be charged extra for overweight luggage. You’ll never have to choose between outfits again.

Luxury Cruises

Toronto is surrounded on many sides by water, and many of the experiences tourists enjoy the most are water-based — Niagara Falls, for example. Instead of taking in the beauty of the land, why not book a private cruise and experience life on the water instead? Lake Ontario provides city and sunset views that are second to none: just imagine a bright red and pink sunset shifting colors behind that gorgeous skyline! There’s a plethora of options to choose from, but these are some of the best:

  • Private Cruises and Tours on Lake Ontario with Captain Pete
  • Diamond Yacht Tours
  • Muskoka Boat Rentals

When considering Canadian water experiences, it’s impossible to leave out one of the most beautiful sights in the world: Niagara Falls. There are the classic tourist experiences that provide yellow ponchos and pack as many people onto one boat as possible: cheap and cheerful. What you’re after here is opulence and supreme comfort as you take in the thundering falls and the rainbows of spray that come off them. These are some of the best Niagara Falls private, luxury cruise experiences available in 2024:

  • Private Tour of Niagara Falls with Niagara City Cruise
  • Custom and Private tours by Over The Falls Tours

Chauffeur Services

For some, driving in a new city (or a new country) can be a real challenge. You’re on the wrong side of the road, maybe the wrong side of the car, too; you don’t know where anything is, and your GPS app keeps glitching, so you miss your turns. Take the stress out of exploring this incredible city and book a chauffeur service! You’ll get to do a lot of sightseeing while you move around the city without having to keep your eyes on the road, plus you’ll be able to make all the stops you want and not have to stress about where you left the car! Car services usually offer optional extras like chauffeur-driven tours, and — depending on the car you reserve — you may even have access to a mini-bar in the seating area! What could be better than sipping your favorite drink while you cruise from landmark to landmark and get a little souvenir shopping in at the same time? These are some of the most highly rated services:

  • Blacklane
  • Canada Limo
  • Noirblack.ca

Top Tier Travel

Getting around shouldn’t just be “getting around”- it should be an integral part of your Toronto travel experience that adds to everything you see and do. If you know what to look for and what to book, you’ll be ready to take on the city with a new spring in your step.

 

 

After five years of construction, Toronto’s Cactus Club Cafe is finally set to open at the Yonge Sheppard Centre in North York on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 5:00 pm!

To celebrate, guests—both reserved and walk-ins—will receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco Zero.

With space for over 350 diners, the 14,000 square foot restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere and a globally-inspired menu, perfect for lunch, happy hour, dinner, or late-night socials.

Cactus Club dining area


 
Guests can choose from three dining areas: the lively Lounge with DJ-curated music, a warm and inviting Dining Room, and an Enclosed All-Season Patio that provides comfort year-round. The restaurant’s sleek design is enhanced by standout art pieces, including works by Toronto artist Daniel Mazzone, Andy Warhol, and Miami’s Rubem Robierb.

The culinary experience, crafted by the Cactus Test Kitchen under the leadership of Executive Chef Gregory McCallum, features new dishes like Thai Red Curry, Green Goddess Salad, and London Fog Crème Brûlée, exclusive to the North York location.

Thai Red Curry, exclusive to the North York Cactus Club Cafe location


 
Starting with the appetizers, the wagyu beef carpaccio melts in your mouth and pairs nicely with the vibrant flavours of the béarnaise aioli and arugula. The Chili Citrus Calamari is perfectly crispy and tender at the same time, and had a hint of zesty Szechuan peppercorns that tingles the palate. One of Cactus Club’s most popular items are their sushi rolls, and we loved how fresh and creamy the salmon aburi was.

They also have an amazing selection of cocktails and zero-proof options. We opted for the “penicillin” cocktail, a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy creation that’s as comforting as it is complex. It starts with a base of Johnnie Walker Black, a robust Scotch whisky with deep, rich notes of peat and oats. The drink is finished with a float of smoky Lagavulin whisky that adds an extra layer of depth and bold intensity.

We also loved the Bellini, a peachy cocktail that embodies the essence of sunsets. It starts with Bacardi Superior, a smooth and crisp rum that provides the perfect base. The fresh peach purée and peach schnapps infuses the drink with juicy fruitiness, while a splash of sangria adds a hint of rich, fruity depth.

Bellini


 

Chef Rob Feenie’s signature Butternut Squash Ravioli with Prawns dish is a perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and creamy. Delicate ravioli is filled with a luscious blend of butternut squash and mascarpone, offering a smooth, velvety texture and a hint of natural sweetness. Juicy prawns add a touch of the ocean, providing a succulent and slightly briny counterpoint to the rich, creamy filling. This dish is a true masterpiece, marrying comfort with sophistication.

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Prawns


 
An indulgent dish is the surf-and-turf experience that combines the best of land and sea:”Steak and Lobster”. The dish has a perfectly cooked Atlantic lobster tail, succulent and buttery, paired with a tender, juicy steak, with a side of seasonal vegetables and buttered mashed potatoes.

Surf and Turf


 

There is a dessert for everyone’s sweetness level. If you’re looking for something sweeter, the Six Layer Chocolate Slice and New York Cheesecake is decadent. We personally loved the Key Lime Pie, made with approximately 30 limes. The showstopper was the London Fog Crème Brulée: A delicate and creamy dessert with a hint of elegance.

Key Lime Pie is made with over 30 limes!


 

Located at 4841 Yonge Street, Unit 309, Cactus Club Cafe offers easy access from the Sheppard Yonge TTC station and features secure underground parking. The restaurant is open seven days a week with daily Happy Hour specials and half-priced bottles of wine every Tuesday.

Photos by Nick Lee

https://www.cactusclubcafe.com/
4841 Yonge Street, Unit 309, Toronto, ON M2N 5X2
Instagram: @cactusclubcafe
Facebook: /cactusclubcafe

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is set to return for its 145th year from August 16th to September 2nd at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario. This year’s CNE promises to deliver an exciting blend of extreme sports, electrifying performances, unique exhibits, and mouthwatering food, making it an unmissable event for all ages.

One of the main highlights of this year’s CNE is The EX Games, featuring an exhilarating lineup of extreme sports. A massive 12-foot half-pipe will be the stage for top skateboarders, BMX bikers, and in-line skaters. Notably, 51-year-old skateboarder Andy Macdonald from Great Britain will make his CNE debut, performing alongside other elite athletes in daily high-flying shows at the iconic Princes’ Gates.

In addition to extreme sports, visitors can witness breathtaking performances in the Aerial & Acrobatic Ice-Skating Show starring three-time world champion figure skater Elvis Stojko. The show promises an action-packed spectacle that combines aerial stunts with graceful ice skating.

CNE Aquarama waterski show also returns, taking place on the West Channel of Lake Ontario. Expect incredible flips, spins, flyboarding, and even human pyramids on the water from this popular show.

The CNE will also mark the 75th anniversary of the Canadian International Air Show. This year’s show features thrilling aerial displays by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, and the United States Air Force F-22 Raptor.

Wrestling fans are in for a treat with Classic Championship Wrestling. WWE Hall of Famers like Jimmy “The Mouth of the South” Hart, Tito Santana, and Jerry “The King” Lawler, along with other wrestling legends, will be on hand to entertain and meet fans.

Visitors can explore the MZTV Museum of Television Exhibit, featuring retro televisions and the history of TV. The Carnival Exhibit showcases quirky artifacts from the historic Conklin company, once a prominent traveling carnival.

In collaboration with the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), the Withrow Common Gallery will host “Bridging Eras & Galleries,” an exhibition highlighting important artworks once owned by the CNE. Through various art displays, walking tours, and ghost walks, visitors can delve into the rich history of the CNE.

The Bell CNE Bandshell will host a variety of exciting musical acts, including Manchester Orchestra, Big Boi, Brittany Howard, and Sloan, featuring The Hip’s Paul Langlois. The Bandshell will also showcase performances from Down With Webster, MacKenzie Porter, Bahamas, Born Ruffians, Ruby Waters, The Reklaws, April Wine, and more. The return of Drag EXtravaganza, Soca Night, and a Tribute to Bob Marley by Classic Albums Live adds to the diverse entertainment options.

The CNE SuperWheel, North America’s tallest traveling Ferris wheel, is back, offering stunning panoramic views of the Toronto skyline. The iconic CNE Sky Ride also returns, providing another thrilling way to see the fair from above.

For gamers, the CNE Gaming Garage returns, featuring the first-ever national CNE Master Clash ft TEKKEN 8 Tournament. Top qualifiers from across Canada will compete for a $12,000 prize pool in Toronto. The event also includes a Byte Sized Gaming Zone for families and young gamers, retro arcade games, and the FIRST Robotics Competition.

The Biinaagami AR Exhibition offers an immersive Augmented Reality experience exploring the Great Lakes, emphasizing the importance of water preservation with Indigenous narratives.

Ribfest is back at the CNE, featuring internationally inspired ribs, and the Food Truck Frenzy, where over 20 food trucks will serve up global flavors. Unique food creations this year include wasabi ice cream, a fried chicken sandwich with Kool-Aid reduction, and a two-pound doughnut. The culinary offerings at the CNE are as diverse and imaginative as ever. Check out the gallery for some of the EXtraordinary wacky foods this year.

Get ready for an EXciting and unforgettable August, blending tradition with new and exciting attractions for all to enjoy.

For more information:
210 Princes’ Blvd.
http://www.theex.com/
Instagram: @letsgototheex
Facebook: /TheEx

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