Loyal TDF (Toronto Dragon Festival) fans are likely familiar with the iconic showcases of the Festival’s captivating lion and dragon dances, alongside the awe-inspiring spectacle of acrobatic lion dances on high poles. The 2024 TDF will bring a few brand-new shows to surprise tens of thousands of visitors with a beer garden for beer lovers to raise their glasses. Experience the magic after dark – join us for the Luminati Night Light Show, where dazzling displays and enchanting illuminations transform the night into a breathtaking spectacle.
Festival goers can look forward to all their favourite TDF traditions that mark the perfect end to summer.
WHEN: September 1, 2024 Event Time(s): 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Children’s games, activities and face painting. Meet us at the Meeting House.
Corn shucking. Hog and chicken calling. Line dancing. Meet us at the Francey Barn.
Join our farmer to learn about the farm animals.
Pancake Breakfast (Sunday only, cash only, rain or shine).
WHEN: September 8, 2024 Event Time(s): 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
Join us at South Etobicoke’s largest street festival for a weekend of food, music and family entertainment. As a proud supporter of the official charity partner Campfire Circle, we have an exciting lineup of activities and attractions that will delight visitors of all ages!
WHEN: September 8, 2024- Event Time(s): 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
WHERE: Bloor Street West between Prince Edward Dr and Montgomery St
Featuring five of North America’s best rib teams ready to serve you, your friends and family award-winning mouth-watering BBQ smoked ribs, tender pulled pork, juicy smoked brisket, BBQ chicken, smoked sausage and those huge beef “dino” ribs.
There will be a variety of festival foods like the bloomin’ onion, Tiny Tom’s mini-donuts, roasted corn, poutines, funnel cakes and of course to wash it all down nice cold beer in the Beer Garden.
Join us on Sunday, September 22nd for a day of fun Autumn-themed activities for the entire family! Celebrate the first day of Fall at Spadina Museum and taste the apples from our orchard, stroll through the community market, and meet local organizations and business that help take care of our communities! See live-music performances, create fall-themed arts and crafts, see the beautiful gardens, and more. Everyone is welcome and picnics are encouraged!
WHEN:: September 22, 2024 Event Time(s): 11:00 am – 4:00 pm: The event will take place on the grounds from 11 am to 4 pm.
Join a series of free, family-friendly events for fans to cheer on Team Canada during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Team Canada FanFest will offer Olympic fans the opportunity to watch the Games with family and friends, Olympic athlete appearances, and live performances featuring Canadian music artists. Fans will also be able to experience Olympic sports, and engage with a roster of exciting and immersive Team Canada partner activations.
Team Canada FanFest will be hosted live by two-time Olympic champion Catriona Le May Doan, alongside Olympians Gilmore Junio (Calgary), Cynthia Appiah (Toronto), and Maxime Dufour-Lapointe (Montreal).
The National Bank Open is a Tennis Canada owned and operated world-class tournament that features the best tennis in the world over nine action-packed days. Join us in Toronto for the women’s tournament this year to witness the best of tennis and enjoy food, music, shopping, and much more.
WHEN; August 4, 2024 – August 12, 2024
WHERE: Sobeys Stadium- 1 Shoreham Dr, North York, ON M3N 3A6, Canada
The music festival has three concert stages: the Main Stage, the Bass Stage (formally known as the Rémy Martin Stage), and the Sirkus Stage. The Bass Stage features dubstep, trap, riddim, and other sub-genres of electronic dance music, while the Sirkus Stage hosts mostly house music, such as bass houseand tech house.
CaribanaToronto.com advertises and sells tickets to the majority of Caribbean inspired events and parties taking place over Caribana 2024 weekend. Toronto’s Caribbean Caribana festival has grown exponentially since its start in 1967 and is currently North America’s largest cultural festival. What was once a three-day event has now grown into three weeks of celebration, absorbing most of the city with its infectious feel-good vibes.
Over a million tourists are expected in Toronto during the August long weekend to experience everything Caribana weekend has to offer. The beauty of Caribana weekend 2024 in Toronto is the varied audience it attracts: everyone from families across Canada and the U.S, young singles looking for a good time, to celebrities throwing Caribana themed parties in clubs across Toronto.
WHEN:Thursday, August 1st – Monday, August 5th 2024
WHERE: Grand Parade Sat Aug 3 at Lake Shore Blvd W. and Exhibition Place
In many ways, having a lot to choose from is a good problem to have – at least as a home buyer in Canada’s most competitive market. However, that doesn’t make the process of house hunting any less stressful.
More properties to choose from means you have a better chance of finding a home that checks all the boxes. But it also means there are a whole lot more listings to sift through as you navigate the market. So how can you make that process easier? Keep reading.
Perks of a Buyer’s Market
High inventory is a trademark characteristic of a buyer’s market – and that’s what we’ve been seeing in Toronto lately. Right now, buyers have the advantage of a less active market – which means the process is less competitive and prices aren’t escalating as fast as they used to.
That said, with less overall activity (sales) and inventory still entering the market fairly consistently, we’re starting to see a surplus of available homes. This, in turn, has created another unique perk for today’s buyers: greater selection.
Preparing to buy a home in Toronto? Explore these blogs for helpful advice.
First things first – before you start house hunting, you’ll need to know what it is you’re actually looking for in a home. This might sound simple (or even obvious) but you’d be surprised how many buyers head to the market without putting any thought into their home wishlist.
A good way to sort out your must-haves is by asking yourself a few simple questions.
Think about location. Where do you want to live in the city? Are you drawn to the downtown core, somewhere central but close, midtown, or a more suburban neighbourhood? How important is proximity to work, schools, or public transportation?
Next, consider what you need from the home itself. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Do you want a big yard or a garage? What about a home office? Are you looking for a detached single-family home, a townhouse, or a high-rise condo?
By having a clear idea of what you want, you can narrow down your choices and focus on homes that meet your criteria.
Don’t forget to think ahead too. Moving is a big process so you’ll want a home that can meet your needs both today and in the future. Are you planning to start a family? Will your kids be moving out? How soon are you looking to retire? All of these insights will be helpful in ensuring you make the right choice and investment.
Know What You Can Afford
Along with knowing what you want from a home, you should also know what you can afford. Before you start looking at homes, you need to understand your current financial situation. This means having a solid grasp on how much money you have saved, what your income is, and what your expenses are.
With that in mind, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a good way to have an accurate idea of what you can afford to buy. When you get pre-approved for a mortgage, you’re essentially providing all your financial details to a bank or lender, who will then determine how much they are willing to lend you and at what interest rate. A mortgage pre-approval can also give you an advantage when making an offer on a home, as it shows sellers that you are serious and financially capable of purchasing their property.
Looking to make the most out of your next home purchase? Check out these blog posts for unique pointers on buying.
When it comes to finding the perfect home, a professional real estate agent is the best tool in your tool kit. Whether the market is swelling with available homes or inventory is scarce, a professional knows how to match you with the right properties based on your criteria.
Of course, in a market like Toronto, finding your dream home is only one piece of the puzzle. Even when the market is in favour of buyers, navigating the negotiation process can be tricky. That said, an experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent can guide you through this process with ease – helping you actually land the perfect home.
Ready to head to the market? As Toronto’s leading real estate experts, we can help you find a home that speaks to your heart. Send us an email or call to discover your path to success.
Are you looking for a new way to check out real estate in Toronto? Downloaded Listed, a new real estate app that lets you work directly with your agent to buy or sell seamlessly. It’s as easy as using Instagram! Download the app via our exclusive link right here.
Celebrate on the waterfront with Harbourfront Centre’s July long weekend lineup of free and ticketed programming in music, dance, comedy, food and family-friendly activities. Enjoy all-ages programming, like spectacular outdoor concerts with Tyler Shaw and Choir! Choir! Choir!, an evening with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, a comedy set with award-winning comic Martha Chaves, and much more.
Guided Bicycle Tour of the Toronto Waterfront and Island
Welcome to Pedal Toronto where we strive to show you Toronto from the backyard, avoid traffic and relax as we roll along the bike lanes and the car free island. This 3 hour guided tour will show you the highlights of Toronto with plenty of stops for instagram worthy photographs, give you an understanding of life in Toronto from the perspective of a local and guide you with recommendations for the rest of your visit. Your bike, helmet and ferry ride are all included, bring your energy and enthusiasm
WHEN: Every Saturday May 6, 2024 – October 27, 2024 Event Time(s): 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Presented by: Birchmount Gymnastics and Ninja Centre
Taste of Lawrence returns for its 20th-anniversary edition! Join us for three days of food, music, and cultural celebration that takes place annually in the Wexford Heights BIA.
As Scarborough’s largest street festival, it boasts the most enticing flavours from every cultural community in the GTA, over 150 street vendors, live entertainment on two stages, a busker zone, the Ultimutts Stunt Dog Show, midway rides, kid workshops, and much more.
WHEN: July 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
WHERE: Lawrence Avenue East between Warden Avenue and Birchmount Road
Credit: Wexford Heights BIA
63rd Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
Mark your calendars now!
Toronto – The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF) is back again. This year, the Fair will feature over 400 independent artists at the iconic white tents, providing visitors with a dynamic showcase to explore. Another 60+ of artists have been selected to exclusively show.
WHEN: July 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Nathan Phillips Square- 100 Queen St W
Doggie Fest Summer Carnival 2.0
Presented by: Ren’s Pets
Join us for a day filled with exciting activities, fun, and bonding with your furry friends.
WHEN: July 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00p.m.
WHERE: Wychwood Barns Park- 76 Wychwood Ave
VISIT OUR CALENDAR PARTNERS EVENTS IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN THE CITIES BELOW:
As one of Canada’s earliest cities, Toronto is renowned for its abundance of remarkable heritage homes. While these centuries-old properties span a diverse range of architectural styles, one of the most prominent types of heritage homes found in Toronto is the Victorian home.
Given the elevated profile of these properties, many homebuyers entering the Toronto market place Victorian qualities at the forefront of their wishlist.
In this informative article, we will explore the definitive traits of a Victorian home in Toronto, their origins, and more.
Available Victorian Homes in Toronto
Curious about which Victorian homes in Toronto are currently available for sale or lease? Explore a few of our existing listings – both of which are charming properties reflecting traditional Victorian architecture.
Victorian architecture flourished during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), a period marked by industrial advancement and major growth in Toronto’s population. As part of the city’s ongoing development, many homes were constructed during this era, reflecting the preeminent tastes of the time.
Anatomy of a Victorian Home
Victorian homes typically feature steeply pitched roofs with multiple gables and dormers. These varied rooflines add to the visual complexity and grandeur of the structures.
Unlike the more balanced designs of earlier periods, Victorian homes embrace asymmetry. This can be seen in their irregular floor plans, uneven rooflines, and eclectic mix of window styles and placements.
Large, wrap-around porches are common in larger Victorian homes, providing outdoor living space and adding to the decorative facade.
One of the most defining features of Victorian homes is their elaborate decorative elements.Especially in some of Toronto’s core communities that were developed as upper-middle-class enclaves, you’ll find homes featuring intricate woodwork, patterned brickwork, and accepting on the gables. Along with larger design features like towers and turrets, smaller embellishments such as finials, spindles, and scrollwork are also prevalent.
The Bay-and-Gable
No article about Victorian homes in Toronto would be complete without mentioning the Bay-and-Gable. The Bay-and-Gable style is a distinctively Toronto architectural form and is arguably the city’s most iconic type of housing.
Developed in the late 19th century and early 20th century, this style was popular among the city’s growing middle class. The proliferation of Bay-and-Gable homes corresponds with Toronto’s rapid urban expansion and the need for efficient yet aesthetically pleasing housing solutions. While a unique style in its own right, Bay-and-Gable homes are heavily inspired by their Victorian predecessors and many civil historians and architects consider them to be a category or sub-classification of Victorian homes.
What Makes a Bay-and-Gable Home?
The most prominent feature of Bay-and-Gable architecture is the large bay windows in the front of the home. These windows not only add to the exterior charm but also increase the interior light and space – usually being featured across multiple stories of the home. Of course, these homes also have a steep gable roof – often facing the street. Depending on the property, the gable may be decorated with wooden trim or bargeboard, adding a touch of Victorian flair.
While Bay-and-Gable homes can feature some decorative trim, they are generally less ornate than their Victorian counterparts. The emphasis is on clean lines and functional design, with decorative elements serving to highlight architectural features rather than dominate them. Entrances and doorways are recessed or set to one side, sometimes with a small porch.
Looking for insights on Toronto neighbourhoods that feature great Victorian homes? Read these blogs next.
Victorian homes can be found all over central Toronto and in some communities beyond the downtown core. Areas with lots of Victorian homes, including Bay-and-Gable include The Annex, Parkdale, Riverdale, Summerhill, and Trinity-Bellwoods. However, the highest volume of Victorian homes in Toronto is found in Cabbagetown. In fact, Cabbagetown is home to the most preserved Victorian homes of any neighbourhood in North America. This includes both traditional Victorian properties and Bay-and-Gable style homes.
Ready to head to the market? As Toronto’s leading real estate experts, we can help you find a home that speaks to your heart. Send us an email or call to discover your path to success.
Are you looking for a new way to check out real estate in Toronto? Downloaded Listed, a new real estate app that lets you work directly with your agent to buy or sell seamlessly. It’s as easy as using Instagram! Download the app via our exclusive link right here.
Toronto’s start to summer, in the heart of Little Portugal!
This annual celebration of music, arts, food, fun, and community takes place along Dundas Street West, from Ossington Avenue to Lansdowne Avenue, covering 16 blocks of downtown Toronto. Do West Fest brings the neighbourhood together and draws visitors to the area to explore shops, food, and rich cultural diversity.
Presented by Little Portugal Toronto B.I.A and Uma Nota Culture.
WHEN: June 7th-9th
WHERE: Along Dundas Street West
Taste of Little Italy
The Taste of Little Italy 2024, our beloved three-day festival is BACK! Get ready to kick off the start of the summer as we transform College Street from Bathurst to Shaw Street with delicious food, enjoyable entertainment, shopping, extended patios, free tastings, and so much more!
WHEN: June 14-16
WHERE: Along College Street
TD Toronto Jazz Festival
What began in 1987 as an eight day showcase of jazz now attracts in excess of 500,000 loyal patrons annually over 10 days as more than 1,500 musicians entertain all across the city. The Festival has become a destination event, not just for music lovers but for some of the greatest jazz celebrities in the world, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in artistic excellence and outstanding production standards.
The festival’s continued success and growth is a testament to strong relationships with stakeholders including patrons, Toronto City Council, Members of Parliament, corporate sponsors, volunteers, private donors and all levels of government. The TD Toronto Jazz Festival is endorsed by Toronto City Council, international artists and has been designated as an event of municipal significance that enhances Canada’s international reputation.
The annualPride Month kicks off with an official flag-raising ceremony at City Hall and runs throughout the month of June, building up to the high-energy festival weekend. This dynamic event includes the Toronto Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
