Is the Ninjamatics’ Canadian Weblog Awards nominated tumblr account that is dedicated to providing Torontonians with new ways to experience, new places to explore and new reasons to love the city of Toronto.
Featured in the Toronto Standard and the University of Toronto Varsity, Why I Love Toronto was established in 2011 and explores my adventures in Toronto and the things I have learned and experienced on the way. Why I Love Toronto investigates everything about the city with posts about history, architecture, lifestyle, arts, culture and nature so that you have the chance to experience every aspect of Toronto. Below you can find your specific Toronto interest.
Why I Love Toronto is not only subjected to Tumblr, but has expanded to other forms of social media. The Why I Love Toronto Tumblr tells my narrative in the city, whereas the Why I Love Toronto the Twitter provides followers with up to date news on the city, job postings and volunteer information. Finally the Why I Love Toronto the Instagram provides fans with a behind the scenes look at my Toronto adventures.
My name is Stephan Petar and you are about to experience and see Why I Love Toronto.I have to work today - boo - but I will be able to do the Humber College Tours before I must seek things.
Tomorrow I’ll be doing my list!
P.S. Message me if you lean anything interesting or tweet and Instagram me (@whyilovetoronto) with the hash tag #DoorsOpen13
Why I Love Doors Open Toronto
What I Want To See:
Bridgepoint Hospital and Administration Building
Where: 14 St. Matthews Road
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Why I Want To See It: Two words – Don Jail. In the past year the Bridgepoint Hospital has fully restored the historic Don Jail so that it could be incorporated into its facility. The last time the jail made a Doors Open appearance was before its restoration in which participants got a chance to see the jail. My friend who attended said it was truly a creepy experience. Therefore, you can count me in!
Dineen Building
Where: 140 Yonge Street
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Why I Want to See It: As I said in my previous post, I just really want to see the building after its restoration. The owner of the building boasts that many of the original fixtures and accessories from the Dineen Hat and Fur Company still remain, which should be very interesting to see and provide a glimpse of the building former use.
Fox Theatre
Where: 2236 Queen Street East
When: Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Why I Want To See It: This is the theatres first appearance at Doors Open. Not only do you get to see this local theatre, but you also get a free bag of popcorn and get to go on a tour of the historic theatre that will celebrate its 100th birthday this year.
Havergal College
Where: 1451 Avenue Rd.
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Why I Want To See It: What is every girls dream? Well for the women in my family it is to be a princess and the all-girls school of Havergal College truly looks like a castle fit for a princess. From its gothic architecture to its vine covered towers and stained glass this building by Chapman and Oxley is truly another one of the firms masterpieces.
Humber College – Cottages
Where: 21 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr.
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Why I Want To See It: As the former site of the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital/ Mimico Hospital this former institution is said to have a number of hauntings, which could make this Doors Open tour both creepy and epic. The fact that we get to see the tunnel system is more than enough reason to go to this venue!
MaRS Discovery District
Where: 101 College Street
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Why I Want To See It: I was so upset when I missed this building last year that I really hoped it would make another appearance. I am interested to see if this building has successfully managed to combine both historic and modern architecture together. Along with my architectural critiques , I will also be going to MaRS to learn about its history. For example the hospital played a huge role in the discovery of insulin.
Massey Tower Presentation Centre
Where: 197 Yonge Street
When: Saturday and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with tours at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Why I Want To See It: The building was recently restored and made into a presentation centre for the condominium tower that MOD Development plans to build. Being a big fan of former banks and following the restoration process on the Massey Tower Facebook page I am excited to see the final result.
St. Andrews Church
Where: 73 Simcoe St.
When: Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Why I Want to See It: I love churches and it is unfortunate for me to admit this, but I cannot attend Doors Open on Saturday because I have to work. However the building, constructed in 1875 recently underwent a restoration. I say check it out and tell me how it was!
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Where: 115 Bond St.
When: Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Why I Want To See It: Being Orthodox I know the detailing and iconography that goes into Orthodox churches, therefore it would be interesting to see an Orthodox church from the perspective of the Greeks.
Why I Love Doors Open Toronto
My Recommendations:
401 Richmond Street West
Where: 401 Richmond Street West
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: I always seem to find myself at 401 Richmond for some kind of event. The former home of the Macdonald Manufacturing Company is a heritage building that still has many of its original architectural features. Plus the courtyard is beautiful and I once saw a series of black and white silent films there for Nuit Blanche.
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Where: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway
When: Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It:This truly is a historical experience that allows you to travel back in time. Meant to mimic a south central Ontario village between 1790 and1860, this working village is a blast from the past with the staff all decked out in period costumes.
Bloor Hot Docs Cinema
Where: 506 Bloor Street West
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: I won’t lie; when you go into this venue you are only seeing a single screen theatre. However, this Doors Open exhibit is more than that and exposes you to the history of the theatre from its multiple name changes to its time as a XXX Theatre known for its heavily censored adult films.
Bloor Street United Church
Where: 300 Bloor Street West
When: Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: Mystery/ curiosity - I have walked in this part of the Annex all my life and have looked at this church and wondered what it looked like inside. The exterior is truly magnificent and even though the interior does not compare to that of St. Michael’s Cathedral it is still beautiful. Plus there are multiple rumours that the church may add a condominium complex.
Burwash Dining Hall
Where: 89 Charles Street West
When: Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m.
Why I Loved It: I never went to U of T, but almost all of my friends did. One of my friends actually lived on campus and had a meal plan which meant she got to eat at Burwash. One night she invited me to dine with her and the thing that made me love Burwash was simply that the high ceilings and windows made me feel like I was in a Harry Potter film.
Canada Life Building
Where: 330 University Ave.
When: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: Housing the famous weather beacon, this Doors Open building takes you up to the 17th floor to get a beautiful must see panoramic view of the city.
Church of the Holy Trinity
Where: 10 Trinity Square (The Church nestled in the Eaton Centre courtyard next to Sears)
When: Saturday 10:00 a.m. t0 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: Nestled in the courtyard of the Toronto Eaton Centre this church has a unique history involving the Don Valley Brickworks and a woman named Mary Lambert Swale who left specific instructions in her will on the construction and operation of the house of prayer. Plus if you’re lucky, you’ll get to hear the choir sing.
Colborne Lodge Musuem
Where: 11 Colborne Lodge Dr. (in High Park)
When: Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: Colborne Lodge is why we have High Park. The home and property was owned by Sir John and Jemima Howard. The homestead is said to be haunted by them, but out of all my times going to the historic house I have never experienced anything paranormal, but apparently my father has. It was also interesting to learn about the home and imagining it as having the best view of Lake Ontario (at the time).
Commerce Court North
Where: 25 King Street West
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 5:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: Commerce Court North is one of the places in Toronto I would love to get married at. The ceiling, windows and chandeliers are all so stunning that it would be a pleasure to say I Do there.
Corus Quay:
Where: 25 Dockside Drive (next to Sugar Beach)
When: Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: The building is such a magnificent modern structure and has a beautiful view of the Lake Ontario and is right next to Sugar Beach. Corus Quay is home to a number of media properties including Q107, 102.1 The Edge, YTV and Kids Can Press. However, we all know you’re interested in seeing the slide. I mean I’ve been to Corus Quay for work and it is that slide that always gets my attention.
Dineen Building
Where: 140 Yonge Street
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: I am doing this building for this year’s doors open, but it is on my recommended list simply because this building sat in a state of despair for years and recently just completed a restoration project that brought the building back to its glorious state. I think it would be interesting to see the interior of the former workshop for the Dineen Hat and Fur Company.
Elgin/ Winter Garden Theatre
Where: 189 Yonge Street
When: Saturday and Sunday – Tours at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: This was simply my favourite building at last year’s event. The Winter Garden Theatre is truly a sight to see and it feels like you are stepping into a world that resembles the mysterious Wonderland. Plus the Winter Garden Theatre has an eerie relation to John Dillinger.
Why I Love Doors Open Toronto
My Recommendations:
Old City Hall
Where: 60 Queen Street West
When:Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It:A building by famed architect E.J. Lennox, the structure is an amazing example of a Romanesque Rival building. From its magnificent stained glass to the details in the exterior stone, the building will make you want to ooh and awe. Plus it is said to be haunted by the last two men ever sentenced to death in Canada and concerns are mounting about the buildings future once the current lease is due in a few years.
Osgoode Hall
Where: 130 Queen Street West
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: The library, stained glass, light fixtures and American Room are all reason to check the building out. Plus a number of people have reportedly died violently in the building leading this Toronto enthusiast to believe its haunted!
One King West Hotel & Residence
Where: 1 King Street West
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: The main hall is absolutely stunning with its grand ceiling, but the highlight is going down the vault which may be the heaviest door I have ever encountered. Let’s just say I’d hate to be the horses that had to pull it up Yonge Street when the vault door first arrived
Ontario Legislative Building (Queens Park)
Where: 111 Wellesley Street West
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: Simply its Richardsonian Romanesque style and the two very distinct styles in the buildings west and east wing make it architectural masterpiece. Plus it sat on the ground of an old asylum, is haunted and is called The Pink Palace.
R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant
Where: 2701 Queen Street West
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: Truly living up to its name as the Palace of Purification the building, which is a water treatment facility, is covered with bronze, marble and limestone. The exterior makes it look so grand you almost think it could be an old asylum, prison or government building. Ps. the clock is a must see!
Revue Cinema
Where: 400 Roncesvalles Ave.
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Why I Loved It: Over 100 years old the Revue Cinema is one of the last single screen theatres in the city. The theatre was shut down for a period of time before it became a not-for-profit cinema. The façade is iconic to the Roncesvalles area even though it has only been around for 6 years.
Rosedale North Service Station
Where: 10 Scrivener Square
When: Saturday 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with tours at 12:00 p.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Why I Loved It: Aside from housing one of the most beautiful LCBO’s in Toronto, this building is everything I imagined an old train station to look like. With a clock tower peering over Yonge Street, large arched windows and a marquee that you would usually associate with single-screen theatres this station truly defines the Summerhill area.
Scadding Cabin
Where: 2 Strachan Ave.
When: Saturday and Sunday 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with tours at 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: It’s the oldest surviving house in Toronto, therefore it has so much history attached to it.
Scarborough Arts
Where: 1859 Kingston Rd.
When: Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: Simply because I interned there for a year in university and was proud to be helping them with their mission to promote local artists. Furthermore, it is in a great location and close to the Rosetta McClain Gardens and the Scarborough Bluffs.
Spadina House:
Where: 285 Spadina Rd.
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: The house has its original furniture which, believe it or not, is something rare for a historical house. Not to mention the gardens are magnificent, the billiards room is every man’s dream and the taxidermy wolves at the front entrance are a must see to believe.
Why I Love Doors Open Toronto
I’m back and just in time as well! Doors Open Toronto is this weekend! So from Monday to Wednesday I’ll be giving you my recommendations from past Doors Open Toronto’s and on Thursday and Friday I’ll tell you what I’m excited to see!
My Recommendations:
Gladstone Hotel
Where: 1214 Queen Street West
When: Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with tours at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: It has the last hand operated elevator in Toronto, is the only safe place for one’s great aunt to stay alone and has a Tiger Beat inspired room. I think that’s all I need to say.
Hudson’s Bay Queen Street Location
Where: 176 Yonge Street
When: Tours from Saturday and Sunday at 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: The former Robert Simpson store was built by multiple architects during various stages. It burned down before it opened, had a grand entrance on Richmond Street which has since been blocked off and a memorial for the stores workers that perished during the World War.
King Edward Hotel
Where: 37 King Street East
When: Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Why I Loved It: John Lennon and Yoko Ono staged their bed-ins for peace at the King Eddy and Elizabeth Taylor visit caused major protests when she stayed in the hotel with Richard Burton before they were married (little did the protestors know they would become engaged on the trip). Lastly the neglected Crystal Ballroom is one of the 3 places I would love to have my wedding.
Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex
Where: 25 British Columbia Road (Exhibition Place)
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: The former government building is the place where dreams are made. From proms to weddings see the place that was more about politics than romance.
Mackenzie House
Where: 82 Bond Street
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: Stepping into the home of the first mayor of Toronto, is like starting from square one. Plus if you’re lucky maybe you can make something on the printing press.
Massey Tower Presentation Centre
Where: 197 Yonge Street
When: Saturday and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with tours at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Why I Loved It: I haven’t been into the former Bank of Commerce since its restoration, but I still love this building because it sat abandoned for years on the property across from the Toronto Eaton Centre waiting to get a renewal of life. Just seeing the pictures of the restoration made me smile and I will have an even bigger smile when I see the restoration first hand.
Mattamy Athletic Centre at the Gardens (Maple Leaf Gardens)
Where: 50 Carlton Street (corner of Church Street)
When: Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with tours at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
Why I Loved Toronto: I got to skate on the ice here and there was just this amazing feeling that overcame me when I did. Even though the ice rink isn’t the original one where the Toronto Maple Leafs won there Stanley Cup, just being in the former home of Maple Leafs and being in the same building where fans cheered as they won the Cup is enough to make this Leaf fan recommend this building for you.
Metropolitan United Church
Where: 56 Queen Street East
When: Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with tours at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.
Why I Loved It: As one of the largest United Churches this building has a number of must details from the pews, altar and stained glass.
Montgomery’s Inn
Where: 4709 Dundas Street West
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Why I Loved It: I’ve always had a soft spot for this building being an Etobicoke boy, but bias aside the building is just a great history lesson for those wanting to learn more about the Islington area.
Munk School of Global Affairs
Where: 315 Bloor Street West
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with tours at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Why I Loved It: One of my favourite buildings on the U of T campus, the Munk School of Global Affairs recently opened after being restored and expanded. Once home to the Dominion of Meteorological Service and the Admissions and Awards Office of U of T, the building it noted for the detail work over the Bloor Street entrance way as well as for its tower.
#ThrowbackThursday
First of all I know I said I’d be on hiatus, but I couldn’t resist. I love this city and my readers too much not to mention this event!
This weekend is the return of the popular Toronto Comic Arts Festival (or known simply known as TCAF). The event will be celebrating its 10th anniversary and will be held at The Toronto Reference Library. The event is free to attend and is great for those Dating on a Budget ;). The TCAF festivities started earlier this week, but no worries because there are still plenty events to attend. This is great festival that is a celebration of comic culture and I am so bummed to be missing it this year!
The two events that I wouldn’t have mind seeing include:
The World of Taiyo Matsumoto, a gallery exploring the career of Taiyo Matsumoto The event will be held at 131 Bloor Street West on the second floor and is on May 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
TCAF Queer Mixer: Featuring Tagame & Vellekoop! This is becoming such a big genre in the comic world, so it would interesting to learn some more about it. Plus for many who will celebrate Pride next month you can call this an early celebration. The mixer will celebrate gay comic icons Tagame and Vellekoop on May 11 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Also Bill Amend, David B. Blutch, Boulet, Ivan Brunetti and C.F. will be this year’s featured guest!
Check out the original post I did for TCAF below to learn about the history of this event!
Happy Throwback Thursday! #TBT
Throwback Thursday Post:
Hey everyone.
Why I Love Toronto will be going on a brief break for the next two weeks so I can work on an exciting new project that would make all my dreams come true!
When I do return expect a huge segment/ week long coverage of Doors Open Toronto 2013 and the return of the popular Dating on a Budget: The University Student’s Guide to Dating in Toronto.
Plus I will have a new segment starting in June that is in relation to Toronto and is a dedication something that changed my life for the better. Any guesses?
See you in two weeks and don’t forget to take my instagram challenge!
Why I Love Toronto
Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival
A picture is worth a thousand words and with number photographs that will be displayed during the month of May for Scotiabank’s CONTACT Photography Festival that number is sure to be in the billions. As one of my favourite Scotiabank festivals, CONTACT takes over cafes, shops, TTC stations and eateries for the whole month of May and makes them into outlets for creative expression. From local to national and international photographers the festival provides us with numerous ways to see the world.
CONTACT is a not-for-profit that started 16 years ago with the goal of celebrating and fostering photography as a profession. The festival has become the largest photography event in the world. The theme for this year’s festival is “Field of Vision.”
Unlike last year were numerous unforeseen circumstances occurred, this year I am ready to see some photographs and working in Liberty Village is a major perk as it is close to the portion of Queen Street West that is frequented by the galleries and shops that partake in the festival. Below I have listed a few of the exhibits I want to see and above I have provided an image that represents some of them.
So enjoy the festival and tell me what you plan to see! Tweet me at @whyilovetoronto, tag me in your Instagram @whyilovetoronto or send me a message on Tumblr! I’d love to hear your suggestions and your thoughts on the ones I’ve suggest!
That is Why I Love Toronto
Why I Love Toronto’s Suggest Contact Exhibits:
Related Post:
Images:
