The Official Toronto Thread

[enterthemadness]

Actually from London, Ontario. And Molson had a plant up in Barrie, Ontario. We were almost surrounded by great brewing companies.

What's that other M brand of beer from Canada?

Toronto has Amsterdam, Mill Street, and Steamwhistle which are waaay better than the generic domestic brands anyways.

What? People in Canada don't like Labatt Blue? Or is it like the ''Bud Light'' up there? Name brand and popular?

Oh, what is the state of your MLB and NBA teams? Toronto Blue Jays and Raptors? Like will they be up there for long term?

 

[redmarvel]

I knew one guy, up north of Huntsville (Ontario) that liked it so much that when he had two dogs he named one Labatt's and the other Blue.

 

[enterthemadness]

I knew one guy, up north of Huntsville (Ontario) that liked it so much that when he had two dogs he named one Labatt's and the other Blue.

Must be confusing when he drinks a Labatt.

 

[Watson]

Yes, they are Budweiser essentially. I know a lot of people who like them, and I will drink the domestics from time to time, but I prefer micro-brews.

My favourite Canadian beers are

Grasshopper from Big Rock brewery in Alberta
St Ambroise Stout from St Ambroise in Montreal
St Ambroise Apricot Ale from " "
Amsterdam Nut Brown from Amsterdam brewery in Toronto
Steamwhistle Pilsner in Toronto
Creemore from Creemore Springs, Ontario (not a craft brew anymore, but still good)
and Cracked Canoe light beer from the Moosehead brewery (also not a craft brew, but it's a decent light beer that doesn't taste like garbage)

 

[enterthemadness]

Yes, they are Budweiser essentially. I know a lot of people who like them, and I will drink the domestics from time to time, but I prefer micro-brews.

My favourite Canadian beers are

Grasshopper from Big Rock brewery in Alberta
St Ambroise Stout from St Ambroise in Montreal
St Ambroise Apricot Ale from " "
Amsterdam Nut Brown from Amsterdam brewery in Toronto
Steamwhistle Pilsner in Toronto
Creemore from Creemore Springs, Ontario (not a craft brew anymore, but still good)
and Cracked Canoe light beer from the Moosehead brewery (also not a craft brew, but it's a decent light beer that doesn't taste like garbage)

Maybe that's why Labatt Blue reminds me of Bud Light...except it's drinkable and tasty.

Are the above beers imported into USA? I only seen Labatt and a name brand that starts with an M. Think it's Molson.

 

[Watson]

Molson Canadian.

I think Moosehead is imported into the States. As for the others, it's hard to say. Would depend on what state you live in. You could check the brewery websites.

 

[enterthemadness]

Molson Canadian.

I think Moosehead is imported into the States. As for the others, it's hard to say. Would depend on what state you live in. You could check the brewery websites.

Funny story. The Buffalo Wild Wings near here had Molson on their menu, but no longer carries it. It's replacement? LABATT BLUE, BABY! How I had my first Labatt.

 

[redmarvel]

http://www.toronto.com/eventResults?q=halloween10


Canada's Wonderland - Camp Spooky
Oct 02 2010 - Oct 31 2010
Canada's Wonderland offers up a family-friendly Halloween tricks and treats fest, with amusement park rides and more.

Canada's Wonderland - Zombie Walk
Visit the dark side of Canada's Wonderland at this annual Halloween event that gives you a new reason to scream.


Exhibition Place - Screamers
Oct 15 2010 - Oct 31 2010
Screamers is back at Exhibition Place for its 18th blood curling Halloween season, featuring fresh frights like the entirely re-built Haunted House and a licensed Vampire Lounge.

Trinity Bellwoods Park
Oct 23 2010 - Oct 23 2010
The parade of bloodthirsty monsters starts at Trinity Bellwoods, where Torontonians put on their best dead faces for prizes and post-walk "flesh feasting."

Casa Loma Estate Ghost Tracking
Oct 27 2010 - Oct 28 2010
Casa Loma hosts a special ghost hunt led by YTV's Ghost Trackers Michelle Desrochers and Patrick Cross.

TIFF Bell Lightbox
Oct 29 2010 - Oct 31 2010
TIFF celebrates Halloween with spooky screenings, crafts and family-friendly activities.

Ontario Science Centre - Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns and Mermaids
Oct 09 2010 - Jan 09 2011
This new exhibit displays an array of international artwork and artifacts chronicling the human fascination with folkloric beings.

Casa Loma - Dracula- A Love Story
Oct 22 2010 - Oct 22 2010
The tale of unrequited love is brought to life by Brant Theatre Workshops. Follow the action as the actors move room to room in Toronto’s own Gothic mansion.

Black Creek Pioneer Village - Howling Hootennany
Oct 23 2010 - Oct 30 2010
Black Creek Pioneer Village hosts a Halloween celebration with haunted mazes, creepy creature shows, circus acts, storytelling, pumpkin carving and more.

Roy Thomson Hall - Phantoms of the Orchestra
Oct 23 2010 - Oct 23 2010
Phantoms of the Orchestra comes just in time for Halloween, with a ghoulish orchestra performing a spine-tingling rendition of The Sorcerer's Apprentice.

Roy Thomson Hall - Creepy Classics
Oct 30 2010 - Oct 31 2010
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra presents Creepy Classics, a selection of macabre and spooky classical pieces performed in honour of Halloween.

Kortright Centre For Conservation - Halloween Fun Day
Oct 31 2010 - Oct 31 2010
The Kortright Centre for Conservation celebrates Halloween along its walking trails; participants meet friendly "ghosts" and learn to make a variety of crafts.

Toronto Zoo - Halloween Howl
Oct 23 2010 - Oct 30 2010
New to the zoo this year, this presentation teaches visitors about wolves, with First Nation members exploring the animal through traditional drum, song and stories.

Toronto Zoo - Boo at the Zoo
Oct 23 2010 - Oct 31 2010
The Toronto Zoo hosts fall activities like a hay maze, boo brew, a costume parade and a pumpkin carving contest.

Casa Loma - Real Ghosts - Real Castle
Oct 30 2010 - Oct 31 2010
This Halloween, guests of Casa Loma can track spirits with the help of ghost tracker Michelle Derochers through the corridors of the castle, and hear stories of her ghostly encounters.

Solar Stage Theatre - Halloween Howl
Oct 30 2010 - Oct 31 2010
Soli and Rob sing songs about pumpkins, trick or treating, and Halloween fun with Alistair Ant and his puppet friends.

Black Creek Pioneer Village - All Hallows Eve
Oct 23 2010 - Oct 30 2010
Black Creek Pioneer Village hosts a All Hallow's Eve celebration with family-friendly activities and a chance to discover what spirits lurk in the deep, dark corners of the 19th Century village

Exhibition Place - Haunted Walking Tour
Jun 18 2010 - Oct 29 2010
Take a haunted tour of Exhibition place, lurking below are a few well kept secrets.

Segway Ontario - Distillery Ghost Tour
Dec 15 2009 - Dec 31 2010
Take a ride on the haunted side with Segway’s Ghost Tour at the Distillery district.

 

[redmarvel]

ScaryFest at the Markham Museum Sat Oct 23rd & Sun Oct 24th

www.markhammuseum.ca

Haunted High Park - Oct 22 to 32st www.toronto.ca/museums

Trick or Treats Hallowe'en Fun at Benares Historic House Oct 24th www.museumsofmississauga.com

 

[Saint]

Toronto kicks ass. I mostly enjoy that you can get anywhere you're going without a car, most things you need are within walking distance of wherever you are, and I find between walking and the TTC it usually only takes half an hour to get wherever I'm going.

I friend of mine recently found a book cataloging homeless people in the city--the identifiable ones, the ones who are "characters." I was pretty amused to see a few familiar faces in there, including the guy who wears a Santa hat and walks around downtown with no shirt on, flexing his muscles and saying "Yes yes yes!" Unfortunately I couldn't find the guy I used to see all the time who would wear a trenchcoat--buttoned all the way up--every day of the year, even in thirty-degree weather. The book even marked areas of the city where one might find specific hobos.

 

[Watson]

^I have that guide! Did he get it at the Beguiling?

And Zanta is hilarious. He lived in my old neighbourhood (wasn't technically homeless, just crazy) and I'd always see him on the bus. I didn't know he was still kicking around Toronto.

 

[Saint]

^I have that guide! Did he get it at the Beguiling?

I couldn't say where he got it.

And Zanta is hilarious. He lived in my old neighbourhood (wasn't technically homeless, just crazy) and I'd always see him on the bus. I didn't know he was still kicking around Toronto.

Well, I haven't seen him in at least two years. Maybe more. Someone told me that he was "Banned" from downtown, but that sounds dubious to me since I don't know on what legal grounds someone could be banned from a public place.

Do you know if there was any particular reason he spent his time roaming Toronto shirtless? Besides mental imbalance, I mean.

 

[Watson]

My understanding is that he was trespassed from the TTC and all City of Toronto property (Dundas Square, Nathan Phillips Square, rec centres, etc.) which the city can legally do.

I think he was just crazy. There are a few documentaries and interviews with him floating around youtube. I'd look them up if I weren't on VIA Rail's crap wifi signal right now. Just search "Zanta interviews" or "Zanta documentary".

 

[Saint]

Poutine came up in another thread, so I had to come here and advise all Toronto residents that you must eat at Smoke's Poutinerie. Poutine with chili and guacomole! Win! Google map it!

 

[doih]

Ah yes, poutine. AKA The Devil's Excrementt:

This thread reminded me I need to go to Silver Snail..haven't been there in AGES.

 

[redmarvel]

Well folks, you know Christmas is coming when it's time for...

The Toronto Santa Claus Parade

A Toronto tradition for more than 100 years, the Santa Claus Parade returns to put smiles on the faces of families all across the city. The parade has come a long way since it first began in 1905, when Santa first walked down the streets from Union Station to the Eaton Centre, waving to chidren along the way. Today the elaborate celebration consists of more than 25 different-themed floats, 22 bands, 100 celebrity clowns, more than 1,500 volunteers, and the big man himself, Santa.

The parade route starts at Bloor Street West and Christie Street, moves East to Avenue Road, south to Queen's Park, and along University Avenue, east on Dundas to Yonge Street, and continues south to Front Street. From Front Street it turns east and ends at Front and Church streets.

 

[black_dust]

I should be going toronto from the uk next year for 2 weeks

 

[.Rorschach.]

I am moving to Maine in 1 week...in a year or two going to try and talk my girlfriend into moving to TorontoWish me luck!

 

[redmarvel]

Good luck... but why are you moving to Maine and then waiting for a year or 2 to move elsewhere?

 

[redmarvel]

Well, the Santa Claus Parade was great. The weather was just about perfect. Next big event:

SFContario
Toronto's newest science fiction convention
November 19-21, 2010

Ramada Plaza Hotel
300 Jarvis Street
Toronto
Rooms are $119 per night. More on our hotel page.
Guests of Honour
Author: Michael Swanwick
Editor: Patrick and Teresa Nielsen Hayden
Fan: Geri Sullivan
Filk: Karen Linsley
Artist Billy Tackett
Toastmaster: Robert J. Sawyer

WHOOPS 1 week too late...

 

[redmarvel]

For things to do in Toronto, there are a couple of sites that can help you find what you're looking for:

http://www.toronto.ca/culture/christmas-events.htm - the official government site

http://www.toronto.com/eventResults?q=festive10 - the one that get's paid for advertising these events

 

[amazingfantasy15]

I'm thinking about running the Toronto marathon this May.

 

[doih]

^^ the Goodlife one?

If the new Mayor has his way, we might not have very many more marathons, street fests, etc.

 

[redmarvel]

Well folks, today's the day I meet 2 of my sisters and a troop of teenagers at Kennedy Station (hopefully at 2pm). The whole lot of us will be carolling our way downtown to see the Christmas window displays and the lights at Nathan Phillips square. Probably followed by a trip to Mr. Green Jeans in the Eaton's Centre before heading on back to Kennedy.

 

[y2jversion1]

t-dot representin' in the New Year!

Accomplishments so far -
- Averted a TTC rate hike LOL