Have fun in Storm Crow Manor

I had a chance to check out Toronto's Storm Crow Manor which is a crazy good bar and restaurant in the heart of the Gay Village and I loved the atmosphere, drinks and food! Described as "Toronto's geekiest bar" which opened in 2018 in a mansion at 580 Church Street and featuring a sanity-shattering array of theme rooms, secret doors, catacombs, cyberpunk bars, glowing, bubbling cocktails, randomly-generated burgers and, oh yeah, tentacles."

The gorgeous mansion

The walls of the stairs leading to the bathrooms

Some drinks come with LED ice cubes and dry ice to make them glow and smoke

I loved the cocktail menu with their brilliant names like 'Beetle Juice', She-Hulk's Gamma Juice and the new 'Vader Tiki'. Once I saw the glowing drink make it's way from the bar I was sold on the LED ice cubes and ordered some for my own parties. Plus I started out with a random shot, chosen by a roll of a 20-sided die (if you roll a 20 you get to keep the shot glass), where I desperately hoped that I wouldn't get number 15 - the Xenomorph Brain Fluid "“Its structural perfection is matched only by its hostility." Creme de Cacao, Blue Curacao, Grenadine, Baileys **Contains dairy", which would probably looks all brain-like.

Muddy the big catfish

The Dunnville Mudcat sits proud in a park, proud as a giant sculpture of a fish could be, waiting for that giant hook and worm that finally lands the monster. We love to drive across Ontario, and soon Canada, and look forward to discovering the unusual and beautiful sights. Sometimes the attractions are shown on blue signs along the highways, sometimes it is just an internet site that prompts curiosity.

This, the world's largest Mudcat Sculpture, just shouts "take time and come visit me!" And the fish is obliging at 50 feet long and 27 feet high it is ready to eat man-sized bait. It was completed in 2009 and located in Dunnville's Centennial Park near the Grand River and just north of the shores of Lake Erie.

IndyCar 2023 schedule including Toronto

As we approach the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 28th we also eagerly await the return of the racecars to the streets of Toronto. Race weekend in Toronto takes place from July 14 to 16, 2023 in Exhibition Place and onto Lake Shore Boulevard.

This year's NTT IndyCar Series schedule features 17 races beginning with the Streets of St. Petersburg, the Indianapolis 500 and ending with the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in California. Seven road course races, five on street circuits and five oval races. The NTT IndyCar Champion will receive the Astor Challenge Cup in Monterey Sunday, September 10. 

“We’re very excited for our 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule and to build on this past season’s viewership milestones,” said NBC Sports, VP, Programming Mike Perman. “In providing comprehensive coverage across NBC, Peacock and USA Network, NBC Sports is once again looking forward to telling the stories of these world-class drivers and this compelling series.”

In the lead up to Toronto's race we find the series at The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio during the 4th of July weekend and after Toronto they head to the Iowa Speedway for a doubleheader. From Indy Car, "The 2023 season hits its stride with eight races in the final nine weeks. Peacock once again will provide an exclusive presentation of the Honda Indy Toronto on Sunday, July 16, for the series’ annual appearance in Canada’s largest city."

Collision tech conference Toronto 2023 coming in June

It has been described as the "the Olympics of tech" and it is coming back to Toronto from June 26 to June 29, 2023 at the Enercare Centre in Exhibition Place. Collision brings some of the world's best speakers, tech companies and leaders, media and thousands of attendees as they take part in expert-led workshops and roundtables which provide invaluable learning and development.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on stage

From Collision, "With expert-led workshops and roundtables, Collision is buzzing with insights from the leaders of all industries touched by tech. Hear it from a well-balanced and enticing line-up covering today’s pressing topics. Hear inspiring success stories, join thought-provoking conversations and upskill at Collision. As Entrepreneur Magazine puts it, “every visitor is guaranteed to learn something both new and exciting”."

There are 16 pages of listed speakers taking part in the conference, a literal who's who of CEOs, COOs, founders of so many famous companies, publications and sports including some that I picked out such as Geoffrey Hinton of the University of Toronto described as the Grandfather of AI, Danielle Belton Editor-in-chief of HuffPost, Bill Manning President of Toronto FC & Toronto Argonauts MLSE and Subrata De Executive VP and Global Head of Programming and Documentary Vice.

Canadian actor Seth Rogen at the conference

World Naked Bike Ride Toronto 2023 coming in June

Update: June 10 see my post on the 2023 ride here.

Are you ready for the annual two-wheeled, gas-free mobile protest that is one of Toronto's most unusual public events? Well WNBR is scheduled for Saturday, June 10, 2023 so here are top ten things you need to know to prepare for the bike ride.

1. Transportation and parking. WNBR Toronto starts in Coronation Park along Lake Shore, just south of Prince's Gates at Exhibition Place, in the war memorial next to the giant flag. Parking on site is limited so try biking to the park or look for parking at nearby Ontario Place, Exhibition Place or nearby Queens Quay area.

2. Gathering starts early on from around 10am so that participants can socialize, prep and decorate bikes, apply body paints and get any costumes ready. You can also meet ride organizer Gene Dare wearing the big, red hat who is usually on site by 9am. There will be plenty of visitors watching and taking photos, both in the park and along the route of the ride, so wear a mask if you are uncomfortable with this. There will probably be a body painter on site but they might be busy so bring some of your own paints to use and share.

3. This is a clothing optional event, be as bare as you dare from fancy suits to your birthday suit. As Gene explains this is a legal, clothing free protest and the police often show up to touch base with Gene or even occasionally providing police bicycle escorts. Gene notifies and liaisons with Toronto Police and news organizations so they are aware of the ride. Media crews might visit during prep to interview and film the bikers and we will take group photos before the ride begins.

4. It is important to bring sunscreen and liquid refreshments, apply both liberally as you don't want sunburns on delicate body parts or dehydrate on the ride.

5. You don't need to use a bicycle. Any gas free, auto free mode of personal transport is welcome. We see scooters, roller blades and skateboards being used and consider the bike share bicycles if you don't own, or can't get their own bike to site - although a seat cover is definitely suggested (good for all bikes).

6. The actual ride starts at approximately 1pm as hundreds of people mount their bikes and head out of the park, led by route guides and traffic wardens protecting the cyclists at intersections. WNBR Toronto is a rain or shine event so try to use waterproof paints if it is raining. Weather almost always has been nice for the ride, so hopefully this will continue in 2023.

7. The ride takes approximately 3 to 4 hours and takes us through or by some of Toronto's most famous landmarks or neighborhoods including Trinity Bellwoods Park, Kensington Market, the University of Toronto campus, Yorkville, Queen's Park, Allan Gardens, around Yonge-Dundas Square and Toronto City Hall, near Steam Whistle Brewing for the CN Tower picture as well as Queen's Quay and H2O and Sugar Beaches. The pace is relatively moderate so the large group of riders keeps together as best as possible.

8. WNBR Toronto stops for photos and rest at Queen's Park, Allan Gardens, Toronto City Hall / Nathan Phillips Square and the Toronto Ferry port CN Tower.

9. Public reaction is generally very favourable with many lining the street as WNBR people cry out the name of the ride or shout out "less gas, more ass". Surprisingly many people don't know of the ride, or that it was happening that day so they are a little bit surprised to see so much naked flesh passing by. They smile, laugh and wave while almost everyone pulls out their phones to document the ride, otherwise people might not believe them. There are some that make fun of the rider's bodies or tell them to put in clothes, but they are mean, small in numbers and the ride is also about body positivity.

10. You can stay with the group till the end of drop out whenever you feel like it, otherwise we head back to the starting point at Coronation Park. Don't forget to put on clothes when you leave the ride! The majority of people might stop at the Toronto Ferry port where they either quit the ride, head over to the clothing free beach at Hanlan's Point on the Islands or return to Coronation Park. The choice is yours. Have fun and be a positive force towards improving the planet!

Now you are ready to do something outside the box and remember to have fun and enjoy the physical workout.

Ursa Minor the 12 foot bear in Toronto

Nestled into the courtyard of the Bay Adelaide Centre is a rather large 12 foot metal bear made of infinity mirrors and colour changing LEDs. Created by artist Jen Lewin, the art installation named Ursa Minor is an impressive sight amongst the towers of downtown Toronto. May 7th 2023 is the expected end of the temporary installation.

The sculpture is ironically named after Ursa Minor, or Little Bear, which compared to the constellation really is small. From Jen's website; "Ursa Minor is a towering 12-foot-tall infinity mirrored bear by American contemporary artist Jen Lewin.The sculpture is free-standing and engages onlookers with its colorful flowing and interactive LED light choreography. Inspired by the dazzling natural phenomena of Polaris (the North Star) and its constellation Ursa Minor, the sculpture’s multi-paneled infinity mirrored body illuminates, conveying emotions of amazement, wonder, and exploration and reminding us to “Look Up”."

Relocated Toronto Winter Stations art exhibition

Several of the installations included within the 2023 Winter Stations outdoor, public art exhibition have been relocated westerly from Woodbine Beach to near Humber River. The pieces will be on display from March 22 till May 26.

Four of the artworks have been included in the Lake Shore Boulevard park including my favourites, Conrad the raccoon and the (Home). Not shown here are Life Line and Ripple Hut.

the (Home)

Joy Oil Station in Toronto

The old gas station was relocated further along Lake Shore Boulevard and is still sitting along a park, fenced in and unused. The historical landmark looks great still, not like it is rotting in place, but when will something happen with the tiny building.

The historical plaque

Wikipedia suggests the restored gas station building will be turned into a restaurant and tourist information site when the nearby vendor contract expires, however we will have to wait for the intended use is announced by the City of Toronto.

Lumière: The Art of Light at Ontario Place

The Winter Light Exhibition at Ontario Place has morphed into Lumiere taking place on the east side of the island park will soon end, so check out the art installations before May 7, 2023. The annual exhibition is illuminated from dusk to 11pm, 7 days a week and started on March 10. You can get to the free event by taking the Trillium Park entrance to see Lumiere, which is French for light, and on Friday and Saturday nights you can gather around a bonfire while seeing the 16 winning installations of the 60 original proposals. My favourite was Disco Wall.

From the press release, "This free light exhibition invites visitors to explore the park and experience public art created by talented Ontario artists from all artistic streams. Utilizing innovation, creativity, light, and discovery, Lumière inspires Ontario-based artists and creators to "illuminate" the park under a curatorial theme of "renewal". Lumière is an outdoor event that spans the entire Trillium Park, and these magical and alluring exhibits are best experienced at night.

“We are excited to welcome visitors to Trillium Park to experience the beauty and vibrance of Lumière. As the park transitions from winter to spring, it’s the perfect location for this outdoor public art exhibition. We are also thrilled to provide a forum to showcase and celebrate the work of Ontario artists, providing them with an accessible and beautiful space to exhibit their art,” says Janet Gates, General Manager and CEO of Ontario Place."

Lumiere art projects

The Art of Light:Disco Wall by Nate Nettleton
Allochory by Collective Memory (Stoyan Barakov and Robert McKaye)
Correspondence (A Long Story VII) by Lauren Pirie  
[W]hole by Jordan Shaw
Aeolian Soundscape by John Nguyen, Nicholas Hoban, Brady Peters
Ghost Canoe by Jungle Ling
Umbra Transit by Melissa Joakim 
The Flora Arcana by Thadea Decora, Vincent Glasheen, Marc Reeve-Newson, Sofia Timkovski
bioluminescent Being by Sofia Escobar
Luxonus by Luxonus Collective (Alex Ricci & Adam Kaleta) 
The Light Within by Nathan Fischer and Diana Tran
Fiddlehex by Alex Leitch, Sagan Yee, Dave Cox, Lee Wilkins and Hillary Predko
Bloom Promenade by Bitbrainz (Christina Kayastha and Binam Kayastha)
The Fantastical Book Garden by Courtney Spence  
Golden Hour by Tonya Hart  
The Numerology of Mushrooms by Sabine Spare & Mikhail Moosa 

See more of the projects after the jump.

Spring Blossoms in Toronto 2023

Temperatures climbed fast in April in the GTA and the trees started to come alive in shades of green as buds started to grow. Already the early bloomers like the Magnolia tree have started popping while the cherry trees have started to join the celebration of spring. In 2022 the blossoms peaked in early May.

The High Park Sakura website says "I’m now predicting that the Sakura Cherry Blossom bloom will begin between April 20-28." This weekend coming (April 22-23) could be the peak blossom weekend in the park.

High Park April 19

In High Park you can find the majority of cherry trees around Hillside Gardens next to Grenadier Pond although there are other strands sprinkled in the park. In Toronto my favourite locations to see blossoms are at Queen's Park, the Toronto Islands, Trinity Bellwoods Park and in Exhibition Place. The City of Toronto lists the many locations where you can find blossoms on this website: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/cherry-blossoms/.

The City makes High Park vehicle free during cherry blossom season for a safer experience, so take public transit, bike or walk into the park. Joining hundreds of visitors viewing the cherry blossoms can provide stress relief, enjoy the beauty of nature and meet fellow blossom lovers.

Blossoms around Liberty Grande in Exhibition Place April 19

On April 19 the High Park blossoms were just starting to pop out, otherwise the pink florets are just days away from peak bloom. The City thinks that peak bloom will begin on April 20 and will continue for the next 4 to 10 days across Toronto parks with the cherry trees. Already Trinity-Bellwoods Park is right now in peak bloom.

Trinity-Bellwood blossoms in peak bloom April 19

From the City's news release "Many of the Sakura trees in High Park are roughly 60 years old. In 1959, the Japanese ambassador to Canada presented Sakura trees to the people of Toronto on behalf of the people of Tokyo. The trees were planted in appreciation of Toronto accepting relocated Japanese Canadians following the Second World War. Many of these trees were planted on the hillside overlooking Grenadier Pond."

Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee said “Cherry blossom season is back and I look forward to seeing residents and visitors enjoying the blossoms in High Park and in locations across Toronto. Thank you to City staff for the work they have done to prepare for blossom season and the work they will do throughout this spring and summer.”

Consul-General of Japan in Toronto, Mr. Sasayama Takuya said “This time of year, one that marks the 95th anniversary of Japan-Canada diplomatic relations, is ideal to honour and remember the ongoing friendship and relationship between Japan and Canada that is embodied by the Sakura trees.”

See more of High Park after the jump.