If saving money is on your to-do list, then the Toronto Public Library should be one of your favourite places to go in 2020. Even if borrowing books isn’t part of the plan.
Of course, nowadays you can find nearly anything on the internet, but there are still things accessible only to library-goers, including free access to thousands of books, magazines, new movies, e-learning resources, music, and e-books that you can borrow using your Toronto Library Card.
But did you know that the same card can give you free access to Toronto museums and cultural attractions, including places like the Bata Shoe Museum, ROM, and Ontario Science Centre?
Use your Toronto Public Library card to its full potential and save major money on entertainment and much more!
One of the best perks that come with the Toronto Library Card is the Museum + Arts Pass (MAP), which allows you to borrow a limited number of free passes to visit local museums, art galleries, and much more for free!
“The program’s primary goal is to broaden Torontonians’ access to the City’s cultural life by providing the opportunity to visit Toronto’s top cultural institutions,” states the website.
To get a free MAP, you need to present a valid adult Toronto Public Library card. Please note that you are only allowed to get one pass per week (each pass admits one family, or two adults and up to five children.) Learn more about the rules and restrictions on the Toronto Public Library’s website.
All 100 Toronto Public Library branches are participating in the MAP program, however passes for some venues are available only through a limited number of library branches.
Here’s a list of all participating museums:
Aga Khan Museum
Toronto’s newest cultural landmark is a great place to go with your entire family. At the museum you can explore the arts of Muslim civilizations through exhibitions, workshops, live arts performances, and more.
Bata Shoe Museum
If you’re into fashion and history, this museum is an absolute must-visit. Dedicated to the research and exhibition of the role of footwear in the social and cultural life, it showcases over 13,000 shoe-related artifacts from across the world.
Royal Ontario Museum
Canada’s largest museum of art, culture, and nature features 30 galleries including gems and minerals, Canada’s First Peoples, ancient cultures, and textiles and fashion. Even if you’ve already visited this iconic Toronto museum, there’s always something new to discover!
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Love history and nature? Then this museum is for you. Black Creek Pioneer Village offers visitors to take a trip back in time to 1860 and explore the farm and farm animals, historic houses, gardens, and more.
Gardiner Museum
Gardiner Museum is one of the most important specialty museums in the world, which focuses on ceramics. There are 4,000 objects to look at, with collections coming from the Ancient America, China and Japan.
Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre is one of the most interactive museums in Toronto, which is dedicated to science and technology. It features Ontario’s only IMAX® Dome theatre, the Shoppers Drug Mart® OMNIMAX® Theatre, and Toronto’s only public planetarium.
Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo needs no introduction. One of the largest and well-known zoos in the world, it’s home to more than 5,000 animals, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates from all over the world.
All eight of the Toronto History Museums
Embrace Toronto’s history with MAP and visit any of Toronto’s history museums. The pass is good for any one of the eight locations including Colborne Lodge in High Park, Gibson House Museum, Montgomery’s Inn, Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens, Fort York National Historic Site, Mackenzie House, Scarborough Historical Museum, and Todmorden Mills Heritage Site.
Art Gallery Of Ontario (AGO)
Another place Toronto Public Library Card MAP can get you in for free is the Art Gallery of Ontario. Located in the heart of Toronto, the AGO is a haven for art lovers of all kinds. The permanent collection features 90,000 pieces of work to browse, including works from Canadian, Inuit, European, First Nations, and Oceanic artists. As one of the largest museums in North America, it’s definitely worth a visit!
Textile Museum Of Canada
Discover textiles from around the world at the Textile Museum Of Canada. With a collection spanning over 2,000 years and 200 world regions, you can awe at fabrics, ceremonial cloths, garments, quilts, and more.
Hopefully this list will convince you to start using your library card more often or even get one if you don’t have it yet. And the best part is that it’s absolutely free! In order to be eligible for a free card, you need to live, work, go to school, or own property in the City of Toronto. Read more about how you can register for your free library card.
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If you consider yourself a technophobe and only know how to use three apps on your phone, this news is for you.
Apple has recently announced that it will be adding almost 60 new classes to its range of free workshops called Today at Apple.
If you didn’t know, the tech giant holds workshops to help customers learn and take advantage of their Apple products. Some of these workshops will teach you how to take and edit photos and videos, create music, draw or paint using an iPad, and even how to use some design and coding apps on your iMac. These in-store workshops are completely free of charge and are available to anyone.
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This initiative is a part of Apple’s new strategy to turn their stores into learning centres where customers can try the latest products and software, as well as learn something new every day.
“The 60 new sessions fall into three broad categories: skills, walks and labs,” reports DailyHive. “Think of skills classes as the 101 courses in college and university: They’re meant for someone who is either new to Apple, looking to learn basic skills, or coming into a new passion, whether that’s sketching using an Apple pencil, or drumming in GarageBand.”
The “walks” section offers customers to go outside and use Apple devices in real-life conditions (to take photos or even record a video.) All classes are led by Apple experts.
The last category “lab” offers the most advanced sessions created in collaboration with celebrities, such as music producer Swizz Beatz and Florence Welch of Florence + The Machine. These sessions are 90-minutes long.
Instagram/ @mirelledutra.santos
Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s vice president of retail and author of these classes, is sure that her idea will help unlock people’s creativity and build a community.
“If it’s the camera, we teach you photography. We have an app store so why shouldn’t we teach you to code – how to create apps – so someday you could have an app [in the] store? Apple Music – why shouldn’t we teach you how to use GarageBand and how so someday you can be a musician, and someday you could be on Apple Music,” said Ahrendts.
Featured image: Instagram/@ricardoballon
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If you’re anything like us and don’t like wasting your time and money while shopping, you’ll be happy to know that Canada’s largest dollar store chain, Dollarama, has finally launched its online store.
That means that starting today you can stock up on hundreds of Dollarama products from the comfort of your home and get them delivered right to your doorstep.
You can shop such popular categories as food, cleaning products, hardware, clothing, health and beauty products, electronics, kitchen, decorations, products for pets and much more. The online store also offers products that you won’t be able to find in regular Dollarama stores.
Instagram/@99_be_poppin
According to Narcity, “The official launch comes after five weeks of pilot testing in Quebec, but now Canadian shoppers from coast-to-coast can shop for housewares, cleaning supplies, kitchen essentials and more online.”
However, if you think that this sounds too good to be true, you’re right. There are some significant drawbacks that will make you think twice before you place your order.
Just like Costco, the online store is offering products in bulk, which means you won’t be able to buy products in individual quantities. However, their online and in-store prices are identical.
Instagram/@dollaramafindsontario
“For example, if you wanted some Excel gum, which Dollarama normally sells in store for $0.75/pack, online you would have to buy a case of 216, which would cost $162. This is a huge quantity of gum, but if you are a big gum chewer, that is a really good deal, ” Narcity points out.
As we reported earlier, the goal of their new online platform is to cater to clients looking to make large-scale purchases, including event companies looking for cheap wine glasses or an art school looking for cheap art supplies.
Another drawback of the online store is that there is a flat-rate shipping fee of $18 regardless of the size of your order.
Featured image: Instagram/@joe_montr
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If you’re into sustainable fashion, love vintage and consider yourself a conscious shopper, we’ve got great news for you!
Toronto’s only vintage streetwear flea market The Dead Stock Depot is returning to Toronto.
They’ll be bringing together top vintage vendors from North America, with product including names like Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Champion, Kappa and many more.
Instagram/@soshi_muzik
“The Dead Stock Depot offers customers a tangible opportunity to shop North America’s largest collection of rare vintage and modern streetwear garments, while also interacting face to face with some of their favourite brand representatives, and getting involved with the local streetwear community,” states the website.
Instagram/@thedeadstockdepot
The Dead Stock Depot will present Canada’s largest curated selection of unique pieces from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. There’s going to be more than 30 local and international vendors. All items are carefully hand-picked and will be ideal for those who enjoy street and sportswear aesthetic.
The market is located at 301 Adelaide St. West and will take place on Saturday, February 2, 2019.
Each vendor will be independently running their own booths and prices will vary from booth to booth. Doors will open at 1 p.m. and organizers suggest that you arrive early to avoid getting stuck in lineups. Note that there will be $10 door fee (no ticket purchase required).
The Dead Stock Depot is a one-day event, so don’t miss out! Check out their website for more details.
Featured image: Grand Street Local
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Popular Ottawa-based grocer chain Farm Boy has announced the opening dates of its second Toronto location, as the chain continues to expand in the Toronto area.
The new Farm Boy spot will be located at the corner of Lakeshore and Leslie, and will span 20,000 square feet.
The grand opening event will be held on February 2. At the opening ceremony, you will be able to get your hands on free samples and even get free face painting, so make sure to bring the kids along.
The store will also feature a sit-down area, where visitors can enjoy free WiFi and freshly prepared meals, made from scratch in the Farm Boy Kitchen, which also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can enjoy everything from Chili Mac and Cheese, to Cuban Pork Stew, to Thai Sweet Potato Curry.
Instagram/ @officialfarmboy
In case you’ve never heard of Farm Boy before, it mainly focuses on non-packaged farm-fresh produce, organic, natural and locally sourced foods and provides a unique and friendly, fresh-market shopping experience. The chain also carries its own line of private label products.
“We are committed to providing quality organic and gluten-free products. We carry as many local ingredients and products as possible, while building string relationships with vendors, suppliers and partners in the community where we operate,” reads the company’s website.
As we reported earlier, Farm Boy is planning to open 8 more locations in the GTA in the next few years.
The first store was opened in March 2018 in Etobicoke. So far the retailer has locations in Whitby, Toronto, Pickering, Kitchener, London, Ottawa, Oakville, Brantford, Cambridge and Hamilton. The new store is going to be Farm Boy’s 28th location.
“We’re so excited to announce that our newest location at 1005 Lake Shore Boulevard East opens on Thursday, January 31 at 8 am! We can’t wait to see you on opening day at the corner of Leslie and Lake Shore, and at our Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, February 2!” said the company via Instagram.
Instagram/ @officialfarmboy
Featured image: Instagram/ @officialfarmboy
Toronto is starting the 2019 off on a healthy note — the first zero-waste market is coming to downtown this February.
Unboxed Market will be offering a wide variety of products featuring meat, vegetables, cleaning products, and much more, all package-free.
The idea behind the concept is to reduce the single use, plastic packaging that generates tons of waste. According to The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, containers and plastic packaging make up 23 percent of landfill waste. It is also the biggest source of pollution in the ocean.
As you may have already guessed, you will be required to bring your own reusable bags and containers to the store to make a purchase. However, if you don’t have the habit of carrying reusable bags and plastic containers with you all the time, but still want to stop by the store to pick up a couple of things on your way home, Unboxed has got you covered. The store will provide you with a biodegradable paper bag and returnable glass bottles for liquid products.
Instagram/ @unboxedmarket
Even though the concept of a plastic-free grocery store seems very simple, there are some downsides. The main issue that comes to mind is that in order to make our shopping experience plastic-free, we need to change our shopping habits, such as always bringing our own reusable bags and containers to the store. And that’s easier said than done, considering that every other grocery store is ready to offer you a plastic bag, if you happen to forget yours at home.
Erica Howard Cormier, former general manager of the first zero-waste grocery store in the United States that opened in 2012, said that even after 18 months it was impossible to change shoppers habits. “You have to plan a lot to go to the grocery store with your own containers and people would go to the store across the street because they forgot their container,” she said in an interview with CNBC.
Unboxed will be located at 1263 Dundas St. West, Toronto and will span 1,500 square feet. Besides the product section, Unboxed will also feature an eco-conscious BYO-mug cafe, where customers will be able to enjoy fresh-baked treats, drinks and more.
Featured image: Instagram/@unboxedmarket
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The holidays might be over, but the sale season continues, as so many popular retailers are offering great deals on a variety of products. So if you’re in the market for clothes, shoes, accessories and more, now is the perfect time to visit your nearest mall.
Check out our selection of the best deals and sales happening in the GTA this weekend, including Gap, Saks Fifth Avenue, J.Crew and more.
Gap
This weekend Gap is hosting a sale you definitely won’t want to miss! Take up to 75% off your purchase and save 40% off if you shop online. Don’t forget to use the promotion code, “GAPSALE.” The offer ends on January 7. Shop the sale here.
Saks Fifth Avenue
If you prefer to invest in your wardrobe and love designer pieces, then you need to check out this sale. This weekend the retailer is offering up to 70% off designer selection for men and women, including such brands as Valentino, Isabel Marant, Prada, and more. Plus save $50 off every $250 you spend. Make sure to use code “JAN50,” when you shop online.
Banana Republic
For all Banana Republic fans out there – don’t forget to check out their stores this weekend to get 50% off tees, 40% off shirts and 30% off denim and pants. The retailer is also offering an EXTRA 60% off sale styles for both men and women. Shop the sale here.
J.Crew
Take advantage of this amazing sale this weekend and save an extra 40% off already reduced styles at J.Crew. Use code “BIGSALE” (for in-store and online purchases.) The offer ends on January 8, so hurry up! Shop the sale here.
Steve Madden
Been eyeing a pair of cute boots at Steve Madden? Then this is your chance to buy them without feeling guilty – the retailer is taking 25% off all sale styles! To get the discount use code 2019.
Forever 21
If you follow the rule “New Year, New You,” check out Forever 21 this weekend! You can save up to 50% off activewear and 30% off sale items with the code “EXTRA30.” For further details, click here.
Featured image: Instagram/@jcrew
The best time of the year to shop is finally here and we couldn’t be more excited! Even though Boxing Day is over, many retailers are willing to extend their Boxing Day to Boxing Week, so you can still score a great deal if you act fast.
To make your life easier this weekend, we’ve rounded up the best Boxing Week deals to shop. Check them out below.
adidas Outlet Boxing Week Event
If you’re a fan of the brand and looking for an awesome deal on sneakers, apparel, and accessories, look no further than the adidas Outlet. They’re taking 50% off everything in stores (some exclusions apply) until January 3.
casalife Annual December Sale
Up until December 31, casalife will be hosting their annual December sale with offerings of up to 70% off furniture and home accessories. So if you’ve been looking for furniture, this is your chance to get amazing products at a fraction of the price.
UGG
Yes, you’ve heard it right! UGG is having a holiday sale and offering their signature shoes, clothes and accessories at up to 50% off. Just because UGG sale is a very rare occasion, make sure to take advantage of this one while it lasts. Shop the sale here.
Free People
We love the brand for its unique vintage-inspired pieces, however, it’s no secret that shopping there can break the bank. Lucky for us, this week the retailer is lowering its prices on everything from statement-making dresses to sweaters and accessories. See what’s up for grabs here.
INDOCHINO
Looking for a great deal on high-quality suits? Look no further, because this week INDOCHINO is taking up to 70% off all suits, shirts & accessories with suits starting at $529 (reg. price $999). Don’t forget to use code BLOWOUT at checkout.
Saks Fifth Avenue
We believe that one can never have enough shoes, especially designer! If you agree with us then this sale is for you. The retailer is offering up to 60% off selection designer for men and women, including such brands as Valentino, Isabel Marant, Prada and more. Plus free duties and shipping are free if your purchase is over $100!
Roots
This week you can save 30-60% off ALL sale items, featuring men and women’s jackets, sweats, footwear, accessories and much more. The sale runs until January 1.
Steve Madden
Another shoe sale that you won’t want to miss! Steve Madden’s Boxing Day sale continues this week and the brand is offering an extra 25% off sale items and select handbags. Don’t forget to use the code BOXING when shopping online.
Discover more Boxing Week sales in our roundup.
Featured image: Instagram/@stevemaddencanada
According to certain retail predictions, today, December 21, and this weekend is the busiest time of the year for both malls and shoppers and it’s no surprise. With Christmas less than a week away, people get busy trying to find last-minute Christmas gifts, holidays outfits and food. So if you’re planning to hit your nearest mall this weekend, be prepared and come early.
To help you save time and money, we’ve come up with a list of the best holiday deals and offers to make this weekend a little less stressful. Check them out in this article.
adidas Outlet Boxing Week Event
If you’re looking for an awesome deal on adidas sneakers, apparel, and accessories, look no further than the adidas Outlet. They’re taking 50% off everything in stores (some exclusions apply), and you can take an extra 10% off until December 24 with our exclusive coupon.
Christmas Warehouse Sale (Now – December 24)
Still looking for Christmas presents? Then the Christmas Warehouse Sale has got you covered! Managed by Brands Outlet, the sale will save you 80% off fragrances, cosmetics, and more from brands like Lacoste, CoverGirl, adidas, Hugo Boss, Nautica, and lots more. If you head over, don’t forget to bring an exclusive SD coupon for shoppers to save on all tax.
Wildly Delicious 17th Annual Warehouse Sale (Now – December 21)
Today is your last chance to take advantage of this incredible sale that offers a wide variety of products at up to 80%. Stock up on kitchenware, table decorations, sauces, oils, gift sets, and tons more until the end of December. Replace your old pots and pans with something brand new for 2019. If you bring the ad located in our flyer, you’ll get a FREE gift with purchase!
casalife Annual December Sale (Now – December 31)
If you’re looking for furniture, this is your chance to get amazing products at a fraction of the price. Up until December 31, casalife will be hosting their annual December sale with offerings of up to 70% off furniture and home accessories.
Hudson’s Bay
Because one can never have enough shoes, especially for a fraction of the price, you should definitely visit one of the best shoe sales of the weekend. For a limited time only, shop Hudson’s Bay shoe sale featuring such brands as Kate Spade, Sam Edelman, Pajar, Ralph Lauren and more, and save up to 40%.
Reebok (Now – January 3)
The retailer has decided not to wait until the Boxing Day and offer a special discount early. Up until January 3, take 50% off all regular priced merchandise, including sneakers, sportswear and accessories and an additional 50% off outlet merchandise, so don’t miss out!
Saks Fifth Avenue
Designer sales don’t happen that often, so if you’ve been waiting for one – Saks Fifth Avenue has got you covered. The retailer is offering up to 60% off selection designer for men and women. Plus free duties, and shipping are free if your purchase is over $100!
Anthropologie
All fans of Anthropologie will be happy to know that the store is having a massive sale, so if you’re shopping for the cutest and original gifts, this is the place to go! The retailer is offering to save up to 50% off all gifts this weekend.
Featured image: Instagram/@hudsonsbay
One of the most iconic and photogenic shopping destinations in Canada, Toronto’s Distillery District, has recently been announced as one of the coolest shopping areas in the world.
Ranking fifth on the list of ten best places to shop from around the world, the Distillery District is the only Canadian location picked by The International Edition of The Guardian Newspaper.
This is not surprising, as the Distillery sees millions of people every year thanks to its history and heritage, dozens of independent souvenir stores, fashion boutiques, and restaurants, including such names as Balzac’s Coffee Roasters, John Fluevog Shoes, Soma Chocolates and more. All of this gives its visitors an authentic one-of-a-kind experience, that can’t be found anywhere else in the country. For art lovers, The Distillery District also offers theatre and galleries.
Image: Instagram/@clunydistillery
“What a great honour for us all to be recognized to be in the company of districts in St. Petersburg, Paris, Hamburg and Copenhagen,” notes Diana Olsen, owner of Balzac’s Coffee Roasters. “I’ve always believed that what makes the Distillery District so special is that it combines a very romantic and nostalgic ‘old world’ atmosphere via cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways, with a decidedly modern and edgy cultural, retail and food experience. The juxtaposition of old and new keeps it vibrant and exciting for a wide audience of local and international visitors.”
Needless to say, the site is a mecca for photographers and Instagrammers, especially in the summertime and over Christmas holidays.
And every year the Distillery hosts special events which make the site even more Instagrammable. One of them is the Toronto Light Festival, a unique winter experience created by local and international artists and designed to entertain & inspire. The Toronto Light Festival is set to run at the Distillery District from January 18 – March 3, 2019.
“The Distillery’s concept of not settling for chain store retailers, has allowed it to create a community that is loved by locals and appreciated the world over,” reports Newswire.
Instagram/@cirqos
Other destinations that made the list include:
- Park View, Whitley Bay
- Leiden, Netherlands
- Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, US
- St Petersburg, Russia
- Montmartre, Paris
- Karolinen, Hamburg
- Jægersborggade, Nørrebro, Copenhagen
- Magdalen Road, Exeter
- Lerwick, Shetland
Sources: Newswire, The Guardian
Featured image: Instagram/@toxmasmkt