The emergence of the sneaker culture in Canada can be seen throughout the nation. As the sneaker community in Canada continues to grow, so does the expansion of Canadian sneaker stores. Now, with such a variety of retailers to choose from, you can bid farewell to paying duties on your new kicks!
Here are the best Canadian online sneaker stores:
Livestock
One of the original Canadian boutiques that specialize in sneakers and streetwear, Livestock has been a mainstay in the Canadian sneaker community and is one of the best boutiques in the nation. Their choices in footwear include brands such as Nike, adidas, PUMA, Converse, New Balance, Jordan, Reebok, and Saucony. If you’re looking for a one-stop shop where you can buy a complete outfit, Livestock has you covered with their selection of apparel and accessories.
STAY FRESH
Established in 2014, STAY FRESH is a Vancouver based marketplace boutique that specializes in premium and collector sneakers, streetwear, and accessories. It features a curated catalogue with brands like Nike, adidas, Air Jordon, Yeezy, Supreme, BAPE, Palace, Anti Social Social Club, and more.
HAVEN
This Canadian sneaker store’s name speaks for itself as it is a true haven for those who love footwear, as well as Japanese and other globally recognized fashion labels. You may recognize the name from their latest collaborative project with adidas or highly sought after Yeezy collaborations. In addition to the latest and best from adidas, they also carry an amazing selection from Nike, New Balance, Converse, and more.
Capsule
Since 2003, Capsule has continued to build their reputation as one of the premier boutiques in all of Canada. Capsule was a part of the first Canadian collaboration on the “Canadian Tuxedo” 580MT, complete with three different denims on the upper with a maple syrup sole. In addition, you’ll find brands like Air Jordan, Converse, Nike, New Balance, and more — they also have a selection for women.
Off the Hook
Montreal residents understand the importance of having a boutique like Off the Hook in their city. A significant member of this community since 1999, the team has done a tremendous job with the growth of their store. OTH is Canada’s only Vans partnership store with Canada’s most important selection of Vans products, and this relationship has resulted in numerous OTH x Vans collaborative projects. In addition to Vans, Off the Hook carries an amazing selection of other brands such as Nike, adidas, New Balance, Converse, PUMA, Timberland, Red Wing, and more.
ALDO
ALDO has a huge variety of not only sneakers, but other footwear as well. From casual to dressy, you’ll find it all. It’s also the first fashion footwear and accessories company in the world to be certified climate neutral.
Courtside Sneakers
Courtside Sneakers is the premier boutique in Atlantic Canada, with three stores throughout the Maritimes. It offers a great selection of basketball and retro sneakers, from Nike to PUMA for men, women, and youth, while showing tremendous growth over recent years. Nathan and his team are doing an excellent job with their curation of products and customer service, evident by the interaction with customers both in-store and online.
Less 17
It was about time that the Calgary sneaker community got some love, and this is exactly what happened with the arrival of Less 17. With an excellent selection of menswear and sneakers, this Calgary shop can be your one stop shop for everything from adidas and Nike sneakers to the latest pieces of clothing from the likes of Stone Island, Reigning Champ, and North Face Black Series. For all of their Canadian online shoppers, Less 17 offers free shipping within on all orders over $100!
Call it Spring
The ultimate destination for not only shoes but handbags and accessories as well. Call It Spring is always on top of the latest trends with an affordable price tag.
NRML
Canada’s capital city is the home of NRML, one of Canada’s oldest sneaker shops. Opened in 1997, this shop has been an instrumental part of the Canadian sneaker community for over twenty years with their wide selection of streetwear and sneakers. In addition to their streetwear and sneaker centric shop, they also have NRML Femme and NRML Select. Keep an eye out for the retailer’s killer sales, where you can sometimes score sale items for an additional 50% off.
Solestop
Located in the heart of downtown Markham, Solestop is the embodiment of a success story in the sneaker business. They began their journey as an online shop and have since grown to a full sized storefront with a diverse selection of adidas, New Balance, Asics, Saucony, and more. Along with their men’s sneaker selection, they also carry a full range of sneakers, clothing, and accessories for women and kids as well.
BB Branded
Windsor is typically known as one of the main border cities from Canada to the U.S. in Ontario, but the city is so much more than that, it is the home of an amazing sneaker shop called BB Branded. Having overcome its share of ups & downs, the shop grew from a jewellery store that carried apparel to the main sneaker shop in Windsor that carries the latest Air Jordan retros.
Vessi
Vessi creates shoes that can be worn all day, every day, in any weather. Wear them in the snow, rain, or sun, because sneakers that can do it all. It produces products that move you forward, get you out there, and let you live your best life.
SSENSE
Based in Montreal, SSENSE is a no brainer when it comes to all things designer. The retailer carries classic sneaker brands like adidas, Converse, Vans, and Nike, but as more high-end luxury brands move into the sneaker world, you’ll also find those here. If you’re looking for the latest kicks from labels like Off-White, Moschino, Balenciaga, Maison Margiela, Givenchy, and more, be sure to visit SSENSE.
Gravitypope
Founded in Alberta, this Canadian sneaker store, Gravitypope is a high-end boutique that also has locations in British Columbia and Ontario. But if you can’t make it in-store, you can also shop the store online, where you can discover brands like Common Projects, New Balance, Vans, Asics, Clae, and more.
Blacktoe Running
If you’re looking for the best sneakers to train in, you have to check out Blacktoe Running. It has all of the runners you need whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned marathoner. The brand finds the most innovative and best products available on the market today!
Browns
Browns’ mission to search the world for the best brands, and to provide the most unique, head-turning styles for you and your whole family— at the best possible value— since 1940. It even produces its own in-house brand to offer an even larger variety.
Little Burgundy
Little Burgundy was founded in 2008 in Montreal, Quebec. It’s a branded footwear destination with its own unique style for discerning tastes. It operates over 39 stores across Canada and offers the best brands on the market like adidas, Converse, Nike, Vans and Herschel Supply.
The Shoe Company
The Shoe Company first opened in 1992 and the chain has since grown to more than 75 locations across Canada. The brand believes that style shouldn’t demand a huge investment of time or money. Style should be comfortable, accessible, and easy to achieve.
Simons
While the selection of sneakers at this Montreal-based retailer isn’t the largest or rarest to find, it’s still worth a peak for essentials. Online, you’ll find high-end picks from brands like Marni and Versace, as well as favourites from Nike, Vans, adidas, The North Face, and more, as well as a budget-friendly in-house line.
Adrift
This Canadian sneaker store, Adrift, is Toronto’s premier skate and lifestyle boutique, and luckily for you, they ship all across Canada. Founded over 10 years ago, the shop stocks brands like Vans, Nike SB, Converse, and adidas.
Exclucity
Montreal-based Exclucity has carries a collection of sneakers for both men and women. The store originally operated out the back of the CEO’s car and has since evolved into an online destination for streetwear enthusiasts. You’ll find brands like Nike, Jordan, adidas, and Puma on Exclucity’s roster.
Casca
Casca develops sneakers made to last and withstand the test of time. The brand believes that shoes should make you feel good, and enable you to do anything, so Casca was founded to do just that.
Groovy Shoes
Groovy Shoes boasts itself as the number one Canadian sneaker store, so it’d be remiss of us to leave them off this list. The retailer has two locations in Ontario but boasts a huge selection of sneakers for men, women, and kids online. Find brands like Nike, Asics, Saucony, New Balance, and more beyond.
Parlor 23
This Toronto-based consignment shop specializes in deadstock and collectible shoes and accessories. Head here for hard-to-find sneakers or to consign a pair that’s been collecting dust in your closet. Parlor 23 ships worldwide.
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StyleDemocracy challenged me with the task of investigating a Zellers store that I drive past nearly every day, just West of Toronto. Yes, you read that correctly…a ZELLERS STORE! This appears to be one of the last Zellers stores in Canada, in fact.
It’s soon set to be the last Zellers store in all of Canada, with one shopper in Ottawa noting that the city’s last Zellers is gearing up to close its doors soon.
You may have spotted the dated, red Zellers logo from the highway if you’re a frequent QEW commuter.
I noticed it every now and again, but have never given it a second thought (it wasn’t a Target after all). When I ventured over to the abandoned looking Kipling Queensway Mall, I was surprised to find what I (and many others online,) would describe as a Hudson’s Bay Outlet, disguised as a Zellers store.
Note: all items are labeled with Hudson’s Bay price tags.
Located at 1255 The Queensway in Etobicoke sits a large Zellers store carrying discounted items by mid to high-end designer brands typically sold at Hudson’s Bay.
I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the clearance selection of handbags by Nine West, Ralph Lauren, Dooney & Bourke, and Kensie all right at the entrance.
Note: all items were still in great condition without any rips or tears.
In addition to a hearty accessories department at this Zellers store, I found footwear, home décor, family apparel, and a big furniture department.
Note: if you’re looking for a discounted mattress or couch, try here!
Despite this Zellers store appearing fully stocked, I have to pre-warn you about the inventory selection (it’s nothing to get excited about).
After finding a rack of long, summer BCBG dresses for only $8, I was disappointed to see that all twenty dresses on the rack were either a size XS or XXL. The same large quantities of identical apparel filled other racks and the size selections were either one extreme or the other.
Then there’s pricing… After a quick lap around this Zellers store, I was confident that I was shopping in a full-fledged clearance or liquidation store.
Until I picked up a pair of Nike runners in the shoe department and asked a sales associate to clarify the sale price for me. That’s when I learned that the shoes I was holding were not in fact on sale, but regular price because they were new spring merchandise. “Huh?” The price tag clearly looked as though a sale sticker had been ripped from over top of it.
Tip: Know your pricing and don’t get fooled by “XX% off” stickers! Not everything at this Zellers is a deal.
If you haven’t had a chance to stop by, the location is set to close its doors in January 2020, so be sure to stop by before it’s too late.
All image by Cristina Avila
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One quick scroll on Instagram will likely show you loads of your friends indulging in all sorts of fun on their summer holidays abroad. If you don’t have the luxury of taking a vacay, why not take a few days to recharge in a relaxing and quaint town that’s just under 3 hours from Toronto? The SD Team was lucky enough to spend two days in PEC with Strongbow in June when the brand launched its new Rosé Apple Cider.
StyleDemocracy
Made with Red Fleshed apples from Belgium, this cider was unlike anything we’d ever tasted before. It’s gorgeous rosé colour makes it totally Instagrammable and it’s sweet without being overly sweet. In addition to its delicious flavour, it’s also wonderfully refreshing to sip on hot and humid days. After just a few days away in The County, we were refreshed and relaxed. If you’re looking to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of Toronto, PEC is where you need to be and here is our list of where to go!
Keep reading for 5 places to go in Prince Edward County!
The June Motel
StyleDemocracy
For our two day rosé getaway, The June Motel was our home-away-from-home and we can’t wait to come back. Situated just a quick bike ride away from quaint Picton, The June is truly a rosé-lovers dream with all of its pink accents and adorable design details. If you can believe it, The June Motel used to be an old mid-century motor lodge and it’s a travel destination for folks from all over to come and enjoy. Make sure you bring your cameras because pretty much every part of The June Motel’s property is meant for Instagram.
Hartley’s Tavern
Instagram/@hartleystavern
Located in nearby downtown Picton, you’ll find Hartley’s Tavern and trust us — that’s where the eating is GOOD. Not only is Hartley’s a family run business but local PEC produce is used in all menu items, too. Speaking of menu, have you taken a look? You’ll find no boring pub food here — think Rabit Liver Mousse, Beef Bulgogi Bao, and Mushrooms on Toast, to name just a few killer dishes. Don’t overlook the libations menu either with the abundance of local PEC beers, ciders, and of course, wine!
Campbell’s Orchards
Instagram/@campbells.orchards
What’s a trip to The County without a visit to a charming apple orchard? On our rose vacay, we visited Campbell’s Orchards where we took a hay ride and learnt about all the different apple varieties. Open all year round, this is the place to go for farm fresh produce and delicious baked goods like pies, butter tarts, and more!
Drake Devonshire
StyleDemocracy
If brunch is your jam (get it?!) then head over to the Drake Devonshire in Wellington for not only a mouth-watering menu but all the views too. Situated right on the water, this charming city-meets-county spot leaves you wanting for nothing. Just like its Toronto counterparts, the menus here are inventive and use local ingredients, but more importantly, everything is delicious.
Wild Heart Healing Arts
Instagram/@wildhearthealingarts
Looking to get in some wellness while you’re on holiday? On our PEC trip we were graciously treated to a yoga class at Wild Heart Healing Arts. Led by Megan Marie Gates, our yoga class was not only incredibly soothing but it was restorative and just what we were needing. Make sure you check out the schedule for all of the weekly offerings here — you and your spirit will be glad you did!
Featured Image: Instagram/@thejunemotel
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Every year like clockwork, summer arrives and Toronto morphs into a patio obsessed city. Don’t get us wrong, we’re not complaining. Patios are the lifeblood of summer in the 6ix, because the warm weather comes and goes in the blink of an eye. While some prefer the people watching of a street patio, the true hidden gems of Toronto come in the form of a rooftop patio – where you get to feel like you’ve actually escaped the city.
Here are 19 of our favourite rooftop patios in Toronto
The Thompson Hotel
Instagram/@marnilokash
If fancy is you’re after, The Thompson Hotel rooftop delivers in spades. Drinks here are on the pricier side of things but the quality and spectacular views will ensure your money is well spent.
Gusto 101
Instagram/@gusto101to
Gusto 101 is always a favourite with its modern take on southern Italian classics and industrial-style setting. There’s always lots of seating too which makes it a popular place all summer long.
Paupers Pub
Instagram/@pauperspub
Low-key and hidden away in the Annex, the Paupers Pub rooftop patio is the perfect spot for a quick drink before catching a summer movie at Christie Pits Park!
The Broadview Hotel
Instagram/@broadviewhotel
The Broadview Hotel’s stunning rooftop patio is half indoors and half outdoors so it’s great when the weather is so-so. You can’t miss the amazing view of the city skyline from Toronto’s east end where you can enjoy drinks and yummy snacks.
The Porch
Instagram/@theporchto
The Porch is situated above busy King Street it offers some of the best views of the CN Tower you will find in the city. This means it might require some waiting time to get a table on a weekend, but once you’re up there with a drink in hand, you’ll be happy you waited.
Lavelle
Instagram/@penthousequeen
The exclusive Lavelle is a little on the pricier side but just wait until you see the view! It basically feels like you’re sitting on a beach in the sky. You can enjoy a cocktail by the pool at this rooftop patio.
Kasa Moto
Instagram/@baileyroseking
The easy-going Japanese restaurant, Kasa Moto, has a huge rooftop patio that’s glam and has fabulous views of Yorkville. Bring lots of friends, enjoy the large comfy chairs, and good vibes.
Sky Yard At The Drake Hotel
Instagram/@thedrake
Enjoy the most perfect aesthetic and dreamiest vibes on this rooftop patio at The Drake Hotel. This spot is the best places for after work drinks and snacks, plus there’s always amazing music, too!
Terroni on Price Street
Instagram/@brittanyamark
Terroni on Price Street in Summerhill has an unbelievable rooftop bar and some of the most delicious Italian food in the city. With it being sangria season, this is the place to go for a pitcher.
Bar Hop
Instagram/@nadinemariesimard
Located in the heart of downtown at Queen and Peter Street, Bar Hop is the perfect spot if your looking for a relaxed atmosphere with lots of craft beer options. Catch some rays and try one (or more) of the 36 beers on tap.
The Tiki Bar
Instagram/@woman.meets.world
Don’t let the exterior fool you! Bovine Sex Club may look a little rough around the edges on the outside, but hidden above is The Tiki Bar. Escape the city to find a tropical oasis complete with a Tiki bar and torches.
Hemingway’s
Instagram/@hemingways.to
Hemingway’s is one of our favourite open-all-year-round rooftop patios, but it’s obviously incredible during the warmer months. Dine here if you’re looking for low key pub-style eats and a great view of Yorkville.
The Chase
Instagram/@_0.01a
The menu at The Chase, comprised of surf and turf offerings, will make you drool but so will the spectacular view. Located in the historic Dineen building on the 5th floor, this patio should be your first pick if your feeling like some fancy seafood.
Baro
Instagram/@chicchimmm
Baro’s patio is like the secret garden you want to escape to! Featuring lots of greenery and a calm, cool atmosphere, this trendy spot was made for cocktails as well as bites to share from their delicious snack menu.
Falcon SkyBar at Hotel X
Instagram/@bypeterandpauls
If you’re ever in the west end by Exhibition Place or the Budweiser Stage, make sure to stop by at Hotel X’s Falcon SkyBar. Warning: you may feel incredibly bougie as you sip your cocktail and look out over the stunning skyline.
Soco Kitchen on Lower Simcoe Street
Instagram/@dudko_iryna
The Lower Simcoe outpost of Soco Kitchen is a must-see this summer in Toronto. Located in the sleek Delta Hotel, this rooftop patio won’t leave any part of the Entertainment District to the imagination.
The One Eighty
Instagram/@desilvagihan
In terms of rooftop patios, the 51st floor is definitely high up and it’s where The One Eighty resides. Go here if you feel like treating yourself to some fine dining and cocktails, along with some upscale views.
Trattoria Nervosa
Instagram/@rach.dacosta
Craving pasta? Yorkville’s Nervosa offers delicious Italian fare that can be enjoyed on the beautiful rooftop patio. It also may be somewhere you want to bring your boo as reviews claim the spot to be pretty romantic too.
K?st
Instagram/@mercuryyuki
Kost is located on the 44th floor of the Bisha Hotel, so you no doubt are going to have amazing panoramic views. Specializing in flavours from the California coastline, this is a great spot for a fancy friend gathering or girls night out.
Featured Image: Instagram/@theporchto
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We’re constantly on the lookout for apps and websites that will allow us to save even money while living in this expensive city. We’ve come up with a list of our top apps/websites that are free, and give us rewards just for using them. We hope you benefit from the list below as much as we have. Save a lot of money with very little effort!
Paytm Canada
Paying bills is something that we all have to do. We know it sucks, but it’s part of being an adult and it’s just one of those things that if you don’t stay on top of, can cause you major issues down the road. This is where the Paytm Canada app comes into play. They are a Canadian based tech company that makes your life easier by consolidating all your bills into one easy to use app. For every transaction that you make using the App, you will collect Paytm points which you can redeem for an e-gift card from popular brands.
Biko
This is for all of you cyclers out there! The Biko app is available for Android or iPhone and rewards you for improving your health, the environment, and your city. Once you turned on the app and start your activity, the GPS will track every kilometre you ride, and you’ll receive one Biko per kilometre. Once you’ve hit 5 kilometres (or 5 Bikos), you can start to redeem! Rewards include free coffee, brewery tours, beer flights, food deliveries, and discounts at Toronto restaurants, workout classes, bike shops, online stores, and so much more.
Ebates.ca
Big into online shopping? This is the website for you. With over 750 stores to choose from, why wouldn’t you use this website to get some cash back on everything you buy? You were going to make those purchases anyways, right? Might as well save some money if you can. From stores such as Apple, Gap, Sephora, eBay, Amazon, along with so many others, you’ll see your cash back add up quickly. And if you sign up using this referral code, you get $5 cash back as a starter sign up bonus.
Minicard Toronto
This is my newest go-to site for finding information and discounts for fun things to do around the GTA. Minicards are small, credit-card sized informational guides that provide tourists and locals with discounts for museums, attractions, restaurants, retail stores, transportation (10% off of Via!), and so much more. Heading to Second City or the Ripley’s Aquarium? Hitting up Salad King for some yummy Thai food? Head over to Minicard Toronto to download your discount card and start saving. You can also find the physical Minicards in tons of downtown hotel lobbies, condos, apartments, tourism centers, universities, ESL centers, and airport terminals.
Checkout 51
Hello? Any coupon collectors out there? Since we’re already buying toiletries, household items, and groceries, we might as well start saving some money on it. Checkout 51 is a mobile couponing app that provides users with a new list of offers every week. When you buy a product on offer, take a picture of your receipt, tick off the coupon that you are claiming, and your account will be credited with the offer amount. It’s that easy. And you’ll see your savings add up fast. Once you’ve collected $20 worth of savings, you can request a cheque in the mail!
Drop
Launched in 2015, this new Toronto startup will supercharge your credit and debit cards just by linking them to the Drop app. You’ll collect drop points when you buy your morning coffee, head to your favourite restaurant, or hit up the coolest events in the city. And it does it for you automatically so you don’t have to do a thing besides register. You can build your own Drop program with personalized offers that will get you more points when you spend at those stores. And when you’ve collected enough Drop points, you can redeem them towards all rewards across the Drop program. High fives all around for Drop.
What are some other apps or websites to score free stuff? Share them in the comment section.
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What if we told you there was a way to get rewarded for something that you do every month? What if we told you that on top of getting rewarded, you can have an easy to use app that turns a monotonous monthly chore into a simple process?
Well, we have just been introduced to an app that not only makes your life simpler but rewards you as well and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.
Paying bills is something that we all have to do. We know it sucks, but it’s part of being an adult and it’s just one of those things that if you don’t stay on top of, can cause you major issues down the road.
In this day and age with online payments, you often have to remember multiple passwords, multiple login names and then on top of that, you have to remember to log in and use your passwords on multiple different sites every month. It’s a hassle, to say the least.
This is where the Paytm Canada app comes into play. They are a Canadian based tech company that makes your life easier by consolidating all your bills into one easy to use app. For every transaction that you make using the App, you will collect Paytm points which you can redeem for an e-gift card from popular brands.
The app is so easy to use it only has three steps:
With a simple process and access to rewards, Paytm is one of the best concepts for a reward app we’ve seen as of late. We love providing our readers with information on access to deals, but when you pair that with an actual useful solution it’s a major win!
Naqiyah Rampuri, Director, Growth Strategy from Paytm Canada puts it best, “It really is that simple, we all have bills to pay. Unfortunately, with our busy lives, nobody has time anymore. We are spreading ourselves thin in terms of financial spending, trying to save time and budgeting. With the Paytm app you, can centralize all your bill payments, and at the end of the day, you are getting rewarded for something that you have to do anyway. When you have access to everything at your fingertips, the App gives you the freedom to continue living your life the way you want. You need your cell phone, you love going to restaurants and paying using your credit card. Now you can come in and pay those bills, save money and time so that you can use the rewards for the lifestyle you want to live.”
From our perspective, it’s almost a no-brainer. The app makes your life easier by making your bill payments centralized (no more going to 5 different websites to pay 5 different bills) and then helps you save money at your favourite retailers by giving you 1 point for every $1 that you spend in the App. They do have points limits on specific bills, you can read more about it here.
Redeeming the points can get you discounted or free e-gift cards. Without overselling, it’s a pretty straightforward pitch. With Paytm currently offering new customers 10,000 Welcome Points upon sign up, (that’s a $10 value) there really is no better time to give the app a try. You have to pay your bills, and this process is tedious so if you have to do it, why not do it in a way that’s easier and gives you real-life discounts and rewards.
Creating your own custom cosmetics may seem like a lofty (and expensive) dream, but a beauty lab in Toronto is making it happen.
Lip Lab by BITE is a somewhat recent addition to Toronto’s popular Queen West strip, but the Toronto-born lipstick brand has been making waves in the beauty scene for quite some time. A quick jump to Sephora, where the line is exclusively sold, shows an abundance of 5-star reviews. The reason? Founder Susanne Langmuir’s simple mission: create a quality lipstick that people love.
Made with the finest all-natural ingredients at a factory in Toronto, BITE is 100% food-grade, meaning they are literally good enough to eat. Each lipstick is creamy, long-lasting, highly pigmented and hydrating. While the brand boasts dozens of shades, their Lip Lab in Toronto (678 Queen St. W) allows beauty aficionados to take their love for cosmetics to the next level by offering personalized lipstick experiences.
At the Lip Lab by BITE, you’ll work with a Lip Lab Artist to customize everything from the finish to the shade to the scent. The entire process doesn’t take long (approximately 20 minutes) and is fairly friendly on the wallet (1 custom lipstick costs $55). We dropped by the Lip Lab to try the experience for ourselves.
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“Keep calm and coffee on,” so the saying goes… but also make time to grab a snap or two! Coffee shops in Toronto come in all different shapes and sizes, and many of them are creatively stunning. When latte-making can be called an art, it’s really no surprise though, that coffee shops have become just as pleasing on the eyes; every good latte needs an equally artful backdrop.
Here are the most Instagrammable coffee shops in Toronto.
Odin
One of the most frequented spots in the East, Odin is one part coffee shop, one part bar. It boasts clean architectural lines and interesting shapes, with a full-on wolf mural near the back. Photo op anyone? Self-dubbed as a Nordic-Canadian Cafe + Bar, the artwork and wood elements play on this theme. Oh, and did we mention the eats? The avocado toast is delish!
Dineen Coffee
Right, smack, dab in the middle of downtown, people flock to Dineen on a regular basis. Despite the crowd, it’s well worth it! Sitting cozy in a historic Toronto building, it’s a beautiful juxtaposition of old meets new. The main draws are the incredible chandelier light piece, and the amazing tile flooring (you’ve definitely seen it on insta!).
Reunion Island Coffee
Okay, if a picture of the tiled floor at Reunion Island Coffee hasn’t popped up in your feed, you may be living under a rock – an even better reason for you to go see it. The clean, white, bright space is ideal for the coffee-obsessed as they roast their own beans in-house. You can guarantee quality and flavour here.
FIKA Cafe
FIKA Cafe has Kensington Market written all over it. That quaint charm comes from re-purposing old things and making them new again. Take for example the book wall which was wall-papered using 100’s of pages and books. Makes a very interesting backdrop, no?
De Mello Coffee Roasters
Art exhibit? Art installation? What is it? Walking into De Mello is like walking into Wonderland. The Toronto coffee shop has bright pops of colour are every which way you look, cubist-type paintings spread over the walls and there are even several umbrellas hanging from the ceiling as an art piece. Sound odd? You’ll have to go see it to believe it.
Early Bird
Queen West’s favourite, Early Bird, is where all the trendy local folks go. Long and thin like most shops on the strip, Early Bird has clean white walls, decorated with modern-rustic furniture. The big floor-to-ceiling windows by the entrance let lots of natural light in and the metal bench just outside makes for a good photo op.
Sorry Coffee Co.
Sorry Coffee Co. is not sorry for being beautiful. Stop by the shop for a latte-gram or candid “I was just sipping my coffee” snap while enjoying a delish beverage!
Boxcar Social
Having a number of locations across Toronto, odds are there might be a Boxcar social semi-close to you. If not, it’s definitely worth a visit. Exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and metal features add for a real industrial look. It’s a good place to get settled back with a book (after some grams of course).
Balzac’s Coffee
Balzac’s has a number of locations in Toronto, but each one was chosen for its historical significance. Stepping into one of their shops is almost like stepping back in time. The cafes are rich in vintage details and will offer some pretty unique Insta shots if you ask us.
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Being Canada’s largest dollar store chain, Dollarama knows a thing or two about providing consumers with affordable knock-offs and a wide range of everyday products. Dollarama is freakin’ awesome and there are endless reasons to love its offering but cheap prices can be distracting and not all stores are created equal.
To make sure your shopping excursion is a good one, we’ve talked about how to get the most bang for your buck, and ten things every Dollarama shopper should know, along with getting answers to these burning questions. Now to make it even more of a success, we’re rounding up the top Dollarama stores in the city.
With 25 locations in Toronto and the GTA, store cleanliness, size, accessibility, and organization can vary. Take a look at the best Dollarama stores in Toronto below:
Yorkville/Downtown Core (730 Yonge St)
Located on Yonge St, a hop and skip away from the Bloor/Danforth subway line, the Yorkville Dollarama is one of the larger stores in Toronto and therefore has one of the wider assortments. Along with your regular dollar store items like kitchen supplies, stationery, odds and ends etc., this location has a huge seasonal selection and one of the bigger candy sections filled with name-brand treats. Although, the Yorkville Dollarama does get busy so avoid shopping at peak times like 1 pm and 4 pm to 6 pm.
Fashion District (590 King St W)
Slightly tucked away and smaller than most stores, don’t be fooled by the size – this Dollarama is a hidden gem. The King W store boasts street parking and bike parking, and is perhaps one of the more cleanly sites, usually having well-stocked and organized shelves. Being in the trendy downtown district, it also offers one of the larger assortments of household products. We’d definitely shop this Dollarama location over the nearby Spadina store which is usually busier.
Parkdale (1337 Queen St W)
Having lived in the Parkdale area, I’ve frequented this Dollarama location the most in Toronto. Throughout my experience, I found this store to always be cleanly and well stalked during every visit. It has a one of the better stationary sections, a larger assortment of candy and is conveniently located steps away from a streetcar stop on Queen West.
Orfus Road Outlets (20 Orfus Rd)
Located within the Orfus Rd Outlets, this Dollarama is massive and has its own private parking lot out front. If you’re searching for a dollar store item, this store has it – from seasonal items to household products to craft supplies, to spices. The Orfus Road Dollarama was also recently renovated to have faster cashier lines, so that paired with the size allows this store to never feel overly busy.
St. Clair Place (21 Vaughan Rd)
Another giant, the Dollarama at St. Clair Place is one of the biggest locations in Toronto – it may even be the best stocked Dollarama in the city. The large space has a massive selection of home supplies and the shelves are always lined with all your other normal dollar store finds. While the location may not be as convenient to get to compared to some of the downtown locations, it does have private parking.
The Junction (2890 Dundas West)
Although this Dollarama is a smaller location, it has large windows that let in lots of natural light, as well as large, roomy aisles. Along with offering an aesthetically pleasing shopping experience, this Dollarama is clean and usually always well stocked. Compared to other locations it also tends to stay relatively less busy – shopping during weekdays and nights is guaranteed to be hassle-free.
Front Street (226 Front Street East)
Another spacious location, this East end Dollarama has an awesome collection of gifts, seasonal items, and home products. The store is at most times very clean, well-stocked and well-maintained, and is one of the aesthetically nicer looking locations. While it doesn’t have a private parking lot, there is a free parking at a nearby No Frills.
Who loves Dollarama and which Toronto store do you shop at most?
Every park and patio is filled to the brim and there are off-the-shoulder tops as far as the eye can see. It can only mean one thing – it’s officially #summer18. Did you know that the summer months are some of the most expensive of the year?
According to a recent survey from savings destination RetailMeNot.ca, almost half of Canadians (41 per cent) spend more money in the summer months than other season, making the summer a perfect time to do a quick temperature check on spending habits in the first half of the year, to help us budget for the back half.
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! I’ve rounded up a few ways for you to still enjoy yourself this month without breaking the bank.
1. Check Out Cheap Entertainment
If you haven’t seen our article, Cineplex’s new deal will allow movie-goers to enjoy hit movies for $2.99!
Check out participating movie theatres in Toronto below:
- Cineplex Cinemas Fairview Mall
- Cineplex Odeon Eglinton Town Centre Cinemas
- Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk
- Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Eglinton and VIP
- Cineplex Cinemas Yorkdale
2. Shop Your Neighbourhood Flea Market
Need a present for a friend’s birthday? Or maybe you just want to spruce up your home with some unique finds? You could hit up one of the numerous boutiques Toronto has to offer, but if you’re looking for a dal, flea markets are where it’s at. The next Parkdale Flea Market is on July 14 and the Trinity Bellwoods Flea is on July 15. But if you’re not a west-ender, don’t worry. There are summer markets in Leslieville and many more Toronto neighbourhoods.
3. Take your Workout Routine Outdoors
Now that it’s summer, there’s no need to shell out your hard-earned cash on fancy indoor exercise classes. There are so many outdoor activities you can do that will help you work up a sweat for way less. You could join a running group, go on a hike in High Park, grab a friend for a round of tennis, the opportunities are endless!
Bonus tip: if you do have a gym membership, many places will let you pause it for a month or two so you can enjoy the summer sun this July and then return to the comfort of an air-conditioned workout studio in the fall.
4. Airbnb (or Sublet) Your Home
If you have a vacation coming up (lucky you!) and want to offset the costs of your trip, one option is to Airbnb or sublet your home while you’re away. Toronto is a popular destination for travellers in the summer so depending on your location, your pad could be in high demand. Of course, there’s always a bit of a risk opening up your place to a stranger and you’ll definitely want to get permission from your building management first but if you find a suitable guest, it could save you hundreds of dollars on rent and utilities. To start, try asking your friends and family if they know of any potential subletters, and then post in places like Bunz to get the word out.
5. Ride Your Bike to Work
This is a well-worn money saving tip but it’s an oldie-but-goodie for a reason. Especially in Toronto, with the ever-rising cost of the TTC and gridlock traffic, riding your bike can save you a ton of money and let you enjoy the summer weather at the same time. Plus, with the new bike lanes on Bloor Street/King Street, there’s never been a better time to dust off that helmet and two-wheeler and get pedalling.
6. Dine Al Fresco On Your Own Balcony
After a long work week, what better way to unwind than with a glass of wine on a sunny patio? Of course, in Toronto, there is no shortage of trendy restaurants to choose from, but if you’re looking to save money, these probably aren’t the best bet. Instead, if you’re lucky enough to have your own balcony, you can pick up a bottle of vino from your local Wine Rack and recreate the experience in your own home for a fraction of the cost. In fact, with the money you save, you could even splurge on some fairy lights and plants to make your outdoor space extra cozy.
Summer fun doesn’t have to drain your bank account. With a little creativity, you can be well on your way to saving major bucks this month.
Featured Image: Instagram/@atumnjenkins
Have any other tips to save money in Toronto this July? Let us know in the comment section!
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