How to Build a 50+-Storey Tower in 10 Simple Steps
Have you ever wondered how Toronto’s soaring high-rise condominium towers are constructed? Creating a building is a complicated endeavour that involves a lot of planning and many different types of construction professionals working together, from architects and city planners to engineers of all types (mechanical engineers, structural engineers, electrical engineers and civil engineers), interior designers, elevator consultants, acoustical consultants, geotechnical consultants, marketers, and a construction team, including the general contractors and their sub-contractors. It’s a full team effort and everything must be coordinated like an orchestra’s performance.
To learn more about the construction process of Toronto’s condos, we’re excited to present the latest installment of our How It’s Done series: How to Build a 50+-Storey Tower in 10 Simple Steps.
Without further ado:
#1: Finding the Perfect Location
Every iconic condominium starts with an idea and a vision – and a land assessment, too. Toronto builders and developers are always on the hunt for optimal sites to build a new condo. An ideal location is one where the land is underused but in a great or upcoming neighbourhood.
Once the development team finds a site, an assessment must be made as to the site’s viability. The team will review the land value, development possibilities, local bylaws and zoning regulations, neighbourhood characteristics, access to public transportation and more. This dynamic assessment typically involves a wide variety of professionals, from architects and market professionals to urban planners, contractors and a legal team.
If the team decides that the project makes sense and that the market will supply enough demand for a condominium at the chosen site, then the development site is secured.
#2: Design and Planning
Once the site has been purchased, the builder or developer will typically hire all of the key players needed to design, plan and complete the project. This team usually includes a construction contractor, structural engineers, a financing team or lender, interior designers and many others.
Each of these team members is involved in the planning phase, and there is much to plan. It goes far beyond the design of the building and architectural drawings. Every detail must be considered at this stage, from elevator design to landscape design to legal issues.
This is also the stage during which to engage the general public and the city – getting their support is essential.
Once the project has been meticulously planned out, it typically goes to market and presales begin. Most builders in Canada aim to sell a certain percentage of the condo suites in the pre-construction phase in order to finance the condo’s construction.
#3: Prepare the Lot
The project has been designed and presales are well underway. Now we’re ready to start construction!
First of all, the land is cleared and a giant hole is dug. Often the hole is a few stories deep. If the condominium is going to have underground parking, this hole will be even deeper.
#4: Lay the Foundation and Install Footings
Next, the foundation is laid. This phase can take quite a while. The foundation for high-rise condominium towers is made of concrete, which has to be poured in layers.
Footings are an important part of foundation construction. They’re most often made of concrete with rebar reinforcement, and they’re typically installed under foundations. These big concrete pads help to spread out the weight, supporting the foundation and preventing settling.
#5: Raise the Frame
We’ve gone down deep into the earth to lay a solid foundation, and now we’re ready to build upward. Raising the frame is a surprisingly rapid step compared to the digging and foundation laying that precede it. The frame is raised with the help of cranes. It’s during this step that the building begins to take shape and really come to life.
Did you know that high-rise 50+-storey condominium towers like the ones in Toronto are able to swing a few metres in each direction? This is to ensure that they’re able to withstand strong winds without damaging their structural integrity.
#6: Roofing and Siding
Once the frame is up, the roofing and exterior siding are installed. This includes a building wrap, which is a weather-resistant barrier that protects the building, as well as sheathing, which is important for strength and securing the siding.
#7: Inner Elements
Next up are structural inner items like floors, staircases, concrete support walls, corridors, beams, slabs and columns. Windows are also installed. Elevators must also be installed around this stage.
#8: Electrical and Plumbing
Water, electricity and other utilities are added to each floor as the construction progresses.
#9: Finishing Touches
Finally, all of the finishing touches can be put in: lighting, fixtures, cabinetry, countertops, faucets, carpeting and more. If you purchased a brand new condo, this is where the beautiful features and finishes that you’ve selected to suit your personal style will all be installed.
#10: Enjoy!
Once the construction is completed, the condominium is inspected by various parties to ensure that it’s a beautiful, safe and long-lasting infrastructure.
The condominium is now ready for occupancy and for homeowner move-ins.
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Celebrating Chinese New Year and Welcoming the Year of the Ox
Chinese New Year starts this Friday, February 12 – the first day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. This holiday is all about luck, health, and reuniting with family. It’s a major celebration in several Asian countries and also here in Canada and the Greater Toronto Area.
Chinese New Year usually brings together family and friends to partake in festivities and traditions that occur over a 15-day period. The celebrations begin with a family feast called a reunion dinner full of traditional Lunar New Year foods, and typically end with the Lantern Festival.
This year, the festivities will be a little different – and the celebrations a bit quieter – as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to alter our lives and gatherings. However, the same traditions, customs, and delicious food will prevail in 2021. Here are some fun ways to celebrate Chinese New Year this year in Toronto.
Celebrate the Spirit of Family Gatherings
Lunar New Year is all about reuniting with family and catching up with your loved ones, be they relatives or friends. This can be a challenge if you don’t live with your family or have to travel to see them, but you can celebrate the spirit of gathering with your family no matter how far away you are.
If you live on your own or away from your family, make sure to stay connected. Sending cards or letters can be a fun way to send your love from afar, and will delight the recipient. Make a date to connect virtually by setting up a video conference call, or surprise a loved one with a phone call.
Embrace Lunar New Year Traditions
While there won’t be any parades happening this year, many other traditions can carry on.
But first, gather your broom and cleaning supplies! Before the arrival of the new year, make sure to clean your home thoroughly to sweep away ill fortune and welcome good luck. Clear out last year’s clutter and splurge on some new clothes – beautiful red clothes, of course. Brighten up with some colour! The Lunar New Year is all about celebrating fortune, health, and happiness.
Enjoy the tradition of exchanging gifts with your loved ones, and giving children money in red envelopes. If you live with your family, you’ll be able to enjoy the New Year’s Eve tradition of gathering with your family to celebrate and enjoy sumptuous traditional feasts.
There are also several superstitions related to Lunar New Year which are said to bring good fortune into the next year and to protect against bad fortune. Whether it’s not arguing, paying back your debts, not cutting your hair on New Year, or wearing red, embrace all of your favourite rituals, traditions, and superstitions this year.
Enjoy Delicious Feasts
It wouldn’t be Chinese New Year without the amazing food. Even if you’re unable to gather with your family or to visit your favourite restaurants this year, you can still cook your own feast or enjoy some of the many amazing take-out options in Toronto.
From fish, chicken and dumplings to sweet rice balls, braised shiitake mushrooms, tangerines and oranges, spring rolls and more, you’ll want to enjoy the many delicious options associated with Chinese New Year.
Some great options for Toronto restaurants offering Lunar New Year menus include George Restaurant, Momofuku, Lai Wah Heen, DaiLo, Hong Shing Chinese Restaurant, R&D, Lee Restaurant, Eatertainment, Sunny’s Chinese, and Perfect Chinese Restaurant.
We wish all of our Chinese friends, clients and partners a happy Chinese New Year! How are you celebrating this year? Join us on our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and let us know!
How to Create the Perfect Ambiance for Holiday Zoom Calls
The holiday season is looking a little different for many this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With physical distancing still required to slow the spread of the virus, many gatherings with friends, family members, and coworkers are going from in-person functions to online affairs.
Your virtual video calls can still be fun and festive, though! Here are some tips on how to create a cozy, joyful, and merry ambiance from your home that’s perfectly suited to all of your holiday Zoom calls, video conferencing dates, and virtual rendez-vous.
Set the Mood by Unplugging All Other Devices
You want to be present and able to fully connect with others during your holiday Zoom call, so take the time to create a peaceful environment by putting your phone on silent, turning off the TV, pausing email notifications, and doing any other things you need to do to create quiet surroundings. You may also want to attend to the needs of your pets, children, or any other dependents before your call to ensure that everyone is taken care of and calm. This will allow you to relax and enjoy the call without interruptions. Forget about your to-do list and enjoy!
Get in the Holiday Spirit with Celebratory Garb
You’re not meeting in person, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress up! Putting on your best holiday outfit (or ugly Christmas sweater), festive jewellery, and makeup that makes you feel amazing will help get you in a party mood – even if the party is happening from your own living room. Silly Santa hat, anyone?
If you’re looking at ways to make your home more hygge, check out our recommendations here.
Set the Scene with Festive Décor, Food and Drink
If you have jolly surroundings in your home, you’re much more likely to be in a joyful, holiday-focused mood during your Zoom or video conferencing call. Set up your computer or phone so that the background behind you shows off your Christmas tree, twinkling lights, holiday wreath or other festive décor. You can also set the mood with holiday food and drinks, like a glass of wine or spiked eggnog and a tasty cheese place or slice of fruit cake.
Opt for a Merry Zoom Background
Festive décor in your home not feeling so festive? Another great option is to select a holiday-themed Zoom background to use on your video conference call. Whether for desktop background or mobile wallpaper, there are countless fun, festive options available for download online – from a reindeer-patterned backdrop to a snowy Christmas tree, festive lights, holiday decorations or even a classic Christmas morning living room setup complete with stockings hanging by the fireplace and gifts under the tree. A quick search on Google will uncover hundreds of appealing options.
Involve Your Entire Family, Including the Kids
Kids sometimes struggle to focus on video calls and to participate in adult conversations, but engaging your entire family – including kids and even pets – is a great way to help them feel involved and included in the family celebrations. Let them show off their favourite holiday gifts or decorations, and encourage them to listen to the stories and pleasantries being shared by their family members and family friends. If there are kids on the other end of the video call, all the better!
We wish everyone a happy holiday season, whether you’re celebrating with your loved ones in person or via video conference. How are you connecting with your friends and family this month? Join us on our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and let us know!
Luxurious Gifts for the One Who Has Everything
Looking to find the perfect gift ideas and stocking stuffers for everyone on your holiday shopping list this year? We’ve rounded up a selection of unique gifts and luxurious stocking stuffers to delight even the most discerning gift recipients. Read on for a thoughtfully curated list of sophisticated gifts, just in time for the holiday season.
If you’re looking for other unique gift ideas to support a local Toronto business, check out our suggestions here!
Go for Unexpected Luxury
When in doubt, lavish your loved one with a luxurious gift that they wouldn’t be likely to buy for themselves. It’s always exciting to receive something decadent, whether it’s a statement ring, a watch or an exquisite perfume. Another great option is to simply opt for a luxurious version of an everyday essential – like a leather notebook, lush cashmere scarf, elegant bottle opener, special candle, stylish wallet, high-quality headphones or top shelf liquor.
Gift Your Loved One Unexpected Relaxation
Amidst the hectic holiday season, many will be craving some R&R come January. Get a head start with a gift that’s all about kicking back and resting up. A pure silk sleep mask, plush bathrobe, essential oils aromatherapy kit, jade roller or gua sha tool will all set the mood for a home spa-like experience. Other calming, soothing gifts that will be sure to put a smile on your loved one’s face include a beautifully potted house plant or succulent, a subscription to Calm or another meditation app, a body and scalp massager, an adult colouring book (which are beloved for their stress-relieving effects) or a luxurious and cozy wool blanket.
Get Creative with Arts and Crafts
We’re not saying you have to DIY a gift (although if that’s your thing, go for it!), but both artwork and handcrafted items make for unique and special gifts. Paintings, framed photographs, a print from one of their favourite artists, a handmade cutting board, a ceramic mug or a customized, handcrafted tree ornament will all be sure to please. Gourmet treats, sauces, spices and oils are also an excellent option for the epicures in your life.
Go Holistic with a Wellness-Related Gift
Health is on everyone’s mind this year, and we could all use a little help keeping up with our health and wellness goals. Consider gifting your loved one something that will contribute to their well-being, whether physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually. Health-related gifts could include an online subscription to a fitness or yoga class, a Spotify subscription, books, a puzzle, a luxurious skincare set, an essential oil diffuser, a weighted blanket, a journal, gourmet herbal tea or a high-quality glass water bottle.
Give the Gift of an Incredible Experience
For the person who truly has it all, you can’t go wrong with giving the gift of an amazing, unforgettable experience. While travel, live performances such as plays and concerts, and even visits to museums and art galleries are off the table for many this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are still plenty of experiences available for gifting. Consider a meal kit subscription for busy parents and professionals, tickets to a virtual concert or performance for lovers of the arts and culture, a cocktail subscription box for those who love to learn new recipes or an all-access subscription to MasterClass for people who would love to learn from the best of the best – like Gordon Ramsay, Serena Williams, Malcolm Gladwell and more.
Which gifts are on your holiday shopping list this season? Join us on our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and let us know!
Easy Updates to Make Your Home More Hygge
Hygge is the ultimate in coziness, comfort, warmth, closeness and contentment. The word “hygge” comes from a Danish word meaning “to give courage, comfort and joy.” Other sources note that the word comes from an Old Norse word, “hugga,” which means to comfort or console – which is also the source of the English word “hug.” This is the essence of hygge – all the feelings you get from a hug. In a time when physical distancing is necessary and many of us are unable to hug our friends and loved ones, the attraction of hygge is powerful.
Hygge brings to mind images of comfort, happiness, warmth and togetherness: reading a book curled up on a cozy armchair with a mug of steaming tea; an intimate conversation with a loved one over a candlelit dinner; or warming up in front of the fireplace while snuggled up with a pair of woolen socks and nursing a cup of mulled red wine.
Embracing hygge is all about focusing on what matters in life, appreciating the details and spending quality time with family and friends (even if it’s over Zoom or FaceTime). It’s about enjoying the good things in life. Making your home feel more hygge will make the wintertime feel like a blessing rather than a curse, and will help you to enjoy the long stretches of isolation with more ease and pleasure. So slow down, take a deep breath and enjoy these easy tips for making your home more hygge this season.
Take hygge outside and support local businesses with these great gift ideas.
Create a Cozy Ambiance with Soft Lighting
Creating the perfect hygge environment starts with embracing soft lighting. You can create this ambiance at your home or condo by lighting candles, which are a hygge essential. Try tea lights in glass jars, long tapered candles or beeswax candles. Dimming overhead lights and replacing them with table lamps will also help to create a more mellow, relaxing and romantic atmosphere.
Get Comfy with Hygge Accessories and Accents
Ask yourself how you can make your home more calm, snug and inviting. Perhaps it’s tidying up or investing in storage so that your home is more serene and uncluttered. Or maybe it’s creating spaces – like a nook by the window – where you can relax and unwind. A wool blanket on the couch, comfortable throw cushions, cozy socks and wooly sweaters are all wonderful options to add to your home and life to make you feel comfortable and cozy. You can also bring the outdoors in by incorporating some pinecones or evergreen branches into your home’s décor. These will smell lovely and make your home feel more hygge.
Delight in the Rich Scents of Cooking and Baking
Take time to bake and cook more, and to savour the delicious scents that fill your home as a result. A hearty stew simmering on the stovetop, a hot French press coffee or cup of cocoa, a decadent cake or a bowl of popcorn made the old-fashioned way are all cozy things to prepare in your kitchen and to enjoy on a cold winter day, as are porridges, pancakes and other hearty comfort foods. Stock up on any kitchen tools or utensils you need to make your time spent cooking smooth and easy. Set your table with some beautiful placemats, light a candle and enjoy your home-cooked meal or treat by the flickering candlelight.
Make Time for Slow Activities You Enjoy
Playing board games, reading a good book on a grey day, taking a snowy walk at a nearby park or even just enjoying some Netflix and chill are all the epitome of hygge activities. Set your phone aside and get present. Find a cozy nook and snuggle up with a blanket, a favourite book or activity and a cup of tea. If you have a pet, spend time cuddling it. If you have a partner or kids, set time aside to spend more intentional time connecting with them and sharing in your favourite activities.
Practice the Art of Being Present
Setting up your home to be more hygge is all about simple updates, such as adding candles and other elements that will up your coziness factor. The real essence of hygge, however, lies in slowing down, being present and enjoying quality time spent with yourself or your loved ones. This winter, amidst the ongoing pandemic and quarantining, a hygge home will be more comforting than ever.
What’s your favourite tip for making your home more hygge this winter? Join us on our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and let us know!
Unique Holiday Gift Ideas That Support Local Businesses
There’s never been a better time to get an early start on holiday gift shopping. With restrictions on the number of people who can visit a store or shop at the same time and potential shipping delays due to the ongoing influx of items ordered online, 2020 is a smart year to plan ahead when it comes to finding thoughtful gifts for friends and family this holiday season.
Stumped for ideas? We’ve rounded up a selection of places to shop (both virtually and in-person) for unique, creative, stylish and elegant gift options for everyone on your list. Best of all, all of these choices are locally-owned, so you can support small, independent Toronto businesses while you do your holiday shopping.
One of a Kind Holiday Show
Toronto’s One of a Kind Holiday Show has gone digital, and you can shop its selection of unique gifts from exhibitors’ virtual booths. The show features over 700 makers selling Canadian-made products, from accessories and apparel to art, ceramics, home goods, personal care products and more. As its name suggests, this is a great place to find truly one-of-a-kind gifts that are sure to delight!
Trinity Bellwoods Flea Market
The Trinity Bellwoods Flea Market is an exciting monthly market hosted at The Great Hall on Queen Street West. Its Christmas Is Coming market takes place this coming Sunday (November 22nd) and features shopping, drinks, local food and music. With 100+ curated vendors (including artisans, makers, vendors and small businesses of Toronto) selling local, handmade gifts, it’s the perfect place to find something for everyone on your list – from home décor, artwork, pottery, Christmas tree ornaments and candles to jewellery, skincare products, gourmet hot sauces, pastries, coffee and more. COVID-19 safety precautions are in effect.
Bloor West Flea Market
The Bloor West Flea Market is another opportunity to shop in person for unique gifts from Toronto-based vendors. This intimate market is taking place on Sunday, November 29th at Clinton’s Tavern, in the heart of Bloor West between the iconic Annex and Christie Pitts neighbourhoods, in Toronto’s beloved Korea Town. Check out the market to find beautiful handmade gifts from fashion, art, food and vintage craft sellers.
The Handmade Market
The online Handmade Market features over 220 Canadian makers, artisans and fine artists, so you can find beautiful and distinctive gifts from the comfort of your own home while supporting local small businesses. From baby and kids products to special treats for pets to food, green living, collectibles and more, this market has an incredible selection of products that will put you in the holiday mood in no time.
The Drake General Store
This iconic Toronto staple, once the gift shop for the Drake Hotel, now has several locations that are part flea market stand, part museum shop, part classic general store and part traditional hotel gift shop all rolled up into one. The Drake General Store has a great selection of fun gifts and Canadiana, and there’s something for everyone – even for those difficult-to-shop-for people. Shop online or visit one of their locations in person.
Holiday Fair in the Square
Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto is a favourite place to gather during the holiday season, as the rink sparkles with lights and a large holiday tree is on display. This year will be a little different, and the Holiday Fair in the Square has gone virtual. Shop online for all kinds of Canadian-made goods, from artwork and winter wear to gourmet foods, unique cocktail ingredients, fancy teas, home goods and more.
The Eco Lifestyle Market
This holiday market takes place on Sunday, December 13th at Toronto’s Great Hall and makes giving greener gifts this holiday season fun and easy. With a curated selection of Toronto’s finest local, handcrafted, sustainable, eco-friendly and wellness goods vendors, the Eco Lifestyle Market offers a day of delicious local eats, local vendors and holiday cheer.
Skip the mall this holiday season and get that one-of-a-kind gift right here in your own backyard.
Have you started your holiday shopping this year? Join us on our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and let us know!
COVID-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Halloween This Year
Spooky, scary Halloween. We love Halloween – with the costumes, the décor, the jack-o-lanterns, and the sweet treats – but it’s going to feel a little different this year. We’re still in the midst of a pandemic, so trick-or-treating and Halloween parties will be off the table for many this year. That doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate, though!
Here are our top COVID-friendly ways to celebrate the spooky season this year:
1) Deck Out Your Home in Spooktacular Style
Nothing says October like Halloween decorations! Decorating your home – both inside and out – is a great way to embrace this fun holiday, pandemic or not. String up some lights and cobwebs, stuff some old clothes to make a headless scarecrow, or put up some creepy tombstones if you live in a residential neighborhood in Toronto with a front yard. If you live in a condo, you can decorate your windows with bats cut out of black construction paper or put a Halloween-themed wreath on your front door. Not into goblins and ghouls but still want to pay homage to the season? Try decorating with different colored pumpkins, gourds, and candles.
2) Carve a Creepy (or Cute) Jack-o-Lantern
No Halloween decorations would be complete without a jack-o-lantern – or three! Visit your local pumpkin patch to select the perfect pumpkin and then get creative with your carvings. Want to make it even more fun? Have a family contest – everyone gets to decorate or carve their own pumpkin – and then have friends or neighbors vote on their favorites. You can even carve a whole family of jack-o-lanterns. Don’t forget to save and roast the pumpkin seeds with a bit of oil and salt – yum!
3) Serve Up Candy to Trick-or-Treaters Safely
For those who are still trick-or-treating this year, safety is key. Kids crowding around doors can result in germs spreading, so explore new ways to hand out candy safely. You can create individual candy bags that you leave out on a table on your driveway for kids to pick up as they walk by, or dangle the bags of candy from a fence or tree. Another idea is to set up a candy graveyard in your front yard – leave candy in your front yard, amidst your Halloween decorations. Kids will love the excitement of venturing into your decked-out yard and will be able to stay physically distanced while picking up their loot.
Not trick-or-treating this year? Do a Halloween door drop instead. Create goody baskets for your closest friends or family members and drop them off at their doors with a little note or card. Full of items like candies and chocolate, glow sticks, silly glasses, and Halloween crafts or fun stickers, the goody baskets are a sure way to delight your loved ones and to spread some spooky cheer.
4) Have a Costume Party via Video Conference
If you’ve spent a lot of time and effort perfecting your Halloween costume, you’ll want to show it off – and kids especially love dressing up! Host a Halloween-themed costume or dance party on Zoom with your friends and family. Everyone can show off their costume on camera while enjoying a spooktacular playlist and some Halloween treats. Baking up some special Halloween treats for your virtual party is part of the party-planning fun. From Halloween-decorated pumpkin brownies to marshmallow ghost cupcakes and chocolate-covered strawberry ghosts, get creative and have fun!
Here are five fun Halloween Zoom backgrounds that you can download to make your virtual costume party more festive.
5) Enjoy a Spooky Halloween Movie Marathon
Halloween flicks are a great way to get in the Halloween spirit and to enjoy the spooky season safely from the comfort of your own home. From family-friendly classics to truly terrifying films, you can customize your selections based on your audience. Whether you choose The Addams Family or Psycho, The Nightmare Before Christmas or The Shining, there’s a scary movie to suit all tastes. Pop some popcorn and enjoy!
How are you celebrating Halloween this year? Join us on our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) and let us know!
The Top 5 Activities to Do This Summer in Toronto
With the sun shining and the official beginning of summer just days away, Torontonians are looking forward to this magical time in Toronto.
Summer in Toronto means hot days spent on the beach or in parks, fun adventures with the whole family, and relaxing evenings spent sipping a cold beer or homemade craft cocktail on the porch or balcony. It’s the time when Torontonians come out of hibernation and enjoy the feeling of the hot sun on their skin and the beautiful blooms and lush landscapes that are so prevalent in this beautiful city. Summertime just makes everything better.
This summer will be different compared to the past summers, with many attractions and events closed or cancelled due to COVID-19. Regardless, there’s plenty to see, do, and enjoy in Toronto this summer.
Here’s a Round-up of Our Five Favourite Things to Do This Summer in Toronto:
Explore a Park or Conservation Area
Ontario Provincial Parks and Conservation Areas are open during the day, although beaches within them aren’t open. All parks located within the City of Toronto are also open. A visit to the park is a great opportunity to get some fresh air, relax in nature, explore a new ravine or forested area, and take pleasure in the sunshine. Enjoy a walk, hike, bike ride, or afternoon spent bird-watching.
Head to the Beach (Safely!)
From Sunnyside Beach to Cherry Beach, Toronto has several beautiful stretches of sand on Lake Ontario. Although they’re all closed until at least the end of June to limit the spread of COVID-19, Toronto residents are still able to stroll along boardwalks and waterfront trails, provided that physical distancing can be maintained. So lace up your shoes or put on your sandals and head to Lake Ontario to enjoy the crisp waterfront air. Visit The Swim Guide for the latest updates on beach closures.
Go on an Epic Bike Ride
Toronto’s Waterfront Trail allows Torontonians to cruise across the city, from Etobicoke in the west, right through downtown Toronto and to Scarborough in the east. Between Woodbine Beach and Balmy Beach, there’s a beautiful asphalt pathway for cyclists and in-line skaters. The downtown section of the Waterfront Trail along Queen’s Quay is newly-constructed and user-friendly, with wide dedicated bike lanes. This scenic route is safe and offers gorgeous views of Lake Ontario. Other places for an epic bike ride include parks, conservation areas, or even your local neighbourhood.
Enjoy a Frozen Treat
Ice cream, popsicles, paletas, Thai ice cream rolls and churro ice cream cones – the variety of delicious, sugary frozen treats in Toronto is truly impressive. And what’s a hot summer day without a tasty frozen treat? Check out Summer’s Ice Cream in Yorkville, Punto Gelato in the Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood, Sweet Jesus near Yonge and Sheppard, or D Spot Dessert Café near Victoria Park and Eglinton.
Create a New Summer Tradition
Your favourite summer activity may be cancelled this summer (such as a visit to the CNE or a music festival), so why not create a new tradition? Get creative and brainstorm with your partner or family members to create a new activity that you can enjoy for years to come. Backyard BBQs, picnics, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts projects, your own family Olympics, movie nights, book clubs, kitchen dance parties… the options are endless.
We wish you all a fun and sunny summer full of adventure!
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Make the Most of Being Stuck at Home: 20 Fun Family-Friendly Activities to Enjoy
Whether you’re working from home, staying at home with your kids as they’re off school, or self-quarantining, many of us are spending a lot more time at home lately. As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads and the government recommends that we stay at home to help slow the speed of transmission, everything from school to after-school activities, sports, and music lessons, and playdates have been canceled. You may find yourself looking for ideas to keep your family occupied without leaving the house, apartment or condo.
Here are 20 fun family-friendly activities to explore:
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Get Creative
Family members of all ages will love bringing out their inner Picasso or Frida Kahlo by doing arts and crafts, painting, drawing, making sculptures with Play-Doh, taking photos or making videos. Have fun with it!
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Have a Pajama Party
As there’s nothing more fun than wearing your pajamas during the daytime, and it’s an activity best enjoyed at home! Make some yummy snacks, have a pillow fight, and tell each other some spooky ghost stories.
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Make a Fort
Whether with sheets, pillows, or cardboard boxes, making a fort is a fun activity that shows kids’ imaginations and keeps them engaged.
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Play Board Games or Cards
What better time for a game of Monopoly, Clue or Uno? Checkers and jigsaw puzzles are also great options to keep everyone happily occupied for a couple of hours.
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Have a Family Game of Charades
It’s impossible to stay bored when you’re playing charades! Categories can include movies, TV shows, activities, musical artists, books, or whatever else you can think of.
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Start a Family Band
You don’t need real instruments, either (although if you have them, all the better)! Create makeshift instruments using drums made out of cans and buckets, paper plate tambourines, glasses of water filled at varying heights and a spoon for a homemade xylophone, and Tupperware filled with different materials for shakers.
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Dance, Dance, Dance
While you’re having fun making music, get your groove on and have a family dance party.
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Create an at-Home Scavenger Hunt
There are all kinds of knick-knacks in your home or condo that can be used as bounty in a fun treasure hunt.
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Get Baking
Have some fun in the kitchen and enjoy the fruits (or donuts) of your labor! Baking cookies, cakes, brownies or other treats is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. Better yet, did you know that baking has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety?
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Have an Indoor Picnic
prepare some picnic-style munchies (think salads, sandwiches, veggies and dip, olives, or cheese and crackers), lay out a blanket, get cozy and enjoy.
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Learn Something New
Have fun doing it! The extra time spent at home is a great opportunity to teach your kids something new. Show them how to play chess, teach them a few chords on the guitar, or show them your favorite recipe that has been passed down through the generations. You can also embrace online education and help your kids stay on top of their learning with tools like Osmo, BrainPOP, Scholastic or Mystery Science.
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Call or Facetime Family Members
This is a great time to catch up with people in your family and also to check in on them and see if they need any support during this challenging time.
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Appreciate Art and Museums
Many art galleries and museums have opened up free online e-visits, including the Louvre, the Boston Children’s Museum, the British Museum, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and more. Explore art and natural wonders all from the comfort of your couch.
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Go on a Digital Field Trip
Just as museums and art galleries have opened up e-visits, you can also take a virtual visit to places as exciting and varied as Yellowstone National Park, the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, the Canadian Arctic, or a variety of farms across Canada. With Google Earth, you can explore almost anywhere in the whole wide world with just the click of a button.
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Bust Out the Dress-up Box
Let your imagination run wild! Kids of all ages love dressing up and pretending to be various characters and creatures.
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Start a Book Club
Take turns picking favorite books and then read them together. It’ll be fun to get different family members’ take turns and reactions to the same story.
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Make Jewelry
Kids will love to create their own jewelry because it’s a fun, creative process and they’ll be left with something they can wear and cherish. For easy DIYs that you can make use of supplies you may already have at home, try making classic beaded necklaces, embroidered bracelets, sculptural folded paper bracelets, or washer necklaces.
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Practice Learning a New Language
Whether by speaking together or by using an app like Duolingo, learning a new language is a great way to keep kids learning with a useful skill that will benefit them in life.
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Write a Story Together
collaborate on creating a unique mystery story, sci-fi adventure or hilarious comedy.
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Explore Space
It’s easy with the free virtual tours of the Langley Research Center offered by NASA. You can also check out Space Center Houston’s app, which provides virtual tours, augmented reality experiences, videos and audio stories about space exploration.
We hope you enjoy family time at home during this challenging situation making use of the fun-activities listed so far, and we wish you good health!
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