Best Sellers

From Imperial Jasmine Green Tea to Blue Delta (an herbal tea made with butterfly pea flowers), the best-sellers list features both classic black and green tea varieties from tea-growing regions of the world, and house-made herbal blends. Each pouch of loose leaf tea is beautifully labeled with the place the tea leaves come from; for example, Assam from India and Sencha from Kyoto. Caffeination level, ratio of tea to water and steeping time are each also included on the front of the box. A more detailed description of sourcing, notes, and how to enjoy the tea is included in the description of each item on the website.

Genuinetea

Full Online Shop

In addition to a large inventory of loose-leaf varieties including adaptogenic blends, holiday blends, white tea and pu-erh tea, the Genuine Tea Co. also sells some of the more classic flavours in tea bags. They carry four varieties of matcha powder from Kato Matcha, and a few kinds of other microground teas suited for making lattes, such as hojicha, masala chai, turmeric and earl grey. Lastly, they also brew and can three flavours of sparkling iced tea: Peach Turmeric Ceylon, Lemon Ginger Sencha, and Elderberry Hibiscus. Like any good tea supplier, Genuine Tea Co. sells tools and accessories for measuring, steepings, whisking, and enjoying your drinks to their maximum potential.

Genuinetea

Third Wave Tea Culture

Genuine Tea Co.’s founders describe the Third Wave Tea movement as “clos[ing] the gap between the tea in your cup and the people who have dedicated their lives to producing it. It is a shift in focus from convenience and quantity to freshness and quality”. From writing an educational blog to tea patrons about different varieties of tea and their production, to donating a portion of proceeds to the Canadian Mental Health Association, Dave O’Connor and Sarah Wilcox’s business has upheld the values of this new wave of tea appreciation, becoming one of the best tea stores in the province. Check out Genuine Tea Co. on Instagram or visit their website to order directly!

The post Tea-Heads Must Check Out Ontario’s Genuine Tea Co appeared first on Northly.

The largest park in the city at nearly 400 acres, High Park’s oaks, cherry and birch trees produce beautiful colours in October. Walking or cycling along trails you’ll encounter playgrounds, sports fields, green houses, a dog park and a gorgeous waterfront. Grab coffee or a bite to eat from Palmer Coffee, La Diperie or Hannah’s Cafe and Bakery on Bloor Street West, and head down to Hillside Gardens to enjoy the view of Grenadier Pond.

Crowdriff

2. Quarry Garden

Located in the Evergreen Brickworks, this garden has a lookout that includes views of reflective pools and the city skyline. In close proximity are the Evergreen Garden Market and Picnic Café, as well as walkways, trails and the historic brick factory. A mesh of warm hues and environmentally-conscious landscaping, this viewpoint is amazing for photography, picnics or a crisp Autumn stroll.

Rouge National Urban Park

3. Rouge Park

Meadows, forests and wetlands in red, orange, yellow and green await you in this national urban park area. Guided walks, canoeing, kayaking and cycling are great ways to immerse yourself in nature just outside of Vaughn. Various historic buildings (cottages, a schoolhouse) and an old logging trail are also curious sights for exploration and wonder.

4. Etienne Brule Park

The Humber River and its shores make up this historically significant park. “Within this park you will find interpretive signage with information about the history of the area and its traditional uses. You will also find a ball diamond, a great hiking trail and lovely spots for a small picnic along the way” (City of Toronto). People say that in the Fall, freshwater salmon swimming upstream add to the vigour of warm-coloured foliage.

5. McMicheal Canadian Art Collection

One hundred acres of forested land surround this public gallery of Canadian art. Visit the museum’s permanent collection to glimpse works by Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven and Indigenous contemporary artists. Alternatively, walk the grounds and trails while listening to an audio tour with information on physical landmarks and the history of Canadian art. Sculptures and historic sites are given a new life breath by the Humber River Valley wilderness with the turning of the seasons.

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1. Get lost in the intricacy of Little Canada

Experience Canada’s cities and landscapes in miniature at this famous attraction in the heart of Toronto. Get curious just walking around and taking everything in, or look for Maurice: the mini moose who changes location within the exhibits. Make sure to hop in the Littlization Station and get scanned by 128 cameras that will help create a ¾ inch version of you!

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2. Spend the day at Centreville Amusement Park or Canada’s Wonderland

Centreville, located on Toronto Islands, features rides and attractions surrounded by lush parklands just outside the city. Kids love taking the train, paddling Swan Boats, driving miniature fire engines, or hitting the splash pad on a nice day. There’s also mini golf, a small farm, and plenty of food and drink in the carnival style. 

Canada’s Wonderland suits the speed of older children and teens. Literally. This amusement park features some of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in Canada, such as Leviathan and Yukon Striker. It also hosts Halloween Haunt in the Fall, adding a layer of thrill to the park experience during Spooky Season. There are also plenty of rides for small children including Splash Works Water Park, which opens for the Summer months.

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3. Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame

Housed in a beautiful historic building in Old Toronto, the museum hosts artifacts and a trove of NHL information and paraphernalia. If you’ve even dreamed of gazing upon a Stanley Cup in person, this is the place to see it. Your junior hockey player will also love the replica dressing room and interactive rink inside. Life-size statues of players and an extensive gift shop with NHL merchandise await. Tickets for kids are just $15, while adults gain entrance for $25.

childslife.ca

4. Check out the Toronto Zoo or Ripley’s Aquarium

With over 300 animals in habitats grouped by geographic origin, the Toronto Zoo is as varied as it is massive. Guests can ride the Zoomobile for an easier tour of all the exhibits, plus visit a variety of other attractions with the cost of admission. These include a carousel, greenhouse, kids play area, the Wildlife Health and Science Centre, a ropes course and a kangaroo walkthrough experience on weekends!

Located right next to the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium is an unforgettable “journey through freshwater wilds, local fisheries, and kelp forests, meeting more than 80 aquatic species, like sturgeon and the giant Pacific octopus, along the way”! Dive In Theatre shows ocean-related movies and events inside the aquarium itself include Jazz Night, and Breakfast with a Mermaid.  

Interested in seeing both the Aquarium and the Zoo? Consider getting a CityPASS for sightseeing in Toronto, which will cover those two experiences, plus a visit to CN Tower. You can use the pass over the course of nine days, so no need to worry about burning out from too much excitement at one time!

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5. Attend a matinee show at Mirvish Theatre

Begun in 1963 by a Torontonian family, Mirvish Productions are Broadway-quality, with internationally acclaimed performers participating in plays and musicals across a main and off-season. Matinee shows are usually around 1:30 or 2:00 pm, giving you the chance to attend on Sunday without staying out too late on a school night. Check out what’s on and see show times by visiting the theatre’s calendar.

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1. Lady Marmalade– Regent Park, Toronto

Serving all-day brunch in a modern, wood-paneled dining room with plenty of houseplants and natural light, Lady Marmalade has a small yet globally-inspired menu. Classic eggs benedict and bread pudding are accompanied by tortas, crepes, croque monsieur, cheddar and spinach waffles and tofu banh mi. Guests can get bottomless coffee with their meal, or choose from tea, cold pressed juices or apple cider. Lady Marmalade also sells their hot sauce and soy-ginger dressing to take home. 

Pasaj

2. Pasaj– South Riverdale, Toronto 

In a smartly-decorated space with accents of midnight green and gold, Pasaj serves Istanbul-inspired brunch delights including mezze plates, shakshuka, whipped feta dishes and stews. Each dish comes well-seasoned with delicious pepper, sumac, lemon or smoky Urfa butter. They also have a variety of pastries, french toast, pancakes and benedicts. To drink, enjoy Turkish coffee, a mimosa or some pomegranate juice. 

The Apricot Tree Cafe

3. The Apricot Tree Cafe– Sherwood Forest, Mississauga

This European-style eatery is both a restaurant and a patisserie. Grab a table on their colourful outdoor patio, or come inside to watch chefs prepare your meal behind the bar. Choose from classic poached egg and omelette dishes, sandwiches, sweet and savoury crepes or schnitzel for your main. You can add cake and coffee to your meal, or sip on an Apricot Martini. Lastly, there are also amazing sundae options here created with home-made ice cream.

The Arch Café/Bar

4. The Arch– Kensington Market, Toronto

A fusion between classic Western breakfast and Persian cuisine, The Arch is a quirky yet charming little spot in Kensington Market with a small dining room and festive outdoor patio seating. The food options range from croissant sandwiches, to Persian-inspired omelettes served with naan, to Dutch baby pancakes, to a Bazaar breakfast platter for two. Numerous delicious drink options are also available including saffron, orange blossom or honey-cardamom lattes; fresh juices; grape syrup froth and carrot juice with saffron ice cream. Oh yeah, and they also have all-day cocktails.

Nourishmoi

5. Nourishmoi– Port Credit, Mississauga

This vegan spot is located in a bright-blue building on Lakeshore Road East and serves lunch and dinner, as well as all-day brunch. The restaurant is inventive with both plant-based substitutes for traditional breakfast ingredients as well as flavours and presentation of plates. Choose from dishes like avocado toast with zaatar, chick’frea omelettes, acai bowls or banana chocolate crunch pancakes. There are also a variety of smoothies, fresh juices, coffee drinks and kombucha to compliment.

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1. Mount Pleasant Vintage and Provisions

Celebrating community in the Mount Pleasant area, this unique bar and grill is disguised as a vintage storefront (which itself is disguised as an A-frame house)! Downstairs you’ll find items for sale and vintage furniture to relax on. A multi-level space, the upstairs floor features indoor and outdoor cocktail lounge areas.

Open daily from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM, they play underground hip hop, grill burgers and dogs, and create craft cocktails. A 2025 regional honoree for Spirited Awards’ Top Ten Best Restaurant Bars in Canada, quality and taste come first here. With a full menu of delicious dishes, art all around and weekly special events, the atmosphere here is always lively and social.

Check out their Instagram @mountpleasantvintage to find out about Morning Discos, new menu items, merch, classes, pop-ups and more. Walk in or reserve a spot on Open Table or their website.

2. Spa by JW Vancouver Aqua Lounge

The JW Marriott Parq hotel, located next to BC Place, offers a spa experience like none other in Vancouver. It includes access to a hydrotherapy tub on the roof– some 17 stories and 59 meters (194 feet) off the ground. From this vantage point, you can see all across the city. At night, Science World illuminates the waters of False Creek and casts colourful lights on the glass buildings of Vancouver’s skyline. 

How to access this scenic and tranquil experience? “The Aqua Lounge is open for Spa by JW and hotel guests, as well as for locals who purchase a spa day pass. Please note: Day passes are based on availability and cannot be booked in advance. Please contact the spa the day of your request to confirm availability”. The hydrotherapy tub is open 7 days a week, from 9 am to 9 pm, so there’s plenty of time to drop in and claim your rooftop time. For more information and contact details, visit Spa by JW.

3. The Vancouver Public Library’s Rooftop Garden

Planners of the Vancouver Public Library’s downtown Central Branch incorporated the feedback and vision of citizens and designers in producing the architectural beauty that this building is today. As a hub for community, culture, and learning, one feature of the Central Library that was most pushed for is its rooftop garden, opened to the public in 2018.

Featuring Japanese maple trees, flowering bushes and shrubs, soft grasses, paved walkways and comfortable seating, the garden is well-used by library patrons. Food and drinks are permitted, and reflection and creativity encouraged. This spot makes for an amazing place to study or get work done if you’re seeking that rooftop time, but have things to get done. A serene and beautiful viewpoint, you’ll want to start making plans to meet friends or get your tan on up here.

The post Three Vancouver Rooftops You Need to Be On This Summer appeared first on Northly.

1. Do the Grouse Grind for time

Whether you’ve scaled Grouse Mountain before or it’s your first time you are allowed to be competitive– as long as it’s with yourself! This trail through the trees with 800 meters of elevation takes the average person between 1.5 and 2.5 hours to complete. If you’re more experienced and don’t have to stop as often, you’ll be able to do it faster. Pro hockey players race up the mountain all the time; Connor Bedard finished it in a mere 37 minutes! However, the record for time has not been broken since cyclist Sebastian Salas completed it in 23 minutes and 48 seconds in 2010. Either time yourself on your phone as you go up, or tap an official time card at checkpoint poles at the bottom and the top of the Grind.

Images Squarespace Cdn

2. Progress through volleyball tiers on public beaches

You may have noticed that many of the city’s public beaches have wood beams for volleyball nets. You’ve probably even seen people playing or setting up. Parks Vancouver’s website confirms that nets and lines are not provided, but that anyone is welcome to play on any beach. Looking at Reddit threads or talking to players on the beach, you’ll find out there’s an unofficial understanding that the best players practice at Kits Beach. If you’re just a beginner and want to drop in, consider asking to join people at Spanish Banks or Jericho Beach. In order to work your way up to the skill level needed for Kits beach, you’ll probably want to join a league such as Volleyball BC or Urban Rec. Or you could exercise your free will and see if the elite players on Kits Beach need a line ref/ substitute. 

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3. Complete the Vancouver triathlon

With 3 different event distances and the option to complete the race as a relay team instead, the triathlon can be as moderate or grueling as you make it. The Standard Distance (actually the longest) is a 1,500 meter swim in English Bay, followed by a 37.8 kilometer bike along Park Drive and a 10 kilometer run with views of Second Beach. The scenic Stanley Park course makes this race unlike many other triathlons around the world. Just finishing will give you a great sense of accomplishment and connect you to other athletes in the city. Race day is in the late Summer/early Fall; register here!

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1. The Ivy Bridge, 160 Main St. S

A contemporary pub, The Ivy Bridge hosts Trivia Nights on Sundays at 3:00 PM. Entrance in the competition is $4 per player, and teams will be formed at random. You can expect seven rounds of play with seven questions per round. There are chances to win wager-based bonuses, as well as other exciting aspects of gameplay. Here you can come alone or with a group, and have the chance to win a cash prize! The pub also has board games, pool, Euchre, and darts for those interested.

Jacks Brampton

Jack’s Brampton, 154 West Dr

Jack’s is a restaurant, bar and lounge that has everything from patio parties to DJ nights. Trivia here is on Tuesday nights, beginning at 7:30 PM. You can play solo or on teams, and everything is done digitally on screens and smartphones. Some of their nights are themed, such as music trivia, drag trivia or hockey trivia. With free entrance, players have the chance to win prizes in one of two rounds.

Jacks Brampton

Tracks Brew Pub and Grill, 60 Queen St. E

This long-time spot in Downtown has live music and karaoke in addition to their Wednesday Trivia Nights. Entrance is free, and the competition begins at 7:15 each week. Come with a team of four or get randomly sorted onto a team. The game lasts for three rounds, with 20 questions in each one. The prize is a free round of drinks for the winning team.

Jacks Brampton

West End Espresso Bar, 37 Queen St. W

This coffee bar stirs things up with trivia every other Thursday of the month (in the summertime). A true community hub, the cafe also hosts live music, paint and sips and other cultural events. Entry for trivia starting at 7PM is free, and the prize is leaderboard glory and potentially some store swag.

The post These Spots in Brampton Are a Must-Go for Trivia Lovers appeared first on Northly.

Stopgap Coffee

Located inside a historic home near Victoria Park and the Alberta Legislature Building, Stopgap’s mission is simply “hoping to better your day”. Their menu includes espresso drinks, drip coffee, pour-overs and tea lattes such as matcha, london fog, and hong kong milk tea. They also sell donuts and pastries, coffee making supplies and goods made by local artists and craftspeople. Stopgap’s exceptional service and the quality of their espresso are commended by online reviewers, earning the shop a perfect five stars on Google. Check out their adorable decor over a cozy cup of joe the next time you’re in the neighbourhood!

Labo Coffee Yeg

Labo Coffee

Across the river along 82nd Ave NW is the hip and innovative Labo coffee, which seeks to be experimental and teach people about craft coffee in a playful space. Their menu includes classic coffee and tea drinks as well as seasonal drinks, breakfast-inspired signature drinks and experimental drinks combining coffee with unexpected flavours. While their focus is on a developing and rotating drink menu, Labo also sells a few sandwiches and snacks. Reviewers give it an average of 4.9 stars for the specialty drinks, friendly staff, and comfortable environment. Many remark is a great place to get work done, go for a coffee date or even just stay and relax.

Libertacoffeelab Yeg

Liberta Coffee Lab

A community space in the Hazeldean neighbourhood, Liberta Coffee Lab offers an array of drinks, tasty Asian-inspired sandwiches, pastries and toasts, and a bright open space for co-working, coffee classes and live music. Some menu highlights include the peanut butter flavoured Liberta Latte, three specialty flavoured lemonades and Korean Street Egg Toast. If the interior wasn’t spacious enough, Liberta also has a front and back patio perfect for relaxing during the warmer months of the year.

Strom Coffee

Strom Coffee

On 104th St NW, across from Strathcona High School is Strom Coffee: a small shop inspired by Swedish culture and flavours. Their ultimate goal is to create an environment of fika– the Swedish ritual of slowing down to take a break and socialize. On the menu at Strom are typical espresso-based drinks, elderflower lemonade, kanalkaffe (cinnamon sweet cream with cold foam) and salted caramel lattes. They also make decadent Swedish cookies and buns that you can order on their own or with a cup of coffee as a 6 dollar deal. Reviewers love hearing Swedish being spoken inside, as well as the fact that Strom uses coffee beans from the Vancouver coffee company 49th Parallel.

Naked Cafe

Naked Cafe

Last on the list and located in the Downtown area is Naked (also known as Naked Cybercafe and Espresso Bar). Part coffee shop, part internet cafe, part board games lounge and live music venue, Naked is a great “third space”. Here the coffee bar serves more as a social gathering point. Expect to find classic espresso drinks along with “snacks and desserts from the Italian Bakery and paninis”. Whether you want to play checkers with someone new or participate in public jam sessions, you have the opportunity. One of the oldest underground music venues in the city, Naked also offers open mics and dance nights for the community. If you’re looking for a coffee shop that’s truly people-centric, you’ve got to check this place out.

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Luckily, if you live in Toronto, there’s an answer for where you should go tonight, and it’s The Spicy Ethiopian. With five stars on Yelp and Google across over 300 reviews, this restaurant– which opened its doors in 2024– is the ultimate Ethiopian experience in the city.

The Food: 5/5 ⭐

The menu at The Spicy Ethiopian is hard to beat, featuring authentic flavours and dishes while also suiting a variety of diets and tastes. Both the vegan platter and the meat lovers platter are highly recommended by guests; beef tibs and unique beverages as well. 

Halal options are available, and the injera– traditional bread which dishes are served on and eaten with– is made from a gluten-free flour. While the restaurant’s name might suggest a lot of heat, there are plenty of plates offered without a spice factor that are equally aromatic and complex. Ginger, garlic, cardamom, cinnamon, clarified butter (and yes, chili) are among the familiar flavours involved in Ethiopian cooking. 

This place is open for breakfast and dinner, and they even offer delivery and catering! However, you’ll want to visit the restaurant in-person the first time you order to get the full experience.

The Service: 5/5 ⭐

Gelila Belete is the owner of The Spicy Ethiopian, which began as a food truck before becoming a full-service restaurant. She and her husband are said to visit and converse with many of their guests, even imparting pieces of Ethiopian culture. Gelila cooks and runs dishes out every day, despite employing a professional team of servers. 

The dining experience is described by reviewers as laid back and casual, with everything made fresh, and generous portions offered. The words “labour of love” were used by multiple patrons to describe the sense of deep care and passion behind the attentive service they received upon their visit. Despite a small dining area, the restaurant goes above and beyond to accommodate celebrations such as birthdays and anniversaries. Just make sure to reserve!

The Atmosphere: 5/5 ⭐

The Spicy Ethiopian is located on Queen Street, across the road from Moss Park. The cozy dining room is chic-ly decorated with natural wood, patterned wallpaper, and vibrant plants. Overhead lamps transform the space into a moody and appealing environment in the evenings.

The Outreach: 5/5 ⭐

On top of managing the restaurant, open Tuesday through Sunday, Gelila finds ways to stay connected to an even greater number of Torontonians through participation in food festivals. Her booth at the T.O. Food & Drink Fest was a huge hit in April of this year. Additionally, The Spicy Ethiopian is creating an online store to sell Ethiopian spices and spice mixes. They plan to ship across Canada, and customers can join the waitlist to buy from their line of products here. 

In a city with some of the best food culture in the world, there’s a tendency to only see the most hyped and viral spots pushed on social media. Why not opt for the best Queen City has to offer of Ethiopian cuisine, right on Queen Street? 

The post This Ethiopian Restaurant in Toronto is Rated 5 Stars on Yelp and Google appeared first on Northly.

June: Strawberry season 🍓

Many of Ontario’s berry farms are open all summer– but it’s important to remember that if you’re going specifically for strawberries over raspberries, blueberries, blackberries or currants– you should be going in June for the cream of the crop.

Downey’s Strawberry and Apple Farm in Caledon, a quick drive from Brampton, is known to be very beautiful and produces that bright-red variety of strawberry. They also have a farm stand with a petting zoo and vendors selling vegetables and honey. Reesor’s Family Market in Stouffville is open early in the month for berry-picking and farm stand visits. Beyond fresh fruit and produce, they also make breads and pastries, prepared foods like soups and salads and delicious preserves.

Cherry Avenue Farms

July and August: Raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, and stone fruit season 🍑

Cherry Avenue Farms in the Niagara Valley is not only a coveted wedding venue, but also an amazing spot to go picking for all varieties of stone fruit from cherries to apricots, peaches and plums, nectarines and pears. Their picking schedule is dependent on the weather and which fruits took during the planting season. You’ll take a tractor ride to the orchard from the parking lot, where friendly staff will provide you with a basket and any necessary instructions for picking. There are picnic tables available so that, if desired, you can enjoy some of your bounty just minutes after harvesting.

Another locale with views of the Niagara Escarpment, Andrew’s Scenic Acres is great for all berry varieties and also makes fruit wines for sale. Lastly, make sure to visit Barrie Hill Farms in Springwater: one of Ontario’s biggest berry farms where educational tours and workshops are provided to teach visitors about sustainable farming practices.

Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm

August through November: Apple season 🍎

A classic celebration of the autumnal harvest, apple-picking can be accompanied by a number of cozy traditions that are perfect for family fun. This map was created by Tetiana Demkiw and pinpoints every location where pick-your-own experiences are offered in Ontario. There are so many of them that it’s actually a little overwhelming! Here are just a few that stand apart for some of their other offerings and activities:

Dixie Orchards in Inglewood has over 23 apple varieties, a corn maze, farm animals and a market which opens in mid-August. Carl Laidlaw Orchards in Brampton has wagon rides, sunflower fields, fresh-made apple cider and a barbecue. Chudleigh’s in Milton lets you craft your own scarecrows, hosts live music nights with a hard cider bar in the summertime and makes delightful apple pies for purchase. Waddell Apples in Kingston may be the most scenic spot to pick, as stunning views of the Rideau Canal are visible from the orchard. Lastly, Brantview Apples and Cider in St. George is famous not only for ciders canned on-site, but for their apple cider flavoured doughnuts!

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