Apartment living

Toronto has no shortage of mouthwatering restaurants. The problem is figuring out which ones to try. We’ve compiled a list of some (certainly not all!) of the best restaurants in Toronto to help you out. From Cantonese-French eateries to a social spot with build-your-own charcuterie boards, the list has plenty of variation. Read on for our picks for 5 of the best restaurants in Toronto.

Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen

If you’re looking for the best Jamaican food in the city, you’ve come to the right place. Along with their bright, tropical interior–a nod to their Caribbean roots–Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen is known for just about every item on their menu. The slow-baked jerk chicken wings with wild honey, scotch bonnet dust, and lime zest festival are a major crowd-pleaser. If you’re more of a vegetable-eater, go for the kale and pomegranate salad topped with pepitas, goat cheese, roasted squash, almonds all tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. The Chubby’s Burger is massive and doesn’t disappoint and the jerk pork is a Jamaican staple done right. Your tastebuds will be taking a trip to the Caribbean when you dine here.

DaiLo

A French-Cantonese fusion restaurant in the heart of Little Italy? You probably wouldn’t believe it unless you saw it for yourself. Enter DaiLo. With a menu filled with dishes like Ontario Pea Dumplings–filled with bone marrow, hon shimeji, summer truffle, and marrow crumble bacon dashi nage–and King Cole Smoked Duck Bokkeum, it’s really hard to go wrong ordering here. The menu is always rotating, so you might get the option of duck bao one day and fried fish the next. Order a few dishes to share so you can try a bit of everything.

Grey Gardens

This upscale, fine dining, restaurant isn’t just for foodies. It also happens to feature a great selection of wine, thanks to sommelier Jake Skakun, a secret sake collection, and ciders on tap. Bar manager David Greig has a keen eye for a good cocktail, too, so you’re pretty much covered in the spirits department at Grey Gardens. Add to that an impressive menu of snacks and starters–like the smoked fish chips n’ dip–and the Cavatelli pasta with matsutake, white bolognese, and coriander. The next time you’re celebrating a special occasion, keep this Kensington Market spot on your radar, as it can be a bit pricey for just a normal night out on the town.

Gusto 101

On a warm spring or summer day, there’s no other place you should be than on either of Gusto 101’s outdoor patios. The rooftop patio features a bar and an airy, glass ceiling (for those unexpected downpours), while the patio in the front is open-aired with table umbrellas to shade you on those hot days. The Italian menu is packed with homemade pasta and pizzas, plus a kale salad customers can’t stop raving about. Try the Bucatini Amatriciana with house made guanciale, in a simple yet refined tomato sauce, topped with black pepper and pecorino cheese. Places like Gusto 101, arguably one of the best restaurants in Toronto, are what make the food scene one of the many pros of living in Toronto.

Nuit Social

Like its name suggests, this place is where you go to be social. Whether it’s over a glass of wine and a build-your-own cheese board or a fancy cocktail and duck confit, there’s plenty to keep you socializing at this Queen West hotspot. Favorites include maple soy glazed pork ribs on a bed of smoked mac and cheese, and the Arancini made with carnaroli risotto, porcini mushroom, and fontina. Not only does this place serve up some great eats, its atmosphere lives up to its name.

These are just a few of the restaurants that make the ever-evolving list of incredible spots in Toronto. Moving to Toronto? Check out all of our apartments for rent before you do so you’ll be ready to try some of these tasty restaurants as soon as you unpack.

If you’re shopping around for colleges in Canada, chances are you’ll be looking at those in Toronto. They are, after all, some of the best in Ontario. We’ve broken down the 8 best colleges in Toronto, so read on and see which ones made the cut.

8. Seneca College

Seneca doesn’t just prepare students for life after college, it gives them a taste of it during their education. With co-op programs and internship opportunities at some of the top employers in Toronto, Seneca gives students first-hand learning experience. It boasts more than 5,000 international students and, in a student body of just 28,000, that makes up more than 15% of the population. Seneca offers just about as many full-time degree programs (150) as it does part-time (140), so you’re sure to find one that works with your interests and schedule.

7. Humber College

At each of its three campuses, Humber provides students innovative learning across its 8 different schools, or academic areas. Being a polytechnic school means Humber’s programs are career-focused and bring real world experience into the classroom. Humber North, the largest of the three campuses, is set on 100 acres of parkland next to the Humber River. Be sure to check out Humber Arboretum, a 250-acre public garden. The school’s 19 varsity sports teams compete in OCAA and CCAA Athletics, so you can watch the Hawks take on opponents throughout the year. Join the student population of just over 31,000 and become a Humber Hawk!

6. George Brown College

You’re truly in the middle of the action at George Brown College. With its downtown Toronto location, George Brown provides students all the amenities of city living plus the community of a college campus. Their hands-on learning simulates real-world work environments, and instructors tend to come with a wealth of knowledge, eager to help students learn about their field.

5. The Ontario College of Art and Design University

If you’re an artist of any kind, you’ll want to check out OCAD University. Its campus is a 5-minute walk to the Entertainment District and it’s right next door to the Art Gallery of Ontario. With a location like this, OCAD U offers students the perfect place to study, create, and get inspired. Experience living in the heart of Toronto while getting a top-notch education. The visual design and art programs here are among some of the best in Ontario, and students walk away with BFAs, BDes and even MAs or MFAs.

4. Trent University

There’s a reason Trent has earned the #1 spot on Maclean’s University Ranking in the Primarily Undergraduate category for Ontario colleges. Technically not located in Toronto, Trent is nestled along the banks of the Otonabee River an hour and a half northeast of the city centre. Its scenic campus bisected by the river is surrounded by tree-lined streets and plenty of greenery, which means you’ll find students and faculty biking, jogging, and paddling on the water. Trent also boasts 12 varsity men’s and women’s sports teams, so there are plenty of opportunities to get out there and show some school spirit

3. Ryerson University

Located next door to Old Town and Downtown Toronto, Ryerson University is perfect for the city-slicker. Ryerson is the #25 spot on the U.S. News Best Global Universities in Canada rankings. On top of that, Ryerson has its own startup accelerator, DMZ, and it’s ranked the #1 university-based accelerator in the world by UBI Global. Since 2007, DMZ has help more than 350 startups grow and graduate. Even though Ryerson is in the heart of the city, it still manages to maintain a tight-knit community and boasts 70+ student groups so you’ll be able to find your place.

2. York University

The third-largest college in Canada and the second-largest in Ontario, York University claims our #2 spot of the best colleges in Toronto. With 300+ student organizations and clubs, 200+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and two sprawling campuses both just north of Toronto, York is a college with a lot to offer. The Keele campus is home to more than 50,000 students, shops and restaurants, and a thriving student body community; the Glendon campus offers a more intimate setting with just over 2,500 students.

1. University of Toronto

This one takes the cake, as University of Toronto isn’t just the highest-ranked college in the city, but it’s consistently ranked as one of the best colleges in Canada. Frequently battling with Montreal’s McGill University for the spot of top dog in Canada, the University of Toronto is currently #1 in Maclean’s rankings of medical-doctoral universities. It also happens to be located near some of Toronto’s most popular neighbourhoods, including the Annex. As a global leader in research and teaching, this school offers an unparalleled educational environment all in the heart of the city. When it comes down to it, the University of Toronto truly is the best college in Toronto.

Are you ready to take on one of these top universities? The best colleges in Toronto all offer something unique, so take a visit or dive deeper into the school’s website to learn more. Don’t forget to find your first apartment and squeeze in all the naps you can before classes start.

The second-most populous city in Canada, Montréal is a place with a lot of charm, a splash of history, and plenty of noteworthy landmarks. Before you set out for a day in the city, here are 8 fun things to do in Montréal to get you started on the right foot.

Visit Basilique Notre-Dame

Located in Old Montréal, this historic Gothic revival church is one of the city’s most popular landmarks. The Basilique was built in 1829 and can hold up to 10,000 worshippers. For many years, it was the largest church in North America. Its interior was designed by Montréal architect Victor Bourgeau, and the colors, motifs, and statues are all worth seeing. For a unique, immersive experience, check out Aura, a three-act multimedia spectacle in the Basilique.

Explore the Foodie Scene

The food in Montréal is something else. Anyone who’s ever asked about pros and cons when considering a move to Montréal has probably been told about the poutine. You’ll want to grab some (before or after a night of drinking), and, luckily, this city doesn’t lack places to get the stuff. Try the unique version with burnt ends at Blackstrap BBQ or get a steamie and poutine at the century-old Montréal Pool Room. Don’t forget the other staple in Montréal: smoked meat. Skip the tourist-ridden Schwartz and get yours at Snowdon Deli. Get a little fancier and head to Joe Beef to eat their famous lobster spaghetti on their cozy outdoor patio. Or, if you prefer a little guidance, you can always take a food tour around some of Montréal’s coolest neighbourhoods.

Discover the View from Mount Royal

If you’ve ever wanted to see what Montréal looks like from up high, head to Mount Royal. This park, and the city’s namesake, just on the outskirts of downtown offers ample green space, walking trails, and, its crown jewel, the 233-meter Mount Royal Summit. From Olmsted Path, just below the top of summit, is where you can find the lookout that’ll give you sweeping, panoramic views of the city. Even when it’s cold, you can find something to do in the park, as it features cross country skiing trails, sledding areas, and snowshoeing trails. Summer is the perfect time to soak up some sun and picnic in the Glades.

Walk Down St-Paul Street in Old Montréal

Old Montréal has a lot going for it, and St-Paul Street is the place to go to see it all. Take in the charm of this neighbourhood with a walk down the city’s oldest cobblestone street, past the boutiques, pubs, and restaurants. Hop over to any of the connecting streets and get lost in Old Montréal. You can build your own adventure and pop in at one of the cozy pubs, or purchase a ticket for a guided walking tour complete with commentary and historical facts.

Stroll through the Jean-Talon Market

Arguably the most beloved in Montréal, the Jean-Talon is the city’s biggest public market and one of North America’s largest open air markets. Nestled in the heart of Little Italy, the Jean-Talon Market is home to vendors offering everything from made-to-order crepes and bagels to fresh produce and flowers. Stalls with speciality cheeses, fishmongers, and local ice cream are just some of the other options at this cool spot. Take the afternoon and peruse the market’s offerings, grab a few things for a picnic at the park, or buy some produce and cook up something for dinner.

Grub on a Bagel at St. Viateur Bagel

The bagel game is strong in Montréal, and almost any bagel shop here has the doughy stuff that can compete with NYC’s best. St. Viateur offers fresh, warm bagels from their wood oven around the clock; that’s right, this place is open 24 hours a day. Head to the Mile End neighbourhood and grab a fresh one, but be prepared to wait in line! Or, you can always walk around the block and head to Fairmount Bagels, its biggest competitor, and decide which one is your favorite.

Shop in Mile End

After you’ve gotten your bagel fix in Mile End, take some time to stroll through the artsy neighbourhood and do some shopping. Head to Général 54, a boutique shop offering women’s clothing, jewelry, and accessories, or check out Annex Vintage and see if you can find a retro gem in this thrift store. There’s also a great selection of independent bookstores, including Librairie Drawn & Quarterly and S.W. Welch Bookseller. Grab a latte at Arts Café and cruise around this trendy neighbourhood.

Sip on Wine at Parc Lafontaine

Bring a few picnic snacks, a bottle of wine and lounge all day at, arguably, the most beloved park in Montréal. Parc Lafontaine is located next door to Gay Village in the laid back neighbourhood of Le Plateau-Mont-Royal. On warm, summer days you’ll find locals hanging out on the grass or sitting beside the man-made lake and enjoying the sunshine.

These are just a few of the fun things to do in Montréal, but there are plenty more just waiting for you to discover them. First things first, though, find your apartment so you can free up some time for the fun stuff.

There’s no shortage of cool things to do in Vancouver, that’s for sure. We’ve compiled a list of 9 of them to help you decide what to do and where to go in this coastal city. From massive night markets to brewery tours, there’s always something to do here. So, without further ado, here are 9 cool things to do in Vancouver.

1. Sip on International Wines

Mark your calendar for the last weekend in February, when you’ll want to check out the Vancouver International Wine Festival. This event has been praised for being one of the best food and wine festivals in the world, and it’s right in your backyard. Every year, more than 150 wineries from the theme region are highlighted at the event. Grab your tickets early; they go fast!

2. Enjoy Stanley Park

Perhaps the crown jewel of Vancouver, Stanley Park is a place for all. It was the first park in the city, and continues to be the largest one, too. Check out the 400-hectare West Coast rainforest, ride the Stanley Park train, visit Canada’s largest aquarium, and explore the kilometers of walking, biking, and hiking trails throughout the park. Don’t forget to check out the famous Seawall and enjoy the view of the water.

3. Attend the Chinatown Festival

Every year, this two-day event takes over Chinatown and draws locals and visitors alike to the city streets. Enjoy live entertainment, walking tours of the neighbourhood, a talent show, carnival games, food vendors, and plenty of authentic Chinese food. Don’t miss next year’s Chinatown Festival!

4. Go on a Craft Brewery Tour

Vancouver is home to more than 20 craft breweries, and what better way to enjoy them than with a brewery tour? Canadian Craft Tours offers a $75 tour which includes a van shuttle to 4 different breweries. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to get a little workout in the process, try this self-guided bike tour of Vancouver breweries.  

5. Spend the Day on an Island

If you haven’t quite quenched your thirst yet, head to Granville Island Brewery on Granville Island. Their 10-beer flight of samples for just $18 should do the trick. Once you’ve had your share of brew, stroll over to the Granville Island Public Market, a local favorite for fresh produce and made-to-order food. The market boasts vendors selling hand-crafted artwork, more than 10 different restaurant options, cafes, and a few bars.

6. Eat Your Way Through Historic Gastown

Gastown has always been on the cutting edge, so it’s no surprise it’s become known for its trendy restaurants, cocktail lounges, and boutique shops. Meat & Bread, although its main menu items are sandwiches, is one of the trendier spots in Gastown. For something a little more refined, try the locally-sourced, farm-to-table menu at Wildebeest. Calabash serves up Caribbean cuisine with a side of live music. After dinner, head downstairs to the lounge and enjoy local hip-hop, reggae, and blues artists as they sing the night away.

7. Cool Off at Kitsilano Beach

Whether you’re taking a dip in the massive, saltwater pool or swimming in the English Bay, you’re bound to find some relief from the heat at Kitsilano Beach. Catch a panoramic view of Vancouver, soak up some Vitamin D, and hang out with friends at this ever-popular summer spot. You can usually catch food trucks around Kitsilano Beach, but there are always staples like The Boathouse or Local Kitsilano.

8. Get Cultured in Davie Village

Known as Vancouver’s gay neighbourhood, Davie Village is a historic and diverse place full of life. From gay-owned businesses to gay-friendly events, this hood has it all. You’ll notice that rainbow flags and colorful storefronts line Davie Street, and locals hit the restaurants here when they want anything from tacos to gyros, pho to cheeseburgers. Check out the spacious, outdoor patio at Fountainhead Pub or try the monster-sized Caesars at Score on Davie if you’re in the mood for drinks, and keep walking south on Davie Street if you want to hit up Yaletown.

9. Take Advantage of Two Night Markets

Vancouver locals are lucky enough to have not one, but two fun-filled night markets in their city. The Shipyards Night Market feature more than 35 different food trucks, a beer garden pouring local craft beer, artisan vendors, and live music every night until 10pm. Plus, it’s dog-friendly so you can bring your furry friend to this summertime event.

And then, there’s the Richmond Night Market, the largest night market in North America. This massive market is open every weekend from May to October and features a new theme each year. Come to the Richmond Night Market and indulge in local seafood, craft ice cream, and plenty of other foods from Vancouver restaurants’ stalls. Let the kids run around on the inflatable obstacle course, live music, dancing and martial arts performances from 7:30-10pm on the stage, and so much more. Dogs are also allowed here, so bring your pup on a leash and spend the evening strolling through North America’s largest night market.

Ready to take on the town? These cool things to do in Vancouver are just a few things that make this city such an incredible place to live. Don’t take it from us, though, find your perfect apartment and see for yourself.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, and there’s a reason it’s home to some 6 million people. With incredible food, culture, diversity, and sights to see, the capital of Ontario is a vivacious place to live; but, living in Toronto also comes with some challenges. Here are 7 pros and cons of moving to Toronto.

Pro: The Food!

Img: Yelp

Toronto is known for having some of the best international cuisine in Canada. Have a leisurely dim sum meal at Asian Legend in Chinatown, authentic pasta dishes at Carisma in Little Italy, or inventive comfort food at Pow Wow Cafe in Kensington Market. There’s not much you can’t grub on in Toronto, and you’ll quickly find there are so many options you’ll have a hard time trying them all!

Con: It Can Be Expensive

Toronto has the highest median rental prices in Canada, and that’s just one of the cost of living aspects that are on the steeper end in this city. Utilities can cost upwards of C$155 and transportation, food, and drinks are all a bit pricier than they would be in other Canadian cities. For example, an imported craft beer in Toronto will run you around C$8, a meal for one at a casual restaurant will cost around C$18, and a monthly transportation pass will be $145.

Pro: Booming Start Up Scene

On the bright side, Toronto is home to a thriving business and entrepreneurial scene. In fact, it recently passed up New York in CBRE Group Inc.’s annual survey to be named the #4 tech talent market in North America. Tech start-ups and big name companies are bringing thousands of jobs and talented employees to Toronto, so there’s plenty of job opportunity. With this thriving business scene, locals might be paying a pretty penny to live in the TO, but they certainly have the opportunity to earn enough to support their lifestyle.

Con: It’s a Bit Crowded…But That Might Change

Like any big city, Toronto has both a large resident and tourist population. Along with the booming tech scene, Toronto has always been a desirable place to live, which has consistently drawn new residents annually. You might be surprised though, to know that a study by the Fraser Institute found Toronto to be only the 19th most densely populated city in the world. In fact, it came in third for Canadian cities, following Vancouver and Montreal.

Pro: Incredible Neighbourhoods

From bohemian vibes to historic districts, there’s no shortage of lively neighbourhoods in Toronto. Check out the Yonge-Eglinton neighbourhood, where there’s always a coffee shop or new restaurant to try. If you’re looking for a place to live that’s close to work, this hood also offers one of the easiest commutes to downtown. Kensington Market area is as bohemian as it gets, and young residents and families alike come here to explore its eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. Its neighbour, Chinatown, is an energetic little neighbourhood that draws locals and visitors to its lively streets.

The Distillery District in Old Toronto is a national historic site and pedestrian-only walking area. It celebrates the culture and tradition of Toronto and offers art galleries, event venues, and eateries. The Annex is popular among students attending the University of Toronto, and its casual eateries and pubs add to its laid-back, youthful atmosphere.

Con: Very Hot Summers, Cold Winters

Summer temperatures reach, on average, around 35 degrees celsius, and the days are extremely humid. Hot and humid weather in a city can be a dealbreaker for many looking for the perfect place to move. On the plus side, though, Toronto has some great beaches you can head to on those hot, summer days. Woodbine Beach and Centre Island are great places to start. Toronto is also chilly in the winters and gets a fair amount of snow. However, its location on the shores of Lake Ontario keeps it mildly cooler in the summers and slightly warmer in the winter than other Canadian cities.

Pro: Multi-Cultural Diversity

The sheer number of languages spoken in Toronto–more than 140–is a testament to Toronto’s incredible diverse population. Residents flock from all over the globe to live in this business, cultural, and food mecca. In 2016, it was named by BBC Radio as the most diverse city in the world, citing that over 51 percent of its residents were born outside of Canada. It’s also home to more than 230 nationalities. This city is welcoming to anyone and everyone, and you’ll feel that way the moment you arrive.

Toronto, like many other cities, has its challenges, but it also has some major perks. Considering living in Toronto? Be sure to check out our apartments for rent and find one that works for you.