Dog friendly bars in Toronto

Dog friendly bars in Toronto

Toronto has a lot of things going for it as a place to live, but one of the things that is a source of constant heartache is just how not dog friendly it is! Sure, there are plenty of restaurants where you can clip your pup to the patio railing and they can look at...
The best of Toronto

The best of Toronto

Now that I’ve been living in Toronto for a while, people ask me for recommendations all the time. Here are my favorite spots in Toronto: Art Museum: Ryerson Imaging Center The exhibitions here are always fantastic. Not only are they well curated, but...
Do you love where you live?

Do you love where you live?

You want to know what it’s really like to live in a city, but hardly anyone has lived in enough places to compare. I’ll be providing information you can’t get anywhere else — what it’s really like to live in Toronto, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Boston, Chicago, Kingston, Raleigh, and other places I’ve gotten to (temporarily) call home.

The story of Toronto’s St. James Town

The story of Toronto’s St. James Town

When we first moved to Toronto, I quickly became fascinated by St. James Town. While most of Toronto’s highrises are brand new, these ones hailed from an earlier age. Clearly one that didn’t catch on. The low prices and easy subway access were pretty tempting, but...
Buying a condo in Canada

Buying a condo in Canada

You hear it all the time: Toronto is way too expensive to buy anything! In fact, houses downtown are over a million dollars! What’s wrong with this statement? The idea that you need to live in a house right downtown. No one talks about buying houses in Manhattan or...
Renting an apartment in Toronto

Renting an apartment in Toronto

You’re finally moving up! Here’s how to find your new home in Toronto, from where to look for listings to what to expect in your lease. If you’re coming from a small town, renting in Toronto is probably going to seem really unpleasant. If you’re coming...
Setting up your apartment in Canada

Setting up your apartment in Canada

Once you’ve signed a lease or bought a condo, it’s time to turn your empty place into a home. Before you move in, you’ll need light, heat, water, internet, and furniture.   How to move to Canada Utilities Insurance Furnishings Utilities Unless you’re okay with...
Toronto neighborhood guide

Toronto neighborhood guide

Neighborhoods of Toronto The neighborhood you live in has a huge impact on how you experience the city. Before you rent your first apartment or buy a condo, you want to make sure you’re choosing a place that fits with your lifestyle. Toronto is a big city with...
The toxic history of Niagara Falls, NY

The toxic history of Niagara Falls, NY

Niagara Falls has millions of visitors every year, yet the cities it connects are full of poverty, crime, and desperation. Most people want to hear about the falls themselves, death defying adventures and amazing engineering. Or they want to know the best spot to eat...
The layover: 8 hours in Toronto

The layover: 8 hours in Toronto

The shiny new Union-Pearson Express will get you from Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Union Station in 30 minutes. Take this time to charge your phones and get in a quick catnap. You’ve already seen your first Toronto landmark: Union Station. Look across the street and...
How to experience Toronto like a local

How to experience Toronto like a local

First, it’s pronounced Turrono. Or something like that. Things you have to do while in Toronto Go shopping for vinyl, VHS tapes, and cassettes Toronto really is ten years behind. Eat poutine and be super judgemental Is it better than Montreal? Which local place...