A Night at the Queerium (Ripley's Aquarium in Toronto)

 Was It Worth It? 

Recently, I finally made it out to The Queerium—(at the Ripley's Aquarium in Toronto), this was a venue I’d been hearing a lot of buzz about. As a straight female, I have always been someone who’s always supported the 2SLGBTQ+ community, so I was genuinely excited to check it out. 

I didn’t go in expecting Vegas-level glitz, but for the $76 ticket price, I did expect something beyond just access to the space.

And that’s the thing—it was literally just entry. No drink ticket. No food. No perks. Just... the use of the venue.

Still, I was determined to have fun. My friend decided to order a “Sugar Daddy” (adorable name, right?). But she asked them to skip the grape juice mixer, and they replaced it with three shots of gin - to fill the glass. Great, until we saw the bill: $40 for one drink. I wish I was kidding.  Don't worry she got a refund for the 2 additional shots :)

As for the show, the lineup was supposed to feature 3 or 4 drag acts. Only two queens performed: JUICE BOX and BOA. Their energy was decent, but their sets were short—about 15 minutes in total. They lip-synced to the usual Gaga go-tos, “Born This Way” and “Bad Romance,” which felt tired and a little too on the nose. The rest of the evening was filled by two male dancers, who gave it their all but were clearly exhausted after 2 hours of nonstop movement.

 

I really wanted to love it. I came open-minded and ready to celebrate drag culture. But I left feeling a bit let down. Maybe my expectations were too high, or maybe it’s just that the experience didn’t match the price tag or the promise.

That said, I’m curious—have you been to the Queerium or a similar venue recently? Was your experience different? Am I being too harsh, or did I just catch an off night?

Let me know in the comments. I’d really love to hear your take—especially if you’re part of the scene or a regular at these events.  Maybe there's more to the Queerium than I saw.

Blossoms & Serenity: A Walk Through Japan at Kariya Park

Tucked away in the western part of Toronto in the city of Mississauga, lies a hidden gem that transforms into a breathtaking slice of Japan every spring—Kariya Park.

As cherry blossom season arrives, Kariya Park bursts into delicate shades of soft pink and white, drawing in visitors from everywhere. After a long, grey winter, this is a sign that spring is finally in the air.  Suddenly people are smiling, it feels wonderful and this place is impossibly beautiful.  I am not totally antisocial, but there are there places where you would love to visit all by yourself.  Because there are so many people it's hard not to find that peace and serenity you would find if you were along here.  After awhile you start feeling like a tourist, but if you wait until the crowd disperses you can still catch a photo or two.  After all, this is a place to be enjoyed by everyone.

The park is named after Mississauga’s sister city in Japan, is a peaceful Japanese-style garden located at 3620 Kariya Drive. 

Despite being in the middle of a busy downtown, it feels completely removed from the mainstream. You enter through a modest gate and are immediately surrounded by traditional Japanese elements—stone lanterns, wooden bridges, koi ponds, and perfectly manicured bonsai trees.

But it's during cherry blossom season, typically in late April to early May, that the park becomes truly magical. 

The sakura trees, a gift from Kariya, Japan, bloom in full glory for just a few days, and during that time, the park becomes alive with joyful visitors. Couples pose under blossoms, families enjoy quiet picnics, and photographers scramble to capture that perfect petal-fall moment.

There's something universally uplifting about cherry blossoms. Maybe it’s the reminder that beauty is fleeting, or maybe it’s just how the petals flutter like confetti in the breeze. Whatever it is, you can feel a collective happiness in the air. Strangers smile at each other. Everyone slows down.

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Japan in cherry blossom season but haven’t made it yet—Kariya Park offers a little piece of that experience right here in Ontario.

Have you been to Kariya Park during cherry blossom season? What did you love most? Drop your thoughts or photos in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

 

Feel the Wind, Fill the Sky – Toronto Windfest 2025!

Feel the Wind, Fill the Sky – Toronto Windfest 2025!

 
Mark your calendars for March 2025 and get ready to let your imagination soar at Toronto Windfest—the annual celebration of all things kite! Whether you're a seasoned kite flier or just love watching the sky come alive with colour, this event is for you.

Join fellow kite lovers at Woodbine Beach Park, where the breeze off Lake Ontario sets the perfect stage for giant show kites, intricate designs, and high-flying fun. It's a spectacular sight as the sky fills with bold colours, wild shapes, and dancing tails.

All are welcome! Bring your own kite and join in the fun. While vending and kite-making workshops aren’t permitted on-site, the air is open to everyone—young or old, pro or beginner.

Location:
Woodbine Beach Park (between Coxwell and Woodbine Avenues)
Vehicle access from Lakeshore Blvd East, just east of Coxwell.
Free parking is available off Lakeshore at Northern Dancer Blvd.

Come be part of the magic—snap photos, meet fellow kite fliers, or just lay back and enjoy the breeze.
Let’s colour the sky together! 💨🌈

https://helpwevegotkids.com/toronto-gta/toronto/east-end/event/sports-outdoor/toronto-windfest/

 

Rediscovering Gardiner Museum: A Toronto Gem Not to Miss!!

Rediscovering the Gardiner Museum – A Toronto Gem You Shouldn't Miss
Toronto, Ontario | gardinermuseum.on.ca

Last week, my husband and I finally stepped inside a place we’ve passed by countless times but never visited until now—the Gardiner Museum. And wow, are we glad we did. What started as a casual outing turned into a deep and memorable journey through art, history, and the beauty of ceramics.

Nestled at the southeast corner of Queen’s Park and Bloor Street East, the Gardiner is one of the world’s few museums dedicated entirely to ceramic art—and it’s right here in the heart of Toronto.

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From Ancient Clay to Modern Masterpieces

We wandered through galleries that spanned centuries and continents—from ancient American pottery to European porcelain and bold modern ceramics. The European Porcelain Galleries were a standout, featuring delicate and powerful works from Meissen, Sèvres, and Royal Vienna—pieces that captured not just artistry but the politics and stories of their time.

The Modern and Contemporary Ceramics section added a splash of colour and creativity to our visit. Artists like Betty Woodman and Jun Kaneko truly redefine what clay can be.

And one of the most delightful surprises? Seeing Pablo Picasso’s ceramic works up close. Yes, Picasso! His playful, vibrant ceramic pieces show a whole new side to the legendary painter.

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A Museum That Feels Personal

Unlike larger institutions, the Gardiner offers a more intimate, relaxed experience. We explored at our own pace, without crowds, and had thoughtful chats with the friendly staff who were happy to share insights and stories behind the exhibits.

It’s not just a place to look at pretty things—it’s a living, breathing hub of creativity. The museum regularly hosts workshops, lectures, and family programs, making it a cultural space for all ages.

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Plan Your Visit

The Gardiner Museum is open and welcoming visitors, so if you’ve never been (or haven’t been in a while), now’s the perfect time. Visit gardinermuseum.on.ca to check hours, current exhibitions, and upcoming events.

Trust me—it’s the kind of place you leave feeling enriched, inspired, and maybe even a little surprised at how much you enjoyed it.

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 Have you visited the Gardiner Museum? Or do you have another hidden Toronto gem to recommend?

Share your thoughts and favourite art spots in the comments—I'd love to hear what places have surprised you!

The Indigenous Arts Festival 2024

    While looking for something to do in Toronto this weekend, I came upon the Indigenous Arts Festival 2024 -Celebrating Culture and Heritage Through Art and Film

On our bikes, we set out to Old Fort York where the grounds were splayed with an array of vibrant colours and rich culture of the Indigenous people.

This year brought together artists, performers, and communities from diverse indigenous backgrounds to celebrate and showcase their unique traditions and contemporary expressions.

The festival was held from June 14-16 from 12:00 - 5:00, on the grassland just north of "The Bentway" over the hill, located in the Garrison Common - in the heart of the city.  There were hundred of people dressed in beautiful garments, decorated with colourful feathers, beads and leathers.

The festival attracts thousands of visitors eager to immerse themselves in the beauty and depth of indigenous cultures, but it's the first time I've ever gone.

A Showcase of Artistic Excellence in the Artisan Market

As an artistic festival, you can expect to to see and hear an extensive array of artistic expressions, including traditional music, dance, visual arts, crafts, and storytelling. 

I loved the mesmerizing performances by indigenous dance groups showcasing their traditional dances passed down through generations, as well as contemporary dance pieces that fused traditional elements with modern influences.

Visual artists displayed their traditional artwork ranging from intricate beadwork and pottery to modern paintings and sculptures. 

Traditional Food and Drink at the Food market

Tents lined the main gally where you can find an array of diverse flavours, celebrating the rich tapestry of Turtle Island’s indigenous traditions. Traditional teas are found such as Sassafras, cedar and pine needle teas among some of choices.  There was a definite scent of maple syrup permeating in the air in the crowds.  While more commonly used as a sweetener, the sap of maple trees is consumed directly or boiled down into syrup. Drinking the sap directly is a traditional springtime practice among some tribes.

Documenting the Journey: A Cinematic Endeavor

There was signage as you entered the park letting you know that this year’s festival was being documented in a film project to share experiences of the event with a global audience. 

A team of filmmakers, led by renowned director Emily Johnson will capture the essence of the festival through a series of interviews, performance recordings, and behind-the-scenes footage.

After doing some research I learned the documentary, slated for release later this year, and will take an intimate look at the artists' creative processes, the significance of their works, and the communal spirit that underpins the festival. 

It aims to not only celebrate indigenous art but also to raise awareness about the importance of preserving these cultural practices for future generations.

Community and Cultural Exchange

The Indigenous Arts Festival 2024 offers a chance for a cultural exchange and dialogue for visitors to ask questions and witness their cultures sights and sounds. The "Chicken Dance' although sounded funny was actually a really sensual kind of movement performed by men.

Although I believe I should have asked permission to take photographs, they were kind and respectful and the entire feel of the afternoon was an exchenage of openness and a genuine sharing of traditions without any negative overtones.

I felt a deeper understanding and appreciation of indigenous cultures among a diverse audience when I left once I witnessed it for myself and it will leave a lasting impact on me.  As I left the festival, the sense of unity and cultural pride was palpable.  The festival highlighted the incredible talent within the indigenous communities but also emphasize the importance of cultural preservation and education.  

The importance of the Documentary

The documentation of the festival through film ensures that these moments will be cherished and remembered, inspiring future generations to engage with and honor their heritage.

I am looking forward to next year's events and hope they will include a more diverse representation of their art and culture.  

As the echoes of drums and songs linger, the Indigenous Arts Festival 2024 stands as a testament to the enduring strength and beauty of indigenous cultures worldwide.

Dreaming of Castle Days in Toronto? Casa Loma is a must see!

Casa Loma is open weekdays from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM), but even if you’re just passing by, the castle’s stunning exterior is fair game for photos any time of day. We’re planning a return visit soon to capture the magic inside—especially the richly detailed rooms that tell stories of grandeur and heartbreak.

Before you go, be sure to check their website—ongoing renovations over the next few months mean some sections may be temporarily closed.

Some of my favorite spots? The atmospheric wine cellar, the hauntingly beautiful empty swimming pool, and the majestic riding stables. I can't wait to revisit these hidden corners of the castle.

Casa Loma isn't just a backdrop—it's a bittersweet chapter in Toronto’s past. Built as a romantic gift by Sir Henry Pellatt for his wife, the castle’s tale ends in tragedy, as riches faded and dreams slipped away. It’s a place where beauty and history collide.

I especially love the wine cellar, the swimming pool and the riding stables so much looking forward to revisiting soon!  There is a tragic history of Sir Henry Pellatt and the gift of the castle to his wife and the riches to rags story.  

 

What are your favorite spots?  Write in the comments I would love to know! 

for a free quieter alternative, visit the Spadina House Museum just steps away!

P A T H - Toronto's Underground

 When the snow piles high and the wind blows cold, you can get yourself around in the underground of Toronto without ever coming up for air.

There's a whole world down here and its called the PATH.

The PATH led me to my first job downtown, my first attendance to a Convention and Trade show and to my first husband, but not necessarily in that order and not all in the same day!



The P A T H starts from Dundas Street from the north at the Eatons Centre (future plans are to continue north to College Street) to Queens Quay in the south (south of the Gardiner Expressway) and from Simcoe Street in the west to Yonge Street in the east.

You can check out any map of Toronto yourself to see that that is a pretty impressive underground trek, don't you think?

In order to follow the P A T H, each color represents a direction (Red-South; Orange-West; Blue-North; Yellow-East).

During the week, this underground world is saturated with hundreds of thousands of people commuting from the local transit systems (TTC) to the GO Stations (Metrolinx) at Union and to the VIA trains or the Toronto Coach Bus Terminal  at Bay Street, which can take them out of the city's core altogether.

Workers, shoppers, and tourists pack the P A T H more so during the week days.  On weekends, you may have a little more elbow room especially if you plan on taking pictures as the Office Towers close down except for the odd bored security person.

The P A T H links to some of the most visited tourist attractions in Toronto, like the Eaton's Centre, which brings in millions of holiday shoppers; Air Canada Centre, Ripley's Aquarium, Skydome (I still refuse to call it the Rogers Centre :) and of course the CN Tower.


Some of the major performing arts centre, like the Four Seasons Centre and Roy Thompson Hall are accessed on the path as well.  Although I do enjoy most movie soundtracks which apparently were inspired by classical composers, I don't enjoy most classical music unfortunately so don't go to Roy Thompson or others like it very much.




When I worked downtown, I loved the convenience of the  
P A T H as it took me to many hotels, some for business, others for pleasure.  I was in the Convention and Trade Show industry that hosted Toronto for international exhibitors.  This was of course before Free Trade, when Trade shows and Conventions were a very busy industry not only for for tourism (still are) but for the Custom House businesses.

Conventions are awesome for local economies obviously because when exhibitors come to your city, they often put money into hotels, spend lots in shops and restaurants and list goes on.



Today, the Metro Convention Centre hosts most of the Conventions in the city and has a hotel built directly beside called the InterContinental Toronto Centre Hotel.   Hotels like the Sheraton or the Royal York or Hilton, which once were the only game in town have lost out to that income on a private corporate level.

Sometimes in bigger shows though, there is always the much needed extra capacity for rooms for which they are necessary.

The bigger shows kept us up sometimes over 24 hours straight working on booth setups, and coordinating with Customs to bring shipments in for the show.  It was great fun.

Back to present day, the holidays dress up the main lobbies of many of these Corporate Towers, like the Royal Bank Plaza, The Toronto-Dominion Centre, First Canadian Place and the beautiful Exchange Tower.  It was a treat looking at them again.

Historical value? I didn't want to research too much on this underground world, but rather give credit to those who have by linking you to this site.

We came here just for fun for me to take pictures and share them as I love to do.  So here are some of what we saw today.