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!

Toronto Pride Parade 2024

 As we gathered along Yonge Street, anticipation buzzed in the air. The long wait only seemed to heighten the excitement. Finally, the distant roar of motorcycles signaled the parade’s approach. Just as the first riders came into view, the skies opened up and a brief, gentle rain began to fall.

It was as if the heavens themselves were heralding the parade’s arrival. The rain, however, was short-lived, and its timing felt almost symbolic—a nod to the hardships faced by the LGBTQ+ community and the resilience that has seen them through.

 A Day to Remember: Toronto Pride Parade 2024

This past Sunday, June 30th, the streets of Toronto came alive with vibrant colors, joyful music, and an overwhelming sense of unity and celebration. The annual Pride Parade, a staple of the city’s cultural calendar, once again took over Yonge Street, drawing thousands of participants and spectators alike. 

This year’s parade was not just a spectacle; it was a poignant reminder of the progress the movement has made and the challenges that still lie ahead.

The parade itself was nothing short of spectacular. It was bigger and better than anything I had ever seen before, touching the lives of everyone in attendance. The diversity and inclusivity on display were truly inspiring. There were contingents representing gay fathers, Seniors Pride, Two-Spirit people, HIV support groups, and organizations working to stop AIDS and end religious-based homophobia. 

There were also powerful messages of solidarity with the Iranian and Jewish LGBTQ+ communities.

Among the many highlights was the presence of Toronto’s Mayor, Olivia Chow, who proudly showed her support for Pride. Her participation underscored the city's commitment to embracing and celebrating diversity in all its forms.

For over two hours, the parade captivated us with its vibrant floats, energetic performances, and the palpable sense of community spirit. Although there was a brief delay
towards the end due to demonstrations, the police presence ensured that everything ran smoothly. Their efforts were greatly appreciated and allowed the celebration to continue without major disruption.

#Pride2024 #TorontoPride #LoveIsLove

17th Annual Woofstock!

 Woofstock Toronto: The Ultimate Pup Party You Didn’t Know You Needed

Woodbine Park, Toronto | woofstock.ca

Every early summer, Toronto goes to the dogs—literally—as Woofstock, North America’s largest dog festival, takes over Woodbine Park for a tail-wagging good time. Now in its 17th year, this is no ordinary dog walk in the park. It’s a full-blown canine carnival with fashion, fitness, fun, and fur!

And here’s the kicker: my husband and I don’t even own a dog. We're lifelong cat people! We are CAT people!😺 But the sheer buzz around Woofstock had us too curious to stay away. So we grabbed our cameras and curiosity and headed out to see what the bark was all about.

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Wait, Which Woodbine?

Let’s get this out of the way: Woodbine Park is not the same as Woodbine Beach. Trust me, my husband insisted otherwise, and we spent 30 minutes biking in the wrong direction before realizing it. Learn from us: Woofstock happens at Queen St. East & Northern Dancer Blvd, just across from the Beaches neighbourhood. 🙃

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A Pet-Lover’s Playground

By the time we arrived, the park was buzzing with activity. Tents were up, tails were wagging, and vendors had set up shop with everything your dog could ever want—and plenty you didn’t even know existed. Think gourmet treats, custom outfits, massage therapy, and pawdicures.

Big shoutout to Benny Bully’s—the Official Dog Treat of Woofstock—who landed in style (seriously, their tent looked like a spaceship). Their Bark 'n' Dash Lure Course was a huge hit, giving dogs the chance to run, chase, and sniff out treats like it was a barnyard-style Easter egg hunt.

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The Shows, The Fashion, The Silliness

Even without a ticket ($20/person, dog or no dog), we hung around just long enough to witness the beginning of some of the fun—and now I kind of regret not going in. Later in the day, visitors could enjoy:

• Mr. & Ms. Canine Canada Pageant

• Best Costume Contest

• Stupid Dog Trick Show

• Dog Yoga (Yes, Doga!)

• Races like Puppy Prowl, Running of the Pugs, Weiner Dash, Rescue Run, and Frenchie Flash

• Doggy Dating: Single Mingle Mixer by Toronto Dating Hub!

Not to mention the obstacle courses that had pups sniffing out hidden treats with the intensity of truffle hunters. Too cute.

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And for the Humans...

If your pup was living their best life, you wouldn’t be left out either. Food trucks were serving up mouthwatering eats, and for the 19+ crowd, the Woofstock Lounge was stocked with BarDog Wine, Tito’s Vodka, and Wooftinis. 

Mark Your Calendar for 2025!

So, was it worth the $20? In hindsight—absolutely. The experiences, photo ops, and entertainment make it a doggone good deal (even for cat lovers like us!).

👉 Next year, don’t just peek from outside the fence—join in the fun! Bring your dog, your camera, or just your sense of adventure. Heck, borrow a pooch for the day if you must. 🐕

📸 I snapped a few photos of the contestants strutting their stuff—stay tuned for those in my next post!

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💬 Have you been to Woofstock or another fun pet festival? I’d love to hear about your favourite pup-tastic memories or doggie meet-cutes. Drop them in the comments below or tag me in your fur-bulous moments!

www.woofstock.ca

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.