Toronto’s testing something weird on its streets this spring

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Good afternoon. The cherry blossoms are blooming, the Leafs are (still) in the playoffs, and robots are delivering your takeout. If that’s not peak spring in Toronto, we don’t know what is.

Let’s get to it!

THE DIGEST

​🌸 Cherry Blossoms Beyond High Park​: Toronto's cherry blossom season isn't limited to High Park. Click here to get our full Toronto Cherry Blossom Viewing Guide

✈️ YYZ > LGA: Porter Airlines has launched a new route connecting Toronto Pearson International Airport to New York's LaGuardia Airport, with up to three daily roundtrip flights.

​🏒 Leafs vs. Panthers - Round 2​: The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to face the Florida Panthers in the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, with Game 1 taking place on Monday, May 5 at Scotiabank Arena. Get the full schedule here.

🚚 Driverless Delivery Vehicles Hit Toronto: Toronto is set to see driverless delivery vehicles on its streets this spring, as part of a provincial pilot program. These autonomous vehicles aim to enhance delivery efficiency and reduce traffic congestion in the city.

​🌼 Toronto Braces for Allergy Spike​: Toronto is expected to face an intense allergy season this spring, as rising temperatures lead to a significant increase in allergenic pollen. Stock up on Claritin here.

🏬​ Toronto Hotel Rates Now Canada's Highest​: Toronto has surpassed Vancouver as Canada's most expensive major hotel market, with an average nightly rate of $242.30 compared to Vancouver's $216.26.

🚍 "29 Sufferin": Toronto is considering implementing priority bus lanes along a 7.1-kilometre stretch of Dufferin Street, from Eglinton Avenue West to King Street West. The proposed lanes aim to enhance service for over 40,000 daily riders of the 29 and 929 bus routes.

TORONTO THEN AND NOW:
Toronto Normal School

The Toronto Normal School, established in 1847 by Egerton Ryerson, was Ontario's first teacher training institution, located at Church and Gould streets in Toronto. After serving various educational purposes and wartime functions, the building was largely demolished by 1963, with only its façade preserved within the Kerr Hall quadrangle.

THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO: THE ‘INSIDER’ SCOOP

Cherry Blossom Season at Colborne Lodge - Celebrate Cherry Blossom season at Colborne Lodge with historical exhibits. April 23, 2025 – May 11, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Wednesday to Sunday).
Location: 11 Colborne Lodge Dr

Mother’s Day Chocolate Express - Treat Mom to a decadent journey aboard the Mother’s Day Chocolate Express, a guided tasting of premium dark chocolate inside a vintage train car at the Toronto Railway Museum, complete with expert stories, a take-home kit, and unforgettable historic charm. Saturday May 10 | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: Toronto Railway Museum, 255 Bremner Blvd

Mother’s Day Food Tour - Celebrate Mother’s Day with a guided culinary adventure through Toronto’s vibrant Kensington Market, where you and Mom will share delicious bites, explore diverse flavours, and create tasty memories together.
Saturday May 10 | 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Kensington Market, 30 St Andrew St

Old Chinatown Walking Tour - Discover the untold stories of Toronto’s Chinese community on the Old Chinatown Walking Tour, a guided walk led by Mackenzie House staff that explores early settlement, resilience, and the impact of historic policies during Asian Heritage Month. Saturday May 10 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Start Location: Southeast corner of Yonge & Adelaide (1 Adelaide St E)
End Location: Elizabeth and Dundas Streets

Art Celebration at Gladstone House - Join Gladstone House for It Starts with a Photograph, a CONTACT Photography Festival exhibition showcasing experimental works by contemporary artists, plus an open studio visit with resident creators. Wednesday May 7 | 5:48 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: The Gladstone House, 1214 Queen St W

Fleurs de Villes Spring: Bloor-Yorkville - Wander through Bloor-Yorkville’s most vibrant spring celebration as Fleurs de Villes transforms the neighbourhood into a living floral gallery, featuring 30 breathtaking installations, live music, a flower market, and countless photo-worthy moments. May 7 – May 11 | Self-guided, open all day
Location: Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood, 115 Cumberland St

​Bar Raval Named Canada's Best Bar​ - Toronto's Bar Raval has been named the best bar in Canada for 2025 by Canada's 100 Best. The Spanish-inspired tapas and cocktail bar is located in Little Italy. Check it out if you can!

RECOS: Things you will love

🚴‍♂️ Biking: These bike lights will keep you safe on the road
🌆 Toronto: Want to see what Toronto used to look like?
☕️ Coffee: Le Creuset Expresso Mugs
🐶 Pets: What do you pets do when you’re not home?

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VIDEO OF THE WEEK

The Beard Building: Toronto’s first skyscraper…and a huge mistake

Here is the link: Click here to watch

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