Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Sandeep Panesar
Canada's largest botanical garden to become Ontario's own winter wonderland
Ontario's holiday season is getting a festive glow-up as Canada's largest botanical garden transforms into a winter wonderland. Winter Wonders returns to Hendrie Park at Royal Botanical Gardens this month, allowing guests to stroll through dazzling light displays, enjoy festive music, and indulge in holiday treats. Beyond the thousands of twinkling lights and installations perfect for holiday photo ops, an on-site vendor market will help you check off those last-minute gift items, too.
Ontario town will shut down streets for a holiday festival and fireworks show
Festival of Lights in Bracebridge, Ontario, is kicking off its annual holiday attraction with quite the bang this year — no pun intended! The event transforms downtown Bracebridge into a festive escape, kicking off with a dazzling fireworks display and offering nightly programming leading up to the holiday season. Organized by The Town of Bracebridge and the Downtown Bracebridge Business Improvement Area (BIA), the Festival of Lights launches on Nov.
Popular Ontario bakery is making major changes and people aren't happy
A popular Ontario bakery, known for its South Asian inspired treats, just announced major menu changes, a decision that came as a rude awakening for many loyal customers and may mark the end of its long-standing through-the-door lines. Rashmi's Bakery, a 100% egg- and nut-free baked goods confection shop, took to Instagram on Oct. 28 to announce that it has discontinued all its gluten-free and vegan products.
Canada's Wonderland may be changing its name
It seems like Canada's Wonderland, the country's largest amusement park located right here in Ontario, may be going through a bit of an identity crisis. If online buzz is any indication, Six Flags is considering a name change for a handful of its theme parks, and Canada's Wonderland is among them.
A Toronto Islands ferry was just spotted in Turkey
A Toronto resident on vacation got a pleasant surprise some 8,200 kilometres from home when they spotted a Toronto Islands ferry casually docked at a shipyard on the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Turkey. How's that for a little taste of home away from home?
Ontario National Park extends campground closure as safety threat looms
Bruce Peninsula National Park has officially extended the closure of its Cyprus Lake Campground after ongoing black bear activity continues to threaten public safety. "The reopening of Cyprus Lake Campground at Bruce Peninsula National Park has been extended to Dec. 15," Fatima-Zohra Hamidi, a Public Relations and Communications Officer at Parks Canada, tells blogTO.
Toronto's Distillery Winter Village is getting a new themed bar and immersive Christmas experience
Toronto’s Distillery Winter Village is bringing a fresh batch of festive experiences to the city this year, adding even more holiday cheer on opening day. Among the biggest additions for 2026 are several new food spots, an elaborate Canadian-themed bar, and an immersive experience inspired by one of the most recognizable Christmas stories.
Here's everything new coming to the Distillery Winter Village in 2026
Toronto's Distillery Winter Village 2026 is bringing a fresh batch of festive experiences to the city this year, adding even more holiday cheer on opening day. Among the biggest additions for 2026 are several new food spots, an elaborate Canadian-themed bar and an immersive experience inspired by one of the most recognizable Christmas stories.
15 things to do in Toronto this weekend
Things to do this weekend include nightmarish Halloween attractions (obviously, it's Hallo-weekend), comedy shows to keep you laughing, and art attractions for you to enjoy. Nothing says Hallo-weekend in Toronto better than haunted happenings taking over the entire city. Attractions like Halloween Haunt and Martino Manor are set to welcome guests one last time this weekend as ongoing Halloween events wrap up for the season and make way for winter festivities ahead.
40 parties to check out in Toronto for Halloween 2026
Halloween parties in Toronto for the 2026 spooky season are shaping up to be some of the best the city has seen in a while. With fright night falling on a Saturday this year, Toronto residents have all the more reason to get out there and party hard! From rooftop raves to freaky fetes inside some of the hottest venues in town, this Halloween, there's literally something for everyone.
This 19th-century Ontario village will transform with over one million lights for the holidays
A 19th-century Ontario village will be illuminated by over one million twinkling lights this holiday season as the Alight at Night Festival returns to Upper Canada Village. Located in Morrisburg, Ont., Upper Canada Village was founded as part of a heritage preservation program and recreates the rural life of the 1800s. Each year, the Alight at Night Festival takes over the historic village, bedazzling it with lights and festive decor to transform it into a winter wonderland for visitors to enjoy.
Over 1 million lights will transform a 19th-century Ontario village this winter
A 19th-century Ontario village will be illuminated by over one million twinkling lights this holiday season as the Alight at Night Festival returns to Upper Canada Village. Located in Morrisburg, Ontario, Upper Canada Village was founded as part of a heritage preservation program and recreates the rural life of the 1800s.
Ontario mall announces major expansion with hotel and new businesses
Major changes are coming to White Oaks Mall in London, Ontario, thanks to recently announced plans to transform the shopping centre into a hub for hotels and entertainment alongside its existing portfolio of retail and dining options. Local leaders confirmed the changes at an on-site press conference last week, and also outlined plans for a new bus terminal that will take over the mall's southeast entrance.
A new holiday market inside an enchanted garden is coming to Ontario
Niagara-on-the-Lake, lauded as the “prettiest town in Ontario,” is gearing up for the holidays, and a brand-new Christmas market will only add to the festive ambiance this season. Vintage Hotels Christmas Market, a three-day holiday event presented by the luxury and boutique hotel chain, will usher in the Christmas season in the town known for vineyards and vintage charm.
Canada's Wonderland roller coaster faces uncertain future amid closure rumours
If online chatter is to be believed, Canada's Wonderland's iconic Wilde Beast ride could be bidding farewell to park guests at the end of the 2026 season. The park has been in the news recently after operations of two of its Big 3 roller coasters, Leviathan and Behemoth, were halted following a tragic accident at Six Flags Over Georgia earlier this month, and now even more ride rumours are sparking discussion.
Ontario city hosting free festival with massive fireworks display next month
The City of Brampton is preparing to welcome thousands of local residents to its annual Diwali Mela 2026, in honour of the South Asian festival that marks the triumph of good over evil and new beginnings. Now in its fourth year, Brampton's Diwali Mela will feature special performances showcasing regions from across India. Guests can expect classical dance performances, traditional folk entertainment, and even an opportunity to learn some of the community's most popular dance styles.
15 things to do in Toronto this week
Things to do in Toronto this week include parties to kick off Halloween weekend, plus trivia nights and comedy shows to entertain you all week long. The days leading up to Halloween won't be void of themed attractions to get you in the mood for the grand finale. This week, be sure to check out the iconic Halloween on Church 2026, Nightmare on Distillery for a little rooftop party action, or even a spooky walk through one of Toronto's most haunted theatres.
Legendary strip club rises from the ashes at new Toronto exhibit
A Toronto photographer is helping revive Zanzibar Tavern, one of the city's landmark adult entertainment destinations, through her extensive memorabilia collection, more than a year after a roaring three-alarm fire reduced parts of the building to rubble. Simone Andrea, a dancer, artist, and former employee of the iconic strip club, is showcasing keepsakes from the ill-fated business in her exhibit, titled HOMECLUB.
Ontario's 'prettiest town' is getting a new holiday market in enchanted garden
Niagara-on-the-Lake, lauded as the "prettiest town in Ontario," is gearing up for the holidays, and a brand-new Christmas market will only add to the festive ambiance this season. Vintage Hotels Christmas Market, a three-day holiday event presented by the luxury and boutique hotel chain, will usher in the Christmas season in the town known for vineyards and vintage charm.
Eerie haunted experience in Toronto takes you deep beneath the CN Tower
This Halloween, walking tour company Haunted Walk and the CN Tower are joining forces to give Toronto residents a rare opportunity to descend into the darkness of the legendary landmark with Haunted Walk: Beneath the Tower. "Most people visit the CN Tower to go up. We're taking them in the opposite direction," Jim Dean, Creative Director, Haunted Walk, tells blogTO.
A haunted doll and 13 restless spirits lurk inside this Ontario attraction
Diablo Manor, a historic Ontario estate in Spencerville, is the horrifying home of Scott McClelland, a horror expert, artist, character actor, and third-generation sideshow showman whose family history is steeped in all things strange and unusual. Each spooky season, it also becomes a hair-raising immersive attraction that you can visit.
Long-running Ontario festival postpones upcoming event and announces big changes
Sudbury, Ontario's longstanding annual Franco-Ontario music festival, Festival de La Nuit sur l'étang, is making major changes to its format and itinerary for 2027. Originally planned as a single-day indoor festival in March 2027, the event has been pushed to June, but with the delay, organizers have also announced a completely new format. "After more than five decades, we felt it was time to take the next step.
'Badly missed' Toronto vintage shop making a comeback after it was forced to close
Turns out it was definitely not the end of an era for a Toronto vintage shop forced to close its doors in October 2025 after a former zoning bylaw change no longer allowed it to operate at its iconic Dundas Street West location. Now, a year after the disappointing closure, Expo Vintage Clothing has taken to Instagram to tease the impending comeback of its outlet location. The caption simply reads, "SPRING 2027. MORE INFO SOON," with accompanying visuals confirming the reopening.
15 things to do in Toronto this weekend
Things to do in Toronto this weekend range from Halloween-themed haunted attractions to skating sessions and sporting events. With Halloween just around the corner, the city is brewing with all things spooky. So, if you're in the mood for something scary, happenings like Bloordale Ghost Walk and Ghosts of the Canadian National Exhibition are calling your name.
Toronto residents aren't surprised by sudden closure of entertainment hotspot
Ballroom Bowl, one of Toronto's popular entertainment hubs, appears to be in hot water, and netizens aren't necessarily surprised. A Reddit post revealed that the Yonge and Dundas location of the multi-level entertainment and bowling hotspot has been locked and sealed, with a Notice of Termination plastered on the front door.
Toronto art store being forced to close after over 40 years
A popular Toronto art store is preparing to take its final bow and needs the community's help clearing out its inventory. Daniel's Art Supplies, a mainstay in Toronto's Chinatown, has occupied its current location for the past 42 years but must vacate the space that has served thousands of local artists for decades by the end of October. "The landlord wants his property back," Daniel, the owner of the community staple, tells blogTO, confirming there was no chance to save the business.
An immersive light and music show will take over this historic building in Toronto
Celestia, an immersive light and music show that made waves with its debut in Denver this past summer, launches its Canadian run at Toronto’s Cathedral Church of St. James next month. “The Cathedral Church of St. James was a natural fit for Celestia because it is one of the city’s most historic landmarks. Its architecture, acoustics and history shape the content of the Toronto installation,” Alexis Bowles, executive producer of Celestia, tells us.
15 things to do in Toronto this week
Things to do in Toronto this week range from Halloween-themed events to comedy shows and everything in between. Toronto revellers can join the fun at Pre-Halloween Party Toronto 2026, take their pups for an eerie adventure through Distillery District with the Haunted Howling Walk, or indulge in dark, twisted thrills at Halloween Haunt 2026. If you would rather stay indoors, you can kick back and catch internationally acclaimed comedian Kyla Cobbler performing in town this week.
Historic Toronto landmark will host massive immersive light show next month
CELESTIA, an immersive light and music show that made waves with its debut in Denver this past summer, launches its Canadian run at Toronto's Cathedral Church of St. James next month. "The Cathedral Church of St. James was a natural fit for CELESTIA because it is one of the city's most historic landmarks. Its architecture, acoustics and history shape the content of the Toronto installation," Alexis Bowles, Executive Producer, CELESTIA, tells blogTO.
Canada's Wonderland says major rides will remain closed
Two of Canada's Wonderland's mammoth roller coasters, Leviathan and Behemoth, will remain closed indefinitely, according to an update from the park shared on Friday. The decision to halt operations on two of the park's biggest coasters came earlier this week after an incident involving Goliath, a coaster that reaches speeds of 112 kilometres per hour at Six Flags Over Georgia, resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries.
Toronto bulk foods store forced to close after 25 years in business
A Toronto staple is bidding farewell to the Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood after 25 years in business. Kenpik Fine Bulk Food, which opened its Mount Pleasant location in 2001, can no longer afford the rising operating costs amid the current economy. David, the shop's owner, tells blogTO that the business has "no choice but to close down." "Business is bad, and I don't make enough money to pay my rent.
Toronto's biggest free Halloween party will shut down major street this month
Toronto's eerily epic and wildly wicked Halloween on Church 2026 returns to the streets later this month, bringing road closures across six blocks and making for quite the ghoulish gridlock. The Church-Wellesley Village BIA is preparing to turn the city streets into a runway for sinister styles and alter egos that are otherwise your best-kept secrets. "We are incredibly excited about Halloween on Church 2026," Jaret Sereda, Executive Director of the Church-Wellesley Village BIA, tells blogTO.
15 things to do in Toronto this weekend
Things to do in Toronto this weekend include haunted walks around town, a vintage clothing market, and some seasonal activities to keep the fall spirits going. No one can argue that October is the perfect month for a walking tour of Toronto's most haunted village. You can join Ghosts of the Village at Black Creek for a 75-minute walking tour to explore the area and uncover some of its scariest stories.
Canada's Wonderland's biggest coasters shut down after fatal incident at other park
A fatal incident on a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia has forced Canada's Wonderland to close two of its most popular thrill rides. Both Leviathan and Behemoth are indefinitely closed following an incident aboard the Georgia-based Goliath that left one passenger dead and several others injured on Monday.
15 things to do in Toronto this week
Things to do in Toronto this week include outdoor fall festivals, vintage clothing markets, and comedy shows that'll keep you entertained. The fall season is welcoming a plethora of comedy shows to Toronto. This week, internationally acclaimed comedian Jimmy Carr takes over Scotiabank Arena for his Laughs Funny 2026 Tour. Comedy fans can also look forward to a performance by Leah Rudick at The Great Hall, along with more intimate shows at other local venues.
This Toronto design studio used to operate out of a U-Haul truck
What began as a philosophical question in a high school classroom has grown into a Toronto fashion brand, boutique, and cafe called La Maison by Beyond Space. Toronto designer and boutique owner Xavier King first developed the brand's concept as a student at Pickering High School. The idea dates back to around 2011, when an educator encouraged students to think about their futures and some of life's bigger questions.
This massive 10-acre Ontario corn maze is hiding a secret inside
You can literally get lost in the fall seasonal spirit with an Ontario corn maze-meets-escape room. Ontario's Buzzing Bees Adventure Farm boasts a sprawling 10-acre cornfield labyrinth, and the only way out is to crack the clues. The Ontario returns with its annual cornfield maze — roughly the size of 23 ice hockey rinks combined — which reveals a hidden storyline for guests to follow as they make their way to the other side.
Instagram account-turned-retailer closes after short stint in Toronto mall
Scarborough Spots, an Instagram account-turned-flagship store, is officially closing its doors at Eglinton Square Mall, just three years after welcoming its first customers to a unique retail space that felt just as much like an ode to Scarborough as a place to do some shopping. "Eglinton Square was in the same neighbourhood where my grandparents lived, and we were always there growing up.
Picturesque Ontario hotel expands with restored 173-year-old building
One of Ontario's most prestigious hotels, Elora Mill Hotel and Spa, is ready to unveil the latest addition to its historic luxury boutique property: The Walser Building, a 173-year-old edifice transformed into prime real estate and restored for premium hospitality.
Zellers is coming to another Ontario mall and here's what we know so far
Zellers’ return to the Canadian market is generating a lot of buzz, with new signs pointing to another impending opening at an Ontario mall. A recent renovation and rebranding project at Cambridge Centre has unveiled a red paint job on the exterior of the mall’s former Hudson’s Bay location, leaving shoppers guessing over what could soon take over the 131,500-square-foot vacant storefront.
Brooke Shields was astonished on first visit to Ontario side of Niagara Falls
Renowned actress Brooke Shields had high praise for Ontario's Niagara Falls on her first visit to the Canadian side of the tourist destination. The Pretty Baby (1978) legend, currently filming season two of the mystery thriller You're Killing Me (2026) in Ontario, took time to visit the province's biggest tourist attraction and vlog her experience for her 2.8 million Instagram followers.
Struggling Toronto bagel shop launches campaign to raise $40K and relocate
Lox + Schmear, the small-batch fish smokehouse and bagel shop located in Toronto's St. Clair West neighbourhood, has sent out a cry for financial help. Owner Lev Levine has launched a relocation and reopening campaign on GoFundMe to raise funds to move the restaurant to a new location in town. The fundraising page details the challenges the business has faced in recent months.
It looks like Zellers is taking over abandoned Hudson's Bay at another Ontario mall
Zellers' return to the Canadian market is generating a lot of buzz, with new signs pointing to another impending opening at an Ontario mall. A recent renovation and rebranding project at Cambridge Centre has unveiled a red paint job on the exterior of the mall's former Hudson's Bay location, leaving shoppers guessing over what could soon take over the 131,500-square-foot vacant storefront.
15 things to do in Toronto this Thanksgiving long weekend
Things to do in Toronto this Thanksgiving long weekend 2026 include comedy nights, Halloween-themed parties, and markets around town where you can shop from local vendors. Those looking to kick off the long weekend with some laughs are in for a treat, because there are a ton of comedy shows happening in Toronto. International comedian Danny Bhoy is set to entertain his fans in three back-to-back shows at Winter Garden Theatre.
The baguettes at this Toronto bakery were just named the best in the city
The best baguette in Toronto can be found at Goûter by RA according to U.S.-based French-language news publication French Morning, which brought its annual Best Croissant and Best Baguette competition to the city this past weekend. It was a tight competition, with the GTA's crème de la crème participating in the grand prix. The two-part competition, hosted at Ricarda's, included a taste-testing round where 500 tasters visited each participating bakery's station to sample their baguettes.
The croissants at this Toronto bakery were just named the best in the city
Toronto hosted a scrumptious competition this past weekend to crown the best croissants and baguettes in the Greater Toronto Area. The ballots have been counted, and Toronto's top croissant connoisseur has been crowned. Tangssant Viennoiserie swept the Grand Prix at the annual Best Croissant and Best Baguette competition for its flaky, melt-in-your-mouth viennoiserie.
Canada's Wonderland Halloween Haunt being bombed with negative reviews
You don't get to visit a theme park and live out a horror movie in the same trip every day, so when Canada's Wonderland's Halloween Haunt 2026 returned, parkgoers were amped up for this year's annual spooky-season experience. But by the sounds of it, Halloween Haunt 2026 has fallen short on the scares, and its devoted attendees are firing back with complaints and giving Canada's Wonderland a fright of their own.
15 things to do in Toronto this week
Things to do in Toronto this week include everything from concerts and comedy nights to Halloween events. South Korean boy band Monsta X will be in town this week, and Toronto is the group's only Canadian stop on the North American leg of its tour. So, if K-pop is your thing, be sure to check them out while you can. It will be a big week for comedy shows, too.
'Thriller'-themed Halloween dance party coming to Ontario this month
A Thriller-esque dance with the dead is just one of many Halloween-themed events bringing the spooky season to Ontario this year. Thriller Halloween Dance Party, an adults-only 19+ celebration, is coming to Vaughan, Ont., and it's promising a frightfully fun night. The event plans to offer all the classic fixings of a Halloween night out, but the main attraction goes beyond the costumes and dressed-up DJs spinning a sinister background score.
Ontario park just got a brand new elevated boardwalk trail
Looking for an Ontario park with a boardwalk trail winding through lush fall foliage? Your search can end at Crawford Lake Conservation Area. Situated on rare meromictic (meaning it's made up of two different layers of water that never mix) Crawford Lake, the 232-hectare park just reopened its 1.6-kilometre-long, elevated boardwalk trail that wraps around the body of water.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Sandeep
Contact Sandeep, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack