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Fall activities in Toronto and West GTA

Amazing Fall Family Activities To Enjoy In Toronto and West GTA

Oct 30, 2023 | Lifestyle

Can anything compare with autumn in Toronto or anywhere in the West GTA? The sweltering heat of summer is behind us, and fun and festivity are in the air!

With festivals, light shows, special exhibits, and a world of beautiful scenery just outside your door, it’s easy to pack your calendar with non-stop fun from now right through until the snow begins to fall. Tis the season for happily traipsing through nature’s breathtaking display of colours, picking out the perfect pumpkin, or even brainstorming some fall-inspired ideas for your home decor. The list of exciting things to do is endless. In this post, we’ll highlight just a few activities we are sure your whole family will love!

Toronto

Explore the Fall Colours at High Park 

No one puts on a fabulous display quite like Mother Nature, and Toronto is full of scenic wonders! Come experience some of the best scenery the city has to offer along the trails of High Park. Prepare to be awe-stricken by the splash of red, orange, and yellow as you make your way along the paths near Grenadier Pond while listening to the sound of crisp leaves crunching under your feet.

Visit Casa Loma

What does autumn mean for you? If it means screaming in fright, you will love the Legends of Horror tour. If it means music and relaxation, then you will find the perfect garden symphony to soothe your soul. Got a flair for a good ol’ fashioned murder mystery? The Murdoch Mysteries escape adventure gives you the chance to solve the crime. You’ll find all these experiences and more to keep you and your family spellbound at the incredible exhibits of Casa Loma.

Take a Ghost Tour

Did you know that the Distillery District is haunted? You and any stalwart family members can come to investigate the supernatural happenings for yourself – if you’re brave enough to face the ghosts! If not, come during the day for a fun afternoon of shopping, dining, and exploring the sights of one of Toronto’s most engaging neighbourhoods. The autumn weather is perfect for an all-day adventure of sightseeing!

Enjoy a Harbourfront Tour

Imagine the view of the stunning Toronto Islands as you cruise by, warm and cozy, on a guided boat tour. Though open all year long, this is a relaxing and unique way to enjoy the fall colours and hear the fascinating stories behind some of Toronto’s legendary landmarks.

Immerse Yourself in Night of Lights

Featuring over 2 million LED and RBG lights flashing to your favourite spooky tunes, this Halloween walk-through adventure is one that you will look forward to each year. The fun continues when you come to the end of the trail, where a fall fair awaits you at Pumpkinville. The event runs for two months, ending on October 31, allowing the witches, ghouls, and goblins to rest up for the following year.

Visit the One-of-a-Kind Winter Show

When the spookiness ends, the magic of the holidays begins! For many of us, that means searching for the perfect gift items for loved ones. If you want to see their eyes light up with wonder, browse the browse hundreds of unique, artisanal offerings at the One-of-a-Kind Winter Show. Highly skilled craft makers all over Canada will be showcasing their beautiful hand-crafted items from November 23 to December 3, 2023.

Curious about Toronto? Learn more about all this great city has to offer in our community guides right here.

Mississauga

Enjoy an Afternoon High Tea

There’s nothing like good food and great company to warm your spirits as the fall chill sets in. What better way to enjoy both than an afternoon of high tea at the Tea Room, Tea One Bakery and Cafe, or one of the many other cozy hideaways in Mississauga? Finger-sized sandwiches, delicious baked treats, and steaming hot beverages provide the perfect backdrop for lively conversation and bonding with friends. 

Indulge Your Tastebuds

In Mississauga, the flavours of fall are everywhere! Yes, you will find pumpkin spice in ample supply, but that’s not all. It’s the perfect time to visit an apple orchard or farmer’s market, where you’ll find a delicious array of treats and hearty pre-cooked meals. Plus, a bounty of fall crops awaits, including succulent squash, turnips, and more. This time of year, your favourite comfort foods become a feast for your eyes as much as for your tastebuds! The Erin Mills and Lions Farmer’s Markets may become your new favourite fall hangouts. 

Experience the Magic of Illumi

Illumi is quickly becoming one of Mississauga’s favourite attractions. With a majestic tree of lights at the entrance that is visible for miles around, it’s easy to see why. Once you enter, a series of nocturnal shimmering worlds await. Come see and hear the roaring dinosaurs at the Jurassic Encounter, experience the world of nature as never before at the Colourful Animal Kingdom, and laugh and run at a Kid’s Paradise. 

Visit One of Our Many Parks and Trails

Mississauga may be a bustling city, but it is also home to many beautiful parks and nature getaways to rejuvenate you in mind and spirit. In autumn, these green spaces are even more breathtaking as the fall colours burst forth. Whether strolling along the scenic waterfront, exploring the wonders of the Meadowvale Conservation Area, or taking in the magical views from the bridges of Kariya Park, your family is in for a world of outdoor adventure this fall.

Want to know even more about life in Mississauga? You can read all of our community guides right here

Oakville

Hike the 16-Mile Creek Trail

With its enviable location near the Niagara Escarpment, Oakville is full of natural beauty and scenic parks and trails. The 16-Mile Creek Trail is a must-visit, especially during the fall season. It travels through central Oakville, starting from Oakville Harbour straight through to Lions Valley Park. Along the way, you’ll encounter mature forests full of the dazzling colours of the season, picturesque valleys, and stunning creekside views. As a moderate to easy path, this is a great way to enjoy a sunny fall day with your entire family.

Visit Bronte Creek Provincial Park

Want to explore nature and catch a glimpse of local wildlife? Bronte Creek Provincial Park is a local gem, with scenic hiking and cycling trails and enchanting bridges over the sparkling creek. There’s even a play barn, where children under 10 can run, climb, and even visit the farm animals. What a perfect way to spend a brisk yet sunny autumn afternoon!

Explore Civitan Farmer’s Market:

Oakville’s longest-running farmer’s market welcomes you! Open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. until November 25, the market showcases the best offerings from local farmers, bakeries, gourmet food shops, and restaurants. Nothing says fall like food and festivity, and the Civitan Farmer’s Market is one place where you will find plenty of both. 

Attend the Oakville Vocal Arts Festival

In 2015, a group of music teachers began the Oakville Vocal Arts Festival, a celebration of music rather than a competition. This year’s event takes place from November 13 to November 25, with classes in vocal instruction, popular music, and musical theatre. Whether there’s a budding performer in your family or you just want to sit back and enjoy the beat, this is a great way to support the up-and-coming stars of tomorrow!

Support the Oakville Fall Gala

On November 11, 2023, the Oakville Fall Gala will feature a grand buffet dinner, live music, and dancing. It’s a great way to enjoy a night out in the fall while supporting the community and a variety of good causes. All proceeds will help to fund the Oakville Community Association and our local legions.

Is Oakville the right place for your family? Find out in our community guides right here.

Burlington

Pick the Perfect Pumpkin

Whether you want to carve a funny face, enjoy some toasty seeds, or bake a delicious pie from scratch, you need just the right pumpkin for the job. Why not make a fun day of it? Plenty of local farms in and near Burlington offer plenty of options in all sizes and shapes. You will also find a bounty of other fall favourites, like locally grown garlic, delectable root vegetables, and crisp apples. Hutchinson Farm, Springridge Farm, and Hanes Corn Maze & Tiny Shop Bakery are just a few favourite fall destinations.  

Explore the RBG

There is always something blooming at the Royal Botanical Gardens! With an incredibly diverse range of plants, flowers, and foliage, it’s hard to find a better place to watch the fall colours change. Hearty, late-blooming roses, colourful perennials, and stunning trails and indoor gardens will warm your spirit on even the coldest day. 

Prepare for Santa’s Arrival

Santa Clause is coming to Burlington! This year’s long-awaited Santa Clause Parade takes place on December 3, 2023 and features a joyful parade, lively music, and of course, a visit from the jolly man in red himself! The parade begins at 2 p.m. at the intersection of Guelph Line and Prospect Street. From there, the festivities continue downtown to New Street to Martha Street, then from James Street to Brant Street before concluding on Brant Street at Elgin Street. This exciting event is sure to fill you with the festive spirit. What a spectacular way to wind down the fall season and head into the holidays with our loved ones.

Want to discover more about the best of Burlington? You can find all of our community guides right here.


Do you want to know more about living in the West GTA? The Tanya Crepulja Team would love to help you find a perfect place to put down roots. Contact us today at tanya@tcteam.ca or call 647-293-3785 with any questions.

 

 

How to Make Your Home Selling Resolutions a Reality in 2022

How to Make Your Home Selling Resolutions a Reality in 2022

Jan 24, 2022 | Sellers

If you decided to forego the traditional “New Year, New Me” resolutions for 2022 and have swapped green smoothies and gym memberships for the more aspirational goal of making real estate moves, you aren’t alone. 

Countless Canadians are making plans right now to level up their real estate footprint for the new year. Whether it means entering the market for the first time, moving up, or finally selling your family home in favour of a more manageable, cost-effective property, there are numerous ways to build wealth, improve your living situation, and achieve your real estate goals in 2022. 

Let’s take a closer look: 

Now is a Great Time to Sell Your Home and Move Up 

We are currently in one of the most competitive Seller’s Markets in recent history. What does this mean for you? With home inventory at record lows, it’s driving the prices up higher and higher. 

For Sellers, this means they can command higher prices for their home. And, in most cases, properties are going into multiple offer situations. The result is higher sale prices and faster transactions. 

However, many Sellers are wondering what to do once their house is sold? In such a competitive market, it’s harder to purchase a house than it is to sell one. 

So we recommend working with an experienced real estate professional who knows the market and has access to exclusive or off-market listings to keep you ahead of the game in your search for a home if your goal is to move up this year.


Looking for more selling advice? Read some of our related blogs for everything you need to know about selling your home:


If You’re Looking to Cash in On Your Investments

Real estate investing is one of the safest and most effective long-term investment strategies. It’s an excellent way to build generational wealth, create passive income, and enjoy some of the perks of being your own boss. 

However, for many investors, the appeal of being a landlord and maintaining an investment property might lose its shine eventually. Either that or the investment has served its purpose, for example, if you buy a condo with the intention of letting your children rent it while in University, and now they have graduated. 

If you are already feeling like the appeal of managing an investment property is waning, it might be time to cash in on your investment. The good news is that selling an investment property almost always results in a net profit. 

Another good reason to sell your investment property would be if you are close to retirement and you want to capitalize on the property’s current high value now if you or your trusted real estate advisor suspects the market might change soon. 


Real estate investing is one of the best ways to build generational wealth. We’re huge advocates for a well-balanced investment portfolio! Take a look at some of our investment blog posts here:


If You Want to Downsize

Have you noticed a theme yet? Selling real estate in 2022 is a great idea. The demand is here and Buyers are jumping at the opportunity to invest. However, one of the most sought-after type of home in the market right now is the single-family home. Luckily, there is an entire generation of homeowners who are currently in the process of downsizing their lives and looking to sell these family homes. 

When you reach a certain age and your kids are out of the house, a large 3-4 bedroom home can feel too big to manage. Maintenance, cleaning, property taxes, it all starts to add up. And if you’re planning for retirement, you might want to consider a more cost-effective living situation. 

Many retirees choose to sell their family home in favour of a condo, bungalow, retirement living, or even choosing to live in a secondary suite attached to their grown children’s home. 

It’s a solid strategy that can save money, help pad your retirement savings fund, and also improve your overall quality of life. It’s also a great time to sell because of the lack of single-family homes on the market means that Buyers are lining up to make offers on these types of properties.

 

High ROI Home Improvements You Can Make

Have you ever heard the adage, “you have to spend money to make money.”? Well, that’s true when it comes to making home improvements. In fact, that are numerous high-end home improvements you can make this year in preparation for selling your home later in the year or even in 2023. (Although, I would caution Sellers on waiting too long to sell their homes! It’s best to strike when the iron is hot!)

For example, some of the best ROI home improvements you can make include: 

  • Adding a secondary suite or basement suite to your home if it allows (there are a lot of regulations regarding this improvement, and it can be quite costly, but the return on investment is usually worth it!)
  • Replacing flooring with a luxurious material such as engineered hardwood. 
  • Completing minor kitchen and bathroom renovations such as adding stone countertops, high-quality appliances, and spa-inspired bathroom features. 
  • Giving the home a fresh coat of paint throughout. 
  • Making energy-efficient improvements to the heating, cooling, and plumbing systems. 

 

Interested in learning more about high-return improvements you can make to your home? Read our blog about it right here.

 

Bear in mind that many of these projects require the help of a contractor or handyman, and it’s important to consider the time and material costs involved if you are planning to make home improvements before selling. 

Whether you are planning to upsize, downsize, or cash in on some of your investments this year, it’s a great time for Sellers in the Toronto market.

6 Home Luxury Design Trends to Try Right Now

6 Luxury Home Design Trends to Try Right Now

Jun 3, 2021 | Lifestyle

Could your home use a high-end refresh? Whether you live in a lavish mansion or a far more modest living space, a luxurious makeover could be just what you need. Fortunately, new luxury design trends are popping up all the time—it’s just a matter of finding the one that works for your home.

Here are six luxury home design trends to check out right now…

1) Organic or Neutral Interiors

Design that embraces simplicity and elements of the outdoors can have a positive impact on your mood. To create a relaxing, neutral look, consider natural woods and unfinished stone.

The sense of unity created by these finishes can look especially stunning when punctuated by industrial metals. Add to the aesthetic with furniture featuring curves inspired by nature. Lastly, white or pale monochromatic walls create the perfect backdrop for the perfect neutral interior.

2) Seamless-Edge Pools

There’s no denying that the pandemic encouraged many homeowners to make the most of their backyards. In many cases, that’s meant installing a pool—one that has an upscale feel. By opting for seamless edges, you can create a sleek look that almost makes it seem like the concrete or stone around the pool and the water are level.

Of course, a place to swim isn’t the only way to connote backyard luxury. From meticulous landscaping to outdoor kitchens (think smokers, food preparation space, sinks, and more), there are many steps you can take to beautify your outdoor space!

3) Matte Black Window Frames

Many homeowners are intimidated by black. You shouldn’t be. Not only does this bold hue have a contemporary feel, it also pairs well with a wide variety of other colours and home styles.

You can make a statement without going overboard by opting for black window frames. They provide just a little hint of drama to add to the visual interest of your home. For the ultimate in sophistication, choose a matte finish that will complement the intensity of your colour choice.

4) Comfort & Practicality

We’ve all been spending a lot more time at home lately, and it’s made us see the value in a comfortable living space. High-concept living rooms and chairs you can only sit in for a few minutes at a time are out.

Say hello to plush furniture, fluffy bedding, and reusing pieces you’ve had (and loved) forever. When it comes to art and decor, mass-produced items don’t often provide the joy that local, one-of-a-kind ones do.

5) Statement Home Office

With more employees working from home than ever before, home offices have become a necessity for many. One thing that’s become clear is the need for comfortable, highly functional spaces that feel separate from the rest of the home. Enter the statement office. By combining smart technology with plenty of visual interest (notice we didn’t say “distractions”), you can make the workday more enjoyable.

Calming colours (such as light blue) are popular options for paint, while mixing different fabrics and textures (for your rug, drapes, and throw blanket) can give your space a fun feel. It’s okay to create a little gallery for the things you love—whether they’re books, plants, knick-knacks, or family photos.

6) Curved Doorways

Depending on the architecture of the rest of your home, you may find that curved doorways add a touch of elegance to your rooms. They’ve made a comeback, and it’s not surprising. Curved lines have long been considered beautiful, and they can make a room feel less formal and stodgy.

If you’re planning some remodelling work or a full-scale renovation job, you can expect a brand new look. Of course, it’s not always the right time for a complete home makeover. Fortunately, you can add a touch of luxury with as little as some silk pillows or a cashmere blanket. The possibilities are endless!

Interested in talking about real estate? We’re here to help. Get in touch to take the first step!