Things to Do in North York

Founded by William Ho, a Goodwill Ambassador for One Heart Beat and a longtime instructor at the Royal Ontario Museum, The One Gallery strives to expose Canadians to the appreciation and practice of international art. The business has dispensed art rentals and sales for private and corporate use and film productions, and instructed apprentices in private or group courses since first opening its doors in June of 2010. William Ho's paintings and sculptures have adorned museums, galleries, the United Nations, and Parliament Hill of Canada. On select Friday and Saturday night at Meeting the Master: Renaissance at The One, spectators can witness Ho conjure a stirring landscape or stick-figure version of the Venus de Milo before their very eyes.

Ben Navaee Gallery is dedicated to two causes: first, to present and promote local Canadian artists in its gallery space, and second, to raise funds and awareness for philanthropic causes related to poverty, homelessness, and natural disasters. With classes, the gallery aims to educate its visitors, helping them learn about the work of a new artist or teaching them how to paint a heartfelt message onto that artist's car. During each calming session, students leave outside stress behind as they unlock hidden artistic talents with the help of gentle, encouraging instruction. This nurturing environment is an extension of Ben Navaee himself; a veteran painter, sculptor, and photographer, Ben has spent the last 25 years helping students better their lives through art, as well as yoga and meditation.

Alison Broverman of the National Post reported that "sewing machine phobia melts away" in The Make Den's studio. There, in a space resembling a 1950s kitchen, founder and Ryerson University grad Irene Stickney interweaves sound sewing principles and time-saving tricks into her workshops. Subjects range from an initial, embroidered letter of introduction to sewing techniques to bunting workshops and the otherworldly style of Lady Gaga. Several of the Den's instructors can also be seen gliding through the streets of the city in their own outrageous, hand-sewn matching creations as members of the Deadly Nightshades fashion-and-cycling posse.

Lovingly re-created to emulate the riverboats that paddled along Lake Ontario in years past, Jubilee Queen Cruise Lines' eponymous ship first wet its hull in 1986. More than two decades' worth of rays have since bathed the sweeping sun deck, which sits above a dining room lined with linen-covered tables. In the galley, the Queen's chefs whip up dishes suitable for any event, from full-course meals to buffets peppered with international cuisine, all of which are prepared fresh in a fully equipped kitchen onboard. In the heated cabin, two fully stocked bars keep guests' sea legs limber as they dance to the tunes of a live DJ amid views of the Toronto skyline and the distant shadow of the lighthouse haunted by the spirits of burnt-out bulbs.

At Pro Dojos, certified martial-arts experts lead students of all ages and skill levels through a variety of pugilistic disciplines. Each location is independently owned, so the martial-arts styles may vary, but many offer karate, tae kwon do, kick-boxing, aikido, and jujitsu classes. The instructors elucidate the noble combat arts to kiddos as young as 4 years old, helping them build strength and motor skills while instilling the values of self-confidence. Teen classes focus on honing discipline and treating yourself and others with respect, and adult classes reinforce cardiovascular conditioning, strength, balance, and coordination. The instructors also lead classes for the whole family, allowing them to bond as a unit, which could possibly lead to starring in a hit sitcom about a crime-fighting family who takes down comical villains in their idyllic suburban neighborhood.

Green Choice Moto fuses the thrill of riding sleek motorized bikes and scooters with the consciousness of environmental management through its fleet of eco-friendly light electric vehicles. Streamlined electric scooters await purchase or rental, ready to swiftly dispatch errands or tour the city without leaving behind polluting clouds of exhaust or trails of fusion-produced wormholes. The shop's analog bicycles zip along thoroughfares thanks to old-fashioned human muscle, and their e-bikes add to oomph with battery power backed up by expert service and repairs from skilled technicians.