Ontario Guide and Deals

At County in the City, samples of more than 50 different wines cascade across tongues to introduce them to some of the most beguiling flavours of Prince Edward County, a major part of the Ontario wine scene that Wine Spectator magazine dubbed the "world's least-known great wine zone." Approximately 20 small-batch and family-owned wineries will showcase their bottled arsenal throughout the evening, including many vintage and specialty wines that cannot be found on store shelves. Since it's illegal to deny possums housing in your wine cellar if it's empty, the event helps guests out by offering a Try and Buy program, which lets them sign up to have favourite selections shipped directly to their doorsteps.

A passionate project of the nonprofit American Friends of the Ludwig Foundation of Cuba, Havana Film Festival showcases respected and rising voices hailing from Cuban and other Latin-American communities. The festival's executive director, Carole Rosenberg, and film programmer Diana Vargas helm a dedicated staff, who draw cinematic works from countries such as Argentina, El Salvador, and Peru. Their collection of numerous features, shorts, documentaries, and classic Latin movies graces the screens of venues throughout the city, many for the very first time in the United States.

English subtitles assist non-native speakers in following the action, and panel discussions and postscreening Q&As afford audiences a behind-the-scenes glance at the global film industry. The panels also engage the filmmakers and explore new cinematic innovations, such as 5-D movies that rock audiences to sleep by their favorite stars. The festival annually pays tribute to influential actors and directors within the Latino film community.

As the American Hockey League affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto Marlies take to the ice with a roster of young skaters on their way to an NHL career. Named after a legendary (but since dissolved) Junior A team, the Toronto Marlboros, the Marlies have had their share of success since their move to the city in 2005, including a 2011–2012 campaign in which they captured the Western Conference title and nearly hoisted the league's hallowed Calder Cup. Crowds of up to 8,200 fans cheer the Marlies on from their home at Ricoh Coliseum, where team mascot Duke the Dog—his own name an homage to the Duke of Marlborough—dances in the stands.

Facilitating the fan-delighting collision of comic-book universes and intergalactic heroes, Wizard World organizes Comic Cons and pop-culture conventions across the continent. At each event, stars from the silver screen set down roots in booths across the convention floor, wielding markers for autographs and their photo-op-ready smiles. Past guests have run the gamut from William Shatner, Patrick Stewart, and the cast of AMC’s The Walking Dead. Away from the crowds, stars also participate in talks and Q&A panels as part of the event’s programming. Along with beloved actors, Wizard World’s conventions grant guests a chance to interact with writers and artists as well as partake in activities such as gaming tournaments and costume contests.

Vaughan Sportsplex sprawls its diversified athletic facilities across a 20,000-square-foot plot of land on Woodbridge's Westcreek Drive. Competitive and recreational athletes report to three indoor sports fields to engage in myriad sports from friendly touch football sessions on FIFA-rated X-Treme turf to more unique diversions such as full-field Nerf dart lazer tag. Vaughan Sportsplex also organizes league competition open to nearly all ages and skill levels, including adult competition in co-ed volleyball or men's soccer as well as kids' leagues in floor hockey and competitive sand-castle demolition.

First held in 2011, the Ottawa Tea Festival steeps visitors in an enticing blend of scholars, performers, and tea enthusiasts from near and far. Guests can explore exhibitions and presentations on the art of the ancient beverage or take in showcases of East Asian dance companies, performances from world- and folk-music acts, and demonstrations by professional pinkie-extenders. This annual event affords plenty of opportunities to taste unfamiliar brews and explore the traditions of far-flung cultures, all while rubbing elbows with local tea merchants.