https://dailyhive.com/toronto/ Latest articles from Daily Hive Toronto en-us © 2026 Wed, 21 Oct 2026 15:05:18 GMT jsonfeed-to-rss 3.0.8 (https://github.com/bcomnes/jsonfeed-to-rss#readme) http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification https://dailyhive.com/toronto/90-million-lotto-max-jackpot-winner Natalia Buia One Canadian woke up a whole lot richer than the rest of us today. The massive $90-million jackpot, the largest Lotto Max prize ever offered, was finally won Tuesday night after rolling over for several draws. Someone in Alberta better check their pockets because the winning ticket came from the Prairie province, according to OLG. The winning numbers were 08, 15, 19, 23, 26, 28 and 34, and the bonus number was 38. The lucky ticket holder has yet to come forward, so if you played, this might be your sign to double-check those numbers. This massive win comes just six months after Lotto Max raised its maximum jackpot from $80 million to $90 million. Tuesday’s draw also produced millions of dollars in additional prizes through Maxmillions and Maxplus. And this isn’t the first big win for Canadian players. In December 2025, two Ontario residents split an $80.4-million jackpot, the largest at the time. All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, check out these resources. You might also like: - Canadian lottery player reveals dream trip destination after winning $46 million - Canadian lottery winner uses tried-and-true technique to win $1 million - Husband's suggestion to buy lottery tickets nets woman a $250,000 win https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/90-million-lotto-max-jackpot-winner Wed, 21 Oct 2026 15:05:18 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canada-food-banks Natalia Buia According to Food Banks Canada’s 2026 HungerCount report, Canadians are relying on food banks more than ever before. The organization’s annual study surveyed over 5,500 food banks and community organizations across the country. Monthly food bank visits reached a staggering 2.35 million in 2026, up nine per cent from last year. It’s also a 117 per cent increase since 2019, highlighting the growing strain on households across Canada. From coast to coast, the rising cost of groceries and other essentials is making it harder for people to make ends meet. And with a potential “super El Niño” raising concerns about more price hikes, the situation could get more challenging. British Columbia and Alberta recorded some of the highest food bank usage in the country. B.C. reported 250,505 monthly visits in 2026, a 14 per cent increase from 2025, while Alberta saw 230,196 visits every month, a 9.3 per cent increase year-over-year. Children are also feeling the impact. Quebec recorded 274,193 monthly visits from children, the highest in the country, while Ontario reported 253,520 monthly visits. “These numbers reflect years of mounting pressure on household finances. Rising housing costs, insufficient housing supply, food inflation, economic uncertainty, and inadequate income supports have steadily eroded the financial resilience of millions of people across Canada,” the report states. Single people remain the most common household type accessing food banks. Women over the age of 18 account for 53.4 per cent of food bank clients, while people from marginalized communities make up 49.9 per cent, according to the report. “Grossly inadequate provincial social assistance” remains the most common source of income for food bank clients, according to the report. About 41 per cent of Canadians rely on social assistance or disability-related support programs as their primary source of income. Food Banks Canada is calling on governments to “make focused commitments to support the long-term economic well-being of people in Canada.” This includes doubling the Canada Workers benefit, removing barriers to the Disability Tax Credit, expanding funding for affordable public housing, and strengthening grocery and essentials benefits for Northern communities to reflect their higher cost of living better. For many people living in the North, where groceries already cost significantly more than anywhere else in Canada, these changes could make a meaningful difference. To read the complete 2026 HungerCount report, visit Food Bank Canada’s website. You might also like: - B.C. food bank use has increased by a shocking amount since 2019 - These grocery items in Canada could get more expensive due to El Niño - Viral TikTok video exposes 'outrageous' grocery prices in Northern Canada https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-food-banks Wed, 21 Oct 2026 13:47:40 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/indigo-canada-best-books-2026 Natalia Buia There are still a few months left in the year, but Canada’s largest bookstore chain, Indigo, has already revealed its best books of 2026. If you’re looking for your next great read, this list features 10 exciting books released this year, including four by Canadian authors. Indigo has compiled its annual best-books list since at least 2012. According to the company, more than 150 employees took part in this year’s reading process to help narrow down the selections and determine the final ranking. The retailer is so confident in its picks that it has dubbed the titles “Guaranteed Reads,” meaning you can return one if you don’t love it. Landing at number one in 2026 is Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. You may have already heard of the novel if you spend much time on #booktok, or spotted its many copies prominently displayed in bookstores across the country. The novel follows a traditional American wife and mother who makes a living sharing her seemingly idyllic pioneer-inspired lifestyle with millions of social media followers. But her carefully curated world takes a terrifying turn when she suddenly wakes up in the brutal reality of 1855. And because it seems like every buzzy book is destined for the big screen these days, Yesteryear will soon become a movie, as actress and producer Anne Hathaway reportedly bought the film rights in April. One of Canada’s most celebrated authors has landed the number two spot on Indigo’s list with her latest novel. Eliza Sunshine by Michelle Good is a multigenerational family saga inspired by the life of the author’s mother, Martha Eliza Soonias Stiff. The novel follows three generations of Indigenous women as they navigate colonial violence, intergenerational trauma, survival and resilience. Good is no stranger to critical acclaim. Her debut novel, Five Little Indians, won numerous awards, including the 2020 Governor General’s Literary Award for fiction, and was shortlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize. The book also earned a spot on Indigo’s best-books list, cementing Good’s reputation as one of Canada’s most celebrated contemporary authors. Other Canadian authors on the best-of list include Emily St. John Mandel, Malcolm Gladwell, and Manuel Garand. St. John Mandel has published seven novels, including The Glass Hotel and Station Eleven, which was adapted into a critically acclaimed HBO miniseries in 2021. Her latest effort, Exit Party, is Indigo’s third-best book of the year. Set in a post-collapse Los Angeles in 2031, the novel follows recently released ex-convict Ari Waker, who attends a post-curfew party where the host mysteriously vanishes, and people from parallel timelines begin to appear. As she tries to make sense of the bizarre events, the story delves into alternate realities, shadow worlds and both the personal and political costs of survival. Not every book on the list is a novel, though. Murdoku: Around the World: 80 Murder Mystery Logic Puzzles by Canada’s Manuel Garand offers something a little different. The book combines Sudoku-style puzzles with murder mystery elements, challenging readers to put their detective skills to the test. It’s also proving to be a runaway hit. According to Indigo, the puzzle book has sold one million copies in print. Then there’s The American Way of Killing by Malcolm Gladwell, which rounds out the top 10. In this timely work of non-fiction, the bestselling British Canadian author turns his attention to the United States’ persistent gun violence crisis, examining the country’s unique relationship with firearms and why he believes that under-policing is the root of the problem. Here’s a complete look at Indigo’s 10 best books of 2026: 1. Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke 2. Eliza Sunshine by Michelle Good 3. Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel 4. Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett 5. Murdoku Vol. 3 by Manuel Garand 6. Peck & Peck by Bonnie Garmus 7. Into the Blue by Emma Brodie 8. Redwood by Ben Macintyre 9. John of John by Douglas Stuart 10. The American Way of Killing by Malcolm Gladwell You can find these books in stores and on Indigo’s website. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/indigo-canada-best-books-2026 Wed, 21 Oct 2026 13:00:21 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/former-toronto-blue-jays-player-alleged-scam Marley Dickinson A former Toronto Blue Jays player and his wife are facing charges following a police investigation into an alleged baseball training scam. Richard Butler, a Canadian baseball player who was with the Blue Jays during the 1997 season, is facing fraud-related charges after allegedly collecting around $60,000 from families for baseball training services that were never provided. Butler and his wife, Michelle, of Frankford, Ont., are both charged with fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and uttering a forged document. According to Durham Police, families paid registration fees into accounts associated with the Ontario Devil Rays after enrolling their children in the baseball program for the 2025 season. The funds were allegedly transferred to other accounts associated with Butler rather than being used to provide training. Police allege that approximately $60,000 was deposited into a bank account connected to the organization between April 1 and Oct. 31, 2025. The Ontario Devil Rays program later closed, and families who had enrolled their children were reportedly sent a message saying the business was being dissolved due to “financial hardship and bankruptcy.” Embed from Getty Images Butler played fewer than 100 games during his three-year Major League Baseball career, including just seven with Toronto in 1997. His brother, Rob, played two seasons with the Blue Jays in 1993 and 1994, making two plate appearances during the team’s 1993 World Series-winning run. Rob has served as manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Canadian Baseball League since 2023. Police believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone who believes they may have been affected by a similar incident to come forward. You might also like: - Vladimir Guerrero Jr. raises eyebrows on day Blue Jays miss playoffs https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/former-toronto-blue-jays-player-alleged-scam Tue, 20 Oct 2026 22:19:19 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/tate-mcrae-sophie-gregoire-trudeau-online-heat Natalia Buia Canadian singer Tate McRae has joined the ranks of The Weeknd, Shawn Mendes, and Justin Bieber after taking the stage at this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show — the Super Bowl of lingerie, if you will. The 23-year-old, who has three studio albums under her belt, performed her new hit song “Housewife” in an outfit that hardly came as a surprise: a red-hot lingerie ensemble. Most viewers didn’t seem to take issue with it. After all, this is a major broadcasted spectacle that has spent decades putting women’s almost-nude bodies front and centre. Female pop stars have long performed in barely-there outfits, embracing their bodies and sexuality along the way. And why shouldn’t they? But Sophie Grégoire Trudeau wasn’t impressed. The ex-wife of former prime minister Justin Trudeau left a harsh comment on Billboard Canada’s Instagram post that was celebrating McRae’s “fresh vocals and effortless dance moves.” >   > > > > > View this post on Instagram > > > > >   > > A post shared by Billboard Canada (@billboardca) “Really? This is what we need to do now to make a mark as an artist?” she wrote. “I like her music and she’s talented but I see nothing empowering here; more like falling into the mold of people pleasing.” One question that comes to mind watching this tiff play out online: Why are women so often assumed to be less empowered when they choose to show more skin? This is the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show we’re talking about here. Models are always walking the runway in bras and underwear — some wearing pieces reportedly worth millions. What exactly was McRae supposed to wear when performing her feel-good pop song? A Canada Goose parka over lululemon sweatpants? Plenty of people came to the singer’s defence. “If she’s comfortable and confident, who cares?” one commenter wrote. Others even threw Katy Perry into the conversation, another global pop star known for rocking bras and revealing outfits on stage, and who, coincidentally, happens to be the new girlfriend of Justin Trudeau. Another user online was less diplomatic, telling Grégoire Trudeau directly: “For someone who talks about empowering women, you sure love to put other women down for no reason.” They had a point there. Too often, women are held to an unfair double standard: dress modestly and you’re repressed; dress provocatively, and you’re an attention-seeking whore. Either way, there’s always going to be someone telling you what your choices say about your self-worth. On the other hand, there is a legitimate conversation to be had about an industry that often sells female sexuality while masquerading as liberation. Look at what Britney Spears went through in the early 2000s. The beloved princess of pop — who McRae often gets compared to by both critics and the public alike — was simultaneously sexualized by the media and shamed for her sexuality, and her talent was always overshadowed by her appearance. Perhaps Grégoire Trudeau has a point about the pressures women face in pop culture. But assuming McRae is simply “people pleasing” makes a pretty big assumption about her intentions. Who is she to say what empowers another woman? Maybe McRae isn’t dressing to please anyone. Maybe she’s simply doing her thing. Maybe she got this outfit from her stylist, looked in the mirror, thought, “hell yeah, I look good in this,” and decided to wear it on stage. Women, on and off stage, have spent decades being told what to wear, how to act, and who to be. Maybe it’s time we took a seat and let them decide for themselves. Now that’s empowering. You might also like: - 'A combination of Fergie and Jesus': Fans react to Will Ferrell singing 'O Canada' - Drew Barrymore and Charlie Heaton show some love for this Canadian province - Dan Levy has always been outspoken and we love him for that https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/tate-mcrae-sophie-gregoire-trudeau-online-heat Tue, 20 Oct 2026 18:59:08 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/lottery-winner-richard-z Daniel Chai A relaxing time at home suddenly got a lot more thrilling for a Canadian lottery player when they heard that a major lottery prize was linked to a ticket bought in their hometown. Richard Z. of Quesnel, B.C.,  was prompted to check his ticket for the Dec. 20, 2025 Lotto 6/49 draw. The move paid off for Richard, who had won a $46 million Gold Ball Jackpot from his ticket. You might also like: - Canadian $1-million lottery winner discovered big prize at 2:30 a.m. - Canadian lottery winner feels closer to owning home after huge jackpot - Canadian eyes semi-retirement after $2-million lottery win with grocery coworkers “The ticket was only visually validated,” said Richard of the moment he discovered his windfall. “I checked the BCLC website and had an inkling I may have the winning ticket.” “When it said it was the Gold Ball, that’s when the overwhelming feelings set in; knowing that out of everyone in Canada, I had the ticket that won $46 million.” The Cariboo Regional District resident purchased the winning ticket at Billy Barker Casino in Quesnel. Richard first shared the good news about his Gold Ball Jackpot with his wife. “At first, there were tears of joy. It was overwhelming!” The Quesnel resident added that he now has plans to travel and will “move forward slowly.” “My wife and I want to do some travelling, and I want to see the pyramids! We want to experience and enjoy stress-free trips.” When asked how it feels to win, Richard added that it feels great. “We want to live the life we live now and still want to keep our lives simple.” Another recent B.C. lottery player shared that he used a routine set of numbers as part of his regular lottery ticket purchase to great effect. Dale N. of Langley, B.C., revealed that he had used a series of numbers that he had been playing for years for a ticket for the Sept. 30, 2026, Lotto 6/49 draw. This sequence was combined with numbers from family birthdays. The technique worked, as Dale won a $1-million guaranteed prize from the ticket. “It feels awesome, not because of the money, but because I can help my kids with future expenses,” he said. All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, check out these resources. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/lottery-winner-richard-z Tue, 20 Oct 2026 18:18:49 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/balkan-mediterranean-restaurant-banff Allison Stephen Tripadvisor just named the Balkan Mediterranean Restaurant in Banff one of the world’s best dining spots in two categories at its Travellers’ Choice Awards. “We’ve once again been named a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best for 2026, placing us among the top one per cent of restaurants in the world,” the restaurant shared on its Instagram. “A huge thank you to everyone who has joined us for a table full of mezze, souvlaki, saganaki, and baklava, shared a review, or brought someone new through our doors.” >   > > > > > View this post on Instagram > > > > >   > > A post shared by Balkan Restaurant (@banffbalkan) A staple on Banff Avenue since 1984, the restaurant is well-known for its Greek and Mediterranean dishes and an entertaining dining experience complete with belly dancers and plate smashing. It ranked fourth on Tripadvisor’s list of the world’s best vegan and vegetarian restaurants and 14th on its list of the world’s best casual restaurants. “Your support has helped make this little corner of the Mediterranean in Banff something pretty special,” the restaurant added. It was the only Canadian restaurant to make either global ranking. You might also like: - Exciting update given on new 151,000 sq. ft. Costco location in Alberta - Three Alberta Tim Hortons rank among 10 best-rated locations in Canada - Alberta spot named the best landmark restaurant in North America Tripadvisor praised the restaurant’s Greek touches, friendly staff, and welcoming atmosphere. “The grilled meats and fresh salads stand out, and you’ll want to leave room for their unique desserts,” Tripadvisor wrote. The travel site also highlighted the restaurant’s service, noting its engaging team and recommending that diners ask for suggestions. You can view the rankings on Tripadvisor’s website. Have you been to the Balkan Mediterranean Restaurant in Banff? Let us know in the comments. BALKAN MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT Address: 120 Banff Ave., Banff, Alta. Instagram Still hungry? Discover Dished Calgary on TikTok https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/balkan-mediterranean-restaurant-banff Tue, 20 Oct 2026 16:06:42 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/amazon-canada-hiring-season-workers Natalia Buia If you’re looking for a temporary job to make some extra cash for the holidays, you could work at Amazon. The company has announced plans to hire 9,000 seasonal workers across 55 sites in Canada this upcoming season to keep up with demand. The average seasonal wage is almost $24 an hour, just a few dollars shy of the new standard base rate following September’s $1 pay bump. According to Amazon, seasonal workers will get immediate access to benefits including mental health and wellbeing support through Amazon’s Employee Assistance Program. They will also receive the new Employee Grocery and Daily Essentials Discount, which offers 10 per cent off groceries and daily essentials. However, seasonal roles do not include the full benefits package provided to regular, full-time employees, meaning they are not eligible for extended health, dental, and vision coverage. You can apply for various roles, including positions across its many fulfillment centres, sortation centres, and delivery stations. While these positions are currently temporary, the company notes they could become permanent, full-time roles. Amazon says it will post positions on a rolling basis throughout the holiday season but warns they can “fill up quickly.” Interested candidates can brush up their resumes and apply directly on Amazon’s hiring website. You might also like: - These jobs in Canada could see the biggest salary increases in 2027 - Surprising Eastern European city named best place for grads to live and work - Canadians working in these industries could see the biggest pay bumps in 2027 https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/amazon-canada-hiring-season-workers Tue, 20 Oct 2026 14:44:34 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/scream-win-trip-la-reeses-contest Katy Brennan Calling all REESE’S Chocolate lovers! What’s your favourite scary movie? Whatever the answer, we’d say it probably pairs well with a REESE’S chocolate treat. October’s here, and Halloween is creeping closer! To mark the most wonderful time of the year for chocolate lovers, the REESE’S brand has teamed up with the movie franchise SCREAM for a spooky season collaboration, and it could take two lucky Canadians all the way to Los Angeles, California. Celebrating SCREAM’s 30th anniversary, the partnership is tapping into the nostalgia of the iconic movies while giving your Halloween candy bowl exactly what it needs. WIN A TRIP TO PARAMOUNT STUDIOS If you spot a SCREAM for REESE’S display at a participating local retailer across Canada, keep an eye out for a QR code. You can scan it for a chance to win some REESE’S chocolate prize packs that are to die for, including chocolate and gift cards, and the grand prize: a trip to Los Angeles for a VIP experience at Paramount Studios to celebrate SCREAM’s 30th anniversary! So, while you’re stocking up for the neighbourhood’s trick-or-treaters, enter for the chance to take a trip all the way to Hollywood! Just remember: the contest closes Oct. 31. GIVE YOUR HALLOWEEN CANDY STASH AN UPGRADE WITH REESE’S CHOCOLATE This year, why not pick up some seasonal favourites like REESE’S Peanut Butter Pumpkins and REESE’S Halloween Peanut Butter Shapes, or switch things up with REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups with Caramel? Or, if you want a little bit of everything, grab the REESE’S Lovers 90-count variety bag, perfect for Halloween night. The giant assortment includes REESE’S Pieces, REESE’S Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures, REESE’S White Creme Peanut Butter Cups, and REESE’S THiNS. Basically, there are plenty of options for the trick-or-treaters knocking on your door, but we wouldn’t judge you if a few go missing before anyone even shows up… Head to participating retailers to stock up on REESE’S chocolate for your trick-or-treaters, look for the SCREAM FOR REESE’S display and scan the QR code for your chance to win. Happy Halloween, and good luck! https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/scream-win-trip-la-reeses-contest Tue, 20 Oct 2026 13:59:25 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/mitchell-fairbarn-las-vegas-flamingo-guilty Natalia Buia A Canadian man who made international headlines earlier this year after kidnapping and torturing a flamingo at a Las Vegas hotel has now been found guilty of animal cruelty. Mitchell Fairbarn from Ontario was convicted Monday of felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges after taking a 27-year-old Chilean flamingo named Peachy from the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino on March 3, according to the Associated Press. During the 33-year-old’s trial, which began Oct. 13, he admitted in court that he drank “30 to 40 beers” on the night of the incident. Fairbarn’s defence lawyer argued that his client’s actions were the result of intoxication rather than intention to harm the animal, describing the incident as “bad decisions” made while drunk. “I was trying to make an experience or a memory… I thought at the time that it would be some silly joke,” Fairbarn testified, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Prosecutors insisted that Fairbarn deliberately caused the bird physical pain, pointing to surveillance footage showing him carrying the squawking flamingo through the hotel and evidence of missing feathers and injuries. When Peachy was found, local authorities reported that the bird was missing seven to eight feathers, had blood on its feathers, and had sustained wing injuries. It only took jurors five hours to deliberate and reach a verdict, according to local media. Now, Fairbarn faces up to four years in prison for the felony conviction, as well as a possible additional six months for the misdemeanor. He remains under house arrest while awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for Dec. 1. As for Peachy, he’s reportedly “doing well” physically, though veterinarian Tiffany Moore testified that the flamingo has shown increased anxiety and nervousness during examinations, AP reported. You might also like: - 'A combination of Fergie and Jesus': Fans react to Will Ferrell singing 'O Canada' - ‘Unfair and stupid’: Canadians react to Florida’s plan to place property tax burden on them - ‘We miss you guys’: U.S. mayor urges Canadian tourists to come back https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/mitchell-fairbarn-las-vegas-flamingo-guilty Tue, 20 Oct 2026 13:47:31 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/alberta-referendum-unofficial-results Laine Mitchell A vast majority of Albertans have voted to remain as a province in Canada in the 2026 referendum held on Monday, Oct. 19. A majority of Albertans have voted to stay in Canada, CBC News projected shortly after 11 p.m. Monday. CTV News followed suit shortly after with a projection of a majority of votes for Alberta to remain a province in Canada. Voting hours were extended at multiple voting locations across the province to reflect late openings Monday morning. Elections Alberta stated earlier in the day that advance voting and special ballot voting voter turnout was 43.1 per cent, with 837,791 votes cast during the five-day in-person advance voting period and 519,082 votes cast by special ballot. You might also like: - GoFundMe launched for family of Calgary transit bus fire victim - Four of the biggest reasons Albertans want to travel to new Canadian destinations - Over $16K raised for family of B.C. soldier killed in CFB Wainwright fire The highly watched Question 10 on the referendum asked voters “Should Alberta remain a province of Canada, or should the Government of Alberta commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada?” Option one on the question was “Alberta should remain a province in Canada,” while option two was “The Government of Alberta should commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada.” Premier Danielle Smith took to social media shortly before midnight to thank voters, adding that she was “pleased to see the initial results.” Smith also revealed that she will be speaking to the province tomorrow at 6:45 p.m. to discuss the results of the referendum questions. > Thank you, Alberta! > > I’m very pleased to see the initial results from Elections Alberta show widespread support for remaining in Canada. Albertans have voted for a stronger Alberta in a united Canada. > > Thank you to all Albertans who took time to vote on these critically important referendum questions. > > Tomorrow evening, October 20, I will address Albertans live at 6:45 p.m. to discuss the results of all referendum questions for which results are available, and where our province goes from here. > > — Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) October 20, 2026 Nine other referendum questions were also on the ballot, including everything from immigration and voting requirements to the future of the Senate and the balance of power between provincial and federal governments. You can view more of the referendum’s unofficial results on the Elections Alberta website. Official results will not be released until Thursday, Oct. 29. The Referendum (General) Regulation requires counts to be completed and unofficial results published within 48 hours of the confirmed closure of all voting locations on Oct. 19, 2026. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/alberta-referendum-unofficial-results Tue, 20 Oct 2026 05:27:31 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/waymo-toronto-canada-robotaxi-launch Kenneth Chan Disruptive new competition is on the horizon for Uber, Lyft, and Toronto’s taxi companies, as Waymo prepares to enter Canada’s largest urban market with a service that would let passengers book rides in vehicles with no human driver behind the wheel. Waymo is preparing to bring its fully driverless ride-hailing service — also called a robotaxi service — to Toronto, with the goal of welcoming its first passengers in 2028. The California-based company — a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google — announced its planned Canadian expansion last week, stating it will invest in local facilities and work with partners to support hundreds of jobs over time. You might also like: - American robotaxi giant eager to bring its tech to B.C. - Self-driving car company Wayve opens artificial intelligence office in Vancouver - Opinion: I took a driverless taxi and here’s why it freaked me out - Vancouver Police announce Canadian first in unveiling of new public safety technology - B.C. residents lack safety confidence with driverless cars: survey Toronto residents could begin seeing Waymo vehicles on their streets in the coming days. During this initial stage, the vehicles will be driven manually. The company plans to map the city’s streets in detail and test its technology with trained specialists behind the wheel. This work is intended to ensure its automated driving system can handle Toronto’s road network and local driving conditions before it introduces a fully autonomous passenger service. “Expanding into Canada marks an important milestone in Waymo’s global journey,” said Tekedra Mawakana, a co-CEO of Waymo, in a statement. “We’re proud to bring the Waymo Driver to Canada’s largest city and to partner with the vibrant business, arts and cultural communities that share our commitment to safer streets and more accessible mobility.” Waymo has selected Toronto-based Element Fleet Management to help manage the vehicles and support the service’s operations. The company plans to support hundreds of positions over time in vehicle maintenance, test driving, customer service, and other operational roles. The expansion builds on Waymo’s existing Canadian connections, including its investment relationship with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and its manufacturing partnership with Magna International. Waymo claims its fully driverless vehicles have a better safety record than human drivers, citing data comparing crashes over the same distance travelled in the cities where it operates. According to the company, its vehicles were involved in 95 per cent fewer crashes resulting in serious injury or death, 82 per cent fewer injury-causing crashes, and 82 per cent fewer crashes in which an airbag deployed in any vehicle, compared with an average human driver. Currently, Waymo operates in 15 markets in the United States, including Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, and Tampa. In Atlanta and Austin, Waymo robotaxi vehicles are also available on the Uber app, alongside the ride-hailing giant’s human driver options. According to the company’s data, in June 2026 alone, its robotaxi vehicles had travelled approximately 108 million kilometres with ride-hailing passengers and without a human driver in Los Angeles, 132.6 million kilometres in the San Francisco Bay Area, 148.3 million kilometres in Phoenix, 33.9 million kilometres in Austin, and 13.9 million kilometres in Atlanta through June 2026. In addition to Toronto, Waymo previously announced plans to expand to the international markets of London and Tokyo, and bring its service to more U.S. markets, including Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, Sacramento, Seattle, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. As previously reported by Daily Hive Urbanized earlier in 2026, Waymo is also eager to bring its robotaxi service to British Columbia, most likely Vancouver. Similar to Uber and Lyft’s smartphone apps, passengers can book a ride through Waymo’s app by entering their destination and confirming a pickup location. Once the vehicle arrives, they use the app to unlock the doors, get inside, buckle up, and tap “Start ride” on the vehicle’s interior screen or in the app. The vehicle then drives itself to the selected drop-off point. Once it comes to a complete stop, passengers open the doors, step out, and close the doors behind them. Riders can also contact customer support or request that the vehicle pull over through the app or onboard screen. You might also like: - American robotaxi giant eager to bring its tech to B.C. - Self-driving car company Wayve opens artificial intelligence office in Vancouver - Opinion: I took a driverless taxi and here’s why it freaked me out - Vancouver Police announce Canadian first in unveiling of new public safety technology - B.C. residents lack safety confidence with driverless cars: survey https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/waymo-toronto-canada-robotaxi-launch Tue, 20 Oct 2026 04:08:27 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/nathan-fielder-vancouver-you-can-see-everything Amir Ali Nathan Fielder is getting a ton of attention after the release of You Can See Everything, and some people may not realize that the funny man/documentarian is from right here in Vancouver. Many don’t realize he’s Canadian at all. His roots in Vancouver are deep, having been born and raised in the city, and he also has links to other celebrities in Vancouver, like Seth Rogen. After being born in Vancouver, Fielder attended school here, including high school, when he attended Point Grey Secondary School, alongside Rogen. There, before they became icons in the comedy genre, they were in their high school improv group together. Their improv fame was discussed on the popular Today I Learned subreddit because they won a provincial championship. However, they lost nationally. He then attended post-secondary at the University of Victoria, obtaining a Bachelor of Commerce with really good grades. He also founded the Summit Ice Apparel brand. While Fielder has many notable works, it was probably his Comedy Central show Nathan For You that really put him on the map. He was also a correspondent in the popular Canadian news parody show This Hour Has 22 Minutes. You Can See Everything is Fielder’s first non-fiction documentary film, which he co-directed with Primetime director Lance Oppenheim. While Fielder was always popular, now everyone is talking about him, including WIRED, which recently published a riveting one-on-one with Fielder about You Can See Everything.  To say the movie has received critical acclaim is a massive understatement. As of this article’s publication, the film sits at a 99 Metascore on Metacritic, and it has been just as popular with users, becoming one of the top-rated flicks by Letterboxd users. Considering how many critically acclaimed movies were released in 2026, it’s nothing short of miraculous for Fielder and Oppenheim’s documentary to be at the top of the heap now. Additionally, it is already considered a huge box office success. Fielder has also spoken about Vancouver in the past. He even spoke to former Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim as part of a show in Vancouver, though it wasn’t actually Sim, as you can read about on Daily Hive. HOLLYWOOD NORTH KEEPS PICKING UP STEAM Fielder is yet another prominent figure in the entertainment industry who has connections to Vancouver. In recent years, Vancouver has constantly been in the conversation about entertainment thanks to many production wins in the entertainment industry, primarily due to the fact that the city, as well as the province of B.C., is so popular for film and TV production. A huge one was The Last of Us, but more recently, we also wrote a lot about the connections between Vancouver and the hit film Backrooms. We also reported on the series Carrie and its links to Vancouver. But it’s bigger than just being a popular place to film in. For example, Oddfellows Entertainment/Phobos, one of the producers of the hit film Backrooms, is based right here in Vancouver, with Vancouverite Chris Ferguson at the helm. He co-founded Phobos with Osgood Perkins, who now also calls Vancouver home, according to The Hollywood Reporter.  Oddfellows also just linked a major deal with Warner Bros. Have you seen You Can See Everything yet? Share your thoughts in the comments. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/nathan-fielder-vancouver-you-can-see-everything Mon, 19 Oct 2026 21:48:27 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/will-ferrell-singing-o-canada Natalia Buia You just never know who might steal the spotlight during a live podcast show. Will Ferrell made a surprise appearance at the Hollywood Bowl on Oct. 17 during a live taping of the hit podcast SmartLess, hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and our beloved Canadian, Will Arnett. The Los Angeles amphitheatre was packed with tens of thousands of audience members who had come to watch the three hosts record an episode live on stage. But they were in for a few surprises when some unexpected stars showed up, including Ferrell. The Anchorman funnyman, who grew up in Irvine, California — and who some would say has spent a lifetime in “a glass case of emotion” — kicked off the festivities with a rendition of our national anthem, “O Canada.” In a Canadian tuxedo, no less. The crowd clearly wasn’t ready for such a patriotic performance, but, obviously, the internet had thoughts. “His voice is like a combination of Fergie and Jesus,” one Instagram user commented after the video went viral. >   > > > > > View this post on Instagram > > > > >   > > A post shared by Jenny Stojkovic | AI, Wealth, & Investing (@jennystojkovic) Ferrell may not have the voice of an angel, but he’s certainly got the spirit. And apparently, that’s all it takes to win over an entire nation, because people online are already making the case for Ferrell to become an honorary Canadian. “He has ALWAYS been a hot, honorary Canadian, in my humble opinion,” commented Canadian Law & Order actress Jill Hennessy. Other fans are pitching Ferrell for a slightly different role. “Can we make Will Ferrell U.S. ambassador to Canada and give P. Hoekstra the boot?” one Instagram user asked. They’re referring to Pete Hoekstra, the current U.S. ambassador to Canada, who has ruffled plenty of feathers with anti-Canadian comments, so much so that an online petition has been created to yank him from his post. Fans continued to show love for the beloved actor who has shot many films in Canada, including the Christmas classic, Elf. “He’s never looked better,” one user writes. “Love him even more now!” says another. Even Canadian Tire — a store that many American celebrities seem to love, apparently — joined in, praising Ferrell’s performance for having “the most beautiful sound.” Personally, it could have used more cowbell. What do you think of Ferrell’s singing? Should we bring him back to perform “O Canada” more often? Let us know in the comments below. You might also like: - Drew Barrymore and Charlie Heaton show some love for this Canadian province - Cast of Vancouver-filmed 'Carrie' shouts out favourite spots - Dan Levy has always been outspoken and we love him for that https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/will-ferrell-singing-o-canada Mon, 19 Oct 2026 18:24:56 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canadian-inventions-time-best-2026 Natalia Buia Canadians are really good at inventing things, and we’re not just talking about the most delicious butter tarts on the planet. Time magazine recently unveiled its inaugural list of the Best Inventions of 2026, featuring 300 innovations designed to make the world “better, smarter, and more fun.” The list spans everything from health and beauty to food, toys, and accessibility, with a few head-scratchers thrown in for good measure. Colour-changing press-on nails, a headband designed to help with PMS, a camera-equipped Dyson toothbrush, and garden fertilizer made from urine were some of the unique inventions that gave us pause. Not to mention the flip phone called the Dumbphone 2 that made the cut. But among the futuristic gadgets and wonderfully weird inventions, several Canadian companies earned a spot on the list. Cyclic Materials is tackling electronic waste with its REEPure technology, which extracts rare earth magnets from discarded electronics and manufacturing scrap. According to Time, the technology has been validated at the company’s commercial-scale Toronto plant, while a new campus is under construction in South Carolina. In other words, your old electronics might have a second life after all and don’t need to take up space in that mystery drawer in your office anymore. Montreal-based Alvéole got recognized by Time for keeping track of bees. Originally launched to install beehives on commercial buildings, the company has developed Aura, a software that monitors hive health, pollen counts and pesticide prevalence across its 2,200 hives in more than 70 cities around the world. Time notes that in 2025, the company began employing its technology on hives located on the sixth-floor rooftop of the Empire State Building. Another Montreal company on the list was ELYSIS for operating the first-ever commercial-scale, carbon-free aluminum plant. Its technology produces aluminum without the direct greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional smelting. And this isn’t just some niche industrial experiment. Time notes that ELYSIS-made aluminum can be found in Apple MacBook Pros and iPhones, BMW and Audi vehicles, Corona beer cans, and aerosol cans from companies including Ball, Unilever, and Alcoa. Moment Energy, a B.C.-based company, also made the list for building what the publication describes as the world’s largest EV battery repurposing megafactory. The company gives retired electric vehicle batteries a second life by turning them into modular energy storage systems for places like hospitals, factories and data centres. Though it didn’t make the top 300, a modern multitool from an Ontario company got an honourable mention. Hacksmith Industries’ Smith Blade is a classic pocket knife with a twist. Packed into a compact, ultra-light titanium design are 21 everyday utility tools, including wire strippers, an emergency glass breaker, and a 4mm precision screwdriver system. The Smith Blade comes from the same Cambridge-based company known for recreating some seriously tricked-out pop-culture gadgets, including Captain America’s shield, John Wick’s bulletproof suit, and a Star Wars lightsaber capable of burning at 2,200°C. You know, just your average day in the workshop. You might also like: - Canadians can now earn cash back on rent to put toward a down payment - These Canadian cities rank high for tech talent in 2026 — here’s what they pay - A look inside Nintendo's unique new store in Canada https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canadian-inventions-time-best-2026 Mon, 19 Oct 2026 17:09:05 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canada-spot-named-top-travel-destination-2027 Laine Mitchell Planning a vacation can be such a thrill, and one Canadian spot has just been named a top travel destination in the world for 2027. British media company Time Out has released its ranking of the world’s 41 most underrated travel destinations for 2027, and just one Canadian spot made the list. When people think of must-see travel destinations in Canada, many think of Banff National Park, Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, and Montreal, but this spot is just as deserving of being tapped as a travel destination to explore in 2027. You might also like: - Popular Alberta hotel named Canada's best for fourth year in a row - Canadians are entering the real estate market at a surprising age - Alberta spot named the best landmark restaurant in North America Prince Edward Island was named to the list, and it’s just one of many shoutouts the island has received lately. Just last month, Lonely Planet crowned it as one of the world’s best places to visit in 2027. The island is part of the list thanks to its dunes and seemingly endless sandy shorelines, the sprawling Island Walk route, and its food scene, which includes fresh lobster, clams, mussels, and oysters. We also can’t forget to mention a visit to the Anne of Green Gables Museum and immersing yourself in the life of Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery. Heck, even check out the Canadian Potato Museum and Antique Farm Machinery Museum, the West Point Lighthouse Inn and Museum, and of course, Thunder Cove Beach for some incredible sights and relaxation. Other locations to make the cut for underrated destinations include Newcastle, Australia; Cuenca, Ecuador; Turku, Finland; Ishikawa, Japan; and Bisbee, Arizona. You can view the full list of the most underrated travel destinations to visit in 2027 online. Have you visited Prince Edward Island before, or do you have any plans to? Let us know in the comments. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-spot-named-top-travel-destination-2027 Mon, 19 Oct 2026 15:40:09 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canadians-real-estate-market-age Natalia Buia For decades, buying a home has been viewed as a major milestone for Canadians. But these days, getting the keys is taking a little longer than it used to. According to RBC’s latest Home Ownership Poll, Canadians don’t expect to buy their first home until the age of 41, on average. That’s over a decade later than today’s homeowners, who bought their first properties at the age of 29. In other words, the traditional idea of buying your first home in your 20s or 30s is looking a little less realistic for many Canadians. So, what’s causing this delay? Well, it’s not pricey avocado toasts and lattes, that’s for sure. Nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) of Canadians surveyed say it’s a lot harder to buy a home today than it was for previous generations, who didn’t have to save up as much money for a down payment. When buying a home takes longer and costs more, the idea of picking up a starter home and upgrading a few years later becomes a little less appealing. RBC says Canadians would much rather buy one house for the long haul. Nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) of those planning to buy their first home within the next two years say they’d rather purchase a place they can essentially grow old in, rather than opting for a starter home at first and then upgrading to something bigger down the road. Among current homeowners, 51 per cent say moving up to a bigger or better home has been harder than expected, while 46 per cent would love a larger home but say it just isn’t financially realistic right now. And for some Canadians, getting into the housing market could also mean teaming up with family members in order to secure the keys. RBC’s poll found that 53 per cent of potential buyers — many of them in B.C., actually — say they’d consider a multigenerational home shared with parents, children, or other members. Pooling resources with three or more people can help Canadians get into the market a lot sooner. It’s a tempting idea, even for those who already bought their first home; 35 per cent of current homeowners say they’d be willing to sell their existing home and buy a new one with their children just to help them get into the market. When Canadians land their dream home, that doesn’t necessarily mean their financial worries disappear. Sometimes, they’re just getting started. According to the poll, 51 per cent of homeowners renewing their mortgage within the next two years say the experience feels almost as stressful as their first home purchase, with a staggering 82 per cent concerned about interest rates rising over the coming year. Canadians may be over the hill once they finally get on that property ladder, but that doesn’t mean they’re in over their heads. As it turns out, buying a home now is less about getting there by a certain age and more about making sure all the numbers add up. You might also like: - Rent across Canada is now the lowest it’s been in two years - Canada's population is 300,000 higher than previously thought: statistics - Eligible Canadians could get up to $10,000 from the government soon — here's how https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canadians-real-estate-market-age Mon, 19 Oct 2026 14:38:34 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/ritz-carlton-montreal-royal-suite Natalia Buia Attention all future lottery winners: this could be your next home away from home! For more than 30 years, the World Travel Awards have celebrated the best in travel, from airlines and hotels to resorts, cruise lines and tour operators. And this year, Canada got some love. The awards ceremony, held in Jamaica this year, recognized top travel and hospitality brands across Central, South and North America, handing out titles for everything from leading airlines and city break destinations to green hotels and theme park resorts. While Canada didn’t exactly dominate the North American categories, it had plenty to celebrate on its own, with 15 titles up for grabs, including Canada’s Leading Hotel Suite. This year, that honour went to the Royal Suite at The Ritz-Carlton Montreal. It’s the fifth year the suite has been awarded the title, so clearly it’s doing something right. First opened in 1912, the downtown Montreal hotel underwent a massive $200-million renovation in 2012, cementing its reputation as one of the city’s most luxurious stays. It’s also no stranger to famous faces. Hollywood royalty Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton got married in the hotel once (the couple wed each other twice in their lifetime, believe it or not!). Other celebrities that have stayed at the ritzy hotel, according to local newspapers, include Charlize Theron, Jennifer Aniston, and Sophia Loren. The hotel bills itself as a European-inspired retreat, and with its own advanced spa, indoor saltwater pool overlooking the skyline and Dom Pérignon Bar, the only one of its kind in North America. The real showstopper is the award-winning Royal Suite, which the hotel says is the largest in the city. Spanning 4,700 square feet, the three-bedroom, four-bathroom suite comes with marble fireplaces and bathrooms, oversized bathtubs, two-person Whirlpools, walk-in closets, and soundproof windows. Guests can also enjoy butler service, something usually reserved for five-star spots. Just imagine soaking in the tub and drinking champagne while looking out at the lit-up city. There’s also a separate living room and a dining room with a table that seats 10 that’s perfect for hosting a dinner party, if you happen to have nine equally rich friends. The bedrooms bring a touch of old-school glamour, making the whole place feel less like a hotel room and more like a ridiculously chic private residence. Of course, all this luxury comes at a price. According to the hotel’s website, a night in the Royal Suite will set you back a cool $12,000. Sure, that’s a little steep for the average Canadian earning around $68,000 a year, but we can’t think of a better place for the cast of The White Lotus to check in on an upcoming season. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/ritz-carlton-montreal-royal-suite Sat, 17 Oct 2026 15:00:50 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/lottery-winner-dale-langley Daniel Chai Using a routine set of numbers as part of his regular lottery ticket purchase has paid off handsomely for a Canadian lottery player. Dale N. of Langley, B.C., revealed that he had used a series of numbers that he had been playing for years for a ticket for the Sept. 30, 2026, Lotto 6/49 draw. This sequence was combined with numbers from family birthdays, and the technique worked because Dale won a $1-million guaranteed prize from the ticket. Dale first checked his ticket on the Lotto! App, and when he realized what he had won, his first thought was that he wanted to help his children. “It feels awesome, not because of the money, but because I can help my kids with future expenses,” he said. The Metro Vancouver resident, who bought the ticket from the Douglas Park Market in Langley, said that he doesn’t have any major plans to spend the money. However, Dale added that he would like to travel to England to explore museums and discover the country’s history. And while he doesn’t have any plans to celebrate his windfall, Dale revealed that he may have more time to enjoy some of his favourite activities. They include cooking, salmon fishing, and spending time with his dogs. Another recent B.C. lottery player also has plans for how to spend their jackpot after a life-changing win. Seble G. of Vancouver, B.C., was at a gas station to pick up some ice cream when she decided to check her lottery ticket for the Sept. 9, 2026, Lotto 6/49 draw. The treat was soon forgotten because Seble won a cool $1 million from her ticket. When asked if she had any thoughts on how she would like to spend her Lotto 6/49 jackpot, Seble revealed that she wants to plan for the next few years and also plan for her family. “This also allows me to feel closer to buying a home,” she said. “It’s very unreal. I feel blessed.” All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, check out these resources. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/lottery-winner-dale-langley Sat, 17 Oct 2026 14:00:39 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/nintendo-store-toronto-canada Bradly Shankar, MobileSyrup For years, Nintendo has operated dedicated stores in Japan and the U.S. Now, Canada is getting a Nintendo shop of its own. Starting on Saturday, Oct. 17, the flagship EB Games on Yonge St. in Toronto will be home to Nintendo’s first-ever “store-within-a-store” experience in North America. It’s tucked in the back of the first floor of EB Games, so you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s small. But enter the 1,500 sq. ft. space, and you’ll immediately be surrounded by all things Nintendo, from Switch 2 demo stations and products to tons of general Nintendo merchandise and themed displays, including a Mario statue. Having visited all of the Nintendo Stores around the world, including the latest one in San Francisco, I’m pretty impressed. After all, Canadians are well-conditioned to get these kinds of things either late or not at all — certainly compared to our U.S. neighbours. So, it begs the question: how did Canada end up being the first in North America to land this “store-within-a-store” concept? “Canada is a huge gaming audience. Actually, 50 per cent of people in Canada say they game, and that’s split pretty equally between men and women,” says Susan Pennefather, vice president and general manager of Nintendo of Canada. “Toronto is such a great Nintendo town,” adds Jim Tyo, president of EB Games Canada. “There’s such enthusiasm and fandom here.” Pennefather notes that Nintendo has held many popular events at that very EB Games flagship, including special launches for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and the Nintendo Switch 2. “So it really felt like EB Games was a great partner, a great space in downtown Toronto, to bring this to life and really create an experience for Nintendo fans, for families, to come in and get the sense of discovery and fun that everybody associates with Nintendo.” She adds that the teams have found “really great inspiration” from what’s been done with Nintendo in other markets. This Toronto storefront, however, comes at a notable time. Tech products across the board are rising in price, with the Nintendo Switch 2 becoming $50 more expensive last month. Factor that in with overall higher living costs, and it’s clear that more people are tightening their belts. So how does Pennefather hope the storefront will continue to attract Canadians? “I think about families that might have just seen the Super Mario Galaxy Movie for the first time this spring, and started to fall in love with Princess Peach, Mario, and [are now] able to come into a space and maybe take a picture with Mario in his warp pipe, take home a plushie to add to the collection on their bed, and try the games where these amazing characters came to life for the first time,” she says. “I think that’s the experience we’re hoping to expand, but also, to talk to the fans that have had love for Nintendo for so long.” Of course, the space itself always presents the opportunity to tailor experiences to different Nintendo products. Right now, there’s understandably a big focus on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake that launches on Nov. 5, for which Pennefather teases a special launch event. And beyond that, she looks to something like next year’s highly anticipated Pokémon Wind and Waves as an example of how Nintendo “can continually evolve and bring amazing experiences” to the store. “I can imagine having a great Pokémon takeover, having the game playable for fans to enjoy together,” she says. “I think we’ll be able to evolve the experience as new releases come out, and we have new experiences that we want to share with consumers and fans.” “We have such a strong partnership and connection,” remarks Tyo. “We share the same values. We want connection. We want community. We want play, so we’ll continue to work on that and evolve it together.” But no discussion of expansion would be complete without asking about bringing this store concept to other Canadian provinces, including Nintendo of Canada’s own home in B.C. “I think for today, I’m just taking this all in, excited to see how consumers react, and we’ll assess how things are going, and then take it from there,” she says. “So right now, it’s all about staying in the moment, but we’re always thinking about what’s around the corner, and we’ll keep you posted.” On the subject, then, I also had to ask: could we ever see a proper Nintendo Store in Canada in the vein of what’s in Japan and the U.S.? “I can’t speak to what the future might hold. I think for now, this is an amazing experience that people are going to get so much out of,” she says. “Maybe there’s a path forward in the future, but right now this is what we’re doing here in Canada.” For now, at least, the store gives Canada’s faithful Nintendo fans a place to regularly celebrate the brand. Being in the store, I’m reminded of the fact that while Nintendo is obviously popular across the globe, the company’s games perform exceptionally well in Canada. Based on data released every month from the Entertainment Software Association of Canada, Nintendo games regularly chart higher comparatively than they do in America. As we wrap up our interview, I mention this to Pennefather. What is it that makes Canadians especially big fans of Nintendo? While she doesn’t have an answer for that, she says it’s that passion that’s kept her at Nintendo of Canada for nearly 25 years now. “I feel very fortunate that we have very passionate fans in Canada. You’re absolutely right. Zelda is a great example. The franchise does really, really well in Canada. Mario does really, really well in Canada. And I think we’ve just found a way to make people feel like they want to experience our games, characters, and worlds,” she says. The grand opening for the Nintendo space at EB Games is Sat., Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. For launch day only, EB Games is offering one free $50 Nintendo eShop gift card when you spend $200 or more on Nintendo products or two free $50 eShop cards when you purchase Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, while supplies last. You might also like: - Vancouver artist helps spotlight B.C. in 'Marvel's Wolverine' - Canadian man finds way to kill time while girlfriend shops at Aritzia Warehouse Sale - Major video game company opens Vancouver studio with high-paying jobs https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/nintendo-store-toronto-canada Fri, 16 Oct 2026 21:25:27 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/drew-barrymore-charlie-heaton-newfoundland-canada Natalia Buia Newfoundland and Labrador is having a moment, b’y! As Netflix’s hit supernatural series Below continues to make waves, its international stars are making sure the world knows just how much they love the province where it was filmed. British actor Charlie Heaton, best known for playing Jonathan Byers in all five seasons of Stranger Things, traded in his camera for a fishing rod to star in the six-part miniseries, filmed in various communities like Brigus South, St. John’s, and Pouch Cove. Since premiering on Oct. 8, Below has reeled in 17 million views, which Netflix says is the most-watched debut of a Canadian title ever. It remains the number one show in over 50 countries and is leading the way in having more homegrown content on the platform. Heaton plays Wade (the son of Josh Hartnett’s character) in a close-knit fishing community terrorized by a mysterious sea creature. Much like his American co-star, Heaton has also fallen for Newfoundland and can’t stop singing its praises. While appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show, Heaton gushed about his time filming in the coastal province. “It’s beautiful,” he said, before bringing up Come From Away, the hit Broadway musical inspired by the Newfoundland community that welcomed thousands of stranded airline passengers on 9/11. “We all know Canadians are the nicest people in the world, and they say that that niceness was born in Newfoundland.” Heaton also said he’d never felt so welcomed by a community, describing how locals were eager to share their culture and invite the cast into their homes for supper. “I was really touched by that place,” he said. Barrymore, meanwhile, revealed that she and her daughter have been watching the show together. “I’ve always fantasized about going to Newfoundland,” she said, describing it as a world unto itself. “If you ever get a chance to go, it’s beautiful,” Heaton told her, before, coincidentally enough, the host gave away a free trip to Newfoundland and a stay at the swanky JAG Hotel in St. John’s to a lucky member of the audience. It’s funny that both Barrymore and the show’s sidekick Ross Mathews have their own way of pronouncing Newfoundland. They all seem to say “new-fin-lind,” with a hard D at the end, while locals typically pronounce it more like “newf-in-land.” Regardless of pronunciations, fans are loving the attention Below is bringing to their homeland, even praising the cast for their spot-on accents. “Wade is the epitome of a Newfie. Solid acting, solid accent,” one user commented on Netflix Canada’s Instagram post. “Coming from someone who grew up in the neighbouring community where this was filmed, I was so happy and excited to hear the cast speaking our lingo,” another said. Meanwhile, on the talk show’s YouTube page, locals were quick to share their excitement about their home getting global recognition. “Born and raised in Newfoundland, not so secretly loving all the love for my home,” wrote one user. “I am a Newfoundlander, and it makes me happy how Below is getting folks talking about my beautiful province on these talk shows,” another commented. If you haven’t watched Below yet, all six episodes are streaming on Netflix Canada now. Best get crackin’! You might also like: - Josh Hartnett won’t stop raving about this Canadian province - Dan Levy has always been outspoken and we love him for that - Backstreet Boys return to Canada for one city only on their 2027 stadium tour https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/drew-barrymore-charlie-heaton-newfoundland-canada Fri, 16 Oct 2026 18:19:18 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/grocery-prices-canada-el-nino Natalia Buia As if grocery shopping wasn’t expensive enough these days, prices in Canada could climb even higher in 2027, and we have Mother Nature to thank for that. Changing weather patterns linked to a historic super El Niño could disrupt food production around the world, while a weaker Canadian dollar could make imported groceries much more expensive. This weather phenomenon could bring more droughts and extreme heat to some regions and heavy rain and flooding to others, says the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. These conditions can damage crops and reduce harvests, potentially tightening food supplies and pushing up prices. According to Canadian professor and food distribution and policy researcher Sylvain Charlebois, who published a report Oct. 13 on Retail Insider, prices for many everyday food ingredients have already gone up across the country. For those living in Northern Canada, where grocery store items are already outrageously high, another increase brought on by El Niño could make an already expensive grocery bill that much harder to manage. So which grocery items could potentially cost more? Here are some things Canadian shoppers should keep an eye on. BREAD, FLOUR, AND OTHER WHEAT-BASED FOODS According to Charlebois, wheat prices have jumped 48.4 per cent over the past year. That doesn’t mean your favourite loaf of bread is going to increase by that same amount, but higher wheat costs can eventually trickle down to the foods we buy at the grocery store. Wheat is used in everything from sandwich bread and pasta to flour for baking cakes, cookies. and other treats. If it becomes more expensive for food manufacturers to buy wheat, some of those extra costs could eventually show up in grocery prices. For a better idea of what shoppers are paying right now, Food Basics lists its Villaggio loaf of sliced white bread for $4.19, and Selection all-purpose flour for $3.77. Of course, those prices aren’t guaranteed to go up next year, but worth keeping an eye on. Charlebois does, however, note that during the previous super El Niño in 2015 and 2016, prices for these items went up six to nine months later, partly because rising costs for wheat and rice drove up food processing expenses. RICE Rice is another popular pantry item that could feel the pinch. Prices have climbed 38.9 per cent over the past year, according to Charlebois. It’s a pretty big deal considering how many people rely on rice as an affordable side dish to their plate of veggies and protein. If higher costs make their way to store shelves, shoppers could end up paying more for their usual bags of rice. Exactly how much rice prices could rise in Canada, though, remains unclear. FRUITS AND VEGETABLES The Canadian dollar is already very weak, sitting at a lowly US$0.70 right now, which could make imported produce more expensive, especially during the winter months when Canada relies heavily on imports to keep grocery store shelves stocked. Popular items like bananas, avocados, lettuce, and bell peppers are often supplied from other countries like Mexico and the U.S. since Canada can’t exactly produce these items year-round. In his report, Charlebois estimates that if the Canadian dollar falls to US$0.68, fruit inflation could reach four per cent, while vegetable inflation could hit 5.5 per cent. So if a container of cherry tomatoes currently costs $3.99, at Food Basics, the price would jump to around $4.21. That’s only a matter of 22 more cents, but those little increases can add up when you’re shopping every week, especially for bigger households. Of course, these are estimates based on Charlebois’ projections, not a guarantee that all fruits and vegetables will cost more next year. SUGAR Tough times ahead for those with a sweet tooth, as sugar prices have already climbed 17.1 per cent over the past year. The ingredient is used in all kinds of everyday items, from cookies and cakes to breakfast cereals and granola bars. According to the report, if higher sugar costs continue, food manufacturers could face more pressure to raise prices on some of these products. That doesn’t mean your favourite pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream or soda can will automatically cost more next year, though. Sugar is just one part of the cost of making these foods, and things like packaging, labour, and transportation can also impact the final price tag. CORN AND SOYBEANS Foods made with corn and soybeans have also gotten more expensive, with prices up 29.7 per cent and 21.4 per cent, respectively, Charlebois reports. You might not buy these ingredients on their own very often, but they’re used in plenty of products you probably have in your fridge or pantry. Corn is used to make tortilla chips, corn chips, and other snacks, while soybeans are used to make products like tofu and soy milk. For example, Loblaws currently lists a 946 mL carton of Silk soy milk for $3.79, and a bag of Que Pasa tortilla chips for $5.25, which already feels like a lot. Not every grocery item is facing the same pressures. Charlebois notes that coffee and cocoa prices in Canada are actually lower than last year ago, offering some good news for chocolate lovers. For now, we’ll have to wait and see what 2027 has in store for grocery prices. In the meantime, Canadians might want to enjoy their go-to snacks while they can, because even something as simple as a bag of Doritos could start feeling like a luxury. You might also like: - A $40 weekly grocery bill in Canada? One woman says it's possible - Costco Canada shoppers can get a full refund in latest recall - Shoppers are confused by ‘envelope gravy’ at Real Canadian Superstore https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/grocery-prices-canada-el-nino Fri, 16 Oct 2026 16:31:50 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/crystal-skelton-lottery-win Laine Mitchell Taking advice is a good trait to have, and one woman who listened to her husband’s suggestion to buy lottery tickets has netted a cool $250,000. Crystal Skelton of Sherwood Park, Alta., says she was taking a break from buying lottery tickets but decided to give it another go at her husband’s suggestion. That decision led to a surprise she never saw coming: a $250,000 win on the Sept. 12 Lotto 6/49 and Extra draw. “I hadn’t bought tickets in years,” she explained while speaking with Lotto Spot. “But my husband mentioned that I should, so I started again.” When she stopped to check her ticket, something different caught her ear. “The sound on the machine sounded different, and I wasn’t paying attention,” she laughed. “Then a guy said congratulations.” “I looked up, and it said, ‘Major Winner’ on the screen,” she continued. “I started to shake and called my husband, who was outside in the car, to come in and see.” As the excitement started to settle in, Skelton started thinking about her plans for the prize, looking to buy a newer vehicle and put money down on a home. The Sherwood Park resident purchased her winning ticket from the 7-Eleven located at 15310 18th St. NW in Edmonton. She won her prize by matching the Extra number selected on the Sept. 12 draw – 5572910. All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, check out these resources. You might also like: - Alberta spot named the best landmark restaurant in North America - An electrified fence is going around a popular Alberta campground - Alberta town named among top trending vacation spots for 2027 https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/crystal-skelton-lottery-win Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:23:50 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canada-google-searches-halloween-costumes-2026 Natalia Buia Halloween is just a few weeks away. Do you have your costume picked out already? You might as well compare it to the rest of the country to make sure you’re not clashing. Google Canada has revealed the top 10 most-searched-for costumes in 2026, and let’s just say there aren’t any surprises. The list is painfully predictable, as though it could’ve been pulled from any past year. Decades-old Marvel, DC, and Disney characters remain popular picks, and oddly enough, there aren’t any timely pop culture references on the list. Truthfully, we were expecting to see people wanting to dress up as characters from the popular Emmy-winning series Widow’s Bay or the hit horror movie Obsession. Oh, and how could we forget the hockey ‘fits from Heated Rivalry? Below is another popular Canadian show that broke some records this week, so it’s not to say there won’t be folks dressing up as fishermen or rocking some cozy knits while holding a screech. There just won’t be that many. Google Canada also says Angine de Poitrine was the top-trending musical act for September. The Quebec band, which won the Polaris Prize this year and made their late-night TV debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, is known for its unique costumes. So, it’s likely Canadians are debating whether to go all out with the polka dots this Halloween. Canadians also Googled the festive movie Hocus Pocus plus the word “costume” in September, so there could be three well-dressed witches at your next soirée. An interesting tidbit from the search engine: there have been more searches for “dog costume” than “kid costume” in Canada, with Manitoba being the only province searching for the latter more. In case you’re curious, Spider-Man, the Mandalorian, and Ghostbusters are the top three most-searched-for costumes for kids. Meanwhile, it looks like canines across Canada are going to be begrudgingly dressed up as Scooby-Doo, a hot dog, or a banana, as those are the three most common dog costume searches this year. THE MOST-SEARCHED-FOR GENERAL COSTUMES IN CANADA 1. Spider-Man 2. Poison Ivy 3. Harley Quinn 4. The Lorax 5. Rumi (from K-Pop Demon Hunters) 6. Batman 7. Cheshire Cat 8. Buzz Lightyear 9. Cookie Monster 10. Winnie the Pooh THE MOST-SEARCHED-FOR ADULT COSTUMES IN CANADA 1. Elsa 2. Cinderella 3. Goofy 4. Buzz Lightyear 5. Unicorn 6. Bat 7. With 8. Tigger 9. Batman 10. Cleopatra You can read Google’s full report on its website. You might also like: - Tim Hortons is getting into the Halloween spirit with cute new merch - If a zombie outbreak occurs, how and where would you survive in B.C.? - Free horror movies you can stream on Tubi Canada to get into spooky season https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-google-searches-halloween-costumes-2026 Fri, 16 Oct 2026 14:12:26 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/university-canada-macleans-2027 Irish Mae Silvestre Choosing a university is a big decision, and a new ranking reveals which schools in Canada came out on top for 2027. Maclean’s just dropped its 2027 Canadian University Rankings and has made some major changes. According to a release, it previously categorized schools into medical doctoral, comprehensive, and primarily undergraduate categories. This year, universities are grouped by size based on full-time enrollment: large (over 30,000 students), mid-size (10,000 to 30,000), and small (less than 10,000 students). “We heard that our traditional categories weren’t always easy for students and families to understand, so we took a fresh look at how universities are evaluated, including ranking systems around the world,” said Claire Gagné, director of special projects for Maclean’s. Universities were also evaluated based on four new performance indicators: student retention rates, the percentage of students who graduate within six years, research output per faculty member, and research impact. In total, schools are assessed using 15 indicators that look at student resources and support, student experience and success, faculty quality, and reputation. The rankings use the most recent publicly available data from the universities and their federated and affiliated institutions. This year, Quebec’s McGill University nabs the top spot among large universities, B.C.’s Simon Fraser University is the best mid-size university nationwide, and Mount Allison University in New Brunswick was named the best small university. With the new categories in place, here’s a look at how Canada’s universities stacked up. Some universities tied for the same spot in the rankings. BEST LARGE UNIVERSITIES 1. McGill University 2. University of Toronto 3. University of British Columbia 4. University of Waterloo 5. Queen’s University 6. University of Alberta 7. McMaster University 8. University of Ottawa 9. University of Calgary 10. Western University 11. Université Laval 12. Université de Montréal 13. York University 14. Toronto Metropolitan University 15. Concordia University BEST MID-SIZE UNIVERSITIES 1. Simon Fraser University 2. University of Victoria 3. Dalhousie University 4. Carleton University 5. University of Guelph 6. University of Saskatchewan 7. University of Manitoba 8. Université de Sherbrooke 9. Wilfrid Laurier University 10. Université du Québec à Montréal 11. Brock University 11. Memorial University of Newfoundland 11. Trent University 11. University of Windsor 15. Ontario Tech University 16. University of Regina 17. Thompson Rivers University 18. Mount Royal University 19. MacEwan University BEST SMALL UNIVERSITIES 1. Mount Allison University 2. University of Northern British Columbia 3. St. Francis Xavier University 4. Acadia University 5. University of New Brunswick 6. Bishop’s University 7. Saint Mary’s University 8. Lakehead University 9. University of Lethbridge 10. University of Prince Edward Island 11. St. Thomas University 12. Université de Moncton 13. University of Winnipeg 14. Laurentian University 15. Nipissing University 16. Brandon University 17. Mount Saint Vincent University 18. University of the Fraser Valley 19. Cape Breton University 20. Algoma University 20. Concordia University of Edmonton 22. Vancouver Island University Check out Maclean’s full ranking. In addition, three Canadian universities ranked among the world’s top 100. You might also like: - Check your fridge: Several cheese brands recalled across Canada - Who's turning the clocks back in November? Daylight saving time in Canada, explained - Small town in Canada sees huge spike in interest among international travellers https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/university-canada-macleans-2027 Thu, 15 Oct 2026 18:15:19 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/recall-canada-cheese-listeria Irish Mae Silvestre If you bought cheese recently, make sure to check the brand, as it could be part of a new recall across Canada. On Wednesday, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a recall notice for various types of cheese sold nationwide. The recall was triggered by Fromagerie L’Ancêtre Inc. due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. As of now, there have been no reported illnesses related to consuming the affected product. The recall has been categorized as a class one, which means that there’s a high risk that consuming the food may lead to serious health problems or death. “Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick,” warns the CFIA. Possible symptoms include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Pregnant people, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are especially at risk. In severe cases, it could cause death. Canadians are urged to check their fridges and not to consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute the recalled products. If you suspect you got sick from consuming the product, contact your healthcare provider. “Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased,” reads the notice. Twelve types of cheese under three different brands are part of the recall: Brand Product Size UPC Codes Farm Boy Organic Swiss Cheese 190 g 8 08912 02276 5 BB: 2027 JL 30 243E Farm Boy Organic Medium Cheddar Cheese 200 g 8 08912 02279 6 BB: 2027 JL 30 811D Farm Boy Organic Old Cheddar Cheese 200 g 8 08912 02278 9 BB: 2027 JL 30 562D Farm Boy Organic Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese 200 g 8 08912 01237 7 BB: 2027 JL 30 G6D Farm Boy Organic Three-Year-Old Cheddar Cheese 195 g 8 08912 01236 0 BB: 2027 JL 30 392Z L’Ancêtre Organic Swiss Cheese 200 g 7 78177 49960 5 BB: 2027 JL 30 243E L’Ancêtre Organic Cheddar Cheese – Shredded Old 2 kg 7 78177 82933 4 S146E BB: 2026 DE 04 L’Ancêtre Organic Mozza – Cheddar Shredded Cheese Blend 200 g 7 78177 49950 6 S150E BB: 2026 DE 11; BB: 2027 JA 17 L’Ancêtre Organic Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded Partially Skimmed 1 kg 7 78177 82938 9 S161E BB: 2026 DE 25 L’Ancêtre Organic Swiss Cheese – Shredded 1 kg 7 78177 82960 0 S164E BB: 2026 DE 25 L’Ancêtre Organic Cheddar Cheese – Shredded Medium 2 k 7 78177 85132 8 S177E BB: 2027 JA 24 Life Smart Organic Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese 200 g 0 59749 99105 6 BB: 2027 MR 30 401E The agency said it’s continuing to investigate the situation, and it could lead to additional recalls. Recent Canada-wide recalls include turkey gravy due to an undeclared ingredient and cookies due to the presence of metal wire. You might also like: - Costco Canada shoppers can get a full refund in latest recall - Who's turning the clocks back in November? Daylight saving time in Canada, explained - Small town in Canada sees huge spike in interest among international travellers https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/recall-canada-cheese-listeria Thu, 15 Oct 2026 14:21:37 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canadian-company-organizes-overseas-sports-trips Lucas Medeiros Flying to another country to experience a sport you love can be a blast. It can also be a hassle. Whether it’s figuring out how to buy tickets online without getting scammed by some dodgy reseller, building an itinerary that fits as much as possible into the limited vacation time your boss gives you, or finding a group of like-minded people willing to make the trip with you, there’s a lot to figure out before you even set foot on the plane. A Canadian company is looking to change that by offering organized sports trips overseas. When I discovered G Adventures’ Away Games packages, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to go on what ended up being the trip of a lifetime. The company offers a variety of soccer experiences around the world, ranging from Arsenal FC in London to Real Madrid in Spain. However, as a Manchester United fan growing up in Canada, there was only one option I was going to pick: seeing the Red Devils play live at Old Trafford. “AWAY GAMES” WITH G ADVENTURES >   > > > > > View this post on Instagram > > > > >   > > A post shared by G Adventures (@gadventures) G Adventures is a travel company that organizes trips for travellers to every continent in the world, creating authentic and fun experiences whether you’re signing up on your own or with a group. Each trip has a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) who knows the area and can recommend where to eat, what to do and what to see, so you can kick back and enjoy the experience without having to do any additional research. As a sports fan and avid traveller, the part that intrigues me most is its Away Games package. It’s an experience like no other, with a small group of travellers enjoying the ultimate football (soccer) experience. Some of the key features that make this package so enticing include premium seating and hospitality access for the main match of the trip (Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona, etc.), a lower-league game to experience both ends of the sport’s spectrum, a tour to explore what the city has to offer outside the stadium, and the opportunity to enjoy every moment alongside other like-minded football fans. Getting all of this without having to worry about the nitty-gritty details of travelling, such as hotels and transportation, makes it a stress-free experience that’s hard to turn down. THE EXPERIENCE I travelled to the U.K., along with a small group of other Canadians, to experience European football for the first time. With G Adventures handling the tickets, accommodation, transportation, and experiences, I was able to enjoy the trip without having to worry about any of the logistics. After arriving, our first full day in Manchester was spent experiencing a Football League One match between Stockport County and Leicester City at historic Edgeley Park. Built in 1891, this stadium certainly offered an authentic English football experience. The fact that our CEO, Grace, took care of our train and game tickets meant I got to fully immerse myself in the experience without having to worry about a thing. > Stockport County fans celebrate at Edgeley Park 🤩 pic.twitter.com/f8qCHTn2Lr > > — Lucas Medeiros (@LucasMe75534642) October 2, 2026   The next day we had tickets to one of the biggest derbies in world football: Manchester United vs. Manchester City at Old Trafford. Our private transportation made a quick stop at the Etihad, Manchester City’s home stadium, so we could see the blue side of the city before we witnessed the red. G Adventures pre-booked a stadium tour at Old Trafford, giving us an inside look at the grounds and a chance to see what the stadium was like before more than 70,000 people showed up for the Premier League match. After the tour, we headed to a Manchester United pub to grab a pint and sing a few songs, getting everyone hyped for the match. > “Take Me Home Country Roads” at Old Trafford ❤️🤠 pic.twitter.com/ilZNyCdGQS > > — Lucas Medeiros (@LucasMe75534642) October 2, 2026 Our tickets gave us hospitality lounge access and put us right beside United’s ultras, who sang and chanted for the entire 90 minutes. I honestly don’t know how they didn’t lose their voices, but they created an atmosphere unlike anything I had experienced before. Working in sports, I have been privileged enough to attend the World Cup, NHL, NFL, MLB, and NBA games, but I had never witnessed anything quite like this. We spent the final day of our trip touring downtown Manchester. Our group was guided around the city to see some of the historical sights and try some great food, including a visit to the hotel where David Beckham and Posh Spice had their first date and eating tomato soup at The Portico Library. It was a nice change of pace to walk around the city and check out some spots I probably would have unknowingly missed if I had booked the trip myself. If you’re a soccer fan looking to experience the game overseas for the first time, G Adventures is worth considering. The author of this article was hosted by G Adventures https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canadian-company-organizes-overseas-sports-trips Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:00:16 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canada-town-travel-trends-2027 Irish Mae Silvestre A small town in Canada that’s a favourite getaway among locals is quickly gaining international popularity. Travel platform Expedia recently published its Destinations of the Year report, which highlights upcoming trends in 2027, and a town in Canada is among the top 10 locations seeing a surge in searches. “Expedia’s Destinations of the Year ranks some of 2027’s fastest-growing travel destinations, using real search data to track where traveller interest is climbing,” the report states. The report compares searches for flights and accommodations on Expedia from Sept. 1, 2025, to July 27, 2026, vs. Sept. 1, 2024, to July 27, 2025. The results show a growing interest among travellers looking to explore places off the beaten path. “These places might not be dominating mainstream travel content just yet, but they’re gaining attention,” reads the report. WHAT’S THE TOP TRENDING DESTINATION IN CANADA? While major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary remain popular with tourists, travellers are also looking at smaller destinations, including one town in Ontario. According to Expedia, searches for Niagara-on-the-Lake increased by 35 per cent year over year. That’s the same increase seen in Perugia, Italy, and The Tweed, Australia. Home to around 20,000 residents according to the latest census, Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture. Visitors can spend an afternoon wandering its historic streets, checking out boutiques and art galleries, or grabbing a bite at a cozy local cafe or restaurant. There’s also plenty to see for wine lovers. The area has over 20 wineries, and visitors can tour vineyards and sample local wines. If you’d rather spend time outdoors, you can cycle along scenic country roads, stroll along the Niagara River, or take in the waterfront views of Lake Ontario. OTHER TRENDING DESTINATIONS Here’s the full ranking of all the trending destinations for 2027, based on the year-over-year increase in searches: 1. South Lake Tahoe, Calif., U.S. — 195 per cent 2. Hyogo, Japan — 95 per cent 3. Punta del Este, Uruguay — 65 per cent 4. Sedona, Ariz., U.S. — 55 per cent 5. Busan, South Korea — 50 per cent 6. Holbox, Mexico — 45 per cent 7. Perugia, Italy — 35 per cent 8. The Tweed, NSW, Australia — 35 per cent 9. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., Canada — 35 per cent 10. Chichester, U.K. — 30 per cent You can read the full report on Expedia’s website. You might also like: - Air Canada adds new $30 fee for some bookings starting Thursday - Two Canadian destinations ranked among trending travel spots for 2027 - Canada issues another urgent travel advisory update for Mexico https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-town-travel-trends-2027 Thu, 15 Oct 2026 12:00:19 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/baan-lao-canada Marco Ovies For the first time in the history of the World Culinary Awards, a Canadian restaurant has just been named the best in North America. Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine, located in Richmond, B.C., just received the award, marking a significant milestone in Canada’s restaurant scene. For context, previous North American title holders include the famous French Laundry, Le Bernardin, and Atelier Crenn. This isn’t the first time that Baan Lao has been recognized at the World Culinary Awards, as it has been named the best restaurant in Canada multiple times — this year marking the third time it has received the best in Canada distinction. The restaurant is led by Executive Chef Nutcha Phanthoupheng, who is a former nurse and cancer researcher and owns Baan Lao with her partner, John Phanthoupheng. “I wanted to show people that Thai food is more than just street food and introduce them to the beauty of Royal Thai cuisine, which is an important part of our culture,” said Chef Nutcha Phanthoupheng, who accepted the award in Montego Bay, Jamaica. “I am very grateful to our team and everyone who has supported us. This award encourages us to keep improving.” “Our goal was to become the best Thai restaurant in North America,” added John Phanthoupheng. “To be named the best restaurant overall is immensely gratifying. We hope it brings greater appreciation for the depth and refinement of Thai cuisine.” The restaurant was selected through a weighted voting system that included 22 Canadian and 18 U.S. nominees. Baan Lao is a 20-seat restaurant set on the waterfront in the historic fishing village of Steveston, just south of Vancouver. Opened in 2021, the restaurant is known for its Royal Thai tasting menus and white-glove service. In May, the duo also opened MaKaam at Vancouver’s recently opened Time Out Market, offering healthy, modern takes on casual Thai classics. The couple are also preparing to open two new concepts in Vancouver in Summer 2027, the first of which is Baan Baan, Thai Farmer’s Table and Bar, which will specialize in Isaan cuisine. Expect a late-night gathering place with a showpiece bar, private dining room, and an expansive patio serving charcoal-grilled seafood and meats with spicy fermented flavours. The second concept is titled Le KaNom Thai Desserts and Caffe, which will offer gluten-free and dairy-free Thai sweets during the day. Both Baan Baan and Le KaNom will be located on Granville Island. BAAN LAO FINE THAI CUISINE Address: 4100 Bayview St., Richmond Instagram https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/baan-lao-canada Thu, 15 Oct 2026 04:01:18 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/daylight-saving-time-canada-explained Natalia Buia Daylight saving time is coming to an end, but depending on where you live in Canada, you might not be turning your clocks back on Nov. 1. Gone are the days of late sunsets, and soon, we’ll be trading daylight in the evening for brighter mornings as much of the country returns to standard time. The thing about daylight saving time is that most people just aren’t fans. For years, Canadians have called for an end to the semi-annual clock change, with petitions making the rounds every time November rolls around. In 2026, some provinces actually made moves to ditch the seasonal time change, while others are sticking with the status quo. With different rules emerging across the country, keeping track of what the time is and where can get confusing fast — especially when you have family in other parts of Canada, or you’re like Daily Hive and work with teams scattered across various time zones. We’re breaking down what’s happening in every province and territory ahead of Nov. 1, when daylight saving time ends in most of Canada. BRITISH COLUMBIA British Columbia is officially done with the semi-annual clock change. After moving clocks forward in March, the entire province will stay on Pacific Time year-round, meaning no one in the province will need to turn clocks back on Nov. 1. So, what does this mean for the rest of Canada? While it used to be 6 a.m. in B.C. when it was 9 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, the time difference will now shrink to just two hours, so when it’s 7 a.m. in B.C., that means it’s 9 a.m. in Ontario. B.C. will remain one hour behind Alberta, and four hours behind most of Atlantic Canada. ALBERTA Alberta is also saying goodbye to the seasonal clock change, with the province adopting permanent Alberta Time, previously known as Mountain Daylight Time. Albertans won’t have to turn their clocks back in the fall (or turn their clocks forward in the spring) and will stay on the same time year-round. This subsequently means longer dark mornings in the winter, which, as imagined, not everyone is pleased about. Starting Nov. 1, the province will be just one hour behind most of Ontario, including Toronto, instead of two hours. SASKATCHEWAN Saskatchewan, for the most part, stopped changing its clocks way back in 1966. Since then, the province has observed Central Standard Time year-round. Previously, just the city of Lloydminster would switch to Mountain Standard Time during the winter months but as of 2026, the whole province is in sync. With Alberta’s move to permanent daylight saving time in 2026, the two provinces will be in the same time zone year-round, meaning Saskatchewan will also be one hour ahead of B.C. MANITOBA Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced in September that the province would end seasonal clock changes and remain on daylight saving time year-round. The move means Manitoba will keep its summer clock setting throughout the winter, giving residents later sunrises and sunsets by the clock than they would experience under standard time. Beginning Nov. 1, Manitoba will share the same time as most of Ontario (more on that in a bit), and be two hours ahead of B.C. It will remain one hour ahead of Saskatchewan and Alberta, as well. ONTARIO Just this week, Ontario announced that parts of the northwestern province will adopt permanent daylight saving time on Nov. 1, allowing certain communities like Kenora to avoid setting their clocks back for the winter. The move is intended to keep the region aligned with neighbouring Manitoba, which also moved to permanent daylight saving time. However, not all of Ontario is changing. Most of the province, including Toronto and Ottawa, will continue to turn clocks back on Nov. 1 and observe Eastern Standard Time through the winter. As a result, most of Ontario will be two hours ahead of B.C. and one hour ahead of Alberta beginning Nov. 1. Something to keep in mind for those who have work meetings, business operations, or travel across provincial borders. QUEBEC Quebec is turning its clocks back one hour on Nov. 1, sticking within the eastern time zone. As a result, the province will be one hour ahead of Manitoba and Alberta and two hours ahead of B.C. this winter, which could make a difference for anyone travelling, working or keeping in touch with people across the various provinces. ATLANTIC CANADA Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and most of Newfoundland and Labrador continue to observe daylight saving time and will set its clocks back one hour on Nov. 1. We say “most of” because Newfoundland and Labrador has its own time-zone quirks. Parts of the province follow Newfoundland Time, which is half an hour ahead of the rest of Atlantic Canada. After the change, most of Atlantic Canada will be three hours ahead of B.C., two hours ahead of Alberta and one hour ahead of Ontario (for the most part, as explained above), for anyone wanting to keep in touch with friends or family across provinces. NORTHWEST TERRITORIES The Northwest Territories is officially ending seasonal time changes on Nov. 1, meaning residents won’t have to turn their clocks anymore. Instead, the territory will stay on the same time year-round, adopting a permanent time standard known as Northwest Territories Time. The change keeps the territory aligned with Alberta and Saskatchewan, which will also remain on the same time year-round. YUKON The Yukon got rid of daylight saving time back in 2020, and since then, it has not turned the clocks back or forward. The territory sticks to the same time year-round, using Yukon Standard Time, which matches Pacific Daylight Time in B.C. That means while many parts of Canada will adjust their clocks on Nov. 1, things will just carry on as usual in the Yukon. NUNAVUT Nunavut is the one territory that still observes daylight saving time and therefore the clocks will go back one hour on Nov. 1. And because of its massive geographic size, it has three different time zones. Following similar moves by other territories, the Nunavut government is reportedly exploring the possibility of ending seasonal time changes; however, nothing has been announced for 2026 just yet. For now, Nunavut’s Kitikmeot region will share the same time as B.C. and the Yukon, while the Kivalliq region will be one hour ahead of B.C. but the same time as Alberta. Qikiqtaaluk, or Baffin Region, will be two hours ahead of B.C. and just one hour ahead of Alberta. It can be a lot to wrap your head around. The Government of Canada has a handy page on time zones and daylight saving time but recommends contacting specific provincial and territorial governments for the most up-to-date information. You might also like: - Two Canadian destinations ranked among trending travel spots for 2027 - Eligible Canadians can get up to $679 in benefits next week - Canada issues another urgent travel advisory update for Mexico https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/daylight-saving-time-canada-explained Wed, 14 Oct 2026 19:42:30 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/air-canada-new-fee Irish Mae Silvestre Air Canada is making changes to its booking fees, and some customers could soon be on the hook for an extra charge. According to its website, Air Canada customers will be charged a non-refundable $30 booking fee (plus taxes) per passenger for every new booking made by phone with an agent. The new fee kicks in on Thursday, Oct. 15. WHY IS AIR CANADA ADDING A NEW FEE? Air Canada says the new $30 fee will help reduce wait times and give agents more time to help customers who need extra support. The fee already applies to Aeroplan reward bookings made by phone. Starting Thursday, customers booking regular flights by phone will also have to pay it. WHO HAS TO PAY THE NEW FEE? The new fee only applies to new bookings made by phone. You won’t have to pay the fee if you book through Air Canada’s website or app. You also won’t be charged if you need to call about an existing booking because of a delay, cancellation, or other travel disruptions. In many cases, you can also change your flight, accept a new itinerary, or request a refund online without calling an agent. Customers who book their trips by phone will see the fee listed as a separate charge on top of their airfare and other charges. Keep in mind that if your flight is cancelled, the booking fee won’t be refunded. WHO’S EXEMPT FROM THE NEW FEE? Air Canada won’t be charging customers with accessibility requirements. The airline states that it will continue to provide specialized care and support. Visit their website for more information. You might also like: - Costco Canada shoppers can get a full refund in latest recall - Two Canadian destinations ranked among trending travel spots for 2027 - Canada issues another urgent travel advisory update for Mexico https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/air-canada-new-fee Wed, 14 Oct 2026 17:06:18 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/dateline-canada-citytv Natalia Buia Fans are in for a treat as one of America’s most popular true crime series is finally getting its own Canadian version. Citytv announced today the launch of Dateline Canada, marking the first international expansion of NBC’s long-running series, now in its 35th season. Actually, Dateline has had a Canadian connection for years, even before the announcement. One of the show’s most popular hosts, Keith Morrison, was born in Lloydminster, Sask., and worked at local stations in Saskatchewan, as well as in Vancouver and Toronto, before moving to the U.S. and joining the Dateline team in 1995. Morrison was also the stepfather of the late Friends actor Matthew Perry, who died in 2023 at age 54. Morrison won’t be hosting Dateline Canada, though. That honour goes to Diana Swain, a former senior investigative correspondent for CBC News. Die-hard fans of the original series will know that Dateline features multiple correspondents, but Citytv has yet to reveal whether any other hosts or producers will be joining the Canadian edition. “To see the franchise expand with Diana Swain leading the new Canadian edition is an exciting evolution for the broadcast,” Morrison said in a press release. Canada has no shortage of chilling unsolved mysteries and high-profile murders. The broadcaster announced that the series will kick off by revisiting the 1990 disappearance of University of Toronto student Elizabeth Bain, and the wrongful conviction of her then-boyfriend Robert Baltovich. “With Dateline Canada, we have an opportunity to re-examine a complex story through a fresh lens, connect pieces that may have been overlooked, and bring viewers a deeper understanding of the events that shaped this case and investigation,” said Swain. Other high-profile Canadian cases that could make compelling subjects for future episodes include the unsolved murders of billionaire couple Barry and Honey Sherman, as well as the killing of former wrestler Dino Bravo. No synopses have been released for upcoming episodes yet. Dateline Canada premieres with a two-hour special on Thursday, Nov. 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Citytv and Citytv+. You might also like: - Too soon? Netflix releasing docuseries on late 'Friends' star Matthew Perry in October - Canadians spend 80 hours a year figuring out what to watch on TV - Free horror movies you can stream on Tubi Canada to get into spooky season https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/dateline-canada-citytv Wed, 14 Oct 2026 15:36:55 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canadians-save-money-gas-national-fuel-day Natalia Buia If there’s one thing Canadians can agree on, it’s that gas prices are high these days. But drivers got a bit of a break when the federal government announced in September an extension of its fuel excise tax relief until Jan. 31, 2027. This saves drivers 10 cents per litre on gas and four cents per litre on diesel. Some may argue it isn’t enough, but every penny counts in times like these. Canadians are already paying a hefty amount to fuel up. According to GasBuddy’s fuel price portal, the average price of a litre of gas varies by province. In Alberta, it’s the cheapest at 157.3 cents per litre. However, drivers in PEI and Newfoundland are really feeling the pinch, paying upwards of 219 cents per litre to fill up their tanks. There are now more savings in store, but only for a limited time. Drivers can head to participating Circle K and Couche-Tard gas stations on Thursday, Oct. 15 to save 10 cents per litre. The company, which operates more than 2,000 locations across the country, says the offer is part of National Fuel Day and is valid for just four hours, between 3 and 7 p.m. local time. “Our goal is to make life on the road just a little easier, because we know that every trip adds up,” says Stéphane Trudel, senior vice-president of operations at Alimentation Couche-Tard. According to the press release, Canadians can save even more through the Circle K app earlier in the day. Drivers in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and British Columbia can get a 10-cent-per-litre discount from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time on Oct. 15. If you can hold off on filling up during your lunch break or on your way home from work, timing your trip to the pump could save you a few extra bucks this week. You might also like: - High fuel prices are causing WestJet to make some changes - Eligible Canadians can get up to $679 in benefits next week - Canadians have just days left to cash in on $7.5M Silk and Great Value settlement https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canadians-save-money-gas-national-fuel-day Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:53:05 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canadian-destinations-trending-travel-locations-2027 Natalia Buia If you’re thinking about going on a vacation next year, we’ve got some spots for you to consider, and a couple aren’t that far from home. Skyscanner revealed its top trending travel destinations for 2027, and two Canadian spots, both in British Columbia, made the cut. The travel search engine and app recently released its 2027 Travel Trends report, combining its in-house data with insights from more than 28,000 travellers and global partners. Despite the economic uncertainty felt across the world and consumer spending slowing down as a result, Canadians are still eager to get away. According to Skyscanner, 80 per cent of travellers plan to travel as much as, if not more, in 2027 than they did last year. The biggest takeaway is that the top 10 most searched-for destinations are lesser-known spots, suggesting more people want to avoid large crowds and rising tourist fees in popular cities like Venice and Tokyo. Cardiff, the capital of Wales, was crowned the top travel destination for 2027, after searches surged by a whopping 1,045.91 per cent year-over-year. The city is a great option for history buffs, boasting several impressive castles, including Cardiff Castle, Caerphilly Castle, and Raglan Castle. It’s also a cool spot for music lovers, as it’s home to the oldest record store in the world. Spillers Records, located in the historic Morgan Arcade neighbourhood, was established all the way back in 1894, and it’s still open today. Two national destinations cracked Skyscanner’s top 10 list, giving Canadians a couple of compelling reasons to travel domestically next year. Penticton, B.C., was ranked the fifth most searched travel destination, with an impressive 137 per cent increase in searches year-over-year. Located in the South Okanagan Valley, the city has become a popular destination for travellers looking for a mix of outdoor adventure, lakeside relaxation and wine-country experiences. In the warmer months, visitors can spend their days lounging on the beach, swimming, kayaking, hiking, biking and even touring wineries and craft breweries. Once winter rolls around, visitors can enjoy skating, skiing and snowshoeing. Penticton also gets around 304 days of sunshine a year, making it an appealing spot for those wanting a break from the harsh winters other provinces and territories are known for. “It’s an easy domestic escape for Canadians looking to swap long-haul travel for unforgettable experiences closer to home,” Skyscanner writes. Tofino, B.C., landed in 10th place, with searches climbing by 83 per cent compared with the previous year. The coastal village on the western edge of Vancouver Island is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, with seemingly endless inlets, beaches and forests to explore, whether by car, camper van, or RV. “It’s the perfect place to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy a memorable summer getaway without leaving the country,” Skyscanner writes. Tofino is catching the attention of plenty of international celebrities, too. Most recently, American model Bella Hadid documented her time in Tofino for her nearly 60 million Instagram followers. Here are Skyscanner’s top 10 trending travel destinations for 2027: 1. Cardiff, Wales 2. St. George’s, Granada 3. Tivat, Montenegro 4. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia 5. Penticton, Canada 6. Salzburg, Austria 7. Bergen, Norway 8. Olbia, Italy 9. Podgorica, Montenegro 10. Tofino, Canada You can read the full report on Skyscanner’s website. You might also like: - 5 of the best places in Canada to see rare pink Northern Lights this year - Unique park in Canada with a historic red cottage is actually run by two countries - A Canadian city was just named one of the friendliest in the world https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canadian-destinations-trending-travel-locations-2027 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 19:29:22 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/mexico-canada-travel-advisory-hurricane-simon Irish Mae Silvestre Planning a vacation to Mexico? The Canadian government has flagged a potential safety risk in its latest travel advisory. In less than a week, the Government of Canada has updated its Mexico advisory again, warning Canadians about another possible safety issue. In an update published on Monday, Canadians were urged to “avoid non-essential travel” to the west-central coast, from Punta San Telmo to Bahia Tempehuaya, including the Islas Marias islands, due to Hurricane Simon. “Hurricane Simon is expected to sweep across the west-central coast of Mexico as a major hurricane, from Punta San Telmo to Bahia Tempehuaya, including the Islas Marias islands, before making landfall near Mazatlán on Oct. 15, 2026,” the update reads. The storm could bring heavy rain and violent winds, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides. This could severely affect access to essential services such as transportation (including airport operations), power distribution, water and food, telecommunications networks, emergency services, and medical care. The government is asking Canadians who are already in affected areas to exercise caution and monitor local weather reports and news. It’s also important to follow local authorities’ instructions, including any evacuation orders. A U.S. National Hurricane Center bulletin states that areas North of Escuinapa to Bahía Tempehuaya and Las Islas Marias are currently under a hurricane watch, while regions from Cabo Corrientes to Escuinapa are under a tropical storm watch. The latest warning comes soon after parts of Mexico were hit by Hurricane Simon on Monday. Hurricane season in Mexico lasts from mid-May to the end of November in the Pacific, and from early June to the end of November in the Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. Tourists travelling to the area during hurricane season should be ready to change travel plans at short notice, monitor the latest regional weather forecasts, and keep emergency contact information for their airline or tour operator on hand. You might also like: - Travellers rank these Canadian hotels among the best in the world - Eligible Canadians can get up to $679 in benefits next week - Unique park in Canada with a historic red cottage is actually run by two countries https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/mexico-canada-travel-advisory-hurricane-simon Tue, 13 Oct 2026 19:25:46 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/jollibee-honey-garlic-canada Marco Ovies Jollibee is getting saucy with the launch of its new honey garlic menu across Canada. Starting Oct. 15, folks will be able to visit their local Jollibee to try two new honey garlic menu items. First, Jollibee is launching Honey Garlic Bone-In Fried Chicken, which takes the chain’s signature fried chicken, coats it in a sweet-and-rich honey garlic sauce, and tops it with fried garlic bits. This is available in a two-piece combo, as well as six-piece and 10-piece bucket offerings. The fast-food chain is also launching a Honey Garlic Chicken Sandwich, featuring a fried chicken breast fillet coated in the same honey garlic glaze, topped with fresh cucumber slices and fried garlic bits, and served on a toasted brioche-style bun. “At Jollibee, we believe great food should bring unexpected joy to your day,” said Luis Velasco, senior vice president and marketing head for Jollibee North America. “With our new Honey Garlic Fried Chicken and Chicken Sandwich, we’re delivering the perfect balance of familiar comfort and bold flavour innovation. Whether you’re a long-time Jollibee fan or trying us for the very first time, this sweet and savoury sauce offers just the right kick to elevate your lunch or dinner.” As for other new fast food launches, Jimmy John’s recently brought back the Picklewich across Canada, A&W launched its collab with the barbecue sauce brand Bull’s-Eye, and Taco Bell teamed up with Olivia Rodrigo for a twist on its Baja Blast. Will you be trying these saucy new creations? Let us know in the comments. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/jollibee-honey-garlic-canada Tue, 13 Oct 2026 17:38:27 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/benefit-ccb-october-2026 Irish Mae Silvestre Canadian families who are eligible can look forward to another round of government benefits scheduled to be paid next week. These benefits are meant to help families manage the costs of raising children. The next Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment is scheduled to be paid out on Tuesday, Oct. 20. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) uses a process called indexation to adjust the benefit and credit payments to keep up with inflation and the cost of living. As a result, CCB payments rose by two per cent in July. If your family already receives this benefit, read on to find out how much you can expect. If you haven’t received it before, here’s how to check if you are eligible. WHAT IS THE CCB? The CCB is a non-taxable benefit, and families who receive payments don’t need to report it on their tax returns. The payments help families manage the cost of raising children under 18. ARE YOU ELIGIBLE? To be eligible, you must meet all of the following requirements: - You live with a child under 18 - You’re responsible for the care and upbringing of the child - You’re a resident of Canada - You’re not applying for a foster child who already receives the Children’s Special Allowance (CSA) HOW MUCH COULD YOU RECEIVE? The CRA calculates your payments each year when you file your tax return. Payments depend on how many children you have in your care, their ages, and your adjusted family net income. “As family net income levels increase, the benefit amount is reduced,” the CRA website states. If your family’s 2025 income was less than $38,237, you could get the maximum benefit for each eligible child. Your benefits are reduced if your family’s income was more than $38,237 up to $82,847, or over $82,847. Families with children under age six can get up to $8,157 per year, or $679.75 per month. Families with children ages 6 to 17 can get up to $6,883 per year, or $573.58 per month. After Tuesday’s payments, the remaining payments for the year will be paid on Nov. 20 and Dec. 11. To apply, visit the CRA website. ADDITIONAL BENEFITS Children who qualify for the disability tax credit could also receive the Child Disability Benefit (CDB). Payments are made to families who care for a child with severe or prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions. To qualify, you must be eligible for the CCB, and your child must be eligible for the disability tax credit. Families could get up to $3,480 or $290 per month for each child eligible for the disability tax credit. Check out the other government benefits set to go out in October. With files from Isabelle Docto You might also like: - Thanksgiving weekend lottery draw made several Canadians a lot richer - Canadians have just days left to cash in on $7.5M Silk and Great Value settlement - 5 of the best places in Canada to see rare pink Northern Lights this year https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/benefit-ccb-october-2026 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 17:09:45 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/dan-levy-outspoken-history Natalia Buia Dan Levy has never been one to bite his tongue, and this Thanksgiving long weekend was no exception. The Canadian actor and Schitt’s Creek star made headlines after calling out a misogynistic monologue on Saturday Night Live, reminding men everywhere to speak up against sexism. On Oct. 10, American comedian Shane Gillis returned to the long-running sketch show for another hosting stint, despite past controversies over racist and homophobic remarks. During his opening monologue, Gillis criticized women for wearing shorts to the gym. “I haven’t been to the gym in so long, I didn’t know women just dress like whores now,” he said. “Look, I’m sorry, there’s no other way to describe it.” While Gillis’ so-called joke may have drawn some awkward applause from the live audience, the punchline fell flat with viewers worldwide, including Levy. The actor took to Instagram to call out the comedian, sharing a video with his nearly six million followers and making it abundantly clear he did not find Gillis’ monologue funny. “I’m speechless that something like that can exist on live national television,” Levy said. “Women wearing short shorts to the gym does not make them whores,” he continued. “It makes the men calling them whores misogynists. There’s a difference there.” Levy also stressed that men need to do more to defend women, emphasizing that gender-based violence isn’t just a women’s issue. It’s “an everybody issue.” >   > > > > > View this post on Instagram > > > > >   > > A post shared by Dan Levy (@instadanjlevy) Levy’s now viral video comes amid renewed conversations about sexual assault and accountability, including the case at Cornell University that has sparked student protests and public outcry. Women have taken to social media to share their own experiences of sexual assault in solidarity with the alleged victim, identified as Jane Doe. The Emmy-winning actor, writer, and producer has built a reputation for being outspoken on issues that matter to him, using his platform to advocate for a more inclusive world. In August 2020, Levy encouraged fans to join him in enrolling in a free Indigenous history course offered by the University of Alberta, urging Canadians to confront the parts of their country’s history that had gone unaddressed in classrooms. His call came amid a national reckoning with Canada’s residential school system, which gained serious attention that year following the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential school sites. “If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we need to actively re-learn history. History that wasn’t taught to us in school. To better understand and contextualize our lives,” Levy said. He’s also been outspoken on LGBTQ+ rights, as a proud member of the community. Levy has called out TV critics for their “offensive” homophobic comments and publicly criticized Comedy Central India for censoring a same-sex kiss in Schitt’s Creek despite the fact that heterosexual kisses remained unedited. And he isn’t afraid to weigh in on more lighthearted topics, either. Earlier in 2026, he sparked a debate over whether airlines should offer baby-free flights. Speaking to the popular TikTok channel “Are You Okay?,” Levy said, “I firmly believe there should be one airline flight with no babies, especially like a long-haul flight. No offence to the babies. One flight.” He doubled down on the idea on Jake Shane’s podcast, Therapuss, arguing that passengers who spend their hard-earned money on a seat should have the option to fly without a screaming baby beside them. While people online were quick to suggest noise-cancelling headphones as the obvious solution, many parents actually sided with him in the comments. Whether it’s about commercial flights, Canadian history, or good ol’ fashioned misogyny, Levy has never been one to keep his opinions to himself. We hope that never changes. You might also like: - Michael Bublé pays tribute to Canadian icons - 'My new favourite store': American Netflix host falls in love with Canadian Tire - Backstreet Boys return to Canada for one city only on their 2027 stadium tour https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/dan-levy-outspoken-history Tue, 13 Oct 2026 15:55:41 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/lottery-winners-lotto-max-october-9-2026 Irish Mae Silvestre Several Canadians had an extra reason to be thankful after landing some big wins during the Thanksgiving weekend lottery draws. The weekend’s biggest win came on Saturday, Oct. 10, when a lottery player won a massive Lotto 6/49 prize. One lucky Canadian is now $5 million richer after matching six of the Classic Draw winning numbers, 12, 18, 23, 27, 28, and 45, plus the bonus number 32. According to PlayNow, the ticket was purchased in Ontario. Although no one won the $20-million Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball top prize, someone matched the White Ball winning number 53468307-02 and won $1 million. The ticket was sold in Ontario. After purchasing their ticket online, a B.C. lottery player won the second prize worth $182,983.30. No one in B.C. won the $500,000 Classic Draw Extra Prize, and no one in Ontario won the $1-million Encore prize. The next Lotto 6/49 draw is on Wednesday, Oct. 14, and the Gold Ball Prize is worth $22 million. Amritpal S. of Surrey, B.C., is the most recent Lotto 6/49 top prize winner. After buying his ticket at a 7-Eleven, he won $32 million in the Sept. 19, 2026 draw. “I know I can buy anything I want, but I’m still taking some time to decide,” said Amritpal. “My dream car is a Dodge Challenger, though.” All eyes were on the $80-million Lotto Max jackpot; however, no one won the top prize in Friday’s Oct. 9 draw. Someone in Ontario won the $374,535.20 second prize. A total of 93 winners will split the third prize, each one receiving $4,103.50. There were 14 Maxmillions prizes, and four people each won $1 million. Two winning tickets were sold in B.C., one in Ontario, and one in Quebec. A total of 80 MaxPlus prizes were up for grabs, and several Canadians across the country won $100,000 or shared a prize. No one in B.C. won the $500,000 Lotto Max Extra Prize, and similarly, no one in Ontario won the $1-million Encore prize. The next draw is on Tuesday, and the jackpot is now at $85 million with 16 Maxmillions prizes and 85 MaxPlus prizes. The last time someone won the Lotto Max jackpot was on Aug. 25, when an Ontario player won $10 million. According to OLG, the ticket was sold somewhere in St. Catharines, Ont. All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, check out these resources. You might also like: - Canadians have just days left to cash in on $7.5M Silk and Great Value settlement - Unique park in Canada with a historic red cottage is actually run by two countries - Travellers rank these Canadian hotels among the best in the world https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/lottery-winners-lotto-max-october-9-2026 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 15:10:41 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/tim-hortons-halloween-merch Natalia Buia To celebrate spooky season, Tim Hortons dropped this year’s latest merch lineup, and it’s all wrapped up in one very cute package. The star of the 2026 Halloween Collection is the Timbits Mummy, which is rolling out at participating restaurants across Canada and online. Also up for grabs alongside your double-double and breakfast sandwich: a $5.99 glow-in-the-dark Timbits bucket, a $17.99 24-ounce glow-in-the-dark tumbler with a mummy straw topper, and a 20-ounce mummy mug that’s listed as “coming soon” online, with no price announced just yet. In addition to the $15.99 Timbits Mummy plushie, you can also score a $7.99 black-and-white striped tote bag. The bag folds into a pouch that’s shaped like the adorable bandage-wrapped character. The coffee conglomerate clearly loves Halloween, as its annual merch drops show. Last year, Tim Hortons brought back its glow-in-the-dark Halloween Timbits bucket, which first debuted in 2022 to rave reviews from Canadian consumers. Tim Hortons says some exclusive items are only available online, including a stainless steel Timbits Mummy tumbler, a black hoodie, and black joggers for anyone looking to rock comfy clothes while relaxing at home or grabbing their usual breakfast order. Admittedly, seeing Tim Hortons shell out apparel these days is a bit unusual. But the brand has been leaning further into fashion lately. In September, it teamed up with Adidas on a limited-edition collection of shoes, clothes, and accessories. Which item will you buy first? Let us know in the comments below. You might also like: - A&W is dropping a new sweet and spicy burger across Canada - Jimmy John's swaps bread for giant pickles in latest lineup of sandwiches - Olivia Rodrigo teams up with Taco Bell for new twist on a classic beverage https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/tim-hortons-halloween-merch Tue, 13 Oct 2026 14:11:03 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canada-federal-airport-privatization-plan-economics-comparison-report Kenneth Chan Vancouver International Airport (YVR) collects considerably less aviation-related revenue per passenger than several major for-profit airports overseas, according to a new report that urges the Government of Canada to strengthen safeguards before handing Canada’s four largest and busiest airports to for-profit private operators. A new analysis this month by University of Calgary economics professor Aidan Hollis highlights how Canada’s existing non-profit airport model can already completely self-finance major expansion projects and deliver competitive operating and maintenance costs. It argues that replacing the existing non-profit airport authorities — Vancouver Airport Authority, Calgary Airport Authority (Calgary Airports), Greater Toronto Airports Authority, and Airports of Montreal — should require proof of lasting benefits for passengers. You might also like: - Vancouver International Airport first in line for Prime Minister Carney's privatization strategy, with up to 20% First Nations stake: report - Vancouver Airport CEO weighs in on Prime Minister Carney's privatization plan - Inside the global competition to bring new airlines and routes to Vancouver International Airport - How air cargo is driving Vancouver International Airport's evolution and growth beyond passenger travel - Vancouver International Airport achieves all-time historic annual record of 26.9 million passengers in 2025 - Vancouver International Airport sets ambitious goal to double cargo volumes to over 700,000 tonnes annually by 2030 - Vancouver International Airport named North America's best airport for 15th year The report examines Prime Minister Mark Carney’s proposed privatization of Vancouver International Airport, Calgary International Airport (YYC), Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), and Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL). The federal government first indicated in its Spring 2026 economic update that it would explore opening up Canada’s largest airports to private investment. Then in September 2026, during the Canada Investment Summit, Carney provided more specific details, naming the four airports being eyed for the scheme and suggesting this could generate tens of billions of dollars in new revenue. A report by The Globe & Mail last week cited sources that claimed that Vancouver International Airport — Canada’s second busiest airport — is the very first airport in line under Carney’s privatization scheme, with First Nations potentially being given the opportunity to hold a minority stake of up to 20 per cent, while institutional investors with experience operating airports would acquire the remainder for majority control. The federal government would retain ownership of the underlying land and assets while granting investors the right to operate the airports. The federal government intends to use the proceeds it receives for other infrastructure. HOW YVR COMPARES WITH FOR-PROFIT AIRPORTS However, Hollis argues that the complete distinction between the existing non-profit operators and their potential for-profit replacements is often misunderstood. Canada’s major airports are already operated by private, non-profit airport authorities, which collect their own revenues and borrow to finance construction. They are financially independent organizations, rather than government departments or Crown corporations. Their non-profit status means they cannot distribute surplus earnings to shareholders. Instead, all proceeds go back into reinvesting in the airport. In contrast, a for-profit operator would introduce investors entitled to receive a share of the money generated by the airport. Using Canadian dollar figures, Vancouver generated approximately $16.07 in aviation-related revenue per passenger in 2025, compared with $26.50 at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), $19.70 at Brisbane Airport (BNE), and $49.20 at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in their respective reporting periods. That puts Vancouver at approximately 39 per cent below Sydney, 18 per cent below Brisbane, and 67 per cent below London Heathrow on this measure of generating revenue from airport fees collected by passengers and commercial airlines and other aviation-related sources. Calgary, at $16.92 per passenger, also came in below all five overseas for-profit airports. However, the results varied considerably within Canada. Toronto generated $30.09 per passenger and Montreal saw $31.12, exceeding every overseas airport in the comparison except London Heathrow. Hollis cautions that differences in passenger mix, airport activities, and accounting limit the precision of these comparisons. The figures provide a broad indication of performance, rather than a definitive ranking. Vancouver also compares favourably on operating expenses. Excluding federal rent and amortization — the accounting expense associated with using long-lived assets — its operating costs were approximately $14.80 per passenger, compared with $18.20 at Toronto Pearson, $18.40 at Montreal, and $34.30 at London Heathrow. Calgary and Auckland Airport (AKL) were lower, at $12.40 and $13.10, respectively. CANADA LACKS AN INDEPENDENT ECONOMIC REGULATOR FOR NON-PROFIT AIRPORT AUTHORITIES Beyond day-to-day operations, the report challenges the suggestion that non-profit authorities are unable to attract enough money to expand. Citing the Canadian Airports Council, it states that Canadian airports have invested more than $30 billion into their terminals, facilities, and infrastructure since the early 1990s, financed almost entirely through airport improvement fees paid by passengers and borrowing. The report points to Toronto Pearson’s LIFT program as a current example: a $3-billion first phase launched in May 2026, within a phased 10-year plan intended to increase YYZ’s capacity to handle approximately 65 million passengers annually. Major airport authorities — including Vancouver Airport Authority — also have strong credit ratings, allowing them to borrow from financial institutions and investors. “The gap in the Canadian model is not capital. It is scrutiny,” reads the report. Hollis’ criticism centres instead on the lack of independent scrutiny of how the money is raised and spent by non-profit airport authorities under the existing model. According to the report, Canada lacks an independent economic regulator that reviews airport charges, airport improvement fees, and major construction projects. Being a non-profit airport authority does not automatically prevent an airport from overspending, pursuing unnecessarily elaborate projects, or charging users more than needed. Hollis argues that stronger oversight is necessary regardless of whether the airports change operators. PRIVATIZATION DOES NOT GUARANTEE BETTER PERFORMANCE The report also reviews international research that challenges the assumption that for-profit operations and ownership inherently produces better results. One study it cites found no statistically significant efficiency disadvantage for North American independent airport authorities compared with airports under majority-private ownership. Other research found that competition and regulation were more important than ownership alone. Some of the strongest evidence supporting privatization comes from airports previously operated directly by governments. However, Hollis cautions that Canada has already transitioned from government-operated airports to commercially operated, independently financed airport authorities, limiting how readily those overseas findings can be applied here. This shift that began in 1992 addressed the funding and operational challenges Canada’s largest airports faced under the previous system of direct management by the federal government. That shift helped support substantial reinvestment in Canada’s largest airports. YVR is one example: the locally governed, non-profit Vancouver Airport Authority took over operations in 1992 and built a new international terminal, completed in 1996, marking a major expansion of the airport under the new model. With all that said, there some areas where for-profit operators appear to perform better. Across Auckland, Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne Airport (MEL), average commercial revenue per passenger was approximately $19.34 — about 63 per cent above the $11.83 average for Canada’s four largest airport authorities. These revenues include activities such as retail, parking, and property. Brisbane generated approximately $20.57 in commercial revenue per passenger, nearly double Vancouver’s $10.61, despite the airports handling broadly similar passenger volumes. A stronger commercial business could help support airport operations. But Hollis cautions that higher revenue can come from either providing better and more services or charging people more for the same services they already use. Whether passengers benefit also depends on the rules. Additional retail and property income could help reduce aviation-related charges, or it could flow to for-profit investors without lowering users’ costs. COMBINED EQUITY OF CANADA’S TOP FOUR AIRPORTS COULD BE WORTH UP TO $29 BILLION The federal rent paid by Canada’s largest airports further complicates the comparison. The four Canadian airport authorities paid approximately $477 million in rent to the federal government in 2025, including $78 million from Vancouver, $56 million from Calgary, $236 million from Toronto, and $107 million from Montreal. Under the existing system, rent can reach 12 per cent of gross airport revenues. Hollis argues that this formula can weaken the incentive to expand commercial activities because the federal government takes a share of each additional revenue dollar. Reforming rent could therefore deliver some improvements without replacing the non-profit operators. The report estimates the combined equity value of the four airport businesses at roughly $12 billion to $21 billion with federal rent retained, based on their 2025 financial results. Removing the federal rent raises that potential range to approximately $18 billion to $29 billion. But a larger upfront payment would also lead to the federal government surrendering future rental income. Hollis argues that this should not be mistaken for newly created economic value. Australia’s model provides a warning about relying too heavily on private airport ownership without effective controls. Its competition regulator monitors major airports, but does not set their charges. The report notes that Sydney earned a 20.8 per cent return on its aviation-related assets in 2024/2025, while the Australian regulator concluded that monitoring did not effectively constrain the major airports’ market power. Hollis recommends establishing an independent Canadian airport economic regulator before inviting bids. Its responsibilities would include reviewing major investments, linking improvement fees to approved construction programs, setting service expectations, and resolving disputes over charges and access. Airport improvement fees already account for between 32 per cent and 42 per cent of revenue at the four Canadian airports, including 32 per cent at YVR, making their future application particularly significant. Any proposed concession should then be judged against an improved, regulated non-profit airport authority, with a business case showing benefits that ownership change itself would deliver. “Canada should not sell first and regulate later,” reads the report. “The government has announced that it will seek long-term concessions at the four largest airports, but the terms have not been set, and the period of consultation is the opportunity to set them in the right order.” You might also like: - Vancouver International Airport first in line for Prime Minister Carney's privatization strategy, with up to 20% First Nations stake: report - Vancouver Airport CEO weighs in on Prime Minister Carney's privatization plan - Inside the global competition to bring new airlines and routes to Vancouver International Airport - How air cargo is driving Vancouver International Airport's evolution and growth beyond passenger travel - Vancouver International Airport achieves all-time historic annual record of 26.9 million passengers in 2025 - Vancouver International Airport sets ambitious goal to double cargo volumes to over 700,000 tonnes annually by 2030 - Vancouver International Airport named North America's best airport for 15th year https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-federal-airport-privatization-plan-economics-comparison-report Mon, 12 Oct 2026 17:12:00 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/settlement-deadline-class-action-great-value-silk Irish Mae Silvestre Some Canadians could qualify to receive money from the multimillion-dollar Silk and Great Value recall class-action settlement — but the clock is ticking. Eligible Canadians who have yet to file a claim to receive part of the settlement should do so soon, as the deadline is fast approaching. According to the class action claims administrator, Concilia, class members have until Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST to file a claim. WHAT’S THE CLASS-ACTION ABOUT? In 2024, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced that it received reports of illness due to an outbreak of listeria infections linked to plant-based refrigerated beverages between August 2023 and mid-July 2024. The outbreak resulted in three deaths, 20 reported illnesses, and 15 hospitalizations. “On July 8, 2024, a food recall warning was issued for various Silk and Great Value brand plant-based refrigerated beverages, with Oct. 4, 2024, as the latest best before date,” reads the recall notice. The same year, LPC Avocats filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of all Canadians who ingested or purchased Silk or Great Value products that were part of the recall. The lawsuit against Danone Canada, Walmart Canada, and Intact Insurance Company alleges that recalled plant-based beverages manufactured by Joriki Inc. and sold by Danone Canada and Walmart Canada posed “a safety risk” to consumers. The lawsuit also alleges that the defendants were negligent in how they managed their recall programs after consumers got sick and experienced health issues after consuming the beverages contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Danone Canada and Walmart Canada agreed to a $7.5-million settlement, while denying all allegations and any wrongdoing or liability. ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR A CLAIM? If you bought or consumed Silk Canada or Great Value products that were part of the July 8, 2024, recall, you could be eligible to file a claim. Eligible class members include Canadians who experienced physical or psychological harm after consuming the products, as well as their successors, family members, and dependents. HOW MUCH COULD YOU RECEIVE? For eligible claimants, the amount depends on the severity of the injury: - If you experienced symptoms that lasted up to 48 hours, you may be eligible for $400 - If you had symptoms that lasted more than 48 hours and up to one week, you may be eligible for $1,500 - If you had symptoms that lasted longer than a week and didn’t require hospitalization, you may be eligible for $7,000 - If you were hospitalized for more than a week and didn’t develop complications or permanent symptoms, you may qualify for at least $10,000 to a maximum of $30,000 - If you had symptoms that lasted more than one week, were hospitalized, and developed severe complications or permanent symptoms, you could receive a maximum of $150,000 - If the illness resulted in the death of a loved one, eligible claimants could receive compensation of up to $300,000 HOW CAN YOU FILE A CLAIM? Make sure to file a claim online before the deadline on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/settlement-deadline-class-action-great-value-silk Mon, 12 Oct 2026 10:00:39 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/via-rail-new-train-locomotive-order-alstom-stadler Kenneth Chan VIA Rail’s long-distance services, including trains serving Vancouver and Prince Rupert, are proceeding with a major upgrade through the Government of Canada’s investment of more than $4.7 billion in new passenger rail cars and long-term support. Alstom Canada will supply 313 passenger rail cars to replace the aging fleet of VIA Rail’s Long-Distance, Regional, and Remote (LDRR) routes. The first cars are expected to begin carrying passengers in 2031, with the entire order in service by 2035. The agreement, announced last month, includes approximately $4 billion for the passenger rail cars and nearly $700 million for technical support and spare parts over 15 years, according to Alstom Canada. This does not include the separate cost of ordering new locomotives through another supplier, Stadler, which brings the total fleet renewal cost to about $6.7 billion. You might also like: - VIA Rail to order over 300 passenger cars and locomotives for Canada-wide train fleet replacement - Alto high-speed rail construction to start in 2029 with Ottawa-Montreal segment - Federal government to expedite Alto, Canada's first high-speed rail project - Alberta’s high-speed rail plans just took a major step forward - What the passenger rail system in Alberta may look like by the 2080s - High-speed rail terminus station should be at Vancouver International Airport, says YVR CEO - New trains begin serving passengers on Amtrak Cascades, reaching Vancouver Alstom Canada is the Canadian division of French train manufacturing giant Alstom, which bought Canadian-based Bombardier’s train manufacturing division in 2021. Alstom Canada has major manufacturing facilities in southern Ontario and Quebec, and it is also building new trains for Toronto’s subway and Vancouver’s SkyTrain. “In the face of strong headwinds, a confident Canada is choosing to build. For the first time in four decades, VIA’s passenger cars will be built in Canada,” said Prime Minister Mark Carney. “Cars once made in the United States, now made here at home. This means new contracts for Canadian suppliers, good jobs for Canadian workers, and paycheques that stay in Canadian cities and towns. That’s how we build Canada strong.” The existing fleet has an average age of approximately 77 years old, with much of the equipment approaching retirement. VIA Rail previously told Daily Hive Urbanized the current LDRR fleet is the oldest active train fleet in North America, with most of the cars built between 1947 and 1955 — right after the Second World War. In Summer 2024, VIA Rail and the federal government first announced the strategy to replace over 300 passenger cars and locomotives used in the LDRR fleet. A subsequent bidding process led to the selection of Alstom Canada. The new VIA Rail cars will serve routes connecting nearly 400 communities. The LDRR routes include Vancouver-Toronto (The Canadian), Prince Rupert-Jasper, Winnipeg-Churchill, Sudbury-White River, Montreal-Senneterre, Montreal-Jonquiere, and Montreal Halifax. This network extends approximately 12,500 km across eight provinces and carried more than 216,000 passengers in 2025. In 2025, The Canadian — VIA Rail’s 4,466-km-long route between Vancouver and Toronto, spanning four days and four nights of travel — marked its 70th anniversary, using the same fleet when it was first launched in 1955. This order built by Alstom Canada includes nine types of cars, allowing VIA Rail to accommodate everything from shorter seated trips to overnight journeys with private sleeping accommodations. The overhaul promises more comfortable interiors, improved accessibility, and updated onboard technology, while keeping familiar features such as dome cars, dining facilities, and sleeping accommodations. “These new rail cars will retain signature features such as dome cars, full-service dining and social areas, while incorporating modern amenities, improved accessibility, and greater reliability,” said Mathieu Paquette, the interim president and CEO of VIA Rail. “They will help us preserve essential services to remote communities and elevate the unique onboard experience that allows passengers to discover Canada in a way that only train travel can offer.” Among the purchases are 58 coach cars, 78 sleeper cars, 26 accessible sleeper cars, and 20 Prestige sleeper cars. The fleet will also include 38 panorama cars, 25 dome cars, 20 dining cars, 19 berth cars and 29 baggage cars. VIA Rail will continue offering its Economy, Sleeper Plus and Prestige service classes. Accessibility is to be incorporated into the design of the cars, with accessible spaces in each class and a connected path between cabins, washrooms, dining facilities, and other key amenities. The cars must also withstand Canadian weather extremes, with design and testing requirements covering temperatures from -50°C to 50°C. Environmental requirements include ensuring at least 90 per cent of the cars’ materials can be recovered when they are retired. Other planned features include better insulation, efficient lighting, reduced water consumption, and onboard facilities for separating recycling, organic waste and garbage. The cars will be designed and engineered at Alstom’s Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville facility in Quebec. Their bodies will be manufactured in La Pocatiere, Quebec, before final assembly in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Alstom estimates the contract will create or support up to 670 direct jobs within its Canadian operations, with additional employment among suppliers and other businesses. The company projects a contribution of more than $1.6 billion to Canada’s GDP. The passenger car purchase forms part of a wider replacement of VIA Rail’s LDRR fleet. In July 2026, the federal government announced a separate $1.6-billion program for 45 hybrid battery-diesel locomotives from Swiss train manufacturer Stadler, including 20 years of technical support and spare parts. Another $357 million will fund a new assembly and maintenance facility in Montreal. Combined, the total contract value to Stadler is about $1.95 billion. This brings VIA Rail’s entire LDRR fleet overhaul cost — the combined value of the Alstom and Stadler contracts — to about $6.7 billion. The locomotives will use battery systems supplied by ABB’s Saint-Laurent facility in Quebec. These are intended to reduce fuel consumption and allow operation on battery power alone in certain scenarios, such as switching to 100 per cent battery mode at stations and environmentally sensitive areas to significantly reduce noise and exhaust emissions. As well, the battery provides a backup ability for a locomotive to reach a safe location in the unlikely event of a diesel powertrain failure. The locomotives will also be able to use renewable diesel. These locomotives will be able to operate at a speed of up to 160 km/h, with superior acceleration and performance on steep slopes. The first locomotives are expected to enter passenger service in 2029, with the full fleet operating by 2032. The Montreal facility, also scheduled for completion in 2029, will handle final assembly, testing, and preparation for service for up to 36 of the locomotives, followed by their long-term maintenance. Passenger cars will arrive later and enter service gradually alongside VIA Rail’s existing fleet, allowing the railway to keep operating as the older fleet is replaced through 2035. Canada appears to be in the very early stages of entering a long-haul passenger rail renaissance. All of this is in addition to the federal government’s previous 2018 funding to VIA Rail to acquire new Siemens Venture trains dedicated to the Southern Ontario-Quebec corridor between Windsor and Quebec City through Toronto and Montreal. VIA Rail ordered 32 sets of five-car Siemens Venture trains (160 cars) for $1 billion, with the first new train entering service in late 2022 and the last train delivery made in 2025. The Siemens Venture trains were originally acquired to be fully compatible with VIA Rail’s future high-frequency rail service on the Windsor-Quebec City corridor, with frequent, more reliable service running at speeds of up to 200 km/h. Since then, the high-frequency rail concept has been abandoned in favour of Alto — the federal government’s new high-speed rail project over a 1,000-km-long route between Toronto and Quebec City. Trains will run at speeds of up to 300 km/h or more. A new federal Crown corporation separate from VIA Rail has been created to oversee Alto. As well, following a bidding process, the federal government selected a private consortium called Cadence to plan, design, build, operate, maintain, and help finance Alto. Cadence is a joint venture that includes SNCF Voyageurs — the French government-owned company that operates France’s high-speed rail network — and the French transportation engineering firm SYSTRA, as well as Canadian institutional investor La Caisse (formerly known as CDPQ and backed by the Quebec pension fund), Canadian engineering firm AtkinsRealis (formerly SNC-Lavalin), and Air Canada. La Caisse and AtkinsRealis are also involved in the private-public projects of Vancouver’s SkyTrain Canada Line and Montreal’s new REM metro network. The first phase of Alto between Ottawa and Montreal could begin construction as early as 2029, and reach completion in 2038. The remaining phases of Alto could reach completion in the 2040s. Cadence would be the long-term operator of the system. Additionally, last month, the Government of Alberta launched a similar bidding process seeking a private sector proponent to design, build, operate, maintain, and partially finance a high-speed rail line linking Calgary and Edmonton. It would be part of the Alberta government’s broader long-term passenger rail vision for the province. Both Alto and Alberta’s high-speed rail projects have been referred by Prime Minister Mark Carney to the federal Major Projects Office to prioritize and help expedite approvals and planning. Furthermore, just last month, Amtrak Cascades — the passenger rail route linking Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland — began using its brand-new Airo (Siemens Venture variant) trains for regular service. The entire Amtrak Cascades fleet is being replaced by the Airo fleet. Amtrak Cascades is the first route to benefit from Amtrak’s U.S.-wide order of new Airo trains. The Government of Washington state is working with the Government of British Columbia and Government of Oregon to explore building a cross-border, high-speed rail linking all three major cities in the Pacific Northwest. You might also like: - VIA Rail to order over 300 passenger cars and locomotives for Canada-wide train fleet replacement - Alto high-speed rail construction to start in 2029 with Ottawa-Montreal segment - Federal government to expedite Alto, Canada's first high-speed rail project - Alberta’s high-speed rail plans just took a major step forward - What the passenger rail system in Alberta may look like by the 2080s - High-speed rail terminus station should be at Vancouver International Airport, says YVR CEO - New trains begin serving passengers on Amtrak Cascades, reaching Vancouver https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/via-rail-new-train-locomotive-order-alstom-stadler Sun, 11 Oct 2026 17:45:36 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/canada-where-see-pink-northern-lights Natalia Buia The Northern Lights could turn pink this year, and the best place to see them is in Canada. We’re so used to seeing shades of green and blue, but a pink-filled sky is quite rare. However, it turns out that 2026 is one of the best years in the past decade to spot the bubblegum hue. The rare colour appears when energetic particles penetrate deeper into the atmosphere and interact with nitrogen molecules, according to the Canadian Space Agency. Luckily for us, Canada has plenty of prime spots to try and catch the pink sky this year. New research from Nordic airline Icelandair compared 35 aurora-viewing destinations across eight countries, looking at factors like darkness, accessibility, likelihood, scenery, and the vividness of pink auroras captured at each location. And Canada scored well. Maligne Lake in Jasper, Alta., has been crowned the best place in the world to see the pink Northern Lights in 2026. According to Icelandair, aurora displays analyzed at Maligne Lake showed “a dominant vivid rose-pink.” The location also has a low Bortle rating of 3.2, meaning darker skies that can make the aurora’s colours and details easier to see against the night sky. The surrounding mountains and Spirit Island also create prime conditions for aurora photography. And unlike many remote viewing locations, Maligne Lake is accessible by road and is relatively easy to reach from Jasper’s main resort area. Within Canada, top spots include locations in Alberta, the Yukon, and Manitoba. Prelude Lake near Yellowknife was ranked as the second-best spot to view the pink Northern Lights, with the likelihood of seeing them described as “very high” from September through April. That compares with Maligne Lake, which, despite taking the top spot overall, has a “medium” likelihood of seeing the aurora according to Icelandair’s data. While the best seasons for seeing the pink Northern Lights generally run from September to April in some locations, the viewing window can vary depending on where you are. At Wood Buffalo National Park, on the border of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, the best time to see them may be during the winter months starting in December. You don’t necessarily need a fancy Nikon or Canon to capture the pink lights. If all you’ve got is an iPhone, you can still wow friends online with stunning photos. Experts recommend enabling the maximum exposure, turning off the flash, and adjusting the exposure level to a negative value in order to get the best results. You might also like: - 7 gorgeous fall spots every Canadian should visit at least once - Surprising Eastern European city named best place for grads to live and work - Canada's most popular international destination for 2026 revealed https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-where-see-pink-northern-lights Sun, 11 Oct 2026 14:00:07 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/roosevelt-campobello-international-park-canada Natalia Buia Canada and the U.S. share more than a border. They also share a park, and it happens to be one of Atlantic Canada’s most unique attractions. Roosevelt Campobello International Park sits on Campobello Island in New Brunswick, where the two countries jointly own, fund, and manage the historic site. Long before Franklin D. Roosevelt became the 32nd president of the U.S., serving from 1933 until his death in 1945, he spent many childhood summers on the New Brunswick island with his family, according to the park’s official website. This is the only park in the world that is run by two countries. The park’s unusual arrangement dates back to 1964, when U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson and Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson signed the agreement establishing it. As per the treaty, both Canada and the U.S. split the costs of developing, operating, and maintaining the park equally. The park spans around 2,800 acres and features 11 hiking trails, scenic coastal vistas and historic forest carriage drives. Its centerpiece is the Roosevelts’ impressive 34-room red summer cottage, which has been preserved to look exactly as it appeared during the family’s time there. Getting to Roosevelt Campobello International Park is easy if you’re already in New Brunswick. Visitors coming from the U.S. will need to cross the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Bridge in Lubec, Maine, to reach Campobello Island. The park is a peaceful place to spend an afternoon exploring New Brunswick’s rugged coastline. Visitors can take part in guided cottage tours, enjoy high tea or cocktails and live music during what they call “FDR Happy Hour.” There’s also a charming beach on the property with a name Canadians will find amusing: Raccoon Beach. For more spectacular scenery, you can check out Liberty Point, loaded with stunning coastal views, two observation decks and access to the Sunsweep Trail. It’s known to be a popular spot to watch the sunrise, but likely just as gorgeous to visit at the end of the day. Admission is free, including access to the park’s historic Roosevelt Cottage. Time is running out to visit this unique park this year, though. According to the park’s website, the buildings close for the 2026 season on Oct. 17; however, the outdoor grounds and Natural Area remain open year-round. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/roosevelt-campobello-international-park-canada Sat, 10 Oct 2026 13:00:53 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/hotels-canada-best-cn-traveler-2026 Irish Mae Silvestre If you’re looking for a memorable getaway, these Canadian hotels are worth adding to your list. According to Condé Nast Traveler readers, two hotels in Canada are among the best in the world. The magazine released its 39th Annual Reader’s Choice Awards for the top-rated hotels globally, based on 798,867 votes from travellers who shared their favourite travel experiences. Some of the top 50 favourites are destinations in New York City, Marrakech, and Hong Kong, but two Canadian properties also made the cut: a historic landmark in Quebec City and a luxury hotel in downtown Toronto. Whether you’re planning a trip or staycation, these are the two Canadian hotels that travellers absolutely love. FAIRMONT LE CHÂTEAU FRONTENAC Location: Québec City, Que. Rank: 16 Readers’ Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026 The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac has long been a favourite, making it on the list for the ninth year in a row. And it’s easy to see why. For starters, it’s instantly memorable; with the castle-like property perched above the vibrant Old Quebec, it oozes old-world charm. But despite the majestic setting steeped in history, travellers love that it’s luxurious without being “stuffy or buttoned up.” “The Château Frontenac offers comprehensive hospitality that, while not white-glove, will provide travelers with everything they could possibly need for a comfortable stay in Quebec City,” states CN Traveler. If you’re looking for something a little extra special, you can book the Fairmont Gold Experience, a more customized stay that gives you access to a private check-in, a private lounge, dedicated VIP concierge services, and complimentary food and drinks. Quebec is known for its excellent food scene, and guests can choose from multiple dining options. The Champlain is known for its regional cuisine, and Place Dufferin is great for breakfasts and afternoon tea. 15. SHANGRI-LA TORONTO Location: Toronto, Ont. Rank: 15 You simply can’t beat the location of the Shangri-La Toronto. When you stay at the Shangri-La Toronto, the city’s financial and entertainment districts are just minutes away, so you really can’t get more downtown than that. The hotel was built in 2012 and has over 200 rooms and suites, and the overall vibe is chic and luxurious. And it’s all in the details: rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, marble-clad bathrooms, and touches of traditional Asian decor. The hotel stands out for its variety of amenities: the Miraj Hammam Spa, a 42-seat screening room, a 9,000-foot state-of-the-art wellness facility, and a pool. Guests can enjoy Canton, Shanghai, and Beijing dishes at the award-winning Mott 32, and the Signature Afternoon Tea at the Lobby Lounge. Check out the full list on CN Traveler‘s website. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/hotels-canada-best-cn-traveler-2026 Sat, 10 Oct 2026 10:00:43 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/benefit-disability-canada-october-2026 National Trending Staff Canadians living with disabilities who qualify can expect to receive their monthly benefit payments from the government next week. The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) provides monthly support to eligible Canadians with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 64. As for the amount you could receive, there is no fixed amount, as it depends on your adjusted family net income. This month’s payment is set to go out on Thursday, Oct. 15. Whether you’re expecting your monthly payments or thinking of applying, here’s what you need to know. HOW TO APPLY FOR THE CDB Canadians who qualify would have received letters from Service Canada inviting them to submit a CDB application. The letter includes a unique six-digit code with instructions on how to apply. However, even if you didn’t get a letter, you can still apply for the benefit if you have a spouse or common-law partner. Both of you must have filed your 2025 federal income tax returns. To be eligible, you must be one of the following: - A Canadian citizen - A permanent resident - A temporary resident who has lived in Canada throughout the previous 18 months - A protected person - An individual registered or entitled to be registered under the Indian Act - You can also apply if you’re a Canadian resident between the ages of 18 and 64 who has already been approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) HOW MUCH COULD YOU RECEIVE? If you qualify, payments will start going out the month after your application is approved. How much you get depends on several factors based on your family’s net income. From July 2026 to June 2027, the maximum monthly benefit is $204.20. The amount is based on your adjusted family net income from your 2025 federal income tax return. You may qualify for payments for up to 24 months from when the government receives your application. However, it doesn’t apply to any previous months of eligibility before June 2025. Visit the CDB website for more information. These are all the benefits you could receive in October. With files from Isabelle Docto You might also like: - Canadians could get this government benefit ahead of the long weekend - President’s Choice cookies recalled across Canada due to metal wire - Canada issues urgent travel advisory updates for the U.S. and Mexico https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/benefit-disability-canada-october-2026 Fri, 09 Oct 2026 17:12:44 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/montreal-friendliest-cities-world-ranking Natalia Buia It’s a good week for the fine folks in Montreal. Not only has the major Canadian hub been crowned one of the 10 best big cities in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, but it has also now received another accolade: one of the friendliest cities in the world. The international recognition comes from travel marketplace Fernwayer, which recently released The Friendliest Cities Index 2026. The company analyzed over 1.2 million Reddit comments across hundreds of travel and city-related groups to come up with the global ranking, where Montreal placed 12th out of 200. “Our findings revealed that many of the friendliest cities turned out to be lesser-known places within their own countries, quietly outscoring the larger capitals travelers flock to,” Fernwayer states. Montreal’s position in The Friendliest Cities Index 2026 was due to receiving 92.5 per cent positive comments online and a net promoter score of 85. The city’s overall friendliness score came out to 92.5. Meanwhile, the province’s capital, Quebec City, didn’t fare so well. It landed in 93rd place, but hopefully no one takes the ranking too personally. Other Canadian cities that trailed further are Vancouver in 170th place and Toronto all the way towards the bottom in 184th place. Ouch. But, as CEO and co-founder of Fernwayer Alok Singh puts it, every city is still friendly despite where it lands on the scale. “Even in the biggest cities, you can find warmth and friendliness and ‘welcomingness’ as we call it, but you often need someone to bring you inside that,” he says. Experiencing it often means finding a way beyond the surface-level interactions of everyday city life. While no Canadian city cracked the top 10, coming close is still an impressive feat. Mérida, Mexico, took the crown in 2026 with an overall friendliness score of 9. Glasgow, Scotland, and Bogotá, Colombia, round out the top three. On the flip side, the company also analyzed data to determine which cities were the least friendly in the world. Luckily, Canada is nowhere near this particular ranking. Some interesting findings, though: Cape Town, South Africa bears the burden of being labeled the most unfriendly city in the world, and three massive U.S. cities — Miami, Las Vegas and Los Angeles — are among the top 10. “Some of these cities are among the world’s most-visited, and in places absorbing tens of millions of visitors a year, many travelers described exchanges as rushed, impersonal or transactional,” reads the report. The complete Friendliest Cities Index 2026 can be found online. You might also like: - Where Canada ranks on new list of the best countries in the world - 7 gorgeous fall spots every Canadian should visit at least once - Two Canadian spots land on prestigious list of world's best places to visit in 2027 https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/montreal-friendliest-cities-world-ranking Fri, 09 Oct 2026 16:20:46 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/living-standards-canada-us-report Natalia Buia A new report found that most Canadian provinces have fallen behind U.S. states when it comes to living standards. The study, published Oct. 8 by the Fraser Institute, looked at how Canada’s provinces have stacked up against U.S. states economically, comparing everything from gross domestic product (GDP) per person and employment income to private-sector jobs and productivity. It examined how things have changed since 1999, using the latest available data from 2024. Back in 1999, six provinces ranked among the 10 lowest, but that number has now gone up to seven, with Alberta falling from seventh place to 25th. Despite the drop, Alberta remains Canada’s top-performing province and the only one to land in the top half of the ranking. According to the report, New York led with a GDP of $134,470. Alberta came in 25th place with $74,907. Saskatchewan ranked 35th, with a GDP of $70,921 — just edging out Florida — while B.C. placed 49th with $60,131. New Brunswick came in last with a recorded GDP of $46,467, behind Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. Other provinces near the bottom included Ontario in 51st place, Newfoundland and Labrador in 52nd, Quebec in 55th, and Manitoba in 56th. The findings went beyond GDP, too. The report found that median employment income in every U.S. state was higher than in every Canadian province in 2024, with all provinces landing in the bottom 10 for this measure. Alberta was also the only place in either country where the median employment income declined over the period studied. Labour productivity was another area where Canadian provinces lagged. According to the report, all but five U.S. states saw stronger productivity growth than every Canadian province. Prince Edward Island was the only spot among both countries where productivity actually declined by 2024. The full report can be found on Fraser Institute’s website. You might also like: - Eligible Canadians could get up to $10,000 from the government soon — here's how - Rent across Canada is now the lowest it’s been in two years - Canada's population is 300,000 higher than previously thought: statistics https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/living-standards-canada-us-report Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:55:34 GMT https://dailyhive.com/toronto/recall-loblaw-presidents-choice-cookies Irish Mae Silvestre President’s Choice cookies are the latest grocery product that’s part of a nationwide recall that shoppers should be aware of. Canadians are urged to check their pantry after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced on Thursday that Loblaw Companies Limited has issued a recall for its brand cookies due to “extraneous material.” The product is sold at Loblaw locations. According to the notice, the company is recalling the President’s Choice English-Style Gingersnap Cookies due to the presence of metal wire. The affected lot comes in a 350g box with the universal product code 0 60383 76819 5. It also has the best-before dates 2027 FE 08 and 2027 MR 14. “Do not use, sell, serve, or distribute the affected product,” states the notice. The CFIA has classified it as a class two recall. This means that “there is a moderate risk that consuming the food may lead to short-term or non-life-threatening health problems.” For public enquiries, Canadians can contact the CFIA at information@inspection.gc.ca or 1 (613) 773-2342. You can also report any health or safety concerns online. There have been several other food recalls recently, so it’s worth checking if you purchased any of the affected products recently. On Tuesday, Loblaw recalled two brands of seafood products sold nationwide due to an undeclared ingredient that could trigger an allergic reaction. A popular brand of hot pepper paste was recently recalled due to undeclared wheat. Consumers with a wheat allergy or those with celiac disease or other gluten-related disorders should not consume the products. The So Delicious Dairy-Free Salted Caramel frozen dessert was also recalled due to the potential presence of plastic-like and gravel-like pieces. With files from Natalia Buia You might also like: - Canadians could get this government benefit ahead of the long weekend - Canada issues urgent travel advisory updates for the U.S. and Mexico - Canadian breaks record doing something for five hours most of us could never https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/recall-loblaw-presidents-choice-cookies Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:46:03 GMT