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A Fresh Start: 5 Little Changes You Can Make This 2026

The beginning of a new year always feels like a fresh start — an opportune time to reinvent ourselves. However, the “new year, new me” mindset can sometimes feel a little daunting, especially when we put so much pressure on ourselves. 

Instead of these big New Year’s resolutions, we can start small with little positive changes that improve ourselves and not completely overhauling who we are. These can be simple but meaningful actions that make us feel good about ourselves.

If you’re craving a little change for 2026, here are five ideas from Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood:

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Start with new intention.

Many of us tend to feel pressured into making new year’s goals or resolutions – but maybe just setting your intention for is best for you and thinking about some small things to tackle this year could work! Our local wellness centre Oma Chiropractic and Wellness‘ 2026 newsletter is all about ‘moving with intention into 2026’ with wellness tips, workshops, and their popular annual fundraiser ‘Love Yourself’ (Feb 28th – in support of Nellie’s Shelter) – you don’t want to miss it!

E-NEWS: Moving with Intention in 2026

Photo credit: UNTITLED by Flaunt Boutique

Get a new haircut.

Sometimes, a fresh new ‘do is all it takes to give us that extra boost of confidence. Whether it’s a subtle chop or something more drastic like a bold new colour, Riverside has many incredible salons with hairstylists you can trust to get the job done, such as UNTITLED by Flaunt Boutique (792 Queen St E), Glassbox Barbershop (781 Queen St E) and Album Hair (639 Queen St E).

Photo credit: The Vintage Hall

Refresh your wardrobe.

Riverside is home to many amazing independent vintage clothing stores like The Vintage Hall (754 Queen St E), Fevers Vintage (732 Queen St E) and the recently opened Coffee and Clothing (734 Queen St E)! We even do our own Riverside Vintage Crawl. Experiment with your personal style this year. That’s the best part about fashion. With that said, cue fitting room makeover montage!

BLOG: Entering The New Season in Style: Riverside Vintage Crawl – Fall 2025 Edition Highlights

Photo credit: Bonjour Brioche

Go on solo dates.

While it’s always great to spend quality time with our loved ones, a solo date every now and then is just as recharging. Enjoy freshly baked pastries at Bonjour Brioche (812 Queen St E), try Mediterranean cuisine at Hume Restaurant (782 Queen St E), go shopping for K-fashion at Ran’s Closet (747 Queen St E), the list goes on. Head over to Riverside and go on a solo adventure in the neighbourhood!

Photo credit: Broadview Hot Yoga

Embark on your wellness journey.

Trying to be more active during the coldest time of the year seems like an uphill battle, but it’s not an impossible task! There are plenty of ways to do that in Riverside: a spin class at RISE Cycle (672 Queen St E), strength training at La Femme Strong (655 Queen St E) or a hot yoga sesh at Broadview Hot Yoga (635 Queen St E), just to name a few.

BLOG: Wellness in the Winter: How To Stay Active in Toronto’s Riverside This Season

For the full list of businesses in Riverside, browse through the Riverside BIA Online Directory on our website — we have 100+ members in our BIA!

Check out the Riverside Blog regularly and follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates on fun things to do in the neighbourhood!

TOUR: Riverside Public Art

Some of Toronto’s best art lives in Riverside, all made by local artists! This self-guided tour lets you learn about some of the neighbourhood’s art highlights that you can check out for yourself!

Riverside Public Art self-guided tour map

Art on metal poles beside Jimmie Simpson Park in Toronto as part of the Riverside BIA project Time and A Clock art by Eldon Garnet in 1995

STOP 1: Time: and a Clock (1996)

Queen and Broadview intersection

“Time: and a Clock” is a three-part metal art series by artist Eldon Garnet commissioned and launched in 1996 by the Riverside BIA (then called Queen-Broadview Village BIA). The hallmark piece marking the passage to Toronto’s east end can be found at the top of the Riverside Bridge with the infamous quote along with the clock: “This River I Step In, Is Not The River I Stand In”. Part two includes expressions about time in the sidewalks of the four corners of the Broadview and Queen Street East intersection, and Part 3 can be found beside Jimmie Simpson Park atop metal poles at the eastern end of the Riverside BIA: “Coursing,” “Disappearing,” “Trembling,” and “Returning.”  

'Welcome to Riverside’ mural designed by Jessie Durham and painted by Melissa Luk located at 651 Queen Street East

STOP 2: ‘Welcome to Riverside’ Mural (2013)

651 Queen Street East 

The ‘Welcome to Riverside’ mural was designed by OCAD alumnus Jessie Durham and  painted on wooden panels by Melissa Luk along with community volunteers. It was first installed at 742 Queen E in 2013 before being moved to 651 Queen E in 2017. It highlighted a solidification of the Riverside BIA brand of the 2000s after being renamed from Queen-Broadview Village BIA. 

Art by Quentin “Que Rock” Commanda located at 657 Queen St East with text wall by Pop Marquee

STOP 3: The Riverside Common Art Project (2025)

657 Queen St East

This art by Nippising First Nation artist Quentin “Que Rock” Commanda can be seen throughout the elements of this City park. The overall design is inspired by the Anishinaabe Medicine wheel. Each pole is a representation of the four seasons, the four cardinal directions, and the four elements. The benches are designed to showcase life in the water. There are layers of Anishinaabe teachings that illustrate that all things are connected through spirit. The Riverside Common wall is a wayfinding and placemaking piece that features bold, visible identifying text which was a collaboration with Pop Marquee. 

Project designed by community members with The Laneway Project and artist Julia Prazja located at Thompson St between Carroll St and Munro St

STOP 4: Laneway Art Project (2025)

Thompson St between Carroll St and Munro St, south of Joel Weeks Park

This vibrant multi-piece project was co-designed by the local community and facilitated by The Laneway Project and Toronto mural artist Julia Prazja. Community members of all ages participated in design workshops and  Riverside Community Paint Days to co-create the murals on the fence and garage along the laneway, and the three panels on the west-facing wall of 660 Queen St East.

Mural located at 1 Munro Street by Monica Wickeler highlighting Riverside’s sports history and legacy

STOP 5: Riverside Sports Heritage & Legacy Murals (2014-15)

1 Munro Street 

These murals by artist Monica Wickeler highlight Riverside’s sports history and legacy. The lower portion references sports associated with the Royal Canadian Bicycle and Curling Club, highlighting the area’s history as the home of Toronto’s first baseball stadium -the Toronto Baseball Grounds. The mural’s upper portion was launched during the 2015 Pan Am Games and highlights modern Pan Am and Para-Pan Am sports. 

Located at 672 Queen St East and created by the Moonlight Murals Collective as part of the “Women Paint Riverside: Currents of Change” project

STOP 6: River Moon (2021)

672 Queen St East (in the laneway)

This art was created by the Moonlight Murals Collective as part of the “Women Paint Riverside: Currents of Change” project, as one of 20+ murals by local women and non-binary artists. The art is a depiction of the three artists’ and highlights the importance of water and our connections to nature in the community.

Alquimia by Jacquie Comrie located at 714 & 716 Queen St East

STOP 7: Alquimia (2019)

714 & 716 Queen St East

Created by Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist Jacquie Comrie, this mural features vibrant colours and a semi-abstract style. Paying homage to the Riverside neighbourhood, the mural is an interpretation of the quote “This river I step in is not the river I stand in” that speaks of the inevitable nature of all things: Alchemy and change – while transforming the corner into a space of mental elevation for everyone. 

A Time for Pollinators located at 777 Queen East by artist Nick Sweetman

STOP 8: A Time for Pollinators (2016)

777 Queen St East

Completed in 2016, local Riverside artist Nick Sweetman used themes of the local environment and ecosystem to reflect the importance of bee-keeping and local pollinators The mural also celebrates a founding member of the Riverside BIA, Albert Edelstein, who was a jeweller and watchmaker, and the theme of time and clocks that is present within the community.

Mural created by Quentin “Que Rock” Commanda located at 800 Queen St East representing the Anishinaabe creation story

STOP 9: BISKAABIIYAANG (2024)

800 Queen St East

Quentin “Que Rock” Commanda created this mural, the title translating to an Anishinaabe word that describes returning home after having been on a journey, and the mural represents the Anishinaabe creation story. 

"Pass it On" created by Gust of Wind Studio located at 791 Queen St East and 785 Queen St East

STOP 9: Pass it On (2025)

791 Queen St East and 785 Queen St East

Created by Gust of Wind Studio, the mural encourages the idea of “pass it on,” reflecting the community compassion and spirit in the Riverside community and especially found at Fontbonne Ministries Mustard Seed location.  

If you use this tour and post on social media, be sure to tag the artists along with us @riverside_bia, we’d love to see!

Be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog for regular updates on the neighbourhood! Stay tuned for more tours in this series coming soon!

This feature is part of our self-guided tours series curated by Richard – a Communication & Media Studies major at York University – in collaboration with the Riverside BIA.

Wellness in the Winter: How To Stay Active in Toronto’s Riverside This Season

With chilly temps and changing weather, it can be difficult to stay active during the winter months. But fret not, head over to Riverside and discover the many ways you can keep your body moving even during the coldest time of the year. From indoor cycling to outdoor walks, here’s where and how you can stay active this season in the neighbourhood:

Photo credit: La Femme Strong

Treat yourself to a class.

A home workout may be the most practical option but it’s nice to indulge in an in-person class now and then. Take your pick among the many options to get your workout in: La Femme Strong (655 Queen St E), Rise Cycle (672 Queen St E) and Anytime Fitness (100 Broadview Ave), just to name a few.

Photo credit: Eastbound Run Crew

Participate in a running group.

Why run solo when you can do it as a group and make friends? Joining a running club is a great way to stay active and meet like-minded people. The Eastbound Run Crew meets every Monday evening at Eastbound Brewing Company (700 Queen St E) in Riverside.

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Get those steps in.

You can’t go wrong with a classic walk in the park, especially on those rare sunny winter days. It’s easy, convenient and most of all, free! Joel Weeks Park (10 Thompson St) is a spacious community park in Riverside that’s perfect for strolls year-round.

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Go biking around the neighbourhood.

Burn some calories and explore Riverside at the same time? Yes, please! If you’re using your own bike, there’s plenty of bicycle pakring right along Queen East. You can also rent a bike (and easily return) at any of the three Bike Share stations located in Riverside which are available year round. Check out the map HERE. 

Photo credit: Broadview Hot Yoga

Switch up your pace.

Being active doesn’t always entail an intense, strenuous workout. It can also be a slow, relaxing yoga class from Broadview Hot Yoga (635 Queen St E) or Chi Junky (70 McGee St), or even a leisurely walk around the neighbourhood — we’re launching our series of self-guided tours called Riverside Walks, so stay tuned for that!

If you like content like this, check out the Riverside Blog regularly and follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates on what’s happening in the neighbourhood!

Winterlicious is back Jan 30th! Who’s participating in Riverside?

Mark your calendars, Winterlicious 2026 starts Jan 30th and reservations are NOW OPEN!

If you’re not familiar with Winterlicious, it is every Toronto foodie’s favourite winter event. Not only is it a showcase of Toronto’s vibrant food scene with special menus at special prices, the city-wide campaign is an opportunity to show your support for local businesses as well.

Photo credit: City of Toronto

Featuring three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus, Winterlicious offers great deals from amazing restaurants in Toronto. More than 240 restaurants are participating — two of which are from the Riverside BIA. Winterlicious 2026 runs between Jan. 30 and Feb. 12. 

This year, we’ve got a couple of Riverside favourites participating in Winterlicious. Check them out!

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Company

Eastbound Brewing Company (@eastboundbeer)

Address: 700 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Phone: 416-901-1299

More than just great craft beers, Eastbound also serves contemporary Tex-Mex pub fare under the Cantina banner, with Chef Tara Lee innovating behind the kitchen. Laidback and unpretentious, Eastbound is the place to go for fun brews and food.

Photo credit: ēst Restaurant

ēst Restaurant (@est.restaurant)

Address: 729 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

Phone :416-465-3707

Helmed by Chef Jordan Diniz, ēst Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant that specializes in modern Italian-French cuisine, inspired cocktails and delicious wines. Made with the finest seasonal ingredients, ēst promises an unforgettable gustatory experience.

For reservations, contact the restaurants directly. Check out the Winterlicious map HERE. Later this week on the Riverside Blog, we’re talking what’s on the menu so stay tuned! 

In the meantime, follow @riverside_bia for updates on Winterlicious + other fun programming happening in the neighbourhood!

A Fashion Reset: Vintage Shopping in Riverside This Winter

Looking to indulge yourself in some retail therapy to start the new year? Head on to Riverside in Toronto’s East End and go on a shopping excursion along the bustling Queen Street East!

Here’s how you can revamp your wardrobe this season, with a little help from our small but mighty group of independent vintage clothing shops in Riverside (read to the bottom to find the full list!):

Photo credit: Good Juice Box Vintage

Shop vintage.

Not only are you being a responsible consumer, shopping vintage also means you get to find unique pieces that have so much character. Here in Riverside, we’re so lucky to have such a vibrant and continuously growing community of vintage clothing shops. Plus you can walk to them all within just a few short block. (Hot Tip -we’ve been doing Riverside Vintage Crawl nights with specials and prizes for two years now, so stayed tuned for 2026 events)! 

BLOG: Entering The New Season in Style: Riverside Vintage Crawl – Fall 2025 Edition Highlights

Photo credit: Ran’s Closet

Be intentional about your purchases.

Wanting to shop is one thing; knowing WHAT to shop is another. We find that a list is always helpful, so list down things you want to buy: a wool coat, fur hat, cashmere scarf, etc. Going shopping with no clear idea can be overwhelming so a list gives you some sort of direction on where to start looking.  The shops can also help you with styling and recommendations, whether its for yourself or curating a gift, just ask (Hot Tip – while Common Sort is retiring their personal shopping service, they have launched their Shopping Parties!).

Photo credit: Common Sort

Clean out your closet.

It’s time to let go of clothes you don’t wear anymore! Aside from donating, you can also try selling them at Common Sort (760 Queen St E) as they’re currently buying for winter. If they like the pieces you have, you can exchange them for cash or store credit. It’s a good way to earn a little money back while making room for new purchases.

Photo credit: The Vintage Hall

Invest in quality pieces.

When shopping, it’s not always about getting as many items for your money. It’s also important to invest in one or two high-quality pieces that will stand the test of time, especially for things like outerwear. The Vintage Hall (754 Queen St E) has a fabulous selection of coats. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the basement level for more vintage goods!

BLOG: Is Riverside’s The Vintage Hall the East End’s Hottest Shopping Destination?

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Get a little help.

Look up some references for inspiration or bring a friend to help you shop. If you’d rather have someone do the heavy lifting for you, you’re in luck because Coffee and Clothing (734 Queen St E) just moved into the neighbourhood and guess what? They offer personal shopping and styling services! Send them a DM to inquire.

Here’s the full list of independent vintage clothing shops in Riverside:

To stay updated on what’s new and happening in Riverside, make sure to check @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog regularly!