Week of Jul 2 - 8

I hope everyone is staying cool with this extreme weather we are having.

It’s a slower week in the Toronto vegan scene, but there’s still a good reason to get outside with a ravine hike this Saturday, plus a few things worth noting, including an interesting VegNews piece on how restaurants present plant-based food and an important reminder to keep pets safe during the heat.

Also, there are a few upcoming events to keep on your radar for the next couple of weeks.

This Week:

Don Valley Ravine Trail Hike

📅 Saturday, July 4, 2026
🕒 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
📍 Sherbourne Station, 425 Bloor St E
🎟️ Free

A group hike hosted by Toronto Vegan Meetup through the Don Valley Ravine, followed by a visit to the outdoor farmers' market at Evergreen Brick Works. It's a casual way to get outside, stay active, and spend time with other vegans and vegan-curious people.

(Event details are accurate to the best of my knowledge at the time of publishing. Events are intended to be vegan, but details may change, please confirm directly with the organizer if you have specific concerns.)

Worth Noting:

A recent Veg News article argues that separate vegan menus and prominent “vegan” labels may actually discourage mainstream diners from choosing plant-based dishes, even if they make vegans feel accommodated. It says restaurants can do more for the vegan movement by integrating plant-based items into the main menu, using flavour-focused names, and presenting those dishes as appealing options for everyone rather than a niche category.

It also points to research suggesting that people are less likely to order dishes labelled vegan or vegetarian, while more descriptive, appetizing language can improve uptake of plant-based food. The piece recommends subtle markers such as a symbol or fine print instead of leading with the word “vegan,” and highlights social-norm messaging and familiar ingredients as additional ways to increase sales.

I personally don’t agree with the premise but I do think it is valuable to question things and figure out the bast ways to push the vegan movement forward.

Heatwave and pets

PETA is reminding us that extreme heat is a serious and often deadly risk for dogs, especially when they are left chained outdoors or trapped in parked cars.

They outline common signs of heatstroke, including heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, and loss of consciousness, and says any dog showing these symptoms needs shade or air conditioning, water, and urgent veterinary care. The article also urges people to act immediately if they see a dog in danger, noting that even on a 21-degree day a parked car can reach 37 degrees in 20 minutes.

More broadly, the piece calls for stronger action against practices such as unattended chaining and encourages reporting dogs left in unsafe heat conditions. Its main message is that heatstroke can become fatal within minutes, so prevention and fast intervention matter.

On The Horizon:

*(more info will come closer to the dates)

• VegTO's Sunset Social with Better Brie

  📅 Thursday, July 9, 2026
  📍 The Big Carrot Danforth Community Market, 280 Danforth Ave
  🎟️ $33.90 (15% off for members)

  A rooftop summer social hosted by VegTO and Better Brie, featuring a guided tasting flight of four plant-based brie pairings plus one sober beverage. Guests can mingle on the Big Carrot rooftop, meet fellow plant-based eaters, and purchase additional rounds of their favourite flavours to take home.

• Vegan Night Market
  📅 Thursday, July 16, 2026, 6:00–9:30 p.m.
  📍 Balmy Beach, 2205 Queen St E
  Free admission
  

• Vegan Paint, Sip & Snack
  📅 Saturday, August 1, 2026, 2-5:30 p.m.
  📍 The Lab Vegutainment Centre, 108 Dundas St W
  A guided painting afternoon hosted by 5 Principles Cuisines, with all supplies provided along with one beverage and five courses of vegan small plates included in the ticket price. No painting experience required; spaces are limited.

Do you have a business or event that you think should be listed? Email us at [email protected] to submit a request.