THE SECRET CITY

INSIDER TIPS AND TRICKS THAT MAKE LIFE EASIER, CHEAPER, FASTER, SLOWER, TASTIER, SMARTER AND WAY MORE FUN

There's nothing quite like the rush of being in the know. Having a line on a hidden beach, a late-night dim sum spot, a phenomenal shoe-repair shop or a members-only speakeasy (and debating whether to share it) can be an exhilarating kind of currency. For our inaugural roundup of the city's secret treasures, we canvassed prominent Torontonians for intel on the hush-hush venues, one-of a-kind treats and insider tricks they leverage to get the most out of life in the GTA-and we're divulging dozens of our own, too.

Downhill ski lessons within city limits 

Future ski bunnies can save time and money by staying local until they get their bearings. The two hills at Earl Bales Park, at Bathurst and Sheppard, may be small, but they're big enough for a tow and a four-person chairlift.

AN OTHERWORLDLY BREAKFAST SANDWICH SUSUR LEE, CHEF