The capital of Ontario is never a dull place! With something new and exciting happening 365 days a year, Toronto is one of the most exhilarating, culturally diverse cities in the world. Whether you’re planning on catching the stars at the internationally acclaimed Toronto International Film Festival, taking in the Caribana cultural Caribbean explosion, or witnessing the sophisticated spectacle of Toronto Fashion Week, you’re sure to enjoy your stay.
This extraordinary festival is considered one of the most prestigious film festivals worldwide, second only to the Cannes Festival. TIFF attracts some serious star power, delights movie buffs, and offers a huge spectrum of entertainment for all. If September doesn’t work out for you, the Toronto Film Festival now has a new permanent home at the Bell Light Box, adding year-round programming to already existing events. Here you can watch movies, meet directors and much more!
The new venue is at the corner of King and John Street in downtown Toronto. Inside, film lovers and film critics alike can enjoy 5 public cinemas, 2 galleries, 3 learning studios, a public courtyard, a center for students, a bistro, a restaurant, and a lounge. Renowned as the launching pad for many Hollywood studio creations and independent films, the festival not only generates Oscar-buzz, but also showcases Canadian cinema, African, South American, and Asian films.
In the past, films such as American Beauty, Ray, and Slumdog Millionaire have debuted at the festival. However, its non-competitive environment has allowed many unseen directors to take their films to a larger audience. Every year, the magic of cinema is created at TIFF and the 2011 festival promises to usher in another great start to the film season.
If you’re looking for a change of pace, why not let the rhythm of the Caribbean pulse run through your veins at Caribana in Toronto. This exciting three-week festival will take place from 14 July to 12 August 2011. Being the largest cultural festival of its kind in North America, this event will blow your mind. Treat your ears to a musical panorama of Calypso, Hip Hop, Reggae, Soca, Steel Pan, Brass Band, and Chutney. Savor the taste of the Caribbean with mouth-watering dishes from the many caterers located behind the stadium seating at the exhibition venue. Feast on sizzling jerk chicken and pork, patties, or sample tropical fruits while you savor the deliciously spicy aroma of Caribana.
Let your eyes drink in the full spectrum of colors displayed by the elaborate costumes, and even the more vibrant ones. The pinnacle of Caribana is of course the parade which features an exhibition of the King and Queen as well as a number of collective bands performing in the parade. Admission is free on view along the Lakeshore Parade Route, but comfortable seating is available within the exhibition space for a price tag of $20.
If you prefer to do the catwalk instead of the calypso, Toronto’s Fashion Week will fit your style. The spectacular annual show will head from 28 March to 2 April 2011. The spectacular venue of the Heritage Court, Exhibition Place provides the perfect setting for fashion to take center stage in North America. The 12th annual Fashion Week not only brings together designers, buyers, and consumers, but it also garners international recognition, making it the ‘must see’ fashion event of the year. The state-of-the-art spectacle of the event is certainly enhanced by both its sponsors, LG and L’Oréal Paris, who bring their expertise to the event. No matter what, the things to do in Toronto are endless when you decide to visit this vibrant and multicultural city.
Toronto is one of the must-see attractions in Ontario. World-class accommodation and food, as well as unparalleled entertainment, are available. See Travel Toronto for more Toronto and surrounding area travel tips and entertainment ideas.