Your ultimate guide to TIFF is here.
TIFF is starting this weekend, which means it’s time to get started on planning your film schedules.
TIFF is an exciting season in Toronto, from all the celebrities visiting to all the incredible films being screened!
Even if you don’t go to any actual film screenings, it’s still fun to go around the city during TIFF season.
I volunteered at TIFF during university (I went to Ryerson for their RTA Media Production program), so I’ve seen the festival from both behind-the-scenes and as a regular visitor.
While it was fun volunteering with friends from my program, I definitely prefer visiting TIFF as a viewer 😉
Here’s your ultimate guide to TIFF, including what to do and where to eat during the festival!
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TIFF FAQ
What is TIFF?
The Toronto International Film Festival, otherwise known as TIFF, is an annual festival that premieres exciting new films.
It’s one of the largest film festivals in the world, with almost half a million visitors each year.
Their operating hub is at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, where they also screen films from around the world throughout the year.
What to do during TIFF
Looking for fun things to do during TIFF season?
Here are some activities and things you can do in the area!
- Explore Festival Street
- Go celebrity spotting
- Grab cocktails at a fancy Toronto bar
- See a film screening
Explore Festival Street
The city closes off part of King Street from Peter to University, so it’s safer and easier for pedestrians to explore.
From fun brand activations to food trucks, there are always cool things going on at Festival Street.
You might even be lucky to get some free food – my friends and I got free soft serve one year!
Go celebrity spotting
TIFF is the most popular time of year for celebrity visits, and tons of locals go celebrity spotting.
Some of the biggest names in Hollywood come to Toronto during TIFF, and it’s always exciting to see.
It’s well known that a lot of celebrities stay at the Ritz-Carlton, so you can try your luck outside the hotel!
Otherwise, the red carpets are a guaranteed bet.
Grab cocktails at a fancy Toronto bar
TIFF season means 4 AM last call, so what better excuse to hit up one of Toronto’s fancy bars?
The Fox on John is right in the heart of all the TIFF action if you’re looking for somewhere closeby.
The Thompson Hotel also makes great drinks, and it’s frequented by celebrities!
See a film screening (duh)
What better way to experience TIFF than to actually see a TIFF film?
Some films are harder than others to get tickets for, especially if they have Q&A sessions with cast or production members.
The Q&A definitely makes for a more fun screening experience, but you can still enjoy the film otherwise!
Where to eat during TIFF
There are plenty of awesome restaurants in the Entertainment District, which is where all the TIFF venues are located.
Here are a few of my favourite restaurants close to all the theatres, and I’ve listed the walking times alongside them!
- Canteen
- The Fox on John
- General Assembly Pizza
- Calii Love
- Little India
Canteen
If you’re too lazy to walk or commute anywhere, Canteen is located downstairs inside TIFF Bell Lightbox.
There’s also LUMA upstairs, also owned by the Oliver & Bonacini restaurant brand, but I prefer Canteen!
1 minute from TIFF Bell Lightbox and Princess of Wales Theatre, 5 minutes from Roy Thomson Hall and Scotiabank Theatre
LOCATION: 330 King St. West | Website
The Fox on John
In the mood for pub food?
Stop by the Fox on John for classic British pub faves and sweet, sweet cocktails.
2 minutes from TIFF Bell Lightbox and Princess of Wales Theatre, 4 minutes from Roy Thomson Hall, 3 minutes from Scotiabank Theatre
LOCATION: 106 John St. | Website
General Assembly Pizza
Satisfy those pizza cravings at this gorg spot in the Entertainment District that serves up some of the best pizza in Toronto.
Top it off with a cocktail or beer.
4 minutes from Scotiabank Theatre, 4 minutes from TIFF Bell Lightbox
LOCATION: 331 Adelaide St. West | Website
Calii Love
If you want a quick bite to eat before or after watching a TIFF screening, stop by Calii Love.
You can enjoy a healthy smoothie to go alongside a poké bowl or açai bowl!
They’ve also been frequented by many celebrities during TIFF.
If you’re looking to get some photos for the ‘Gram, they’ve got Instagram-worthy murals in the alleyway beside the restaurant.
3 minutes from TIFF Bell Lightbox and Princess of Wales Theatre, 6 minutes from Roy Thomson Hall and Scotiabank Theatre
LOCATION: 367 King St. West | Website
Little India
Indian food is always a good idea.
If you’re catching an afternoon film, Little India’s got a $12.99 lunch buffet and you can get endless amounts of delicious butter chicken.
4 minutes from Scotiabank Theatre, 6 minutes from Princess of Wales Theatre, 7 minutes from TIFF Bell Lightbox, 8 minutes from Roy Thomson Hall, 11 minutes from Winter Garden Theatre
LOCATION: 255 Queen St. West | Website
So that was my guide to TIFF, whether you’re a local or a tourist!
Will you be watching any films at TIFF this year? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram!
P.S. if you liked this post, you might like this post on the best Toronto taco spots, or any other posts on things to do in Toronto.
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Emma S. Cheng
Wednesday 7th of September 2016
Thanks for the suggestions, Jessica!
Jessica Lam
Wednesday 7th of September 2016
No problem, Emma! Let me know if you watch any good films at TIFF 😊