TIFF 2022 is almost here, and today I’m sharing everything you need to know about this year’s Toronto International Film Festival!
TIFF is an exciting season in Toronto, from all the celebrities visiting the city, to all the incredible films being screened!
Even if you don’t go to any actual film screenings, it’s still fun to go out and about around the city during the busy TIFF season.
I volunteered at TIFF during university almost a decade ago (I went to Toronto Metropolitan University 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 much prefer visiting TIFF as an audience member 😅
Here’s your ultimate guide to TIFF 2022, including what to do, where to eat, and where to stay during the festival!
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What to know about TIFF 2022
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.
When is TIFF 2022?
The Toronto International Film Festival is happening from September 8th to 18th, 2022.
How much are TIFF tickets?
General admission weekday tickets begin at $19 for adults or $11 for those under 25.
If you’re under 25, you can purchase an Under-25 Festival Rush Pass for $29 (including taxes and fees), which gives you free access to joining Rush lines at all TIFF venues this festival season.
The Under-25 Festival Rush Pass also offers a bunch of year-round benefits, including:
- Free TIFF Cinematheque screenings in 2022
- 25% off year-round tickets at TIFF Bell Lightbox
- Earlier access to secure tickets to year-round events and screenings
- Discounts on in-cinema tickets for subscription series
- Discount on concessions and the TIFF Shop
- Special perks and contests in The Weekly newsletter
- Invitations to special events to connect with other young film lovers
What to do during TIFF 2022
There are tons of fun things to do in Toronto during the busy TIFF season!
Here are some fun activities and things you can do during TIFF in Toronto.
Explore Festival Street
The area of King Street around the TIFF Bell Lightbox (Peter to University) closes off and becomes pedestrian-only during TIFF, which is awesome.
Also known as Festival Street, you’ll get to see free performances and screenings, visit fun brand activations, and possibly snag some free stuff!
While you’re here, you can grab eats from local food trucks or visit a nice patio on King.
Go celebrity spotting
I’m not one for celebrity spotting, but it’s definitely one of the most popular things people like to do during TIFF.
Some of the biggest names in Hollywood come to Toronto during TIFF, and it’s always exciting to see.
You’ll know what celebrities will be in Toronto based on what movies will be screened at TIFF!
It’s well known that a lot of celebrities stay at the Ritz-Carlton, so you can try your luck outside of the hotel!
Otherwise, red carpets are a guaranteed bet to spot your fave celebs.
Grab cocktails at a fancy Toronto bar
What better excuse to go for some fancy cocktails than during the most glamorous season in Toronto?
TIFF season also means 4 AM last call, which is perfect for you night owls out there.
There are plenty of fantastic spots to get drinks in Toronto, including BarChef for their innovate cocktails and Her Father’s Cider Bar + Kitchen for their amazing selection of ciders.
Watch a film screening (duh)
Of course, the best part of TIFF is actually watching screenings.
Some films are harder than others to snag 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
If you’re too lazy to walk or commute anywhere, Canteen is located downstairs inside the TIFF Bell Lightbox building.
They’ve got all kinds of fusion dishes, like their amazing Fried Calamari Tacos and Jerk Chicken Empanadas!
There’s LUMA upstairs as well, which is also owned by the Oliver & Bonacini restaurant brand, but I personally 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 W, Toronto, ON
The Fox on John
The Fox on John serves up all kinds of delicious fusion eats, including Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese and Big Mac Pizza.
They also have tons of signature cocktails, wines, beers, and spirits!
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, Toronto, ON
General Assembly Pizza
Satisfy those pizza cravings at this gorgeous spot in the Entertainment District that serves up some of the best pizza in Toronto.
Top it off with a cocktail, glass of wine, or pint of beer!
General Assembly got their start at this location, and they’ve since branched out to make gourmet frozen pizzas that you can get delivered to your home!
4 minutes from Scotiabank Theatre, 4 minutes from TIFF Bell Lightbox
LOCATION: 331 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON
Little India Restaurant
Indian food is always a good idea, and this iconic spot on Queen Street serves up some of the best Indian food in Toronto.
Go for their amazing butter chicken and be sure to pair it with their garlic naan!
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 W, Toronto, ON
So that was my guide to TIFF 2022, whether you’re visiting as a local or a tourist!
Have you been to TIFF before? Will you be watching any films at TIFF 2022? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram!
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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 😊