It’s the most wonderful time of the year for Toronto’s lovers of film, parties, and some old-fashioned stargazing.
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is finally here.
Catching a glimpse – or, if you’re really lucky, a snapping a selfie with – of a member of Hollywood elite is easier than you may think; you just need to know where to go.
Here is where the stars will stay and play while in Toronto.
Shangri-La Hotel
The pristine Shangri-La Hotel is no stranger to famous faces, especially once TIFF rolls around. They can be found lounging in the lobby bar to live music, or pampering themselves at the serene Miraj Hammam Spa. The bars remain open to the public during TIFF.
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The Campbell House
Once again, the historic Campbell House will transform into Mongrel House for TIFF. Guests – which includes top talent – can expect an epic indoor/outdoor house party that cuts no corners, with things like live band karaoke, food stations, Ping-Pong, and live music. This is invite-only.
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Four Seasons Hotel
Many a famous body will hit the sheets at the Four Seasons Hotel when they call it home for their TIFF visit. The hotel’s dbar has a fresh new look just in time for the festival, with talking points like new decor and a massive new LED art display behind the bar.
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Cactus Club
Once again, multi-level financial district hotspot Cactus Club will play host to a-list cast parties on its rooftop terrace. The restaurant will remain open for reservations all festival long (getting into a rooftop party is a different story).
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Soho House
The Soho House brand is a familiar one to Hollywood’s finest, so it’s only natural that they will gravitate to the members-only club when in town. Furthermore the uber exclusive Grey Goose cast parties go down within the venue’s stories walls (if you’re not on the guest list at one of these parties, there is no chance you’re getting in, member or not).
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The Ritz-Carlton
There’s a reason for the 24/7 crowd camped outside of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Some of the world’s most famous faces have stayed, played, and pampered themselves at the five-star hotel, and this year will be no exception.
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Montecito
Montecito – just around the corner from the hub of it all at the TIFF Bell Lightbox – is a hotbed for celebrities come TIFF. Not only does the venue host some of the most coveted film parties, celebs are drawn to the place for its California-inspired farm-to-table menu and the fact that it’s owned by famed Canadian director Ivan Reitman.
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The Hazelton Hotel
Visiting celebs will get the movie star treatment they’re used to at Yorkville’s posh Hazelton Hotel. Not only does the spot offer a luxurious spot to rest their heads, the patio at ONE restaurant is a regular place for stars craving a five-star meal (from celebrated chef Mark McEwan) on the breezy piece of outdoor real estate.
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Sotto Sotto
Longtime celeb hotspot, Yorkville’s Sotto Sotto, is always a go-to place for visiting celebs year-round (as evidenced by its jam-packed celeb photo wall). TIFF is no exception, and a famous face or two is likely to grace the upscale Italian spot this festival for a quality meal.
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TIFF Bell Lightbox
Naturally, the hub of it all – King Street’s TIFF Bell Lightbox – will be bustling with film premieres, press junkets, film events, and flowing cocktails. You can expect to catch a glimpse of a star at one of the spot’s two restaurants, Luna or O&B Canteen, or on the pop-up Refinery29 rooftop, which will host the official TIFF after party when 1 Oak pops up.
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11 Duncan
The space at 11 Duncan will fill with star power throughout TIFF as it is transformed into RBC House for the second year in a row. The venue will host panels, film events, and the hot-ticket Nespresso cast parties all TIFF long. If you’re not on the list, the best bet it to catch a glimpse of an a-lister upon arrival and exit.
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SoHo Metropolitan
To roll out the red carpet for Hollywood’s top celebrities, executives, and production crews, SoHo Metropolitan Hotel is transforming the corner of Blue Jays Way and Wellington Street with the TIFF-themed Neighbourhood Lounge. Over at the hotel’s restaurant Luckee, Susur Lee will celebrate TIFF by serving up his signature dishes all day and night, from 10 am to 2 am.
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The Bisha Hotel
The sleek new(ish) Bisha Hotel returns as a hotspot this TIFF for celebs to stay, play, and relax. Located around the corner from the TIFF Bell Lightbox, this spot will see no shortage of famous faces grace the talking-point filled space. Perhaps the a-listers will take in the city views from the photo-worthy rooftop.
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