During the Toronto International Film Festival, the city is inundated with Hollywood’s celebrities to promote their films or support their friends and related films. If you’re here in Toronto just visiting or specifically for the film festival, you may or may not want to ‘friendly stalk’ (just to get that photo) the stars who are in town for it. Maybe your favourite is here??!!
The ‘stars’ tend to hang out mainly around the Yorkville area and stay in the few hotels there, such as the Four Seasons, Park Hyatt, Intercontinental and Hazelton, all within walking distance from each other. Although, the celebs have been known to stay in the Sutton Place down Bay Street at Wellesley and some of the bigger hotels in the downtown core such as the Fairmont Royal York for one.
Area in red is main part of Yorkville where the Hollywood celebs can be spotted, Starbucks is a big draw for the stars to grab a java
Also in the Yorkville area are several restaurants where the stars go and dine (even being seated away from the maddening crowd that gathers in Yorkville during the 11 days of the film festival – in private booths/rooms) . Some well-known ones are Sassafraz, Sotto Sotto and Lobby in Yorkville. A popular one across from Sutton Place is Bistro 990 and there’s the Rosewater (downtown) which is also a fav for the celebrity who wants to have a ‘quiet’ meal.
Whilst the festival is going on, you will see crowds of people hanging out around the Four Seasons or the Park Hyatt, just to try and take a pic of the many celebs who stay there. The celebrities often cross the road to the Park Hyatt from the Four Seasons (or vice versa) where they give interviews to the press. Also, approx an hour before their film is shown, you will see all the black SUVs (not limos) lining up ready to take the celebs to walk the red carpet at one of several main venues holding premieres: Roy Thomson Hall, Elgin Theater, Ryerson Hall.
Be prepared for crowds. At Roy Thomson Hall, if there is a famous celebrity appearing, many wait along the barriers for hours before they actually show up. For Brad Pitt’s appearance, they were out along the barriers up to 8 hrs prior.
Today is the first main day of the festival with films showing all day and night along with highly anticipated premieres. If you’re venturing out to take part of the frenzy, dress appropriately for the weather (especially if you’re waiting for long periods of time), camera in hand (or cell phone) and lots of patience.
Remember, if you can’t catch a glimpse of them going into their premiere, they also have to come out – just means it’ll be darker (that’s if it’s an early showing) and you will have to wait another couple of hours or more – that way, there’s not as many hanging around with you, but don’t be surprised if there’s more than you expect!!
