With TIFF approaching soon, we’ve rounded up the best Toronto hotspots to visit in between movies. Whether you enjoy a good patio cocktail or want to be on the lookout for A-list TIFF stars in town, we’ve got a little something for everyone to do to make your TIFF experience that much better.
The Thompson Hotel | 550 Wellington St W.
Located in King West Village, Thompson Hotel has one of the best and most popular views of the city. It’s known as a celebrity hot spot during TIFF, but also year round, featuring celebrities such as The Weeknd and Selena Gomez who visited the Diner, and popular guests during the TIFF season such as Bradley Cooper, Kate Hudson and James Franco. It has also hosted notable premieres and celebrity parties in the past, making it a great place to be during TIFF season to spot your fave celebrity. This year, The Thompson Hotel is even creating film-themed cocktails based on this year’s TIFF lineup- available from September 6th- 16th.
Aside from celeb sightings and film inspired cocktails, The Thompson also offers panoramic views of Toronto from its Rooftop Lounge and seasonal pool. Be sure to dine in comfort in the Thompson Diner open really early and really late, perfect for pre or post movie.
JOEY Restaurant | 1 Dundas St W.
Right in the heart of Downtown Toronto at the Eaton Centre, JOEY has become a favourite restaurant of ours! The decor and atmosphere help to bring the ultimate casual dining experience that is vibrant and relaxed. Wednesday’s are our favourite days with half-priced bottles of wine and globally inspired dishes to pair! JOEY will definitely be a hot spot during TIFF that is right in the middle of all the Toronto action! Be sure to make your Wednesday night reso now.
This neighbourhood is easily Toronto’s most celebrated area! Filled with high-end fashion and restaurants to satisfy every craving, Bloor-Yorkville has something for everyone.
Some cool events happening in this area include:
Toronto Fashion Week | 55 Avenue Road
TFW will be happening from September 4th to September 6th, right during TIFF! It will also feature the exclusive book launch, on September 4th, for Jessica Ennis and Caitlin Cronenberg’s latest project, The Endings!
Get your TFW Tickets here!
The Artists for Peace and Justice Gala
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the APJ Film Festival Gala taking place at the beautiful and historic Windsor Arms Hotel on September 8th from 6pm to 10pm. Co-hosted by Ben Stiller and Susan Sarandon, the fundraising event is a chance for leading artists, brands and philanthropists to celebrate and empower local communities in Haiti. Although it is sold out this year, the event will be filled with glitz, glamour and TIFF celebrities of course!
InStyle Hollywood Foreign Press Party
This star-studded party will be happening on September 8th in Yorkville. An annual event, it is always a big celebrity hot spot, featuring some of our favourite stars such as Margot Robbie, Jake Gyllenhaal, Elisabeth Moss, George Clooney…the list goes on!