5 Yearly Toronto Events You Can’t Miss
The beautiful and modern city of Toronto is not just the financial capital of Canada; it is also the cultural hub of the country. Its 2.6 million inhabitants who can trace their ancestry to almost every part of the world have created a vibrant culture that has elements of the exotic but has a distinctly Canadian feel. Some of the biggest annual events include Caribana, Pride Week, Summerlicious and Victoria Day celebrations. Be it summer or winter, there is something going on every month of the year. Here are 5 yearly Toronto events that you just can’t miss.
1. **Caribana:** The largest festival of Caribbean cultures, traditions and foods in North America, the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival, popularly known as Caribana, takes places between late July and early August. This colorful and boisterous street festival transforms the city of Toronto for two week and attracts over a million tourists from around the world. Residents and tourists alike participate joyfully in revelries that include King and Queen of the Bands competition and the huge climactic parade of the masquerade bands, which is definitely a sight to see!
2. **Pride Week:** This weeklong festival started as a political picnic in the 1970s, but it has evolved into a joyful celebration of life over the years. Pride is one of the biggest annual events in Toronto, you can enjoy fine dining, beer gardens, thumping music and adult-oriented late night events throughout the weekend. The big parade, which is the climax of the festival, takes place on the last Sunday of June, and attracts cheering crowds of over a million people. Drag queens, activists and politicians take part in the parade. This is one event that you should not miss.
3. **Victoria Day:** Taking place annually on the Monday closest to May 24th, Victoria Day is celebrated in honor of Queen Victoria. This day, which is a national holiday, also marks the unofficial launch of summer. Residents celebrate this day with colorful flower shows and firework displays.
4. **Toronto International Film Festival:** If you are a movie buff, then Toronto is where you should be in September. A worthy rival to Cannes (France) and Sundance (USA), the Toronto International Film Festiva attracts over 300 of the best movies of the year from all over the world, including many Hollywood blockbusters. You can get to see movie stars, directors, filmmakers and other celebrities close-up, and you may even have the chance to get a few autographs. Since every show is a sellout, you must book your tickets in advance.
5. **National Hockey League Play-offs:** Ice hockey is Canada’s favorite sport and the playoffs among the 30 member clubs (7 Canadian and 23 American) of the National Hockey League drives the residents of Toronto into a frenzy every spring. The Toronto Maple Leafs havent won the coveted Stanley Cup since 1967, but that hasn’t dampened the city’s enthusiasm for the sport. If you have the chance, check out a playoff game to truly experience the excitement of hockey in Toronto!
The best way to commute between your hotel or home and the festival venues is by cab. Co-op Cabs, Toronto’s largest cab company, is known and trusted for reliable, safe and affordable transportation to every part of the city. Call us now or request a taxi online to catch a ride to one of these annual Toronto events!