This weekend is the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, when the city comes alive with the culture of the islands. 

If this is your first time attending the celebrations, here are some things you should know to ensure you are carnival-ready! 

ITEMS TO PACK THE NIGHT BEFORE:

As the city brings together one of the largest crowds in North America, you are going to be met with extra heat, long walks, lengthy lines, and big crowds. 

These are three things you’ll want to make sure you bring along to keep yourself comfortable:

Portable Fan: This Saturday is expected to be sunny and reach a high of 27 C, so make sure you bring a handheld fan to keep you cool.

Comfortable Shoes: Get some shoes that are comfortable to wear for long distances, because this festival is going to make sure you get all of your steps in! Whether they are comfy sneakers or breathable sandals, make sure to wear something cute but realistic for the walks.

Water: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! This summer is extra hot, so bringing a water bottle with you is a must for making sure you stay refreshed. 

GETTING AROUND DURING CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL

With carnival celebrations taking over the city all weekend, you can expect there to be lots of traffic getting around Toronto. 

The Grand Parade is set to run from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday, starting at Exhibition Place Grounds at Princes’ Blvd and going to Canada Blvd, travelling westbound along Lake Shore Blvd W before turning around ahead of Jameson Ave and going eastbound on Lake Shore Blvd W back to Exhibition Place.

Toronto Police Service announced that several road closures will be in effect for the parade. 

The following closures will come into effect starting on Saturday, August 2 at 12 a.m. and lasting until Sunday, August 3 at 7 a.m.:

Lake Shore Blvd W from Fort York Blvd to Colborne Lodge Dr

Lake Shore Blvd W westbound between Bathurst St and Fort York Blvd is open to local traffic only

Strachan Ave southbound from Fleet St

Meanwhile, the Gardiner Expressway ramps will close on August 2 at 12 a.m. at these locations:

Westbound Gardiner Expressway on ramp at Jameson Ave

Eastbound Gardiner Expressway off ramp at Jameson Ave

Eastbound Gardiner Expressway on ramp from Jameson Avenue, and Lake Shore Blvd W at British Columbia Road

Westbound Gardiner Expressway off ramp at Dunn Ave

Lake Shore Boulevard West will close to traffic at 12 a.m. from westbound Strachan Ave to Parkside Dr, and eastbound Lake Shore Blvd W from Colborne Lodge Dr to Strachan Ave

The Princes’ Gates will remain closed to vehicle traffic on Saturday, August 2, starting at 1 a.m.

Towing enforcement and restricted access for drivers will also occur near major streets. It is advised for carnival attendees to travel using public transportation to avoid traffic and road closures.

You can find more information on road closures and restrictions here.

If you are travelling from outside the city, you can take the Lakeshore West Go Train headed to Aldershot from Toronto’s Union Station, and get off at Exhibition Station. 

PARTIES AND EVENTS TO CHECK OUT OVER THE WEEKEND

This year, Toronto Carnival is hosting two Carnival Villages, with one at Sankofa Square and the other at Coronation Park. The hubs are open to the public to enjoy live music, dance, food, and a marketplace for an unforgettable experience! 

After hitting up the villages, you have to experience the after-parties on Saturday night, where you can enjoy the party of a lifetime! 

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With many different locations around the city hosting DJs playing tunes from all over the Caribbean, this is how you get the true Caribana experience. 

From boat parties, rooftop events, to nightclubs, the options are unlimited! Make sure you purchase your tickets in advance, before they sell out! 

You can find a list of Caribana parties happening this weekend here.