Where to see celebrities in Toronto during TIFF 2016

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is right around the corner. That means tourists, A-listers, and movie buffs from all over will be flocking to Toronto, putting the city front and centre on the world stage.

Purchasing a new condo suite may not be top of mind when you’re dreaming instead about brushing shoulders with Ryan Gosling while you stroll through West Queen West or catching a glimpse of Anna Kendrick shopping on Bloor Street. This is actually a great time of year to see where the world’s most famous people hang out when they’re here.

If an actor you like and respect (or are obsessed with) enjoys a certain neighbourhood, it’s only natural that you will become curious about that area. And, living in a neighbourhood where the stars go, offers the opportunity to live like one. A-listers are trendsetters and typically leaders when it comes to determining what’s hot and what’s not, all around the world. That said, we feel as though the actors that arrive for TIFF usually hit up all the spots that locals already know about and frequent, like Bloor-Yorkville and West Queen West.

West Queen West

Yorkville is the neighbourhood you need to loiter in if you want to spot a celebrity this September. The Four Seasons and The Hazelton are popular hotels for celebrity sightings. As for restaurants, Sassafraz has seen the likes of Selena Gomez, Colin Firth, and Robert DeNiro, while Sotto Sotto has served Blake Lively, Johnny Depp, and Natalie Portman.

Some celebrities prefer some distance from the usual crowds and want to sample the city’s hottest new restaurants. This is why the West Queen West area is supposed to be a popular hangout again this year. Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Anna Faris and Jonah Hill and the cast of Moneyball turned heads when they were fed by local top chef Tom Colicchio, before his Dundas West and Ossington spot even opened. Don’t get us wrong, West Queen West isn’t far from the TIFF action, it just has its own distinctive vibe. It’s the perfect balance between cool and luxurious.

For hotels in West Queen West, The Drake and Gladstone are probably the most popular, though we can’t say whether or not celebrities will be staying there this year. Both hotels usually host pretty big parties during TIFF though, and celebrities have been known to attend.

There are also plenty of independent bars and restaurants lining West Queen West. Terroni is a famous restaurant with locations in Toronto and Los Angeles, and one happens to be on Queen West. We’re not sure which Toronto location they prefer, but Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Jake Gyllenhaal are reportedly fans.

New condos in Bloor-Yorkville and West Queen West    

Urban Townhome rooftop terrace

Now that we’ve identified these two hot spots, let’s take a look at a couple of new condominium communities that are currently under construction there. While researching, we actually discovered that there is a condo developer, Pemberton Group, with developments in both these neighbourhoods!

The Urban Townhome Collection is located at the foot of the tremendously successful U Condos two-tower development on Bay just south of Bloor. These luxury townhomes range in size from 2,628 square feet to 3,288 square feet and have their own great entertainment focal points, including spacious rooftop terraces and private patios.

A few of the impressive interior features and finishes include custom designed cabinetry, granite countertops, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, pre-engineered wood flooring, and porcelain tiles. Prices start from $2.2 million.

To learn more about The Urban Townhome Collection, visit pembertongroup.com or the presentation centre at 1082 Bay Street. Summer hours are Monday to Thursday from 12 pm to 6 pm or on the weekend from 12 pm to 5 pm. You can also call 647-344-2573 for more details.

Ten93 Queen West Condos

Ten93 Queen West is located in the heart of West Queen West at Dovercourt Road. Pemberton just completed a public art initiative with Wallnoize to cover the construction hoarding with urban murals.

Available suites at Ten93 Queen West range from 525 to 1,015 square feet and feature quartz countertops, ceramic tile, stainless steel and integrated appliances, wide-plank pre-finished engineered wood flooring, and soaring 9’ ceilings. The rooftop barbeque lounge with al fresco seating of this stunning mid-rise overlooks Queen West! Prices start from the low $300,000s.

The Ten93 Queen West sales office has the same summer hours as The Urban Townhome Collection presentation centre. You can also visit the website or call 416-546-6355 for more information.

Visit pembertongroup.com to learn more about all of the company’s many condo developments across the GTA. You can also sign up for their quarterly e-newsletter to receive community updates!