Did You Know?

Did you know that Toronto is home to the iconic CN Tower? Standing at a height of 553.33 meters (1,815 feet, 5 inches), the CN Tower was the tallest freestanding structure in the world when it was completed in 1976. It offers breathtaking views of the city and attracts millions of visitors each year.

Did you know that Toronto is the largest city in Canada? With a population of over 2.9 million people, it is the most populous city in the country. Toronto is a major economic and cultural hub, known for its diversity and vibrant city life.

Did you know that Toronto is home to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)? TIFF is one of the largest and most prestigious film festivals in the world. Every September, the festival showcases a wide selection of films, attracts top movie stars and industry professionals, and offers film enthusiasts a chance to experience the magic of cinema.

Did you know that Toronto is known for its diverse culinary scene? The city offers a wide range of international cuisines, reflecting its multicultural makeup. Toronto's neighborhoods are filled with restaurants, food markets, and food festivals that celebrate a variety of culinary traditions from around the world.

Did you know that Toronto is often called "The Six"? The nickname "The Six" refers to the city's two overlapping area codes, 416 and 647, and was popularized by rapper Drake, who hails from Toronto. The term has become a part of the city's cultural identity and is often used as a shorthand name for Toronto.

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Lights, Camera, Action: Toronto International Film Festival

Held annually since 1976, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) was originally called the Festival of Festivals, showing films already screened at other world film festivals. In its first year 35,000 people attended 127 film screenings from 30 countries. TIFF has grown exponentially since then, becoming a pivotal element in the careers of some of the world’s most renowned filmmakers.

Held during the second week of September, when the Toronto weather is at its best and the Toronto Beaches are still active, but not so crowded, TIFF attracts headline stars, directors and producers. It’s big business! When tourists are in Toronto, they may be able to catch one of TIFF’s hundreds of screenings, but tickets to the popular films are hard to come by; if you will be in Toronto at this time, you may purchase tickets in advance.

Now that TIFF has a permanent home, it screens superb films all year round, making is a destination at any time. The Bell Lightbox, as TIFF’s home is called, offers Canadian and international cinema, the Sprockets films festival especially for children, and it is the location for an extensive film reference library. The Bell Lightbox is a short walk from the headquarters of the National Film Board of Canada, where films are screened and film is discussed, so the two make a fine visit for film buffs.