Everything to Know About Caribana 2022

Toronto Carnival 2022 has been on a hiatus for the last two years and we are so happy to hear to find out that its officially back! This year Caribana will be July 30th 2022.

We are looking forward to seeing you on the lakeshore to play mas and have an amazing time at all the fetes and events that will be going on.

If this is your first time to Toronto Carnival and you have no idea where to start this guide is for you. You will know which bands to play with, which events to attend and which areas are best for you and much more.

How To Get to Toronto?

If you’re flying into Toronto, you have two airports to choose from. YYZ (Toronto Pearson International Airport) which is the main international airport serving the Toronto area and YTC (Billy Bishop Airport) often referred to as Toronto Island Airport. Majority of the major airlines do fly through Toronto Pearson International Airport but either airport you choose to fly to will be good to fly into. If you’re coming from the United States depending on where you’re located you can also drive to Canada just be sure to make sure you bring your passport or you will be denied entry!

Where to stay for Toronto Carnival (Caribana)?

If you haven’t been to Toronto there is one thing you should know, Toronto is a big city! There are many areas to choose from. If you want to be as close as possible to the parade and all the action Toronto has to offer as a whole I would advise staying in the heart of downtown Toronto. Here are a list of the Hotels that you can stay in Toronto when visiting for Toronto Carnival.

Ode Toronto (Toronto’s First Black Owned Hotel) Click Here to Book!
Hotel X Toronto by Library Hotel Collection (5 Min Walk to the Parade)
Radisson Blue Toronto Downtown
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
Pantages Hotel Downtown
Hilton Toronto
Bisha Hotel Toronto
Delta Hotel By Marriott Toronto
St. Regis Toronto
There are also many accommodations to stay if you would like to use Airbnb just be sure to search “Downtown Toronto” and you will good. Airbnb’s start anywhere from $150-300 CAD a night.

Which Bands to Play Mas With?

Luckily for you they’re many bands to choose from. Here are the bands that you can play mas with (In no particular order). Many of these bands have launches coming up so keep a look out for that but in the meantime here are the bands that will be on the road for Toronto Carnival 2022.
1. Saldenah
2. Carnival Nations
3. Tribal Mas
4. Toronto Revellers
5. Freedom Mas Band
6. Sumline Mas
7. Fantazia Carnival
8. Epic Carnival

Which fetes (parties) to attend?

One thing about Toronto Carnival is that you will have a blast at all the parties, fetes and there is something for everybody to enjoy. Depending on what day you plan to arrive there will be an event going on. Below I will list all the events that will be going on for all the Soca lovers and the events that I personally recommend attending. As time goes on and promoters release more event details closer to the date this list will be updated. Here is where to party for Toronto Carnival.
More events to be added
(The asterisk (*) means events I recommend not missing)

Sunday July 24th 2022
Day One (Click Here For Tickets)
Wednesday July 27th 2022
Duck Work All Inclusive Boat Ride* 1pm-6pm (Click Here for Tickets)
The Clinic 3pm-9pm (Click Here for Tickets)
Thursday July 30th 2022
Soca or Die* 3:00pm-11:00pm
Soca Sleepover 11:00pm-Until (Click Here For Tickets)
Friday July 29th 2022
Carnival Flare* (Click Here For Tickets)
Jab Jab Jouvert 3:00pm-3:00am (Click Here For Tickets)
Saturday July 30th 2022 (Caribana Day)
Paze 10:00pm-Until* (Click Here For Tickets)
What A Mess* 10:00pm-Until (Click Here For Tickets)
4 The Love of Spice* 11:00pm-Until (Click Here For Tickets)
SocaFro 10:00pm-3:00am (Click Here For Tickets)
Sunday July 31st 2022
Tsunami 12pm-8pm (Click Here For Tickets) **
Road Tabanca 12pm-8pm (Click Here For Tickets)
Carnival Bliss Boat Ride 3:00pm-Until (Click Here For Tickets)
Monday August 1st 2022
Carnival Rehab (Click Here For Tickets) 12pm-8pm*
Last Lap Boat Ride 12pm-5pm (Click Here For Tickets)

Note: If there is one thing to be aware of it is that events in Toronto are just not in one area. You can have events in the surrounding areas of the city, depending on where your accommodations are it can take up to 30-45 mins to get to your destination (including traffic) so keep that in mind.

How to get around in the city?

Toronto is pretty easy to get around in. Uber and Lyft are the most convenient ways to get around if you don’t feel like doing much work to rent a car and drive. Toronto also has public transportation that’s easy to get access to. Toronto has the Go Train and the TTC that gives you access around the city. Both services can take you right to the parade on the day of. If you feel like driving around in the city thats also an option for you too. You can rent a car from the big rental companies or use my favourite car sharing app, Turo. Turo is like airbnb for cars that allows you to rent peer to peer. We have a car available for rent. Click Here for more information.

Where to get some nice West indian food?

Now this is a bonus but don’t get it twisted if this is your first time to Toronto theres one thing you should know, we have tons of options for food. We have every type of restaurant that you can think of in the city. But since this is for Toronto Carnival we are gonna stick to the Caribbean cuisine. I’m going to give you my personal favourite places in the city to get some great West Indian food. Jerk Chicken to Roti back to Akee and Saltfish I will give you the places you should try while visiting Toronto!
1. Island Spice (Scarborough)
2. Chris Jerk (Scarborough)
3. Monas Roti (Various Locations)
4. The Diners Corner (Downtown Toronto)
5. Twice as Nice (Scarborough)
6. Caribbean Queen Jerk (Downtown Toronto)
7. Tunup Islands Caribbean Foods (Toronto West)
8. Ali’s Roti (Downtown Toronto)
9. Ritz (Various Locations)
10. Trini Pot (Downtown Toronto)
11. Sunrise (Various Locations)
12. Rap’s (Toronto West)
13. Hot Pot Restaurant (Toronto West)
14. Mainsha (Toronto West)
15. Tinnels Patties (Brampton)

Conclusion

And thats all folks! I hope this guide has helped you to prepare for Toronto Carnival 2022 as this year is expected to be bigger than ever! If you have any questions, concerns or opinions you would like to throw my way please feel free to contact me at anytime. thehighjourney@thehighjourney.com or my direct line is 647 989 5595 (whatsapp is most reliable)