OT: Toronto Santa Claus Parade

[Fabooliss]

Could some one give me some advice on the parade. We have always watched on TV and would like to go in person this year.
We will TTC in, where is the best place to watch from?
How early do we have to get there to get a spot?
Can we bring our own chairs, or do we have to sit on the concrete?
Anything else I should know?
Thanks!

 

[Claud26]

hi, haven't been in 3 yrs BUT I think the best place would be in front of the ROM, so Bloor & Avenue Rd Subway station. (in front of the McDonalds, so you can run in and get hot chocolate and coffee)
ANYWay, plan on going really early set up your blankets/chairs, and maybe have the kids and dad come meet you later, because I heard it will be cold

 

[ferris198]

We always get down there for between 10:30 and 11:00. We have always been lucky and found parking. The last 2 years we parked on Spadina Avenue, and walked the block or two to Bloor. I pack sandwiches, and soup as well as snacks, and I also take our folding chairs and blankets.
Anywhere along Bloor is good as there is an abundance of coffee shops.
I also make sure we are dressed extra warm, and carry extra mitts and gloves.
Keep in mind though, that you will still encounter people who show up at the last minute and expect to get front row seats.

 

[Donald - my hero]

When we went in person we would get a spot directly across the street from Sick Kids cause the parade slows down for the kids to come to window & see

 

[SaraMc]

We learned last year dont sit where the parade ends, its not like disneyworld and it all goes behind a big wooden gate. It took forever o get out of there. Take the GO or Subway, we drove last year because DH has free parking at the building he works in.. This yar we are just going to do the Oakville parade this Sat. Oh yeah we live right where the parade route ends... I keep telling DH these are signs we need to move to Orlando...he's not bying it..

 

[luvdiz2]

We used to sit outside of Sick Kids as well, the floats come around the corner and slow down there.

Lately tho, we stay down at the Sheraton for three nights, great seats and warmth right away!

 

[misslissa]

We saw part of it one year from the McDonalds inside the Eaton Center. Had nice seats and a Happy Meal. However, they don't let you "loiter" there very long on those days obviously.. but we got to see a good 45 mins of it from there.

Outside, no one was sitting on the street, only standing... mind you I think there was drissling rain but free Timothy's Hot Chocolate and balloons at the Bay right outside.