Toronto Santa Claus Parade

[Susan2771]

Does anyone here go to the Santa Claus Parade in Toronto and watch it from University Avenue? We go every year and usually look for a tiny little spot to stand on near the start of the parade on Bloor between Christie and Bathurst but boy, is it painful and super, super crowded. I was wondering if it is better along University or maybe further down Bloor where the ROM is? We just need a little bit of space to have two small children sit on the sidewalk and we can stand behind them. I'm not looking to steal anyone's spot just wondering if there was a little more wiggle room down that way? Thank-you!

 

[ferris198]

In the past we have always stood on Bloor around Spadina, and haven't have a problem as we get there early, and by early I mean before roads are blocked off. We pack chairs and lunch and wait.
From what I know University Ave gets quite crowded.
FYI, I always have a problem with people who try to butt in, but I take care of them.

 

[LSmith]

I used to take my kids to my office in the old Canada Life building on University and watch from above. That was perfect. One year we stood at Old City Hall, back from the crowd and that worked out well. We could see just fine. I find it too stressful trying to save room for my kids right along the curb. People can be so rude coming along at the last minute and planting their kids in front of mine and I have little patience for that.

Why does it always have to be the coldest day?

 

[ferris198]

I cannot tell you how many times I have told people off as they plop there kid in front of mine, after I have been there for hours.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

Just an FYI to this university ave. by the rom is typically were Golabal is set up to tape the parade so viewing of it may be obstructed at times due to the various camera crews ruing around. When we were younger my family usually staked out a pot were the old varsity stadium was on bloor street near St. Gorge subway stn.

 

[Susan2771]

Hummmm, well maybe we will try around Varisity Stadium this year. We always arrive a few hours before the parade starts, but I think a lot of people either camp out overnight, or go down the day before and put their lawnchairs to save a spot. Last year we went very early and were walking and walking along Bloor and were passing lots of just empty plastic chairs with no families in them yet

 

[Disney Dad Canada]

Just do what most people do. Come 5 minutes before the parade comes and stand in front of me!!

Seriously though, usually the earlier in the parade route the better. Bloor and Christie would be a good spot. I use to watch it from my office at Toronto Hospital, but the bands couldn't play.

 

[LSmith]

Just do what most people do. Come 5 minutes before the parade comes and stand in front of me!!

Great thanks! Just don't stand too close to ferris 198.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

You could also go early in the morning to Dundas square as the first 10,000 people will get breakfast there. This will be the second year for the parade going down younge by Dundas Square.

 

[Susan2771]

You could also go early in the morning to Dundas square as the first 10,000 people will get breakfast there. This will be the second year for the parade going down younge by Dundas Square.

Thanks for the tip! That sounds like fun

 

[ferris198]

Great thanks! Just don't stand too close to ferris 198.

No need to worry I tell the kids to cover their ears as she is going to do the Mommy rant

 

[ferris198]

We take our wagon down with us to carry our supplies and use it to create our own little area, that seems to be effective.

 

[LSmith]

No need to worry I tell the kids to cover their ears as she is going to do the Mommy rant

When people move in on the spot that you have saved for hours you deserve to rant. Bringing the wagon is a great idea. Personally, I hope my kids don't ask to go this year.

I forgot about the Dundas Square breakfast.

 

[kamanda]

We usually go around Varsity Stadium or near the ROM. One's close to the Tim Hortons and the other is close to Mcdonalds so we can grab food or go to the washroom while we wait.

We go at least 1.5 hrs prior to start so we get REALLLY peeved when someone who comes 10 minutes before begs to have their kids squeeze in. Don't mind that as much but then THEY try to squeeze in too!


Hope its great weather this year! Last year was great.

 

[Susan2771]

We usually go around Varsity Stadium or near the ROM. One's close to the Tim Hortons and the other is close to Mcdonalds so we can grab food or go to the washroom while we wait.

We go at least 1.5 hrs prior to start so we get REALLLY peeved when someone who comes 10 minutes before begs to have their kids squeeze in. Don't mind that as much but then THEY try to squeeze in too!


Hope its great weather this year! Last year was great.

I was thinking about going to the same area Kamanda because we also need to be close to a washroom with the girls who go last second. Is an hour and a half enough time though to find a small space around there?

 

[ferris198]

I think you would be best at Bloor and Spadina, there are many places to go pee, and get a warm drink.

 

[kamanda]

1.5 hours before start of parade 12:30 NOT by the time it gets there.

It gets there between 1 and 1:30. So by the time you see the first clown it'll probably be about a 2 hour wait.