Toronto - Event

During Toronto's Santa Claus Parade a fantastic series of animated floats leaves Bloor St West in the company of marching bands, a couple of thousand over-excited costumed kids and, of course, the star of the show - Santa Claus..

The parade is a Toronto institution that has been thriving for 100 years. Around 150 clowns accompany the children as they pass along the route, but they are not what they seem - they're actually fun-loving corporate types who pay up to C$1000 for the privilege of donning the clown suit! The Celebrity Clown programme has been running since 1983 and is a brilliant way of drumming up support for the parade. 

The parade runs from the junction of Bloor and Christie Sts via Bloor St and University Ave to Queen St. From there it passes along Yonge St, ending at the junction of Front and Church Sts. It's a great festive occasion, and most of Toronto turns out to watch the floats go by. If you're in a wheelchair, the best way to view the parade is from the special tiers on Front St, across from the Hummingbird Centre.