Tips to enjoy Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana) 2025
Toronto Caribbean Carnival
In 1967, Toronto's Caribbean community introduced Canadians to the festive Caribbean culture during Canada's centennial celebrations. This marked the debut of Carnival ’67 in Toronto, which has since become an annual attraction in the city. It is now North America's largest multicultural festival, drawing well over a million visitors from all over the world.
Street carnivals are a beloved tradition in the Caribbean Islands, such as Trinidad, where the largest carnival is hosted. These celebrations symbolize freedom from slavery and are filled with passion, excitement and joy. Participants dress up in colourful costumes, dance to lively music and indulge in delicious food.
Today, over 6% of Toronto’s population is of Caribbean descent and this vibrant community continues to deliver the carnival experience to Canada’s largest city with gusto.
The Grand Parade is the marquee event that takes place at Toronto’s Exhibition Place.
Here are the best ways to enjoy the Toronto Caribbean Carnival and the parade.
Getting to the Grand Parade at Exhibition Place
Public transportation is a hassle-free way to get to the Grand Parade. Look for additional services available the day of the Grand Parade.
Take Toronto Transit (TTC) to Exhibition Place
The Dufferin 29 bus and the Bathurst 511 streetcar (westbound from Bathurst Station) and Harbourfront 509 streetcar (westbound from Union Station) travel to the Exhibition Place.
Plan your trip in advance and learn about other routes you can take and more information about fares and passes.
Take the GO train to Exhibition GO Station
Travel on the Lakeshore train line to Exhibition GO station.
Check the GO schedule online to plan your trip to the Toronto Caribbean Carnival.
Save money with Ontario’s One Fare Program when you use PRESTO to travel.
Watch the Grand Parade
As the centrepiece of the carnival, the Grand Parade (formerly the Caribana Parade) provides a spectacular display of culture and creativity for spectators and participants alike.
Paid seating is available for those who want to sit back and watch mas bands before they hit the parade route along Lakeshore Boulevard.
Watching the carnival along the parade route is free. Only registered carnival revellers can dance with the mas band but spectators can dance in designated areas, helping the mas band move faster to the end of the parade where they will be judged and awarded for the best carnival experience and costume.
When: Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto
Join the parade and ‘play mas’
Thousands of carnival revellers enjoy masquerading at the carnival’s Grand Parade or “playing mas”—a vibrant tradition of joining a mas band by dressing in their colourful costumes and dancing along the parade route with them. Anyone can participate in the celebrations!
Check out the mas bands participating in this year’s event.
Tip: If you want to ‘play mas’ in 2026, do your research and book your costumer early. Some experiences include exclusive perks if you register early, so follow your favourite mas band for more information.
Attend exciting Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana) events
There’s no shortage of entertaining Caribbean events in Toronto before, during and after the Grand Parade.
Enjoy performances by top Calypsonians competing to win in the “OCPA Calypso Showcase” and hear the rhythmic sounds of the Caribbean brought to life at the “Keeping Pan Alive” steelpan competition. Cheer on the talented kids singing and dancing in the Junior King and Queen show and watch mas band leaders show off their intricate costumes to the judges and audience as they vie to be crowned Queen and King of the carnival.
These lively displays of talent and tradition are just a few of the best Caribana events that make Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival a must-see celebration in the summer.
Where to eat the best Caribbean food
The festive celebrations are sure to leave you hungry, but Toronto’s diverse culinary scene offers many places to satisfy your appetite. Discover the rich flavours of the Caribbean at these popular eateries across the city.
Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen
Selected in the prestigious MICHELIN Toronto Guide, Chubby’s offers a slice of Caribbean dining. Step into a tropical ambience that boasts delicious menu items such as marinated jerk chicken, pork or shrimp cooked on the in-house wood-fired grill.
Location: 104 Portland Street, Toronto
Miss Likklemore’s
This upscale restaurant treats patrons to an assortment of flavours familiar in the Caribbean. If you’re looking for a meal with heat, the delicious homemade pepper sauces range from mild to very hot.
Location: 433 King Street West, Toronto
Patois
Indulge in Patois’ award-winning Chinese-Jamaican menu, with fusion dishes like jerk chicken chow mein and fried rice with jalapeno aioli creating a unique dining experience. Weekend brunch is also on the menu for the late risers.
Location: 794 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Rasta Pasta
Located in Kensington Market, Rasta Pasta serves favourite Jamaican dishes such as jerk chicken and ackee and codfish, in addition to fusion Italian and Jamaican creations.
Location: 61 Kensington Avenue, Toronto
Café Allwood
If you’re looking for plant-based Caribbean cuisine, Chef Kevin Allwood has you covered with dishes such as ackee and salted tofu, jerk lentils and vegan “saltfish.” With a bright, modern space and a market next door, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a flavourful meal and then browse for quality products.
Location: 1183 Queen Street East, Toronto
The Real Jerk
Enjoy authentic jerk chicken, fried oxtail, curry shrimp and more at The Real Jerk, a staple Caribbean restaurant in Toronto for over three decades. Its flagship location on Gerrard Street features more than 150 seats, Thursday night karaoke and live music every month.
Locations:
Celebrate Emancipation Day and learn about Ontario’s Black history
In 2021, Canada proclaimed August 1 as the official Emancipation Day. The Toronto Caribbean Carnival coincides with this momentous date.
Learn more about Emancipation Day and Black history in Ontario.
Ontario Black History Society provides information about Black history and heritage in Ontario.
Grey and Simcoe Counties are home to unique Black history museums, heritage tours and festivals.
Southwestern Ontario boasts a rich Black heritage with excellent museums and attractions dedicated to honouring the heroes of the Underground Railroad. Take your family on a meaningful journey through time on this 4-day Black history road trip in Southern Ontario for families, exploring key heritage sites and landmarks that promote awareness of Black history.
Find the perfect place to stay during the Carnival
Plan your Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana) festival getaway with one of Toronto’s many accommodation options. Stay close to the action at nearby hotels such as Hotel X, 1 Hotel Toronto or The Drake Hotel.
Several more downtown properties offer accommodation packages during this festive occasion.
Tip: Book your accommodations well in advance of the festival.
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Last updated: June 13, 2025