Caribana is Canada’s ultimate summer celebration. People from all over the world gather in Toronto for North America’s largest Caribbean Carnival parade at the close of the summer months. With all the parties, concerts, and masquerading, you must arrive prepared. We’ve got you! We put together a guide to ending your summer right at Caribana.
Travel
This year’s festivities begin on August 1st and end on August 4th. Direct flight to Toronto can be costly during Caribana weekend. Do book your travel and accommodations early.
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One option is to fly into Buffalo Niagara International Airport and use a rental car to drive to Toronto with the money saved or take the bus to downtown Toronto. Do add in a stop at Niagara Falls if you decide to drive—it’s amazing.
Driving Pro Tip: Download a Canadian road map for your GPS before leaving the U.S.
No doubt, accommodations in downtown Toronto go extremely quick, especially closer to Yonge street.
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Don’t fret if hotels are booked. One of the best ways to experience Toronto is to stay in the communities neighboring downtown.
Packing
Do bring your passport, although it won’t be stamped if you’re American. Do bring Canadian dollars as well. Pack comfy shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty, a flag representing your country, and a good camera for the memories. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast—be prepared to party rain or shine.
Also, do have a clear understanding of your cell phone plan and coverage in Canada.
Caribana is better with friends, but don’t bring any criminal records, you may be denied access to the country—border control is serious.
Lastly, save the extra weight in your bags and purchase alcohol once you arrive.
Parties & Masquerade
You will get tired. Please do pace yourself with the plethora of parties and events. Do play mas! Caribana is not the same without masquerading.
You will be parading for miles. There’s plenty of walking, jumping, wining, and juking. Do bring water or water bottle and don’t forget to stretch. Again, pace is key. Do stick it out for the entire parade—there’s a huge party at the end of the road. Explore which bands fit your style, pick the costume that’s best for your body, and prepare for the time of your life!
Dr. Traiana Mangum, PharmD, RPh is a Community Pharmacist, Missionary, and Louisiana-based Travel Influencer. Traiana is the creator of Trai Travels, a YouTube channel and growing travel community for the young, black, and bright. She inspires her followers, The TraiTribe, to travel with purpose and to tell the story. Connect with Traiana on YouTube and Instagram @TraiTravels and via her website TraiTravels.com.
