Make friends in line
Seats at the fest's venues are first-come, first-serve. Lines begin forming at least 60 minutes before showtime. And that's if you have tickets. There's also the "rush" line, where hopefuls wait for last-minute tickets to become available. For top-tier movies, fans queue up several hours in advance. Bring water, snacks and an umbrella, and get ready to befriend your line-mates. It's usually a good-spirited crowd.
Wave to movie stars
As far as celebrity scenes go, TIFF's events are pretty darn accessible. Stake out a spot outside Roy Thomson Hall or the Princess of Wales Theatre for the big premieres, and chances are good Sandra Bullock or Jane Fonda will sashay by.
Bump into stars at dinner
They often tuck into tapas at Patria, a contemporary Spanish restaurant in the neighborhood. The younger set then carry on later at the Hoxton, a hip nightclub.
See a movie!
Even if the headliners sell out, there are usually seats available for smaller, offbeat films.
Getting There
Toronto's main entry point is Lester B. Pearson International Airport, where flights arrive from all corners of the world; a taxi to downtown takes 45 minutes. Billy Bishop City Airport is smaller and where regional airlines land; it's a stone's throw from the center.
Lodging
Toronto has heaps of hotels in all price ranges. The Entertainment District, Queen West and Bloor-Yorkville are good neighborhoods to check into.