The much anticipated Pan Am Games is on its way and Toronto is gearing up for a summer filled with athletics, tourists and hopefully a few gold medals. Close to 10,000 international athletes are expected, beginning on July 10 and running through August for the Parapan Am Games.
Before Toronto goes into extreme Panamania, we’ve prepared a quick Pan Am survival guide to help you make the most of this incredible event. Here are five tips on how to have fun and stay cool during Pan Am fever.
Free stuff.
Thanks to the games, Toronto will be a buzz with free summer-long concerts and swag. There’s multiple music and culture events happening daily with an impressive lineup of artists at Nathan Phillips Square, The Distillery District and the Pan Am Park (around the lake shore). If you’re in the know, you can see a free concert every single day this summer.
Tour the neighbourhoods.
More than 40 venues have been set up for the festivities in and around the city highlighting key neighbourhoods and some newer ones like the Canary District. While the Pan Am Village in the West Don Lands is a key spot, other neighbourhoods around the University of Toronto and Ryerson are central to the celebrations. Tour a new area or check out a Pan Am guided walking tour.
Dress the part.
The Pan Am store is officially open with the best branded tchotchkes and souvenirs. There’s an online store and a pop-up shop at the Eaton Centre where you can buy shirts, cell phone cases and all other knick knacks you never knew you wanted. Game on. Gear up.
Extra Summerlicious.
It’s going to be an extra tasty summer. Summerlicious is adding an extra week to its schedule for the games. Toronto’s favourite prix fixe food event will run for three weeks this year from July 3 to 26. Get your reservations early as restaurants, especially near the venues, will book up quickly.
Ride the rocket.
With construction and road closures, it’s best to park the car and take the better way. The TTC, anticipating a very busy commute, has added additional bus and streetcar service to all the major venues. An added bonus: transit will be free for ticket holders. Here’s a list of the new transit schedule.
Photo via by Simon P, Wikipedia
