So, we expect hordes of folks to come out to Queens Quay (Toronto waterfront) for the Luminato Cirque de Soleil shows this weekend. See our previous posts for info about the three days of shows.
The weather forecast? Perfect.
Here's a little survival guide for QQ residents and also for Torontonians and out of towners coming into our neighbourhood
Car or no car?: Okay, they're closing down Queens Quay's eastbound lanes between Spadina and Lower Simcoe between Saturday morning and Monday morning, so driving is going to be nightmarish.
Residents: Leave your car at home. Seriously, you really need to drive back and forth? And if you do drive, be prepared for annoying commuting. In fact, maybe you should get errands done on Friday night and then park that thing.
Everyone else: We have parking lots south of Rogers Centre or north of the Harbourfront Centre but we've seen this neighbourhood on Canada Day weekend. Just driving out of here's going to be rough. So sure, pick a spot but it'll probably fill up quickly and getting out of here will be annoying. Best bet is to park your car within transit or walking distance and stroll on down here.
Streetcar access: Union Station is always a zoo and it'll probably be one as well on the weekend. We have two lines (510 and 509) and although they increase service, expect long lines. Taking down from Spadina may be an idea (510). Better yet, if you go into Union, take a nice stroll down Bay Street.
Residents, you think we have it fun on weekday mornings, you might as well take a stroll.
Boat access: Yes, that's right, there will be ferries between the Music Garden and the Harbourfront Centre.
Food: You're in luck. The President's Choice 1000 Tastes of Toronto is on (see post) so there will be plenty of grub! It'll actually take place on the street. See all our previous Luminato posts for the map.
It looks like there will be a mobile Pizza Pizza at the HTO Park West site between the main venue and the Music Garden. There will also be three beer gardens, at the two HTO Parks and also at the Harbourfront Centre.
Also, there are the usual shops like the restaurants at Queens Quay Terminal (Pearl, Watermark Bar), the shops on the north side of Queens Quay (Subway, Pizza Pizza, Grill 4 U Express, Quiznos, sushi, Swiss Chalet) and a few close to HTO Park.
Shoppers (near Spadina), Rabba (near Rees) and Sobeys (at Queens Quay Terminal) are all open and have all groceries.
Residents, stock up on groceries, go to your balconys (if you have them) and watch the fray from above, particularly if you have a rooftop BBQ.
Washrooms: Woah, this will be interesting. Queens Quay Terminal has a few, the best is probably near the Pearl restaurant on the second floor. Other than that, good luck at the Starbucks. Don't know yet if portapottys will be set up.
Where to watch: We'd say start at the Music Garden and walk east toward the Harbourfront then come back to the Music Garden where it's the quieter part of the neighbourhood. Plus, you can catch a TTC streetcar from Bathurst if you want to avoid crowds. There's good grass seating at the HTO Park East but we suspect the main Harbourfront area will be a zoo.
Residents, walk your hood, go home, watch from above and repeat. Have fun, lets enjoy this weekend when we're the centre of attention.
Portable toilets are being set up and there's also a shuttle boat to take you from Music Gardens to the Harbourfront location. :)
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