Smithsonian at the Toronto International Film Festival
6 days from $5,540
Gain insider access to the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival—TIFF—during five thrilling days of screenings, premieres, and gala events. With a Toronto-based film historian as your guide, explore a dynamic lineup of independent films and global features. Attend events at the iconic TIFF Lightbox and enjoy behind-the-scenes insights into one of the world’s most prestigious and influential public film festivals.
Highlights
- Special Access: Receive a personalized industry pass, usually reserved for film professionals, allowing you to access Press and Industry screenings as well as special events and a gala presentation.
- Insider Perspective: Gain insights into the film industry, the Festival, and the featured films during exclusive talks with your Smithsonian Journeys Expert, an independent film afficionado, as well as guest lecturers.
- Deluxe Accommodation: Stay five nights at the stylish InterContinental Toronto Centre, centrally located just steps from the CN Tower and within walking distance of the Festival theatres.
- Festive Farewell Dinner: Toast your TIFF experience at a popular Toronto restaurant on your final night.
To be able hear from the directors and then see their films later the same day took the festival experience to a whole new level. And Marc’s insights and recommendations led me to see worthwhile films that I would otherwise have overlooked. His advice was invaluable.
— Michael R.
Itinerary
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
Day 1 — Arrive in Toronto
Arrive in Toronto and transfer independently to your hotel in the heart of downtown. After time to settle in, meet your Smithsonian Journeys Expert and fellow film enthusiasts for a welcome reception and dinner. Your personalized official industry passes to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) will be handed out this evening. (R,D)
Day 2 — TIFF: Individual Film Screenings
On the opening day of TIFF, wake up to a full breakfast and remarks by your Smithsonian Journeys Expert in preparation for first film screenings of the event. Spend the remainder of your morning at leisure and grab lunch on a walk through the lively St. Lawrence Market if you wish. This afternoon and evening, attend the film screenings of your choice. (B)
Day 3 — TIFF: Individual Film Screenings
After breakfast, attend a presentation by your Smithsonian Journeys Expert and a guest lecturer, setting the stage for today’s films. During free time before the films begin, consider a ride up to the top of the CN Tower for extraordinary views that reach all the way to Niagara Falls on a clear day. Then head to the TIFF Lightbox center or one of the other festival theaters to as many films as you can fit in this afternoon and evening. (B)
Day 4 — TIFF: Individual Film Screenings and Gala Screening
Join your Smithsonian Journeys Expert and a guest lecturer for a discussion about the day’s films this morning. The remainder of the day is yours to attend the festival's offerings on your own. Later, gather for the short walk to to the evening’s Gala screening, where actors and the director and may be present. Linger after the film to hear a question and answer session with the cast or industry professionals. (B)
Day 5 — TIFF: Film Screenings and Farewell Dinner
After a final morning orientation to the films of the day, enjoy an independent afternoon of film screenings. Then gather with fellow travelers and your Smithsonian Journeys Expert at a popular local restaurant for a celebratory farewell dinner and recap of the festival’s films. (B,D)
Day 6 — Depart Toronto
Transfer independently to Toronto Pearson International Airport for your return flight.
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)
Dates & Prices
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Dates
Availability
Price
Sep 9 - 14, 2026
Call to Join Waitlist
from $5,540
Special Air Rates & Services: As part of our special air program, FlexAir, available with this tour, you can choose from a wide variety of flight options. Visit the Tour Details tab and click on "Special Air Rates/Services" drop down.
Prices are based on rates of exchange, airfare & fuel (where applicable), tariffs, taxes, and other costs as of the tour publication date. We reserve the right to correct errors and to increase program prices to cover increased costs, tariffs, and taxes received after prices are published and to reflect currency fluctuations.
Expert
Marc Glassman
Filmmaker & Journalist
Marc Glassman is a radio and print journalist, film programmer, documentary producer, and veteran bookseller who has organized and hosted hundreds of film, music, and …
Marc Glassman is a radio and print journalist, film programmer, documentary producer, and veteran bookseller who has organized and hosted hundreds of film, music, and literary events in Toronto's downtown core. A resident of Toronto and the former proprietor of Pages, an iconic book and magazine shop which was located downtown, Marc made his store into one of the best independent retail locations in that media-savvy area. He is the Editor-in-Chief of POV, Canada's leading documentary and independent film magazine, and continues his editing and writing at Montage, the magazine of the Directors Guild of Canada. He has also contributed to such magazines as Canadian Screenwriter, Playback, Take One, and Vanguard. Marc is a regular reviewer for CFMX-FM Classical 96.3 FM, a member of the advisory board for the Cinematheque Ontario, and one of the founding members of the Images Festival.
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Tour Details
Accommodations
InterContinental Toronto Centre
Toronto, Canada
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the InterContinental Toronto Centre is just steps from the new TIFF Bell Lightbox, Roy Thompson Hall, and Toronto's famed Entertainment district offering the best in theater, sports, dining, attractions, and nightlife. Guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, offering all the modern ammenities. Each guest room offers breathtaking views of either Lake Ontario, bustling downtown Toronto, or the beautiful city skyline. There is a restaurant, lounge, business and fitness center plus an indoor pool and spa. The hotel is just moments away from the CN Tower, Rogers Centre (SkyDome) Air Canada Centre, and Historic Union Station.
Activity Description
Expectations: Shorter tour featuring one city and hotel stay. Light pace with walking on crowded city streets. Early morning briefings in hotel with remainder of the day and evening to attend film screenings. Lines and waits for entrance at some screenings.
Appropriate for: Travelers in good health with overall good mobility and stamina.
Additional Information
Participants will need a valid U.S. Passport or passport of their home country to enter Canada. Transfers to/from Toronto's Pearson International Airport to downtown Toronto are not included. Information on transportation options including utilizing the Union Pearson express train service will be provided in your pre-tour documents.
In order to attend as many films as possible, lectures are scheduled for early mornings. Afternoons and evenings are free to attend films on own.
Gala film screening (dress code) is business casual to business formal. Jackets and collared shirts for men, pantsuits or dresses for women.
There is no group transportation provided to/from the hotel and theaters for screenings. Many of the participating theaters are within a reasonable walking distance from the hotel. Participants may also opt to take public transportation which is readily available.
Reading List
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Highly Recommended
Special Air Rates/Services
FlexAir is designed to provide our guests with the flexibility and choice they need to personalize their air travel experience. They can explore a wide range of flight options* in consultation with our experienced air travel professionals to select the flights, routing, class of service, and dates of travel that most fit their needs. Our partner tour operator has negotiated contracts with a wide variety of carriers that allows them to search for the air itinerary that meets the requirements of our guests, and once satisfied with the flights, seating, and pricing, in most cases, can be confirmed and ticketed** immediately.
The FlexAir program includes:
- Confirmed airline seat assignments at the time of ticketing (in most cases additional purchase may be necessary)
- Assistance with schedule changes and delays, including after-hours support
- Guaranteed transfers between the airport and overseas accommodations upon arrival and departure (based on the group’s arrival and departure dates), and the details needed to guarantee the transfer
Important Notes:
*Most airline schedules become available for ticketing approximately 320 days from the date of return travel.
**Once ticketed, certain restrictions will apply. Our air travel professionals will provide the details.
Testimonials
What our travelers are saying...
— Michael R.To be able hear from the directors and then see their films later the same day took the festival experience to a whole new level. And Marc’s insights and recommendations led me to see worthwhile films that I would otherwise have overlooked. His advice was invaluable.
Travel Insurance
For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.
In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.
To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.