The Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival is underway and CP24 has put together a top ten list that will have you ready to jump and wave in no time at all.

  1. Take the TTC: As the festival takes over Lake Shore Boulevard, getting there by car might not be the best choice. There are a couple of options available depending on where you’re coming from -- the 511 bus from Bathurst Station, the 509 Harbourfront streetcar from Union Station, or the 29 bus south from Dufferin Station will all take you to the party.
  2. Check the weather: Be prepared for whatever Mother Nature decides to throw your way and watch CP24 for weather updates. An umbrella is always a good idea as it provides shade and protection from the rain. While dancing along to the beats, it’s a good idea to make sure you keep drinking water. Toronto has been experiencing frequent heat alerts and with the humidity, the temperatures can be borderline unbearable.
  3. Sunscreen and sunglasses: With the Caribbean-type weather comes the potential to burn. The parade spans from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. which means plenty of time out in the sun. Wear a hat, reapply sunscreen throughout the day to stay on the safe side and wear sunglasses will help protect your eyes.
  4. Come hungry: The parade has fuel to keep you going while making your way from the Exhibition Place to Ontario Place. Let your taste buds join in on the adventure and taste the different delicacies of the Caribbean. Remember to carry cash on you just in case some food booths aren’t equipped with debit or credit card machines.
  5. Camera: Between the costumes, bands and participants, there will be plenty of photo-ops throughout the day. Capture your experiences during the parade and share your memories with the rest of Toronto by uploading them to CP24’s MyBreakingNews photo section.
  6. Whistle: Look like a seasoned parade-goer and join in on the musical fun. Or use your whistle to cheer on your favourite band as they go by.
  7. Comfortable shoes: When getting ready on parade day, keep in mind you’ll likely be on your feet for most of the day. Save breaking in those new shoes for another occasion.
  8. A bag: Bring along your favourite hassle-free bag whether it be a backpack or a fanny pack. Something that will allow you to be hands free is ideal while at the parade, leaving you with two hands to snap a photo or try a treat. You’ll also have somewhere to keep any purchases you might make.
  9. A towel: You may want to bring one along to either wipe the sweat off your brow or soak in cool water for a quick cool down in the heat. If you are prone to getting ill in the heat, a soaked towel around your neck can help keep your body temperature down while out in the sun.
  10. Blanket or foldup chairs: At an eight-hour party, you may get tired at one point or another. Keep in mind that seating on the parade route is limited, this way you can bypass looking around for seating and migrate to shady areas.

The annual parade takes place on August 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning at the Exhibition Place. The parade then makes its way 3.5-kilometres along Lake Shore Boulevard towards Ontario Place.