Toronto: May 27-28

Nobody says what happens in Toronto stays in Toronto, but the city also known as “TDot” could feel like Sin City once the Gumball 3000 rally begins. Canada’s biggest city is not only where this epic, eight-day supercar rally kicks off, but it’s also the start of Gumball parties, celeb sightings, hot days, and adrenaline-filled nights.

Over 100 of the most outstanding cars in the world gear up to start their journey on May 27 in Toronto. They drive south through a few of America’s best cities (like Nashville, Atlanta and Miami) before cruising into white-hot Miami, Florida for an extended stay starting on June 1st. (Check out the Ignition car!)

But before drivers hit the streets, expect the Toronto party scene to get a shot of adrenaline. That’s because since British entrepreneur Maximillion Cooper created the rally in 1999, any and everyone rich and famous has been attracted to the event. And we mean everyone: singers, rappers, movie stars, billionaires, race car drivers, athletes … even the Royal Family! Expect them all to flock to the 6ix for good times and photo-ops in anticipation for what the lucky few call a “bucket list” event!

GUMBALL 3000 ROUTE & EVENTS IN TORONTO

Porsches, Ferraris, Bugattis, Lambos and … Deadmau5? Join Torontonians to watch Gumball get started with a weekend you won’t forget.

MAY 27th

• Gumball cars will be cruising along Bay Street all day – between 10 a.m. to midnight ET.
• Gumball 3000 revs up in style with a concert on Yonge Dundas Square on Friday, 27 May between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET. Stay tuned for lineup announcements but we guarantee you’ll want to be there.
• Then head over to REBEL Nightclub for the official Toronto launch party with Deadmau5 at 10 p.m. ET – purchase tickets here. The superstar DJ (and other special guests to be determined) get the party started at Toronto’s ultimate nightlife destination. Located at 11 Polson Street, the 45,000 square foot venue will transport you to another planet with a night of light, sound, design, and wonder. Catch Deadmau5 on a 65-foot stage while you check out amazing views of the Toronto skyline. Bottom line, the venue is nuts.

May 28th

• The Rally Flag Drop takes place on at 11 a.m. ET in Yonge-Dundas Square, with the last car expected to leave at approximately 3 p.m.

If you’re in town for these events and want to check out the best the city has to offer, keep reading.

ABOUT TORONTO

Made famous by Bieber, put on the map by Drake; the world has gotten a glimpse of what Toronto has offers. Now, that the Gumball 3000 Rally is rolling into town – it’s Toronto’s chance to really show off.

The city is big in both space and personality. This sprawling metropolis is known for being one of the most multicultural cities in the world. That means whatever your tastes, you’re sure to find it. There’s endless options: Restaurants, shops, lounges, and hotels. You want it? Toronto’s got it! And we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out the fully legal cannabis shops too.

The land-based casinos are a bit off the beaten path, though, considering how vast Toronto can be. We recommend you reach for your mobile or laptop and visit Ignition Casino if you want to do some online casino gaming while you’re on the go, like online poker, blackjack, or real money slots.

Torontonians, like most Canadians, are known for being friendly and polite. So, expect a warm welcome for Gumballers visiting the city. But don’t take their kindness for meekness, they’ll be ready for an epic party over Gumball weekend.

TORONTO LIFESTYLE

If you’re looking to get your foodie fix over the weekend, here’s our picks for the best restos while you’re in town.

Top Restaurants in Toronto

Memorial Day weekend aka the start of summer isn’t until after the Gumball Rally, but our neighbors up north have their long weekend the week before. And you know what that means… patio season. Get ready for sunshine with a cool breeze, good food, and good eats, all the while discussing the hottest rides.

The best restaurants in the 6ix open for outdoor seating include E11ven near the Scotiabank Arena. This modern resto has been known to seat both Maple Leafs and Raptors players, so keep your eyes open.

Speaking of celeb sightings, one of Drake’s favorite places to dine is uptown in the ritzy Yorkville at Sotto Sotto. This expensive Italian restaurant doesn’t shy away from the spotlight, sporting a wall of celebs who’ve eaten there – everyone from Oprah to Kobe Bryant and more recently, DJ Khaled.

Top Nightclubs in Toronto

Gumball 3000 will definitely host some lit parties with DJs, packed dance floors, red cups, and heavy beats. But if you’re looking for the secret to the 6ix’s buzzing nightlife, you’ll want to hit up the supper clubs and chill music lounges, which are sure to be popular spots for Gumball event drivers and rally fans alike. Think: space to chill, top-shelf booze, live entertainment, and an after-party for when you do want to kick things up a notch.

Take the Grand Bizarre Supper Club, formerly Muzik nightclub (which was regularly frequented by Canadian celebs). It’s now a popular Habourfront locale made for more posh partying, upscale eats, and exotic entertainment worthy of the ‘gram.

If you’re looking for a bit more of casual vibe, head to King Street West which boasts tons of trendy bars, including Regulars. This hotspot’s inspiration is the friendly faces of Cheers meets gambling halls of the ‘20s (and we at Ignition Casino love this!).

The Next Day 

The party doesn’t stop. Now that the sun’s up, it’s time to call your buddies and new Gumball 3000 friends for a boozy brunch followed by Lavelle’s rooftop pool lounge! Relax and recover from the Gumball action in a private cabana, and get snaps for Insta’ in their three pools lined by stunning Toronto views.

Best Fashion & Shopping in Toronto

As the temperature heats up in late May, so do the ‘fits gracing the Toronto streets. It’s a cosmopolitan city with its own fashion week, so there’s no surprise that the residents of the 6ix will be guaranteed to be serving looks. This is the perfectly styled backdrop for the Gumball 3000. Fashion is a huge element of the culture and lifestyle, with mega brands like Guess previously running campaigns and fashion designers and models turning up at the parties.

If you want to get your shop on during the event week, you could visit Queen Street West for trendy and popular fashion or Kensington Market for ultra-vintage threads. But if you are hoping to catch some Gumball elite as they shop, consider the previously mentioned Yorkville. There you can explore some of the most luxury brands and storefronts in the city. Channel, Prada, Versace, just to name a few!

Other Live Toronto Events

Deadmau5 isn’t the only live act performing this wild weekend. There are huge Gumball events that will be under wraps until the last minute. For mega stadium concerts, check out what’s going on at the Rogers Centre or Scotiabank Arena. J. Balvin’s concert is May 28, if you want to add a little more heat after the rally leaves. (Could J. Balvin also be in attendance for some rally events in the days before? Maybe!)  Plus, the NBA playoffs could be in town. It was just recently in 2019 when the Toronto Raptors were crowned NBA champs, and who knows, they could do it again. Now that would certainly add to the party vibes!

Top Tourists Attractions in Toronto

As you pass through the city, there’s some iconic landmarks you must snap a pic with. Most obviously, the CN Tower (once the reigning tallest freestanding structure in the world) stands among the city skyline and is visible from many roof top patios across the 6ix. (You’ve probably also seen it on a Drake album cover!)

Also, while you’re partying on Yonge and Dundas Square (Toronto’s mini version of NYC’s Time Square), walk down the gorgeous Habourfront that’s backed by Lake Ontario, and even popping over to the historic Distillery District for a drink or two. The cobblestone streets have all the charm!

Ignition Casino & Gumball 3000: Connected by Cards

The next stop is Indianapolis on May 28-29. Be sure to check out every pit stop in the 2022 Gumball 3000 route at Ignition for the other stops on the map, from Toronto to Miami and everywhere in between. Stick around and keep track of the latest Gumball 3000 updates.

Ignition Casino is the Official Online Gambling Partner of the 22nd Annual Gumball 3000 Rally, join for free and connect with our community for endless poker tournaments and casino cash prizes. Play every online casino game and enjoy poker tourneys while you watch the greatest supercars in the world!