Spotting celebrities during the Toronto International Film Festival is a right place-right time game.

You have to put the hours in to see the famous. But sometimes not. I’ve seen celebs at Hudson’s Bay Queen St., in hotel elevators, even sitting a few bar stools down in a downtown watering hole. Every year, a celebrity shows up someplace completely unexpected and that’s your lucky TIFF moment.

The patient and dedicated stake out the prime spots along red carpet barriers hours before the limos pull up outside the Princess of Wales Theatre or in David Pecaut Square.

Want a guaranteed movie-star sighting? Buy a TIFF ticket. You are at a film festival, after all.

Actors and filmmakers usually come onstage after the movie for a brief audience Q&A (except Gala screenings at Roy Thomson Hall). Insider tip: If the first screening is sold out, try for the following one, especially if it’s the next day. Chances are the cast is still in town and will show up.

Or follow our map to the stars, Toronto style.

1. Elevation Studios, 276 King St. W.

New this year, the sixth floor of this circa-1901 brick-and-beam office building has been turned into a slick 40,000-square-feet event space and social hub for Elevation Pictures’ seven TIFF films, including Hustlers, starring Jennifer Lopez. Since media junkets take place here, stars will come and go regularly.

2. Ritz Carlton, 181 Wellington St. W.

A favourite five-star celeb stay, as well as a media junket spot, you’ll clock the famous exiting limos in the front driveway of the hotel, although barriers keep fans at a distance. Simcoe Park-facing DEQ Terrace and Lounge behind the hotel sees its share of stars.

3. Shangri-La Hotel, 188 University Ave.

Also a celebrity favourite, the luxury hotel is also used for events and media interviews, so stars are going in and out all day. Limos pull in at the Simcoe St. entrance. Again, barriers are up, but you’ll get a good view.

4. Soho House, 192 Adelaide St. W.

The second-floor dining room in the private club is always popular, from lunches to after-parties. There’s usually a red carpet outside for arrivals.

5. The St. Regis Toronto, 325 Bay St.

The luxury hotel marks its first TIFF. Expect stars to stay here as well as celebs to come and go for media interviews.

6. The Storys Building (a.k.a. RBC House), 11 Duncan St.

This event space is always hopping during TIFF. It’s popular for filmmaker and celebrity dinners and media events.

7. Spoke Club, 600 King St. W.

The rooftop patio and bar at this members-only club are a favourite TIFF hangout and party space.

8. InterContinental Toronto Centre, 225 Front St. W.

TIFF’s one-time media hub, fewer festival interviews take place here than in the past as junket locations become more spread out, but it’s still a player. The biggest names are whisked in and out via hidden passageways. But the lobby, including the Azure Restaurant & Bar, can provide some primo star spotting.

9. Four Seasons Hotel Yorkville, 60 Yorkville Ave.

As Yorkville continues its TIFF renaissance, Sept. 7 will be a huge night for stargazers in this luxe downtown neighbourhood. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association-Hollywood Reporter party is usually the festival’s hottest ticket, with a star-filled guest list. Check out the red carpet outside to see A-listers.

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10. Sofia Restaurant & Bar, 99 Yorkville Ave.

Jennifer Lopez is hosting a dinner for her cast and crew to celebrate the Sept. 7 world premiere of Hustlers at Sofia, INK Entertainment’s gorgeous Italian dining room. You may spot JLo and other Hustlers stars on their way inside.

11. Windsor Arms Hotel, 18 Saint Thomas St.

Always a good place to see famous faces (many celebrities love to stay at this historic Yorkville stalwart) and the Artists for Peace and Justice Gala happens here Sept. 7.

12. Widmer St. at TIFF Bell Lightbox

Head a block west of the main entrance to the Lightbox (350 King St. W.) to the Widmer St. doors, where stars appearing at several daily media conferences enter the building. There are barriers, but crowds are smaller than outside the theatres.

13. Fairmont Royal York, 100 Front St. W.

The grand dame of Front St. marks its 90th birthday this year. The TIFF Tribute Gala with will be held there Sept. 9 and stars should be out in full force.

14. Purman Building, 263 Adelaide St. W.

Adelaide West continues to be a TIFF hot spot, says party maven Natasha Koifman, whose public relations firm NKPR is behind some of TIFF’s biggest events. The Purman, a warehouse-turned-event space, is the home of the Producers Ball Gala on Sept. 6, hosted by Drew and Jonathan Scott and Koifman. Spot stars on the red carpet.

15. Bisha Hotel, 80 Blue Jays Way

Another popular hotel for glittery festival events, especially at Kost, the 44th-floor restaurant and bar where killer city views and a sleek infinity pool make lovely backdrops for the beautiful people.

16. Montecito Restaurant, 299 Adelaide St. W.

There’s lots of star wattage inside this fest favourite dining room, located around the corner from the Lightbox.

17. Thompson Toronto, 550 Wellington St. W.

The hotel is a popular party spot because it’s on the fringe of the jammed festival strip and feels a bit removed from the throng.

Note - September 5, 2019: This article was edited from a previous version to include that the Storys Building is also known as RBC House during TIFF.