Toronto became a Taylor Swift paradise during her highly anticipated Eras Tour stop, with a few fans from Portage la Prairie flocking to the city to experience not just the 4-hour concert, but a complete Swiftie takeover. From the airport to the streets, Taylor Swift's influence was felt everywhere.
For concert-goers like Brittany Lelievre, who traveled from Portage with a group of friends, the city had transformed into a Swiftie dreamland.
"It was like Taylor Swift Land," she said, recalling how the excitement was palpable throughout the city.
The atmosphere was electric, with Swift's music playing everywhere from subway stations to the airport. "The airport was pumping out Taylor Swift music nonstop. It was a surreal experience," Lelievre added. Fans embraced the immersion, with some stores and restaurants displaying Taylor-themed window decor.
The concert itself, held at the Rogers Centre, was the highlight of the experience. Fans lined up hours before the show, eager to enter and claim their spot in the arena. Many, including Lelievre, got in early to grab merchandise. Despite fears of long waits, the merch lines were surprisingly efficient, though many items, including the much-coveted blue crewneck sweatshirt, sold out quickly.
"We got there just in time, but a lot of sizes were already gone."
Once inside, the energy only intensified. With nearly 50,000 people in attendance, the crowd buzzed with excitement as they waited for the show to begin.
"The countdown clock on the big screen was a surreal moment. Even though you know it’s coming because of the movie, it's just mind-blowing to experience it in person."
The atmosphere was undeniably unique. Fans didn't just come to see Taylor perform; they came to be part of something bigger.
"It's like a community. Everyone's here for the same reason; to celebrate Taylor Swift."
The concert was a multi-sensory experience, from the synchronized light-up bracelets to the audience singing along to every song.
"At one point, the entire crowd was holding up hearts during ‘Fearless.’ It felt like we were all in this together."
Janelle Houle, who won a trip to the concert through a Rogers-Shaw contest, shares the entire experience felt like a dream come true.
"I never thought I'd actually win. It was wild," she recalled, describing how she and her husband were whisked away to a hotel connected to the Rogers Centre, allowing them to rest and refresh before heading into the show. Houle also marveled at how Taylor Swift's influence took over the entire city, with every storefront and restaurant proudly displaying Swift-themed décor.
As with any massive event, the merch lines were a big draw.
"People were there hours early, hoping to score exclusive items, and if you didn't, you could always trade friendship bracelets," Houle laughed. "It was such a fun way to connect with other fans."
Both Lelievre and Houle agreed that the Taylor Swift concert wasn’t just about the music, it was about the community.
"Swifties are a whole breed of their own. It felt like everyone was friends. We were all part of this incredible experience together."
As Taylor Swift continues her Eras Tour, fans in cities like Vancouver are gearing up for similar transformations. For those lucky enough to attend, these concerts are nothing short of life-changing. As Lelievre put it, "It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’ll never forget it."
Lelievre finished with some advice for fans attending in Vancouver.
"Definitely wear comfy shoes. That would be my #1 tip."
