5 highlights to watch for during Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Canada

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After what feels like forever, Canadian Swifties can rejoice as Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is finally descending on Toronto (Nov. 14-16 and Nov. 21-23) and Vancouver (Dec. 6-8).

Call it a miracle, but I’ve been lucky to attend three Eras Tour shows across the globe: in Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, and the reworked Tortured Poets Department version in Hamburg, Germany.

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I suppose that makes me some sort of expert in attending the concert, which is surrounded by more hoopla than any pop show in history.

If you’re fortunate to have tickets to a Canadian date of Swift’s tour, I’ve got you covered with five tips to get the most out of the Eras Tour experience.

Be ready for surprises

Swift loves surprises. And a Canadian date might get one of the biggest announcements of the tour.

Swift has been releasing her re-recorded albums, titled Taylor’s Versions, since 2021 — announcing both Speak Now and 1989 during her tour. She still has two albums left to go: Reputation and her debut album, which many Swifties believe she will release as a package deal (theory nickname: Debutation).

I don’t like to go down rabbit holes, but Swift said she hand-picked the final stops on The Eras tour. As T for Toronto and V for Vancouver are an acronym for Taylor’s Versions, it makes me wonder: could one of the cities get an album announcement?

Other surprises may include guest stars: Florence Welch has popped out in London and Miami to perform Florida!!! while Ed Sheeran, Sabrina Carpenter, Ice Spice, and  Swift’s partner Travis Kelce have all taken the stage with her.

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Will Kelce be at the Canadian tour dates? The Kansas City Chiefs have a game in L.A. during Taylor’s last Dec. 8 show in Vancouver, but he is seemingly available to attend — and could possibly make another on stage cameo — on Dec. 6 and 7 at B.C. Place.

Outside of potential performers, it’s a safe bet that some famous pals will be in the audience for her last shows, and Vancouverite Ryan Reynolds and his wife (and Swift BFF) Blake Lively are two potential bold-type names.

Beyond that, Swift has a surprise song section each night, so you have no idea what she’ll be mashing up until she starts singing.

Arrive early for merch

Merch for the Eras Tour has taken on a life of its own, especially that infamous grey-blue crewneck. I’ve had strangers offer cash to buy the sweatshirt — right off my back. That is how hot of a commodity it is.

If you want to score good Swift swag, arrive early and be strategic: go to the merch booths the farthest from entry doors for your best shot at getting what you want. If you have a group, divide and conquer to see which line is moving the quickest before items sell out.

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Study fan rituals

Fan interaction is next level during the Eras Tour, with Swifties developing their own rituals while the singer is onstage. If you want to participate, I recommend checking out some videos on social media to be prepared.

The most known chant is shouting “1, 2, 3, let’s go bitch!” during the Reputation track Delicate. Another involves a quick double clap during You Belong With Me.

A recent addition from the European leg involves bringing yellow and orange balloons to use during the Evermore single Willow. The balloons and phone lights mimic the large orange orbs Swift and her dancers use on stage.

Be ready for a long night

I’ve been to my fair share of concerts, dating back to the Spice Girls and right through to Destiny’s Child and Britney Spears in their prime — but Swift’s Eras Tour marks the longest pop concert I’ve been to.

The 44-song set list spans a whopping three hours and 15 minutes, meaning you may need a bathroom break at some point. The good news: there’ are a couple of spots fans have identified as the unofficial bathroom breaks during the concert. The first is after Swift exits the stage for Enchanted, and before the Reputation set starts, as there’s a lengthier transition. Swift, after all, has to get out of that ball gown. Another good spot is between Reputation and the combined Folklore and Evermore sets.

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I also advise eating an early dinner, especially if you want to avoid being famished after the concert — and end up in a midnight McDonald’s line, like me.

Dress the part

Most fans come dressed in a look from their favourite era of Swift. Examples include navy blue sequins for Midnights and gold dresses for Fearless.

Friendship bracelets are also a big part of The Eras Tour. If you don’t have time to make your own, there are plenty of Etsy sellers with ready-made versions to rock and trade.

For anyone considering towering heels, I highly recommend comfortable shoes and you likely won’t be sitting much through the three-plus hour event.

Getting a ride from the venue has also been hectic during all of my Eras Tour experiences, leading to an unexpected post-show hike. Every. Time.

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