The Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) marked its 46th year with one of its most dynamic programs to date, drawing writers and readers from across the world to Toronto’s Victoria University from October 29 to November 2. This year’s edition featured more than 100 events, including high-profile author talks, panels, workshops, and book signings that celebrated both international and Canadian literary voices.
A New Chapter for a Celebrated Institution
The 2025 Festival was especially significant as TIFA’s first year operating as an independent organization. The move marks a new chapter in its long-standing mission to champion literary excellence while expanding opportunities for audiences to connect with authors and ideas in innovative ways.
Since its founding, TIFA has been instrumental in establishing Toronto as a major international literary hub, attracting global talent and fostering dialogue between writers and readers. This year’s transition underscored the organization’s evolving vision and renewed energy within Canada’s publishing landscape.
Held at the historic Victoria University within the University of Toronto, the Festival transformed the downtown campus into a bustling centre of creativity and conversation. Thousands of attendees filled the venue for talks that ranged from political commentary and cultural reflection to explorations of fiction, identity, and storytelling in the modern world.
Star-Studded Opening and Audience Enthusiasm
The Festival opened with the PEN Canada Graeme Gibson Talk 2025: Notes on the New America featuring Rachel Maddow and Rebecca Solnit. The powerful conversation set the tone for five days of thought-provoking discourse and literary celebration.
“With thousands of book lovers flocking to events throughout the Festival, this has been our busiest and best-attended festival in many years,” said Roland Gulliver, Artistic Director of the Toronto International Festival of Authors. “We’ve been delighted with the audience response to our new venue, Victoria University at the University of Toronto, which was alive with storytelling and conversation over the five days of our fantastic programme. The Festival’s growth is a testament to the passionate readers of Toronto and beyond, and to the talented writers who travelled here from far and wide to share their ideas and stories.”
International Literary Highlights
This year’s program featured a wide range of prominent voices from around the world. Japanese author Kōtarō Isaka made his first North American appearance to promote his new novel Hotel Lucky Seven. Booker Prize winner Kiran Desai presented The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, longlisted for the 2025 Booker Prize, in her only Canadian appearance. British actor and novelist Richard Armitage discussed his latest thriller The Cut, while bestselling author Alka Joshi introduced audiences to her historical novel Six Days in Bombay.
The diversity of programming reflected TIFA’s reputation for bridging global and local perspectives, making Toronto a key destination for international literary exchange.
Celebrating Canadian Voices
Canadian authors continued to play a central role at this year’s Festival. Giller Prize winners Ian Williams, Michael Redhill, and Souvankham Thammavongsa launched their latest novels, while acclaimed writers Thomas King, Madeleine Thien, Emma Donoghue, and Guy Gavriel Kay shared insights into their newest works.
The festival also welcomed Globe and Mail columnist Andrew Coyne, who addressed Canada’s democratic institutions, and veteran CBC journalist Brian Stewart, who reflected on his life as a foreign correspondent. Popular novelist Joy Fielding entertained audiences with her latest thriller, Jenny Cooper Has a Secret.
Indigenous Storytelling and Collaboration
A major component of the 2025 Festival was the Festival of Indigenous Stories, co-curated with writer and educator Niigaan Sinclair. This dedicated program celebrated Indigenous literature and voices, featuring notable authors such as Brian Thomas Isaac, David A. Robertson, Katherena Vermette, Kyle Edwards, and Tracey Lindberg.
By highlighting Indigenous perspectives and collaborations, TIFA reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and the diverse storytelling traditions that define Canadian literature.
Looking Ahead
After nearly five decades, the Toronto International Festival of Authors continues to evolve, balancing tradition with innovation. Its 46th edition not only demonstrated the enduring appeal of literary conversation but also positioned TIFA as a key driver in Canada’s cultural and creative economy.
As Gulliver noted, the growing enthusiasm among audiences and authors alike signals a bright future for the festival: a future in which Toronto’s literary community continues to engage, inspire, and connect with the world.
