There's an art to spotting celebrities during the Toronto International Film Festival. Start with the red carpet rubbernecking at Roy Thomson Hall, the Elgin Theatre, the Royal Ontario Museum and other screening venues dotted across the city. Big gala bashes lure A-list celebrities, too.

But it's the private party that's become the real haute hub for roaming stars in Hollywood North.

"The festival is unusual in that it's like a sea of out-of-towners coming here to plan these parties," says event planner Lulu Vibert, a corporate edge adviser and founder of Modwomen.ca in Toronto. "These private parties are where you'll find the real cream of Hollywood."

The trend isn't surprising according to Vibert. "It's a different world we live in today. There's so much going on in the media, so much camera snapping all the time. More and more it's the smaller select events that make celebrities feel at home."

Natasha Koifman, president of the Canadian public relations and marketing firm NKPR Inc., agrees. "Years ago we went to these huge festival parties where there were 1,500 people. That just doesn't happen anymore. It's hard to feel like you are part of a special experience in the middle of so many people."

Today's trend, says Koifman, is to see smaller parties of about 150 people. "I think stars want a more inclusive and intimate feel at these parties. It's what makes them feel like they want to stay."

Stars are also venturing into other Toronto locales to party says Thanos Tripi, director of marketing and promotions at Uniqlifestyle - the parent company that owns such hotspots as Cheval, Brant House (site of the "Sleuth" party for Kenneth Branagh and Michael Caine), Maro and Atelier.

"There are those very, very private parties that will definitely be going on all around the city," Thanos says. "But I've noticed that more celebrities are coming out and enjoying Toronto's night life. They're moving away from Bloor St. and letting their hair down in other parts of the city."

Great party style?

Just like magic Toronto's hottest venues will be transformed into power party destinations throughout festival week.

The Clooney connection
Once he's done walking the red carpet on Friday, September 7th, "Michael Clayton" star George Clooney is reportedly heading to Toronto's Design Exchange to party. The site for this TIME Style and Design event will reflect the film's theme of corporate America redeemed by a new concern for humanity. The exclusive menu, high-concept cocktails and the venue's sleek interior will give "Gorgeous George" and company the glam treatment.

Classic "Trumbo" style
Inspired by the new movie "Trumbo" and 1940s Hollywood, the Fermenting Cellar in Toronto's hip Distillery District will host a black and white ball. Lavish waterfall walls and era-inspired touches of elegance set the stage for this TIME Style and Design event. Look for Michael Douglas, Donald Sutherland and other celebrities to party hearty at this classic affair on September 10.

Sex in the City
Kindled by the dark new Leelee Sobieski flick "Walk All Over Me," The Boiler House in Toronto's Distillery District presents a wittily wicked party on September 11, where dominatrix drama meets urbane elegance. The stars will shine at this quirky, cosmopolitan TIME Style and Design event.

Can't score a VIP party ticket?

Check out these Toronto hotspots for a fleeting hint of Hollywood glam.

The restaurants

One
This lavish new Yorkville eatery could become the TIFF's new power schmooze spot of 2007. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg and set on the ground floor of what's being hyped as Toronto's first five-star hotel, Hollywood A-listers will love the healthy, high-end fare from chef Mark McEwan.

Lobby
Where young Hollywood glam types sip champagne.

Susur and Lee
These two restaurants owned by acclaimed chef Susur Lee are sure to lure big stars looking for culinary adventure.

Bymark
Chic fare for the fabulously famous and famished.

Bistro 990
A plush festival standard visited by almost every celebrity.

Sotto Sotto
Upscale urban dining stars can't resist.

North 44
Trendsetter central for chowing down in style.

Joso's
Seafood-loving stars always find their way to this Yorkville winner.

The stores

Divine Decadence
Catherine Deneuve and Milla Jovovich are just two of the stars that have shopped this Yorkville find for rare vintage fashion.

Holt Renfrew
Toronto's bastion for high style and hot star watching.

George C
Actors and actresses love the luxury of this boutique-style mini-department store in Yorkville. 

Kidding Awound
The top pick for spotting stars and their kids shopping for toys.

Thomas Hinds Tobacconist
A-listers like Sean Penn and Alec Baldwin seek out this Toronto landmark for the perfect smoke.

Over the Rainbow
Hollywood stars beeline it here for great jeans.

Coffee clutch
Check out Yorkville's Pusateri's, Lettieri and Starbucks for celebrities sipping a hot cup of Joe.

Hotel hangouts

The Drake
An edgy urban hotspot for artsy celebs eager to be seen.

The Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
Cruise this upscale hotel's lobby and keep your eyes peeled. The molto-famous saunter through here every year.

The Sutton Place Hotel
Last year Kate Winslet, Sean Penn and Brad Pitt had paparazzi hopping at press conferences in the hotel. Look for more of the same in 2007.

The Windsor Arms Hotel
This ultra-posh hotel hideaway reels in the rich and famous without fail.

H�tel Le Germain
Look for stars seeking a little pleasure revenge at this ultra-decadent boutique hotel.

InterContinental Toronto Yorkville

Jude Law, along with a host of other celebs and press stirred up this swank Bloor St. hotel during the 2006 festival. Stay tuned for more rubbernecking in 2007.

- Constance Droganes, entertainment writer, CTV.ca