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Toronto, Ontario City Guide

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Toronto Meeting Planning

Toronto Skyline

With a unique combination of stunning skyscrapers and eclectic neighborhoods, Toronto ranks as the most popular choice for U.S.-sponsored association meetings outside of the United States. Rated one of the safest major cities in North America, Toronto has an extremely low crime rate compared to most U.S. cities. The relative safety of this major metropolis makes it an inviting atmosphere for visitors and groups, not to mention a convenient one. An impressive 60 percent of the U.S. population is within a 90-minute flight of Toronto. A city proud of its green accomplishments, Toronto is spearheading the movement for a more environmentally-conscious tourism industry, allowing meeting and convention groups to take advantage of its many eco-friendly facilities.

Several convention facilities are available in and around Toronto. The city is rated in the top 15 of conference destinations on the continent, in great part thanks to its millions of square feet of meeting and tradeshow space. The downtown area's largest venue is the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, which boasts over 600,000 square feet of space conveniently located within walking distance of over 12,000 hotel rooms as well as the waterfront, public transportation stops, shops and restaurants.

Direct Energy Centre

The Direct Energy CentreDirect Energy Centre
Direct Energy Centre is the largest event location in Canada, boasting one million square feet of flexible exhibit space that attracts over 5.2 million visitors a year. It is currently in the midst of a $46.88 million renovation project that will create a new state-of-the-art conference center set to open in 2009. Airport proximity is key at both the International Centre and neighboring Toronto Congress Centre, both of which offer 500,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Additionally, Toronto's newest venue, Pearson Convention Centre, is a 60,000-square-foot facility offering the latest in cutting edge technology.

Aside from the array of convention centers, Toronto is home to a number of alternative spaces. From the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, which can accommodate group events of up to 2,163 people, to the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex, an ideal space for groups that range in size from 150 to 3,000 people, Toronto offers a variety of specialized venues capable of creating a memorable meeting experience. As Canada's number one tourist destination, Toronto has many sites that offer a taste of the city's distinctive character, including Harbourfront Centre, the Distillery District, Historic Fort York and the tranquil Toronto IslandsToronto Islands
Toronto Islands. In addition, there are a number of must-see attractions such as the Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Science Centre, Casa LomaCasa Loma
Casa Loma, Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto Zoo and iconic CN Tower.

With approximately 35,000 hotel rooms, accommodations abound in the Toronto area. From the old-world elegance of the historic inns to large familiar chains to chic boutiques, Toronto runs the gamut when it comes to hotel choices. Several new high-end hotels are under construction in Toronto such as the Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto, the Shangri-La, the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences and the Ritz-Carlton Toronto. With new hotels cropping up across the city, the options are limitless.

The heart of finance in Canada, Toronto serves as the regional headquarters for all of the Big Five Banks: Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto-Dominion Bank, Bank of Nova Scotia, Bank of Montréal and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. In addition, several prominent corporations call the city home including Thomson Corporation, CTVglobemedia, Rogers Communications, Alliance Atlantis and Celestica. The area is also home to a number of major colleges and universities including the University of Toronto, York University, Ryerson University and Ontario College of Art and Design.

Key Statistics

About Toronto / Additional Info

Known for its exceptional quality of life, Toronto offers a rare combination of tranquil charm and urban sophistication. With 5.6 million people in the greater Toronto area, it is Canada's largest city and the 5th largest city in North America, after Mexico City, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. As the capital of Ontario, Toronto serves as the seat of government for Canada's most populous province. Often referred to as the "Economic Engine of Canada," Toronto is the epicenter of finance and industry for the country and a leading hub for international business in North America. With sparkling city streets and a low crime rate, Toronto is a delightful destination with global appeal.

The area that is now Toronto was once inhabited by indigenous people for almost 11,000 years. Situated in the scenic north shore of Lake Ontario almost directly across from Niagara Falls, Toronto covers an expanse of 243 square miles and has a waterfront shoreline that stretches for 29 miles. First contact with Europeans occurred in the 17th century with the introduction of French trading posts. After the British purchased the area in 1787, John Graves Simcoe established it as the settlement of York in 1793. In 1834, it was incorporated as a city and renamed Toronto, the Mohawk word meaning "meeting place," still a fitting description for the city today.

With a reputation as an idyllic place to call home, Toronto attracts residents from all over the world. An average of 100,000 people arrives each year from varied locations, resulting in a strikingly diverse population. With approximately half of its residents born outside of Canada, Toronto boasts a rich cultural tapestry. Over 100 languages and dialects can be heard on the city streets, including the two official languages of English and French. More than one-third of Toronto residents speak a language other than English in their homes.

Canon Theatre

The presence of converging cultures in the Toronto area is reflected in its flavorful and expansive art scene. Over 125 museums, 50 ballet and dance companies, six opera companies and two symphony orchestras contribute to this thriving cultural mecca. The city also has a phenomenal stage presence. Boasting over 90 venues, including the Canon Theatre and the Royal Alexandra Theatre, it is recognized as the 3rd largest theater center in the English-speaking world after New York City and London.

Additionally, the city is the home base for Alliance Atlantis, the largest movie and television production company in Canada. Toronto is also known throughout the world for the elaborate festivals that it hosts, including the Caribana Festival, North America's largest Caribbean-style carnival, as well as the Toronto International Film Festival, the 2nd largest film festival in the world.

Reflecting its eclectic style, Toronto’s skyline boasts a medley of architectural styles, with some structures dating back to the mid-1800s and others newly built. A city of skyscrapers, Toronto has over 2,000 buildings above 300 feet in height. The 1,815-foot-tall CN Tower, the tallest structure in the western hemisphere and Canada's most recognizable landmark, dominates and defines the cityscape. Underneath the shadow of these majestic skyscrapers , Toronto is a city of endearing neighborhoods. Enclaves such as Rosedale, Forest Hill, Leslieville and Moore Park are peppered throughout the city. With Victorian and Edwardian era homes, as well as cafes and boutiques nestled along twisting cobblestone roads, these quiet pockets give the city its intimate charm.