The Twentieth Annual SessionWelcome to
Toronto
Vibrant, diverse, historic and modern all at once. For four days in February, Canada’s largest city becomes the meeting place for hundreds of delegates — and there is a great deal waiting outside the committee room.
Land Acknowledgement
The Meeting
Place
Toronto is situated on the traditional lands of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island, and we are grateful for the opportunity to learn and work on this land.
If you are not in the Toronto area, you can find the traditional territories, languages and treaties of where you live at native-land.ca.
We acknowledge that while land acknowledgements are important to properly honour the land we are on, they are merely the first step in a long journey of reconciliation. To learn more about why this acknowledgement is here and why it matters, we recommend Indigenous Voices and Stories of the Land.
Iconic Landmarks
Worth the
Detour
Toronto is home to some of North America’s most recognisable venues — most of them a short subway ride from campus.
CN Tower
Opened in 1976 and the world’s tallest freestanding structure for over thirty years. The main observation level gives a 360° view over the city and Lake Ontario.
Ripley’s Aquarium
Within walking distance of the CN Tower: 20,000 aquatic animals across more than 450 species, open daily and year-round.
Nathan Phillips Square
The civic heart of downtown, home to City Hall and the Toronto sign. In February you will usually find the skating rink in full swing.
Hidden Gems
Museums,
Markets & Galleries
Toronto’s art and cultural scene has grown enormously over the past few decades, and several of its best institutions sit within walking distance of the conference venue.
The Royal Ontario Museum is among the top ten cultural institutions in North America, holding some 18 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens. The Art Gallery of Ontario houses over 120,000 works, ranging from modern and contemporary art to major works by Indigenous and Canadian artists.
For something more local, the Distillery District, St. Lawrence Market and Kensington Market are the places to find a good meal and the work of the city’s own makers and creatives.
Nathan Phillips Square
Royal Ontario Museum
Distillery District
St. George CampusHistory in the Making
Catch a
Game
Scotiabank Arena, beside Union Station, is home to both the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) and the Toronto Raptors (NBA) — two championship-winning franchises with some of the most dedicated fans anywhere.
The Toronto Sceptres (PWHL) were one of six founding franchises in 2023 and play at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, and the Toronto Tempo (WNBA) join as one of the league’s newest teams.
The Toronto Blue Jays (MLB) play at the Rogers Centre next to the CN Tower, and Toronto FC (MLS) play at BMO Field on the waterfront west of downtown.
Scotiabank ArenaBefore You Arrive
Practical
Notes
Four things worth knowing before you travel — especially if this will be your first February in Canada.
Weather in February
−10°C to 0°CExpect cold, wind and snow. Bring a proper winter coat, waterproof boots, gloves and a hat — you will be walking between buildings each day.
Getting Around
Museum & St. GeorgeThe TTC runs the subway, streetcars and buses. Those two stations sit closest to campus and put you minutes from every committee room.
From the Airport
25 minutesThe UP Express links Pearson International to Union Station, then connect north on the subway. Billy Bishop sits right on the waterfront downtown.
Entry & Documents
Check earlyDelegates travelling from outside Canada may need a visa or an eTA. Requirements vary by passport, so confirm yours with IRCC well before you book.
Come explore the
largest city in Canada
Four days of debate, and a city worth staying an extra day for.
See the venue →