WELCOME TO
TORONTO, CANADA
Vibrant, diverse, historical yet modern.
Come explore the largest city in Canada!
As a bustling urban center and innovation hub, Toronto offers much to do during your time here. First settled by Indigenous peoples over 12,000 years ago, Toronto’s long and diverse history has formed a multicultural and inclusive city that is now home to over 3 million residents. Today, the city is a eclectic meeting place of several community-oriented, artistic, and historic influences that contribute to the fabric of Toronto’s rich cultural scene.
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 to have 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 here.
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. If you would like to learn more about why we have included a Land Acknowledgement on this guide and why Land Acknowledgements are significant, feel free to look at these resources:
Iconic Landmarks Await!
Toronto is home to some of North America’s most recognizable and historic venues.
The CN Tower opened to the public in 1976 and quickly became the world's tallest freestanding structure, holding that record it held for over 30 years. Visitors can enter the main observation level of the CN Tower and witness a breathtaking 360° view of Toronto and Lake Ontario. Within walking distance to the CN Tower is Ripley’s Aquarium, an immersive aquatic experience, housing 20,000 sea creatures and aquatic animals representing over 450 different species. The aquarium is open daily, year-round.
Nathan Phillips Square is a vibrant, active space that hosts various events in the heart of Downtown Toronto. In addition to being home to the Toronto City Hall and the famous Toronto sign, Nathan Phillips Square hosts ice skating and festivals such as the Cavalcade of Lights.
Hidden Gems in Downtown Core!
Toronto’s growing art and cultural scene has exploded in the past decades.
There are several notable museums and galleries that showcases Canada’s history and talent. Within walking distance of the conference venue is the Royal Ontario Museum, among the top 10 cultural institutions in North America. The ROM holds a collection of 18 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens. As the nation’s leading field research institute, the ROM is an innovative and internationally recognized leader in the cultural and natural world.
The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the most distinguished art museums in Canada. Home to over 120,000 works of art, the AGO’s showcases range from modern and contemporary art to notable works by Indigenous and Canadian artists. A perfect blend of historic and innovative, the AGO welcomes everyone to its dynamic gallery in the heart of Downtown Toronto.
If you’re looking for more local sites to see, Toronto houses several cultural and artistic hubs that bring in thousands of local vendors, creating a unique experience for each and every visitor of Toronto’s various markets. The Distillery District, St. Lawrence Market and Kensington Market are the perfect places to grab an Instagram-worthy bite to eat while immersing in the homegrown talent of Toronto’s artists and creatives. There’s something for everyone!
History in the Making!
Catch a game at any one of Toronto’s several major league sports teams!
Situated next to Union Station in the Downtown Core, Scotiabank Area is home to both the iconic Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) and Toronto Raptors (NBA). Both being championship-winning franchises, Toronto’s legendary sports scene is home to the most passionate and dedicated fans.
The Toronto Sceptres (PWHL) was one of the six founding franchises of the league in 2023, playing at the Coca-Cola Coliseum. Coming soon is the Toronto Tempo (WNBA) as one of the leagues newest franchises.
The Toronto Blue Jays (MLB) play at the Rogers Centre, located right next to the CN Tower. The stadium also frequently hosts other exciting events like concerts, travelling carnivals, circuses and monster truck shows. Toronto FC (MLS) was Canada’s first franchise in the league, playing home matches at BMO Field located at Exhibition Place on Toronto's shoreline west of downtown Toronto.
