Re Magine Series

RE MAGINE SERIES

MAY 2019 TORONTO The 6ix

‘O, CANADA!’ Canada is a shiny nickel of hope to many – it has a heart of gold, it’s covered in maple syrup, and it’s home to the original poutine. Canadians are famous for their chronic need to apologize, legendary hockey, backpacks and Canadian flags, and fierce dedication to coffee and donuts. And from what we can tell, that’s an accurate account of life here. Canada...what’s not to love, eh?

TORONTO “THE 6IX” For those expecting throngs of moose and an abundance of plaid, sorry, this provincial capital city is as metropolitan as it gets. Some might call it a miniature version of New York City, but we just call it Toronto. Coined by singer/songwriter Drake, “The 6ix” refers to the local 416 area code (it’s also fitting as the city used to be divided into six different boroughs). This city of neighborhoods is big – the fourth largest city in North America. It’s also clean, shiny, incredibly global, and (true to Canadian form) extremely friendly. Since the 1970s, it’s seen explosive growth; today we’re revisiting it as a prime destination for meetings, conventions and plenty of leisure on the side.

© 2019 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 2 GET THERE PRIME TIME Late April – May: 54°F - 76°F (12.2°C - 24.4°C) September – October: 73°F - 59°F (22.7°C - 15°C) Welcome to the Lake Effect. This region experiences extreme seasons. Summer comes with heat, humidity and tourists. Shoulder seasons offer phenomenally pleasant weather, fewer crowds and a city bursting with markets, eateries and events. Visit in the milder spring and fall months for the vibrant waterfront, rooftop bars and sunny green spaces. If you’re one to embrace the cold, Toronto is tough as nails and comes well prepared for snow. For lower rates, and a magical take on winter, book your trip November – March.

GLOBE TROTTER BY AIR Toronto has two major ports of arrival. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is just a 25-minute drive to the city and is the largest and busiest airport in Canada. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is situated in the heart of Toronto and specializes in short- haul flights. “The Island Airport” (as it’s affectionately known by locals) recently opened an 853-foot pedestrian tunnel featuring four moving walkways and one of the longest escalator systems in Canada, providing quick, reliable infrastructure.

AROUND TOWN The Union Pearson Express train regularly connects Pearson International Airport to Union Station in downtown Toronto. Departures run every 15 minutes (5:30am – 1am) the route takes 25 minutes. Taxi, Uber and Lyft are readily available from the airport and throughout the city itself. Pack comfortable shoes – once you’re in the Toronto, it’s highly walkable and there is much to see.

Consider the city of Toronto “Canada’s downtown.” An urban agglomeration on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, this destination is one of the most global and multicultural cities on the planet. With a population of 2.7 million, it’s estimated over half of Toronto’s residents were born outside of Canada. Toronto, as a result, is home to at least 200 ethnic groups that speak upwards of 180 different languages and dialects. The city’s sound infrastructure, cleanliness, safety, favorable exchange rate, and VAT rebate are also key considerations for group travelers. Whether coming for business, leisure, or a little bit of both, Toronto can accommodate any variety of travel budgets, styles and objectives.

With over 43 million visitors a year, the hotel options in Toronto seem limitless. Depending on your group’s size and needs, you’ll find everything from luxe accommodations to trendy boutiques and high-tech business hotels. Today, there are over 230 city hotels with 40,000 rooms and counting.

MODERN CHIC FAIRMONT ROYAL YORK The Royal York has been home to royalty, dignitaries and celebrities for years. Located in the downtown core, the luxury Fairmont Royal York is iconic in the city, dating back to 1853. It’s minutes from Toronto’s biggest events and attractions.

Quick Facts: • Sleeping Rooms: 1,343 • Chain Affiliation: AccorHotels • Star Rating: AAA, 4-Diamond

SOHO METROPOLITAN Affectionately dubbed “SoHo Met,” the property is indulgent with luxury and conveniences. With its inspired culinary creations, advanced in-room technologies and innovative business services, this is the place to feel pampered. You’ll also discover a limitless range of sophisticated pleasures (like heated bathroom floors and impeccable room service).

Quick Facts: • Sleeping Rooms: 89 • Chain Affiliation: Independent/Other • Star Rating: AAA, 4-Diamond

VIBRANT CHARM

THE OMNI KING EDWARD Centrally located, the King Edward is a 17-story, carved-stone building that sets the benchmark for timeless elegance. Built in 1903, the property underwent a $40m renovation in 2015. It’s now fit for the 21st century, and an ideal home base for mixing business with leisure.

Quick Facts: • Sleeping Rooms: 301 • Chain Affiliation: Omni Hotels & Resorts • Star Rating: AAA, 4-Diamond

© 2019 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 6 HILTON TORONTO Located in a solid spot in the heart of the city, the Hilton Toronto is steps from entertainment, shopping and Union Station – the hub of all of Toronto’s public transportation and attractions. Guests are also conveniently connected to the city’s underground PATH system.

Quick Facts: • Sleeping Rooms: 600 CENTRAL COMFORT • Chain Affiliation: Hilton Hotels and Resorts • Rating: AAA, 4-Diamond

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, TORONTO Find luxury and comfort in this contemporary urban sanctuary. It’s an elegant haven to embrace the city’s dynamic lifestyle – located between the business and entertainment districts, where art, fashion and entertainment meet.

Quick Facts: • Sleeping Rooms: 202 • Chain Affiliation: Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts SPACIOUS ELEGANCE • Rating: AAA, 5-Diamond

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TORONTO Four Seasons Toronto recently opened a new location and has quickly become one of “the” places to stay and be seen in Toronto. A visit here feels like an urban residence with every luxury hotel amenity in the heart of Toronto’s charming Yorkville quarter. (Fun Fact: The first Four Seasons hotel opened in Toronto in 1969, and the brand is a fiercely Canadian one!)

Quick Facts: • Sleeping Rooms: 259 FRESH & SOPHISTICATED • Chain Affiliation: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts • Rating: AAA, 5-Diamond

© 2019 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 7 MAPLE LEAF SQUARE MERCER Quick Facts: Quick Facts: • Sleeping Rooms: 167 • Sleeping Rooms: 122 • Chain Affiliation: Independent/Other • Chain Affiliation: Independent/Other • Rating: AAA, 4-Diamond • Rating: AAA, 4-Diamond

INTIMATE & STYLISH LE GERMAIN HOTEL TORONTO (MAPLE LEAF SQUARE) / LE GERMAIN HOTEL TORONTO (MERCER) Steeped in elegance, each of Toronto’s Le Germain Hotels offer personalized services with privileged locations. From custom-made mattresses to boxed chocolates at turndown, both properties are incredibly sophisticated, yet simultaneously warm and inviting. The Maple Leaf Square location is steps from the sporting action at Air Canada Center. Stay at Mercer and you’re in the heart of the entertainment district.

METRO TORONTO CONVENTION CENTRE Conveniently located in Toronto’s downtown core, MTCC is Canada’s largest convention facility and covers over 2 million square feet (442,000 sq. feet of exhibition space, 2 ballrooms and 77 meeting rooms). Its John Bassett Theatre is a top venue of choice for a range of events, including corporate meetings, performing arts productions and cultural celebrations.

EXHIBITION PLACE (ENERCARE AND BEANFIELD CENTRES) Exhibition Place is a storied, world-class destination for trade and consumer shows, meetings, conferences, conventions and community space. The Enercare Centre is home to over 1 million square feet of flexible convention space and host to some of the largest convention events in North America. Beanfield Centre is located in a completely renovated Art Modern pavilion (formerly the Automotive Building) and is Canada’s first LEED Silver Certified Conference Center.

© 2019 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 9 TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE Located near Toronto Pearson International Airport, this highly sophisticated venue offers 56 meeting rooms, 2 ballrooms and 100,000 sq. ft. of world-class convention space. The cuisine is prepared in house by a 5-star Executive Chef and culinary team. Over 10,000 hotel rooms are located within walking or short driving distance.

THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE The International Centre also offers quick, 3-minute access to Toronto Pearson International Airport. It features over 548,000 sq. ft. of exhibit and meeting space and free parking for 5,000 vehicles. If overnight stays are required, you’ll find over 40 international hotels nearby.

© 2019 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 10 MEET UP ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO | Midtown The AGO is among the most distinguished art museums in the world. Designed by world- renowned, Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry, the Art Gallery of Ontario is Gehry’s first building in Canada and marks his initial connection between art and architecture. Groups will find it a stunning event space with panoramic views of the city and state-of-the-art technology. Full gallery rentals, private tours and arts-based team building can accompany any corporate event, celebration or meeting.

THE DISTILLERY HISTORIC DISTRICT | Downtown Home to theaters, galleries, and artists, The Distillery District is alive with culture. The site was once a famous whiskey and spirit distillery and is now a beautifully-preserved collection of Victorian Industrial architecture. Restored buildings have been converted into shops, restaurants, art galleries, and theaters. Ideal for tourists, it’s a pedestrian-only zone with brick-paved lanes (perfect for a dine-around program with added tour/activity options).

HOCKEY HALL OF FAME | Downtown Canada and hockey go hand in hand, and visitors are immersed in the coolest sport in the world at the Hockey Hall of Fame. This one-of-a-kind event venue is located in the bustling center of downtown and embodies Canada’s national sport. Home of the Stanley Cup and the finest collection of hockey artifacts in the world, the venue setting caters to elegant dinners, cocktail receptions, meetings and ceremonies. Tours, special appearances, and Stanley Cup photo sessions can be added to enhance the experience.

© 2019 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 11 CASA LOMA | Midtown In midtown Toronto sits a century-old Gothic Revival-style mansion. Casa Loma features Tudor-style chimneys, turrets, gardens, underground tunnels and secret passages. A treasured heritage landmark, it’s also a unique event venue. Group events include museum admission, private reception area, corporate cocktail or set dinner menus, and inclusive bar packages. A variety of private activity options includes the Escape Casa Loma series – a theatrical, highly immersive escape experience designed to take guests back 75 years (to a time when Casa Loma served as an undercover research center for anti-submarine detection technology).

LIBERTY GRAND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX Built in 1926, the Liberty Grand is one of Toronto’s few heritage complexes. This monumental waterfront property boasts three impressive grand ballrooms decorated in traditional early 1900’s elegance, and a modern open concept room. With crystal chandeliers and iron-laced balconies overlooking Lake Ontario, groups can enjoy a feel of stately elegance.

© 2019 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 12 360 RESTAURANT - CN TOWER | Downtown The CN Tower defines Toronto’s skyline, rising 1,184 ft. above the city. Revamped with a new lookout level, the dining options here include the revolving 360 Restaurant which offers incomparable local culinary experiences (seared Manitoulin Island Lake Trout paired with a Niagara wine, for example) and seats up to 400. The restaurant accommodates 600 for reception buyouts. Include the LookOut Level for parties up to 1,400.

The PATH Journey beneath the city to a web of sprawling tunnels, and you’ve found The PATH – Toronto’s connection to anything and everything. This 19-mile pedestrian walkway holds the Guinness Book World Record for the longest underground shopping complex in the world. The PATH does not follow the above-ground grid; it zigs and zags and cuts under landmarks to connect hotels, department stores and office buildings throughout the downtown area. It is an adventure in itself (and a warm, dry way to wander the city on a cold or rainy day). Groups can curate an “Amazing Race” through the tunnels, stopping for macarons at Nedége or a custom coffee at Sam Jones Coffee Bar. Gain underground access to the Hockey Hall of Fame, Ripley’s Aquarium or the CN Tower. Grab a gourmet lunch and a glass of champagne at the Saks Food Hall, then (if the weather suits) head out into the sunshine for a picnic…the PATH is a unique way to explore the city any time of year.

A CITY OF NEIGHBORHOODS In 1998, six different boroughs in and around Toronto became one city. Officially there are 140 recognized neighborhoods within Toronto’s boundaries. Among them you’ll find a collection of areas each with their own style and scene – Yorkville, The Annex, Chinatown, Corktown, AGO District, Church & Wellesley, and Queen West to name a few – each leaving it’s own stamp on the city. From hidden galleries to drum circles and designer fashion, choose your ‘hood and just dive in. To be sure, this accounts for an incredibly rich gastronomy scene everywhere you go. For some of the best flavors from around the world, try Alo (contemporary French tasting atop a Victorian heritage building), Chiado (elegant Portuguese), Pukka (refined Indian) and Canoe Restaurant (breathtaking views and a celebration of tastes from across Canada).

© 2019 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 14 TORONTO ISLANDS If you’ve never had the privilege of a Great Lakes vista, it’s safe to say “Great” is an understatement. Spanning 750 miles from east to west, the Lakes dominate the physical and cultural landscape here, and Toronto sits on one of them. Like it’s counterparts, Lake Ontario is magnificent, and it offers unique opportunities to see the city. Just a stately 10-minute ferry ride offshore, you’ll find an oasis of interconnected islands offering a fun, relaxing respite from the bustling downtown. With beaches, kayak rentals, boating, a sail-in theater, and restaurants, the Toronto Islands pair plenty of open space with a stunning skyline backdrop.

1 | BEST FESTS You name it, and there’s a celebration for it here. Toronto’s annual calendar is packed with over 1,000 unique festivals. Favorites include the Toronto International Film Festival, Luminato, Jazz Festival, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival and the Toronto Christmas Market.

2 | ST. LAWRENCE MARKET An iconic landmark 200 years in the making, this market is home to the finest artisan delicacies in town. Even if you can’t take it home, there are plenty of places to have a bite and watch the city roll by.

3 | KENSINGTON MARKET It’s easily one of the most fun and eclectic neighborhoods to explore in Toronto. Spend a whole day wandering, shopping and eating your way through the vibrant Kensington Market area. It’s brimming with vintage stores, and an array of restaurants and cafés.

4 | HIGH PARK Stop by Toronto’s largest public park to take advantage of hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and landscaped gardens. It’s also home to a public pool, a wading pool for kids, an ice rink, baseball diamonds, and Grenadier Restaurant.

5 | ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM Head to the Yorkville neighborhood, and you won’t miss the ROM’s dramatic facade. Whether your interests lie in entomology, architecture, Dunkleosteus skulls, or ancient Asian history, spend a day here, and you’ll barely scratch the surface of its galleries and collections.

© 2019 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 16 6 | RIPLEY’S AQUARIUM Toronto’s aquarium is chock full of magical experiences for adults and children alike. The underwater tunnel is a must-see in the city – taking guests deep into a wildly hypnotic landscape of sharks, barracudas, stingrays and sea life.

7 | HARBOURFRONT CENTRE There’s always something happening at Harbourfront. With cultural events, art performances, ice skating and boat rides, it’s one of the most beautiful spots in downtown Toronto. Stop here for a sense of serenity, a bite to eat, boutique shopping and excellent views.

8 | SCOTIABANK ARENA HOCKEY GAME When it comes to hockey, Canada knows best. They play it year-round here, and at every level. When in town, you’ll not want to pass up the opportunity to experience the national pastime live and in person. Bonus: Catch a Montréal Canadiens/Toronto Maple Leafs match up, and you’ll bear witness to the oldest rivalry in the NHL.

9 | EAT LIKE AN INSIDER Few things define a city’s identity as well as its cuisine, and Toronto’s culinary scene is as dynamic and diverse as its residents. Ever a hidden gem around the corner, there’s never enough time to taste it all. Here you’ll find an absolute wealth of specialized culinary adventures and tours – choose one, and feast your way through Toronto as you get to know the city.

10 | EDGEWALK AT CN TOWER Last but not least, here’s one for the thrill seekers. If you can brave the world’s highest hands-free external walk, hang out at the CN Tower. The EdgeWalk experience suspends you 116 stories above the city, along the perimeter of the rooftop. Bragging rights? Check.

NIAGARA CALLS Take a hiatus from urban networks and networking to experience the Niagara Region. A quick, 90-minute transfer from Toronto, it’s easy to spend a day or a weekend here. For an ideal itinerary, plan a must-see visit to Niagara Falls (touristy, but for good reason), and then bliss out in wine country. You’re going to love it here.

NIAGARA FALLS The waterfalls that flow between Canada and the United States are epic. When the Niagara River crashes 180 feet, it rages, it roars, and it rainbows. See them to believe them, but how you do it is up to you. Take a guided tour, book a helicopter ride, cruise the Maid of the Mist, or even journey behind the falls to experience the torrent from within. Conveniently, the best views are on the Canadian side at Queen Victoria Park. Don’t be shy in the cooler months. Niagara Falls are majestic any time of year, and (as with most things Canadian) winter brings an added dimension of beauty here.

What to Pack: • Your passport if you wish to cross to the American side • A fully charged camera • Comfortable, slip-resistant footwear • Snacks (save your appetite for Niagara-on-the-Lake) • A poncho and waterproof bag

© 2019 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 18 NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE Often described as the prettiest town in Ontario, embrace your weekend getaway from Toronto in this flower-filled, tree-lined village. Tucked away in Canada’s wine country, it’s a quaint, picture-perfect town bustling with horse-drawn carriages, linger-worthy shops, bistros and renowned restaurants. Step into this beautifully-preserved, 19th-century town and you’re instantly whisked away to another time and place.

NIAGARA WINERIES Great minds drink alike in Canada’s biggest area of wine production. While it considers itself a relatively new wine region, over 100 wineries are scattered across the Niagara Peninsula. You’ll find scores of welcoming tasting rooms specializing in cool-climate varietals – all of them celebrating the relationship between the country’s land, people and cuisine. Think Sonoma, only less expensive and more accessible...yet equally refined and award-winning.

Excellent wineries for groups include: • Château des Charmes • Stratus Vineyards • Peller Estates • Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery • Pillitteri Estates Winery • Jackson-Triggs Winery • Trius Winery • Inniskillin

Photography & References: Toronto Tourism, Norm Li, Cantrav Services, Inc.