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. © 2019 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 3 HOW TO TORONTO 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. © 2019 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 4 HOME BASE 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 © 2019 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 5 ARTISTIC & INNOVATIVE 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. © 2019 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 8 DOWN TO BUSINESS 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.