IBA Guide 2025: Welcome to Toronto

Welcome to Toronto IBA Guide 2025

It has been a pleasure spending time in Mexico City at the 2024 IBA Conference and experiencing this vibrant destination! We eagerly await the opportunity, in 2025, to welcome you to the multicultural and lively city we call home – Toronto. An exciting place to explore, Toronto is full of fascinating contradictions: it is Canada’s business and financial hub , and also a city of neighbourhoods, each with a rich community life. As a Canadian city it has two official languages, English and French, although Torontonians speak more than 200 other languages, making us a truly multicultural city . Our skyline, punctuated by the CN Tower, is iconic, and yet we have abundant access to nature, including pristine beaches, the world’s largest ravine system and islands accessible by passenger ferry. Toronto boasts more than 9,000 restaurants – with 82 featured in Canada’s first Michelin Guide – so whether you are craving dim sum, pinxtos or tagine, you are sure to find the perfect spot. Cultural institutions, such as the Art Gallery of Ontario , Royal Ontario Museum and the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts , attract visitors from around the world. Our festival scene includes the Toronto International Film Festival (where Oscar buzz begins), Luminato (a boundary-pushing multi-arts event) and the Toronto Caribbean Carnival (the largest festival in North America). As Mexico City passes the baton to Toronto for the 2025 IBA Conference, we’ve invited Steven Molnar, executive chef-owner of one of our most celebrated Mexican restaurants, Quetzal , to share his insights into where to dine and what to do in our home city. Be sure to review the Michelin- starred chef’s recommendations. We are delighted to help orient you, through this guide, to Toronto and some of the most captivating visitor destinations within driving distance of the city. Enjoy your time here!

Welcome to Toronto

About Us

Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Davies is a law firm with offices in Toronto, Montréal and New York. Clients around the world come to us with their high-stakes matters, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, public and private debt and equity issues, structured finance transactions, commercial real estate acquisitions, litigation, tax, antitrust, financing and development and major infrastructure projects across a broad range of industries. Davies has the highest percentage of Band 1 lawyers relative to firm size among all Canadian law firms, according to the Chambers Global Guide . Our firm has also been a significant player in five of the 10 largest-ever announced M&A deals (based on deal value) with a Canadian target. We look forward to reconnecting with you at the 2025 IBA Conference, and our lawyers would be happy to answer your questions, whether about our city or the firm. Don’t hesitate to say hello at the conference or to contact our offices at any time!

Table of Contents

Welcome to Toronto

Getting Around

About Us

– Travelling Downtown from Our Airports – Getting Around the City

6 7 7 7 8

City Essentials

4 4 5 5

– Geography

– Accessibility

– History – Weather

– The Path

Hotels

Meeting Spaces

Dining

Unique Neighbourhoods 18 Health and Wellness 20 Nearby Day Trips 22 24 Hours in Montréal 24 Souvenirs 25 Emergencies 26

12 12 14 15 16 16 17

– Insider Guide – Private Dining – Restaurants – Breweries

– Tipping

Shopping and Culture

City Essentials

Geography Toronto is Canada’s largest city with a population of 3 million. The city sits on a sloping plateau with Lake Ontario at its base. Toronto stretches 43 km from east to west and 21 km from north to south, with Yonge Street running down the centre, splitting the city in half. More than 300 km of rivers and creeks flow through Toronto, with more than 200 km of trails and 1,600 parks offering natural oases right in the city.

History The land where Toronto stands today was first inhabited by Indigenous peoples , who hunted, fished, grew crops and traded in this area. In the late 1800s, the first Europeans arrived, mainly from France and Britain, to settle, farm and trade fur. The British established the modern city in 1793, naming it York, then later, in 1834, it was renamed Toronto , from the Mohawk word t'karonto , meaning “where there are trees standing in the water.” From the late 19th century, waves of immigrants arrived from Eastern Europe, China, the Caribbean, South Asia and the Middle East, enriching the city’s culture and contributing to Toronto’s economic growth. As a global economic and cultural hub, and a welcoming place to live, it continues to attract newcomers from all over the world. Toronto remains home to many Indigenous peoples from the First Nations , Inuit and Métis communities .

Weather Spring (March to May) is mild, with temperatures averaging 3-12°C (37-54°F) in April. It often rains, but could just as easily be T-shirt or parka weather, so pack accordingly and dress in layers. Summer (June to August) tends to be hot and humid, with July temperatures ranging from 18-27°C (64-80°F). It is best to dress in light clothing and wear sunscreen and a cap or sunhat – and check the weather forecast to prepare for the possibility of thunderstorms. Fall (September to November) is cooler, with average temperatures in October between 6 and 15°C (43-49°F). Be sure to have a light jacket available, for chillier times, and dress in layers. Winter (December to February) is typically cold and snowy, with temperatures in January usually between -1 and -9°C (30-16°F) – although on extreme days they can dip lower. Pack a warm coat (the longer the better), as well as sturdy winter boots, hat, gloves and a neck warmer. When indoors, you will appreciate having a change of footwear, so remember to bring shoes in your day bag for comfort.

Getting Around

Travelling Downtown from Our Airports

Toronto has two airports, Toronto Pearson ( YYZ ) (for international and domestic flights) and Billy Bishop ( YTZ ) (the smaller airport, which sits on Toronto Island, for domestic and a few U.S. flights).

To get from Toronto Pearson to downtown Toronto, you can take: A taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber or Lyft): When you exit the terminal, follow the signs to the taxi or ride-sharing pick-up areas, which are available at both Terminals 1 and 3. You can get a licensed taxi at a designated stand. For ride-sharing, use your app to request a ride and follow the instructions for the pickup location. Depending on traffic, the ride to downtown Toronto will take 25—40 minutes. The UP Express train from Terminal 1: There is a Terminal Link Train from Terminal 3 to the station at Terminal 1. Trains for Union Station, in the heart of downtown Toronto, depart every 15 minutes, and the ride takes about 25 minutes. From Union, you can access taxis, the subway and streetcars to reach your final destination. There is WiFi available in the UP Express train.

To get from Billy Bishop to downtown Toronto, you can take: The ferry or tunnel: To leave the island airport, take a short ferry ride. Just follow the clearly marked signs from the airport to the ferry terminal. The ferry runs every 15 minutes and takes about 2 minutes, dropping passengers at the mainland ferry terminal. Alternatively, take a 2-minute walk through the pedestrian tunnel that connects the airport to the mainland. The shuttle: A free shuttle service operates every 15 minutes, picking up passengers just outside the mainland terminal and dropping them off at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, across from Union Station, in the heart of downtown Toronto. Taxi or rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber or Lyft are all available from the taxi stand, by the mainland ferry terminal building. The ride to downtown Toronto typically takes 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Getting Around the City

There are several convenient transportation options for getting around Toronto. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates an extensive network of subways, buses and streetcars that can take you to all the major attractions. Since traffic can be congested in the city, we recommend the subway for quick trips from A to B. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available, and for a greener way to get about you can rent a bicycle through Bike Share Toronto, a public bike-sharing service with more than 9,000 bikes and more than 700 docking stations, all over the city. Walking is also a pleasant way to explore the relatively hill-free streets of downtown Toronto and get to know the hidden charms of our neighbourhoods.

Accessibility

Toronto offers several accessible transportation options, including the TTC’s accessible subways, low-floor buses and new streetcars with ramps. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles on request, while the Union Pearson Express and GO Transit commuter trains and buses are fully accessible with features such as level boarding and designated spaces for mobility devices. Sidewalk accessibility features include curb cuts, audible signals and tactile indicators, and the public bike-sharing system Bike Share Toronto offers adaptive bicycles for riders with different abilities. Our insider secret to staying dry and comfortable at any time of year in downtown Toronto is the PATH. It is the world’s largest underground shopping complex and spans more than 30 kilometres of restaurants, shops, office buildings, visitor destinations, services and major entertainment attractions. The PATH connects more than 75 buildings, six subway stations, nine hotels and three major department stores in Toronto’s Financial and Entertainment districts. So make like the 200,000+ commuters, visitors and residents who take advantage of the PATH each day, and venture underground to experience a whole other side of the city.

The PATH

Hotels

We would like you to have the most comfortable stay in Toronto, at a hotel with elevated dining and state-of-the-art amenities as well as easy access to the Convention Centre. Here are our top 5-star recommendations, for hotels that can serve as accommodation or a place to host meetings and events.

The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto 181 Wellington Street West (Distance from Convention Centre: 6-minute walk) Offering impressive views of Lake Ontario and the downtown skyline, the Ritz-Carlton features 263 luxurious guest rooms. There is an on-site urban spa; a restaurant serving handcrafted Italian cuisine (TOCA); British- inspired gastropub (EPOCH Bar and Kitchen Terrace); and an elegant space to enjoy signature hot drinks, cocktails and pastries (the Ritz Bar).

Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer 30 Mercer Street (Distance from Convention Centre: 6-minute walk)

Located in Toronto’s Entertainment District, Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer is a high-design boutique hotel. Hotel facilities include spacious guestrooms, a 24-hour gym and in-room Nespresso coffee machines. With its luxurious and inspiring architecture the hotel will become your peaceful urban oasis while you’re visiting Toronto.

Fairmont Royal York 100 Front Street West (Distance from Convention Centre: 6-minute walk)

A chateau-style property built near Union Station in 1929, Fairmont Royal York is one of Canada’s grand railway hotels. It has 1,363 luxurious rooms and suites (Book Fairmont Gold to access the exclusive 18th-floor lounge). Amenities include a health club and pool, boutiques and six dining destinations, offering everything from afternoon tea to Japanese hibachi.

Shangri-La Toronto 188 University Avenue (Distance from Convention Centre: 10-minute walk)

The Shangri-La is conveniently located near the Fashion District and visitor destinations such as the Art Gallery of Ontario and CN Tower. Its 202 rooms and suites are contemporary and sophisticated, with Asian-inspired details. Amenities include a health club, glass-roofed pool and Hammam spa. In-house restaurant, Bosk, creates Northern Italian-inspired dishes with Ontario’s local bounty.

1 Hotel Toronto 550 Wellington Street West

(Distance from Convention Centre: 16-minute walk/ 6-minute drive) A luxurious and eco-friendly sanctuary near King West Village, 1 Hotel features 112 guest rooms and suites furnished with reclaimed and natural materials and enlivened with abundant plant life. Guests can enjoy plant- forward cuisine in four dining spaces and sip wellness or craft cocktails at Harriet's Rooftop bar. House car service is offered in a fully electric Audi e‑tron.

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto 60 Yorkville Ave

(Distance from Convention Centre: 16-minute walk/ 6-minute drive) Located in upscale Yorkville, the Four Seasons has 259 recently redesigned rooms, featuring artwork inspired by Canada’s iconic landscapes and wildlife. In-house restaurant Café Boulud offers classic French cuisine and rotisserie. At d|bar, the lobby lounge, you can savour specialty cocktails and casual fare. Cloud 9 Oasis Terrace is the spot for wellness cuisine. The spa offers traditional treatments and more unconventional offerings, from hypnosis to psychic readings.

St. Regis Toronto 325 Bay Street

(Distance from Convention Centre: 16-minute walk/ 6-minute drive) This opulent downtown hotel has 258 rooms and suites. The 15,000 square-foot spa at St. Regis offers a full menu of wellness treatments, a well-equipped fitness centre and an infinity-edge salt water lap pool overlooking the city. For dining: LOUIX LOUIS Grand Bar & Restaurant serves up American cuisine with a French twist. For afternoon tea, signature cocktails and the daily champagne-sabering ritual, visit the Astor Lounge.

Meeting Spaces

In the Hotels section of this guide, you will find many excellent options for meeting spaces. Please refer to each of these properties’ private dining and event space pages for details of their respective offerings. Our top recommendations are the Ritz-Carlton and the Shangri-La.

The Ritz-Carlton 181 Wellington Street West

The Ritz-Carlton offers 20 private meeting and event spaces, from boardrooms to ballrooms, to accommodate you and your guests, whatever size or style of meeting or gathering you are planning. They provide state-of-the-art equipment and have a full events team to handle elements such as technical support, catering, decoration and photography.

Shangri-La 188 University Avenue

At the Shangri-La, you can opt for one of 11 meeting and event spaces. Of note, should you be planning a larger reception, one of the ballrooms offers a lush garden terrace and the other is a two-storey glass box with a view and features 13 crystal chandeliers. A full events team is on hand to ensure operations run smoothly.

Another option for meetings and mixers is a public institution. Toronto is rich in buildings of architectural and cultural significance. Here are our three recommendations:

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) 100 Queens Park

Canada’s largest museum, the ROM, is home to more than 12 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens. An iconic building in Toronto, it combines heritage architecture with a striking contemporary extension known as the Michael Lee- Chin Crystal. The ROM is an extraordinary event space for cocktail receptions or seated dinners for 50 to 2,500 guests, with dedicated catering and events partners to realize your vision.

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) 317 Dundas Street West

Designed by influential architect Frank Gehry and housing close to 95,000 artworks, the AGO provides a dramatic and culturally distinctive backdrop to corporate events. It offers gallery rooms, bistro and restaurant spaces, a private members’ lounge, an amphitheatre, an atrium and seminar rooms for private bookings. Special features include bespoke menus, 3D renderings of room design concepts, extensive décor capabilities, custom staging and audiovisual services, supplier recommendations, floral services and customized art tours.

The Globe and Mail Centre 351 King Street East

Located in the headquarters of Canada’s most prominent news outlet, the Globe and Mail Centre provides panoramic views of downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario from its expansive terrace. This dynamic venue is suited to cocktail receptions or seated dinner service and offers stylish furniture options, custom set-ups, catering by recommended Toronto partners and audiovisual services.

In the Restaurants, Private Dining section, you will also find some of the city’s best private dining options. These establishments offer catered sit-down meals as well as cocktail-style mixers, in private and semi-private spaces. Some also offer a full buy-out option.

Dining

Insider Guide Chef Steven Molnar transports us from Mexico to Toronto

In keeping with the IBA conference’s transition from Mexico City to Toronto, we invited Steven Molnar, the chef – owner of Toronto’s beloved Michelin-Starred Mexican Restaurant, Quetzal , for an exclusive interview. As a Hungarian-Japanese chef and entrepreneur running a world-class Mexican restaurant in Canada, Molnar epitomizes the spirit of Toronto, where people are curious, respectful and proud to share in the many cultures that make up our city.

What makes Quetzal a remarkable dining destination? It’s a uniquely wood-fire restaurant with an open kitchen, so you can see all the fires from wherever you’re sitting in the restaurant. We have eight seats directly in front of the kitchen, where you're totally immersed. You get to interact with the cooks and me, and ask a lot of questions. It's really fun. We have a large à la carte menu, but we can also offer a tasting menu (with a lot of surprise courses) that is different for every single person How about drinks? We offer beverage pairings with our tasting menus. We’ll start people off with a cocktail. (Quetzal won the Michelin award last year for the best cocktail program in Toronto.) Then we pour really interesting things, not only wine, but also Japanese sake, French cider or sometimes even port – right in the middle of the tasting menu. It’s a really fun flow that goes well with the food. How did you develop your love and knowledge of Mexican cuisine? French cuisine was the foundation of my career. Then I started learning more about Spanish cuisine working at Quetzal’s sister restaurants Bar Raval and Bar Isabel. When

the opportunity [to run Quetzal] arose, I spent a good amount of time in Oaxaca, staged in restaurants and talked to people at markets: learning about mole and masa and tortillas and the foundational elements to Mexican food. It has just been constant researching and travelling to Mexico, to source interesting and unique ingredients that hadn’t been showcased in Canada. What interesting Mexican ingredients might show up on menus at your Toronto restaurant? We bring in dried avocado leaves – they are so floral, so fragrant. We infuse them in ice cream, sauces and marinades. We have a strong masa program – masa is the corn dough in empanadas and tortillas. And we choose from hundreds of varieties of chillies at Mexican markets, each with a different flavour profile. Where else do you love to dine in Toronto? One of my staples is Imanishi, a little Japanese snack bar on Dundas West. It has a fun atmosphere, and it reminds me of the comforting dishes my mom used to make when I was a child – just homey, snacky food, but really well done.

Another place, that is new, is called Mhel. It's run by a Korean couple; they do shared small plates. The menu changes every single day – you never know what you're going to get when you go there, but you do know everything’s going to be amazing. I often go to Martine’s Wine Bar, owned by my business partner, Chef Grant van Gameren. It’s a great little room in Little Italy. Martine’s predominantly uses vegetables from Grant’s farm in Prince Edward County. What visitor spots do you recommend, to see Toronto like a local? Kensington Market is such a great neighborhood in Toronto. It's always in flux in there, and you never know what you’re going to find. You’ve got many cafes, vintage stores, a lot of interesting Latin supermarkets as well. Also, I think visiting the Toronto Islands is underrated – walking around the island, going to the beach, seeing the skyline from that perspective. It’s pretty magical, if you're coming back on that night boat.

Dining

Modus Ristorante 145 King Street West (Distance from Convention Centre: 9-minute walk) In the heart of the Financial District, Modus offers fine Italian dining. The small private dining room accommodates 22 seated (30 standing); the large dining room, 50 seated (80 standing); and the patio, 80 seated (150 standing) – with semi-private options also available. Canoe 66 Wellington Street West, TD Bank Tower, 54th Floor (Distance from Convention Centre: 11-minute walk) A Toronto culinary institution that showcases contemporary Canadian cuisine, Canoe offers dramatic views of the city from atop the TD Bank Tower. Two private dining rooms can be booked, one accommodating 30 seated guests (or 36 standing) and another 24, seated or standing. Barberian’s Steak House 7 Elm Street (Distance from Convention Centre: 10-minute drive) Known for its extensive wine list and its wine cellar housing more than 15,000 bottles, Barberian’s is a beloved Toronto institution serving some of the best chargrilled steaks in the city. There are five private dining spaces that can accommodate 6-40 seated guests, depending on the room. GEORGE 111C Queen Street East (Distance from Convention Centre: 11-minute drive ) Located within a restored 19th-century chocolate factory, GEORGE serves bistro fare created with artisanal ingredients from around the world. A variety of private dining spaces can host 5–64 seated guests or 20–120 standing guests. Salon (Alo) 162 Cumberland Street (Distance from Convention Centre: 13-minute drive) A space uniquely for private dining, and an extension of Michelin-starred restaurant Alo, Salon is an intimate and elegant room located in a Yorkville heritage building. Dining experiences can be customized and can include multi-course Alo tasting menus (French contemporary cuisine) for up to 34 guests. This room is also suitable for cocktail receptions.

Private Dining

Restaurants

Ki 181 Bay Street (Distance from Convention Centre: 11-minute walk/ 6-minute drive) Japanese Cactus Club 77 Adelaide Street West (Distance from Convention Centre: 14-minute walk / 6-minute drive) Global Jump 18 Wellington Street West (Distance from Convention Centre: 14-minute walk/ 6-minute drive) Globally inspired American Estiatorio Milos 330 Bay Street (Distance from Convention Centre: 15-minute walk/ 6-minute drive) Greek Jacobs and Co. Steakhouse 12 Brant Street (Distance from Convention Centre: 16-minute walk/ 8-minute drive) Steakhouse

Within walking distance of the convention centre Nobu 25 Mercer Street (Distance from Convention Centre: 6-minute walk/ 2-minute drive) Japanese Toca 181 Wellington Street West (Distance from Convention Centre: 6-minute walk/ 2-minute drive) Italian Akira Back Bisha Hotel, 2nd Floor, 80 Blue Jays Way (Distance from Convention Centre: 8-minute walk / 3-minute drive) Japanese Figo 295 Adelaide Street West (Distance from Convention Centre: 9-minute walk/ 5-minute drive) Italian Stratus 79 Wellington Street West, 36th Floor (Distance from Convention Centre: 9-minute walk/ 5-minute drive) Canadian fine dining Aera 8 Spadina Avenue (Distance from Convention Centre: 9-minute walk/ 11-minute drive) Steakhouse and sushi Black + Blue 130 King Street West (Distance from Convention Centre: 10-minute walk/ 3-minute drive) Steakhouse Chotto Matte 161 Bay Street (Distance from Convention Centre: 10-minute walk/ 4-minute drive) Japanese and Peruvian Mott 32 190 University Avenue (Distance from Convention Centre: 11-minute walk/ 5-minute drive) Chinese

Within 25-minute drive of convention centre Quetzal 419 College Street (Distance from Convention Centre: 13-minute drive) Mexican Opus 37 Prince Arthur Avenue (Distance from Convention Centre: 16-minute drive) European Giulietta 972 College Street (Distance from Convention Centre: 19-minute drive) Italian Sash 1133 Yonge Street (Distance from Convention Centre: 22-minute drive) Globally inspired American Scaramouche 1 Benvenuto Place (Distance from Convention Centre: 22-minute drive) French

Dining

There are more than 50 craft breweries in our city, with most neighbourhoods home to at least one. Destination Toronto recently launched the Toronto Brew Pass, so you can taste at your choice of spots among 23 craft breweries, each offering a distinctive experience. Here are some of our favourites:

Breweries

Bellwoods Brewery 126 Ossington Avenue (Distance from Convention Centre: 12-minute drive)

Bellwoods Brewery is a gastropub and bottle shop, with a heated patio and casual indoor seating. You can enjoy great views of the brewhouse from the second floor mezzanine.

Steam Whistle Brewing 255 Bremner Blvd. (Distance from Convention Centre: 9-minute walk/4-minute drive)

A Pilsner brewery housed in a historic railway roundhouse, Steam Whistle Brewing offers tastings and a tour. You can also stock up at the store or settle in for hearty pub fare at the Steam Whistle Kitchen.

Amsterdam Brewhouse 245 Queen’s Quay West (Distance from Convention Centre: 15-minute walk/ 5-minute drive)

Sip and dine at Toronto’s largest waterfront brewery, craft restaurant and store, Amsterdam Brewhouse. This contemporary pub by Lake Ontario serves up Amsterdam ales and comfort food.

Tipping In Toronto, the standard tip to leave in a restaurant or bar is 18 to 20%. For larger groups, the restaurant may automatically include an itemized service charge on the bill. In those cases, it is not necessary to tip further. In cafes, coffee shops, bakeries and ice cream shops providing counter service tipping is optional, but appreciated.

Shopping and Culture There are exciting shopping opportunities in neighbourhoods across the city, with many small boutiques offering made-in-Canada clothing, accessories and gifts. You can also find stores representing every culture on the planet and both large and niche bookstores where you can lose yourself for an afternoon. Here we’ve highlighted some of the most popular

Bloor-Yorkville Shop the flagship stores of luxury brands in Bloor-Yorkville. Upscale department store Holt Renfrew runs the gamut of high fashion brands and Yorkville Village offers smaller curated independent boutiques, in this midtown shopping and lifestyle destination. Yorkdale Yorkdale has more than 270 stores and restaurants, and features a large selection of designer brands. It can be reached directly by subway from downtown Toronto, at Yorkdale Station, and is a 20-minute car ride from Pearson International Airport. The Well Discover The Well, a multi-use destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, working and living. You’ll find an exciting mix of fashion and lifestyle boutiques here, as well as cafes, bars and the Wellington Market, a licensed food court with gourmet grab-and-go options, where market goers can sip and shop.

shopping destinations: Toronto Eaton Centre

Find more than 200 of the most popular North American and global stores, including iconic Canadian department store The Bay, at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. This atrium-roofed mall with an extensive food hall connects conveniently to the PATH and is in the heart of downtown Toronto. Look out for popular brands such as ALDO (shoes), Reitmans (women’s fashion), New Look (eyewear), Bentley (luggage, handbags and travel accessories) and Aritzia (women’s fashion).

Unique Neighbourhoods

Trinity Bellwoods At the heart of Trinity

The Annex As one of Toronto’s oldest neighborhoods and a university neighbourhood, the Annex offers an interesting mix of attractions. Explore University of Toronto’s St George campus and enjoy casual eateries, bookstores, bars, cafes, Korean restaurants, art galleries and independent boutiques. Stroll the back streets, and you will find impressive heritage homes dating back to the 1880s. Where: Bordered by Bathurst Street to the west, Dupont Street to the north, Avenue Road to the east and Bloor Street to the south

Yorkville Upscale Yorkville combines Victorian charm with modern luxury. Its midtown streets are lined with gourmet restaurants, designer boutiques and captivating independent art galleries. This neighbourhood is best known for its high-end shopping and flagship stores along Bloor Street. Where: Bordered by Davenport Road to the north, Bloor Street to the south, Yonge Street to the east and Avenue Road to the west

Bellwoods neighbourhood is Trinity-Bellwoods Park – a place to walk, picnic and gather for the weekly farmer’s market, cultural events and outdoor activities. In the surrounding streets you can enjoy café culture and independent boutique shopping. The Ossington Strip (between Queen and Dundas streets) is a beloved neighbourhood destination with an eclectic mix of upscale and casual restaurants and bars. Where: Bordered by Bathhurst on the east, Dovercourt Road on the west, College Street to the north and Queen Street to the south

Every Toronto neighbourhood has a distinctive vibe and culture. Leave the downtown core and venture into our neighbourhoods to get a feel for how locals live.

Distillery District A pedestrian-only area, the Distillery District features cobblestone streets, outdoor sculptures and restored 19th- century buildings. Once home to a whiskey distillery, it now offers a mix of trendy restaurants and breweries; boutiques with a design focus; and artisanal food and drink vendors. Where: Bordered by Parliament Street to the west, Cherry Street to the east, Mill Street to the north and Distillery Lane to the south

Kensington Market Kensington Market is a walkable neighborhood with bohemian vibes, known for its vintage shops, live music scene, experimental arts spaces and cafes. Here you will find specialty grocers, bakeries and international restaurants, with Latin America and the Caribbean particularly well represented. The area is filled with colourful Victorian houses, many with bold murals, and is a lively place to soak in the atmosphere. Where: Between Dundas Street West and College Street, west of Spadina Avenue

Entertainment District In the Entertainment District, you can visit some of Toronto’s top attractions, including the CN Tower, Ripleys Aquarium and the Rogers Centre, home to our baseball team, the Toronto Blue Jays. Ballet and opera lovers can see world-class performances at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, and cinephiles will love TIFF Bell Lightbox. Upscale restaurants, bars, and nightclubs make for a lively nightlife in this downtown neighbourhood. Where: Bordered by Queen Street West to the north, the Gardiner Expressway to the south, Spadina Avenue to the west, and University Avenue to the east

Health and Wellness

Sweat and Tonic (S&T) 486 Front Street West (Distance from Convention Centre: 12-minute walk/4-minute drive) 225 Yonge Street (Distance from Convention Centre: 25-minute walk/10-minute drive)

Fitness Facilities

Sweat and Tonic (S&T) is an innovative boutique fitness and wellness club offering the largest selection of Yoga, Pilates, HIIT and Ride workout classes in Canada. S&T has two locations in the downtown core and both feature exclusive Tonic House lounges and workspaces, Tonic Spas and high-end fitness facilities.

Altea Active social wellness club 25 Ordnance Street (Distance from Convention Centre: 30-minute walk/9-minute drive)

Altea Active social wellness club in Toronto’s Liberty Village offers 185+ weekly studio fitness classes – including boxing, AntiGravity Fitness, hot yoga, aqua Zumba, FloatFit, Pilates, barre and spinning (in Canada’s largest spin studio). They also provide meditation pods, a sauna, two steam rooms, a Himalayan salt lounge and cocktails and dining.

Equinox 55 Avenue Road (Distance from Convention Centre: 18 minute drive) 199 Bay Street (Distance from Convention Centre: 12-minute walk/6-minute drive)

Equinox has two locations in Toronto (Yorkville and the Financial District) and both offer upscale modern and luxurious fitness facilities as well as Eucalyptus steam rooms, spa services and a variety of studios (including Pilates and Hot Yoga).

Spas

Miraj Hammam Spa 188 University Avenue (Distance from Convention Centre: 10-minute walk/6-minute drive)

At the Shangri-La Toronto, the award-winning Miraj Hammam Spa offers an exclusive wellness experience inspired by authentic Middle Eastern traditions, with traditional detoxifying and exfoliating Hammam treatments, Turkish baths, invigorating salt scrubs and nourishing facials.

Tommy Thompson Park (Distance from Convention Centre: 17-minute drive)

Trails

Tommy Thompson Park in the city’s east end encompasses a long narrow peninsula into Lake Ontario with the Toronto Harbour Lighthouse at its tip and beautiful views, end to end, from the multi-use, paved nature trail through protected wetlands. More than 300 bird species have been recorded at the park, as well as wildlife such as turtles, beavers, monarch butterflies, frogs and toads.

Toronto Islands (Distance from Convention Centre: 19-minute walk/8-minute drive to Jack Layton Ferry Terminal)

The ferry ride to the Toronto Islands is well worth the trip for prime lakefront hiking and unique perspective of the city skyline from Lake Ontario. If you’re feeling ambitious, a 14-kilometre hike leads from the Ward Island ferry terminal on the northern city side of the Islands all the way to the Hanlan Point Ferry Terminal on the opposite side. Martin Goodman Trail (Distance from Convention Centre: 17-minute walk/7-minute drive to nearest entry) Looking to get your steps in right downtown? The Martin Goodman Trail is part of Toronto’s Waterfront Trail System. It spans more than 20 kilometres from east to west, through beaches and green spaces and past the iconic Humber Bridge. The trail has multiple access points from parks across the city.

Spa myBlend by Clarins 181 Wellington Street West (Distance from Convention Centre: 6-minute walk/2-minute drive)

The Ritz-Carlton’s exclusive Spa myBlend by Clarins – the only one in the Americas – offers a completely personalized approach, with state-of-the-art technologies and bespoke treatments in 16 treatment rooms and a state-of-the art fitness centre, aroma-infused steam room, sauna, relaxation lounge and lap pool with views of the city.

Nearby Day Trips

Niagara-on-the-Lake (Distance from Toronto by car: 2 hours)

Niagara Falls (Distance from Toronto by car: 2 hours)

Visit Niagara-on-the-Lake, a pretty 19th- century village on the shores of Lake Ontario, and enjoy farm-to-table cuisine in local restaurants and inns and at some of the region’s 40 wineries. Sip some of Canada’s most beautiful cool- climate wines – and Niagara’s celebrated ice wine – on a tour with a private driver and guide, taking in a range of destination wineries, from sprawling estates to biodynamic boutique spots. There are also a distillery, cider house and two breweries in Niagara-on-the-Lake, all harnessing the flavours of local fruits and grains. History Buffs can visit Fort George National Historic Site to immerse themselves in the region’s military past. And the Shaw Festival offers a prestigious theatre program, from April through December.

The falls at Niagara are more than 12,000 years old and historically a place where newlyweds would elope. There are falls on both the U.S. and Canadian sides of the Niagara River. The (Canadian) Horseshoe Falls are 54 metres (177 ft) high and the most dramatic. Every minute the equivalent water volume of 1 million bathtubs thrashes over their crestline. Visitors can walk the promenade to take in the thrill of the falls by day, or visit after dark to see them illuminated. You can observe the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls from the revolving restaurant and observation deck at the Skylon Tower. Weather permitting, you may have the opportunity to hike the White Water Walk, on a boardwalk running alongside a wild stretch of white water, which remains open until mid-November. You can try your luck on the games, enjoy fine dining or take in a live show at one of Niagara Falls’ three casinos. There are also several spas in town, including one that overlooks the falls and a healing salt cave offering salt spa therapies and holistic treatments.

Stratford (Distance from Toronto by car: 2.5 hours)

Scarborough Bluffs (Distance from Toronto by car: 45 minutes)

A quaint English-style town, Stratford, Ontario, is known as a theatre destination. Check the Stratford Festival website for off-season events and performances. To learn about Stratford’s rich history and appreciate the Victorian properties and scenic river views, you can take a self-guided walking tour. Stroll by the peaceful Avon River, where you can see swans and other wildlife, or through Queen’s Park. Enjoy local culture at Stratford Perth Museum – whose exhibitions span heritage quilts, theatre heirlooms and the town’s most famous son, Justin Bieber. Or go to Gallery Stratford for contemporary art by Canadian artists. The unique boutiques, antique shops and artisanal stores in Stratford make this an ideal place to start holiday shopping. Enjoy farm- to-table dining at one of the town’s renowned restaurants, or at the prestigious Stratford Chefs School, which offers dining experiences and drop-in cooking classes to the public year round.

The white cliffs of Scarborough Bluffs overlook Lake Ontario and are the dramatic focal point of a collection of 11 connected urban parks, which stretch for 15 kilometres along the shore. A significant geological feature, the bluffs were formed over 12,000 years ago, by the natural processes of wind and water erosion. This wild escarpment is in Scarborough, a city just east of Toronto and accessible by public transit. In this urban oasis, you can explore nature trails through forest, wetlands, meadows, gardens and sandy beaches. Enjoy the plant life and rock garden at Rosetta McClain Gardens. For a delicious meal, try Mediterranean fare while enjoying the views at Bluffers Restaurant, or head to Stone Cottage Pub for drinks and traditional pub staples, including a few different spins on Canada’s beloved poutine.

24 Hours in Montréal

Looking for a quick getaway? Brush up on your French and make your way to Montréal, a modern North American city with old-world European charm. Book a room at the Ritz-Carlton, Montreal; Hotel Le Germain, Four Seasons Hotel Montreal or Hotel St. Paul, for a luxury weekend. Downtown you can enjoy the city’s blend of old and new architecture, along with cultural institutions such as the McCord Stewart Museum, home to one of the largest historical collections in North America, or the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, which houses more than 41,000 works, from antiquity to present times. Continue south and you’ll hit Old Montréal, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved old towns this side of Europe. The Saint Lawrence River, the Old Port and the cobblestone streets will transport you to a whole different era. Montréal (Distance from Toronto by plane: 55 minutes/ car: 5 hours)

Montréal appeals to gourmands, thanks to outstanding restaurants such as Damas (Syrian), Joe Beef (steak), Au Pied de Cochon (Québécois), Milos (Greek) and Garde Manger (seafood and cocktails). You can also tour two lively food markets: Jean Talon in the north east of the city and Atwater – an art-deco destination – in the west end. And don’t forget to sample Montréal’s world-famous bagels! Ready to relax? Stroll through Mount Royal Park (designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect behind New York’s Central Park) or book treatments at Bota Bota, a historic ferry turned upscale spa in the Old Port.

Souvenirs

Wondering what to bring home to loved ones from your trip to Toronto? Here are our recommendations for items that are iconic,

one-of-a-kind or locally crafted. – Indigenous beadwork or art

– Artisanal arts, crafts and design pieces – Toronto Maple Leafs or Blue Jays attire – Ice wine – Grade A Canadian maple syrup – Canadian whiskey These shops offer interesting options for souvenir shoppers: – Drake General Store (various locations in Toronto) – shopAGO, 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto – Spirit of Hockey, 30 Yonge Street, Toronto – Got It Made, 27 Ontario Street, Stratford – M Boutique and Book Store, 1380 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal – Upper Canada Native Art, 109 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Emergencies

Medical In an emergency, call an ambulance by dialing emergency services at 911 . Or visit the nearest hospital with an emergency department. The following hospitals are in downtown Toronto: – Toronto General Hospital (200 Elizabeth Street) – St. Michael’s Hospital (30 Bond Street) – Mount Sinai Hospital (600 University Avenue) – Toronto Western Hospital (399 Bathurst Street) (For non-emergency medical issues, you can call Ontario Telehealth Service at 811 for advice or ask your hotel concierge for details of nearby walk-in clinics.) Police and Fire Services If you require urgent police or fire-services assistance, call emergency services at 911. To report a crime, call the Toronto Police Service Non-Emergency Line: 416.808.2222. If your important documentation is lost or stolen, contact your country’s consulate in Toronto.

Photo Credits © Destination Toronto: Aerial view of Toronto (Humber Bay), Casa Loma (pages 4-5), cityscape across Lake Ontario, bikes in stand (pages 6-7), Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, Fairmont Royal York, St Regis Toronto (pages 8-9), Bellwoods Brewery, Steamwhistle Brewing, Amsterdam Brewhouse (page 10), The Annex, Yorkville, Kensington Market, The Entertainment District (pages 18-19), Niagara-on-the-Lake, Scarborough Bluffs (pages 20-21); Ikonica: AGO (page 11); Daniel Neuhaus: Quetzal food, chef, restaurant interior (pages 12-13); © Tourism Montréal / Tourisme Montréal: Old Montréal, by Maude Chauvin (page 22)

Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP

Toronto Office 155 Wellington Street West

Toronto, ON, M5V 3J7 Reception: 40th Floor 416.863.0900

Montréal Office 1501 McGill College Avenue Montréal, QC, H3A 3N9 Reception: 8th Floor 514.841.6400

New York Office 900 Third Avenue New York, NY, 10022 USA Reception: 24th Floor 212.588.5500

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