SDN is pleased to provide attendees of SDGC19 with some useful information to help you get the most out of your conference experience and enjoy some of the unique elements the great city of Toronto has to offer.
From transport tips to options for laying your head down at night and of course where all the fun is - these insights have got you covered.
Canada has introduced a new entry requirement known as an eTA, applicable to visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid visa. Entry requirements for other methods of travel (land, sea) remain the same.
To find out more, please visit the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) website.
Toronto is a major transportation hub with many options for travellers coming for business and pleasure.
Toronto Pearson International Airport is Canada’s principal airport with travel connections to every continent. It ranks among the top 30 airports worldwide in terms of passenger arrivals and departures.
You can find all the airline carriers serving Pearson International here.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (formerly Toronto City Centre Airport) is one of the most convenient urban airports in the world. It is located on Toronto Island, just minutes from downtown, with links to the city by a short ferry ride or pedestrian tunnel. This airport is served by both Porter Airlines and Air Canada.
Visit Porter or Air Canada for additional information.
The UP Express (Union-Pearson Express) is a dedicated express rail service connecting Union Station and Toronto Pearson airport and departs every 15 minutes. UP Express gets you downtown in 25 minutes with free onboard WiFi. The fare is up to $12.35 based on destination and type of pass. Go to UP Express to find out more.
VIA Rail and AMTRAK bring visitors into the heart of the city every day. Toronto’s Union Station is centrally located downtown and connects to the subway by an underground tunnel.
Several highways, including Highways 2, 401, 407 and the Queen Elizabeth Way, link surrounding cities to Toronto. The closest Canada-U.S. border crossings are at Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and Windsor.
Explore Toronto on one of North America’s finest transportation systems – the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). With easy-to-navigate subways, buses and streetcars, getting around the city is a snap. When using the TTC, a single fare will take you on a one-way trip anywhere in the city. You can easily transfer free of charge between subways, streetcars and buses, however, make sure you obtain a transfer when/where you pay your fare. Note that on buses and streetcars, exact change is required.
GO Transit is Ontario’s inter-regional bus and train service. It links Toronto with outer lying areas of Greater Toronto and beyond. GO Trains and buses depart from Toronto’s Union Station at regular intervals throughout the day.
Please note: Each guest will be charged a one-night room and taxes at time of booking at the hotels Novotel Toronto Centre and The Anndore House. This deposit becomes non refundable as of September 9, 2019.
Also note that Airbnb is a viable option for those looking for more “homey” accommodations.
It is important to note that Evergreen Brick Works sits outside of the city and because the closest hotel is a minimum of 30 minutes away (via public transportation), it is essential that you factor travel time into your conference plans. We are committed to keeping a timely schedule; therefore, we ask each day for your punctual arrival.
Special notice: Due to Canadian Thanksgiving on October 14, 2019, the hotel prices are likely to increase. So, please book early.
Toronto is a blast; a vibrant city abuzz with activity. Some of the world's most excellent restaurants can be found here, along with the hippest bars, clubs and live-music venues.
To help you navigate around this eclectic town and take advantage of some of the exciting happenings while there, we encourage you to check out The Toronto Convention & Visitors Association. With a multitude of activities and things-to-do that are fitted to just about anyone’s taste, we feel confident you will never run out of things to do.
If a tour of Toronto’s “must-see” highlights is of interest to you, then you likely want to hitch a ride onboard one of their city tour buses. Take advantage of one of their multiple excursions and catch a glimpse of some of the city’s best sights and landmarks. Check out this video to learn more.
If travelling by foot sounds more to your liking, be sure to look into one of the Free Walking Tours in Toronto.