Destinations / Toronto
Destination guide · Canada
Planning a corporate meeting in Toronto
When to go, where to meet, what US attendees need to cross the border, and what to plan for the evenings. A practical guide for meeting and event planners.
Why hold a meeting in Toronto
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and its business capital. It is a short flight from most US cities, it has meeting space for every group size, and its downtown, waterfront and neighborhoods make it easy to plan a full program.
It suits conferences, sales meetings and leadership events, especially for companies with teams on both sides of the border. Many US groups also find that the exchange rate helps the budget.
When to go
Late spring through early fall is the most popular time to meet. Winters are cold and snowy, but the city is well prepared and often better value.
April–MayCool, warming upGood value early on; May is popular for meetings.
June–AugustWarm and livelyPatios, the waterfront and the islands are at their best.
September–OctoberMild, with fall colorsA busy conference season.
November–MarchCold, with snowOften better rates; plan indoor activities and allow time for winter travel.
Planner tip: the Toronto International Film Festival in September can make downtown hotels scarce. Check the city calendar before you commit to dates.
Getting there
Two airports serve downtown Toronto.
- Toronto Pearson (YYZ), the main international airport. The UP Express train reaches Union Station downtown in about 25 minutes.
- Billy Bishop Toronto City (YTZ), a small airport on the Toronto Islands, minutes from downtown, with flights from a number of US and Canadian cities.
Entry for US attendees: US citizens need a valid passport, or another accepted travel document, to enter Canada by air. Attendees of other nationalities may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visa. Always check the latest rules on the official Government of Canada website, canada.ca, before you travel.
Where to meet and stay
Most groups stay downtown, close to the convention centre, the waterfront and Union Station.
Next to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the CN Tower, with many hotels and restaurants.
Business hotels connected by an underground walkway network, useful in winter.
Upscale hotels and restaurants for leadership groups and client events.
Historic and lakefront venues for receptions and evening events.
Downtown’s underground walkway network links many hotels, offices and stations, which helps when moving groups in cold weather.
Team building ideas in Toronto
Toronto’s mix of neighborhoods and waterfront suits city hunts in the warmer months, plus indoor formats year-round.
Teams explore downtown and the waterfront with a tablet app, solving challenges at each stop.
Pathfinder GPS Adventure → A checkpoint raceA story-driven race between checkpoints that clears a team’s name, one clue at a time.
Stolen Diamond Alibi → Indoor team gamesSix rounds of simple but tough team games, ideal for a hotel ballroom in winter.
Playground Trials → A food challengeTeams brand a food truck concept and cook for the judges.
Rolling Kitchen Challenge → A give-back sessionTeams build and decorate wooden toys that are donated to children in need.
Little Makers Charity Build →Group dinners and evenings
Toronto’s food scene reflects its many cultures, which makes group dinners a highlight.
- Private dining rooms downtown, in Yorkville or along King Street.
- Receptions in the Distillery District, a pedestrian area of restored Victorian buildings.
- Harbour cruises with skyline views in the warmer months.
- A game night at a hockey, basketball or baseball game, depending on the season.
Practical tips for planners
- Check travel documents early. Remind attendees about passports and, where needed, an eTA or visa.
- Budget in Canadian dollars. Agree in your contract which currency you will be invoiced in.
- Plan for winter. Use the underground walkways and allow extra travel time in snowy months.
- Sales tax applies. Ontario adds harmonized sales tax (HST) to most goods and services; include it when you compare quotes.
- Tipping is expected. Around 15 to 20 percent in restaurants is customary.
Sample itineraries
Morning: sessions near the convention centre
Lunch: working lunch on site
Afternoon: a GPS city hunt along the waterfront
Evening: dinner on King Street
Day 1: arrivals, welcome reception in the Distillery District
Day 2: sessions, team challenge, group dinner
Day 3: morning wrap-up, departures
Frequently asked questions
Do US attendees need a passport for Toronto?
US citizens need a valid passport or another accepted document to fly into Canada. Check canada.ca for the latest rules, especially for attendees of other nationalities.
When is the best time for a meeting in Toronto?
May to October is the most popular period. Winter can offer better value if you plan indoor activities.
How do attendees get downtown from the airport?
The UP Express train links Pearson and Union Station in about 25 minutes. Billy Bishop airport is minutes from downtown.
Which currency will we be quoted in?
Prices in Canada are in Canadian dollars. Agree the invoicing currency in your contract.
Planning a program in Toronto?
Share your dates and group size, and we’ll suggest venues and a full budget.