Eastern Canada is for meetings to remember
By Sara Robertson
It’s not simply home to maple syrup—though the sweet syrup and other maple products certainly aren’t something to miss out on. The region is equally known for breathtaking, rugged natural beauty.
And then there are Eastern Canada’s are world-famous cities. Toronto, in Ontario, is an international hub for business, finance and arts; Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is rich with eye-catching Victorian architecture. Montreal, the largest city in Quebec, and is made up of many boroughs whose history as formerly separate cities makes for a patchwork of endlessly unique neighborhoods.
Insider Tip
“Toronto continues to shine with innate diversity, and we’re proud to welcome international attendees to spark their curiosity in North America’s fourth-largest city. Also home to Canada’s largest concentration of hospitals, research institutes and business incubators, corporate events have the nation’s best and brightest minds at their fingertips for inspiration. Complemented by our globally inspired cuisine and historic cultural landscape, Toronto fuels innovation and bold new ideas that have the power to change the world.”
– Tara Gordon, Senior Vice President, Global Sales & Service, Destination Toronto
5 Reasons Meeting Profs Love It
The CN Tower is one of Canada’s most defining landmarks and considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Certainly, taking in the 1,815-foot-tall tower during treks around the city is mind-blowing; but for an experience that will stand out in your attendees’ memories, take a trip up to SkyPod, the highest observation platform in the Western hemisphere.
The Ontario side of Niagara Falls is a perfect day trip. There are numerous ways to get to this incredible natural landmark from downtown Toronto’s Union Station. Megabus Canada operates the route five times per day and GO Transit operates it three times per day.
Known as the City of Museums, Ottawa is home to a staggering 29 of them. Ottawa Tourism now offers a page linked directly from its homepage where people can find “unofficial museums”—any point of interest in the destination for visitors to discover with a special museum-minded edge.
Montreal, famous for its food culture, is where you can try Quebecoise dishes such as poutine, a trifecta of fries, cheese curds and gravy. Whether you’re an adventurous eater or you have a go-slow palette, there’s something for everyone, including that world-famous maple syrup in apple-stuffed crepes and numerous other dishes.
The birthplace of Cirque du Soleil, Montreal prides itself on its high-flying circus culture. Take your group to Tohu, a massive complex dedicated to the dissemination, creation and promotion of the circus arts. Whether it’s a circus show or another unique performance going on during the day of your visit, you’re guaranteed to witness something amazing.
5 Places to Meet
Toronto Metro Convention Centre, with immense pride in a high-level culinary team behind its catering, a convenient underground connection to public transit and direct air-rail link to Toronto International Airport (YYZ), plus all that meeting space, deserves its 95% customer satisfaction rating.
700,000+ sq. ft. of exhibit and meeting space; 77 meeting rooms; two multipurpose ballrooms
Palais des Congres de Montreal, or Montreal Convention Centre, is a high-tech facility with an impressive multicolored facade. Take your meeting to its rooftop patio for breathtaking views of the city skyline.
508,756 sq. ft. of meeting, event, convention, trade show and exhibit space.
Fairmont Royal York, only a six-minute walk from Toronto Metro Convention Center, boasts a wealth of meeting space of its own. Elegance and charm are at the center of this hotel, from its ballroom that could have been plucked from a European castle to catered meals as delicious as they are beautiful.
61,999 sq. ft. of meeting and event space; 1,347 guest rooms
Shaw Centre stands in the heart of downtown Ottawa, right next to Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site. With both APIC Gold and LEED Gold certifications, it’s one of the top sustainable and energy-friendly convention centers in North America.
192,000 sq. ft. of meeting, event, convention, trade show and exhibit space across four floors.
Le Westin Montreal is directly linked to Palais des Congres. With high-tech business services and a location only moments from a panoply of restaurants, shopping, boutiques, galleries and historic sites, everything is at your fingertips.
47,500+ sq. ft. of meeting space; 44 meeting rooms; 455 guest rooms and suites.
This article appears in the May 2024 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
