CAPhO Conference 2023

About Toronto

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, sits on Lake Ontario’s northwestern shore and is a hub for business, finance, technology, entertainment and culture. With a population of more than 5.6 million, it is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world with more than 140 languages and dialects spoken throughout. Multiculturalism is reflected in the city’s impressive food scene and diverse neighborhoods. Toronto is also home to seven major sports teams and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) which takes place each year in September. 

What to see and do in Toronto

Bustling with entertainment, art, nature, restaurants, shopping and more, Toronto truly has it all. 
The CN Tower, one of Toronto’s iconic attractions, dominates the Toronto skyline. Take in the view of the city from one of the many look out points, dine at the famous 360 restaurant, or for thrill seeking visitors, book one of the tower’s EdgeWalks - a full-circle hands-free walk on a 5 ft wide ledge encircling the top of the Tower’s main pod! Other top attractions include St. Lawrence Market, the Entertainment district, Nathan Philips Square and City Hall, where the famously photographed Toronto sign is situated. Art and museum lovers should visit the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Museum of Ontario.

If you are looking to explore the great outdoors, walk along Toronto’s waterfront or visit one of Toronto’s many parks, such as High Park, the city’s largest green space. The Toronto Islands are also only a ferry ride away from downtown and boast spectacular views of the city’s skyline. You can walk, run or bike on the island, visit the 200-year-old lighthouse or enjoy a coffee at one of the island’s many restaurants amongst other exciting things. 

With more than 8000 restaurants, you will never go hungry in Toronto. Torontonians love to eat out and enjoy the diverse food scene in the city. Choose from fresh pasta in Little Italy, shawarmas in Greektown, dumplings in Chinatown, Pakistani and Portuguese food, Korean barbecue and more. The list is endless! For those who love shopping, head over to the trendy Queen Street West, visit Bloor Street and Yorkville’s designer boutiques, or explore Toronto’s Eaton Centre.

Lastly don’t forget to explore one of Toronto’s charming neighborhoods, such as Kensington Market or the Distillery District. Kensington Market is known for being an artist’s hub and for its multicultural food scene. The Distillery District website says it is “a dramatic fusion of old and new. An inspired blend of Victorian Industrial architecture and stunning 21st century design and creativity.” This internationally renowned area boasts one-of-a-kind shops, galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes, theatres and much more.

For more information on things to do in Toronto and the surrounding area, visit Tourism Toronto. 
 

Getting to Toronto

By Air

The closest airport to The Westin Harbour Castle is Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, located on Toronto Island. The ferry to and from mainland Toronto to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is less than 2 minutes and is free for pedestrians. The ferry departs from the airport and arrives to the foot of Bathurst Street approximately every 15 minutes. From Bathurst Street, is it an approximately 10 minute taxi to the Westin. You can also walk the pedestrian tunnel that connects the airport to Toronto's mainland. For more information on getting to and from Billy Bishop Toronto City airport to mainland Toronto, visit: www.portstoronto.com/airport/passenger-information/to-from.aspx. 

Toronto Pearson International Airport is located 25km from The Westin Harbour Castle. The Union-Pearson (UP) Express rail service departs from Terminal 1 every 15 minutes and takes 25 minutes to arrive at Union Station. From Union Station it is an approximately 12-15 minute walk to the Westin, or a 5 minute taxi. For fares and schedules, visit the UP Express website.

SAVE GETTING TO AND FROM TORONTO PEARSON AIRPORT

Get a 25% discount on travel to/from Toronto Pearson Airport and Downtown Union Station by buying your ticket in advance on the Union Pearson Express website.  Use the discount code CAPhO23.  Its quick and easy and the purchase is valid for up to one year.

By Road

Please refer to The Westin Harbour Castle website for information on driving directions to the hotel and parking fees. From the airport, it is a 30 minute (28 kilometers) drive to the Westin.

By Train

The closest train station to the Westin is Union Station. From Union Station it is an approximately 12-15 walk to the Westin, or a 5 minute taxi.