June 25 - June 28 , 2015
Eating Around the World in Toronto
Hotels
Great things to do in Toronto – Events/Festivals, Markets, Musuem & FIlm, Tours/Sights
Toronto Pride Guide 2015
Things to do with Kids in Toronto
Sports
Excursions outside of Toronto
Eating Around the World in Toronto
Toronto is a city of neighbourhoods and has been called the most multi-culturally diverse city in the
world. The best way to discover the city is to try as many different types of foods as you can. The following are suggestions for the best fine dining and cheap eats Toronto has to offer. Check out their menus online. Be adventurous and have fun.
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Fine dining
Continental
North 44
Scaramouche and Scaramouche Pasta Bar
Canoe
Spanish
Cava
Bar Isabel
Japanese
Sushi Kaji
Hiro Sushi
Hashimotos
Yasu
Chinese
Dynasty Chinese
Crown Princess
Luckee by Susur Lee
Lai Wah Heen
Italian
Buca
Mistura
Portuguese
Chiado
Greek
Estiatorio Volos
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Not so expensive and some even downright cheap
Korean
Buk Chang Don Soon Tofu
Korean Village
OddSeoul
Jamaican
Alberts Real Jamaican—cash only
Rasta Pasta
Argentinean
Skyview Ranch Restaurant
Chinese
King’s Noodle (cash only)
Swatow
Mother’s Dumplings
Vietnamese
Pho Hung
Golden Turtle
Hanoi Three Seasons
Japanese Izakaya:
Guu Izakaya
Guu Sakabar
Kingyo Izakaya
Japanese Ramen:
Ajisan Ramen
Kinto Ramen
Kenzo Ramen
Sushi Couture
Japango
Hungarian
Country Style
Europe Bar and Restaurant
Indian
Banjera
Amaya
Udupi—south Indian vegetarian
Greek
Asteria
Peruvian
El Fogon
Boulevard Café
Brazilian
Copacabana Brazilian Steakhouse
Thai
Sukhothai
Khao San Road
Pai Northern Thai Kitchen
Mexican
Agave e Aguacate
Playa Cabana
Grand Electric
Latin
Gourmet Gringos
El Trompo
Jumbo Empanadas
Kids
Swiss Chalet
Rainforest Café
Fish and Chips
Olde Yorke Fish and Chips
Sea Witch
John and Son’s Fish and Chips
Italian/Pizza
Buca Bar
Terroni: multiple locations
Osteria Ciceri e Tria
Pizza Libretto
Queen Margherita Pizza
Enoteca Sociale
Canadian
Rodney’s Oyster Bar: east coast
Smoke’s Poutinerie
Carousel back bacon sandwich at St. Lawrence Market
Fish/Seafood
Starfish
The Chase Fish and Oyster
Rodney’s Oyster Bar
John and Sons
Amazing Burgers
Stockyards
Burger’s Priest: multiple locations
Holy Chuck
Mediterranean/Israeli
Mi va Mi
Dr. Laffa—two locations
Fat Pasha
Ezra’s Hummuseria
Mashu Mashu
Portuguese Churrasquiera (grilled chicken)
Churrasco of St. Clair
Barbecue/Smokehouse
Stockyards
Barque Smokehouse
Electric Mud Barbecue
Big Crow
Deli
Caplansky’s
Centre Street Deli
Vegetarian/Vegan
Fresh (multiple locations)
Udupi Palace (south Indian)
Live Organic Food Bar
Hogtown Vegan
One Love Vegetarian
Brunch
Mildred Pierce – not called this now Mildred’s Temple
Lady Marmalade
Pub/English/Irish
The Queen and Beaver
Ceilih Cottage
The Rebel House
Pakistani
Lahore Tikka Hut
Iqbal Kebab and Sweet Centre
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Places to eat within walking distance of the conference hotel
Burrito Boyz: 218 Adelaide Street W
Banh Mi Boys:
Ravi Soups: 322 Adelaide Street W
Beer Bistro: 18 King Street E
Ja Bistro;222 Richmond Street W
Lone Star Texas Grill 200 Front Street W
Jack Astor’s Bar and Grill 144 Front Street West
Canoe (fine dining): 144 Front Street West
Zoup! 200 Front St W
Los Colibris: 220 King Street W
Pai Northern Thai Kitchen: 18 Duncan Street
Chipotle Mexican Grill: 123 Front Street West
Yuzu No Hana: 236 Adelaide Street W
Momofuku Shotu (fine dining) 190 University Avenue
Momofuku Noodle Bar: 190 University Avenue
Harbour Sixty Steakhouse (fine dining): 60 Harbour Street
Khao San Road: 326 Adelaide Street W
Estiatorio Volos: 133 Richmond Street W
Richmond Station: 1 Richmond Street W
Top of Page
Toronto Hotels
Alexandra Hotel
77 Ryerson Avenue | at Queen Street W.
http://alexandrahotel.com/
$155/night
Walk: 26min.
TTC: 21min.
The Beverley Hotel
335 Queen St W.
http://thebeverleyhotel.ca/
$180/night
Walk: 13min.
TTC: 12min.
Bond Place Hotel
65 Dundas St. East
http://www.bondplace.ca
$200/night
Walk: 25min.
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) : 13min.
Delta Toronto
75 Lower Simcoe Street
https://www.deltahotels.com/Hotels/Delta-Toronto
$220/night
Walk: 4min.
Holiday Inn Express Toronto Downtown
111 Lombard Street
http://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/toronto/yyzls/hoteldetail
$154/night
Walk: 21min.
TTC: 18min.
Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre
30 Carlton Street
http://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/toronto/yyzct/hoteldetail
$194/night
Walk: 31min.
TTC: 14min.
Hotel Victoria
56 Yonge St
http://www.hotelvictoria-toronto.com/
$245/night
Walk: 11min.
Howard Johnson Hotel Downtown Toronto – Yorkville
89 Avenue Road
http://www.hojo.com/hotels/ontario/toronto/howard-johnson-hotel-toronto-yorkville/hotel-overview
$135/night
Walk: 40min.
TTC: 18min.
Novotel Toronto Centre
45 The Esplanade, Toronto
http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-0931-novotel-toronto-centre/index.shtml
$222/night
Walk: 13min.
The Strathcona Hotel
60 York St. | At Wellington St
http://www.thestrathconahotel.com/
$175/night
Walk: 4min.
Templar Hotel
348 Adelaide St W
http://www.templarhotel.com/
$255/night
Walk: 12min.
Great Things to do in Toronto
EVENTS/FESTIVALS
The Toronto Fringe Festival runs from July 1-12/2015 The Fringe Festival features more than 155 indie shows in more than 25 venues, in every genre – with local, national, and international artists. There are new plays and old favourites, experimental works and fresh hits. Dance lovers can check out dance productions, and families can look forward to FringeKids! shows for even the littlest Fringer.
TD Toronto Jazz Festival June 18-27/15: Brought to you by North America’s premiere jazz festival producers, the TD Toronto Jazz Festival delivers the sounds of the world’s greatest jazz musicians from the quaint and most intimate of venues to the large concert halls. More details can be found at http://torontojazz.com/festival
Luminato Festival June 19-28/15: For ten days each June, the Luminato Festival transforms theatres, parks and public spaces across the city and creates a home for artists to come play, share and create. Visit https://luminatofestival.com
Digital Dreams June 27 and June 28/15:
Brought to you by Electronic Nation, Digital Dreams hosts the biggest and best electronic artists bringing you 90 DJs on 4 stages over Canada Day Weekend. The event takes place at The Flats @ Ontario Place. To get there, walk to Union Station on the Yonge-University subway line and take the 509 Harbourfront Streetcar West to Exhibition TTC loop.
Event details can be found at http://digitaldreamsfestival.ca
Toronto Fringe Festival July 1-12/15: Fringe festival-goers measure the quality of the experience not by the script (or absence thereof), but rather, by the pure enthusiasm of the performance. It’s city’s liveliest grassroots theatre festival. Check it out at http://fringetoronto.com
PRIDE Toronto 2015 see Pride Guide below
MARKETS
Check out St. Lawrence Market—don’t’ forget to have a back bacon sandwich
Spend a day in Kensington Market—eat from as many ethnicities as you can
Evergreen Brickworks Farmers market on Saturday—for the lover of all things organic
MUSEUMS & FILM:
The Hockey Hall of Fame: also within walking distance of the conference
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) showing June/July 2015 • Pompeii: In the shadow of a volcano Dino Unearthed
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): exhibits pending
The Gardiner Museum is Canada’s national ceramics museum
See what’s on at TIFF www.tiff.net the permanent home of one of the most prominent film festivals in the world, the Toronto International Film Festival
Check out Now magazine https://nowtoronto.com for a listing of films, live music, theatre, outdoor movies and Shakespeare in the park
TOURS/SIGHTS
Do a walk around of the private fancy galleries in Yorkville area
Do a walk along Queen Street West to some more fantastic galleries
Wander around the Distillery District—have some locally brewed sake
Check out Toronto Island for ferry rides, bike trails and picnics
“Off the beaten path” tours for those who want something different
Toronto On Foot: Toronto’s ultimate guided downtown walking tour. Forget the bus. Toronto is a city best discovered on foot. Details and booking at http://torontoonfoot.com
Intrepid Urban Adventures: Tours include “Kensington Market and Chinatown”, “Beer Makes History Better” and “When Pigs Fry”. If this sounds like something you would like then check out http://www.torontourbanadventures.com for more information
Wine Tours to Niagara by bus or by yacht: Want a tour of the captivating Niagara region but don’t want to drive there yourself? Check out http://www.winetourstoronto.com and enjoy without worry.
Foodies on Foot: The 501 Streetcar Food Tour. This streetcar route is the longest surface route in North America AND one of the longest in the world! This line runs approximately 24.8 kilometres (15.4 miles) traversing Toronto from the east-west through countless distinct Toronto neighbourhoods http://foodiesonfoot.ca
Toronto Bicycle Tours: See Toronto on two wheels! This company offers bicycle tours of downtown and of nearby and beautiful Toronto Island http://torontobicycletours.com
IARPP Toronto Pride Guide 2015
Pride Week is one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world, with an estimated attendance of over 1.2 million people celebrating the history, courage, diversity and future of Toronto’s LGBTTIQQ2SA* communities. The Pride festival takes place from June 19-28/2015 and includes the following highlights:
Street Fair: Friday 26 June 2015- Sunday 28 June 2015 Take a stroll through car-free streets where you can connect with local organizations participating in the Community Fair, or browse the wares of the Marketplace, home to fantastic artisans and a diverse selection of delicious food from partnering vendors–entrance is free!
Trans March: Friday 26 June 2015 The Trans March is one of the largest events of the trans communities in the GTA. Since it began in 2009, the Trans* March has sought to provide a place for trans identified people to rally, to stand up and come together in solidarity. It’s a grass-roots community focused event, providing safe space for trans people—entrance is free
Dyke March: Saturday 27 June 2015 The Dyke March is a grassroots event where women and trans people in LGBTTIQQ2SA communities take over the streets of Toronto. The Dyke March is not a parade – it is a political demonstration of critical mass; a moment seized to revel in the strength, diversity and passion of LGBTTIQQ2SA women and trans folk.
We hope the Dyke March leaves you with energy to take action, a sense of community, and appreciation for your own unique dyke glory.
Annual Pride Parade: Sunday 28 June 2015 For more information visit www.pridetoronto.com *Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer/Questioning, 2 Spirited, Allies
IARPP Things to do with kids in Toronto 2015
African Lion Safari
Art Gallery of Ontario AGO—special kid programs
Canada’s Wonderland
Casa Loma
Centreville Amusement Park with ferry ride to Centre Island
CN Tower
Go-karts at Polson Pier
July 1st Canada Day Fireworks at Ashbridges’ Bay
Kensington Market—pedestrian Sundays
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
Ontario Science Centre
Rainforest Café at Yorkdale Mall
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Riverdale Farm in the city Royal Ontario Museum ROM—special kid programs
Skyzone Indoor Trampoline Park
The Hockey Hall of Fame
Toronto Argonauts—check dates
Toronto Blue Jays game – schedule below
Toronto Zoo Whittamore’s Berry Farm for strawberry picking
Sports
Stay for the Pan Am games! The Pan American Games are the world’s third largest international multi-sport Games; they are only surpassed in size and scope by the Olympic Summer Games and the Asian Games. The 2015 Pan American Games take place in Toronto from July 10-26/2015. Tickets are available. http://www.toronto2015.org
Check out the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers’ Centre within walking distance from the conference
- Friday June 26 vs. Rangers 7:07 pm
- Saturday June 27 vs. Rangers 1:07 pm
- Sunday June 28 vs. Rangers 1:07 pm
- Monday June 29 vs. Red Sox 7:07 pm
- Tuesday June 30 vs. Red Sox 7:07 pm
- Wednesday July 1 vs. Red Sox 1:07 pm
- Thursday July 2 vs. Red Sox 7:07 pmTickets for single games can be purchased online at toronto.bluejays.mlb.com by choosing the “single games” link.
Prices start as low as $19.25 CAD–sometimes the most fun can be had in the bleachers.
More into European Football/Soccer?
Watch the Toronto Football Club (Toronto FC) play DC United at BMO field located a short distance from the conference. Multicultural fans from all backgrounds love their soccer and games tend to be quite “lively”.
Tickets can be purchased at www.torontofc.ca and prices start at $29.00 CAD.
To get there, walk to Union Station on the Yonge-University subway line and take the 509 Harbourfront Streetcar West to Exhibition TTC loop.
I like American Football played the Canadian Way
While Toronto does not (yet) have an NFL team, we do have the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football league (CFL). Some people say that with fewer downs and a longer field, that Canadian football is even more exciting. See what you think.
The Toronto Argonauts are playing the Edmonton Eskimos (we promised Canadian content) on Saturday June 27/15 at 5 pm at the Rogers Centre, which is walking distance from the conference venue.
Tickets will be available at argonauts.ca in June
I like American Football played the Canadian Way
While Toronto does not (yet) have an NFL team, we do have the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football league (CFL). Some people say that with fewer downs and a longer field, that Canadian football is even more exciting. See what you think.
The Toronto Argonauts are playing the Edmonton Eskimos (we promised Canadian content) on Saturday June 27/15 at 5 pm at the Rogers Centre, which is walking distance from the conference venue.
Tickets will be available at argonauts.ca in June
Excursions outside of Toronto
Includes distance in kilometres from the conference hotel
Niagara Falls The city is dominated by Niagara Falls, a world-famous set of three large waterfalls on the Niagara River. Both the American and Horseshoe falls can be best seen from the Canadian side of the river, so the city has one of the major tourist attractions of the world. http://niagarafallstourism.com/ 127km
Niagara on the Lake Historic town and home of the Shaw Festival with its three theatres. Stroll the streets, golf, dine in outstanding restaurants. https://www.niagaraonthelake.com/ 127km
Niagara Wine Country Niagara has earned an outstanding reputation for producing an array of exceptional wines in addition to its internationally acclaimed Icewine. Over 70 award-winning wineries just over an hour away from Toronto. http://www.tourismniagara.com/component/search/?firstletter=&limit=6&cat=12&parent=0
McMichael Canadian Art Collection The McMichael permanent collection consists of almost 6,000 artworks by Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, their contemporaries, and First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other artists who have made a contribution to the development of Canadian art. http://www.mcmichael.com/ 45km
Stratford Victorian city nestled in pastoral countryside with a famous theatre company, celebrated music, and outstanding cuisine. http://www.visitstratford.ca/ 148km
Prince Edward County Renowned for its sailing, fishing and giant sand dunes, The County also offers live theatre, artists studios and galleries, unique regional cuisine and a flourishing wine region. http://prince-edward-county.com/ 200km
Blue Mountain Ontario’s largest resort on the Georgian Bay http://www.bluemountain.ca/green_quickfacts.htm 169km
Bruce Trail Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath on the Niagara escarpment http://brucetrail.org/
Algonquin Provincial Park This beautiful park is 7,653 square kilometres. Enjoy hiking, canoeing, camping. http://www.ontarioparks.com/park/algonquin 300km
Ottawa Canada’s Capital. Visit Capital sites such as the Parliament Buildings and Rideau Hall, and heritage sites such as the National Gallery of Canada. http://www.ottawatourism.ca/en/ 413km
Montreal Visit the cobblestoned streets of Old Montreal, or Mile End which is the heart of Montreal’s independent music scene and home to many galleries, designer boutiques and cafes. Dine at outstanding restaurants. Rent bikes and enjoy 310 miles of bike lanes throughout the city. http://www.montreal.com/ 543km The conference hotel will also provide both in-city tours and select excursions outside of Toronto. For information on these tours, contact the hotel concierge at: 416-597-1400.