Discover Toronto
Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world, home to more than 200 spoken languages and a cultural richness that reveals itself at every turn — in its food, its art, its architecture, and its people. Situated on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, the city offers both an energetic urban core and a surprisingly accessible natural landscape, making it as inviting for a lakefront stroll as for an evening of world-class dining.
Land Acknowledgement: We acknowledge the land we are meeting on for ILA’s 2026 Global Conference is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.
A Note on October in Toronto
The conference takes place 28-31 October, and Toronto in late autumn is beautiful. Expect crisp, cool air and the last of the fall foliage; layers are recommended, and a light jacket will serve you well for waterfront walks. Daylight hours are shorter, but the city lights up beautifully in the evenings. The harbor views from the hotel are particularly striking after dark.
City Highlights
CN Tower Toronto’s most recognized landmark rises 553 meters above the city and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the skyline. The glass floor observation deck is not for the faint of heart, but the view is unforgettable. Located just steps from the Westin Harbour Castle
The Distillery Historic District One of Toronto’s most distinctive neighborhoods, the Distillery District occupies a beautifully preserved Victorian industrial complex now filled with galleries, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. It’s an ideal destination for an evening stroll or a leisurely afternoon.
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) Redesigned by Frank Gehry, the AGO houses an exceptional collection spanning centuries and cultures, with particular strength in Canadian art and the iconic Group of Seven. Free for visitors under 25; admission required for others.
Kensington Market One of Toronto’s most beloved neighborhoods — eclectic, colorful, and full of life. Independent shops, global street food, vintage clothing, and a palpable sense of community make this a favorite for visitors who like to wander.
Getting Around Toronto
TTC (Toronto Transit Commission)
Toronto’s public transit system — buses, subways, and streetcars — is easy to use and well-connected. Simply tap your credit or debit card to pay; no special pass or app is needed.
Once you tap in, you have two hours of unlimited travel in any direction across the TTC network, including transfers between subways, streetcars, and buses. As long as you’re within that two-hour window, tapping again won’t trigger an additional charge. Note that each person must use their own card — cards cannot be shared between passengers.
Fares:
- Adult: $3.35
- Senior (65+): $2.35
- Youth (13–19): $2.40
- Children 12 and under: Free
- Daily group fares are also available
TTC Fares & Passes | Subway Map
Tip: Google Maps works well for planning TTC trips and offers a Live View feature that uses your phone’s camera to guide you in real time.
The PATH Toronto’s underground pedestrian network stretches more than 30 kilometers beneath downtown, connecting shops, restaurants, and services — and is said to be the largest underground shopping complex in the world. It’s a great option in cold or rainy weather. The PATH connects directly to several subway stations, and its southernmost point (RBC Waterpark Place) is just across the street from the Westin Harbour Castle, making it an easy walk to Union Station and the subway.
Arriving from Pearson Airport The UP Express train runs directly from Pearson Airport (Terminal 1) to Union Station, which is within walking distance of the hotel. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes and costs around $12.35 one-way. Group and round-trip fares are available.