Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/4253
MeetInG eXPeRIenCe tOPs In tHIs POPULAR CAnADIAn PROVInCe BY JOHN ANTHONY One of Canada's most populated provinces, Ontario is a prime tourist and meetings destination. Ranked among the world's top conference loca- tions, attendees enjoy the sophistica- tion of Toronto, Ottawa and Niagara Falls. There are mega-blocks of confer- ence space, while beyond city limits, the forests, wilderness and beauty of north- ern Ontario amazes. Northwestern Ontario offers many attractions, both in cities such as Thunder Bay and in nature reserves such as Quetico Provincial Park. The pristine waters and forests of Northeastern Ontario are a welcomed get-away for those who love the outdoors; Algonquin Park offers a wide variety of camping, hiking, canoeing and other wilderness adven- tures. Ontario boasts a diverse appeal with magnificent landscapes and lively mul- ticultural cities. You won't want to leave for home without walking in the footsteps of history along the African Canadian Heritage Route. In the days before and during the American Civil War, Ontario served as the final stop on the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that allowed enslaved African-Americans to escape to freedom in Canada. Ontario's Black Heritage Route is filled with many stories of courage. From the freedom seekers to those who risked everything to give refuge. In Ontario you can trace the route of the Underground Railroad to uncover the heroic secrets and compelling story of African-Americans who escaped slav- ery by following the North Star to Canada from the mid- to late-1800s. It is important to know that when traveling to Canada, all visitors must now present a valid passport. tOROntO Toronto lies on the shore of Lake Ontario, the easternmost of the Great Lakes. Home to more than two million people, the city is the key to one of North America's most vibrant regions, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Home to 4.5 million Canadians, GTA is the cultural, entertainment, and finan- cial capital of the nation. Toronto is her- alded as one of the most multicultural cities in the world and the safest large metropolitan area in North America. It's also rated as the most popular choice for U.S. sponsored association meetings outside the U.S. and is the top Canadian domestic business travel des- tination. Toronto boasts the largest con- vention center in Canada, ranking among the top 10 largest continuous- space facilities in North America. For those meeting attendees that want to stay outside of the downtown hustle and bustle, East Toronto may be their choice. East Toronto is made up of beautiful parklands and a high-tech cor- porate enclave that translates into state- of-the-art telecommunications for the professionals meeting or event. With its quaint villages and towns, East Toronto has that friendly feel with the added modern convenience of large shopping centers — all connected by an easy-to- access network of highways. Others may prefer West Toronto for their meet- ing or event. This area is an excellent destination choice for travelers who don't want to commute into the down- town core. There are 12,950 hotel rooms within a quick ride from the air- port and West Toronto offers world- class accommodations. There are many choices for meeting facilities in Toronto ranging from the downtown area to the airport. The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada's #1 convention and trade show facility. The Centre boasts over 600,000 sq. ft. of exhibit and meeting space including 64 meeting rooms; a world- class 1,330-seat theatre; and two carpet- ed ballrooms. The Toronto Congress Centre offers 500,000 sq. ft. within its facilities with a multitude of state-of- the-art meeting & breakout rooms. The banquet facilities can accommodate groups of 25 to 12,000 people. The Atlantis Pavilion overlooks Lake Ontario and boasts panoramic views of the Toronto skyline. This facility can accommodate up to 500. Among the stylish accommodations available in Toronto is the InterContinental Toronto Yorkville. AREA GUIDES OntARIO Aerial view of Toronto skyline Photo Credit:Toronto CVA Black Meetings & Tourism October/November 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 94