20 Best Corporate Event Venues in Toronto (Part 4/5 -2023 Edition)
In part 4 of our series, we spotlight some of the city's most iconic venues, marrying historic grandeur with contemporary luxuries.
Our selection promises more than just spaces—they offer experiences. As a seasoned corporate events and entertainment agency, with 20 years of orchestrating memorable occasions under our belt, we understand the nuances and demands of corporate event planning. For the discerning planner looking for venues that seamlessly combine functionality with a dash of panache, this guide is crafted just for you.
If you missed the earlier articles in our series, you can find them here:
Nestled in the picturesque village of Kleinburg and overlooking a sprawling 100 acres of pristine woodland, the McMichael Art Gallery is not just a revered cultural institution but also an exemplary venue for your corporate events. Dive into the essence of Canadian spirit, and let the gallery's profound art and serene surroundings invigorate your meetings and events.
Benefits of Choosing McMichael
Diverse Meeting Rooms: Whether you're conducting an intimate staff meeting with five colleagues or a bigger conference with 40 attendees, McMichael has a room tailored to your needs.
Customization at Its Best: Apart from the inherent charm of its spaces, McMichael is ready to partner with you to curate the right ambience. From tailored menus to specialized tour packages, they promise a unique experience.
Exclusive Perks: When you choose McMichael for your event, they shower you with complimentary benefits:
· Free parking for all your guests
· An array of bespoke services, including exclusive viewings of the galleries, expert-guided tours, and immersive art workshops.
· A/V equipment availability on request.
Showcase of Spaces
· The Grand Hall: Epitomizing grandeur with its cathedral ceiling, this hall is constructed of hand-hewn logs, intricate stone architecture, and offers a panoramic view of the Humber River Valley. It's suitable for a gathering of 50-200 people.
· McMichael Studio: A space that redefines functionality with aesthetic appeal. Adorned with picturesque windows and an adjoining outdoor terrace, it can host 20-100 attendees.
· Founders’ Lounge: An intimate lounge situated in the main gallery, equipped with expansive picture windows. This lounge can comfortably accommodate 20-100 guests.
· Meeting House: For those seeking a hint of nostalgia, this newly renovated space located in a Muskoka-style log cottage is perfect. Surrounded by tall pines and in proximity to the main gallery, it's ideal for a gathering of 5-20.
The McMichael Art Gallery is more than a venue. It's an unparalleled experience that beautifully blends art, culture, and nature to offer a backdrop that is as inspiring as it is functional for your corporate needs.
Westin Harbour Castle: Where Business Meets Scenic Beauty
Nestled in the heart of downtown Toronto, The Westin Harbour Castle seamlessly blends the professionalism of corporate events with the allure of the city's iconic Harbourfront. With over 70,000 square feet of event spaces, this venue is adept at hosting gatherings of every scale, be it an intimate meeting for 10 or a grand conference accommodating 3,000. With 33 state-of-the-art meeting rooms fortified with high-speed Wi-Fi and AV equipment, presentations are ensured to be nothing short of captivating.
Venue Highlights
Diverse Event Spaces: With 32 distinct rooms and a total event space of 69,409 sq ft, you have ample options to pick from, catering to varying sizes and atmospheres.
Accessibility: Situated less than a kilometre from Union Station, which connects directly to Toronto Pearson International Airport, accessibility is a breeze.
Harbourfront Proximity: Steps away from the Harbourfront Centre, attendees can relish in summer patios or winter skating rinks, offering relaxation post-meetings or extending discussions in a scenic setting.
Signature Westin Meetings: Pioneers in fostering well-being, Westin ensures that meetings aren't just about business. From nutritious food menus to refreshing mid-meeting stretches, the focus is on holistic wellness.
Larger Events: Whether you're thinking of corporate galas or grand parties, the 25,000-square-foot Metropolitan Grand Ballroom is poised to dazzle. The adjoining Westin Harbour Castle Hotel Conference Centre ensures convenience, especially during colder months.
Festive Gatherings: Celebrate the holiday season in style! With nearly 70,000 sq ft at your disposal, the venue is suited for any festive scale, complemented by expert catering and AV support.
Room Spotlights
· Metroplitan Grand Ballroom: 25,000-square-foot Ballroom that can host up to 3,000 guests.
· Harbour Castle Hotel Conference Centre: Plan board meetings, seminars and corporate training in 70,000 square feet of conference space
· Harbour Ballroom - Foyer: An exquisite space suitable for pre-function cocktails, meeting registration, or simple coffee breaks.
· Pier 2: Overlooking the harbour, this space can host theater-style events for up to 100 attendees.
· Queens Quay: Redefining style with its lounge-like ambiance, this venue is optimal for plush cocktail evenings.
· Marine Room: Bask in the glow of natural light for medium-sized gatherings, accommodating up to 110 seated individuals.
· Dockside 3: Designed for focused conferences, ensuring optimal productivity.
· Lakeview Terrace: offers a breath of fresh air, quite literally. With a seating capacity for 50, this space is ideal for intimate gatherings. Let the picturesque views of boats docking at the piers serve as a backdrop while you indulge in gourmet delights.
The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto isn't just a venue; it's an experience. A harmonious blend of business efficiency, scenic beauty, and well-being, ensuring your corporate events are both successful and memorable.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: Dive into Toronto's Most Unique Corporate Event Venue
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada stands out as a world-class facility, passionately fostering education, conservation, and research. The aquarium offers an enchanting voyage into the depths of the aquatic realm, home to over 20,000 marine animals from across the globe. Spanning nine distinctive galleries, Ripley’s Aquarium provides a refreshing divergence from the mundane, giving your guests a chance to explore fascinating galleries, immerse in over 100 interactive exhibits, and enrich their understanding of marine life through the Ripley’s education team.
Committed to delivering unparalleled events, the Ripley’s event management team pledges comprehensive support, guiding you from the selection of the most fitting location within the aquarium to crafting an unforgettable ambiance.
Aquarium Venue Rental
Ripley’s Aquarium promises a matchless setting for both corporate and social events with its expansive Aquarium Rental:
Capacity: Can comfortably accommodate up to 1,200 guests for cocktail events.
Versatility: With provision for setting up food stations, bars, dance floors, and seating, your event is bound to be a grand spectacle.
Formal Gatherings: The lobby and Discovery Centre are designed for more conventional gatherings, offering seated dinner setups for up to 200 attendees. The Rainbow Reef and Ray Bay galleries bring an intimate touch, seating 80 and 60 guests respectively.
Dangerous Lagoon Overlook
For those seeking an ambiance that combines corporate formality with an aquatic charm, the Dangerous Lagoon Overlook is the place. This semi-private space boasts views of the renowned Dangerous Lagoon exhibit.
Capacity: 75 for standing cocktail receptions and 40 for seated dinners.
Atlantic Room
Perfect for focused corporate deliberations and team-building exercises, the Atlantic Room encapsulates an intimate atmosphere.
Features: Equipped with a projector and AV facilities to elevate your presentations.
Unique Twist: Post-meeting, let your guests unwind as they explore the mesmerizing exhibits of the aquarium.
Dive Show
Elevate your branding with a one-of-a-kind dive show experience in either the Rainbow Reef or Ray Bay exhibits. Customize the show to resonate with your brand, be it through a diver displaying a tailored sign underwater or an engaging educational dive that intertwines species facts, conservation insights, and interactive Q&A sessions with the diver. This not only educates but ensures your brand stands out in the memories of your guests.
In essence, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada offers an unrivaled combination of entertainment, education, and exclusivity, ensuring your corporate events transcend the conventional and make waves of their own.
Liberty Grand: Toronto's Grandeur and Elegance for Corporate Gatherings
An epitome of classic beauty and sophistication, the Liberty Grand serves as an unparalleled venue for hosting an array of corporate events. Whether you're thinking about celebrating the holiday season, planning a fundraiser, holding an annual meeting, Liberty Grand promises to make your occasion nothing short of exceptional.
Accommodating Diversity
With the capacity to comfortably house groups ranging from an intimate gathering of 100 to a grand congregation of 1000, this venue ensures that every event, big or small, is accorded the grandeur it deserves.
Historical Significance
Constructed in 1926, the Liberty Grand stands as one of the few heritage edifices of Toronto. This majestic waterfront establishment features:
· Three grand ballrooms that echo the early 1900's opulence.
· A contemporary open-concept room.
· Crystal chandeliers, iron-laced balconies, towering thirty-foot ceilings.
· Expansive windows presenting an unhindered view of Lake Ontario.
· An authentically historic ambiance brought to life by its European-style courtyard, regal domes, and pillars.
Space Specifications
· Governor’s Room: Accommodates up to 1000 guests in a theatre setting, 800 for banquets, and 1500 for receptions.
· Artifacts Room: Houses 800 guests for theatre-style events, 300 in banquet style, and 1200 for receptions.
· Renaissance & Centennial Rooms: Suitable for 500 guests in theatre format, 300 for banquets, and 600 in a reception setting.
· Courtyard: A unique space that can host 200 guests for banquets, 400 in both theatre and reception styles.
· Entire Facility: Capable of catering to a massive audience of 4000 guests.
Top-Notch Amenities
Culinary Excellence: Tailor-made menus crafted by an Executive Chef.
Bar Packages: Comprehensive standard and premium bar offerings.
Luxurious Décor: Includes brocade linen, leather chairs, and Royal Doulton fine bone china.
Professional Staffing: Fully uniformed, Smart Serve certified staff along with an on-site event coordinator.
Preferred Vendors: An exclusive list to provide best-in-class services.
Accessibility and Comfort: Featuring private entrances, spacious reception foyers, coat check facilities, and accessibility.
Parking Benefits: Ample space on exhibition grounds with special rates for event hosts and valet parking upon request.
Tech and Connectivity: State-of-the-art A/V production, expansive retractable video screens, custom lighting packages, Wi-Fi, and ISDN lines for seamless teleconferencing.
The Liberty Grand isn't just a venue. It's an experience. It seamlessly marries history with modern amenities, ensuring your event remains memorable, sophisticated, and impeccably executed.
The Carlu: A Blend of Historic Grandeur and Modern Flexibility in Toronto
Steeped in rich history and grandeur, The Carlu stands as a testament to the dazzling era of 1930s glamour. Originally known as the "Eaton’s Seventh Floor" and designed by the illustrious French architect Jacques Carlu, this National Historic Site of Canada has been restored to its former glory, making it one of Toronto’s most sought-after event venues.
Art Moderne Architecture Meets Versatility
The Carlu is renowned for its iconic Art Moderne style. Every element, from the colour palette to architectural details and the breathtaking Lalique fountain at the center of The Round Room, speaks of timeless elegance. It's no wonder that the venue's architecture has even been linked to inspirations like The Rockefeller Center’s Rainbow Room.
This architectural masterpiece isn’t just about grandeur; it offers flexibility with its multiple event spaces:
· Concert Hall: This vast space can host large-scale events, from concerts to gala events and conventions. It can hold 600 seated guests, 1100 in a theatre-style arrangement, or 1500 for receptions.
· Sky Room: Illuminated by splendid skylight windows, the Sky Room is perfect for sun-drenched ceremonies or corporate luncheons. It has capacities of 210 seated, 275 theatre-style, and 300 for receptions.
· Round Room: An iconic space reputed to inspire New York's Rainbow Room, this circular hall, accentuated by the famed Lalique fountain, can accommodate 300 seated guests or 400 in a reception setting.
· Clipper Room: A versatile space ideal for intimate gatherings, corporate receptions or even as a bridal suite. It can host 50 seated or 70 for receptions.
Adaptable to Your Vision
With four distinct rooms, each with its own charm, The Carlu promises customization to fit your event style and budget. Modern amenities, such as state-of-the-art A/V technology and two full-service kitchens, mesh seamlessly with The Carlu’s historic allure.
Whether it's a mesmerizing cocktail reception by the Lalique fountain, a corporate event under the expansive skylights of the Sky Room, or a grand award ceremony in the Concert Hall, The Carlu offers a variety of settings to ensure every event remains etched in memory.
A Corporate Venue with a Difference
Moving away from the conventional, The Carlu provides a refreshing backdrop for corporate events. Regardless of the scale—be it a high-profile awards ceremony, a business luncheon, or a team-building event—the venue is prepared to cater to every requirement. The expertise of their Event Specialists, combined with their commendable food and service, guarantees a smooth, professional, and unforgettable experience.
In conclusion, The Carlu isn’t just a venue; it’s a journey back to an era of elegance, with the amenities and adaptability to cater to modern demands. It remains an emblem of Toronto’s vibrant history while providing an unrivaled backdrop for cotemporary events.
Toronto’s corporate event scene is replete with venues, but few offer the blend of historical significance, modern amenities, and adaptability as the ones we've showcased.
From the mesmeric blend of art and nature at McMichael Art Gallery to the timeless elegance of The Carlu, these venues provide an unparalleled canvas for your corporate needs. Whether you're seeking a venue for a small brainstorming session or a grand corporate gala, there's a fit for every requirement. As we conclude part 4 of our series, it's clear that Toronto isn't just Canada's business hub; it's also a haven for venues that offer experiences as grand as the events they host. As seasoned event professionals, our primary aim is to ease your journey, ensuring that your corporate events aren't just successful but also unforgettable. Stay tuned for the grand finale in our series, where we unravel more gems from Toronto's corporate event venue trove.