Six Toronto Event Spaces That Will Set You Apart
Often known as one of the biggest cities in North America, Toronto has no shortage of event venues. From industrial chic to ultra-modern, there’s a space to fit almost any mandate. The downside? There’s also an influx in events. As Event Planners, we dedicate a lot of time to finding the perfect space – truly unique, a draw in and of itself. We keep our ears to the ground, always searching for the up and comers and those not-so-known so that we can deliver our clients, and ultimately our guests, with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We’ve decided to share a list of six unique spaces, some we love to work with, and some that sit high up on our 2019 Goals list. Maybe we’ll see you there!
1.The Bentway
Opened just last year, the Bentway is almost two kilometers of space situated right under the Gardiner Expressway. With a focus on art, community and family the Bentway offers year-round programming (yes, even in the cold!) for all ages.
If you’re looking for the perfect venue for an outdoor concert or a chilly themed skate party, this could be it. The Bentway is central and easy to get to, with exposure to foot traffic, and the ability to portion off parts of the path if you’re looking for a private space. Tents or shipping containers can add to the art-adorned concrete columns, making the space fairly customizable depending on the needs of the client.
How many clients can say that they’ve hosted a party under an expressway?
2. Mind Set Brain Game
New in the world of self-care, meditation and mindfulness centres are becoming quite popular. Toronto’s very own Mindset Brain Gym is not only perfect for some quality quiet time but also a great place to host an event.
Deviating from your average cocktail hour, Mindset takes a different approach to events, providing guests with a custom tea bar and multiple spaces to chill out. Organizers can choose to have instructor-led meditations or give guests free-range of the 2,600 square foot space. With lounges, an intimate stillness room and teaching room with a light wall and ergonomic meditation seats, there’s plenty to explore. Organizers looking for more can also choose to rent out the art gallery below the space, creating the perfect day-to-night venue.
The New Museum of Contemporary Art
Recently reopened in The Junction (it formerly sat at Queen and Shaw) the Museum of Contemporary Art perfectly combines a modern industrial style with the building’s original heritage. Their current programming features over 20 local and international artists, with a focus on the newly launched Light Therapy room.
Spanning five floors, there are plenty of options for space rental. Hosting capacities from 40-200, the museum’s many spaces can create the perfect ambiance for an intimate talk or fun-filled launch party (and if you have a guest list under 10, that Light Therapy room is also available to rent!). If you’re looking for a blank canvas that most of Toronto have yet to see, one of the MOCA’s open-concept spaces could fit the bill.
Toronto Streetcars
Looking for something truly Toronto? You can actually rent from the fleet of TTC Streetcars, as long as you’re happy to work around rush hour. The TTC offers charters of their older streetcars (think pre-Presto) as well as double streetcars for bigger parties. (If you’re thinking less party and strictly transportation, you can also rent a bus.) Want to make it even more unique? Reserve the vintage PCC streetcar, lovingly restored from its original use in the 1930s, perfect for a heritage brand. You can pick which route you’d like to take, and even hire a tour guide to offer an extra special service for any out-of-town guests. Is there anything more unique than having attendees enjoy the TTC?
Cinesphere at Ontario Place
Another recently-reopened gem is very recognizable Cinesphere at Ontario Place, sitting right on Lake Ontario, nestled in between Budweiser stage and Exhibition Place. With a newly restored IMAX projection system, the iconic dome was reopened last year, almost fifty years after its original launch. The theatre usually screens classic films on weekends, but the 600 seats are available for private showings upon request. Customize your concession stand, create a red carpet entrance and give guests a true Hollywood experience. They will love checking out a piece of history while enjoying a state-of-the-art theatre, and who can say no to that photo-op on the way in?
With 360-degree views of Toronto and an atrium-like feel, Toronto’s newest hotels offer an event space unlike anything else in the city. New Fort Hall is almost 3,000 square feet, perfect for 275 guests reception style, or about 150 seated. Whether it’s a beautiful sunset or moody rainstorm, there’s no doubt these glass walls would create their own unforgettable decor.
Renting this type of space allows you to take advantage of the amenities of a traditional hotel venue, (Catering and on-site AV? Yes please!) while providing a boutique experience.No more traditional hotel banquet halls with dimmed yellow lighting, this new space has natural light at every angle.
Do you have any lesser-known spaces you love? Let us know in the comments!
