‍Conference Location
St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto
Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada

St. Michael’s College is part of the University of Toronto’s St. George (downtown) campus, located in the center of the city. The campus is walkable, well-marked, and easily reached by public transit, taxi, or car.

📍 Campus maps and parking information:
https://stmikes.utoronto.ca/about-us/contact-us/maps-parking/

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For most visitors, public transit or taxi/ride-share is the simplest and least stressful option. Toronto has a large, safe, and well-connected transit system, especially in the downtown core.

Arriving by Plane

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

This is Toronto’s main international airport and where most visitors arrive.

Option 1: UP Express Train (Recommended)
The UP Express is a fast, direct train from the airport to downtown Toronto.

• Travel time: ~25 minutes

• Runs every 15 minutes

• Fully accessible, luggage-friendly

Steps

1. Follow signs at the airport for UP Express

2. Take the train to Union Station

3. From Union Station, continue by subway or taxi (see below)

🔗 https://www.upexpress.com

Option 2: Taxi or Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft)

• Travel time: ~30–45 minutes (depending on traffic)

• Flat-rate fares from the airport

• Convenient if you have luggage

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Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)

A smaller airport close to downtown, mainly serving short-haul flights.

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• Taxi or ride-share to campus: ~15–25 minutes

• You can also take a short ferry or pedestrian tunnel to downtown, then continue by subway

🔗 https://www.billybishopairport.com

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Toronto’s public transit system is called the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission). It includes subways, streetcars, and buses, all using the same fare system.

🔗 TTC overview and maps:
https://www.ttc.ca

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Paying for Transit

You can pay by:

• PRESTO card (reloadable transit card)

• Contactless credit/debit card

• Mobile wallet (Apple Pay / Google Pay)

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🔗 PRESTO card information:
https://www.prestocard.ca

The subway is the easiest way to reach the University of Toronto campus.

Nearest Subway Stations

All of the following stations are on major subway lines and are 5–10 minutes walking distance to St. Michael’s College:

• Museum Station (Line 1 – Yonge–University)

• Queen’s Park Station (Line 1 – Yonge–University)

• St. George Station (Lines 1 & 2)

Once you exit the station, follow campus signage or use Google Maps for walking directions.

🔗 Toronto subway map:
https://www.ttc.ca/subway-map

‍ ‍If you arrive at Union Station (from the airport or regional trains)

1. Enter the TTC subway

2. Take Line 1 (Yonge–University) northbound

3. Exit at Museum, Queen’s Park, or St. George

4. Walk to St. Michael’s College

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🔗 Union Station information:
https://torontounion.ca

‍ If you’re staying outside Toronto (suburbs or nearby cities), GO Transit trains and buses bring you into the city.

• Most routes arrive at Union Station

• From Union Station, follow subway directions above

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🔗 GO Transit:
https://www.gotransit.com

Taxis and ride-share services operate throughout Toronto and are easy to use.

• Ideal if you have luggage or mobility needs

• Drop-off directly at campus buildings

• Available 24/7

If you plan to drive:

• Toronto is accessible via major highways (Gardiner Expressway, Don Valley Parkway, Highway 401)

• Downtown traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours

• Allow extra travel time

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Parking

Paid parking is available near St. Michael’s College and across the University of Toronto campus.

🔗 Parking maps and details:
https://stmikes.utoronto.ca/about-us/contact-us/maps-parking/

🔗 U of T parking services:
https://transportation.utoronto.ca

• The University of Toronto campus is compact and walkable

• Sidewalks are wide and well-signed

• Most transit vehicles and stations are wheelchair accessible

🔗 TTC accessibility information:
https://www.ttc.ca/accessibility

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Accessibility & Inclusion

At St. Michael’s College and the University of Toronto, there is a strong commitment to making the campus welcoming and accessible to people of all abilities. The college and university work to prevent and remove barriers, and they follow accessibility laws such as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) which supports equal access and participation for people with disabilities.

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Physical Access

• Accessible routes and entrances: Key campus buildings have accessible entrances and pathways suited for people using wheelchairs or mobility devices.

• Accessible parking: Designated accessible parking spaces are available near campus buildings.

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Support & Accommodations

If you require access accommodations specifically for attending the conference (e.g., seating needs, communication support, or assistive technology), please contact the conference organizers ahead of time so arrangements can be coordinated.

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Emergency Accessibility Procedures

In case of an emergency, campus procedures are in place to assist individuals with accessibility needs. If assistance is required during an emergency situation, you or someone with you can contact 911 and the campus safety desk for support.

Travel & Visa Requirements

Visitors from outside Canada should ensure they have the correct travel documents before planning their trip:

• Passport: All visitors must have a valid passport to enter Canada, typically valid for the duration of their stay.

• Visitor Visa or eTA: Depending on your nationality, you may need a Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Many visitors attending events like conferences fall under the “business visitor” category, which allows entry if you are coming for a short stay and will not work or stay long-term.

• Conference Letter: If you need a visa, it can help to include a letter of invitation or confirmation of registration for the conference along with your application — this supports your stated purpose for travel.

• Apply Early: Visa and eTA processing times can vary, so begin your application well in advance of your travel date.

For the most up-to-date entry requirements and to check whether you need a visa or eTA, visit the official Government of Canada immigration site.

Before You Travel

• Plan your itinerary: Be clear about your arrival and departure dates — this is often part of the visa or eTA application requirements.

• Financial documentation: Some travelers must show they have sufficient funds to cover their stay in Canada and return home.

• Return intent: Visa applications often require proof that you intend to return to your home country after the conference.

Visiting Toronto

Toronto is a multicultural, English-speaking city and among Canada’s most accessible and global urban centres. Most services in the city (including transit, restaurants, hotels, and conference spaces) are well-prepared to welcome international visitors.

If English isn’t your first language, it’s helpful to have a translation app or phrase list ready — Toronto transit staff are generally patient and can help guide visitors.

Safety & Emergencies

• Emergency Services: Dial 911 in Canada for emergencies.

• Campus Safety: The University of Toronto has a Campus Safety service that supports safety on and around campus.

Quick Tips for First-Time International Travelers

• Check entry requirements early. Some travellers need an eTA or visitor visa before booking flights.

• Carry travel documentation. Bring your passport, visa/eTA documents, conference registration confirmation, and travel itinerary.

• Currency & money: Canada uses Canadian dollars (CAD). Credit cards are widely accepted; having some local cash can help for small purchases.

• Travel insurance: It’s a good idea to have travel insurance that covers health and trip issues — medical care in Canada can be expensive without it.

The earliest the on-campus housing is available is May 13 but you could request to stay after the conference up until the end of May.

Breakfast will not be served. However, there will be light refreshments available at the beginning of the day.