Exploring Toronto During Rendez-vous Canada 2026
As Brand and Marketing Manager at First Class Holidays, I recently had the opportunity to attend Rendez-vous Canada 2026 in Toronto. As Canada's biggest international tourism marketplace, the event brings together tourism suppliers and buyers from around the world, providing a fantastic opportunity to strengthen partnerships, discover new experiences and gain valuable destination insight.
While the event kept me busy with appointments, networking and industry events, I also made time to explore some of Toronto's most iconic attractions, neighbourhoods and culinary hotspots.
A Grand Welcome at Fairmont Royal York
My home for the week was the historic Fairmont Royal York, an elegant landmark hotel in the heart of downtown Toronto. Its central location made it the perfect base for exploring the city, with many attractions within walking distance and easy access to Toronto's extensive public transport network.
Discovering Downtown Toronto
One of my first stops was Nathan Phillips Square, home to Toronto's famous illuminated city sign and City Hall. The bustling square offers a fantastic introduction to the city and provides excellent views of Toronto's modern skyline.
From there, I ventured to the Distillery District, one of Toronto's most charming neighbourhoods. With its beautifully preserved Victorian industrial architecture, cobbled streets and independent boutiques, it offers a completely different atmosphere from the city's glass skyscrapers. I spent time browsing the unique shops and soaking up the creative energy that makes this area so popular with both locals and visitors.
A Taste of Toronto
No visit to Toronto would be complete without exploring its renowned food scene. A highlight was lunch at St. Lawrence Market, frequently ranked among the world's best food markets. Surrounded by local vendors and fresh produce, I enjoyed a delicious lobster roll while taking in the lively atmosphere.
We also visited Waterworks Food Hall for dinner. This contemporary food destination showcases a range of local culinary talent, and I opted for a hearty steak poutine – a Canadian classic elevated with tender steak and rich gravy. It was the perfect way to experience one of Canada's most iconic comfort foods.
Views from the CN Tower
One of the standout moments of the week was attending the opening event at the CN Tower. As one of Toronto's most recognisable landmarks, the tower offers spectacular panoramic views across the city, Lake Ontario and beyond. Watching the city lights begin to twinkle from above provided a memorable perspective on Canada's largest city. Pictured here with Keir Ashley, Destination Manager for the Americas.
Shopping and Exploring the PATH
Toronto is an incredibly walkable city, and I spent much of my free time exploring on foot. I also made good use of the city's underground pedestrian network, PATH, which connects shopping centres, office buildings, hotels and transport hubs across downtown Toronto. It's an impressive system that allowed me to navigate the city efficiently while discovering hidden shops, cafés and passageways along the way.
Above ground, I enjoyed some retail therapy at Sankofa Square, one of Toronto's busiest and most energetic districts, packed with shops, entertainment and plenty of people-watching opportunities.
An Evening at the Royal Ontario Museum
One of the most exclusive experiences of the trip was attending a special event at the Royal Ontario Museum. Surrounded by world-class exhibits and striking architecture, it provided a unique setting for networking and celebrating Canada's tourism industry. The museum's fascinating collections added an extra layer of interest to what was already an unforgettable evening.
Toronto: More Than a Gateway
While Rendez-vous Canada 2026 was the primary reason for my visit, Toronto proved to be much more than a conference destination. The city effortlessly combines world-class attractions, diverse neighbourhoods, excellent food and rich cultural experiences. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, Toronto offers something around every corner.
From towering city views and historic districts to vibrant markets and unforgettable events, my time in Toronto left me eager to return and explore even more of what this dynamic Canadian city has to offer.
