Thanks to Toronto’s world-class research institutions and network of universities and hospitals, the city is at the forefront of life sciences innovation.
“Toronto’s life sciences sector is critical to the city’s identity as a leading hub for healthcare and medical innovation,” said Vinita Das, Sales Director at Destination Toronto. The city is home to over half of Canada's pharmaceutical companies, including 53 of the world's top firms, like AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Roche and Johnson & Johnson, all with local operations. Plus, over half of the world’s top 100 life sciences multinationals have chosen the Toronto region for their Canadian headquarters and manufacturing facilities, cementing the city’s reputation as a global leader in healthcare and medical research.
Queens Park in Toronto's Discovery District
For conference and meeting planners, Toronto offers plenty of opportunities to engage with this thriving sector. “The city’s thriving biotech, pharma and health tech ecosystems offer unparalleled access to cutting-edge research, clinical trials and groundbreaking medical advancements," said Das. With over 36,000 industry professionals here, Toronto is a powerhouse of talent and innovation, making it the ideal destination for events. Here’s a list of top-notch venues and technical tours that’ll make your next life sciences event truly unforgettable.
MaRS Discovery District is North America's largest urban innovation hub
Life Sciences Industry Tours in Toronto
Here are a few unique tours meeting planners can organize for their conference attendees, giving them deeper insight into the city's life sciences sector.
Toronto’s Discovery District
This vibrant two-and-a-half-square-kilometre district is home to nine renowned teaching hospitals and over 30 medical research centers, all within a 20-minute walk from one another. The area includes the University of Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University, along with affiliated research hospitals such as SickKids, Mount Sinai and the MaRS Discovery District. Key life sciences organizations here also include Ontario Genomics, OBIO, TIAP and JLabs Toronto.
At the core of the district is the University Health Network (UHN), which comprises four world-class hospitals—Princess Margaret, Toronto General, Toronto Western and Toronto Rehab—and six research institutes.
HOW TO TOUR: Event planners can organize a self-guided walking tour highlighting these institutions, serving as an educational and team-bonding experience. Or select buildings offer their own guided experiences such as the McEwan Stem Cell Institute.
MaRS Discovery District is home to over 1,200 innovative startups
Johnson & Johnson Innovation (JLABS)
In May 2016, Toronto became the sixth Johnson & Johnson Innovation (JLABS) site and the first to be located outside the U.S., marking a significant milestone in Toronto's role as a global hub for healthcare innovation. Located in the MaRS Discovery District, North America's largest urban innovation hub, this life sciences incubator provides labs, office spaces and resources designed to support the growth of promising startups.
A tour of JLABS showcases its impressive facilities, including cell culture, chemistry and advanced research laboratories. There is also a prototyping lab, equipped with 3D printers and tools for electronic testing and assembly.
HOW TO TOUR: For a closer look, call 647-243-5200 to book a tour.
Toronto's MaRS Discovery District is the hub of the city's innovation and research community
MaRS Discovery District
MaRS is home to over 1,200 innovative startups, including over 45 that specialize in health innovations. Among these are research groups and rapidly growing ventures like RetiSpec, which uses AI-driven technology to detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease through a simple eye exam.
A tour of MaRS offers an immersive glimpse into its world-class infrastructure, featuring dedicated machine learning and AI research institutes, plus wet and dry labs. Along the way, visitors encounter creative spaces—complete with skateboards and basketball hoops—designed to encourage collaboration and inspire innovation. Key stops on a corporate tour include the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research.
HOW TO TOUR: Fill out the tour request form here to explore this world-class innovation hub.
MTCC earned it's LEED Gold certification in 2014
Unique Toronto Venues for Life Sciences Events
These Toronto venues offer the right mix of professionalism, innovation and flexibility. Here are a few ideal options for hosting impactful events in the life sciences sector.
MaRS Centre and MaRS Waterfront
Yes, in addition to technical tours, MaRS is also a renowned venue for hosting meetings and conferences. The MaRS Centre on College Street features a 4,500-square-foot auditorium with seating for up to 350 guests and an in-house audio-visual services team. Many life sciences events have been held here including the MaRS Impact Health event. The MaRS Waterfront location, which opened in 2022 in partnership with the University of Toronto Entrepreneurship, includes an event space, Lake Lounge, a 250-capacity venue which consists of two amphitheatres, outdoor terraces, three conference rooms and private meeting rooms.
Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC)
A powerhouse of versatility, the MTCC offers over 700,000 square feet of dynamic event space with seven expansive exhibit halls, 77 meeting rooms and a 1,232-seat theatre and modern amenities like AV tech, high-speed Wi-Fi and in-house catering. And this venue is dedicated to eco-friendly practices. In addition to its LEED Gold certification, it boasts a smart HVAC automation system to optimize energy use and more.
The MTCC has been home to a number of prominent life sciences events, including the MedTech Conference, the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) and the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP), drawing industry leaders and experts from around the globe.
Evergreen Brick Works
Housed in a transformed former brick factory in the lush Don Valley, Evergreen Brick Works is a unique venue that combines natural surroundings with flexible event spaces. They’ve got the expansive CRH Gallery and Koerner Gardens, which can accommodate up to 2,000 guests, and The Pavilions, which can host up to 1,400. For medium-sized events, the BMO Atrium, Frances and Tim Price Terrace and Young Center each offer a capacity of 250 guests. Additionally, there are four smaller meeting rooms for intimate gatherings, with capacities ranging from 12 to 60 people.
The setting promotes innovation and forward-thinking—a two-day symposium for Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment was held here—ideal for discussions around health, sustainability and tech advancements in the life sciences field.
