After-hours event at the Distillery District
When you think of Canada—and the country’s biggest city—images of snow and skating might come to mind. But, with mild and warm temperatures here three-quarters of the year, plus venues that accommodate those chilly winter months (think: restaurants with outdoor heaters), planning a business event under the open sky in Toronto is possible any time of year. Add huge, central outdoor venues such as Stackt Market and RendezViews to your all-season list, but also explore different corners of the city at these unique outdoor venues.
Toronto’s culinary scene features countless restaurants with outdoor spaces, regardless of the weather and time of year. One popular spot, Hemingway's, located in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood, is a New Zealand-inspired pub which boasts a spacious year-round heated rooftop patio. Finger foods and an expansive draft beer fuel conversation, while flexible seating accommodates groups of varying sizes.
This fine-dining Mexican restaurant, located in Toronto’s trendy Distillery District, is a local favourite. Not only is the menu award-winning, thanks to dishes like tableside guacamole, chicken sopes and tuna tostadas, they have one of the largest outdoor spaces in the city—perfect for big groups—plus plenty of heaters and fire pits for when the temperatures drop.
From networking events in the glass-enclosed courtyard to starlit soirées on the patio, the Aga Khan Museum offers outdoor and indoor spaces for every event. This venue wows with award-winning architecture, vibrant landscapes and exquisite Islamic art. Catering by celebrity chef Mark McEwan adds the final touch for an unforgettable event of any size.
Beyond its 3,000-plus animals and 10 kilometres of trails, the Toronto Zoo can play host to unforgettable events. For example, the Wildlife Marquee, a fully-enclosed event tent with moveable side panels that you can open or close depending on the weather, is drenched in natural light and a short walk to everything the zoo has to offer. The space welcomes up to 275 for presentations, dinners or receptions and is a unique venue to impress guests.
Housed inside a historic former brick factory along the Don River, this multi-use event space has plenty of areas both inside and out and is used year-round for farmers’ markets, ice skating, environmental education and so much more. The environmentally conscious venue can accommodate groups big and small, ranging in capacity from 12 to 2,000 people.
6. Bar Neon
For an intimate neighbourhood backyard setting, head to Bloor and Dufferin. Bar Neon is a charming Greek restaurant with a large back patio and outdoor seating (which is heated for those chillier months!). Both the menu (think: spanakopita, souvlaki, olives and grilled oysters) and the beer, wine and cocktail selection will impress guests. Dining alfresco in Toronto is popular, especially in peak season, so remember to book in advance.
Add some local outdoor Toronto fun into your event programming
Want some more time outdoors? In between sessions or on days where you have time to explore, set your group up for fun outside. Spring is cherry blossom time and two of the more popular spots to see the delicate pink spectacle are in Trinity Bellwoods Park and High Park’s Cherry Lane. In the summer, explore on two wheels along the scenic Waterfront Trail or Toronto Island Park. Come fall, snap pictures of the changing leaves at The Spa at the Old Mill which overlooks the Humber River. And when wintertime hits, stroll the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District which is transformed into an annual holiday market.
