The ASUG Experience for Human Resources & Payroll is coming to Toronto Oct. 16–18. As the communications chair for ASUG Ontario, I look forward to welcoming you to North America’s fourth largest and fastest growing market for tech workers when you join us in Toronto this fall.
How to Get Here (or Not)
My number-one tip for visitors coming to the October conference can be summed up in two words: “Don’t drive.”
Toronto is a well-connected city and the conference venue is in an area well served by all kinds of transportation options.
- If you are arriving by air into Billy Bishop Island Airport (YTZ): You can take the 10-minute ride in a taxi, or rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft to the hotel.
- If you are arriving by air into Pearson International Airport (YYZ): you should take the Union-Pearson Express (UPX) train into downtown’s Union Station. You’ll also find all the VIA Rail and Amtrak Maple Leaf route trains arrive in Toronto at Union Station. From there, you can take a taxi, rideshare service, or TTC Transit.
You’ll Be Right at Blue Jays Way
In addition to the excellent human resources and payroll information you can expect from this October’s conference, we’ll be hosting all of our colleagues, delegates, and friends at a wonderful venue in the heart of Toronto’s dynamic King Street entertainment district—Hyatt Regency Toronto.
The beautiful conference venue is located at the corner of King Street West and Blue Jays Way. It is right in the middle of the King Street Pilot transit zone, perfectly situated to offer you lots of great activities and restaurants within close walking distance.
The Sky’s the Limit
Most everyone has heard of the CN Tower, which by the way, is the tallest free-standing building on the continent. Take a ride up to see a spectacular view of the city, or if you’re feeling brave and adventurous, go ahead a do a trip around the EdgeWalk.
It’s the world’s highest full-circle, hands-free walk on a five-foot-wide ledge on top of the CN Tower. While you’re up there, take a look down and out a bit toward Scotiabank Arena, home of the NBA World Champions, the Toronto Raptors.
Get Out and About
If you prefer to keep things on the ground level, a little further east on King Street you will find the Royal Alexandra Theatre. This has reopened after extensive renovations and is now hosting the Tony-award winning musical “Come From Away,” a uniquely Canadian story about how the residents of several small towns in Newfoundland welcomed unexpected guests on September 11. You can also catch the Canadian premiere of "Girl from the North Country," featuring the music of Bob Dylan.
If you want to explore Toronto, you will find TTC streetcars at your doorstep. You can even rent a bike from Bikeshare Toronto to explore the downtown core or the waterfront along Queens Quay. Or you can venture along Spadina Avenue into Chinatown or Kensington Market for an old-world market vibe punctuated with authentic eats, coffeehouses, and arty shops.
Tastes of the World
There are literally hundreds of great restaurants in the neighborhoods around the hotel. You can eat your way around the world or just try out the poutine. The food scene in Toronto is as diverse as its people and culture, whether you’re looking for a fine-dining experience, a kicked-back evening at a pub, and or just good old street food.
Contact the ASUG Ontario team if you have any questions about what to do while in Toronto. And don’t forget to register today for the ASUG Experience for HR & Payroll in October. Additionally, we welcome all ASUG members to submit their ideas for blog posts they want to write.