Welcome to the University of Toronto (U of T) for the 2025 CFREF Symposium.
Explore this page to find information to help you navigate and customize your conference experience.
Chestnut Conference Centre Third Floor - 89 Chestnut Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1R1
Operated by U of T, the Chestnut Conference Centre is located in the heart of downtown Toronto and is within walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions and the symposium’s hotel partners.
The university’s newly renovated King’s College Circle is a leisurely 20-minute walk north if you wish to explore the campus.
Getting HereThe nearest TTC subway station is St. Patrick Station located a 4-minute walk northeast of Chestnut Conference Centre.
ParkingThe venue offers underground parking with a $21 daily maximum rate. The car park entrance is labelled as “Public Parking: 89 Chestnut Residence” and is located on the east side of Chestnut Street north of the building’s main door.
For a limited time only, U of T’s hotel partners are offering preferred nightly rates for conference attendees.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown Located across the street from the Chestnut Conference Centre, this hotel also neighbours the Textile Museum of Canada.
Preferred Rate Two nights at $279 per night + applicable taxes. Check in on May 25th.
Rate expires on April 4, 2025.
Parking $45 daily rate, self-parking.
Nearest TTC Subway Station St. Patrick Station
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel A six-minute walk south from the symposium venue, this hotel is located across the street from Toronto’s historic courthouse, Osgoode Hall.
Preferred Rate Two nights at $369 per night + applicable taxes. Check in on May 25th.
Rate expires on April 25, 2025.
Parking $63 daily rate, valet or self-parking.
Nearest TTC Subway Station Osgoode Station
Due to high traffic congestion, it is recommended that visitors utilize public transportation options or walk when possible.
Public Transportation The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates the local subway system and bus line. A single fare is $3.30 when tapped on your credit card.
Bike Share Toronto The Toronto Parking Authority operates Bike Share Toronto, which offers an extensive network of bikes for temporary usage when travelling between destinations. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play to use Bike Share Toronto.
Arriving from the Airport
From Pearson Airport The best way to reach downtown Toronto is by taking the UP Express from Pearson Station located in Terminal 1 to Union Station. Fees are $12.35 one-way or $24.70 roundtrip. At Union Station, switch to the TTC and take the Line 1 Yonge-University subway northbound towards Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. Get off at St. Patrick Station, the station closest to the Chestnut Conference Centre.
Taxis and airport limos are available at Arrivals at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Pearson Airport.
From Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Taxi service is available at the curbside pick-up upon exiting the airport pedestrian tunnel.
It is U of T’s goal to create a community that is inclusive of all persons and treats all members of the community in an equitable manner. In creating such a community, the university aims to foster a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of all persons.
In working toward this goal, the University will strive to provide support for, and facilitate the accommodation of individuals with disabilities so that all may share the same level of access to opportunities, participate in the full range of activities that the university offers, and achieve their full potential in the University community.
Chestnut Conference Centre: Our symposium venue offers the following accessibility features:
- Six passenger elevators with a door width of 40 inches.
- Six accessible parking spaces in the underground parking garage.
- Accessible washroom located on the second floor of the conference centre. (Symposium is on the third floor.)
- Ramps available for risers.
- 24-hour security located in the main lobby – security staff are fully certified in fire safety, first aid, CPR and the use of defibrillators.
- The Chef will do their best to accommodate all requested dietary requirements.
TTC Stations: The three subway stations closest to the Chestnut Conference Centre are St. Patrick Station, Dundas Station and Osgoode Station. All stations are accessible with both elevators and escalators. Prior to commuting, we recommend reviewing both the station’s web page and the TTC’s Accessibility Service Alerts to confirm that all accessibility features are currently in-service.
Questions? If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please feel free to reach out to us at CFREF2025.Symposium@utoronto.ca.
St. George Campus blends historical architecture, modern facilities and inviting green spaces as a backdrop to a truly diverse and remarkable community.
Set in the centre of Toronto, one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse cities, you can find the global neighbourhoods, exciting events and innovative industries it has to offer. This campus is intrinsically linked with the city's renowned cultural offerings to create a rich and unique experience for all.
Dining While in Toronto, we recommend checking out the city’s world class marketplace of global fare. Here are some notable restaurants located within a short walking distance from the symposium venue and our hotel partners (reservations are always recommended).
- Cafe Landwer - Established in 1919 as a coffee house, it has since expanded to include Italian and Mediterranean fare. They’re known for their Shakshuka.
- Koh Lipe Thai Kitchen - Southern Thai cuisine known for their Khao Neow Gaeng chicken curry served in a halved pineapple. If you are feeling daring, try the Durian coconut sticky rice for dessert.
- Hokkaido Ramen Santouka - A ramen place for those in-the-know. Launched in 1988, this establishment has long been considered to offer Toronto’s most authentic ramen experience to what you would expect to find in Japan.
- The Queen & Beaver Public House - A neighbourhood pub serving classic British fare. If the day is right, check out the Sunday roast. Definitely order the Scotch Egg.
- Pai - Northern Thai cuisine originally known for its reliably delicious fare from Chef Nuit Regular, but in recent years has become Toronto’s buzziest restaurant with frequent celebrity sightings.
- Pizzeria Libretto - Brings a Neapolitan pizza tradition from Naples. This restaurant is arguably amongst Toronto’s best pizza places and is known for their excellent gluten-free crust.
- PLANTA Queen - Plant-based dining with a must-try menu offering a mix of different offerings ranging from vegan sushi and noodle bowls to pumpkin seed guacamole and bao sliders.
- Richmond Station - A neighbourhood restaurant co-owned by a “Top Chef Canada” winner serving elevated Canadian fare with a tip-free dining philosophy.
Attractions If you’re looking to fill your evenings with local entertainment and culture, below are some nearby options.
- Art Gallery of Ontario - With a collection of over 90,000 pieces and a building designed by architect Frank Gehry, this is one of North America’s most distinguished art museums.
- CN Tower - Toronto’s landmark tower reaching over 553-metres tall, featuring a glass floor and a revolving eatery with panoramic views.
- Mirvish Productions: - Catch Disney’s Tony-winning musical “Lion King” or award-winning one-person play, “Made in Italy”, about an Italian teenager growing up in 1970s Jasper.
- Ripley's Aquarium of Canada - Immerse yourself among thousands of awe-inspiring aquatic animals in 1.5-million gallons of marine and freshwater habitats.
- TIFF Lightbox - Catch an international or indie film at the TIFF Lightbox, the official theatre of the Toronto International Film Festival.
- Toronto Symphony Orchestra: - Watch “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” accompanied by live orchestration from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
