SOA Annual Meeting in Toronto

Planning to visit Toronto for the SOA Annual Meeting in October - here are a few things you may consider doing while you are here.

CN Tower - The CN Tower has to be mentioned, it is right next to the Convention Centre.The restaurant at the top of the tower is OK and you get a free ride up (saving $38), or for the more adventurous there is the Edge Walk, book this early as this tends to sell out.

Ripley’s Aquarium – Ripley's Aquarium is also next to the Convention Centre; home to many strange looking fish, this aquarium is well worth a visit. If you arrive early for the conference, there is a special event on the Friday (25 Oct) before called Dark Waters.

Niagara-on-the-Lake – October is off-season for the shows that make Niagara-on-the-Lake famous, but still worth a visit. Don’t confuse Niagara-on-the-Lake with Niagara Falls, although it is only a short drive to see the falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a beautiful small town in the heart of the Niagara wine region. This time of year, there are also ghost tours as Niagara-on-the-Lake claims to be Canada’s most haunted town. If you are visiting from out of town and staying a few extra days then a night or two in Niagara on the Lake is well worth considering, but don’t plan on it for a day trip.

Aga Khan Museum - the Aga Khan Museum offers unique insights and new perspectives into Islamic civilizations and the cultural threads that weave through history binding us all together. This is about a 20-minute cab ride from the Convention Centre.

TEDx Toronto (26 Oct) If you arrive early, there is a TEDx talk scheduled for the Saturday before the meeting. It is being held at the Evergreen Brickworks, a former quarry and industrial site, converted into a city park with naturalized ponds and restored buildings as an environmentally focused community and cultural centre. This is about a 15-minute cab ride from the Convention Centre.

Casa Loma – Casa Loma is an estate built somewhat in the style of a castle in 1914 by Sir Henry Pellatt. It is now owned by the City of Toronto and hosts events such as Legends of Horror.

Cirque du Soleil – The world-famous Cirque du Soleil was founded in Montreal Canada. Alegria can be seen in Toronto during the dates of the annual meeting.

Finally a few bar recommendations:

• Reservoir Lounge - Live jazz, great atmosphere.
• The Irish Embassy - a straight forward Irish bar serving good beer.
• Sneaky Dee's - A staple of Toronto culture and enjoy affordable easy-drinking brews.

If that's not enough here's a list or recommended bars I am planning to investigate.