Meet us on Friday, February 14th at York University’s Keele campus - Founders College. Registration will open at 8:30 AM and sessions will start at 9:30am.

We suggest arriving on February 13th so you can participate in the pre-Conference meet-and-greet we are organizing on Thursday night, or early on February 14th. For your return travel, we suggest leaving on Saturday night or Sunday so as not to miss any part of the Conference. We also suggest you book your travel plans well in advance to find the best rates.

 

Pre-Conference activities

If you're planning to arrive in Toronto on Thursday, February 13th, we have prepared two pre-Conference activities for you:

  • 3:00-4:00PM: Fair Trade Teaching Kitchen with York University's Registered Dietitian Dahlia Abou El Hassan. Limited spots: register here!
  • Starting at 4:30PM: Join us for an informal meet and greet dinner at the Break Room. Come when you wish between 4:30pm-9pm. It's also karaoke themed night at the Break Room! We have booked a private lounge for our group, where we can remain quiet, but those who want can move to the main space and enjoy the show! Click here for the exact location.

 

Getting to Toronto

By bus or train

For those coming from Ontario and neighbouring provinces, we encourage you to use greener means of transport such as the train or bus. Buses (Megabus, Flixbus, Red Arrow) and VIA Rail trains arrive at Toronto’s Union Station, in the heart of downtown Toronto.

By car

For those driving, please make arrangements with your hotel for parking. And if you have space in your car, please do let us know, as we can help arrange carpools. York University is accessible from highway 401, highway 400, and highway 407 (express toll route) within minutes. There are many visitor parking sites available across the campus. Attendees can pay for their parking through the HonkMobile app. For more information, visit York University's campus map.

By air

Flights arrive at either Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), or at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Air Canada, Westjet and Porter Airlines fly to Toronto on a daily basis (please note: Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport currently only serves Air Canada and Porter flights).

Toronto Pearson International Airport is directly connected to regional transit lines and major highways. We recommend taking the train into downtown Toronto (UP Express), or taking advantage of the public transit buses. For more information, visit Toronto Pearson’s Transportation and Parking webpage.

Located on Toronto Island, only three kilometres from Toronto’s downtown core, Billy Bishop offers many convenient transportation options to and from the airport. Passengers arriving at YTZ can quickly connect to the mainland by taking the ferry or the pedestrian tunnel. Once on the mainland, the airport is directly connected to Toronto’s downtown by public transit, car, complimentary shuttle or bike. For more information, visit Billy Bishop’s To and From webpage.

 

Getting to the Conference venue from Downtown Toronto

York University's Keele campus is located in North York. It is accessible from downtown by using the TTC, Toronto’s public transit system. Take the subway (Line 1- Yonge University towards Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station) to the York University stop, and walk less than 5 minutes to access the Conference venue at Founders College. Check the TTC website for the latest schedules, news, and events to plan your trip.

The commute from Union Station takes around 50 minutes. We encourage you to plan your stay accordingly!

 

Accommodations

For your stay in Toronto, we have secured special rates with the following hotels:

  • Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Vaughan
    3201 Highway 7
    Vaughan, Ontario, L4K 5Z7, Canada
    Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/yyzvagi-hilton-garden-inn-toronto-vaughan/
    This hotel is located near Vaughan Metropolitan Center metro station, accessible by metro (3 stops, 28 min. from the venue) or by car (12 min. from the venue).
    Special rate: $189.00 / room / night + tax and fees for stays between February 13th and 16th.
    A limited number of 20 rooms are available for booking until January 13, 2025 on a first arrived, first served basis.
    You are responsible for making your own reservation, either by calling 905-660-4700 and quoting the group code FCAD24 or via this reservation link.
  • Four Points by Sheraton Vaughan  
    3400 Steeles Avenue West   
    Vaughan, ON L4K 1A2, Canada  
    Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yyzfv-four-points-vaughan/overview/  
    This hotel is located at 3.6km from York University, accessible by bus (28 min. from the venue) or by car (10 min. from the venue).  
    Special rate: $174.00 / room / night + tax and fees (parking and Wifi are complimentary) for stays between February 13th and 16th.
    A limited number of 20 rooms are available for booking until January 24, 2025 on a first arrived, first served basis.  
    You are responsible for making your own reservation, either by calling 905-760-2120 or via this reservation link.

 

Accessibility

The National Fair Trade Conference aims to create a barrier-free and inclusive environment to ensure that all attendees, regardless of their needs, can fully participate in and benefit from the event. 

All amenities used throughout the Conference, including the event space and public transportation, are accessible. The Founders College building has an accessible entrance, and accessible and gender-neutral bathrooms. The York University subway station is close to the venue and is accessible by elevator and escalators.

Additionally, the catered meals can accommodate for dietary restrictions and allergies. Attendees will be asked about dietary accommodations during registration.   
Volunteers, Conference staff and venue staff will be available throughout the event to support attendees who need assistance navigating the venue.

Please contact action@fairtrade.ca should you require any accommodations or if you have any questions regarding accessibility for the Conference.

 

Simultaneous translation

Thanks to the financial support of the Government of Canada, we are pleased to offer simultaneous French-English translation for most of the conference programming. To take advantage of this service, please bring your own smartphone or tablet with the Zoom app installed and a headset. Complimentary WiFi will be offered.

Practical info