THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27
Explore Toronto + CN Tower Welcome Reception
TODAY'S Schedule
What's Happening?
Early Bird Bus Tour
Kick off the week with a behind-the-scenes look at Toronto’s food system—Ontario Food Terminal & St. Lawrence Market.
Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Day
Free day to explore, shop, or unwind before the evening reception.
Sponsor & Alumni Session
Join national sponsors, alumni, and honourees for an interactive workshop shaping the future of Canadian agriculture.
President's Welcome Reception
Join us 346 m above the city for the official kick-off at the CN Tower.
🚌 Early Bird Bus Tour
Ontario Food Terminal & St. Lawrence Market
Visit the Ontario Food Terminal, Canada’s largest wholesale fruit and produce distribution centre — moving over 2 billion lbs of produce each year across the country. You’ll see Ontario growers selling directly to buyers in the on-site farmers’ market, then continue to the world-famous St. Lawrence Market for lunch and local flavour.
Details:
Departure: Thursday morning (exact time posted at registration)
Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Cost: $50 per person (food purchases not included)
Attire: Comfortable walking shoes recommended
Availability: Limited seats remain — reserve early to secure your spot!
How To Register:
Email [email protected] to secure your spot.
Payment details will be confirmed upon registration.
Local Tip: Try the Carousel Bakery’s famous peameal bacon sandwich while you’re there — a Toronto classic.
Explore Toronto On Your Own!
Discover the city’s best sights, shops and experiences before the evening reception.
This is your day to discover downtown Toronto at your own pace. From food and culture to shopping and entertainment, most highlights are within walking distance of the Sheraton Centre or connected through the PATH.
Nathan Phillips Square
Right across from the Sheraton Centre, this is Toronto’s civic heart — home of the famous illuminated “TORONTO” sign and seasonal ice-skating. Perfect for photos or people-watching.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Walk through underwater tunnels surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish. One of the city’s top attractions and a great afternoon escape.
Hockey Hall of Fame
Explore Canada’s most iconic sport in this interactive museum — try your shot on goal, admire the Stanley Cup, and relive the legends.
St. Lawrence Market
Explore Canada’s most iconic sport in this interactive museum — try your shot on goal, admire the Stanley Cup, and relive the legends.
Distillery District Christmas Market
Cobbled streets, twinkling lights, and festive cheer. Browse artisan vendors and seasonal treats in one of Toronto’s most charming heritage spaces.
CF Toronto Eaton Centre
Just minutes from the hotel, the Eaton Centre offers 200+ shops and restaurants, all connected to the PATH for easy indoor access.
Eataly Toronto
Three floors of Italian food culture — restaurants, coffee counters, a wine bar, and a market offering imported and local products. Perfect lunch stop or afternoon espresso break.
Steam Whistle Brewery & Roundhouse Park
Tour a working craft brewery in Toronto’s historic railway roundhouse, sample Steam Whistle’s famous pilsner, and relax in the park next door to the CN Tower.
💸 Save on Sightseeing
Planning to explore more of Toronto before or after the event?
The Pass to Savings gives you 28% off top attractions plus GO Transit bonuses—all from your phone.
It’s free, digital, and easy to use: sign up, show the pass on your phone, and redeem offers instantly.
Includes discounts on 13 attractions, dining, and tours across the city.
COYF Workshop with National Sponsors
3:00 – 5:00 PM | City Hall Room, Sheraton Centre
Join our National Sponsors, Alumni, and Honourees for an afternoon of collaboration and conversation. This session marks the next chapter of COYF—one focused on reflection, innovation, and the shared future of Canadian agriculture.
What to Expect
Guided discussion hosted by national sponsors
Interactive reflection on success, growth, and the future of farming
Opportunity to contribute directly to the National Alumni Survey launching in December
Your experience matters. Be part of the dialogue that turns insight into action and helps shape the future of COYF.
President’s Welcome Reception – CN Tower
Thursday, November 27 | CN Tower Observation Level
Celebrate the official start of the 2025 National Event high above Toronto’s skyline.
What to Expect
🕕 Timeline
5:30 PM Bus departs from Sheraton front entrance
6:00 PM Cocktail hour
6:30 PM Welcome presentation
7:00–9:00 PM Dinner reception
9:00 PM Return bus departs from Bremner Blvd
🚍 Getting There
Shuttle: Leaves at 5:30 PM from hotel front doors
Walk outside: ~15–20 min. South on Simcoe St. Right on Bremner Blvd
Walk indoors via PATH: Follow signs to Union Station then Skywalk then CN Tower - ~ 20 min.
Uber/Taxi: 10-20 min depending on traffic
Walking is often as fast as driving at this hour.
📍 Find Your Way
View Google Map Directions →
(Open in Google Maps for walking, PATH, or driving routes.)
Download PATH Map (PDF) →
(Shows the indoor walkway route from the Sheraton to the CN Tower.)
👗 Dress / Attire
Cocktail or semi-formal.
Add a warm layer for the walk or shuttle pickup.
🪪 What to Bring
Photo ID (required for CN Tower entry)
COYF Event Badge or Name Tag
Light coat or wrap for the walk back
🌇 What to Expect
You’ll be welcomed at the base-level reception area, where staff and volunteers will guide you through security and up to the private COYF event space.
The evening begins with cocktails and light appetizers, followed by a warm welcome from COYF leadership and partners. Dinner and dessert stations will be available throughout the night, so you can mix, mingle, and take in the skyline views at your own pace.
Later, you’ll have the chance to visit the Observation Level for a breathtaking 360° view of Toronto.
Please note that food and drinks aren’t permitted on that level, but it’s a perfect spot for photos before returning to the reception below.
Included:
Dinner and dessert stations
Cash bar
Coat check and elevator access
Event photography capturing the evening
🔁 Return Details
Buses depart from Bremner Blvd. at 9:00 PM
PATH and street routes remain open for anyone choosing to walk back.
🍷 Evening Hospitality
When you’re back at the Sheraton, join us for Hospitality in the City Hall Room from 9:00 PM to midnight.
Relax, reconnect, and unwind with fellow attendees — the perfect way to close out the first full day of the National Event.
Excellence
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Innovation
Celebrating progress and sustainability.
Community
Connecting farmers and alumni nationwide.
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QUICK LINKS
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Website developed by the Ontario Host Committee for the 2025 National Event