Travel
Toronto: Travel, Arrivals, Hotels, Visa
Arrivals & Greeting
Arriving before 18 July, or after 19 July
You are expected to find transportation to Toronto City Centre on your own if you arrive on 17 July or earlier. Information about domestic transportation in Toronto can be found below.
Arriving on 18 July or 19 July
Canadian volunteers can be found at Pearson airport and Union Station at certain times: they can help you find the train to the city, and help you make your way to your conference hotel. If you arrive at a time when volunteers are not present, there are plenty of airport officials you can ask if necessary. See below for more information.
Note that if you didn’t fill out your travel information in the registration, you cannot expect volunteers to be present. Please return to your registration to include your flight information in advance.
Problems and Delays
Due to FIFA World Cup, Toronto is expected to be busy for travelers.
Please note: The train to the city hours of operation are 6:00am-1:00am. If you are arriving after 1:00am, you will need to budget for a taxi ride from Pearson airport to your hotel. Budget recommendation is approximately $60 CAD.
How to get to Toronto City Centre
From Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Union Station
For those who selected “I will personally cover my transfer to the city”, you can find the Taxi stand at the airport entrance. Follow signs for ‘TAXI’ to hail a ride. Traffic varies. On average, you can expect approximately 50 minutes and upwards of $60 CAD for the taxi ride to the Sheraton and Marriott hotels.
For those who selected “I will use the provided transfer to Toronto City” – follow these instructions:
Terminal 3: If arriving in terminal 3, follow signs for the inter-terminal train to Terminal 1. Take the inter-terminal train to Terminal 1 to get to the UP Train platform
Terminal 1: If arriving in terminal 1, follow signs for the ‘Train to City’ for the UP train platform
UP Train platform: Download the train ticket provided via email and in the World Council app ‘CVENT’. The ticket can be downloaded in advance of your travel for easy access, or even printed for your convenience. Upon arrival at the UP Train platform, show your ticket to the attendant for access to the train to the city. The train has multiple stops, and ends at ‘Union Station’. All passengers must exit the train at the final stop.
Union Station: Canadian volunteers will be present to welcome you at Union Station. Look for their bright T-Shirts and buttons, and a YMCA branded kiosk.
From Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) to Union Station
Billy Bishop airport lands on Toronto Island. After baggage claim, travelers will make their way to the bus and taxi stand. Volunteers will be available to greet arrivals at Billy Bishop airport upon confirmation of flight details in the registration portal, due to the smaller airport.
Free shuttle bus to downtown: Travelers are encouraged to take the shuttle bus from the airport to downtown Toronto. The shuttle leaves Billy Bishop airport approximately every 15 minutes. The shuttle drops off passengers across from Union Station. Volunteers will be at Union Station to support travelers on their walk to the hotel, or to assist them in finding a taxi ride to their final destination.
Taxi: A taxi from Billy Bishop airport to the Sheraton or Marriott hotels costs approximately $20 CAD.
From Union Station to your hotel
Walking: From Union Station, the Sheraton Hotel is 1km and the Marriott hotel is 1.5km . Volunteers will be available to guide your walk to the hotel from Union Station.
Taxi: If you are unable to walk to your hotel destination, volunteers will guide you to the taxi stand outside of Union Station. Taxi costs are approximately $15 CAD from Union Station to either hotel.
International Arrivals
Using a Primary Inspection Kiosk (PIK) or eGate
Scan your travel document (passport)
Take your photo at the kiosk when prompted
Answer a few questions to complete your declaration
Take your kiosk receipt to a border services officer
REMEMBER:
Keep your kiosk receipt! You will need it to exit the airport.
Look for one of the airport representatives if you need help using the kiosk.
Hotel Check-In
Photo ID required: Please have a valid government-issued photo ID ready at check in.
Credit card pre-authorization: Hotels require a credit card with approximately $100 CAD/night available for a temporary pre-authorization hold.
No credit card?: If you do not have a credit card, please ensure it is indicated in your delegate registration (you may return to your registration to make this indication using your email and confirmation code). Alternative arrangements will be available.
Check in time:
Sheraton hotel check in begins at 3:00pm
Marriott Hotel check in begins at 4:00pm
Housekeeping & sustainability: The Sheraton and Marriott Hotels offer reduced housekeeping options to support environmental sustainability.
WiFi access: WiFi information and login instructions will be provided at check in.
Helpful tip: Hotel staff are available 24/7 if you need assistance during your stay.
Toronto Sheraton Centre Hotel
123 Queen Street West, Toronto
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
600 meters apart
(approx. 0.4 miles)
The Marriott Downton at
CF Toronto Eaton Centre
525 Bay Street, Toronto
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
World Council Registration
Find us on the Concourse Level in the Sheraton (down the escalators from the lobby).
Registration Hours
Sunday, 19 July from 8:00am to 5:00pm
Monday, 20 July from 7:00am to 5:00pm
Important Reminder
You must pick up your badge before your first meal
Badges must be worn for all meals and at all official event
Breakfast
Available from the morning of Monday, 20 July through Friday, 24 July (not provided on Saturday, 25 July)
Provided at the hotel where you are staying
Marriott – served on lower convention centre level (not in lobby restaurant)
Sheraton – served on lower concourse level (not in lobby)
First Meal
For voting delegates – Sunday, 19 July (Breakfast)
A temporary voting delegate badge will be offered at the Marriott on Sunday, 19 July in the morning to ensure these delegates can access breakfast and lunch
For all other delegates – Sunday, 19 July (Evening Dinner at the World Cup Final Watch Party)
Note: If you arrive prior to the first meal provided by World Council, you should have personal funds available to purchase food near the hotels. Casual lunchtime meal options in Toronto can range from $18-$40 CAD.
Other Travel Tips
Weather overview - Toronto
Average daytime temperatures report 24–28°C (75–82°F), but it is important to note that daily highs can be extreme, sometimes feeling like 35°C (95°F) or above during a heat wave.
Toronto summers can bring high humidity and periods of extreme heat, which can make temperatures feel significantly warmer than expected - delegates are encouraged to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, and take precautions when spending extended time outdoors.
Evenings can be cooler outdoors, and indoor spaces are typically air conditioned.
Rain showers are possible, so light rain protection is helpful.
Possible smoke from wildfires in other parts of Canada
Packing lists
Essentials:
Light, breathable clothing – especially for Excursion Day
Comfortable walking shoes
Light jacket or sweater (for air conditioning)
Reusable water bottle
Umbrella or rain jacket
Traditional clothing from your country or culture for Thursday evening
Photocopies/electronic copies of important documents
Medications (in carry-on bag)
Air conditioning: Indoor spaces can be very cool, even in summer.
Connectivity(E-SIM / SIM cards): Consider setting up mobile data before arrival or at the airport.
To learn about the Government of Canada considerations about packing when entering the country, visit: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/plan-before-you-pack
Money and payments
Canadian Currency: The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD).
Sales tax (HST = 13%)
Prices are usually listed before tax. Expect an additional 13% to be added to your total.
Credit & debit cards
Credit card pre-authorization: Hotels require a credit card with approximately $100 per night stay available for a temporary pre-authorization hold.
No credit card?: If you do not have a credit card, please ensure it is indicated in your delegate registration (you may return to your registration to make this indication using your email and confirmation code). Alternative arrangements will be available.
Some venues in Canada operate on a cashless basis, so delegates are encouraged to bring a credit or debit card for purchases.
Credit cards are widely accepted across Canada, including restaurants, shops, and taxis.
Debit cards are also commonly accepted, though some international bank cards may not work everywhere.
Contactless payment (tap) is widely available.
Cash
It is helpful to carry a small amount of cash (CAD) for small purchases, tips, or places that may not accept cards.
Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and exchange offices.
Note: Local airports and some tourist destinations may accept US dollars however, most local shops will only accept Canadian dollars, so it is best to exchange in advance
ATMs
ATMs are widely available in Toronto if you need to withdraw Canadian dollars during your stay.
Tipping/gratuities
Tipping is expected in most service settings
Tip options are often shown on payment terminals
You can choose a % different than the default presented, or input a set amount
Not typically expected for takeout, unless you opt for delivery
Restaurants & bars (standard = 15-20% of pre-tax bill)
Sometimes automatically added for large group
Taxis/rideshares (standard = 15%)
Inform your bank
Inform your bank or credit card provider that you will be traveling internationally to avoid any transaction issues.
Visas
To enter Canada for World Council 2026, delegates will need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) - except for U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are exempt from this requirement. Be sure to review this information in detail and apply early.
For those requiring a visa: Your YMCA World Council registration confirmation email includes your invitation letter.
Visa Timeline Notice: With the event approaching and visa processing times varying by country, timelines are limited for new visa applications. We strongly encourage delegates to review current processing times as soon as possible to determine whether travel arrangements are still feasible.
Find out if you require a visa to enter Canada
Visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to find out if you require a visa to attend World Council 2026:
If you do need a visa,
Your first step is to register for World Council. You cannot apply for your visa without a confirmed registration for World Council. See below for more information about what the process involves.
If you do not need a visa, apply for an eTA to enter Canada
Visit the IRCC website at the following link to apply for an eTA:
Process for registering to attend World Council and applying for a visa
Step 1: Register for World Council as a delegate
Step 2: Receive a registration approval by your National General Secretary
Step 3: Once your registration is approved, you will receive a confirmation email. This email includes your invitation letter.
Step 4: Login to the World Council registration portal to access visa resources for delegates, which includes helpful tips from IRCC.
Step 5: Apply for your visa with the invitation letter, following the steps outlined by the visa resources in the World Council delegate portal.
Step 6: After you apply, return to the World Council registration portal with your visa application number, and modify your registration to include it in your registration details.
Resources available to you
Visa information webinar recordings
YMCA Canada’s Visa Information Webinars were recorded and are made available to registered YMCA World Council delegates via their Registration Confirmation page.
Register for World Council today to access them, and more helpful tools.
Disclaimer: YMCA Canada staff and the people presenting visa webinars and ‘office hours’ are not immigration officials or representatives of the Government of Canada. We do not claim to be experts in immigration or visa processes. These sessions are offered solely as a support resource for YMCA World Council 2026 delegates. We aim to share helpful guidance and information, and we cannot guarantee the outcome or approval of any visa application. For official immigration advice or decisions, please refer directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
FAQs
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Processing times depend on the visa office and if you need to take any extra steps.
Go to this page to check the processing time for your country: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html
World YMCA and YMCA Canada recommend applying for your visa as early as possible. In some cases, visa applications can take up to 12 months to be processed. Early applications can ensure you receive an answer prior to World Council 2026.
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Questions can be emailed to worldcouncil@ymca.int for additional support.
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The visa application fee is $100 CAD.
If you need to give biometrics, the cost is $85 CAD.
You must pay these fees to submit your application.
Other possible costs:
Travel to your local Visa Application Centre (VAC) to give biometrics.
A second trip to the VAC to have your visa placed in your passport.
Important notes:
Make sure you are eligible for a Visitor Visabefore paying. Fees are not refundable, even if your visa is refused.
You may need to pay in your local currency.
Fees can change at any time.
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No. The Canadian Government does not interview visa applicants.
Your application will be reviewed based on the documents you submit.
You may still need to go to an appointment to:
Give your biometrics
Have your visa placed in your passport
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If your official documents are in a language other than French or English, you will need to have then translated.
Learn more here: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=018&top=4
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If your visa application was refused you will get the decision in your IRCC account. It will explain why your application was refused.
It is not recommended that you reapply unless there are substantive changes in your circumstances.
If your application is refused, do not transfer your World Council Registration to another delegate. Contact World YMCA at worldcouncil@ymca.int to let them know your visa application status, and to arrange for any registration transfers or cancellations.