YMCA World Council Companion Programme
The Companion Programme offers accompanying family members and guests an opportunity to experience Toronto while delegates participate in the World Council business agenda, workshops, and breakout sessions. Through guided walks, sightseeing, shopping, and visits to local attractions, companions can explore the city, connect with others, and enjoy some of the highlights Toronto has to offer.
Companions are always welcome to participate in the full World Council programme alongside delegates. This optional programme simply provides an alternative way to spend the day while discovering the city in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
All meals will take place at the hotel alongside the full delegation, providing opportunities for companions and delegates to reconnect throughout the event.
Participation in the Companion Programme is included for registered companions who have paid the companion registration fee. There are no additional programme costs. Some activities may include optional shopping opportunities for those who wish to make purchases. Outings involve walking within a few kilometres of the hotel properties, and one outing will include the use of public transit.
How to Participate
Companions may choose to:
Participate in the full World Council programme as a delegate
Join the Companion Programme for selected activities or the full schedule
Participate in the main Excursions Programme on Tuesday alongside all delegates
Participants should gather in the hotel lobby at the designated meet-up time each day unless otherwise noted.
You do not need to indicate your participation in the Companion Programme. Companions can show up to the meeting location to participate.
Important Information: Age Requirements for Companion Program Participants
Participants in the Companion Program should note that in Ontario, individuals aged 18 and older are considered legal adults. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times, and YMCA World Council host team volunteers are not responsible for the supervision or care of minors.
How to prepare for the Programme:
The Companion Programme will proceed rain or shine. Participants are encouraged to check the weather for each day and dress appropriately for the expected weather conditions, including heat or rain. We also advise bringing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your adventures, and comfortable walking shoes. Download the packing list on the Travel page.
Programme Agenda
Accessibility Note
Transportation information is provided to support individual planning and decision-making. Distances are approximate and reflect total movement from the Sheraton Centre to the main location of the activity. Distance does not include activity once arrived on site for the outing, or the return; actual distance may vary depending on route, pace, and participation choices. Outings may include a mix of indoor and outdoor environments, varying surfaces, and different levels of activity.
If you use a mobility aid or have specific accessibility needs or questions related to terrain, seating, washrooms, sensory considerations, or transportation, we encourage you to contact us in advance. We will do our best to share additional details and explore options to support your participation.
The Province of Ontario, where all the activities are held, has legislative requirements for accessible venues and services under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), which has helped reduce barriers and strengthen accountability across many locations.
Monday, July 20
Walking Tour of Toronto
Time: 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Meet-Up Location: Hotel lobby
Transportation: Includes approximately 5 km of walking between locations on mostly flat, pedestrian-friendly streets.
After the excitement of the morning Welcome Ceremony at World Council, begin the week with a guided walking tour introducing companions to downtown Toronto. Participants will explore key landmarks, neighbourhoods, and waterfront areas while learning about the city’s history, culture, and architecture. This relaxed afternoon tour is a great opportunity to become familiar with the surrounding area and enjoy Toronto’s vibrant summer atmosphere.
Tuesday, July 21
World Council Excursions Programme
Time: Full Day
Meet-Up Location: As outlined in the Excursions Programme
Registered companions will be assigned to their excursion based on their ‘primary delegate’ preference selections in the registration portal. You are invited and encouraged to join the official World Council Excursions Programme alongside delegates and conference participants. Please refer to the Excursions Programme schedule for excursion options, timings, and transportation details.
Your excursion assignment will be indicated on your delegate badge upon in-person registration.
Wednesday, July 22
St. Lawrence Market & Berczy Park
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Meet-Up Location: Hotel lobby
Transportation: Includes approximately 1.5 km of walking between locations on mostly flat, pedestrian-friendly streets.
Enjoy a morning visit to Toronto’s historic St. Lawrence Market district, one of the city’s most beloved destinations for local food, artisanal products, and specialty vendors. The tour will also include a stop at nearby Berczy Park to visit the famous dog fountain and surrounding heritage streets.
Distillery District
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Meet-Up Location: Hotel Lobby
Transportation: Includes approximately 2.5 km of walking between locations on mostly flat, pedestrian-friendly streets.
Spend the afternoon exploring Toronto’s Distillery Historic District, known for its Victorian industrial architecture, cobblestone streets, galleries, boutiques, cafés, and public art. Participants will have free time to browse shops and enjoy the district at a relaxed pace.
Eaton Centre Shopping
Time: From 5:00 PM Onward
Meet-Up Location: Distillery District / Independent Return
Transportation: Includes approximately 0.5 km of walking between locations on mostly flat, pedestrian-friendly streets.
Companions may continue the evening with optional shopping and sightseeing at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre and surrounding downtown area. Participants may return to the hotel at their convenience prior to dinner.
Thursday, July 23
Harbourfront Sightseeing & Waterfront Walk
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Meet-Up Location: Hotel Lobby
Transportation: Includes approximately 2 km of walking between locations on mostly flat, pedestrian-friendly streets.
Explore Toronto’s Harbourfront area with a scenic waterfront walk featuring public spaces, sightseeing opportunities, shopping, and family-friendly attractions including the waterfront splash pad area. This relaxed morning outing offers beautiful lake views and opportunities to enjoy Toronto’s summer waterfront atmosphere.
Allan Gardens Conservatory
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Meet-Up Location: Hotel Lobby
Transportation: Includes approximately 2 km of walking between locations on mostly flat, pedestrian-friendly streets.
Visit Allan Gardens, one of Toronto’s historic indoor botanical gardens. Participants can explore the conservatory’s beautiful plant collections, seasonal displays, and tranquil greenhouse spaces before returning to the hotel for conference activities and departures.
Friday, July 24
Riverdale Farm
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Meet-Up Location: Hotel Lobby
Transportation: Public transit. Includes approximately 1.5 km of walking between transit locations on mostly flat, pedestrian-friendly streets.
Participants will travel by public transit to Riverdale Farm, a peaceful urban farm located in the heart of Toronto. The farm features gardens, walking paths, and heritage farm animals in a scenic park setting. This outing provides a quieter opportunity to experience one of Toronto’s unique community spaces.
Additional Activities & Independent Exploration
Toronto offers a wide variety of attractions, neighbourhoods, cultural experiences, shopping, museums, parks, and family-friendly activities for visitors wishing to explore beyond the Companion Programme schedule.
Participants interested in arranging independent activities during free time are encouraged to explore the official Destination Toronto World Council site for ideas, visitor information, local recommendations, and city guides.
Please note that any independently arranged activities are:
Optional and at the participant’s own expense
Not organized, guided, or supported by the World Council conference team
The responsibility of the participant, including transportation and admission costs where applicable
We encourage participants to review activity details, accessibility information, operating hours, and transportation requirements directly with the venue or provider before making arrangements.