Toronto Pursuits
- July 13 – 18, 2025
- Victoria University at the University of Toronto
- 5- to 6-day program
- 85 to 125 participants
Toronto Pursuits 2025 Seminars
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Toronto Pursuits
Will the Real Helen Please Stand Up?
$1,350.00 – $1,650.00 Learn More This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Toronto Pursuits
Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood”: the creation of a new literary genre!
$1,350.00 – $1,650.00 Learn More This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Toronto Pursuits
The Waste Land After 100 Years
$1,350.00 – $1,650.00 Learn More This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Toronto Pursuits
Shaping a Life: The Mill on the Floss
$1,350.00 – $1,650.00 Learn More This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Toronto Pursuits
Seriously Funny: The Fantastical World of Rabelais
$1,350.00 – $1,650.00 Learn More This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Toronto Pursuits
Nixing Nihilism: A Survey of Contemporary Philosophy
$1,350.00 – $1,650.00 Learn More This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Toronto Pursuits
Huckleberry Finn and James
$1,350.00 – $1,650.00 Learn More This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Toronto Pursuits
How the Internet Ate the News: Media Literacy in the Digital Age
$1,350.00 – $1,650.00 Learn More This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Toronto Pursuits
From Motif to Masterpiece: Themes and Variations
$1,350.00 – $1,650.00 Learn More This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Toronto Pursuits
Appreciating Painting: Learning to Look, Coming to See
$1,350.00 – $1,650.00 Learn More This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
What Is Toronto Pursuits
Toronto Pursuits is our annual summer program at the University of Toronto. Choose one of our lively, focused, and participatory seminars. These collaborative, small-group seminars are based on the Shared Inquiry method and are the anchor of the week.
On Sunday, July 13, participants are invited to check in and attend a demo Shared Inquiry discussion.
The program officially begins on Monday, July 14. Seminars run each morning from Monday to Friday and are followed by an excellent hot buffet lunch. Afternoons and evenings are devoted to social and cultural activities on and off campus—talks, museum visits, and concerts are just a few options to choose from.
There’s a free and open approach at Toronto Pursuits that’s relaxing and stimulating at the same time.
Accommodations
Participants book their own accommodations. Most out-of-town participants stay at the Rowell Jackman dormitory on the Victoria University campus or at our partner hotel, the Royal Sonesta Yorkville. Other options are also listed below. Whatever you choose, we encourage you to book early. Please read all terms, conditions and standards carefully before you book; it is your responsibility to make sure your choice of accommodation is right for you.
Rowell Jackman Dorm Accommodations
Rowell Jackman Hall offers clean, basic dormitory accommodation at Victoria University at the University of Toronto, where Toronto Pursuits takes place. Washrooms are en suite in the apartment-style dorm. The apartment-style dorm includes two to four bedrooms, a common area, and one or two washrooms, depending on size. In most cases, washrooms are shared with one to three other people. Bedrooms are air-conditioned and each has a locked door within the larger suite.
For any questions about accommodations at Rowell Jackman, please contact accom.victoria@utoronto.ca.
Room & Breakfast Rates: Summer 2025 rates per night are C$100.05 for a single and C$134.82 for a double.
Royal Sonesta Yorkville Accommodations
This four-star hotel is located at 220 Bloor Street West, just 500 metres from Toronto Pursuits on the Victoria University/University of Toronto campus.
You can reserve using the “Book a Room” button below. The cutoff date to book reservations is Tuesday, June 10, 2025. You can also call the hotel at 416-960-5200 or 1-800 -SONESTA (766-3782) and ask for the Classical Pursuits Courtesy Room Block 2025 or use Group code: G071325CLA
Other nearby hotels include TownInn Suites Toronto, the Madison Manor Boutique hotel and the Kimpton St. George. The Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre is about 1.5 kms away, as are other hotels in the Toronto downtown area.
Massey College Accommodation
Participants can also stay at Massey College dormitory accommodation, 600 metres from Victoria University where Toronto Pursuits takes place. Bedrooms have fans; common areas are air-conditioned. Washrooms are shared with one or two other people. Book Massey accommodation here.
What's Included
- One morning seminar (12.5 seminar hours) with coffee break
- 5 hot buffet lunches
- Welcome cocktail party with open bar and hors d'oeuvres
- Ticket to Toronto Summer Music Festival concert
- After-lunch speaker series
- Evening film screening with snacks
- Morning coffee and newspapers
- Welcome materials and seminar prep guidance from your seminar leader
- Not Included: Transport to and from Toronto; accommodation; local transport; seminar readings; meals other than lunch; personal expenses; travel insurance
Classical Pursuits strongly encourages participants coming from outside Toronto to purchase trip cancellation + interruption insurance, and travel medical insurance. Classical Pursuits assumes no responsibility for expenses incurred due to cancellation or disruption of your attendance.
For terms and conditions, and full details about payment and inclusions, please see our Registration and Cancellation Policy and our Privacy Policy.
New to Toronto Pursuits? Watch our video to learn more.
FAQs
What is Toronto Pursuits?
Toronto Pursuits is an annual seminar festival. The heart of Toronto Pursuits is the in-depth discussion and sharing of ideas through a wide range of seminars in literature, film, art and music.
Each participant chooses one morning seminar to take for the week (Monday to Friday). Seminar leaders will facilitate the discussions to enrich your understanding of the given text or film or music.
Each day, seminars are followed by a buffet lunch and a range of afternoon and evening activities. These include after-lunch talks, musuem visits, a cocktail party and more. See more details above.
Who organises the event?
Classical Pursuits develops the themes, selects the leaders, and arranges the activities.
Who comes to Toronto Pursuits?
People who love books, music, and art. People who want more from their vacation. At Toronto Pursuits, we have couples and singles from across North America. About 70 percent will be returnees and the remainder will be there for the first time. About half will be working and half will be retired. They have ranged in age from 16 to 100. Our participants usually come from a wide range of occupations. You don’t need a university degree to enjoy Toronto Pursuits.
Is Toronto Pursuits accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Yes. Victoria College is in the heart of the University of Toronto. It is mostly flat with easy walking access to the seminars, activities on campus and local restaurants. If arriving by car, there is a brief walk from Charles Street through the archway to Old Vic.
All buildings at Victoria University have elevators and there is a wheelchair accessible entrance. Our opening cocktail party at the Royal Sonesta Yorkville is on the ground floor.
The Royal Sonesta Yorkville and the Rowell Jackman dorms do offer accessible rooms. There is a limited number of these, and we encourage you to book early.
If you have particular accessibility questions, please e-mail us.
Where does Toronto Pursuits take place?
It takes place on the beautiful campus of University of Toronto’s Victoria College in the heart of Toronto, near Queen’s Park.
Our centre for the week is Old Vic Foyer at 91 Charles Street West. Seminars take place either at Old Vic or in a neighboring classroom building. Classroom assignments will be given at check-in.
In spring 2025, we will post a full schedule with all times and addresses.
When does Toronto Pursuits start and end?
On Sunday, July 13, 2025, all participants are welcome to pick up their packets from 3 to 4 p.m., and join us at 4:30 p.m. for a one-hour new participant orientation and demo discussion. Sunday events are optional, but we especially encourage out-of-town participants and first-time attendees to participate.
Toronto Pursuits officially starts on Monday, July 14, 2025 at 8:15 a.m. Packet pickup begins at 8:15 a.m. and seminars start at 9:30 a.m. We encourage you to arrive in the Old Vic Foyer by 9 a.m. to have time to meet your seminar leader and mingle with participants.
Toronto Pursuits 2025 ends around 2:15 p.m. on Friday, July 18.
In spring 2025, we will post a full schedule with all times and addresses.
Where do I go and what do I do when I arrive?
Go to Old Vic, at 91 Charles Street West. You will see the check-in table for Toronto Pursuits in the main Foyer. At the table, we will give you your registration packet that includes your seminar room assignment, concert ticket, and all the info you need for the week.
Check-in hours are from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 13 or 8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. on Monday, July 14.
How much does Toronto Pursuits cost?
Toronto Pursuits 2025 costs C$1600 up to February 28, 2025 and C$1800 starting on March 1. We have special discounts when you bring a new friend to Toronto Pursuits. See more information above.
Why am I being charged in Canadian dollars?
You are being charged in Canadian dollars because that is the currency used to price Toronto Pursuits.
If you are paying with a non-Canadian credit card, your credit card issuer/bank will automatically convert the purchase to your local currency. See your credit card statement for the price in your currency.
C$1 is generally worth about US$0.70. So, C$1,600 equals about US$1,112. This is just an estimate for informational purposes. Your credit card issuer may use a different rate based on daily currency fluctuations and their own policies.
What does my registration cost include?
Your registration includes:
- One five-day morning seminar (12.5 total contact hours)
- Coffee and newspapers all week
- Five buffet lunches
- A welcome cocktail reception on July 15 with an open bar
- A new participant welcome and orientation on July 14
- A Toronto Summer Music Festival concert ticket
- Five after-lunch presentations
- A range of other cultural and social activities on site and in Toronto
All costs are subject to the 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).
A more detailed 2024 schedule will be available in spring 2024.
How do I prepare for Toronto Pursuits?
There are two important steps to take to have the best experience at Toronto Pursuits: (1) read your seminar readings in advance, and (2) come with an open mind and a willingness to participant in Shared Inquiry discussions. Both will enhance your Toronto Pursuits experience. For more detailed information on how to prepare and what to expect, please see Preparing for Your Seminar. First-time attendees are encouraged to attend the Shared Inquiry demo discussion in Old Vic the Sunday before seminars start.
What clothing or items should I bring?
In terms of clothing, days will be warm and evenings may be cool, particularly down by the lake. Dress is informal at Toronto Pursuits. Participants wear shorts and a T-shirt, slacks and a shirt, or a casual summer dress. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. It’s a good idea to have a jacket or sweater for cool evenings and air-conditioned rooms. You may wish to bring one dressier outfit for the concert or a dinner out.
Please also bring the books specified for your seminar. Details can be found on the Toronto Pursuits page and the welcome letter you receive from your leader.
Other items that may come in handy include a notebook, a water bottle, sunscreen, and a Toronto guidebook if you’re from out of town.
What documents do I need if I am travelling from the US?
US citizens travelling to Canada by air or land will require a passport that is valid for six months or longer after their return to the US.
What documents will I need if I am travelling from somewhere other than the US?
Visitors from countries other than the U.S. must have a valid passport, and a visa may be required. Most non-U.S. passport holders also need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). You can check the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for additional information regarding visas, or call 1-819-994-2424.
Do I need Canadian currency?
You will need Canadian currency to pay for goods and services in Toronto. You can purchase Canadian dollars from your bank before you arrive or exchange currency at a bank in Toronto, but the easiest and cheapest option is to withdraw Canadian dollars from at ATM at the airport or at one of the many banks in the neighbourhood.
The current exchange rate can be verified online; it fluctuates daily.
Generally, if you use your credit card, you will receive the rate in effect on the day of the transaction. Banks vary in service charges and their policies. It is recommended that you contact your own bank to verify all related service charges.
How will I get around on campus?
Victoria College is in the heart of the University of Toronto. It is mostly flat with easy walking access to the seminars, activities on campus and local restaurants. If arriving by car, there is a brief walk from Charles Street through the archway to Old Vic.
Toronto Pursuits is fully accessible. All buildings have elevators and accessible entrances.
What institutions of special interest are near Victoria College?
The Royal Ontario Museum, the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art, the Ontario Parliament buildings, the trendy Yorkville shopping area, Bloor Street shops and restaurants, and the Manulife Centre cinemas and stores are all within easy walking distance.
What is the best way to get around town?
Toronto has a safe and efficient public transportation system. Victoria College is served by both subway and bus, with the closest subway stop being the Museum station. For full info, see the TTC website.
There are many taxi companies; we usually use Beck at 416-751-5555. Taxis can be hailed from major streets. Uber and Lyft are also available.
If you drive, there is no free parking on campus, but you can purchase a parking permit. Parking is located nearby within a short walk, but it is not guaranteed and must be purchased on arrival.
What about meals?
A hot buffet lunch is provided Monday to Friday as part of your registration. We always have vegetarian and some gluten-free and kosher options, and salad every day. Soft drinks and water are served at lunch, along with coffee and tea. For dinner, Toronto is full of wonderful restaurants of every description and price range to explore on your own or with friends. On a few evenings during the week, leaders will be available to escort small groups to local eateries each evening.
The dining hall in Burwash Hall at Victoria College offers a full buffet breakfast for a modest price; it is included in your room charge if you are staying in the Rowell Jackman student residence at Victoria College.
What if I must cancel my registration?
If you must cancel your registration, please notify Classical Pursuits immediately by calling 647-846-3422 or 1-844-378-2869 or by email at info@classicalpursuits.com. If you cancel prior to June 13, we will refund 80% of your payment, minus the C$400 deposit. We will transfer the balance to Toronto Pursuits in the next calendar year.
Click here for full information on cancellations, refunds or seminar changes.
What if I have another question?
If you need any further information, please contact us at tel: 647-846-3422, toll-free: 1.844.378.2869, or info@classicalpursuits.com.
