Toronto Pursuits
- July 13 – 18, 2025
- Victoria University at the University of Toronto
- TBA Days - TBA Nights
- TBA to TBA participants
Toronto Pursuits 2025 Overview
Cost – TBA
The cost includes one seminar Monday to Friday, a Toronto Summer Music Festival concert ticket, cocktail reception with a full bar, coffee and newspapers all week, five buffet lunches, afternoon speakers, film screenings, and more. See full details below.
Bring-a-friend discount: Save up to C$400 when you bring a new friend to Toronto Pursuits. For every new registrant you refer, save C$100, up to four people. Your friend will also save C$100 on their registration.
Accommodation
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.
How It Works
Choose one of our lively, focused, and participatory seminars, which are the anchor of the week. Seminars gather from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Monday to Friday and are followed by an excellent hot buffet lunch. Afternoons and evenings are devoted to social and cultural activities both on and off campus—talks, literary quizzes, 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.
Cost and Payment
COST AND PAYMENT
The cost of Toronto Pursuits 2025 will be announced shortly.
Bring-a-friend discount: Save up to C$400 when you bring a new friend to Toronto Pursuits. For every new registrant you refer, save C$100, up to four people. Your friend will also save C$100. To get this discount, use the code FRIEND24 and please indicate your friend’s name in the order notes.
Note that you can receive a maximum single discount of $100 as the new registrant being referred. You can receive multiple discounts as the person referring a new participant, up to $400.
Your payment includes a C$300 deposit that is not refundable but that can be transferred to the next calendar year should you need to cancel. Register on this page, or from our catalogue page.
The cost includes one seminar Monday to Friday, a Toronto Summer Music Festival concert ticket, our welcome cocktail reception with an open bar, coffee and newspapers all week, five buffet lunches, afternoon speakers, film screenings, and a range of other cultural and social activities. All costs are subject to the 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). All prices in are in Canadian dollars.
A few optional activities are not included in the main cost (e.g., museum visits) and most can be paid on site. We will have a 2025 schedule posted on this page in spring 2025.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Participants are responsible for booking their own accommodations. Most out-of-town participants stay at Rowell Jackman hall 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:
C$93.50 per single room/per night with breakfast + 13% HST = C$105.66 incl HST
C$126.00 per double room/per night with breakfast + 13% HST = C$142.38 incl HST
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
We have a group rate of C$339 at the Royal Sonesta for July 14 to 19, 2024. The group rate will also be available 3 days prior and 3 days after the event dates indicated in the room block, subject to rate availability of guest rooms at the time of the reservation. Book with code G071124CLA, or use the link below.
For any questions about Royal Sonesta accommodations, please call +1 416-960-5200 or +1 416-324-875.
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.
TORONTO PURSUITS REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS
Your payment includes a C$300 deposit that is not refundable but that can be transferred to the next calendar year should you need to cancel. Please see our Registration and Cancellation Policy and our Privacy Policy for more details. We strongly encourage all partcipants travelling from outside Toronto to purchase trip cancellation insurance.
SEMINAR CHANGES
We encourage you to read the seminar descriptions carefully to make sure the topic and amount of reading are a good match for you. You can always find all readings listed on each seminar page and get details on length using book ISBNs. You are free to change your seminar before July 1, 2024, provided there is space in the seminar you want to move to and you are able to complete any preparation required. After July 1, we cannot accommodate any change in seminar.
New to Toronto Pursuits? Watch our video to learn more.
Leaders
Melanie Blake
FAQ
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 below.
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 peiple 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.
When does Toronto Pursuits start and end?
On Sunday, July 14, 2024, 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 15, 2024 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 2024 ends around 2:15 p.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024.
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 14 or 8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. on Monday, July 15.
How much does Toronto Pursuits cost?
Toronto Pursuits 2024 costs C$1450 up to January 31 and C$1550 starting on February 1.
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 time?
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$300 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.
