Shopify Unite 2019: What to See + Where to Eat During the Toronto Event
Things to Do & Places to See in Toronto During Shopify Unite
When Shopify officially revealed the details of Shopify Unite 2019, ecommerce pros everywhere got excited about the upcoming Toronto conference.
Taking place on June 18-20, 2019, this event is proposed to be one filled with ecommerce knowledge, expert speakers, marketing hacks, and Shopify swag. And if you plan to attend this event, then you’re already preparing for your trip to beautiful Toronto, Canada.
Want to make the most of your time during Shopify Unite? Here are some of the best things to see, places to visit, and foods to eat – according to Toronto locals themselves!
Shopify Unite Location – About Toronto, Canada
Toronto is a ginormous city – the largest city in all of Canada, in fact. Split into six diverse districts, it is one of the most multicultural cities in the entire world. That’s why there are so many unique things to do and see in the Toronto area.
From breathtaking architecture to eclectic neighborhoods to hole-in-the-wall taverns, Toronto draws a diverse crowd. Even techies and ecommerce pros can find a home-away-from-home in this bustling city.
What makes Toronto such an ideal destination? Check it out...
Grab a Bite at the Tastiest Restaurants & Dives in Toronto
Toronto is truly a foodie’s paradise, so you won’t be lacking in tasty things to eat between the Shopify Unite sessions.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite in the morning or fancy yourself a nice dinner after the event, there are tons of options available.
We reached out to a few Toronto locals in the industry for their recommendations on what to see and do in the area.
Cluny Bistro
Jarek Rozynski is Whitecap SEO’s very own PPC Director – who just happens to be a local Torontonian. He and his wife love the city and had many suggestions to offer to Shopify conference attendees.
The two top restaurants they recommend are Cluny Bistro and Patria (below).
Cluny is a “huge modern French bistro with updated classic fare & Gallic feel, from marble bar to tiled floors” in the heart of the Distillery Historic District. Venture over for small bites like flaky pastries, or warm, cheesy dishes and seafood fare.
Address: 35 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada
Phone: +1 416-203-2632
Patria
Another favorite is Patria – a tapas bar with paella, cocktails, and other Spanish eats. Patria has a stylish and airy sitting area that’s reminiscent of Spain’s intimate, community-based food culture.
Address: 478 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1L7, Canada
Phone: +1 416-367-0505
Tennessee Tavern
Thomas Turley of Nextopia is a Toronto local that loves good comfort food with a twist.
Tennessee Tavern heralds itself as “quirky”, serving warm Eastern European dishes and cool drinks. The decor makes this tavern a sight to see in and of itself.
Address: 1554 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1A6, Canada
Phone: +1 416-535-7777
Lee
Lee is actually right across the street from the new Shopify office and serves “Asian & French-influenced small plates meant for sharing”. “You have to have the 19-ingredient Singaporean-Style Slaw!”, says Ted Starkman from Stream Commerce.
Address: 601 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M5, Canada
Phone: +1 416-504-7867
The Chase
The Chase on Temperance Street has an amazing rooftop dining room with an incredible patio.
It’s a contemporary fine dining experience that includes delicious wines and hearty dishes. You can find anything from lamb to cod to scallops to octopus to gnocchi.
Address: 10 Temperance St Fl 5, Toronto, ON M5H 1Y4, Canada
Phone: +1 647-348-7000
La Carnita
Tucker Schreiber of Ivy highly recommends La Carnita – a hot spot for delicious tacos, churros, and drinks.
Check out La Carnita’s website for hours and contact information for their multiple Toronto locations.
CN Tower 360 Restaurant
“The CN Tower is a 553.3 m-high concrete communications and observation tower located in Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada”. The best news? It has it’s very own 360-degree, rotating restaurant.
Debbie Horovitch recommends CN Tower for you to catch great views of the city while enjoying a delicious lunch. Come here for “Canadian Wines, Canadian Ingredients, and Canadian Views!”
Address: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada
Phone: +1 416-362-5411
Jacobs & Co Steakhouse
Just in case you thought you didn’t have enough options, Dan Eveleigh, the former Head of the Shopify Experts Program and current Founder at Nine And Two Consulting, recommends Jacobs & Co Steakhouse. After all, it’s only an 8-10 minute drive from the Unite event itself!
If you are looking for an elegant environment – suited with a piano bar – with house-aged steaks & tasty salads, this is the place to be.
Address: 12 Brant St, Toronto, ON M5V 2M1, Canada
Phone: +1 416-366-0200
Things to Do & Sights to See in Toronto
Ecommerce experts are traveling far and wide to join the Shopify Unite 2019 event. If you’re coming all the way to Toronto, you might as well get in a little sightseeing for a mini vacation experience.
Skip the super touristy spots by checking out what’s recommended by the Toronto locals.
Visit the Toronto Islands
Toronto locals love the area not only for its food but also for the natural landscape. To see more of Toronto, take a ferry to the Toronto Islands for a breath of fresh air and a day of exploring.
Walk Around St. Lawrence Market and The Esplanade
Toronto locals also recommend visiting St. Lawrence Market and having a drink on The Esplanade. You can find lots of goodies, local merchants, art, music, and more. The market is a great location for a casual time out between the Unite events.
Check Out the Hockey Hall of Fame
Hockey – Canada’s national pastime. What’s a visit to Toronto without learning a bit about this thrilling sport?
Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame to check out “the greats” and learn what makes hockey so loved by Canadians everywhere.
Visit “The ROM”
Got more of a refined taste? The Royal Ontario Museum (aka “The ROM”) is a great stop-off of history, art, and sculpture.
Hours run from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, 7 days per week. Admission starts at $20 per adult.
Explore Kensington Market
Another market to check out is the Kensington Market. The market is in a vibrant and diverse neighborhood, giving you a good glimpse into Toronto life.
Have a Day at Trinity Bellwoods Park
Trinity Bellwoods Park is a public park located in the west end of Toronto, Ontario.
This park is great for a picnic or a simple stroll through nature. Take a break in between meetings and events to check out this iconic park.
Go Underground with the Path MAP
For something even more unique, check out Toronto’s Path system:
“It's essentially the world's largest underground city that connects all the main towers in downtown Toronto. You can get around the downtown core, never having to go outside.” says Jarek Rozynski of Whitecap SEO.
There are loads of things to do and places to see while on your trip to Toronto.
Cool Off with a Drink at Toronto’s Best Bars
The Shopify Unite conference is guaranteed to be an interesting event full of expert advice, business tips, and ecommerce strategies. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun, or at least a chance to unwind.
Grab a yummy drink or a classy glass of Canadian wine a Toronto’s best bars, according to Toronto locals.
Hemingway’s
Find loads of laughs and lively music at Hemingway’s, a “New Zealand-style pub with an all-year rooftop patio, 24 draft beers & pub eats”.
This is the place to be for a fun night out. Just don’t party TOO hard.
The Drake Hotel
Go to The Drake Hotel for comfort food and 3 pm - 6 pm Happy Hour. Less lively than Hemingway’s, this a nice spot for networking after the Shopify Unite event.
BarChef
BarChef is a local spot for casual drinks. Network with other Shopify Unite attendees by stopping into this bar.
Described as a “dimly lit, intimate hangout offering creative cocktails, with over 5,000 housemade bitters”, BarChef is a hip location for good drinks and conversation.
Founder Bar
Former Shopify Experts OG Dan Eveleigh recommends the Founder Bar for drinks.
Why does Dan recommend Founder Bar? Because it was actually founded by some ex and current Shopify folks!
Don’t worry – you won’t have to “talk shop” while you’re there. Just stop by to try a house cocktail and some delicious cuisine. This is the perfect place to unwind after a weekend of meetings, sessions, and networking.
Mill Street Brewery
Mill Street Brewery is a hip brewery and pub that delivers good beer and bar food. It is “East Toronto’s first commercial micro-brewery to open in more than 100 years!”
Grab a table or reserve a table, depending on whether you’re with a small group or hosting a post-Shopify Unite recap sesh. Mill Street Brewery is always a good time!
d|bar at Four Seasons
d|bar is another local favorite. Situated in the Four Seasons hotel, it is a bit fancier than the previously recommended bars. Even so, it’s the ideal place for a nice cocktail and tasty food. Chef Daniel Boulud provides both a “destination” menu and menu with casual fare that’s ideal for sharing.
Real Sports Bar & Grill
Catch the Toronto Raptors in the NBA Finals at Real Sports Bar in Toronto!
Or, if basketball isn’t your thing, this is still a happening spot for Canadian beer and hearty bar food. Find everything from sliders to buffalo chicken to bacon poutine to tomato soup!
The Cloak Bar
The Cloak Bar is a smart choice for anyone visiting the area for Shopify Unite 2019.
This “dimly lit subterranean hideaway” is Toronto’s own speakeasy, with craft cocktails & elevated bar snacks. If you’re looking for a bar that’s the pinnacle of Toronto’s bar scene, The Cloak Bar is it.
Shopify Unite 2019 – Have a Blast in Toronto, Canada!
Ready to bump elbows with some of the best in the ecommerce business? Looking to learn more about how to optimize your site and get more customers? Then you are in for a great weekend at Shopify Unite.
While you’re there, take a chance to experience all that Toronto has to offer. From world-renowned restaurants to intriguing sights to lively bars, Toronto has a ton to offer during your mini vacation away.
Special thanks to Toronto locals Jarek Rozynski from Whitecap SEO, Dan Eveleigh from Nine And Two Consulting, Ted Starkman from Stream Commerce, Tucker Schreiber of Ivy, Debbie Horovitch of The Sparkle Agency, and Thomas Turley of Nextopia for contributing their unique perspective to this Shopify Unite 2019 guide!
Are you attending Shopify Unite in Toronto? Make sure to say hi to Whitecap SEO Founder and Chief SEO Strategist Michael Salvo! He’ll be the one desperately trying to find Drake so he can slip him his mixtape.
