Welcome to Connecting the Dots!
To make your journey as seamless as possible, this page provides essential details about transportation, parking, public transportation options, accessibility services, and technology offerings at the event. We've also included some helpful information on our dress code, ensuring your comfort throughout the conference. So, let's get you prepared for a rewarding and stress-free experience at Connecting the Dots!
Address
October 29, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
MaRS Discovery District
101 College Street, Toronto ON
Landmark and Orientation Cues
The MaRS Discovery District is located on the northwest corner of College Street and University Avenue in downtown Toronto and is directly connected to Queen's Park TTC Station through an accessible indoor corridor.
Nearby landmarks include:
- Queen's Park
- University of Toronto
- Toronto General Hospital
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre
- Ontario Legislative Building
The surrounding sidewalks are level, signalized, and equipped with curb cuts and tactile warning surfaces at major intersections.
Queen's Park Station to MaRS Discovery District
The following directions use Orientation & Mobility techniques including wall trailing, auditory landmarks, clock-face directions and environmental cues. They are intended for travellers using a white cane, guide dog or other independent travel techniques.
Step 1 – Exit the Subway Platform
After exiting the train:
- Proceed upstairs using the stairs, escalator or elevator.
- Continue through the fare gates.
Once through the fare gates:
- Walk straight ahead until you locate the far wall.
- You are now oriented facing south.
- Turn left (east) while keeping the wall on your right-hand side.
- Continue trailing the wall until you locate an alcove with several hallway entrances.
- At the first hallway, make a right turn.
If Using the Elevator:
- Exit the elevator.
- Turn right.
- Continue to the first hallway.
- Turn right again into the hallway leading toward MaRS.
Step 2 – Continue Toward the MaRS Connection
Follow the hallway until it angles slightly toward approximately the 10 o'clock direction.
Continue toward the double doors ahead.
Proceed through both sets of doors into the MaRS connection corridor.
Step 3 – Follow the Indoor Corridor
Once inside the MaRS corridor:
- Continue straight ahead through the wide white hallway.
- The flooring remains smooth and level.
- Continue until you hear the sound of the escalators.
The escalators provide an important audible landmark.
Upon hearing the escalators:
- Turn right (approximately 2 o'clock).
- Continue following the hallway.
Step 4 – Enter the Main Concourse, and continue to the end of the hallway.
At the end:
- Turn left.
- Continue down the white hallway.
The corridor will open into a large public concourse with higher ceilings and increased ambient noise from the food court and pedestrian traffic.
Step 5 – Arrive at the Auditorium
As the hallway opens into the large concourse:
- The MaRS Collaboration Centre Auditorium will be located on your right-hand side, at approximately the 1 o'clock position.
Connecting the Dots registration will be positioned immediately outside the auditorium entrance.
CNIB volunteers will also be stationed here throughout the day to provide orientation assistance.
Public Transportation
Arrival by Train/GO Transit
1. Travel to Union Station.
2. Transfer to Line 1 Subway (Northbound).
3. Exit at Queen's Park Station.
4. Follow the accessible indoor connection to MaRS.
Arrival by Subway
Recommended Station: Queen's Park Station – Line 1 (Yonge–University)
Queen's Park Station is fully accessible and offers a direct indoor connection to MaRS Discovery District.
Estimated travel time from Union Station: 5–7 minutes
Elevators, tactile platform edges, audible announcements and accessible fare gates are available throughout the station.
Arrival by Streetcar
The TTC 506 Carlton Streetcar stops directly outside MaRS at College Street and University Avenue.
Accessible low-floor streetcars operate on this route.
Arrival by Wheel-Trans
Wheel-Trans passengers should request drop-off at: 101 College Street
Accessible entrances and elevators are available immediately upon arrival.
Conference volunteers will be available to assist passengers entering the building if requested.
Driving and Parking
GPS Address: 101 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7
If using GPS, enter the above address.
Monday–Friday Parking
The MaRS underground parking garage provides the closest accessible parking to the conference.
Parking Entrances
Elizabeth Street Entrance
• Located immediately south of College Street
• West side of Elizabeth Street
University Avenue Entrance
• Northbound traffic only
• Located immediately south of College Street
Accessible parking spaces are available near the elevators, which provide direct access into the MaRS building.
Parking Rates (Monday–Friday)
5 a.m.–5 p.m. - $4.00 per 30 minutes
Daily Maximum - $20.00
Early Bird (enter before 7:30 a.m.) - $16.00
Evening Maximum (after 5:00 p.m.) - $6.00
Parking rates are subject to change.
For accessible drop-off, drivers should use the main entrance on College Street whenever traffic conditions permit.
Other recommended accessible drop-off locations include:
Main entrance on College Street
Elizabeth Street entrance
University Avenue entrance
Wheel-Trans, accessible taxis, Uber Assist and other accessible transportation providers can safely drop passengers at these entrances.
Accessibility
White Cane Travel Tips
The route from Queen's Park Station to the auditorium provides several reliable orientation cues:
- Wall trailing is possible for much of the route.
- Hallway intersections are distinct and easily identifiable.
- Door transitions provide tactile confirmation of major decision points.
- Escalator noise serves as a consistent audible landmark.
- Flooring remains level with minimal trip hazards.
- Automatic doors are encountered when entering MaRS.
Guide Dog Travel Tips
Guide dog teams should expect:
- Wide hallways with minimal obstructions.
- Automatic entrance doors.
- Moderate to heavy pedestrian traffic during peak hours.
- Escalators that can be bypassed using elevators.
- Spacious circulation areas throughout the concourse.
Guide dog relief areas will be available during the conference and volunteers can provide directions at any time.
Food Court
The MaRS food court is located beyond the escalators within the main concourse.
Food vendors include:
- Tim Hortons
- Sushi counter
- Pumpernickel's
- Subway
- Teriyaki Express
- Pastacceria
These restaurants remain available throughout the conference day.
Accessible Washrooms
Directions from the auditorium:
1. Exit through the main auditorium doors.
2. Turn right.
3. Continue to the hallway.
4. Turn right again.
5. The washroom entrance is located on the left-hand side of the hallway.
Inside the recessed washroom entrance:
- Men's washroom is located on the left.
- Women's washroom is located on the right.
Please note there is currently no tactile signage identifying the men's and women's washrooms once inside the recessed entrance. CNIB volunteers will be stationed nearby throughout the conference to provide orientation assistance where needed.
Volunteer Wayfinding Support
To support safe and independent navigation, CNIB volunteers will be positioned at key locations throughout the conference, including:
- Queen's Park Station entrance into MaRS
- Main entrance
- Registration desk
- Auditorium entrance
- Session rooms
- Exhibitor Marketplace
- Networking reception
- Guide dog relief area
- Washroom corridor
- Transportation pick-up locations
Volunteers will be available to provide:
- Sighted guide assistance
- Verbal orientation
- Building familiarization
- Wayfinding between sessions
- Assistance locating elevators, washrooms, exhibitors, networking spaces, refreshments, and transportation.
Accessibility Features
MaRS Discovery District includes:
- Automatic entrance doors
- Barrier-free entrances
- Accessible elevators
- Accessible washrooms
- Wide interior corridors
- Direct TTC connection
- Accessible parking
- Guide dog friendly environment
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Audible pedestrian signals surrounding the venue
Need Further Assistance?
If you require assistance upon arrival or at any point during the conference, please speak with any CNIB volunteer or conference staff member. Sighted guide assistance, orientation support, and wayfinding services will be available throughout the day to ensure all attendees can navigate the venue safely, independently, and confidently.
Dress Code
At Connecting the Dots, your comfort is key! We encourage all participants to dress in a manner that allows them to participate comfortably. For those seeking more specific guidance, a business casual attire is recommended.