Unique City Venues BACK

If there's one thing T.O. has, it's a wide choice of venues. From the tried and true to the hot and new, it's easy to find excellent event space.

That menu also includes some fabulously novel spots that prompt guests to say: "This is great! I didn't know about this place."

Here's what we found when we went venue shopping off the beaten track:

Where Halloween Lives Year-round
Blending into Dundas Street West’s Junction streetscape stands a funeral home (one of Toronto’s originals), non-descript save for the facade banner:  Rue Morgue House of Horrors. Once a temporary resting spot for the dearly departed, it’s now home to a thriving empire that lionizes the undead genre through magazine, radio, film, events and merchandise. Whether hosting an occasion onsite or off, Rue Morgue’s staff is ghoulishly resourceful.

Red velvet curtains part to reveal event space: a pew-lined chapel (seating 100) with stage, surround sound, DVD projection and screen wall. Cocktail in the foyer where the company’s Little Shoppe of Horrors serves as a bar. Macabre artwork and gruesome mannequins abound; for more, peruse the basement prop shop … if you dare. www.rue-morgue.com

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In The Tunnel Below
We’re not unfamiliar with hopping the subway after a party, but attending a party in the subway would be quite the turn of books. For those in the know, the fully operational TTC Lower Bay station – once part of the system route, now used mainly for training, work vehicles and filming – is available for special events.

Stage the initial welcome for guests at the Bay subway entrance before leading them to the subterranean secret below. Transform the platform into a rush-hour lounge for up to 300 people. Trains in the station, a safety prerequisite, offer on-board seating and unique hospitality “suites.” Dress car interiors for themed ambience; the advertising panels offer ideal event messaging space. Alcohol service requires a Special Occasion Permit. www.ttc.ca

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Members-only Vintage
Wine is the entry fee to the Fine Wine Reserve where its Tasting Room and Lounge provides an exclusive entertaining area for member collectors and enthusiasts. The 5,000-sq.-ft. facility, located in the basement of an unmarked building at King and Spadina, offers the city’s oenophiles 24-hour-access wine lockers and proper bottle storage. Along with membership come drop-in privileges to the many wine education events plus private use of the Tasting Room.

A table of ancient hemlock, seating for up to 12, is central to the handsome, claret-hued event room. Use for board meetings and client schmoozing. The room accommodates up to 20 seated. Quality stemware and dishware is available along with a small catering kitchen. Fine Wine’s industry connections mean customized tastings with international wine makers, wineries, agents and sommeliers are but a request away.  www.FineWineReserve.com

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Amid The Island Trees
When an urban retreat is on the books, look no further than across the city’s harbour to Toronto Island where Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts brings nature and events together with many options. Available year-round, shuttle pick-up at an Island ferry dock delivers groups to the charming and affordable cottage-like facility, a touchstone for artists and creative thinkers alike.

For indoor meetings and events, the Retreat Centre offers several rooms with a window on nature. The Fireplace Room and Beacon Room both have capacities for 270 theatre-style, and the City View Room for up to 64 theatre-style. For fresh-air happenings, tent an event on the lush picnic-perfect area lawn or hit the private sandy beach. Bonfires permissible. Overnight lodging sleeps 18. www.torontoartscape.on.ca/gpca