The top 12 event venues in uptown Toronto

Toronto has plenty of event venues. From those suitable for a large, small, budget, creative or restaurant wedding to the tried and true or the new and exciting, there are plenty of venues to choose from when organizing a party or event. But what if you want to host your event north of Eglinton? Uptown Toronto features a wide range of event venues too - everything from grand Victorian manors to revamped industrial warehouses.

Here are my picks for the top event venues in uptown Toronto.

York Mills Gallery
Located just north of Leslie and York Mills, this sprawling 15,000 sq foot property offers a loft-style space with an urban-industrial flair. The venue is located within a remodeled brick warehouse, giving it high, beamed ceilings, and large windows. As a finishing touch, there is ambient light throughout the space, with nine ballroom chandeliers dotting the ceilings.

The Eglinton Grand
This spectacular art deco building was originally the Eglinton Theatre, built in the mid 1930s as the flagship of the Famous Players national cinema chain. Nowadays it operates as an events venue for those old souls yearning for something with a little more historic flair. The space itself has been fully restored, including ballrooms and a 16 x 20 foot screen.

Downsview Warehouse
The Warehouse at Downsview Park is a massive 16,000 sq foot blank slate. The venue is designed for intense levels of customization, with an in-house design team to help plan out events. The space has 30-foot ceilings to go with its elegant décor as well as a complimentary suite.

Capitol Event Theatre
Built in 1918, the Capitol Event Theatre was once a Vaudeville house seating over a thousand guests. After spending most of the century as a stylish movie theater, it reopened as an events venue in 1998. As expected, this space is a callback to the Roaring Twenties with a grand scale ballroom, a warm décor and a tiered mezzanine.

Toronto Botanical Garden
The TBG operates four acres divided into 17 differently themed gardens. The gardens have a wide variety of features, such as private spaces and tranquil water features, giving each a unique look. While the draw here is certainly the incredible outdoor experience, the TBG also features several indoor options keeping with the floral theme.

Graydon Hall Manor
This Georgian-style manor was initially designed as a "sportsman's paradise" with a park, race track, golf course, stables and many other amenities. Today it operates as a venue for social functions. It features carved stone gateposts, a grand staircase and manicured formal gardens with tiered fountains, crab-apple trees and flower beds.

Donalda Club
The Donalda Club was once the private homestead of local philanthropist David Dunlap, who named the property after his wife, Jessie Donalda Dunlap. Today it primarily operates as a multi-activity golf and country club in the Don Mills area, but its open spaces and beautiful greenery make it a top choice for weddings and corporate events.

Estates of Sunnybrook
The Estates feature two buildings, each with their own style. The McLean House was one of Toronto's premiere Georgian manors and features high ceilings, spacious rooms, Palladian windows and beautiful gardens. The Vaughan Estate is classic Elizabethan style with several ballrooms, grand fireplaces along with intricate cournice moldings and plaster ceilings.

Grand Luxe Event Boutique
This 6,000 sq foot space features a grand ballroom with custom fabric chandeliers, contemporary canvas artwork and chrome accented walls. The ballroom entrance gives way to a 22-foot marble wrapped bar, perfect for large events. For smaller gatherings, there's also a parlour featuring a modern take on the art deco style.

Auberge du Pommier
One of the premier French restaurants in Toronto, and Oliver & Bonacini's crown jewel, Auberge du Pommier also hosts events for those looking for an escape from the city. The restaurant is built in a rustic style, and during the spring and summer features a garden terrace for outdoor receptions.

David Duncan House
The David Duncan House is the last of its kind in Toronto, a classic Ontario Gothic-style farmhouse, originally belonging to farming magnate William Duncan and his son David Duncan. Evocative of gingerbread houses, the venue has been restored to feature the elaborate décor and extravagance that is so critical to the Gothic style.

Columbus Event Centre
The Columbus Event Centre has been a mainstay on Lawrence Avenue for over 30 years, situation on four acres of space with Mediterranean gardens, water fountains and gazebos. There's a wide variety of rooms in the grand structure, ranging from a classic ballroom to a modern art gallery.

What did I miss? Add your favourite uptown Toronto event venue to the comments. Photo of the Eglinton Grand by PJ Mixer in the blogTO Flickr pool.

by Maria Vanta via blogTO