SIAL Canada 2027 will take place from April 27 to 29 at Enercare Centre, Toronto, showcasing the agri-food sector.
Dates
27–29 Apr 2027
City / country
Toronto, Canada
Venue
Enercare Centre
Are you the organiser of this event?
Companies exhibiting at SIAL Canada include a o smith, A SPICE AFFAIR, AB World Foods, ABC and ABY'S CANDY.
Event overview
SIAL Canada is not only the meeting point of the Canadian agri-food industry, but also the privileged gateway to the American and international markets.
The show is the only event of its kind in Canada, bringing together 850 national and international exhibitors from 55 countries and welcoming more than 26,000 professionals from Canada, the United States and 90 other countries.
SIAL Canada is the only national trade show to offer a complete range of food products under one roof.
TL;DR
Visitors will gain access to a diverse range of food products, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and insights into the latest market trends.
Exhibitors can showcase their products to a targeted audience of industry professionals, gain visibility in the market, and connect with potential buyers. The event provides a unique opportunity to engage with key stakeholders in the agri-food sector. Exhibitors: 850 from 55 countries. SIAL Canada serves as a crucial platform for the agri-food industry, facilitating connections between Canadian producers and international markets.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Toronto, Canada
Attend
Who runs the show
SIAL Canada
How the last edition performed
Current edition
2027
Visitors
20,000
Exhibitors
1,000
Exhibitor countries
50
Visitor countries
60
Impact
SIAL Canada is not only the meeting point of the Canadian agri-food industry, but also the privileged gateway to the American and international markets. The show is the only event of its kind in Canada, bringing together 850 national and international exhibitors from 55 countries and welcoming more than 26,000 professionals from Canada, the United States and 90 other countries. SIAL Canada is the only national trade show to offer a complete.
Audience quality
Visitors typically include Retail buyers from grocery chains, Food service professionals, Food processors and manufacturers, Distributors and wholesalers. Dates: April 27 – 29, 2027. Location: Enercare Centre, Toronto. Exhibitors: 850 from 55 countries. Expected Visitors: Over 26,000 professionals. Documented attendance reached 20,000+ visitors in the reference edition. SIAL Canada attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.
Exhibitor outcomes
Exhibitors can showcase their products to a targeted audience of industry professionals, gain visibility in the market, and connect with potential buyers. The event provides a unique opportunity to engage with key stakeholders in the agri-food sector. Exhibitors: 850 from 55 countries. SIAL Canada serves as a crucial platform for the agri-food industry, facilitating connections between Canadian producers and international markets. Exhibitor categories include Food product manufacturers, Packaging suppliers, Food.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
SIAL Canada is the country's largest food and beverage trade show and the main annual meeting point for Canadian grocery retail, foodservice, import/distribution and processing buyers, with strong French-Canadian and international pavilion participation. It gives exhibitors a single venue to reach both English-Canadian and Quebec buying teams, and gives buyers an efficient way to compare Canadian manufacturing, private-label capacity and imported specialities. Toronto's position inside the USMCA corridor also makes the show a practical entry point for brands testing North American distribution before scaling into the U.S.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
Professionals expect pre-show agendas, product finders, and meeting tools; suppliers align demos and literature to short on-stand decision cycles.
Sustainability in procurement
Energy use, recyclable materials, and carbon reporting increasingly appear in RFPs and exhibitor scorecards across industrial trade fairs.
Automation and labour efficiency
Visitors benchmark machinery, software, and services that reduce downtime, staffing pressure, and total cost of ownership.
Regional supply-chain resilience
Buyers diversify suppliers across Europe, MENA, and Asia while favouring vendors with local service, spare parts, and training.
Hybrid engagement models
Live demonstrations remain decisive, but follow-up webinars, digital catalogues, and year-round supplier portals extend the commercial window after the show.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Toronto Pearson International Airport
Main international gateway with direct flights from Europe, Asia, Latin America and the U.S. UP Express rail runs every ~15 min to Union Station (25 min), then streetcar or GO train to Exhibition Place.
27 km (17 mi) west of Exhibition Place
to venue
25-35 min off-peak; 45-70 min in weekday rush hour
by car
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Downtown island airport with short-haul flights from eastern Canada and the U.S. Northeast; free shuttle to Union Station in about 15 min.
3 km (2 mi) from Exhibition Place
to venue
10-15 min by taxi after the short ferry/shuttle crossing; ~20-25 min via free shuttle + TTC
by car
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport
Secondary option with limited scheduled service; use only if it matches your routing or fares.
75 km (47 mi) southwest of the venue
to venue
60-75 min off-peak
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 120–190 / night
Rates are typical April shoulder-season ranges; downtown Toronto has few true budget hotels, so book early or consider airport-area stays with a longer commute.
sourceUSD 200–300 / night
Liberty Village and Union Station properties give the quickest streetcar/GO access to Exhibition Place.
sourceUSD 320–500 / night
Hotel X Toronto sits on the Exhibition Place grounds, a 5-10 minute walk from the Enercare Centre - the most convenient option for exhibitors during build-up and show days.
sourceGet around the city with these convenient transport options.
TTC streetcar
Cheapest way between downtown hotels and the Enercare Centre; allow 15-25 min from Union Station.
GO Transit train
One stop from Union, about 10 min, with direct walking access to Exhibition Place; useful from Liberty Village and western suburbs.
Parking
On-site parking is available but fills early on show days; pre-purchase where the organiser offers it and confirm hall access and rates on the venue site.
taxi
taxi
taxi
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) | Visa-exempt nationalities arriving by air, including the UK, most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Mexico (per current policy). Not required for U.S. citizens. | $5.00 | Usually approved within minutes; occasional delays of a few days - apply before booking flights. | |
| Temporary Resident Visa (TRV / visitor visa) | Travellers from visa-required countries, including India, China, the Philippines, Nigeria and much of Latin America and Africa. | $75.00 | Published IRCC processing times vary widely - commonly several weeks and sometimes 2-3 months; apply at least 8-10 weeks before travel. | |
| U.S. citizens / business visitor exemption | U.S. citizens visiting for business meetings, trade shows or conferences for up to six months. | — | Not applicable - no application required. |
U.S. citizens require neither an eTA nor a visitor visa for short business visits; visa-exempt travellers arriving by land or sea also generally do not need an eTA.
Canada accepts ATA Carnets for temporary admission of exhibition and professional goods, which avoids paying duty on booth materials and samples. Arrange the carnet through your national chamber of commerce well before shipping and list food samples accurately, as separate CFIA import requirements apply to consumable products.
Official visa pageWeather
Late April in Toronto is cool and changeable: expect daytime highs of about 13-16 °C (55-61 °F) and overnight lows of 4-7 °C (39-45 °F), with roughly 60-75 mm of rain spread over 11-13 wet days. Brisk, damp lakefront winds at Exhibition Place make layers and a compact umbrella worthwhile.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Canada.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in Canada: 15-20% on restaurant and bar bills (often pre-set on card terminals), CAD 2-5 per bag for hotel staff, and CAD 5-10 for short taxi rides. Tipping on counter service is optional.
Taxes and pricing
Displayed prices exclude tax; Ontario's Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) adds 13% at checkout, so budget above the quoted price for meals, hotels and retail.
Business etiquette
Punctuality, a firm handshake and business-casual dress are the norm, and meetings usually get to the point quickly with light small talk. Toronto is English-speaking, though bilingual French/English signage and service are common in federal and Quebec-linked contexts.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: YYZ
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Toronto; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Most international visitors need either an eTA (visa-exempt nationalities such as the UK, most EU states, Australia, Japan and South Korea — CAD 7 / ≈USD 5, applied online, usually approved within minutes) or a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for visa-required nationalities (CAD 100 / ≈USD 75, plus CAD 85 biometrics, typically several weeks to process). U.S. citizens need neither an eTA nor a visa for short business visits. Carry a letter of invitation, proof of accommodation and return travel; Canada accepts ATA Carnets for temporary exhibit goods.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
CAD 7 fee (≈USD 5). Valid up to 5 years or until passport expiry; linked electronically to your passport. CAD 100 fee (≈USD 75) plus CAD 85 biometrics (≈USD 65). Apply online through the IRCC portal and carry an invitation letter, accommodation proof and return ticket.
OfficialFind a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ): 25-35 min off-peak; 45-70 min in weekday rush hour; Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ): 10-15 min by taxi after the short ferry/shuttle crossing; ~20-25 min via free shuttle + TTC; John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM): 60-75 min off-peak. Allow road or rail time to Enercare Centre; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Enercare Centre: Downtown core / Carlton-Yonge and Bloor corridor: Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre, Chelsea Hotel Toronto; Downtown core / Liberty Village / Union Station: Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown, Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto, Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre; Exhibition Place (on-site) and Financial District: Hotel X Toronto, Fairmont Royal York, InterContinental Toronto Centre.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Toronto; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to Enercare Centre.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Enercare Centre; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April 2027
Temperature: Daytime highs 13-16 °C (55-61 °F); overnight lows 4-7 °C (39-45 °F) during late April in Toronto.
Seasonality: April is a wet, transitional month in Toronto: roughly 60-75 mm of rain across about 11-13 wet days, with strong lakefront winds and occasional snow flurries early in the month (rare by late April). Pack a waterproof layer and shoes suitable for wet pavement.
Packing: April is a wet, transitional month in Toronto: roughly 60-75 mm of rain across about 11-13 wet days, with strong lakefront winds and occasional snow flurries early in the month (rare by late April). Pack a waterproof layer and shoes suitable for wet pavement.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 - Wednesday, 28 April 2027
On a three-day (Tue-Thu) show the middle day carries the heaviest combination of exhibitor attendance, buyer traffic and conference/innovation programming, while Day 1 is partly consumed by travel and setup and Day 3 thins out as stands begin to pack down. If you can only attend one day, target Wednesday and pre-book your meetings.
Confirm Canada entry requirements and passport validity — Check IRCC visitor visa or eTA requirements for your nationality at least 10 weeks before departure; passport should be valid beyond your return date.
Book flights to Toronto for SIAL Canada 2027 (27-29 April) — Fly into Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and aim to land on 26 April to be ready for the opening day.
Reserve a hotel near the Enercare Centre, Toronto — Exhibition Place and downtown Toronto hotels fill up during show week; pick a rate with free cancellation.
Complete online visitor registration at sialcanada.com — Register early to receive your badge confirmation and access exhibitor preview lists.
Review the exhibitor directory and shortlist target suppliers — Note hall and stand numbers for the food, beverage, packaging and technology zones.
Request B2B meetings through the organiser matchmaking service — Send a short agenda at least two weeks ahead so suppliers can prepare samples and pricing.
Plan your conference, tasting and show-cooking schedule — SIAL Canada runs sessions alongside the exhibition halls; block time for the ones that matter to your category.
Arrange airport transfer and local transport — Enercare Centre is reachable by Toronto transit plus taxi and ride-hail; pre-load a transit card for the week.
Check late-April Toronto weather and pack accordingly — Expect cool and changeable spring conditions; bring a light waterproof layer and comfortable walking shoes.
Prepare meeting materials and buyer documents — Bring business cards, product specification sheets and your purchasing mandate for on-stand discussions.
Download the show app, hall plan and badge QR code — Save an offline copy in case venue Wi-Fi is congested on the first morning.
Confirm arrival plan and Day 1 badge collection — Collect your badge at the Enercare Centre registration area with photo ID before the opening session.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Prince Edward County wine country
Hotel X Toronto (Exhibition Place)
Hotel bar / rooftop lounge
On the Enercare Centre grounds, a 5-10 minute walk from the halls - the easiest place for post-show meetings, especially for exhibitor teams staying on site.
Liberty Village cafes and gastropubs
Neighbourhood cafes, breweries and casual restaurants
Closest concentration of walkable dining and drinking to Exhibition Place where exhibitors, buyers and show staff regroup after the floor closes.
Downtown core / Distillery District
Evening dining and hosted receptions
Where most hosted-buyer dinners and larger industry receptions happen; reachable via the 509 Harbourfront streetcar or a short ride-hail trip.
Budget
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visa_fee
visitor · eTA (visa-exempt nationalities, air arrival)
CAD 7 / per person
visa_fee
visitor · Temporary Resident Visa (visa-required nationalities)
CAD 100 / per person
visa_fee
visitor · Biometrics collection (TRV applicants)
CAD 85 / per person
hotel_night
visitor · Mid-range downtown / Liberty Village
USD 200–300 / per night
visa_fee
visitor · eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
USD 5 / per application
visa_fee
visitor · Temporary Resident Visa (TRV / visitor visa)
USD 75 / per application
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visa_fee | visitor | eTA (visa-exempt nationalities, air arrival) | CAD 7 / per person | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | Temporary Resident Visa (visa-required nationalities) | CAD 100 / per person | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | Biometrics collection (TRV applicants) | CAD 85 / per person | official | |
| hotel_night | visitor | Mid-range downtown / Liberty Village | USD 200–300 / per night | estimate | |
| visa_fee | visitor | eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) | USD 5 / per application | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | Temporary Resident Visa (TRV / visitor visa) | USD 75 / per application | official |
Decision
Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have a Canadian or North American sourcing mandate and want supplier meetings, innovation/trend content and category benchmarking in a single 3-day trip.
Best for
Food & beverage buyers, retail and foodservice sourcing teams, importers/distributors and product developers who need to meet many suppliers and taste/compare products in one trip.
Min. budget
$550.00
Timeline
Book 4-6 weeks ahead (registration, flights, downtown hotel); allow 6-10 weeks if you need a Canadian TRV.
Risks
Budget estimate from listing cost signals (ticket + 2 mid-range hotel nights + USD 75/day per diem + visa) - confirm live rates.
Late April is high season for Toronto conference hotels; rates spike close to the show.
exhibit
You have a product with realistic Canadian retail/foodservice demand and can commit a stand plus a trained booth team for all three days.
Best for
Exporters and brands seeking Canadian distribution, retail listings or foodservice partners, plus ingredient suppliers and national pavilion participants.
Min. budget
$2,750.00
Timeline
6-9 months: space application, stand design/build, freight and ATA Carnet, travel and visas.
Risks
Budget estimate from listing cost signals - a stand/booth allocation plus travel on top of the visit budget; confirm booth pricing with the organiser.
Freight, customs/carnet handling and food-sampling rules add cost and lead time beyond the floor space.
Without a pre-booked meeting programme, ROI depends on distributor follow-up after the show.
skip
Your category has no near-term path to Canadian listings and trend intelligence can be obtained through distributor or trade-press reporting.
Best for
Teams with no Canadian or North American sales mandate this cycle, or brands already fully covered by a Canadian distributor.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Trust footer
6
References
1
Publishers
0
Date checked
SIAL Canada
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
