TorontoBabel: Toronto's International Language Exchange

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About us

WELCOME TO TORONTOBABEL!
OVERVIEW
Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Take advantage of it with TorontoBabel! Many groups focus on one language, but this group provides an opportunity to practice many languages. At a regular TorontoBabel gathering we have native speakers of French, Spanish, English, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, German, Polish, Italian, Cantonese, Turkish, Mandarin, Russian, Hindi, Arabic, Farsi and many other languages. Don't be shy! Learners of all levels, from beginner to native fluency are welcome!

TorontoBabel gatherings take place in a bar with music in the background and plenty of pool tables. Usually, there are a lot of people, so it does get a bit loud with people from all over the world chatting away until late in the evening. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING AN ORIGINAL PHOTO ID (NOT A PHOTOCOPY) SHOWING YOUR AGE. IT COULD BE A PASSPORT, A DRIVER'S LICENSE, CANADIAN HEALTH CARD, ETC. IF YOU DON'T BRING ID YOU MIGHT NOT BE ALLOWED IN THE BAR. THE MINIMUM DRINKING AGE IN ONTARIO IS 19.
You'll get to meet people from all over the world and improve your language skills at the same time! The objective is to practice your language skills in real life with native speakers and have fun while doing it.

HOW IT WORKS
TorontoBabel is a language exchange group. You can help people learn your native language and other members help you learn their native language. If it's your first time attending a TorontoBabel event, please introduce yourself to the organizer, Eduardo. He will direct you to native speakers of the language you are interested in. The organizers will also introduce to people who want to learn your language. We usually have groups of people practicing French, Spanish, Korean, etc. and will show you where they are. If you are comfortable finding native speakers of your favourite language yourself, that's fine too! Please remember to talk to us first, so we know who's who.

IMPORTANT
The group meets on Wednesdays. Please check this group for the schedule.
Wednesday gatherings start at 7 p.m. and the group is usually there until at least 11 p.m., you can arrive and leave whenever you like.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO BUY AT LEAST 1 DRINK FROM THE BAR. You will help us continue organize our events.

How to Babel:
1. Be open-minded! We are a very diverse group. You'll meet people from all over the world. Enjoy the chance to have the international experience in Toronto!
2. Ask the organizer! If you have any questions, concerns, problems or ideas, please talk to the organizer about it!
3. Photos
We usually take photos. By participating in the group, you agree that you may be photographed and the photos may be published on FB, Instagram and meetup. If you don't want to take photos, no problem. Just let us know. We will remove them.

QUESTIONS?
If you have any comments, questions, problems, concerns or ideas, just talk to the organizer about it. We will do our best to make sure you have a positive experience! Everyone is welcome!
Remember, this group is a hobby for us; we run it just for fun, we love it and we hope you will love it too!
Check out the calendar (https://www.meetup.com/TorontoBabel/#calendar) to see what other events we have coming up and to RSVP.
CONTACT
Valentina: https://www.meetup.com/TorontoBabel

Featured event

TORONTO BABEL x EVENT SPACE PRESENTS: CANADA DAY ISLAND PICNIC PARTY

Wed, Jul 1 · 1:00 PM EDT

Toronto Center Island, 21 Queens Quay West M5J 2V3, Toronto, ON, CA

🇨🇦🌴 TORONTO BABEL x EVENT SPACE PRESENTS: CANADA DAY ISLAND PICNIC 🌴🇨🇦

📍 BBQ Lot #17, Toronto Island Park (Olympic Island)
📅 Wednesday, July 1
🕐 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Toronto Babel, in collaboration with Event Space, invites you to celebrate Canada Day on Toronto Island Park with a full day of sunshine, music, food, games, and community vibes.

We’re taking over the island for a full summer experience—expect music all day, a BBQ social, sports and outdoor games, arts & crafts, and a relaxing yoga & meditation session. Come connect with new people, share food, and enjoy a laid-back island atmosphere surrounded by nature and good energy.

As the sun sets, we’ll gather to watch fireworks light up the sky over Toronto, visible right from the island—a perfect end to the day 🎆

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🎟️ Tickets (online purchase):

https://www.event-space.net/event-details/canada-day-island-festival

• $10 Presale with our discount code: ‘CS-05’

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✔️ Activities & Schedule:
🔥 BBQ social — bring your own meat to grill (grill & charcoal provided)
🧘 Yoga & Meditation Session
🎶 Music & Dance Party with DJ FLŸ and DJ STXN
🎨 Arts & Crafts Table
⚽ Sports, board games & outdoor fun
🎆 Fireworks at dusk (visible from the island)

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🎒 What to Bring:
• Blanket or beach towel to sit on
• Water bottle
• Hat, sunscreen & bug spray
• Picnic snacks or food to share
• Reusable utensils/cups (optional)
• Light sweater or jacket for the evening
• Your best summer island vibe ☀️

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⛴️ Ferry Info:
• Take the Centre Island Ferry
• First ferry: 8:00 AM
• Last return: 11:45 PM
• Look for Toronto Babel signs on Olympic Island
• Ferry tickets: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/places-spaces/beaches-gardens-attractions/toronto-island-park/all-ferry-schedules/

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Let’s make this Canada Day one for the books 🍁✨