Welcome to Toronto for the 2026
Carol Shields Prize for Fiction Prize Events!
TORONTO
Schedule
Monday, June 1: 6:00 to 9:00 pm
Reading and Discussion: Celebrating the 2026 Carol Shields Prize Shortlist.
Moderated by2025 Shields Prize Winner Canisia Lubrinat Lula Lounge (1585 Dundas Street West, Toronto).
Open to the public, click here to get your tickets.
Dress code: casual.
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Doors at 6 pm, the presentation starts at 7 pm. Please arrive at 6pm if you would like to purchase your dinner from the Latin-American inspired menu at Lula Lounge, full of fresh tropical flavours and options for vegetarians and vegans as well as meat-eaters.
The event will feature readings and a conversation.
There will be books for sale, and a signing will take place after the presentation. And stay until 9pm to enjoy food and drink purchased from the menu.
Please note that guests under 19 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
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Tickets are for general admission. After purchasing tickets, guests can make a table reservation, which guarantees seating, via OpenTable, lula.ca/reservations, or by calling the Lula Lounge directly at 416-588-0307.
Lula’s tropical fusion drinks and food menu will be available before and during the presentation for purchase.
Explore the Lula Lounge menu: lula.ca/menu
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About The Carol Shields Prize for Fiction
The Carol Shields Prize for Fiction is the first major English-language literary award to celebrate creativity and excellence in fiction by women and non-binary writers in Canada and the United States. Named after beloved Canadian-American author Carol Shields, the Prize is managed by the Carol Shields Prize Foundation. The Foundation provides scholarships, bursaries, and other forms of financial assistance to women and non-binary writers, and offers mentoring programs, salons, and residencies for the benefit of these writers and the general public. The Carol Shields Prize for Fiction—co-founded by author Susan Swan, editor Janice Zawerbny, and arts activist Don Oravec—was founded in 2012, and presented its inaugural award in 2023.
Carol Shields was born in Oak Park, Illinois, in 1935, and moved to Canada in 1957 after her marriage. She was the author of more than twenty books, including novels, plays, poetry, essays, criticism, short fiction, and biography. Her books were nominated, and won, numerous international prizes. Most notably, her novel The Stone Diaries won the Governor General's Literary Award (Canada), the Pulitzer Prize (U.S.), and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize (UK).
The Carol Shields Prize Foundation is thankful to the Toronto Arts Council for its support of this event with funds provided by the City of Toronto.
Tuesday, June 2: 6:00 to 9:00 pm
Prize Ceremony and Cocktail Reception.
Hosted by Liz Renzetti at the Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4, Canada).
By invitation only.
Dress code: dressy casual.
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Doors at 5:30pm, presentation starts at 6pm.
Ceremony from 6 to 7pm.
Reception from 7 to 9pm.
During the reception, there will be books available for purchase from Ben McNally Books.
The AGO is approximately 5-10 minutes by car from the Chelsea Hotel.
Approximately 15 minutes by TTC + walking; Dundas St West at McCaul St.
The nearest parking location is the red and yellow P on McCaul Street – 75 McCaul Street. There are also nearby Green Ps, as well as street parking, on McCaul & Beverley street on either side of the AGO.
Meet Our Staff
We are here to help! If you have questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact staff between the hours of 8am and 8pm. Outside of these hours, please call for emergencies only.
Alex
alex@carolshieldsprizeforfiction.com
or call/text 416-550-2565
Carol Shields Prize Foundation Board Chair: Karen Prentice, K.C.
Carol Shields Prize Foundation Board Vice-Chair: Ira Baptiste
Carol Shields Prize of America President: Linda Loving
Co-Founders: Susan Swan, C.M., Janice Zawerbny, Don Oravec
Tourism Information and Recommendations
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A Different Booklist
A Black–owned independent bookstore in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood that specializes in books from the Global South and the Caribbean and African diaspora. Don’t miss the noteworthy selection of BIPOC children’s literature and local authors.
Website: https://adifferentbooklist.com/
Address: 779 Bathurst Street
Another Story Bookshop
Located in the West end of Toronto, Another Story Bookshop is an independent bookstore with 30 years of history. Another Story sells a broad range of literature for children, young adults, and adults with a focus on themes of social justice, equity, and diversity.
Website: https://anotherstory.ca/
Address: 315 Roncesvalles Avenue
Ben McNally Books
Charming family-owned bookstore specialising in history, biography, fiction, and poetry.
Website: https://benmcnallybooks.com/
Address: 108 Queen Street East
Book City
A Canadian independent bookstore chain that has been turning pages and selling stories since 1976. Book City has four locations across Toronto: Beach, Danforth, Yonge and St. Clair, and Bloor West Village.
Website: https://www.bookcity.ca/
Address: 1950 Queen Street East, 348 Danforth Avenue, 1430 Yonge Street, and 2354 Bloor Street West
Flying Books
Flying Books is a carefully curated bookstore, book publisher, and writing school.
Website: https://www.flyingbooks.ca/
Address: 784 College Street and 371 Queen Street West
Indigo & Chapters
Canada’s largest bookstore chain with locations across the nation.
Website: https://www.indigo.ca/
Address: Toronto Eaton Centre at 220 Yonge Street, Bay & Bloor at 55 Bloor Street West, and more
Mabel's Fables
From babies to teens (and even the many adults who love YA), Mabel’s Fables has a book for everyone, whether for your own kids or the new and expectant parents in your life.
Website: https://www.mabelsfables.com/
Address: 662 Mount Pleasant Road
Queen Books
A beloved independent, general interest, community bookstore in Toronto’s East End.
Website: http://queenbooks.ca/
Address: 914 Queen Street East
Type Books
With three locations across the city, Type Books is an independent bookstore that you don’t want to miss. For serious booklovers and more whimsical readers alike.
Website: https://typebooks.ca/
Address: 883 Queen Street West, 2887 Dundas Street West, and 427 Spadina Road
Bellwoods Books
A bookshop curating a collection of vintage, secondhand, and rare books and specializing in women writers. Only open Saturdays 12-5 or by appointment.
Website: https://bellwoodsbooks.com/
Address: 784 Bathurst Street (enter through Flying Books) -
Fort York Library
One of the newer libraries built in Toronto. Lovely atmosphere.
Website: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/fortyork/
Address: 190 Fort York Blvd
Lillian H. Smith Library
Holds the Osborne Collection of Early Child Books and the Merrill Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy.
Website: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/lillianhsmith/
Address: 239 College Street
Toronto Reference Library
A great outing just a few subway stops away from Chelsea Hotel. Appreciate the unique architecture of the library, visit the art at the TD Gallery on the main level, and coffee at Balzac’s!
Website: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/torontoreferencelibrary/
Address: 789 Yonge Street
Thomas Fisher Rare Books Library
The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library houses the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections and the University of Toronto. Open to the public!
Website: https://fisher.library.utoronto.ca/
Address: 120 St. George Street
Yorkville Library
A charming building of the Beaux-Arts style opened in 1907.
Website: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/yorkville/
Address: 22 Yorkville Avenue
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Directly south of Chelsea Hotel, Elm Street is populated with a variety of restaurants. To the east, Yonge Street offers more takeout and fast food options as well.
Elm Street Restaurants (closest to Chelsea)
Adega Restaurante
Website: https://adegarestaurante.ca/
Address: 33 Elm Street
Donatello Restaurant
Italian (Lunch and Dinner)
Website: http://www.donatellorestaurant.ca/
Address: 37 Elm Street
Eggsmart
Breakfast
Website: https://eggsmart.com/
Address: 645 Bay Street
Elm Street Italian Deli
Takeout, Sandwiches (Lunch)
Website: https://www.elmstdeli.com/
Address: 15 Elm Street
Flipper’s Toronto
Breakfast & Brunch
Website: https://www.flipperscanada.com/
Address: 31 Elm Street
The Queen & Beaver Public House
Pub
Website: https://www.queenandbeaverpub.ca/
Address: 35 Elm Street
Other Restaurants
AGO Bistro
Canadian (times vary by day)
Website: https://ago.ca/visit/dine/bistro
Address: 317 Dundas Street West
Amal Toronto
Lebanese (times vary by day)
Website: https://amaltoronto.com/
Address: 131 Bloor Street West, 2nd Floor
AP (Antonio Park)
Michelin Starred Pan Asian (Dinner)
Website: https://www.aprestaurants.com/
Address: 55 Bloor Street West, 51st Floor
Blu Ristorante
Italian (Dinner)
Website: https://www.bluristorante.com/
Address: 214 King Street West
Congee Queen
Cantonese and Pan-Asian
Website: https://www.congeequeen.com/
Address: 362 Yonge Street
Earls Kitchen + Bar
American (Lunch and Dinner)
Website: https://earls.ca/
Address: 55 Bloor Street West, 150 King Street West
Eataly Toronto
Italian (Lunch and Dinner)
Website: https://www.eataly.ca/
Address: 55 Bloor Street West and 220 Yonge Street (inside the Eaton Centre)
Kasa Moto
Japanese (Lunch and Dinner)
Website: https://kasamoto.ca/
Address: 115 Yorkville Avenue
Lao Lao Bar
Laotian, Vegan Options (Dinner)
Website: https://laolaobar.com/
Address: 5 St. Joseph Street
PAI
Thai (Lunch and Dinner)
Website: https://www.paitoronto.com/
Address: 18 Duncan Street
Richmond Station
Canadian (Dinner)
Website: https://richmondstation.ca/
Address: 1 Richmond Street West
Terroni
Italian (Lunch and Dinner)
Website: https://www.terroni.com/
Address: 57 Adelaide Street East and other locations
Trattoria Nervosa
Classic Italian (Lunch and Dinner)
Website: https://eatnervosa.com/
Address: 75 Yorkville Avenue
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Art Gallery of Ontario
The AGO Collection of more than 120,000 works of art ranges from cutting-edge contemporary art to significant works by Indigenous and Canadian artists and European masterpieces.
Website: https://ago.ca/Address: 317 Dundas Street West Currently on: Elizabeth Wyn Wood, Edna Tacon, Rita Letendre and Norval Morrisseau
ROM
One of the largest museums in North America and the largest museum in Canada, the Royal Ontario Museum showcases art, culture, and nature from around the world and across the ages. See the W Toronto Concierge desk for free tickets.
Website: https://rom.on.ca/ Address: 100 Queens Park
Aga Khan Museum (about 15 km away)
Through the arts, the Aga Khan Museum sparks wonder, curiosity, and understanding of Muslim cultures and their connection with other cultures.
Website: https://agakhanmuseum.org/
Address: 77 Wynford Drive Currently on: La Salle de Gym des Femmes Arabes (The Arab Women’s Gym) in the Aga Khan Park
Bata Shoe Museum
Explore a 4,500-year history of footwear.
Website: https://batashoemuseum.ca/
Address: 327 Bloor Street West
Gardiner Museum
Canada’s ceramics museum is one of the most important specialty museums internationally.
Website: https://gardinermuseum.on.ca/
Address: 111 Queens Park
MOCA
MOCA Toronto presents rotating exhibitions and programmes that prioritize twenty-first-century artistic production, primarily through commissioning new work.
Website: https://moca.ca/
Address: 158 Sterling Road
Currently on: Sara Cwynar, Kimsooja
Textile Museum
The only museum in Canada delivering programs and exhibitions dedicated solely to textile arts.
Website: https://textilemuseum.ca/
Address: 55 Centre Avenue
TIFF Lightbox
The centre of the Toronto International Film Festival, which offers screenings, lectures, and events year-round.
Website: https://www.tiff.net/
Address: 350 King Street West
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Casa Loma
A prime example of modern Toronto’s commitment to its rich history, Casa Loma was first built in 1914 by financier Sir Henry Pellatt. The castle located in midtown Toronto, is now owned by the City of Toronto and is regarded as a treasured heritage landmark.
Website: https://casaloma.ca/
Address: 1 Austin Terrace
CN Tower
Defining the Toronto skyline, the CN Tower is Canada’s most recognizable and celebrated icon. At a height of 553.33m (1,815 ft., 5 inches), Canada’s celebration destination, is an award-winning dining and entertainment experience and a must see for visitors to Toronto.
Website: https://www.cntower.ca/
Address: 290 Bremner Boulevard
Distillery District
The pedestrian-only Distillery District, set in quaint 19th century buildings that once housed a large whiskey distillery, draws crowds to its cobblestone streets lined with hip indie restaurants, bars and boutiques.
Website: https://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/
Address: 55 Mill Street
Eaton Centre
The Eaton Centre is one of Toronto's most popular shopping destinations. A prominent sight in the shopping mall is the group of fibreglass Canada geese hanging from the glass ceiling.
Website: https://shops.cadillacfairview.com/
Address: 220 Yonge Street
Evergreen Brickworks
A former quarry and industrial site. Since the closure of the original factory, the quarry has been converted into a city park which includes a series of naturalized ponds, while the buildings have been restored and opened as an environmentally focused community and cultural centre by Evergreen, a national charity dedicated to restoring nature in urban environments.
Website: https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-works/
Address: 550 Bayview Avenue
Hockey Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame is home of the Stanley Cup and the finest collection of hockey artifacts in the world.
Website: https://www.hhof.com/
Address: Brookfield Place, 30 Yonge Street
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Ripley's Aquarium features a mesmerizing collection of Canadian creatures and fascinating marine life from across the globe.
Website: https://www.ripleys.com/
Address: 288 Bremner Boulevard
Spadina House
Spadina Museum, named from an Anishnaabemowin word ishpadina (“highland” or “ridge”), sits atop a ravine overlooking Toronto. Today this dazzling mansion is a portal into the triumphs and tribulations of Toronto from 1900 to the 1930s.
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/spadina-museum/
Address: 285 Spadina Road
St. Lawrence Market
A spacious market with 100+ vendors, bakers, butchers, and artisans, with produce and antiques on weekends. The weekly Farmer’s Market runs every Saturday from 5am to 3pm.
Website: https://www.stlawrencemarket.com/
Address: 92-95 Front Street East
Toronto Island Park
Toronto Island Park is made up of several islands, including Ward’s Island, Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point.
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/toronto-island-park/
Address: Pedestrians can take the ferry (9 Queens Quay W) from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to get to Toronto Island Park.
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Elmwood Spa
Massages, aquatic therapies & beauty treatments offered in a serene, modern environment.
Website: https://www.elmwoodspa.com/
Address: 18 Elm Street
Othership
Othership is a space for transformation. Explore the sauna to sweat, ice baths to drop-in and a commons to be yourself with others.
Website: https://www.othership.us/
Address: 110 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON
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Farm Boy
Address: 777 Bay Street
Eataly
Address: 55 Bloor Street West and 220 Yonge Street (inside the Eaton Centre)
Metro
Address: 444 Yonge Street
Rabba (24 hour)
Address: 695 Bay Street
T&T
Address: 26 Edward Street
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The Griffin Poetry Prize 2026 Readings
The Griffin Poetry Prize is among the world’s most significant prizes in literature, awarded annually for a first-edition poetry collection written in, or translated into, English by a living poet and/or translator from any country. Come and hear a selection of readings by the 2026 Griffin Poetry Prize shortlisted poets.
Date and time: June 3, 2026 7:00pm
Location: Koerner Hall (273 Bloor Street West)
Tickets: https://www.rcmusic.com/concert/2026-griffin-poetry-prize-readings-439801
We Can’t Do This Work Without You!
Your donation to the Carol Shields Prize will boost our mission of uplifting the writers we serve, generating more opportunities for them to create, and lessening the burden of economic hardship.
