TORONTO What better place to stay during a conference than the building where Frederick Banting conducted his pioneering insulin research? Located on a leafy street in the historic neighbourhood of Cabbagetown, the Banting House Inn is close to cute restaurants and shops, and about a 15-minute streetcar ride from the U of T and 10-minute cab ride from the convention centre. Of the seven rooms, the Dollhouse and Wedgewood rooms can accommodate up to four. The Oscar Wilde room has its own bathroom; the others are shared. There is a common living room and a Japanese garden that’s lovely in summer. Economy rooms start at $89 for singles, $104 for doubles; standard rooms are $105 and $120, respectively. Breakfast included. (800) 823-8856 / (416) 924-1458. www.bantinghouse.com

MONTREAL The Auberge Les Passants du Sans Soucy
in Old Montreal is close to galleries, restaurants and shops, many of which beckon you inside to investigate during your 15-minute walk to the Palais des Congrès, which is fancy French for “convention centre.” Built in 1723, the former fur warehouse was converted into an inn in 1989. Its lobby doubles as an art gallery for Québecois artists. There’s exposed stone and wood throughout, including its nine rooms, which are accented with antiques. A few of the rooms can sleep up to three (there’s an additional charge of $15 per person). All of the rooms have a TV and Wi-Fi as well as a bathroom complete with a Jacuzzi tub. High-season rates from May 1 to January 5, 2009 start at $160, single or double occupancy. (514) 842-2634 . www.lesanssoucy.com

VANCOUVER In addition to being around the corner from Robson Street’s restos and shops, the O Canada House is about 10 blocks from the convention centre. The 1897 restored Victorian (it was originally the private residence of Ewing Buchan who authored one of the earliest English versions of our country’s national anthem), has seven suites, each with its own sitting space and bathroom (besides a shower, the north suite also has a claw-foot tub). The cottage suite is the most romantic; it has a fireplace and its own little patio. All of the suites have a telephone, TV and fridge. When it becomes too cool to lounge out on the porch, you can cosy up next to the fireplace in the living room. High-season rates from May 1 to October 31 start at $210, double occupancy, including breakfast. Kids under 12 aren’t permitted. (877) 688-1114 / (604) 688-0555 . www.ocanadahouse.com