An automotive brand event centred not on its cars but on the transformative possibilities of mobility and how it can enrich life through meaningful experiences.

This summer, I had the opportunity to attend a unique and one of the most- thoughtfully coordinated brand events I’ve been to since entering the world of public relations.

It’s not every day that a globally recognized brand like Mazda sends its personal pick-up service to transport you down to the illustrious 1 Hotel Toronto in the city’s trendy King West Village.

I got picked up in a 2025 Mazda CX90 all-wheel drive and — no surprise — navigating the busy streets of downtown Toronto was a smooth ride.

From the moment I finally entered the hotel’s immaculate lobby with its sustainability-focused décor, the Mazda Canada team welcomed me with open arms.

From the outset, the team embodied one of the brand’s most essential values, omotenashi, a Japanese term that means spreading joy through kindness by putting others ahead of oneself, in the tradition of Japanese hospitality.

Our coffee odyssey kicked off at Balzac’s in Liberty Village, a French- style café and local favourite that blends industrial charm with artisanal flair. After a quick caffeine fix, we made our way to Subtext Coffee Roasters, an immersive coffee-tasting experience that elevated the simple act of sipping into a ritual. Through scent analysis, cupping, and guided tastings, we explored how origin, process, and passion shape every note in a cup of coffee. It was a masterclass in slowing down and appreciating a craft.

Brunch was served at Gateau Ghost, a space that combines modern minimalism and old-world-European-diner charm with Korean and French cuisine. The food’s presentation was as thoughtful as the décor — refined but comforting. Next, we experienced a subtle shift in pace at the vegan Japanese Tsuchi Cafe, where quiet elegance and traditional coffee-brewing techniques encouraged us to reflect and reset.

At Piccolo Caffe E Vino, the conversation turned to stories of beans, places, and shared moments. When someone noted that “Every coffee bean has an origin story,” it struck a chord. The espresso martini, unofficial drink of the day, captured the mood: “I need something to pick me up and F@#$ me up!” — a nod to a generation that works hard and plays harder.

We wrapped up the day at Cafe Renée, a hidden gem with a Gatsby- era glow — opulence with an edge. The venue, like the entire Mazda Day experience, blended style and substance, energy and ease.

“Bringing people together is our philosophy at Mazda — the emotional connections that will last a lifetime,” said Chuck Reimer of Mazda Canada Inc. This day wasn’t about specs or sales. It was a celebration of culture, community, and the quiet luxury of meaningful moments.

Mazda’s hybrid model feels like the natural extension of that ethos: versatile, future-ready, and rooted in connection. The Mazda Tour vehicles, the CX-70 and CX-90, served as the vessels for experiences that make life worth living. It was a brand event that focused not on the cars’ performance, but whose purpose instead was the relationships formed, the laughs shared and the food enjoyed.

For me, life is all about self-discovery through new experiences. There was no better way to show that a Mazda is the perfect everyday car than through our café-hop in the city and having it serve as the vessel for unforgettable moments and meaningful connections.

@mazdacanada
@coffeeassoccanada