April 1, 2025 (Toronto, ON) – The Giller Foundation is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Union Hotel, a brand-new boutique destination in the heart of Toronto. Known for its commitment to art and culture, Union Hotel is the perfect partner to help celebrate Canada’s vibrant literary landscape.

As part of this unique collaboration, each guestroom at Union Hotel will feature a Giller Prize-winning or nominated book, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in some of Canada’s most celebrated literary works. From the visionary storytelling of Margaret Atwood and the evocative prose of Wayson Choy to the gripping narratives of M. G. Vassanji and the imaginative worlds of André Alexis, every stay at Union Hotel will be a literary experience unlike any other.

Guests will also be invited to explore the CanLit Library, a beautifully curated collection of Giller Prize books prominently featured by the front desk. This dedicated literary space serves as both an homage to the Prize’s long history of supporting Canadian writers and an invitation for visitors to discover the richness of Canada’s literary talent.

“The Giller Foundation has long celebrated the best in Canadian fiction, and we are delighted to partner with Union Hotel, a space that shares our passion for storytelling,” said Elana Rabinovitch, Executive Director of the Giller Foundation. “This partnership allows us to bring Canadian literature to life in a meaningful and immersive way for visitors new to the city.”

Union Hotel, with its commitment to artistry, culture, and storytelling, provides the ideal backdrop for this literary initiative. Whether guests are seasoned CanLit enthusiasts or new readers looking to explore Canadian voices, the hotel offers an unparalleled experience that intertwines hospitality and literature.

“Union Hotel is more than just a place to stay—it is a destination for art, storytelling, and living life unscripted,” said Kevin Slean, General Manger, The Union Hotel. “Partnering with the Giller Foundation allows us to celebrate the incredible writers that have shaped Canada’s literary identity and offer our guests a unique and distinctly Canadian experience during their stay.” This collaboration between Union Hotel and the Giller Prize is a testament to the power of literature to connect, inspire, and enrich the cultural fabric of Canada. Visitors can look forward to a stay where every room tells a story and every guest is invited to turn the page.

About the Giller Prize:
Founded by Jack Rabinovitch in 1994, the Giller Prize is Canada’s leading and most influential literary prize for fiction. The Giller Effect has been recognized industry-wide as one of the top drivers of book sales in Canada. The Giller Prize awards $100,000 annually to the author of the best Canadian novel, graphic novel or short story collection published in English, and $10,000 to each of the finalists. To date, the Giller Prize has awarded more than two million dollars to Canadian writers. The award is named in honour of Jack Rabinovitch’s wife, the late literary journalist, Doris Giller.

About Union Hotel:
Union Hotel is an independent boutique property in Toronto’s financial district, steps from Union Station. With 189 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and a vibrant café and lounge, Humble Donkey, Union Hotel celebrates individuality, creativity, and connection. The hotel’s dynamic offerings include a nod to the city’s iconic train station with a Split Flap Display behind the front desk and the lobby Marketplace, featuring hyper-local retail offerings that support emerging and small businesses. By weaving local culture into every aspect of the guest experience, Union Hotel invites guests to live life unscripted.

Media Contact:
Melissa Prince
melissa@bluedoor.agency