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June 2013

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Canada’s Most Exclusive Clubs

<b>The Club:</b> <a href="http://www.sohohousetoronto.com/">The SoHo House Toronto</a>
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<b>Where:</b> 192 Adelaide Street West, Toronto
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<b>The Gist:</b> For the young, wild and free, the SoHo House has earned an international reputation as the hippest place to grab a drink and relax. Originally founded in London back in 1995, this private members’ club has locations across the world, which include restaurants, cinemas, spas and hotels for a full-service experience.
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<b>Perks:</b> A watering hole for creative types, this hotspot is <i>the</i> place you’ll want to be if you want to rub elbows with celebrities, editors, designers and more. Beyond that, you’ll also be able to enjoy great food, fine libations and exclusive events from the comforts of their cozy atmosphere.
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<b>Membership:</b> For those who’d like to join in on the fun, membership requires that individuals work in the creative industries, which include film, media and music. So, if you’re a high-profile accountant, you may be out of luck. Prospective members must also be nominated by two existing members before being reviewed by the club’s Membership Committee. If you pass the test, be prepared to cough up anywhere between $750 to $2,400 depending on the type of membership package you choose.
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<b>Level of Difficulty:</b> 7

<b>The Club:</b> <a href="http://vancouverclub.ca/">The Vancouver Club</a>
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<b>Where:</b> 915 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
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<b>The Gist:</b> Founded in 1889, The Vancouver Club has had its roots in this coastal city for more than a century. Here, you’ll meet up with members from a wide range of industries that are at the top of their game.
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<b>Perks:</b> For the ultimate in pampered experiences, consider yourself taken care of when you become a member at this elite social club. Their customer service knows no bounds, as they’ll be more than happy to accommodate any special requests, like flying in Alaskan King Crab for your special event or sending a case of limited-release Cabernet right to your doorstep. On top of that, you’ll also be able to enjoy their luxury fitness facilities, restaurants, bars, event spaces and 300 of their global affiliates. They even have an on-site, world-class barber that’ll fix your mane up when you’re in need of a good chop.
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<b>Membership:</b> Prospective members require two proposers and three references from current club members with good standings. Expect to pay about $1,300 a year with an entrance fee of $2,500 if you want to get in.
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<b>Level of Difficulty:</b> 8

<b>The Club:</b> <a href="http://www.stjamesclub.ca/">Saint-James Club</a>
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<b>Where:</b> 1145 Union, Montreal
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<b>The Gist:</b> The first of its kind in La Belle Ville, the Saint-James Club first opened its doors in 1857. Located in Quebec’s cultural capital, this thriving members-only club has been the gathering place of great minds across industries.
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<b>Perks:</b> With more than 7000 square feet of real estate, the Saint-James Club offers a variety of services that cater to each members’ every needs. Located in one of Canada’s great food hubs, it’s no surprise that they’ve utilized the very best in culinary affairs (executive chef Sébastien Gadeau was named the “Chef of the Year” by the Canadian Culinary Federation.) Add that to their various business amenities and you’ve got the perfect place for networking and wooing prospective clients. Their affiliate program also allows you to take advantage of other global locations. So, the next time you’re in Dubai or Paris, you’ll know where to go.
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<b>Membership:</b> If “Director” doesn’t immediately follow your name on your business card, you might be out of luck. The Saint-James Club requires individuals to either own a company or be a director in order to apply for membership. Annual fees also range from $1000 to $2000 a year.
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<b>Level of Difficulty</b>: 7

<b>The Club:</b> <a href="http://www.calpeteclub.com/">The Calgary Petroleum Club</a>
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<b>Where:</b> 319 - 5th Avenue S.W., Calgary
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<b>The Gist:</b> Also known as the CPC, this private-dining club attracts members affiliated with large gas and oil companies and acts as a networking hub for businessmen and entrepreneurs with fine palettes and a great appreciation for fine dining.
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<b>Perks:</b> The ideal place for networking with some of Alberta's high-rollers, you'll be able to meet members from the oil and gas industry, as well as individuals with legal, financial and engineering backgrounds. Need a new lawyer? This might just be the place to find one. You'll also be able to enjoy 50 of CPC's affiliate clubs across Canada and the world. Business trips just became much more enjoyable.
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<b>Membership:</b> Prospective members are required to submit an application form signed by two current members that act as Proposer and Seconder. Applications are then reviewed by the Board of Governors before approval. For a standard membership, you’ll be paying $2,500 in entrance fees and $95 in monthly dues.
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<b>Level of Difficulty</b>: 5

<b>The Club:</b> <a href="http://www.thespokeclub.com/">The Spoke Club</a>
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<b>Where:</b> 600 King Street West, Toronto
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<b>The Gist:</b> Nestled within Toronto’s downtown core, The Spoke Club offers a modern sanctuary for members to hide away from the stresses of their daily lives. With its numerous invitation-only events, fine dining and spectacular rooftop bar and garden, this is one option that creative types will want to consider.
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<b>Perks:</b> Besides a relaxing getaway in this artistic hideout, you’ll have the chance to enjoy their multiple amenities all contained within their five-story building. Browse through their third-floor art collection before you join your friends for a drink on their rooftop patio. Members also gain access to reciprocal clubs around the world. Breakfast in Toronto, dinner in London?
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<b>Membership:</b> Individuals wishing to apply for a membership must be nominated by an existing member before having their applications reviewed by the Membership Department. If you’re cleared, fees can range anywhere between $400 to $800 annually. Extra perks if you’re under 28 for a discounted rate and no initiation fees.
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<b>Level of Difficulty</b>: 6

<b>The Club:</b> <a href="http://www.thenationalclub.com/">The National Club</a>
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<b>Where</b>: 303 Bay Street, Toronto
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<b>The Gist:</b> One of the oldest and most prestigious members-only clubs in Toronto, The National Club was originally home to the Canada First Party in 1874 before it opened its doors to non-political high-society individuals.
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<b>Perks:</b> With a <i>50,000-bottle</i> wine cellar, a golf and country club, fitness facilities and other amenities, there’s no reason to ever leave (they also have overnight accommodations in case you’ve had one drink too many.) And with access to over 200 of their global affiliates, you can make sure that you’re always taken care of wherever you go.
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<b>Membership</b>: Prospective members require an existing member to sponsor them, as well as a letter of recommendation. Following this, you’ll also need to meet with two members of the Board of Directors before you’re approved.
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<b>Level of Difficulty:</b> 8

<b>The Club:</b> <a href="http://www.ranchmensclub.com/">The Ranchmen's Club</a>
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<b>Where:</b> 710 – 13th Avenue S.W., Calgary
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<b>The Gist:</b> A testament to Calgary’s western heritage, the Ranchmen’s Club was founded by cattlemen in 1891 and played an important role in the development of the city and province. Expect to see a mix of corporate executives, along with the third and fourth generations of the Club’s founding ranchers at this exclusive retreat.
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<b>Perks:</b> Offering an assortment of activities for business and leisure purposes, you’ll definitely want to experience their lobster and oyster nights, play a round in the billiards room and enjoy tickets to the opera. And of course, what kind of club would this Calgarian haunt be without various stampede-themed events? With access to over 130 reciprocal clubs worldwide, you’ve got an excuse to go travelling as well.
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<b>Membership:</b> Prospective members are required to be at least 21 years of age and have two current members sponsor them before being approved by the club’s management committee. Expect to pay about $2,000 a year with a $2,000 entrance fee.
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<b>Level of Difficulty:</b> 4

<b>The Club:</b> <a href="http://www.tcclub.com/">Terminal City Club</a>
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<b>Where:</b> 837 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
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<b>The Gist:</b> One of the oldest clubs in Vancouver, this club emphasizes its modern facilities, yet still holds on to its traditional values. Old money meets new money- perfect for the up-and-coming businessmen of Vancouver.
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<b>Perks:</b> With a fully-equipped facility that includes a fitness centre, boutique hotel, meeting rooms, gourmet chefs, billiards room, bar and three separate restaurants, you really have no reason at all to leave. It’s the ideal place to conduct business before you meet up with your buddies for a drink in the evening.
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<b>Membership:</b> Access to the Terminal City Club requires that prospective members acquire a common share of the company. With various membership rates, expect to pay upwards of $4000 on top of monthly dues.
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<b>Level of Difficulty:</b> 6

<b>The Club:</b> The Toronto Club
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<b>Where:</b> 107 Wellington Street, Toronto
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<b>The Gist:</b> Founded in 1897, the Toronto Club owns bragging rights as the oldest private club in Canada, and the third oldest in North America. While not much is known about this ultra-exclusive locale in the heart of downtown Toronto, some of Canada’s most prominent individuals have been seen knocking a few back within the club.
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<b>Perks:</b> Top-of-the-line exclusivity and some serious networking opportunities. Members have included George Weston Ltd. Chairman and CEO Galen Weston, Power Corp. chairman and CEO Paul Desmarais Jr., Fred Eaton and Conrad Black.
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<b>Membership:</b> Invite-only. It has been reported that membership candidates must know between five and ten current members to be even considered. If you’re lucky enough to have the option, memberships can run you about $2,500 per year, with a $25,000 entrance fee.
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<b>Level of Difficulty</b>: Nearly Impossible.
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Comments

Author should do his research

“The Entrance Fee to join The Arbutus Club is $50,000 CDN, plus HST.”
There is also a yearly membership fee, and the Club’s waitlist is years-long.

Re: “Expect to pay about $1,300 a year with an entrance fee of $2,500 if you want to get in [to The Vancouver Club].”
- http://twitter.com/CassieGill Cassie Gill
  
  Arbutus Club is lame – grew up going there and not worth it.