Toronto is unequivocally the business center of Canada and among the economic centers of North America. A business travel to the city known infamously as “The Six” will likely land in your schedule sooner rather than later. So, to ensure you’re on the up and up about what to expect, here are 5 business travel insights for Toronto. From “do’s” and “don’t” to “when” and “where,” follow this guide, and your business trip will be an absolute breeze.
Business Travel Insights Toronto #1: Pack Properly
Start with packing your luggage with your suit in mind. Many people are opposed to wearing their Sunday finest on a plane. For one thing, it can cause discomfort depending on how long your flight is. But suiting up to, and in Toronto, goes a long way to setting yourself apart from the crowds of non-business people that populate the city. It’s seen as a distinct division of the world you operate in. However, if you would much instead pack your suit into your carry-on, there are many YouTube HOW-TO videos to put your mind at ease. And finding a dry cleaner in Toronto is a breeze.
Business Travel Insights Toronto #2: Know Your Airports
Okay, here’s the thing: Toronto has not one but TWO airports. So here’s a crash course on what you need to know to distinguish each. First up is the main airport of Toronto, Pearson International (YYZ). This airport is roughly 30-40 minutes away by car from Toronto’s downtown core and your CorporateStays apartment. The second is the Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ). It’s much smaller and about 15-20 minutes from where you’ll likely stay. Important to know before and during your stay!
Business Travel Insights Toronto #3: Orientation
Getting around Toronto can be a chore if you’re not from the area. And while we live in an age of smartphones, Google Maps, and Ubers, familiarizing yourself with the basics regarding the names of locations and how the locals refer to them is essential to getting around comfortably. Avenue and Lawrence caters to the more affluent Torontonians, where you’ll find gourmet restaurants in North Toronto. Bloorcourt is home to an eclectic set of vintage boutiques and cafe options. Dundas West is where locals and tourists go for the ultimate destination in shopping, and Yonge (pronounced “young”) Street, Toronto’s main north–south divide, will be your main point of navigation on the day-to-day.
Business Travel Insights Toronto #4: Be Aware of Your Surroundings
You might be in Toronto for a few weeks or a few months. Regardless, it’s essential to know about the local hours of operation to be better prepared for a business emergency. Post offices are closed on weekends, but post-office service counters in drugstores throughout the city are usually open on Sundays. Regarding wine and the like, the LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) is always open except on holidays. Banks are typically open Mondays to Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm. All banks are closed on national holidays, so read up on Canadian holidays!
Business Travel Insights Toronto #5: Be Where The Action Is
CorporateStay apartments are always near convenient areas for getting around, business meetings, and the thriving heart of a city’s center. Our Toronto locations are no different! Please take a moment to explore our excellent selection of premium furnished apartments and ensure your time in Toronto is at its maximum level of comfort, price, and efficiency! Experiencing home renovations can elicit a mix of excitement and stress. The presence of dust, noise, and inconvenience may disrupt your routine. This can create challenges in concentrating on work or relishing leisure time.