Valuable tips for a successful business trip to Toronto
Toronto is Canada's largest city and the economic center of Canada. The city is known for its business and developments in finance, telecom, media, software and medical science. Not surprisingly, there are many business travelers who regularly travel to this city! From Amsterdam there is a daily, direct connection with KLM and also with a transfer there are many possibilities to travel to Toronto. In this blog I, Anne-Marie Koopmans, will tell you all about this beautiful, modern city as a business travel destination!
Toronto welcomes you!
For all travel to or through Canada, it is mandatory to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in advance. The cost is €7 and once approved, the eTA is valid for 5 years. Toronto's airport (Lester B. Pearson International Airport) is located about 25 km west of downtown. From the airport you can travel to downtown in several ways:
- Train. The United Pearson Express (UP Express) runs between the airport and Union Station (located in downtown Toronto). Trains leave every half hour directly towards downtown in about 25 minutes. The price of a ticket is converted to €12 one-way.
- Cab. At the airport there is a cab stand near the arrivals hall where cabs are available 24/7. For rides into town, "flat rates" are used, which are standard fares. Of course, it is also possible to have your business travel consultant reserve a cab for you in advance, or arrange this yourself in our online booking tool UBI.
- Car rental. Of course, it is also possible to rent a car from the airport. All major rental companies have offices at the airport. We can send you a proposal with different car rental options to suit your needs.
In the city
In the city, you can use cabs by reserving them in advance or stopping them on the street (provided they are free). You can also use Uber. Just be sure to download the Uber app in advance. In addition, Toronto has an extensive network of public transportation, which is provided by Toronto Transit Commission. The network consists of subways, buses and streetcars of which the subway is the fastest and most efficient. With a ticket, you can use all three modes of transportation.
Sleep tight in Toronto
You can stay overnight in Toronto in one of the many hotels. Whether you are looking for a luxury hotel or a hotel with meeting facilities, Toronto has it all!
- Chelsea Hotel Toronto ***: With nearly 1,600 rooms, this is (currently) Canada's largest hotel and offers all the facilities you need as a business traveler. For example, the hotel has meeting facilities, a business center, multiple restaurants, a swimming pool and wellness center. The hotel is located in downtown Toronto: a very central location within walking distance of the vibrant downtown area and famous attractions.
- The Omni King Edward Hotel ****: This beautiful hotel is Toronto's first "Luxury Hotel" and is located in downtown Toronto. The combination between the atmospheric old-world charm and the 21e-century touches provide a warm ambiance. All spacious rooms feature elegant interiors and modern facilities. Enjoy a delicious dinner in the restaurant or relax in the fitness or wellness center. Meeting facilities are available at a surcharge.
- Shangri-La Hotel Toronto *****: This luxurious hotel is centrally located between Toronto's financial district and entertainment district. Shangri-La is one of the tallest buildings in Toronto, offering "tranquility above the hustle and bustle of the city. All 202 rooms offer city views and feature luxury extras. The hotel has meeting facilities, a pool and a fine dining restaurant. The fitness center also features a sauna, yoga studio and modern fitness equipment.
Source: Shangri-La Hotel Toronto:
Tips for doing business in Toronto
These tips and facts will come in handy during your business meetings in Toronto:
- Punctual: Be on time, Canadians are punctual!
- Ice breaker: Start the conversation about favorite Canadian sports (such as field hockey or baseball), this breaks the ice AND you make a good impression.
- Personal: Feel free to call your interlocutor by the first name.
- Don't be too direct: Canadians do not like directness; this often comes across as unsympathetic.
- Business dinners: Canadians are not eager for business dinners, but appreciate it when you invite them to lunch.
- No America: Canadians are very proud of their country and cultural norms and values. Therefore, be sure not to confuse Canadian customs with American customs.
Toronto & Bleisure
Should you have time to spare, we definitely recommend exploring Toronto further. Toronto is somewhat reminiscent of New York, but more compact and less crowded. Many attractions can be reached from the center within walking distance or by subway. And if you have a few days to spare, the following must do's should definitely not be missed:
- Niagara Falls: Located on the border between Canada and the United States, a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto, are Niagara Falls. The falls consist of three parts: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. With the Maid of the Mist tour, you'll take a boat out on the water right past the falls. Ponchos are handed out, which you will definitely need! Other tours are Journey behind the Falls (where you can walk behind and below the falls) and the White water Walk (where you can walk along the river). Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants near Niagara Falls or at the restaurant Top of the Falls, the only restaurant with a view of the falls. (How far to drive?)
- CN Tower: The CN Tower stands in the middle of the city and serves as a transmission tower. Today it is also one of Toronto's most tourist attractions. Until 2007, at 553 meters, the tower was the tallest free-standing structure in the world. At about 350 meters, there is an extension with a number of tourist facilities such as a restaurant, café and viewing rooms. They also made a glass floor in this, allowing you to look down 350 meters! From this extension it is possible to take an elevator to the SkyPod at 447 meters. From here you have a magnificent view of the entire city!
- Visit a sporting event: Canadians love sports. Sports events are watched and attended in a big way. Highly recommended to experience once! The national sports are ice hockey and lacrosse. In addition, basketball and baseball are also very popular. The Toronto Raptors compete in the North American basketball league (NBA). The atmosphere at these games is always very good and definitely worth a visit! Toronto Maple Leafs is Toronto's ice hockey team and play in the NHL. An ice hockey game is a unique experience, but be sure to book tickets well in advance!
Group or incentive trip to this amazing city
Toronto also lends itself perfectly as a group or incentive travel destination to visit together with your colleagues or business associates. Our Groups & Incentives department goMICE will gladly think with you about an unforgettable travel program. Be sure to read their blog for inspiration: Toronto & New York: the ultimate group travel experience!
Travel well!
Anne-Marie Koopmans,
Manager of Operations Arnhem
