(BPT) - Are you into the growing "bleisure travel" trend, AKA going on a "workcation"? For business travelers everywhere, it makes sense to balance work and play during business trips, whether you're headed to a high-stakes meeting or participating in an industry conference. When you're in a bustling city like Toronto, Canada's largest city, it's easy to impress guests and business partners with top-notch meals and entertainment, rejuvenate your team with transformative bonding experiences or simply relax doing something you love, so you're refreshed and ready to get back to business.
With 50% of the city's population born outside Canada, Toronto is a cosmopolitan city with a diverse and lively vibe ideal for any kind of traveler looking for a place to play after their long and busy day. The economic heartbeat of Canada is home to the second-largest tech industry in North America, making it an attractive hub for entrepreneurs and innovators. According to the latest Brand Finance Global City Index, Toronto was Canada's highest-ranked city brand, and HR Company Remote named Toronto one of the top cities for remote work. For these reasons and many more, Toronto is fast becoming a sought-after locale for business events and meetings.
If your event is in in downtown Toronto, at or near the Metro Toronto Convention Centre or Exhibition Place Toronto, you're in luck, because the key to optimizing your schedule before heading to Toronto is scoping out the right accommodations, dining, and activities to suit your tastes - and there's plenty to choose from. Alternatively, many businesses prefer unique meeting venues, like the options found at DestinationToronto.com/meetings.
Both convention centers are centrally located in the heart of Toronto and easily accessible to the city's two major airports, Toronto Pearson International Airport or Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport - just steps from the city's bustling waterfront.
How to get around
This walkable city offers safe public transportation, ride-share, and bike share companies, making it easy to get anywhere you want to go.
Where to stay
Both of Toronto's largest event spaces are situated near downtown luxe hotels well suited to business travelers. But if you prefer accommodations off the beaten path, you can choose from several boutique properties or even stay close to the airport for convenience. You can search for the exact accommodations you want at DestinationToronto.com/places-to-stay.
Globally inspired eateries
Are 7,500 restaurants enough to choose from? You'll find almost any kind of cuisine in venues ranging from Michelin Star restaurants to hip, casual bistros and everything in between. In fact, Toronto was the first city in Canada to boast Michelin Guide recognized restaurants.
Sample food considered traditionally Canadian at the famed 20 Victoria, which celebrates locally sourced ingredients like fresh seafood. Or stretch your palate at Chotto Matte, one of the city's most popular fusion restaurants specializing in Nikkei cuisine, the marriage of Peruvian ingredients and Japanese techniques. You'll also find a wide variety of flavors from Asia, Africa, South America, Europe and the Caribbean throughout the city. For example, check out local favorites like fresh pasta at Famiglia Baldessarre, sushi at Oroshi Fish Co., dumplings at Wonton Hut or Jamaican dishes at The Real Jerk. Or how about a meal with a view? Enjoy high-end dining at 360 The Restaurant atop CN Tower, which makes a complete rotation every 72 minutes.
Toronto nightlife has plenty to offer you and your guests - from craft beers and creative cocktails to award-winning Canadian wines, you'll be able to wet your whistle at all kinds of lively nightspots. But this is just a small sampling - find your next favorite restaurant or after-hours hangout at DestinationToronto.com/food-and-nightlife.
Get in touch with nature
Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario and home to the largest system of urban ravines in the world, the Toronto area offers many opportunities to hike or bike your way through this unique landscape. The Beltline Trail offers a 3 1/2 mile hiking route, or you can visit Woodbine Beach for sunbathing when it's warm or use a shared bike to traverse Tommy Thompson Park. Want to get your team out on the water? A harbor tour provides a whole different view of the city. You can also explore nature at the Toronto Zoo or indoors at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada.
Arts and culture galore
Visitors have plenty of opportunities to get artsy thanks to venues like the Art Gallery of Ontario and the striking Aga Khan Museum, plus a plethora of local art galleries. You and your guests can enjoy a night at the theater in Toronto's Entertainment District, as well as year-round music events, festivals and international exhibitions, including the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival.
Sports venues
Sports fans will be interested to know that Toronto boasts eight sports leagues, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, plus the country's only NBA and MLB teams, as well as being home to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
While you're on your next business trip or conference, you'll love exploring this diverse city that naturally inspires a sense of curiosity and excitement thanks to its culture that celebrates, melds and respects diverse people, cuisine, festivals and experiences. Discover the possibilities for your next business and leisure travel experience at DestinationToronto.com.
Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.
Photos courtesy Destination Toronto.
