Travelling to Toronto?
Are you planning on travelling to Toronto for work? Get to know Canada’s largest city in this comprehensive guide for business travellers.
Located on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto is a vibrant metropolis known for its multiculturalism, thriving economy, and global business influence. Originally founded in the 18th century as a British colonial town named York, the city adopted the Indigenous name “Toronto” in 1834 – thought to derive from the Mohawk word tkaronto, meaning “where trees stand in the water.”
Today, Toronto is Canada’s financial and tech capital, home to the headquarters of major banks, global consulting firms, and innovative startups. With one of the most diverse populations in the world and a booming downtown core, it’s an ideal destination for international professionals. Plus, with over 450 AI companies as of 2024 – a number growing around 15% annually – business travellers have plenty of opportunities to dive into an industry that is projected to generate $17 billion in GDP by 2025.
In this comprehensive guide to Toronto for business travellers, we delve deeper into navigating the city’s unique corporate landscape, offer our top tips for getting around, and pick out our top 3 things to see or do to make your trip unforgettable.
Toronto Fact File
The Toronto coat of arms of Toronto was granted in 1998 after the city’s amalgamation. It features a stylised ‘T’ – symbolising the city’s name and municipal buildings – flanked by a beaver and a bear to represent Canadian identity.
Languages
English (French widely spoken)
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD $)
Avg. Temperatures
Summer (Jun – Aug): 21°C (70°F)
Autumn (Sep – Nov): 9°C (48°F)
Winter (Dec – Feb): -4°C (25°F)
Spring (Mar – May): 7°C (45°F)
Getting To Toronto
By Air
Two main airports serve Toronto. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is located about 25 km west of downtown and offers direct flights from most global destinations. Alternatively, the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) – found on the Toronto Islands – caters mostly to domestic and short-haul US routes and is minutes from the downtown core via ferry or pedestrian tunnel.
By Road
Driving into Toronto is possible via Highway 401 (from the east/west), the QEW (from Niagara/Buffalo), and Highway 400 (from northern Ontario). Traffic congestion is common, especially during rush hours, and delays are frequent on major routes like the Don Valley Parkway (DVP). Note that downtown parking can be expensive, with hourly rates often exceeding CAD $5–8 and daily rates reaching $30 or more.
By Rail
Toronto’s Union Station is the central hub for regional and national trains, including Via Rail and GO Transit. High-speed rail connections link Toronto with Montreal, Ottawa, and southwestern Ontario cities. Amtrak also provides service to New York City via the Maple Leaf line. The station itself is a major landmark in the heart of the city and connected to the PATH underground walkway network.
Business Culture & Etiquette
Toronto is consistently lauded as one of the best global cities to live and work, ranking 9th in terms of livability in 2023 by the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index and 3rd (behind just London and New York) in PwC’s Cities of Opportunity study, thanks to its infrastructure and ease of doing business.
As Canada’s largest city and financial capital, Toronto is a brilliant blend of traditional Canadian politeness and competitive corporate standards. Home to the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) – the third largest in North America by market capitalisation – Toronto attracts multinational companies, major financial institutions, and a highly skilled workforce.
The city is known for its multicultural work environment. Over 50% of its population was born outside Canada, making diversity a key pillar of business interaction. Many offices prioritise inclusive hiring practices, and employees can expect a broad range of cultural norms to be respected in the workplace. Formality is the default in initial interactions with titles such as “Mr.”, “Ms.”, or professional designations such as “Dr.” commonly used.
Businesswear in Toronto tends to align with global norms. In the Financial District, conservative dress codes dominate – think tailored suits, neutral colours, and minimal accessories. However, in creative industries, tech startups, or more progressive firms in areas like Liberty Village or the Distillery District, there is often more room for smart-casual dress and individual expression.
A Few Other Business Etiquette Top Tips
- Coffee chats: In Toronto (and much of Canada), the go-to for informal networking or first meetings is often a quick coffee chat.
- Politeness is key: Canadian politeness in both personal lives and business means interactions are marked by respect, patience, and a genuine effort to collaborate.
- Small talk is welcome: Casual conversation may touch on weather or sports, especially hockey.
Crime & Safety
Toronto is widely regarded as one of North America’s safest major cities, consistently ranking high in safety reports. Money.ca’s 2023 Canadian Crime Index ranked Toronto as the safest city in Canada, with just 287 incidents per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of over 600.
Still, like any major urban area, Toronto experiences petty crimes, notably pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas such as Yonge-Dundas Square, Union Station, and Kensington Market. Make sure to stay vigilant of your belongings and your surroundings if you find yourself swept up by the crowds.
Winter in Toronto can be extreme, with temperatures occasionally plunging to –20°C (–4°F) or lower with wind chill, making proper clothing essential. Business travellers should dress in layers, including a thermal base, an insulated coat, waterproof boots, gloves, a scarf, and a hat. Roads can become slippery, so wearing grip-soled footwear is also recommended. Transit delays and slower commutes are common in winter storms, so always allow extra time and check TTC and GO Transit service updates during bad weather.
A Few Other Crime & Safety Tips
- The emergency number for police, fire, and medical services is 911.
- Recreational cannabis has been legal across Canada since October 2018 and can be consumed in private residences or designated outdoor public spaces. Please note that it can only be legally purchased through the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) or at licensed private retailers in Toronto.
- Jaywalking is technically illegal. While enforcement is generally mild, locals tend to strictly observe traffic signals – even when the street is empty. The standard fine for jaywalking in Toronto is around CAD $35–$50, but this can rise to over $100 if it’s deemed dangerous or obstructive.
Getting Around Toronto
By Bus
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates over 150 bus routes, many of which run 24/7. Buses are integrated with the subway and streetcar network, and all accept the PRESTO card for easy fare payment. Schedules are reliable, and stops are marked across the city.
By Subway
Toronto’s subway has four lines: Line 1 (Yonge-University) loops through downtown and connects major business districts. Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) runs east-west across midtown. Lines 3 & 4 serve the eastern suburbs and North York, respectively. Trains run every 2 – 5 minutes during peak hours.
By Foot or Bike
Downtown Toronto is highly walkable, with an extensive network of bike lanes and a city-wide Bike Share Toronto program. The PATH – a 30 km underground walkway – links major buildings and transit stations downtown, offering a weatherproof option for pedestrians during winter.
Top 3 Things To See Or Do In Toronto
If you find yourself with a bit of free time on your business trip, Toronto is a city with a rich history and offers plenty to see and do. Here are our top 3 recommendations…
1. CN Tower & Waterfront
Standing at 553 metres (1,815 feet), the CN Tower is not just a defining feature of Toronto’s skyline, it’s a bucket-list experience for visitors. Once the world’s tallest freestanding structure, the tower still ranks among the tallest globally and offers breathtaking 360° views of the city, Lake Ontario, and even Niagara Falls on a clear day. Business travellers can enjoy a meal or host a meeting at 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower, a revolving fine-dining venue offering seasonal Canadian cuisine and an award-winning wine list.
Just steps away, Toronto’s waterfront offers a scenic escape from city hustle. Stroll or jog along the Waterfront Trail, visit Harbourfront Centre for art and cultural events, or take a short ferry ride to the Toronto Islands, which offer beaches, bike rentals, and panoramic views of the skyline.
2. The Royal Ontario Museum
Nestled in the upscale Yorkville neighbourhood and adjacent to the University of Toronto, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is a premier destination for history and culture buffs. As one of North America’s largest and most comprehensive museums, the ROM houses over 13 million artifacts, ranging from dinosaur skeletons and ancient Egyptian sarcophagi to Indigenous Canadian art and rotating exhibitions on contemporary issues.
The museum’s iconic modern façade, known as the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind and is now one of Toronto’s most photographed landmarks. Business travellers short on time can opt for an express highlights tour, and the surrounding area offers upscale restaurants and cafés for post-meeting networking.
3. Distillery Historic District
Once home to the largest distillery in the British Empire, Toronto’s Distillery Historic District has been reborn as a vibrant creative centre, blending its Victorian-era architecture with modern art galleries, artisan boutiques, and independent restaurants. Cobblestone streets, string lights, and restored industrial buildings create a unique backdrop for after-work exploration, client meetups, or even informal team gatherings.
The district hosts seasonal markets, including the popular Toronto Christmas Market and Light Festival, making it a lively destination year-round. For business travellers, it’s a great place to unwind after meetings. Enjoy a local craft cocktail, catch a performance at the Soulpepper Theatre, or explore galleries featuring Canadian and international contemporary artists.
Toronto: Standing at the Forefront of Canadian Finance and Tech
Toronto isn’t just Canada’s largest city; it’s a world-class business destination defined by a warm and welcoming work culture. With a solid and ever-growing finance and technology industry, including a thriving AI-tech scene, this proudly multi-cultural city is an undeniably great place to live and do business.
The appeal of Toronto doesn’t start and end in the boardroom. With world-renowned attractions like the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, and its picturesque waterfront, Toronto is a delight to explore. Even with a packed business schedule, it’s easy to find moments to take it all in, whether that’s catching skyline views from the Islands, or simply enjoying a meticulously brewed coffee in one of the eclectic neighborhoods.
Ultimately, doing business in Toronto is about more than ticking off meetings. With a strong talent base, multicultural ethos, and ever-evolving infrastructure, Toronto is a great destination for first-time visitors or a frequent fliers, so long as they don’t say a bad word about hockey!
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