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Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Family Vacations in Toronto

Fun COVID-Friendly Activities to Keep You Busy During Your Business Trip to Toronto

September 15, 2020
covid 19 restaurant

Travel probably won’t be the same for quite some time. The coronavirus has made travel much more complicated. And when it comes to entertainment, lots of businesses have had to close or change their services. Nevertheless, there’s still plenty to do in Toronto if you’re visiting!

In Ontario, the government has created a system of various stages to control the spread of coronavirus. In each stage, certain activities and businesses are allowed to operate, while others are not. 

As of September 2020, Toronto is in “stage 3.” In this stage, certain things aren’t operating as normal, such as amusement parks, buffet restaurants, saunas, and bars. However, there are still plenty of businesses operating that promise a great time! Here are some ideas of some fun things to do in Toronto that are safe and, most importantly, open.

Head to a Restaurant Patio

As of September 2020, restaurants are open with a few restrictions in place. If you’re dining inside, there will be plastic partitions between tables, and you’ll be asked to stay seated throughout your meal. However, if weather permits, sitting at an outdoor patio can feel pretty normal. 

Spend an evening enjoying a meal and drinks at a restaurant like Hemingway’s, The Porch, or Against the Grain. 

Get a Massage

While certain features of Toronto’s spas are currently closed (such as saunas), you can still head to one of the city’s masseuses. If you’re travelling for business, this is a wonderful way to unwind, de-stress, and release some of those post-lockdown knots! Make sure to bring a mask with you as it will be required inside.

Try a Socially Distanced Fitness Class

In the past few months, fitness studios have started to reopen around the city. Most studios that have reopened have had to cut their class sizes by quite a lot in order to allow for social distancing. Try taking a barre, yoga, or spin class to get a feel for the city’s amazing fitness scene! 

Visit an Outdoor Cinema

Indoor cinemas have reopened with smaller audience capacities. However, Toronto is home to a few excellent outdoor cinemas. Before the cold Canadian winter sets in, catch a film at an outdoor cinema. 

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has planned an outdoor drive-in cinema in early September at five locations around the city! Find out more today. 

Take Part in a Small Tour of the City

While large tours are no longer operating, smaller guided tours of the city have started up again. If you’re new to Toronto, this is a great way to get a feel for the city and learn about its history. Or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, why not follow a map and take yourself on a walking tour!

Visit One of the City’s Amazing Museums

Most of Toronto’s museums have reopened to the public. Here are a few of the city’s best-loved museums and what you can see there:

  • Royal Ontario Museum. See a huge collection of Canadian artifacts in this centrally located museum
  • Casa Loma. This faux chateau was built in 1914, but feels like a true Baroque relic
  • Art Gallery of Ontario. One of the country’s most famous galleries, featuring pieces by Canadian and international artists
  • Bata Shoe Museum. Discover the surprisingly fascinating history of shoes
  • Aga Khan Museum. Discover the rich history of Islamic civilizations 
  • Mackenzie House. See the home of Toronto’s first mayor in this intimate, historic home

While all of these museums are reopened, most require you to wear a mask inside and book in advance.

Catch a Live Performance

Most theatres and music venues remain shut due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are actually a few opportunities to see live performances this fall in Toronto. For instance, this September sees the outdoor Jazz Festival up and running. Plus, Canadian Stage recently announced that they are presenting a range of theatrical and dance performances in safe outdoor venues throughout the fall. 

DelSuites: The Perfect Place to Stay in Toronto

Here at DelSuites, we understand that travelling in 2020 has proven to be a little trickier than anyone anticipated. That’s why we’ve done everything in our power to make our temporary furnished suites the perfect place to call home while working remotely. With additional cleaning regimes in place, and a fully trained team of staff, you can always rest assured that your stay will be safe and comfortable. 

We offer short-term rentals that suit everyone’s needs and tastes. Whether you’re looking for a contemporary apartment in Yorkville, or you’d prefer a cozy place to call home in East Toronto, we have you covered. Start browsing our downtown Toronto apartments today.

Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Family Vacations in Toronto

Your COVID-19 Guide to Toronto’s Virtual Museums 

July 6, 2020
toronto royal ontario museum

Toronto is Canada’s most popular tourism destination—and for good reason. Whether you’re looking for downtown Toronto apartments or to visit the city, the capital of Ontario is home to diverse cuisines and cultures, Instagram-friendly landmarks, and kind, easygoing locals. Canada’s most famous city has its own unique charm—and, in spite of its far-reaching impact, the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t changed the city’s fundamental sense of community and caring. 

Among the things that Toronto is known for—including its breathtaking skyline views and the crowning jewel of film festivals—are expansive museums of art, world culture, and natural history. While the doors to these museums are closed until further notice, you can still enjoy their exhibits without leaving the comfort of your furnished suite. 

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a native Torontonian, we’ve put together a list of four virtual museums across the country that are now available for your viewing pleasure. 

1. Art Gallery of Ontario 

art gallery of ontario

The AGO is one of the largest art museums in North America. From leading contemporary artists like Pierre Huyghe to emerging Indigenous Canadian artists, the AGO’s collection consists of tens of thousands of artworks from all over the world and across time. 

In the wake of COVID-19, the AGO’s online collections can be viewed for free at home, at any time. We recommend checking out the Boxwood Project, which features intricate and mystifying miniature boxwood carvings from the Gothic era. Make sure to zoom in on the incredibly fine details of this prayer bead from the 1500s. 

Don’t exit your browser without taking a look at the AGO’s Prints and Drawings collection, including over 20,000 prints, drawings, and watercolours from as far back as the 1400s. View the sketches of Michelangelo, Picasso, van Gogh, and legendary Canadian artists like David Milne, Michael Snow, and David Blackwood, among other familiar names. 

2. Canadian Museum of History 

The CMH is Canada’s national museum of human history, exploring not just Canadian history, but the past 20,000 years of our existence as a species. With the museum’s own roots dating back to 1856, the CMH is one of North America’s oldest cultural institutions. 

With interactive exhibits, activities, and educational resources, the CMH is a playground for historically-minded individuals who are stuck at home. The museum has also made it possible for online visitors to stream vivid documentaries on ocean life, dinosaurs, and ancient Egyptian mummies. 

For thought-provoking and amusing exhibits, we recommend the Art of Puppetry, which showcases over 2,000 puppets and their unique stories, and Canadian Dress: The Confederation Era, an exhibit examining what men, women, and children wore in the nineteenth century.  

3. Royal Ontario Museum

The ROM is a national treasure, garnering over a million visitors every year. Its eye-catching architecture is a staple of downtown Toronto, and its exhibits within are all the more captivating. 

Home to 13 million artworks, cultural artifacts, and historical relics, the ROM holds the title of Canada’s largest museum. Nearly 50,000 of its featured objects are available for exploring online at any time. 

We highly recommend the ROM’s online interactive exhibits, two of which are powered using Google. One tells the tragic story of a blue whale salvaged back in 2014 when nine whales were found entombed in ice off the western coast of Newfoundland. A team from the ROM itself travelled to Newfoundland to investigate, transforming a tragedy into a touching educational adventure. 

4. National Gallery of Canada 

National Gallery of Canada 

Located in Ottawa, the NGC is an architectural beauty, with towering glass windows that perfectly mirror the sky. Like the Art Gallery of Ontario, the NGC is one of the largest art museums in North America. Physically, it occupies nearly 50,000 square metres of exhibition space. Within these exhibits, the gallery boasts a collection of over 93,000 artworks with Canadian, European, and Asian roots. 

Tour and explore the NGC’s newly-launched virtual galleries, thought-provoking videos, and photostories. Experience a selection of artworks handpicked by the gallery’s curators, enter a viewing room for intriguing historical photography, and embark on an audio tour of artworks intent on capturing nature’s colourful charm. 

Stay Safe and Informed With DelSuites

Attractions across the country have closed their doors and entered a digital space in a concerted effort to keep visitors as safe as possible. Likewise, if you’re relocating within Toronto during the pandemic, safety should be your foremost concern.

Our furnished apartments in downtown Toronto, Mississauga, Scarborough, and North York provide you with the sanitization standards of a hotel—as well as the luxury—without breaking the bank. 

In particular, DelSuites offers you a tranquil environment to rest, rejuvenate, and explore. From a fully-stocked kitchen and ensuite laundry to high-speed internet access, guests are provided with everything they need to stay exactly where they are. When it comes to short-term rentals in Toronto, DelSuites ensures that safety and luxury go hand-in-hand. 

Are you moving within Toronto during the pandemic? Visit our website to book a furnished suite today. 

For more information on how you can stay safe while enjoying yourself during the COVID-19 pandemic, get in touch with our team at info@delsuites.com.

Business Travel, Corporate Housing, Lifestyle talk

Your Guide to Online Professional Development 

June 23, 2020
online learning from short-term rentals in toronto

As Canada begins the deliberate process of reopening the economy, we’re left wondering whether key changes brought on by the pandemic will stick around for good. Will our new normal consist of online schooling, virtual doctor’s appointments, and working from home? Only time will tell.

What we know for sure is that things will never be the same, and even something as basic as short-term rentals in Toronto has been changed forever. And while the employment market has taken a hit, certain sectors have thrived under COVID-19, including areas within tech, supply chain manufacturing, logistics, and shipping. But what about everyone else?    

For employers and employees alike, now is the time to learn new skills while sharpening your existing set. We’ve done the legwork and gathered the best resources for you to build your knowledge and gain a competitive advantage in the post-COVID marketplace—all for free. 

It should be noted that the benefits of professional development extend well beyond the workplace—they empower you in your daily life. Learning improves your health and wellbeing, drives curiosity, and creates unexpected opportunities.

Let’s take a look at what free online learning resources are available to you while staying in a furnished suite in Toronto.  

Professional Development Courses Offered by Canadian Universities 

Canada’s leading universities are providing a wide variety of free online courses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participating institutions include: 

  • University of Toronto. UofT is using Coursera to offer online courses across disciplines, including topics such as programming, introductory psychology, and Aboriginal worldviews and education. They’re also providing a course on managing your mental health during COVID-19. 
  • University of British Columbia. UBC Is providing courses through edX on subjects such as coding and software development, novel-writing, climate change, and a wide range of business topics. 

Other well-known institutions, including Harvard and MIT, have followed a similar route. Take a look at what interests you:  

  • Princeton University. Princeton has taken the Coursera route, with 14 courses currently available. Its selection primarily revolves around computer science theory and computer architecture—the standalones include a course called Buddhism and Modern Psychology.  
  • Stanford University. Stanford’s selection is similar to Princeton’s, with 23 courses offered on Coursera. Start dates range from currently available to launching October of this year. Some highlights include Game Theory, Love as a Force for Social Justice, and Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity. 
  • Yale University. Yale is also using Coursera to offer its selection of 30 courses, many of which specialize in American law. Health-related courses include Introduction to Breast Cancer, Essentials of Global Health, and Health Behaviour Change: From Evidence to Action. 

More Resources to Boost Your Potential

A number of well-known organizations are currently offering free online courses and webinars to further your knowledge across a vast range of topics. Check out what’s available: 

  • The Linux Foundation Training. An expanded mentorship program was launched in response to COVID-19, offering free educational content on open source technologies. Check out their 45-page ebook introducing open source strategies and software for enterprises. 
  • CPA Canada. Their blog updates you on the latest podcasts, webinars, and training to expand your skillset. Keep yourself in the loop with a stream of relevant resources and reading material. 
  • LinkedIn Learning. Pick up in-demand skills from real-world professionals with over 14,000 courses to choose from. Free trials last for a month. Not sure where to start? Check out LinkedIn’s course on how to use LinkedIn Learning. 

A Quiet Space to Learn and Work 

short-term rentals in toronto for online learning

For many of us, the lockdown has been far from peaceful. With our usual outlets unavailable, little to no contact with family and friends, and the anxieties of a viral pandemic weighing on us at every turn, what we really need is a break from isolation. But we need to be careful. 

The solution is to find a space away from home (but not too far) where you can relax and focus while staying as safe as possible. Think of it as a temporary wellness retreat or a second home office. So, what’s the answer? 

Short-term rentals in Toronto allow you to work and learn without constant interruptions. In particular, a furnished suite by DelSuites lets you take a breath and unwind while providing you with everything you need to stay exactly where you are, from a fully-stocked kitchen and ensuite laundry to high-speed internet. Our furnished apartments in Toronto offer the luxury, comfort, and safety of a hotel—only without the hefty price tag and high turnover of guests. 

Are you looking for a calm space to rest, rejuvenate, and learn new skills? Book your suite today by visiting our website. Feel free to get in touch with our team if you have any questions. 

Business Travel, Community Events, Uncategorized

The Best Team Building Activities in Toronto

October 4, 2019
team building activities in Toronto

According to a recent study by the Kenexa Research Institute, companies with highly engaged employees achieved twice the net annual income of companies whose employees were not engaged. In addition, the researchers found social interaction outside the workplace influenced 50% of positive changes in workplace communication.

This means that initiatives that foster employee engagement (ie. team building activities in Toronto) are not only fun. They also have a significant positive impact on the bottom line.

Toronto is an excellent location for corporate team-building. It offers a wide range of options for exciting and memorable activities that will bring a team together. Therefore, here are just a few of the options for team building activities in Toronto:

SPiN Toronto

SPiN is a ping pong social club where you can host a tournament with your entire office, or enroll in ping-pong lessons. The club has two fully licensed bars as well as twelve ping pong tables, a full menu and a private party room. Playing ping pong can be a great ice-breaker and a bit of competition can really bring your team together.

Le Dolci

If your team members are obsessed with sweet treats, they will love the experience of taking part in a cake baking challenge at Le Dolci. The Grand Cake Challenge is a competition to create the perfect dessert and it’s hosted by a professional baker. Your group will split up into small teams of 4-6 people and will design, bake and decorate a sugary masterpieces. In addition, prizes will be awarded for teamwork, originality and execution.
team building activities in Toronto

PaintLounge

Take your team for a “social painting” experience at PaintLounge. You’ll get access to high quality painting supplies and you’ll be invited to play around with colours, lines and ideas.
This is a great way for your team to use the creative side of their brains and think in a different way than usual. You don’t have to be Da Vinci to enjoy this activity. In fact, you don’t even have to have any art-making experience at all. If you need help, the artist staff are always there to assist you.

Far Shot

How about axe throwing as a team building activity? This activity is quickly becoming popular for corporate team building and events and it will encourage your team to get outside of their comfort zone. Plus, there’s something extremely satisfying about learning how to deftly throw an axe and hearing it “thunk” as it embeds in the target.

Far Shot, located in Black Creek Pioneer Village, is one of the best places in Toronto to organize an axe-throwing team building event. They are experts at running large group events. The facility has catering, meeting spaces and its own brewery. Meanwhile, your team can also try archery, knife throwing and other games.

Planning team building activities in Toronto?

Delsuites offers high quality furnished apartments in convenient locations. Most importantly, the top notch amenities will make your team feel right at home. To learn more, contact us today.

Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Uncategorized, Vacation Travel

The Essential Travel Packing List

October 1, 2019

When you are planning for a trip, it really helps to have a travel checklist you can follow along with – to make sure you don’t forget anything important.

Packing can be stressful and it’s easy to accidentally forget something important. With a checklist, you don’t have to think so hard. You can simply follow along with the checklist and make sure you have remember all the travel essentials you wanted to bring.

So, what should you include on your travel packing list? Your packing list for vacation will of course depend on where you are going and what you plan to do when you get there. However, there are a few essentials that you will likely want to bring along with you on any trip – which is why a general international travel packing list is helpful.

The key to packing light is to bring items that are compact and serve multiple purposes. For example, a sarong is a great travel essential. It can roll up very small but it can be used as a scarf, a skirt, a swimsuit cover-up, a towel and even a lightweight sheet or blanket. Another great item is a simple cotton dress that can be worn with casual shoes or sandals during the day, then dressed up with jewellery in the evening.

Also, remember that if you are coming for a long trip you might be able to find the items you need when you arrive. Most items are available in local shops and pharmacies abroad – with the exception of special prescription medication and some other personal items.

Travel Packing List: What to Pack for A Trip

Wondering what to pack for a trip? Here are some of the typical essentials that most travelers will want to bring with them on their trip. You can use this vacation packing list as a base for developing your own unique, personalized packing checklist.
travel packing list

Clothing Essentials Packing List

  • Socks
    Underwear
    Bras
    T-shirts
    Pajamas (although, these are not necessary if you are short on room. You can sleep in a t-shirt)
    Swimsuit
    Shorts
    Jeans
    Belt
    Dresses
    Skirts
    Sweaters (even if you’re in a warm destination, pack one lightweight layer for air-conditioned airports and buses)
    Scarves
    Sandals
    Running/Walking Shoes
    Purses/Handbags/Wallets
    Sarong
    Travel towel


    • Toiletries Packing List

  • Toothbrush
    Toothpaste
    Dental Floss
    Soap
    Deodorant
    Shampoo/Conditioner (some hotels will have it, but it’s not guaranteed.)
    Small packet of laundry detergent (so you can wash your clothes as you go)
    Hairbrush
    Hair elastics
    Hair products (gel, hairspray, mouse, etc.)
    Facial Cleanser
    Moisturizer
    Sunscreen
    Shaving supplies
    Contact lenses and solution
    Makeup/Makeup Remover
    Tampons/Pads/Diva Cup
    Birth control/Condoms
    Nail clippers
    Tweezers
    Hand sanitizer
    Bandages
    Antibacterial ointment
    Painkillers
    Insect repellant
    Imodium
    Motion sickness pills (especially if you will be traveling by boat)
    Cold and flu tablets
    Medications
    Anything specific to the location (such as antimalarial pills)


    • Electronics & Miscellaneous Items Packing List

  • Laptop
    Smartphone
    Chargers
    Adapter (research which type of electrical socket is used at your destination!)
    Digital camera
    Memory card
    E-reader
    Headphones
    Earplugs
    Tissues
    Gum
    Lip Balm
    Water bottle
    Sunglasses
    Important Documents & Travel Necessities
    Passport
    Flight confirmation
    Credit cards
    Emergency contacts
    Copies of passport/credit card, etc.


    • Tips for Maximizing Space in Your Luggage

  • Don’t leave packing to the last minute. Give yourself time to think carefully about what you should bring.
    Place the largest and heaviest items in first, then pack the other small items around them.
    Bring some laundry powder and wash your clothes in the sink as you go, so you can wear them more than once and don’t have to pack as much. (Wearing clothes with quick-dry fabric really helps with this.)
    Wear your bulkiest clothes and shoes while on the plane to save room in your luggage.
    Roll your clothes rather than folding them. It saves more space and eliminates creases.
    Bring a couple of canvas bags. They roll up small and can be used for dirty laundry, shoes or shopping bags.
    Pack items inside other items. For example, roll up socks and put them inside your shoes.
    Last but not least – if you want to pack light, simply bring a smaller suitcase. You’ll be forced to choose only the things you really need.

    • Share your packing tips with us!

    What do you include on your packing list? Do you have any smart packing tips you use when you travel? If there’s anything we’ve missed on this vacation checklist, let us know in the comments below.

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