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Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel, Vacation Travel

Getting around by Toronto Public Transport

May 20, 2016

If you are visiting Toronto without a car – don’t worry. As one of Canada’s major population hubs it has one of the best Toronto public transport systems in the country. It’s quite easy to get from point A to point B while you are exploring Toronto, so that you can make the most of your time in the city.

Toronto’s public transport system is known as the TTC and it consists of a network of subway lines, streetcars, buses and rapid transit lines in a network across the city. Of course, if you have never been to this city before it might take you a while to get used to Toronto public transport. Here are some important things that you should know when making your way around Toronto:

Paying Your Fare

In Toronto you can buy a token or a ticket for the TTC at most convenience stores and subway stations. You will need to buy tickets and tokens before you board. If you are boarding the subway for example, use the turnstile near the station agent window and drop your ticket or your exact change into the clear receptacle.

Getting a Transfer

It is possible to get a transfer, which you can use for another leg of the journey. Ask for your transfer when you pay your fare on the bus or the streetcar. Alternatively, you can get one from the machine that is located just past the turnstile in the subway. Make sure that you give the transfer to the driver or the station agent on the next leg of your journey.

You Might be Better Off With a TTC Day Pass

If you think that you will use the public transport system more than once for a day of exploring all over the city, a TTC Day Pass might work out to be a better deal. The pass costs $12 and it offers you unlimited travel for a full day.

If you are planning on spending the day traveling all over the city of Toronto and visiting several different locations this might be the best deal for you. Usually it pays by itself by the 4^th trip. You cannot buy the pass from the bus driver, you will need to purchase it in advance from a convenience store or subway station booth agent.

What About Outside of the City Centre?

If you want to travel anywhere in the outlying areas of Greater Toronto, you will need to travel on Go Transit. The GO trains and buses depart from Union Station in downtown Toronto at several times throughout the day, so check to see which one goes to your destination. You will need to pay a separate fare for the Go trains and buses, they are not covered by your TTC tickets or passes.

These are just a few important tips that you should know when you are travelling on Toronto public transport. Of course, if you are lost or confused don’t be afraid to ask one of the friendly locals for help.

Downtown Toronto, Downtown Toronto Condos, Fitness and Health, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel

Trails and Parks in Downtown Toronto

April 15, 2016

Even when you are staying in a furnished rental, a tranquil and green escape to a walking trail or quiet parks in downtown Toronto is not as far away as you might think. The city of Toronto offers many beautiful parks and walking trails where you can get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

Let’s take a look at some of the natural areas close to the city centre where you can enjoy the fresh air and listen to the birds. Here are some of the best trails and parks in downtown Toronto:

The Finch Meander Trail

Head to the east end of Toronto where you will find this out-of-the-way trail that leads through gently sloping terrain to the bank of the Rouge River. Beyond the trail you will find grassland, forest and a scenic bluff to the southeast.

Bluffer’s Park

This is a gorgeous little slice of wilderness that is located in an easily accessible part of Scarborough. Take a hike down the gravel trail and explore the Scarborough Bluffs, an impressive 14 kilometre geographical formation formed by the Wisconsin Glacier 12,000 years ago.

The Don Valley Trails

These trails consist of 11 kilometres of trails that will take you through tranquil and steep-sided green spaces within the city of Toronto. They are asphalt, so they are perfect for cycling or jogging and there are also wide open spaces and narrow ravines to explore when you venture off the beaten path.

High Park

High Park is an enormous 161 hectare park that is located right within the centre of the city. It offers plenty of quiet leafy spaces and seven kilometres of trails to explore. One third of the park has been left in its natural unspoiled state with the original oak savannah and the rare plant species that once covered much of the area.

The Humber River, Old Mill and Marshes

The Humber River and the marshlands around it make up the largest watershed in Toronto, an important wildness corridor for butterflies and birds. The waters here are home to more than 60 species of fish, which make it a fascinating place to explore within the middle of the big city. The Toronto Carrying Place Trail – also known as the Humber Portage, is an important route for traders and natives and is a trail that is rich with wilderness and history.

Mast Trail

This trail is formerly a logging route over two centuries ago where lumber was sent to Europe for ship building. This 200 year old trail that will take you through a lush fern forest and groves of mature trees. It covers challenging terrain and will take you from Little Rouge Creek to the Rouge River.

These are just a few of the best hiking trails and parks in downtown Toronto that you can access easily. During your visit, why not strap on your hiking boots, leave the busy streets behind and venture out of the city to one of these rejuvenating green spaces?

Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Family Vacations in Toronto, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel, Vacation Travel

Things to Consider When Renting Furnished Condos

March 31, 2016

A furnished short-term rental is one of the best options to consider when visiting a city, as it offers a number of advantages compared to a hotel. You will have a lot more room to relax, you will have cooking facilities so that you can prepare your own meals and washing machines so that you can launder your own clothes. A furnished condo offers the convenience and comfort of home so that you will not need to be cramped into a hotel room.

Here 5 things to consider before renting furnished condos:

1. Location, Location, Location

When you choose your furnished condo, one of the most important factors to consider is where it is located. If the condo is too far away from the sightseeing points and attractions you want to see you will waste a lot of time and money going back and forth. The condo should be located in a convenient position close to everything you want to do during your visit.

2. Budget

Think about your travel budget first, then look for a condo rental that fits within it. There are many different options for condo rentals, from the most expensive luxury suite to cheaper options – so figure out what you can afford and stay within your limits.

3. Amenities

What type of amenities does the furnished condo have? Does it have a swimming pool or a gym? Is there parking available and 24-hour security? Consider which amenities are most important to you so that you can choose a condo that suits you best.

4. Size

How many bedrooms does the furnished condo have? Does it have a large sitting and dining area? Your condo will need to be big enough to accommodate all of the people that will be staying with you. If you are travelling with your kids you will want to look for a condo with at least two bedrooms as well as a common area where the little ones can play.

5. Read the Reviews

When you have narrowed down your choices to the best-suited furnished condo rentals the final step is to read the reviews. You will be able to focus on the experiences of the prior tenants in order to find out what to expect from the rental. They will generally give you a good indication of what it would be like to stay in the condo. Sometimes a renting furnished condo can look great in the photos but the reviews will reveal an issue that might make you change your mind.

These are just a few important factors to consider when you are renting furnished condos. Take your time and look for the best condo on your next trip, so that you will be able to stay in accommodation that is comfortable, convenient and well-suited to your needs.

Choosing A Furnished Short-Term Rental

Looking for a furnished, short-term condo rental around the Greater Toronto Area?

Start your search for your next condo rental here on DelSuites.

Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Lifestyle talk

TGIF – Best Toronto Bars on a Friday Night

March 18, 2016

Nothing moves slower than the minute hand on the clock when you are waiting for your shift to end and the weekend begin. Even if you love your job, Monday to Friday is a long time to spend in the office and when your workday is over you will be in the mood to kick back with a few beers in a chilled out atmosphere.

So what are some of the best Toronto bars where you can celebrate the beginning of the weekend and have a fantastic Friday night? Here are a few great options:

The Bottom Line

Meet your buddies at the Bottom Line at Front and Yonge, which is a very popular spot for the after work crowd on Fridays. It is located in the Financial District of Toronto only steps away from Union Station or your furnished apartment at 300 Front Street West, so the location couldn’t be more convenient for an after work drink if you are working downtown. Watch the sports games on the big televisions and enjoy a beer and a snack – you’ve worked hard this week so you deserve it!

Hemingway’s

This chilled out patio bar and restaurant features live music from 10pm every Friday night, so it’s the perfect place to relax at the end of the week. It has a great outdoor area and on a sunny Friday afternoon you will see plenty of Torontonians hanging out and soaking up the sunshine. It’s named after the famous writer of course, who we all know loved to drink in his time.

The Horseshoe Tavern

The Horseshoe Tavern is one of the most well-known bars in Toronto and a long standing favourite in the nightlife scene. Since it opened in 1947 several fantastic bands have graced the stage on a weekend, from Blue Rodeo to The Police to Stompin’ Tom Connors, The Strokes, the Rheostatics, Joel Plasket and the Barenaked Ladies. Usually the chilled out front bar is where you will hear the lesser known acts, while the back bar hosts the major big name acts.

Track & Field

Bring your friends to this fun bar and you can enjoy the top notch selection of cocktails while playing lawn games, such as Bocce Ball. Mixologist Jesse Borg serves up drinks that are just as delicious as their names are cheeky.

These are just a few of the best Toronto bars to check out on a Friday night, so that you can unwind from the week and get the weekend off to a great start!

Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Fitness and Health, Lifestyle talk

Tips for a Healthy Workplace

February 29, 2016

Healthy workers are more productive workers – so what can you do to create a healthy workplace? Here are some tips to ensure that everyone is performing at their best.

Stretch Often
Stretching will help to prevent back, neck and shoulder strain and it will also increase circulation which will improve alertness and brain function.
Encourage all of your employees to take regular breaks from their work and stretch. You might even want to organize a morning stretching session where everyone starts their day with some stretches together.
Take Plenty of Breaks
Working too hard for long hours can cause burn-out and can make your employees tired, fed up and unable to concentrate. They will actually be more productive and alert and able to do quality work if they get regular breaks to recharge.
Create a breakroom area where your employees can go to recharge their batteries. It can have fun games to play, books to read, snacks, water and a few cozy places to sit. If you notice that one of your employees has been working on a project for a long time and they look a little bit tired or overwhelmed, encourage them to take a 15 minute break so that they can return to the work refreshed.
Provide Healthy Snacks
Instead of offering donuts and muffins in the break room and during meetings, why not provide your staff with healthy snacks instead? Sugary food will cause them to crash, but snacks such as fruit, nuts, crackers and vegetables with dip will give them energy to keep going.

Drink Water throughout the Day
Hydration is very important for health and drinking enough water throughout the day will help your employees in a number of ways. It will ensure that they are more alert, their immune systems are functioning well and they are able to concentrate better.
To facilitate your employees drinking more water you can place a water cooler in the office in a location that is convenient for everyone. Also, allow employees to keep water bottles at their desk so that they can sip water throughout the day.
Use Ergonomic Chairs
The human body isn’t designed to sit down for many hours per day and most ordinary chairs will cause a lot of strain on the back and hips. Also, being hunched over a computer monitor and typing on a keyboard without the right support can cause a lot of pain and discomfort.
It is worth investing in ergonomic chairs and keyboards for your office environment for a healthy workplace, as it will make a big difference when it comes to the comfort of your employees. Make sure that the chairs are adjusted to the right height and angle to ease strain on the back and shoulders, as this will be different for each employee depending on their height.

These are just a few of the ways that you can maintain a healthy workplace so that you can perform at your best.

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