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Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Family Vacations in Toronto

A Guide to Getting Around Toronto During COVID-19

September 21, 2020
toronto-streetcar-covid-19

If you’re planning on visiting Toronto or the surrounding area, you may be in for a little surprise. Even if you’ve visited the city in the past, things have changed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As with most large cities, Toronto has had to make some slight changes to its travel system to ensure people’s safety. While the changes are fairly easy to navigate, it’s important to be prepared for the new rules.

Here’s what you need to know about Toronto and the way the city is handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Getting to Canada 

The biggest changes you’re likely to experience in travelling to Toronto is getting into the country. As of September 2020, the border with the US is closed to most foreign nationals unless you are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

If you’re travelling from another country via plane, the airline will do a health assessment to check for symptoms of COVID-19. If you display any of the symptoms, you won’t be able to board the flight. You will also need to wear a face mask over your mouth and nose during the flight. Toronto Pearson (YYZ) is one of the only four Canadian airports currently allowing international flights. 

When you arrive at Toronto Pearson, you will again be checked for symptoms. Whether you display symptoms or not, you will be required to isolate for 14 days if you are coming to Canada from another country. Certain exemptions may be made if you take a COVID-19 test, or if you’re classified as an essential worker.

Public Transit With the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

Once you’ve arrived in Toronto (and gone through the necessary 14-day self-isolation period if you’re coming from another country), you’ll probably need to get around the city!

The TTC is Toronto’s public transport network. It consists of subway trains, streetcars, and buses. While the entire system is now up and running as normal, there are some additional guidelines to be aware of.

As of July 2020, it is mandatory to wear a mask or face mask while using TTC public transport, unless you have an underlying medical condition that makes wearing a mask unsafe. 

On all buses, streetcars, and trains, you may notice that several seats are blocked off. Avoid using these seats to ensure you are practicing social distancing from other passengers.

Fares can be paid as normal by cash, PRESTO card, or token. 

Click here to see the latest guidance from the TTC about using public transport safely. You can also visit the TTC website to see a full map of the city’s public transport. 

Use a Ride-Hailing App

Uber and other ride-hailing apps have become increasingly popular over the last few years. With Uber and other similar apps, you can order a cab to your exact location and it usually arrives within the space of a few minutes. For many, it’s a more convenient and affordable option than regular taxi cabs. 

As of March 2020, all Uber drivers and passengers are required to wear masks while in the car. Drivers now have to verify they are wearing a mask through the app before they are assigned to a ride. 

Drivers are also required to sign documentation confirming they:

  • Have no COVID-19 symptoms
  • Have disinfected their vehicle
  • Have washed their hands

If your driver arrives without a mask, you’ll be able to cancel your ride for free.

You will also have the luxury of choice when it comes to ride-hailing apps in Toronto. Other ride-hailing apps that are currently available include:

  • Lyft
  • RideGuru
  • Ola
  • Didi
  • Poparide
  • BlancRide
  • HiRide

Toronto’s regular taxis are still in service too.

Bike Share in Toronto

Bike Share Toronto offers an easy bike renting system. With over 6,000 bikes held at convenient outdoor stations around the city, you can grab a bike easily and quickly and drop it off at another station when you’re finished.

This bike rental system is still in operation despite the COVID-19 pandemic. While it isn’t required, you may wish to wipe down the handlebars of your bike and sanitize your hands before and after your trip.

Find out more about renting a bike in Toronto.

Finding the Perfect Accommodations in Toronto

Travelling around Toronto is actually a lot easier than you may think, in spite of the ongoing pandemic. Just remember to keep a respectful distance from other passengers when possible. And don’t forget to bring a few masks with you, so you never have to worry about being refused entry.

No matter how long your trip is, DelSuites has the perfect temporary accommodations in Toronto. Find out how we’re keeping our guests safe during the pandemic. 

Whether you’re travelling for business or for pleasure, our fully furnished, stylish suites will make you feel right at home from the moment you step through the front door. 

Plus, with suites located all over the city, you’re sure to find a place to stay that’s exactly where you need to be. If you’re lucky, you may not need to worry about public transport at all! Discover our short-term rentals in Toronto today.

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.

Downtown Toronto

The Best Cheap Eats in Markham, Ontario

March 5, 2020

Markham is a great place to be hungry on a budget. There are so many great cheap eats in Markham to enjoy! 

In this city, within the Greater Toronto Area, you’ll have a wide selection of excellent restaurants that serve up delicious meals at a very affordable price. Some of the best value restaurants Markham has to offer (when it comes to price vs quality) are Chinese – although there are many other cuisines to choose from as well. Even if you don’t have much to spend on dinner, you’ll be able to feast until you simply can’t eat another bite. 

Looking for cheap eats in Markham? The following are some of the great options within the budget dining scene in Markham. 

Papa Chang’s 

Have you ever tried Taiwanese food before? At this casual spot, you can taste a number of yummy dishes such as chili braised pork, beef noodle soup and Taiwanese chicken with basil. Even the largest and most expensive dishes on the menu don’t cost more than $8 – and most of them are between $5-$7. Go with a friend – so you can share your food and try more different flavours! 

Malay Thai Famous Cuisine 

The food court in First Markham Place is like heaven for a hungry foodie on a budget – there are so many great choices here to try. Malay Thai Famous Cuisine is one of the highlights – a casual eatery known for its tender boneless Hainanese-style chicken, served with rice cooked in a juicy broth. It’s served with even more broth on the side, making it an incredibly satisfying meal on a cold winter night. It’s one of the most well known local cheap eats in Markham. 

Northern Dumpling Kitchen

This local favourite serves up some truly excellent and affordable Northern Chinese fare. For example, their pork and leek dumplings explode with flavour and are only around a fiver. Crispy, oily and irresistible onion pancakes are only $3. Also, try the soup dumplings – they can be tricky to eat but they are oh-so-satisfying! (This is another great place to go with a few friends and share several dishes.) 

Bluenose Fish and Chips

A local favourite, this family-run fish and chips shop serves up flaky, delicious halibut in an irresistible crispy batter alongside hand-cut chips. They have been around for over 20 years – and they’ve been using the same incredibly popular secret family recipe. 

 

The prices are quite affordable and they often offer great value specials. For example, a meal deal for two that includes two haddock, an order of fries and a small salad for $22.95. So, bring a friend and have a fishy feast!

T&T Bakery & Cafe

This friendly family owned and operated cafe is located on Main Street in Newmarket. It’s always busy and it’s not hard to see why. The delicious homestyle cooking and baking will make you feel right at home. The portions are generous and comforting and everything is made fresh. 

 

It’s not fancy, but the prices are very affordable and there are also some great daily specials. It’s always busy with customers but if you can’t find a spot, you can always take your food away. 

Jim Chai Kee Noodle

If you are a fan of Jim Chai Kee Noodle, just the mere mention of the delicious juicy wontons here will make your mouth water. They are the BEST wontons you’ll ever have. Golf-ball sized and packed with delicious shrimp, they are served in a savory soup that will warm you up from the inside on a cold Toronto day. 

 

This popular lunch spot has been open for 19 years and is still going strong! Whenever the craving strikes for a tasty, quick and cheap bowl of noodle soup, this is the place to go! 

Cravins Caribbean Grill 

In the mood for something with a little bit of spice? At Cravins Caribbean Grill, you can enjoy generous portions of delicious home-cooked Caribbean cuisine. The curry chicken roti is one of the most popular dishes and will rock your world. 

 

Plus, they often have delicious lunch specials such as curried goat on the bone and the jerk pork. The portions are generous and will keep you full for the rest of the day. When it comes to cheap eats in Markham, it’s a great option. 

To learn more about our Markham apartments, click here.

Downtown Toronto, Toronto Entertainment

The Best Shopping in Midtown Toronto

December 27, 2019
shopping in midtown

If you love shopping, Midtown, Toronto is where it’s at. From enormous shopping malls to cute boutiques and much more, you’ll find everything you could wish for in this area of the city.

There are several great shopping areas within a short distance from each other, so you can cover a lot in a day. You’ll find all of the typical North American flagship brands, as well as luxury retailers and local boutiques with unique one-of-a-kind items. Put on your comfy shoes – there’s a lot of ground to cover!

So, where should you start when shopping in Midtown Toronto? Let’s take a look at the best shopping options in this part of the city.

Yonge Street

Yonge Street is one of the most famous shopping streets in Toronto. It’s a dynamic street lined with exciting things to see and do – whether you feel like shopping, catching a movie or heading to the theater.

Take a stroll down Yonge Street and you’ll find a mix of chain stores from big name brands, as well as several unique storefronts that are home to unique local businesses. For example, there’s the stylish shoes at Studio D, or the beautiful bohemian boutique Canopy Blue.

You can also check out That’s Italy, where you can find elegant designer frocks for your next party. Afterwards, you can check in at Room 2046 to sip a latte and nibble a donut while you admire locally made jewellery and soaps. If you get hungry while shopping, there are several restaurants to check out – from luxurious sit-down dining to fast food outlets.

This is a great part of the city if you love discovering shops that are unique, quirky and one of a kind. Be sure to check it out on your travels in Toronto.

Yonge-Eglinton Centre

If you are looking for the big shopping mall experience in Midtown Toronto, this is the place to head. You’ll find 70 retailers, including a wide range of brands such as Sephora, Indigo Books, Reitmans and more.

It’s located across the street from the Canada Square Complex and it is connected to the Eglinton subway station via a lower level tunnel. It has everything you’ll need – from groceries to gyms to liquor stores and convenience shops.

This bustling shopping centre has recently been renovated and the architecture is quite impressive – with columns of colour-changing LED lights and giant digital billboards. It feels futuristic and thriving and the centre often hosts events such as free rooftop yoga sessions (in the summer, of course!).
shopping in midtown toronto

Yorkville Village

Another shopping mall in the area, Yorkville Village is located north of Bloor Street along Avenue Road. It was previously opened in 1976 as Hazelton Lanes, and fell into disrepair in the 1990s. It was redeveloped in 2011 and rebranded as Yorkville Village.

Yorkville Village has great options for shopping and food and it has been recently renovated, so it feels bright, spacious and modern. It’s an upscale shopping experience and there are plenty of high end retailers such as TNT, Andrews, Bois et Cuir and Belstaff.

This is where to shop if you really love fashion and decor – and you want to pick up something unique and stylish. Also, the mall has a SoulCycle, so you can get your workout on with an energizing spin class to exciting music.

Plus, when it comes to fueling up after a busy day of shopping, the mall offers ELXR Juice Lab AND Mi’Hito Sushi Laboratory. Whatever those labs are experimenting with – it’s likely to be pretty delicious.

Manulife Centre

Located on the corner of Bay and Bloor, this shopping centre is another great place to get your retail fix. The Manulife Centre is located on what’s known as the “Mink Mile”. It’s an upscale shopping district in Yorkville, along Bloor Street between Avenue Road and Yonge Street. It’s the most expensive place in Canada to lease retail space and is the 7th most expensive shopping street in the world. Essentially, the Mink Mile is the Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive of Canada.

The Manulife Centre is one of the tallest buildings in Toronto. Within this shopping centre, you’ll find the Bloor Street market, as well as many great fashion brands such as Ron White Shoes, Petra Karthaus and De Catarina. There’s also a GoodLife Fitness Centre, A Post Office, a Pharmacy and much more.

The good news? If the weather is terrible you can go straight through the underground tunnel from the Bloor and Yonge subway station and reach the mall without having to brave the cold!

These are just a few of the great places you can shop while staying at our midtown Toronto apartments. Click here to learn more about our short term apartment rentals in Midtown, Toronto. Our locations are accessible to great shopping, dining, nightlife and more.

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