Downtime done right

Upscale shopping can be found in Yorkville, Toronto’s counter to Fifth Avenue, while St Lawrence Market houses a farmer’s market alongside souvenirs and locally famous peameal bacon sandwiches. The Distillery District, a former whisky distillery redeveloped into an entertainment district, offers trendy dining and shopping options among quaint cobblestone streets and art galleries.

To escape the urban landscape, visit High Park, a massive green space in the west of the city complete with a free zoo, a tennis club and winter skating, or head to the Toronto Islands, dotted with long winding bike paths and easily accessible by ferry.

What to know

Generally speaking, Canadians are relatively progressive in their views. The offering of pronouns in email signatures is common, and official ceremonies are often preceded by minutes-long acknowledgements noting the original Indigenous peoples of the land.

Business dinners tend to be low-key. Flashy fine dining is often eschewed for more laid-back options, and beer is common – heavy drinking less so. Bills are usually split between all parties for casual gatherings, which can easily be facilitated by servers. Tipping is expected; a minimum of 15 per cent is the norm.