Productivity can be a challenge when you’re away from the office. Thankfully, Toronto has no shortage of spaces to get the job done. The places suggested below will keep you in line, online and well-caffeinated while you attend to business.
Co-working Spaces
Co-working is an increasingly popular way of doing business. These membership-based services offer perks like premium tea and coffee, exclusive events and, of course, networking, networking, networking. You’ll also get boardroom access, mail handling services and all the regular office necessities… along with a healthy dose of camaraderie.
This co-working space in the heart of the financial district has all the modern conveniences in in an architectural gem of a building from the 1920s. The Bay Street location is easily accessed by transit and Workhaus also has multiple other downtown locations. “Hot desks” start at $350 per month (you’ll choose your seat when you arrive, based on availability) and the location also offers dedicated desks and private offices.
Entrepreneurs and creative types will fit right in at this Liberty Village co-working space. The building’s industrial past is evident in the signature red brick and beams. Creative agencies and tech companies thrive in this west Toronto neighbourhood that was once home to a number of infamous prisons. Along with reception and mail processing services and boardroom access, some of the Fueling Station’s perks include community discounts for local businesses, network socials and lunch and learn events, and, you guessed it…free snacks.
IQ has four locations in the downtown core. Brookfield Place is closest to the hotel and the Yonge St. location in the Dineen building is also easily walkable. (Dineen Coffee Co., on the same premises, is one of the most renowned cafés in the city, so your breaks will be a treat if you choose this one.) Expect professional, well-laid-out spaces, good amenities and an inviting crowd. This is a good choice for growing companies as it offers private offices, grand meeting and events spaces, dedicated desks and a virtual office service.
Coffee Shops
If you’re working remotely, sometimes a table, dependable WiFi and a good americano are all you need. You can pop in a pair of headphones and get some work done at one of many cafés near to the hotel. Quantum Coffee’s minimalist vibe provides a distraction-free place to get focused. Farenheit Coffee keeps staff in practice with quarterly barista classes, and Neo Coffee’s communal tables welcome workers to settle in for the day.
In the Hotel
If you prefer to stay close, the hotel has large tables in the lobby where you can get your work done, plus you’ll have easy access to the Strath Pub and York St. Café for onsite breaks and dining. For meetings or if you need a private space, you can also inquire about the Wellington Meeting Room.
Choose what suits you best and settle in for a productive day!