A Guide For Studying and Working in Toronto

One of the top 10 innovative cities in the world and the heart of the Canadian tech scene, Toronto takes pride in being the dynamic city that stands out for its concentration of talent and endless opportunities. It’s home to several major industries in Canada and is also the fastest-growing market for tech talent in North America.

Lighthouse Labs Toronto students truly enjoy being in this community of like-minded people and amongst the most prominent companies in the country. And you know what is the best part? With so many attractions and activities happening all the time, it makes it very hard to get bored in this city.

Because your classes are intensive, there is a little time left for you to explore. Don’t worry, we got your back! To save your time we take you on a tour around the neighbourhood and show you how to have a good time during the bootcamp.

Location

Lighthouse Labs Toronto is located at 662 King St West, in one of the most trendy and vibrant neighbourhoods - Fashion District. This neighbourhood is a center of the action and home to award-winning restaurants, bars, and lots of diverse shops. It is an ultimate lively spot for thousands of tourists and young professionals.

Sandwiched in between Spadina Avenue and Bathurst Street, our building is right on the first floor with fantastic accessibility for our students. The campus is a modern, loft-style exposed brick open space where our students spend most of their time during the bootcamp.

Housing and Accommodation

After a long day of studying, there is no better feeling than knowing you have a comfortable place to stay and this community offers plenty of options for rent. Although Fashion District is full of elegant condos and trendy townhouses it is still one of the most expensive neighbourhoods due to the perfect location. A lot of young families and empty nesters that reside in this area were also once in the mind-boggling search for the best housing deal. Rental.ca, Padmapper, Condos.ca are one of the most popular listing sources around here.

Here is an average cost of rent according to TREB Q4 2019 report:

  • Bachelor: $1,898
  • 1-bedroom: $2,287
  • 2-bedroom: $3,141
  • 3-bedroom: $3,757

Yes, these are not one of the most affordable options. If you are looking to save a buck and find a home that gives exactly the feel you want, the best option would be to opt for the short-term rentals that you can find on websites like Kijiji, Airbnb, or Zumper. Make sure to visit Roomies.ca and Facebook Marketplace if you are looking to share your space with someone else.

Another alternative is to search for the furnished apartments on websites such as Olivias Housing, Nestpick, Urban Flats, where you can find a cozy stay at a comfortable price.

Transportation

Our location makes commuting ideal, as we are surrounded by options to connect with the rest of the city. The closest method of transport is the streetcar. Streetcars swarm the neighborhood and can easily take you to where you are going next. The King line (504), and Queen Street (501) run east and west. Going north or south is no problem either with Spadina Avenue (510) or Bathurst Street (511) giving you options on the east or west side.

The subway is another great alternative with St. Andrews, King, Union, and Osgoode all in close proximity to the campus.

Parking is challenging, but not impossible as many newer condos have garages with available spots. Check out BestParking.com for the best rates in the area.

A monthly unlimited TTC pass is $151.15. If you don't opt-in for the monthly pass, you can pay for individual rides for $3.25 or $3.10 if you use a Presto card. Using a Presto card is the cheapest and most convenient option for TTC fares. You can load the Presto card online or at most subway stations. Visit the TTC website for more information on public transport. Alternatively, you can choose ridesharing services such as Uber, Lyft, BikeShare, Zipcar or a regular taxi.

Food

You’ve been busy studying at Lighthouse Labs bootcamp all morning and suddenly it’s lunchtime and you are HUNGRY! To get the most out of your classes and save your time, prepare nutritious snacks beforehand. Our Toronto campus has two kitchens where you can cook and store your meals. We also like to treat ourselves with a cup of coffee and tea over here, so you are in luck!

There is also plenty of food around the Fashion District, which will fit every taste and budget. Spend your break by eating at some of the neighbourhood’s most popular spots such as Wilbur Mexicana or enjoy some delicious Italian specialties at Forno Cultura. Get your caffeine fix at Jimmy's Coffee or Brioche Dorée, both less than a 5-minute walk from our building. Freshii on Bathurst and iQ on King offer a wide selection of healthy eats.

Here are a few other places to grab a quick bite or coffee:

There is nothing wrong with rewarding yourself with a good fancy meal or a drink after a long day of studying. This neighbourhood is known for its most famous restaurants in the city, so if you are in the mood for something special make sure to check out LoV, Cibo, Lee, Buca, and Oretta. You may also want to try a craft beer at the pubs such as Banknote, Northern Maverick, or Bar Wellington.

Nearby restaurants:

Sports and Recreation

Oftentimes students find a bootcamp to be intense as hours of studying can drastically burn your mental and physical energy. Prioritize your health during this period and don’t forget to get some exercise to get the blood flowing. As simple as taking a break every other hour to get some fresh air, helps to reduce your stress levels, anxiety and achieve peace of mind. Grab your teammate and stroll along one of the nearest parks such as Stanley Park or Victoria Memorial Square.

You can also opt-in for a 30-minute meditation class at the Hoame studio. You have a choice between beautifully decorated dark, light, and salt rooms.

If you prefer, you may also join a gym or a studio, and there are plenty of them around this area:

Entertainment

Good news bootcampers - you still have some free time left on weekends to explore all of the countless city gems. The city of Toronto offers us endless possibilities on how to spend your downtime. You can test your arcade skills at the Rec Room, or stare down the city on top of the CN Tower. Our office is also steps away from SPIN Toronto, a classic hangout for the students. All the sports fans can head to watch an action-packed basketball game from the Raptors at Scotiabank Arena or catch the Toronto Blue Jays’ match at the Rogers Centre.

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If you stroll east on Front Street, you will end up at the historic Distillery District, where you can explore artisan shops and art galleries sitting on cobblestone roads. And if you want a taste of the lavish life, head north to Yorkville, but be careful, you are likely to see a celebrity.

Must-see tourist attractions include eclectic Kensington Market, instagrammable Graffiti Alley, and the place with the most gorgeous views of the city - the Toronto Islands.

If you are looking to enjoy Toronto nightlife, the Fashion District is a place to be. Unwind in some of the trendiest clubs in the city such as Lavelle, EFS, Lost and Found, or Toybox.

Here are some other places for you to check out:

Fashion District is a dream destination for all the food enthusiasts, techies, and people who are looking for infinite possibilities. Therefore, there is no doubt that every bootcamp day will be jam-packed with the discovery of all the exciting activities in and outside the campus.

If you are interested in learning more about our Toronto campus, make sure to follow us on Lighthouse Labs East Instagram and Facebook for the daily workings.

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