Me too, I have the same worries as yours, as I'm afraid that I couldn't handle him for a 17hrs of flight by myself. But after hesitate for a few months, I decided to bring my 2-1/2 yrs boy to Canada! I'll bring some of his favorite toys/ story books/ snacks to entertain him.
Gisele, I think is better that you stay at yr friend's house rather than in hotel. A 3yrs old to play with your baby is the best company. They'll have lots of fun that yr baby won't aware much of yr presense. Just like my boy when he was 18 mths old in Canada last year, he had such fun playing with his 3yrs old cousin that he did't pay attention of my presence. Of course, you can not gone for the whole day, because from time to time, he'll look for you for nap/milk time. I think is better that you arrive 1-2 days earlier before setting up to work. Stay with him for the 1st day, so yr baby won't feel abandon.
I have decided to stay at my friend's place - basically it is to put pressure on my husband cos he hates to trouble other. If he can arrange, I think he may go with us.