Toronto Ontario Canada

The Ultimate Guide to Travelling in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Table of Contents

Places to Go

Downtown Toronto

  • CN Tower: Catch panoramic views of the city from 553 meters high
  • Toronto Islands: Take a ferry to the islands and enjoy beaches, parks, and gardens
  • Union Station: Explore the historic train station turned shopping center
  • Kensington Market: Browse eclectic shops and cafes in this vibrant neighborhood

Chinatown and Little Italy

  • Chinatown: Discover colorful streets, authentic eateries, and cultural attractions
  • Little Italy: Savor Italian cuisine and European charm on College Street

Waterfront and Harbourfront

  • Harbourfront Centre: Enjoy concerts, exhibitions, and waterfront views
  • Queen’s Quay Terminal: Shop and dine at this revamped terminal building
  • Ontario Place: Explore the marina, park, and entertainment complex

Museums and Galleries

  • Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Marvel at world cultures and natural history exhibits
  • Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): Discover Canadian and international art
  • Hockey Hall of Fame: Learn about Canada’s favorite sport

Parks and Green Spaces

  • High Park: Stroll through gardens, walk trails, and picnic with the locals
  • Riverdale Farm: Visit this urban farm with animals, gardens, and a cafe
  • Toronto Botanical Garden: Explore 17 acres of beautiful gardens and natural areas

Activities

Outdoor Adventures

  • Kayaking or Paddleboarding: Rent equipment and explore Toronto’s waterways
  • Biking: Ride the waterfront trail or rent a bike and explore the city
  • Rock Climbing: Scale indoor walls at Joe Rock or outdoor routes in the nearby hills

Indoor Delights

  • Escape Rooms: Challenge yourself at Escape the Crate or The Escape Zone
  • Indoor Skydiving: Experience the rush of skydiving without jumping out of a plane
  • Virtual Reality Experiences: Immerse yourself in VR adventures at vrCADIA

Festivals and Events

  • Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF): Catch premieres, screenings, and industry events
  • NXNE Music Festival: Discover new music acts and enjoy live performances
  • Pride Toronto: Celebrate diversity and inclusivity with parades, parties, and more

Where to Eat

Canadian Classics

  • The Lakehouse: Savor classic Canadian comfort food in a cozy setting
  • The Gabardine: Enjoy traditional French-Canadian cuisine in a historic building
  • Poutine Shop: Indulge in the quintessential Canadian dish, poutine

International Flavors

  • Mother India: Taste authentic Indian cuisine with a modern twist
  • Miku Sushi: Experience high-quality Japanese sushi and seafood
  • Pai Northern Thai Kitchen: Discover bold flavors and spices from northern Thailand

Food Markets and Cafes

  • St. Lawrence Market: Explore the historic market’s food vendors, cafes, and shopping
  • Kensington Cafe & Bakery: Enjoy fresh pastries, sandwiches, and coffee in a charming setting
  • Dark Horse Espresso Bar: Fuel up with expertly brewed coffee and snacks

Where to Stay

Luxury Hotels

  • The Fairmont Royal York: Experience opulence and historic charm downtown
  • Four Seasons Hotel Toronto: Enjoy sleek design and exceptional service in the heart of the city
  • Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto: Relax in modern comfort with stunning views

Mid-Range Options

  • Hotel Victoria: Discover boutique charm and comfort in a historic setting
  • Novotel Toronto Centre: Enjoy modern amenities and convenience near Union Station
  • Hyatt Regency Toronto: Relax in spacious rooms with a pool and fitness center

Budget-Friendly Choices

  • The Only Cafe & Inn: Find affordable, cozy rooms above a popular cafe
  • Super 8 by Wyndham Toronto North: Get basic, no-frills accommodations near the airport
  • Hostel One: Stay in a social, budget-friendly hostel with dorms and private rooms

Things to Know

Weather

  • Summer (June-August): Warm and humid, average high 26°C (79°F)
  • Winter (December-February): Cold and snowy, average low -10°C (14°F)

Currency and Payment

  • Canadian Dollar (CAD): The official currency
  • Credit Cards: Widely accepted; cashless transactions common

Language

  • English: Primary language spoken by most Torontonians
  • French: Many residents speak French as a second language

Safety

  • Crime Rate: Relatively low, with most areas safe to walk at night
  • Emergency Services: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance

Transportation

Public Transit

  • TTC (Toronto Transit Commission): Ride buses, streetcars, and subway lines across the city
  • Presto Card: Conveniently pay fares with this reusable card

Taxi and Ride-Sharing

  • Taxis: Hail traditional cabs or book in advance
  • Uber: Popular ride-sharing service available in Toronto

Walking and Cycling

  • Pedestrian-Friendly Areas: Explore downtown neighborhoods on foot
  • Cycling Infrastructure: Bike lanes, trails, and bike-share systems throughout the city

Tips

Tipping Culture

  • Restaurants: 15%-20% gratuity expected for good service
  • Bars: Tip $1-$2 per drink or 10%-15% of the total bill

Respect Local Customs

  • Dress Modestly: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting places of worship
  • Remove Trash: Help keep Toronto clean by disposing of waste properly

Explore Beyond Downtown

  • Venture to surrounding neighborhoods: Discover hidden gems in areas like Parkdale, Roncesvalles, and the Beaches

Other Things of Interest

Sports Teams

  • Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL): Catch a hockey game at Scotiabank Arena
  • Toronto Blue Jays (MLB): Watch baseball at Rogers Centre

Shopping

  • Toronto Eaton Centre: Browse over 250 stores in this massive mall
  • Yorkville Village: Upscale shopping and dining experiences in a historic setting

Day Trips

  • Niagara Falls: Visit the famous waterfalls, wineries, and scenic towns (1.5 hours away)
  • Montreal, Quebec: Explore French-Canadian culture, history, and cuisine (5.5 hours away)

This comprehensive guide should help you plan an unforgettable trip to Toronto, Ontario, Canada!