Toronto

Toronto Travel Guide

Overview

Toronto, the largest city in Canada, offers an eclectic mix of modern urban life and rich cultural history. Known as the “Center of the Universe,” this vibrant city is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Places to Go

  1. CN Tower: The iconic CN Tower stands 533.3 meters tall, offering breathtaking views of the city. You can enjoy a meal at its revolving restaurant or take a walk on the EdgeWalk, a hands-free walk around the edge of the tower!

  2. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): One of the largest museums in North America, ROM features a wide range of exhibits from world cultures, natural history, and art.

  3. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): Housing a collection of over 95,000 works spanning the first century to the present day, AGO is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

  4. Distillery District: This historic district is filled with trendy restaurants, bars, and boutique shops. Don’t forget to take a photo by the colorful Graffiti Alley!

  5. Toronto Islands: A group of small islands located just off the city’s shore, offering beautiful views, beaches, and picnic areas.

  6. High Park: Toronto’s largest public park, featuring hiking trails, a zoo, gardens, and even a lake for rowing!

Activities

  1. Toronto Zoo: Home to over 5,000 animals across 500 species, it is one of the largest zoos in the world.

  2. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: With a wide range of marine life and interactive exhibits, this aquarium is a great family-friendly activity.

  3. Casa Loma: A historic house museum and garden, known as Canada’s Castle!

  4. Toronto Pride Parade: Celebrate diversity and inclusion during one of the world’s largest pride parades, usually held in late June.

  5. Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF): A major international film festival held every September, showcasing the latest films from around the world.

Where to Eat

  1. St. Lawrence Market: Toronto’s premier market offers a variety of food vendors selling everything from cheese and meat to ethnic cuisines.

  2. Khao San Road: Authentic Thai street food in the heart of Kensington Market.

  3. Canoe Restaurant: Offering contemporary Canadian cuisine, this restaurant boasts a beautiful view of the city.

  4. Richmond Station: A restaurant inspired by train stations and Victorian-era dining cars, serving up delicious brunch dishes.

Where to Stay

  1. Ritz-Carlton Toronto: Luxury accommodation in the heart of downtown, offering stunning views of the city.

  2. Shangri-La Hotel Toronto: Another luxury option with a rooftop pool and stunning city views.

  3. Chelsea Hotel, Toronto: A more budget-friendly option located near many popular attractions.

  4. The Drake Hotel: A trendy boutique hotel known for its art collection and live music events.

Things to Know

  1. Currency: The Canadian dollar (CAD) is used in Toronto.

  2. Language: English and French are the official languages of Canada, but English is predominantly spoken in Toronto.

  3. Time Zone: Toronto operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

  4. Weather: Toronto experiences four distinct seasons, so pack accordingly! Summer months can be quite warm and humid, while winter brings cold temperatures and snow.

Transportation

  1. Toronto Transit Commission (TTC): Toronto’s public transit system includes buses, streetcars, and the subway. A single fare costs CAD 3.25, but consider purchasing a day pass for unlimited travel.

  2. Uber/Lyft: These ride-hailing services are widely available in Toronto.

  3. GO Transit: A regional public transit system connecting Toronto with other cities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

  4. Bike Share Programs: Toronto offers several bike share programs, such as Bike Share Toronto and Uber Bikes, for easy navigation around the city.

Tips

  1. Purchase a Presto Card: This reusable card can be used for all TTC services, as well as GO Transit, making commuting easier and cheaper.

  2. Avoid Rush Hour: If possible, try to avoid traveling during rush hour (6:30-9:00 AM and 4:00-7:00 PM) to avoid crowded trains and buses.

  3. Respect Local Customs: Toronto is a diverse city with many different cultures. Always be respectful and open-minded when interacting with locals and fellow travelers.

  4. Explore Beyond the City: Take day trips to nearby attractions like Niagara Falls, Blue Mountains, or cottage country for an even more enriching experience!