Toronto, Ontario, Canada Travel Tips

Here are some key travel and cultural etiquette tips for tourists visiting Toronto, Ontario, Canada:

  1. Politeness: Canadians are known for their polite demeanor. Always use please, thank you, and excuse me when interacting with locals.

  2. Line-ups (Queues): Canadians value orderliness and patience, so be prepared to wait your turn in line. Cutting the line is considered very rude.

  3. Tipping: Tipping is a common practice in Toronto’s restaurants and service industries. The standard tip for good service is 15-20% of the total bill.

  4. Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in most public places, including restaurants and bars. Look for designated smoking areas.

  5. Public Transportation: Be considerate when using public transportation. Stand aside for people getting off, offer your seat to those who appear to need it more (elderly, pregnant women, etc.), and do not eat or drink on the bus or streetcar.

  6. Respect Cultural Diversity: Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Embrace this diversity and treat everyone with respect.

  7. Practice Sustainability: Toronto is committed to reducing its environmental footprint. Use recycling bins, avoid single-use plastics when possible, and be mindful of your energy consumption.

  8. Land Acknowledgment: If attending events or visiting attractions, it’s respectful to acknowledge that Toronto is built on the traditional territory of many Indigenous peoples, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabe, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples.

  9. Respect Public Spaces: Littering and loud behavior in parks, streets, or other public spaces is disrespectful to both the city and its residents. Always clean up after yourself.

  10. Pedestrian Safety: Always look both ways before crossing the street, obey traffic signals, and walk on the right side of the sidewalk. Remember, pedestrians have equal rights to other road users.