a view of a city from the water
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Toronto street view
TORONTO, CANADA - JULY 2: Rogers Center closeup on July 2, 2012 in Toronto. It was Opened in 1989 as the home of Toronto Blue Jays and is the first to have retractable motorized roof.
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Toronto

Canada
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a view of a city from the water

Photo by Zack Stone

Toronto greets you with a skyline that punches into blue, the CN Tower slicing the clouds. Streetcars hum past cafés where steam fogs the windows. In Kensington Market, reggae beats spill from doorways, mingling with the scent of jerk chicken. Queen Street’s murals splash colour across brick, while the Distillery District’s cobblestones echo with footsteps and laughter. Grab a peameal bacon sandwich at St. Lawrence Market—salty, juicy, wrapped in a soft bun. On the islands, city noise fades to gull cries and lapping water. Summer patios buzz until the first stars blink on. Winters bite, but the PATH’s underground world offers warmth and light. Toronto mixes world flavours in every block, and its best moments often happen when you wander off the main drag.

Quick Facts

currency
CAD
languages
English, French
airports
Toronto Pearson International Airport
size
Mega City
power
Type A, Type B
timezone
Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5 Standard Time, UTC-4 Daylight Saving Time)
safety
Safe
costs
Expensive

General Information

Safety indexToronto is considered a very safe city by international standards. Its safety index is generally rated high (around 70–75 out of 100). Violent crime is rare, though you should take standard urban precautions against pickpocketing and petty theft in crowded or touristy areas. Emergency services are reliable and responsive.

Best Time to TravelThe best time to visit Toronto is from May to September when the weather is mild to warm, and the city hosts numerous outdoor festivals and cultural events. Summer offers the most activities, but can also be the busiest and most expensive.

Least crowded and still a good time to visitLate April to early June or mid-September to mid-October are excellent times to visit. During these shoulder seasons the city is less crowded, hotel prices are somewhat lower, and the weather is generally pleasant (spring blooms or fall foliage), with most attractions still open.

BudgetToronto is moderately expensive. Budget travelers can expect to spend around CAD 100–150 per day (dorm accommodation, public transport, cheap eats). Mid-range travelers may budget CAD 200–300 per day, while luxury travelers can surpass CAD 400 daily. Dining out, attractions, and accommodation tend to be the largest expenses.

Healthcare and VaccinationsToronto’s healthcare services are excellent. Non-residents must pay for medical care; travel insurance is highly recommended. No special vaccinations are required for travel to Toronto beyond routine immunizations. Canada has high hygiene standards and good medical facilities throughout the city.

Visa RequirementsMost travelers need either an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visa to enter Canada. US citizens don’t require a visa for short visits. Citizens of many countries can apply for an eTA online; others need to apply in advance for a Temporary Resident Visa. Check entry requirements on the official Canadian Government website before travel.

Weather in Toronto

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3020100
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First-time travelers

The first visit to Toronto is like opening a storybook with each chapter set in a different world. Skyscrapers spill sunlight onto cobblestone lanes; streetcar bells echo among trees older than the city itself. The city greets you with wide arms—diverse, friendly, eager for you to join the neighborhood rhythm.

City of Contrasts

Start with your senses. Queen Street West buzzes with fresh graffiti and the smell of roasted espresso. Kensington Market, a tangle of narrow lanes and open-air shops, bursts with color and the chatter of many languages. Farmers hawk dill pickles and Portuguese buns near vintage denim booths. You taste the city in Jamaican patties or peameal bacon sandwiches from St. Lawrence Market—warm, chewy, savory, all at once.

Welcoming the World

This isn’t just Canada’s biggest city—Toronto is a quilt of neighborhoods. Greek posters line the Danforth; in Little India, incense curls above golden bangles. People walk everywhere, watching blue jays dip between maple branches in Trinity Bellwoods Park, or buying fresh-cut flowers at the corner bodega. Gastowners ask about your accent and offer directions before you even check your map.

  • Bite into warmed pastries at Blackbird Baking Co.
  • Ride a ferry to Centre Island for skyline views and wind in your hair.
  • Visit Aga Khan Museum—quiet, luminous, filled with Islamic art.
  • Browse Gladstone Hotel’s quirky art installations after dark.

Toronto opens itself to newcomers. Friendly, slightly shy, but proud of its mosaics. Each block offers something surprising—a park, a mural, a taste of home or a new favorite dish. For first-timers, Toronto holds out promise: this is a city that wants you to feel you belong.

Return travelers

For the second or third visit, Toronto shifts. You know the skyline now. The CN Tower is no longer mysterious, but the city’s music pulses deeper, inviting you past the surface and into new corners. Here, repeat travelers spot patterns and exceptions. Habits grow—favorite street food carts, secret alleyways turned found poetry.

Seeking the Familiar, and the Unexpected

Now you wander slower, choosing the sun-dappled patios behind Sherbourne’s red-brick apartment blocks, not just the crowded restaurants. Sunday mornings, you cradle a cortado from Sam James Coffee Bar, watching locals unfold newspapers as dogs tug at leashes. Conversations about snow routes or secret tunnels beneath the PATH come easily from friendly baristas.

Experiences Beyond the Usual

Days stretch wider, more relaxed. At Artscape Wychwood Barns, you listen to indie music under rusted girders, or join locals at a bread swap in the community greenhouse. Linger for a late-night jazz set at The Rex, or chat with zine-makers upstairs at Queen Books, learning about the city’s indie publishing scene.

  • Hunt down new Trinidadian doubles on Eglinton West.
  • Cycle the Don Valley’s hidden trails—wildflowers, city skyline above.
  • Try yoga overlooking Lake Ontario at Trillium Park.
  • Browse used records at Rotate This on College Street.

The best part? Toronto rewards curiosity. Each return, the city feels bigger yet somehow more familiar. More layered in flavor and experience. Return travelers find home on these streets—even if home is still the place you leave behind.

Must-see locations

A view of the cn tower in toronto, canada
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A view of the cn tower in toronto, canada

Photo by Aravindth.com

CN Tower

Soaring above Toronto’s skyline, the CN Tower offers thrilling views from a glass floor and outdoor EdgeWalk. From the revolving 360 Restaurant, see Lake Ontario stretch out. At sunset, watch city lights bring the waterfront alive.

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Google Places photo
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Google Places photo

Photo by Mustafa Mohaned

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada immerses visitors in vibrant marine life near Toronto's bustling CN Tower. Glide beneath sharks in the Dangerous Lagoon, watch daily dive shows, and explore Canadian Waters to meet local sea creatures.

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Royal Ontario Museum
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Royal Ontario Museum

Photo by Daryl Pemberton

Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum showcases ancient Egyptian relics, dazzling dinosaur fossils, and world culture galleries. Check out hands-on science zones. Bright exhibits and interactive displays keep families exploring all day.

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St. Lawrence Market
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St. Lawrence Market

Photo by St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market

Bustling St. Lawrence Market in Toronto offers fresh food stalls, local cheeses, bakeries, and friendly vendors. Heritage halls host cooking classes while city history lines the walls. Sample peameal bacon or browse weekend farmer’s tables.

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Toronto Zoo
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Toronto Zoo

Photo by Elizabeth B

Toronto Zoo

Home to over 5,000 animals, Toronto Zoo lets visitors explore themed zones like the Tundra Trek or Gorilla Rainforest. Families can ride the Zoomobile or chat with zookeepers, surrounded by Canadian wildlife and interactive exhibits.

Learn More

How to get there

By air

Toronto is served by two main airports: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), the largest and primary international gateway, and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), located closer to downtown and mostly serving regional flights. Both airports have convenient transport options into the city center.
Options to get to town:
Taxi
Price:
CA$60–$80 (Pearson), CA$15–$25 (Billy Bishop)
Duration:
30–60 min (Pearson), 10–20 min (Billy Bishop)
Where to buy:
Official taxi stands at airport arrivals
Airport bus
Price:
CA$11.65 (UP Express from Pearson), Free shuttle (Billy Bishop to Union Station)
Duration:
25 min (Pearson), 15 min (Billy Bishop)
Where to buy:
Ticket machines at airport stations, UP Express counters, shuttle board at arrivals
Train/shuttle
Price:
CA$3.35 (TTC local bus/subway from Pearson), CA$11.65 (UP Express train from Pearson), Free shuttle (Billy Bishop to Union)
Duration:
45–75 min (TTC), 25 min (UP Express), 15 min (Billy Bishop shuttle)
Where to buy:
TTC machines, PRESTO card retailer, UP Express machines/counters

By train

Toronto is accessible by rail via VIA Rail’s intercity trains, with frequent daily service from Montreal, Ottawa, and other Canadian cities. Amtrak’s Maple Leaf also connects Toronto and New York City. Trains arrive at Union Station, centrally located in downtown Toronto.
Useful websites for train tickets:

By car

Toronto can be reached by car via major highways including Highway 401, Highway 400, Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), and the Gardiner Expressway. Downtown parking is limited and can be expensive, especially during weekdays.
Additional charges to be aware of:
Toll / vignette / emission sticker
Cost:
CA$5.74–$32.50 (407 ETR toll rates—varies by distance/time)
How to pay:
Electronic billing by license plate or using a transponder
Other driving costs
Cost:
Parking CA$3–$10/hour downtown; gasoline CA$1.50–$2.00/liter (varies)
How to pay:
Parking garages, on-street machines, gas stations

How to get around

Public transport

Public transport: Toronto's public transport system is operated mainly by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), which includes subways, streetcars, and buses covering the entire city. Many key attractions are easily accessible via TTC. GO Transit also offers regional service to nearby suburbs and cities.

Ticket options:
Ticket TypePriceWhere to buy
Single ticketCA$3.35 (adult)TTC subway stations, select convenience stores, PRESTO machines
Day passCA$13.50 (unlimited travel on TTC for one day)TTC subway stations, PRESTO machines

Taxis & ridesharing

Taxis & ridesharing: Taxis are widely available throughout Toronto and can be hailed on the street, called by phone, or booked online. Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft also operate across the city and are convenient options for door-to-door transport.

Service providers:
ProviderPriceHow to book
Local taxiStarts at CA$4.25 plus distance/timeHail on the street, taxi stands, phone booking, or taxi company app
Ridesharing appVaries by demand and distanceUber or Lyft apps

Car rental

Car rental: Renting a car is ideal for exploring areas outside downtown Toronto or day trips to nearby attractions such as Niagara Falls. Major rental companies operate at the airport and in the city.

Rental options:
ServicePriceHow to book
Daily rentalFrom CA$50–$100 per day (varies by car type and provider)Major rental brands like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, in person or via their official websites
Weekly rentalFrom CA$300–$500 per week (varies by provider)Major rental brands in person or official websites

Bike & scooter rental

Bike & scooter rental: Toronto features an extensive bike-share system and various scooter rental services. These are perfect for short trips in downtown areas, along the waterfront, or in parks. Bike lanes and trails make cycling a pleasant option in warmer months.

Rental options:
ServicePriceHow to book
Bike rentalCA$3.25 per single ride, CA$7 per day passBike Share Toronto stations and app
Scooter rentalFrom CA$1 to unlock + CA$0.35–$0.39 per minuteLime, Bird, or Neuron apps

Ferry / Boat

Ferry / Boat: Toronto operates ferries to the Toronto Islands from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. These ferries provide scenic and short trips to several popular island destinations for leisure, recreation, and beaches.

Useful websites for ferry tickets:

What to eat

Top Rated Restaurants

Chop Steakhouse & Bar

Chop Steakhouse & Bar

⭐4.9 (3.9k reviews)
•$$$
Location181 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5H 3S5, Canada
JOEY King St

JOEY King St

⭐4.9 (12.3k reviews)
•$$
Location20 King St W, Toronto, ON M5H 1C4, Canada
Black+Blue Toronto

Black+Blue Toronto

⭐4.7 (5.7k reviews)
•$$$$
Location130 King St W, Toronto, ON M5X 2A2, Canada
RASA

RASA

⭐4.7 (1.4k reviews)
•$$
Location196 Robert St, Toronto, ON M5S 2K7, Canada
PAI

PAI

⭐4.6 (14.7k reviews)
•$$
Location18 Duncan St, Toronto, ON M5H 3G8, Canada

Accommodations

Toronto is a city where neighborhoods can feel worlds apart, even just blocks away. Picking the right spot changes your trip. You want a room that feels like home, but also a place outside your window that fits your day and pace. Whether waking up beside the skyline, or walking out to indie coffee shops, where you sleep will shape everything.

Neighborhood Overview

  • Downtown Core: Skyscrapers fill the sky, business travelers stride between offices, and nightlife pulses along King Street West. If you love walkable access to sights like the CN Tower and late-night food, this busy heart is for you.
  • Queen West: Art galleries, tattoo studios, and indie boutiques spill across this hip strip. Creatives and couples enjoy the street’s buzz by day and underground bars by night. Space can be snug, but some of the city’s coolest boutique hotels and rentals hide here.
  • Yorkville: This elite pocket oozes luxury. Upscale hotels, designer stores, and posh cafés set the scene. Shoppers and those seeking pampered comfort love Yorkville, though prices rise steeply here.
  • The Annex: Near the University of Toronto, tree-lined streets mix with mix of classic homes and new condos. Intellectuals and families favor this area’s quieter, more relaxed pace, plus easy subway access.
  • Harbourfront: Towering condos look across Lake Ontario, giving spectacular water views. Families and runners enjoy the green parks and ferry rides to the Toronto Islands. Evenings can feel tranquil after the city’s daily rush.

Types of Accommodation

  • High-rise Hotels: Names like the Fairmont Royal York or the Sheraton Centre plant you near attractions. Expect $250–$600 nightly downtown, with amenities but sometimes street noise.
  • Boutique Hotels: Try the Drake Hotel on Queen West or Kimpton Saint George in the Annex. These stylish spots run $200–$400 and offer a more local, arty experience.
  • Short-term Rentals: Platforms like Airbnb list anything from condos in CityPlace to full houses in the Beach. Prices vary, but budget $120–$350 for most options, higher in summer.

Insider Tips for Booking

  • Book three months ahead for best selection, especially May–September.
  • Weekend rates spike for special events like TIFF (September).
  • 13% tax applies to hotels. Short-term rentals often also add cleaning fees and a city tax.

On warm evenings, you’ll hear the lake breeze in Harbourfront or city music on Queen West patios. Where you stay frames every memory. Toronto’s mix of vibes and lodgings means there’s a fit for almost anyone—so choose with both your plans and your spirit in mind.

Toronto Travel Guide - What to See, Do & Eat