Toronto Travel Guide
Towering skyscrapers, prestigious sports teams, and international festivals have made Toronto a metropolitan icon of multiculturalism and upscale modern elegance. Attracting visitors and immigrants from around the world, Toronto has become not only the largest and most influential city in Canada, but the fourth largest in all of North America.
Here, you will find something to satisfy all tastes, be it taking in a sporting event, touring through iconic landmarks such as the CN Tower, or sampling your way through a diverse culinary scene featuring influences from around the world.
With so much to see and do, Toronto needs to be at the top of your Ontario bucket list, and I am here to give you the keys to the city. In this Toronto travel guide, we will explore everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to this provincial capital, including the best time to visit, the top sites, and the best hotels for basing your stay.
Facts & Info
- Size – 641 km2
- Population – 2,832,718
- Region/Province – Southern Ontario
- Time Zone – Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Airports – Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)
- Nickname – The 6
- Country – Canada
Toronto Attractions
CN Tower
Marvel as the streets of Toronto yield to your towering views
Royal Ontario Museum
Explore art, culture and nature.
St. Lawrence Market
Browse local wares at Toronto’s oldest market.
Toronto Islands
Hit the beach, go on a hike, or visit an amusement park.
Canada’s Wonderland
Get your thrills at Canada’s top amusement park.
Things To Do In Toronto
- Experience Multicultural Cuisine – Sample your way through the city’s diverse restaurants and bars.
- Tour a Museum or Gallery – Explore local art, history, culture at some of the best museums in North America.
- Attend a Local Festival – Be wowed at international expos, music festivals, and seasonal markets.
- Go Shopping – Hit up fashionable hot spots such as the Eaton Centre, Yorkdale Shopping Centre, and Yorkville Village.
- Catch a Sporting Event – Join in the roar as you cheer on Toronto to victory in hockey, soccer, baseball, and basketball.
Where To Stay In Toronto
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- Shangri-La – Best for luxury travellers
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- Park Hyatt – Best for business travellers
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- The Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel – Best for families
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- Le Germain Hotel Maple Leaf Square – Best for sports fans
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- Sonder at the Liberty – Best for budget travellers.
Festivals & Events
Canadian National Expo (CNE)
Sample diverse culinary offerings, live entertainment, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly rides at Canada’s biggest summer fair.
Toronto International Film Festival
Celebrate the world of cinema at an internationally recognized film festival.
Toronto Christmas Market
Enjoy seasonal treats, live entertainment, and excellent shopping in a charming christmas village setting.
King’s Plate
Horse racing, live entertainment, and an afternoon of gambling await at one of the most prestigious events in the racing calendar.
Veld Music Festival
Dance to the jiving tunes of electronic music at Canada’s largest EDM festival.
When To Visit Toronto
- Summer (June – August) – Summer is the best time to visit for warm, sunny weather and many different cultural and music festivals. However, it is also the most popular time to visit, and a summer holiday in the city will be met with heavy crowds and elevated prices.
- Fall (September – November) – The fall shoulder season is one of the best times to visit Toronto for lighter crowds and pleasant weather conditions. Additionally, the changing foliage makes for a beautiful atmosphere for exploring the city’s outdoor landmarks.
- Winter (December – February) – As the temperatures begin to fall the city replaces its summer festivals for holiday markets illuminated by colourful light displays. Visiting just before Christmas may be busy, but it also allows you to complete your holiday shopping in style.
- Spring (March – May) – Spring is arguably the best time to visit Toronto. The summer crowds have yet to take over the city, and the warm, comfortable weather conditions are met with early festivals and colourful floral displays.
Getting Here & Around
- Airports – Toronto has three commercial airports, with most international visitors arriving through Toronto Pearson International Airport. From this primary port, visitors can take the UP Express to Union Station downtown in 25 minutes.
- Trains – Toronto’s Union Station is also the central hub for VIA Rail and AMTRAK, which offer rail services across Ontario. Meanwhile, Niagara Go Train features weekend service throughout the summer, with stops in Port Credit, Oakville, Burlington, St. Catherines, and Niagara Falls.
- Driving – Car rentals can be a great way to explore surrounding towns and communities. However, due to heavy traffic in the city, public transportation is often the better option for exploring the downtown area.
- Taxis – Taxi and rideshare services are abundant in Toronto. However, keep in mind that these private transportation options can become fairly expensive when overly relied on or when traversing further distances.
- Public Transportation – Buses, subways, and streetcars make up the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). As one of the best transportation systems in North America, public transit is the best way to explore Toronto.
- Biking – Toronto boasts a Bikeways Network of 855 km, making exploring by bike one of the most exciting ways to experience the city.
- Walking – Several of Toronto’s neighborhoods can be explored on foot, including the Distillery District, downtown area, and Kensington Market.
Toronto Travel Tips
- Carry a Reusable Water Bottle – Toronto has some of the best tap water in the world. There is no need to buy wasteful bottles.
- Visit Off-Peak Season – The city is beautiful throughout the year. Avoid the summer crowds by visiting the off-season.
- Use Public Transit – Traffic is terrible in Toronto. Avoid delays by sticking to public transportation.
- Plan a Day Trip – There are tons to see in the city, but Toronto’s surrounding towns are equally beautiful.
- Eat Local – Toronto is a boiling pot of cultural cuisines. Take your time and sample some of its diverse flavours.
What To Pack
- Seasonal Clothing – Toronto’s weather conditions vary greatly throughout the year. Make sure to pack appropriately for the season.
- Comfortable Shoes – From wandering the downtown area to perusing the local shopping centres, you are going to be on your feet a lot.
- Smart Casual Outfit – Be sure to pack a pair of dress shoes and a nice shirt if you plan on dining at one of Toronot’s upscale restaurants.
- Light Jacket or Sweater – Temperatures can vary greatly throughout the day, even in the summer. Pack an extra layer.
- Portable Charger – Toronto is a modern city. From QR code menus to checking your map, you want to ensure your phone stays charged.
