Loading...

Toronto

TRAVEL GUIDE

Toronto

TRAVEL GUIDE

The Fodor's Five

The five things you need to know before traveling to Toronto

# 1

You should absolutely take Toronto public transit.

Like most big cities, Toronto is best explored via public transit and on foot. After you land at Toronto Pearson International Airport, hop on the UP Express (short for Union to Pearson) to Union Station, which departs every 15 minutes for downtown Toronto. The ride takes about a 25-minutes and features free Wi-Fi; fares run up to $12.35. While you’re at Union Station, grab a reloadable Presto Pass (Metro pass) to make the rest of your trip more convenient.

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates three main modes of transport: the subway, buses, and a fleet of sometimes controversial streetcars. While streetcars can be an acquired taste, the subway system is relatively quicker, easy to navigate, and features two main lines: one running north-south and the other east-west. The Metro typically runs from around 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays. On Sundays, it starts at approximately 8 a.m. and runs until 2 a.m.

Read More: How to Navigate Toronto's Public Transit System

# 2

There's a lot to see in Toronto, so plan accordingly.

Start your journey in the heart of downtown at the iconic CN Tower (situated between the Rogers Centre and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada), a modern wonder that offers unparalleled views of the city. For cinephiles, a visit to the Toronto International Film Festival's Bell Lightbox (located on the northwest corner of King Street and John Street), showcases the best of international and Canadian cinema. Toronto's rich history and culture are gorgeously documented at the Royal Ontario Museum (take the Yonge-University subway line to Museum Station). Don't miss the fascinating Art Gallery of Ontario (hop off St. Patrick's station on the Yonge-University-Spadina line and walk about 5 minutes) to the home to world-class collections of art spanning centuries.

Avid sightseers should consider a Toronto CityPass ticket to save on major attractions such as Casa Loma, the CN Tower, and more.

# 3

Prepare for the 13% tax + tips.

Your bill will often be 13% higher than the purchase price. Yes, the city has a sales tax of 13%, so keep this in mind as you visit Toronto’s bustling shops and eateries. On an average mid-range budget, travelers should plan on a daily budget ranging from approximately U.S. $75 to U.S. $150.

When it comes to tipping etiquette, as in the U.S., it is expected when you dine out in Toronto. Customary rates are similar as well: while the typical range is 15-20%, the general expectation now hovers around 18% and could go higher depending on the venue and the nature and quality of service you receive.

# 4

Make sure you experience Toronto's diversity.

Toronto truly is a melting pot, home to over 200 ethnic groups that contribute to its diverse atmosphere. This diversity supports a wonderful culinary scene, a literal and figurative melting pot of flavors from around the world. Whether you're craving the spicy delights of Indian curries in Little India, the aromatic Mediterranean dishes of Greektown, the savory dim sum of Chinatown, or the hearty pasta of Little Italy, Toronto's food landscape offers a delicious journey around the globe all in one city.

Among the can’t-miss neighborhoods for curious foodies are Little Italy (College St., between Shaw Street and Euclid Ave.), Chinatown (Dundas St. W. and Spadina Ave), Koreatown (Bloor St. between Christie and Bathurst and Yonge and Finch), and Cabbagetown (east of downtown Toronto).

Read More: The 10 Best Restaurants in Toronto That Highlight Its International Dining Scene

# 5

Know Toronto's drinking laws.

The legal drinking age is 19, and bars generally make the last call at 2 a.m. During special festivals like The Toronto International Film Festival, some establishments are permitted to keep the party going until 4 a.m.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Neighborhoods

The areas along Dundas and Queen streets typify Toronto's ethnic makeup and vibrant youthfulness. To many locals, the Dundas and Spadina intersection means Chinatown and
See More
Yonge Street is the central vein of Toronto, starting at Lake Ontario and slicing the city in half as it travels through Dundas Square and
See More
Toronto is sprawling, there’s no doubt about it. However, the city's excellent public transportation system makes it a cinch to get outside the city center
See More
Toronto's wealth of diverse neighborhoods and fascinating attractions cater to most tastes, but explore beyond downtown to find the ethnic enclaves, parks, museums, and attractions
See More
Packed into this area, which runs from Bay Street east to Parliament Street and from Queen Street south to Lake Ontario, you'll find the city's
See More

Hotels

Fodor's Choice
Fodor's Choice
Fodor's Choice
Fodor's Choice
Fodor's Choice

Quickly find Toronto Hotels and compare prices.

Powered by Clicktripz

Language

English, French

Nearby Airports

YTZ, YTO

Electrical Outlets

110v/60 cycles; electrical plugs have two flat prongs (the same as in the U.S.).

Currency

Canadian dollar

Local Weather

{{monthAverage.f_high}}° {{monthAverage.c_high}}° {{monthAverage.f_low}}° {{monthAverage.c_low}}°
{{monthAverage.month}}
Historic Weather: Powered by Dark Sky
Weather info provided is using averaged daily data within the given month of the previous year.

Language

English, French

Electrical Outlets

110v/60 cycles; electrical plugs have two flat prongs (the same as in the U.S.).

Currency

Canadian dollar

Nearby Airports

YTZ, YTO

Local Weather

{{monthAverage.f_high}}° {{monthAverage.c_high}}° {{monthAverage.f_low}}° {{monthAverage.c_low}}°
{{monthAverage.month}}
Historic Weather: Powered by Dark Sky
Weather info provided is using averaged daily data within the given month of the previous year.

Toronto is most pleasant from late spring through early fall, when there are outdoor concerts, frequent festivals, and open-air dining. On the...Read More

Discover the best neighborhoods in Toronto with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

Local Weather

{{monthAverage.f_high}}° {{monthAverage.c_high}}° {{monthAverage.f_low}}° {{monthAverage.c_low}}°
{{monthAverage.month}}
Historic Weather: Powered by Dark Sky
Weather info provided is using averaged daily data within the given month of the previous year.

Toronto is most pleasant from late spring through early fall, when there are outdoor concerts, frequent festivals, and open-air dining. On the...Read More

Discover the best neighborhoods in Toronto with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

Local Weather

{{monthAverage.f_high}}° {{monthAverage.c_high}}° {{monthAverage.f_low}}° {{monthAverage.c_low}}°
{{monthAverage.month}}
Historic Weather: Powered by Dark Sky
Weather info provided is using averaged daily data within the given month of the previous year.

Toronto is most pleasant from late spring through early fall, when there are outdoor concerts, frequent festivals, and open-air dining. On the...Read More

Discover the best neighborhoods in Toronto with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

Our worldwide travel correspondents bring you the best and most up-to-date coverage of over 7,500 global destinations.

Shop Now

Fodor's Toronto: with Niagara Falls & the Niagara Wine Region
Whether you want to enjoy panoramic views from the top of the CN Tower, experience global...

View Details