Toronto is a popular destination for couples planning a honeymoon in Canada, offering a variety of attractions and activities. The city is known for its cosmopolitan streets, parks, beaches, museums, eateries, and more. Toronto is considered one of the best honeymoon destinations in Canada, with a variety of attractions to choose from.
One of the top things to do in Toronto is to experience a Rapunzel Fairytale at Casa Loma Castle, admire the Lake of Shining Waters at Lake Ontario, experience Sakura Blossoms at High Park, get panoramic views of the city at the 533-meter tall CN Tower, enjoy an authentic outdoor experience at Rouge Park, and smell the roses at Toronto Botanical Gardens.
Toronto is also known for its romantic honeymoon features, such as rooms with spa baths, restaurants, bars, remote locations surrounded by nature, fireplaces, private chalets, and log cabin designs. Some honeymoon hotels in Toronto have a spa on-site, such as the Hazelton Hotel, Shangri-La Toronto, and the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto.
Vancouver is another popular destination for couples planning a honeymoon, with attractions like the TIFF Bell Lightbox, the Distillery Historic District, the Steam Whistle Brewery, the Art Gallery of Ontario, High Park, and the Royal Alexandra Theatre. Toronto honeymoon packages from Myholidays.com offer the best deals for couples looking to indulge in romance in the city.
📹 Toronto: The DON’Ts of Visiting Toronto
Heading to Toronto and not sure what to expect? Well we have what not to do in Toronto for Tourists, as well as what you should …
What month is best to Toronto?
Hotel and flight prices are higher in June-August. April-May and September-October are good times to visit because it’s less crowded and cheaper. It’s nice and warm, but bring a jumper as it gets cold at night.
Is Canada good for honeymoon?
Canada is an amazing honeymoon destination with beautiful scenery, wildlife and cities.
Planning Your Honeymoon. Congratulations! We’re happy you chose Canada for your honeymoon. The honeymoon itineraries show you what you can enjoy with Freedom Destinations. You can book them as is, change any part to suit your plans, or ask us to create a special honeymoon for you.
Arranging Your Honeymoon. At Freedom Destinations, we know your honeymoon is important, so we’ll create the perfect escape for you. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, so let us take care of the honeymoon.
Why do people love Toronto so much?
Why are people moving to Toronto? Toronto is a top choice for those looking to live in Canada because of its cultural diversity, economic opportunities, and appealing neighborhoods. Toronto has low crime rates, an inclusive atmosphere, efficient public services, and a high quality of life. Toronto is a great place to live because of its job opportunities, cultural diversity, attractions, and vibrant neighborhoods.
We can help you find a place to live in Toronto. There are many options and great neighborhoods to choose from. Call us today for up-to-date real estate listings in the Toronto area.
What is the honeymoon capital of Canada?
- The Niagara Falls are about 12,000 years old. They were formed when glaciers melted and formed two large lakes. One of them, Lake Erie, ran downhill to another, Lake Ontario. The water carved a river as it fell and passed over a steep cliff (the Niagara Escarpment). The water wore its way back up the river from the original falls over the Niagara Escarpment. The path that it left is known today as the Niagara Gorge. Niagara Falls wears its way back another approximately 1 foot/year. The Niagara River flows at approximately 35 miles/hour. There are actually two waterfalls in Niagara: the American Falls and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.The Horseshoe Falls are 180 feet (57 meters) high and allow 6 million cubic feet (168,000 cubic meters) of water over the crestline every minute.There are many man-made attractions at Niagara Falls, including Maid of the Mist, Table Rock Scenic Tunnels, Spanish Aero Car, Ripleys Believe it or Not Museum, Marineland, Casino Niagara, IMAX Theatre, and the new Butterfly Conservatory. In 1959, Louis Tussauds English Wax Museum opened. Niagara Falls was settled early and was active in Canada’s formative years.The Minolta Tower is 325 feet high. The Skylon Tower is 775 feet high. In 1960, Roger Woodward survived a boating accident above the Falls. Hydroelectricity from Niagara Falls is used to power Southern Ontario and Western New York. Blondin was a tightrope walker who crossed Niagara Falls many times in the 1800s. He did many stunts on the wire, like crossing blindfolded and carrying a cooking stove. His most impressive stunt was carrying his manager on his back.Annie Taylor Queen of the Mist was the first person to travel over the Falls in a barrel on October 24, 1901. Since then, many stunt artists have tried to do the same. Recently, two people tried to survive a plunge over Niagara Falls in a kayak and a jetski. They both died.Niagara Falls is a spectacular place to visit at any time of day. Ice bridges form below the Falls when ice floes collect at the base. Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada is known as the Honeymoon Capital of the world. The word Niagara comes from the word onguiaahra, which means a thundering noise.Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which was partly inspired by her trip to Niagara Falls. She was interested in Reverend Josiah Henson, who smuggled runaway slaves across the Niagara River into Canada. Until 1886, the Falls at Niagara were the symbol of America and the New World. People from all over the world wanted to see Niagara Falls when they visited North America. The Spanish Aero car ride takes you across the Whirlpool Rapids, a few miles from the waterfalls. The water is redirected to drive large hydro-electric turbines that produce electricity for Southern Ontario and Western New York State. An old barge has been stuck above the falls since 1918. Three men opened the barge’s hatches to let water in and stop it from sinking. One of the largest butterfly conservatories in North America has been added to Niagara Falls’ attractions.The water that flows over the Falls at Niagara goes to Lake Ontario, then the St. Lawrence River, and finally the Atlantic Ocean. One of the bloodiest battles of the War of 1812 took place on July 25, 1814 at Lundys Lane in Niagara Falls, Ontario. A total of 7,500 Americans and Canadians fought for six hours. At the end, 1,000 soldiers were killed or wounded. The 1952 movie Niagara, starring Marilyn Monroe, was filmed in Niagara Falls, Ontario. In March 1848, the water stopped flowing over Niagara Falls when the Niagara River was blocked at the mouth of the river in Fort Erie, Ontario.Niagara Falls is steeped in history and was one of the most popular tourist spots in the New World. Water painting artists found inspiration in the city’s natural wonders. There are hundreds of early impressions of Niagara Falls. Consult your local library for reference to these early images. Regional Municipality of Niagara Photo Gallery (Niagara Region images)
- Niagara Falls Public Library Historic Niagara Digital Collections
For more Canadian history, visit online:
How long should a honeymoon be?
How long is the average honeymoon? The average honeymoon lasts 7-10 days. Some couples extend their honeymoon to two weeks or more, while others skip the honeymoon altogether. It depends on the couple’s vacation time, budget, and destination. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer because honeymoons are as unique as the couples who plan them. Maybe you want to backpack through Europe for a month or go on a quiet weekend retreat in the mountains. If you’re struggling to decide how long your honeymoon should be, we can help. How long do you need to relax? Honeymoons are for newlyweds to relax, make memories, and enjoy each other’s company. The length of your honeymoon doesn’t matter as long as you disconnect and enjoy married life. The honeymoon is also a time to relax after wedding planning. Think about how long it takes you to relax on vacation. For you, it might be a few days, a week, a month, or longer. Once you have an idea, talk to your partner about how long you need to relax and unwind. This is a place to start while planning. How much vacation time do you have? Next, think about how much time you can take off work. Most Americans get two to three weeks of paid time off. If you plan far enough in advance, you can use your vacation days to take a longer honeymoon. You can also combine your honeymoon with a national holiday to use fewer paid vacation days. Some couples wait a year after their wedding to take their honeymoon because they can’t take time off work. Some companies let you take extra days off as a wedding gift. Talk to your boss before you plan your trip.
Where is the most romantic place in Canada?
Romantic getaways in Canada: Port Rexton, Newfoundland and Labrador. … Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, Vancouver Island, BC. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. … Waterton Lakes, Alberta. … Aurora Village, NWT. … Cape Breton Highlands Skyline Trail, Nova Scotia. Sometimes it’s the situation. You’re caught in a snowstorm or an elevator. Or the moment—a glance, a missed train, or the time you picked up the wrong coat. Sometimes it’s the place that leads to passion. Canada can help. Here are the best romantic getaways across Canada. Port Rexton, Newfoundland and Labrador. A charming maritime getaway: Trinity and Port Rexton. Credit: Tourism Newfoundland and Labrador.
Where do Canadians honeymoon?
Canada is home to some of the world’s most beautiful cities, lakes, and landscapes. From the soaring Rocky Mountains to the wild countryside of Cape Breton, the beaches of Prince Edward Island, the whales and bears of British Columbia, and the delightful small hotels and inns of Québec and Nova Scotia, Canada offers honeymoon destinations.
Featured. Where to stay. Here are some of the best hotels and places to stay near Canada. Auberge du Vieux-Port is a symbol of timeless elegance in Old Montreal.
Is Toronto good for a honeymoon?
Just a short trip away from the city docks are 15 small islands full of opportunity. Each island has something fun for you to do on your romantic getaway, from beaches to theme parks. Toronto is a great honeymoon destination year-round, but we recommend visiting during Christmas. From shopping at Eaton Centre to seeing sharks and jellyfish at the Aquarium of Canada, or visiting the Distillery Historic District Christmas Market or the largest Toronto zoo, which has more than 5000 animals. If you want to go on a romantic day trip, head to Niagara Falls, about a 130-minute drive from Toronto. See the magnificent Niagara Falls from many different angles, including the walkway, restaurants, and boat tours. You can also visit the beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake. Toronto is the perfect honeymoon destination. It offers adventure and relaxation. Enjoy quality time with your partner while exploring Toronto’s culture. Toronto will make your married life a memory you’ll treasure forever!
Is Toronto a romantic city?
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, but it’s only the fourth-most romantic city in the country. Subscribe to get the latest news in your city and across Canada.
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Who pays for the honeymoon?
Who pays for the honeymoon has changed over the years. In the past, the groom’s family paid for the honeymoon. But every wedding is different, and so are the families involved. Who pays for the honeymoon depends on family, traditions, and the couple’s preference. If you’re struggling to decide who pays for the honeymoon and how, we can help. Read on to learn more about who pays for the honeymoon and how Hitchd can help make your honeymoon the trip of a lifetime.
For traditional couples. Traditional couples often have a traditional wedding. They have never lived together and may still live at home with their parents. They may also come from religious backgrounds that don’t allow couples to live together before marriage. When they marry, they may move in with their parents and save money before buying a home.
How many days do you need in Toronto?
Final Thoughts: Four days in Toronto. With four days, you can explore Toronto’s best neighborhoods, shopping, restaurants, museums, and more. This itinerary will show you the city’s beauty and diversity. After four days in Toronto, what do you do next? Check out these 12 epic short trips from Toronto and my day trip guide for What to Do in Caledon, Ontario.
Want more to do in Ontario, Canada? Read my other posts.
Where do couples go for honeymoon?
Maldives. If you want to get away from it all, head to this remote island chain in the Indian Ocean. Maldives resorts offer lots of luxury services and amenities. You’ll never want to leave your bungalow or overwater villa.
📹 VLOG: how to spend 3 days in toronto, things to do, mini golf bar, cute airbnb, more!
What an INCREDIBLE trip we had! so glad we got to experience all the fun and share it with you❤️ ✩ p l a c e sw ev i s i t e d …
As a life long Toronto area resident I must say that this article is very accurate. During summer it’s worth taking the ferry over to the island. If this city looks strangely familiar to you but you’ve never been it is because it often stands in for American cities in movies and television shows. One Hallmark movie set in Texas was filmed here which was really weird.
I’m an avid foodie and let me tell you, I’ve traveled a lot around the world and I have yet to find a metropolis that rivals this city. Whatever it is you feel like eating from around the globe you will certainly find an awesome restaurant that prepares it here. My favorite city in all of North America not for food alone.
As a native Torontonian, you’re pretty spot on! Winters here are awful. It IS expensive. It is against the law to not go to Niagara Falls😂. You MUST go. And I agree that it’s pretty safe. If you’re into nature, visit High Park. There are trails and even a little zoo. In the spring, we have the Cherry Blossoms there. The Cherry trees were a gift from the Emperor of Japan I forget how many years ago. If you like zoos, the Metro Toronto Zoo is great. Lots of animals too see. If you like science, you gotta see the Ontario Science Centre – loads of great interactive exhibits and an IMAX theatre.
I’m 58 years old and have lived in Toronto all my life, it’s a great city with so much to see and do here. This article has pretty much described Toronto pretty accurately, the only thing I would add to it would be not to miss a visit to the Toronto Zoo and Ripley’s Aquarium. The Toronto Zoo is one of the largest zoos in North America with over 5000 animals to welcome you to the city. You can literally walk for miles and miles inside the zoo or you can hop on the Zoomobile to take you from one area to another. Toronto is definitely an expensive city to visit, but the memories that you will take with you when you leave will be memories that will last you a lifetime !
There are TONS of things to do in downtown Toronto. It’s not just a working area. Restaurants, bars, theaters (film and live theatre), attractions, etc. Toronto downtown has been a tourist attraction for years. Plus, DO visit the CN Tower. The views are stunning and you can go to two different levels. The revolving restaurant is also pretty great. I was born and raised in Toronto and I still live here. It’s an amazing city with a vibrant downtown area.
Love Toronto! One I would add, if you like good drinks, don’t miss out on the distillery historic district. Spirit of York has the coolest tasting room I’ve ever seen with some incredible spirits. Next to that is Izumi, an awesome sake brewery! It’s an awesome area and a bucket lister for unique experiences!
Great job, Mark! You did such a good job that you have me thinking wonderful thoughts about Toronto (Trawna), and that’s saying a lot because I was born in Alberta. It’s really nice to have such a positive, enthusiastic view from a visitor. I love your website and watch every article you put out. Thank you for taking us with you all over the world.!
This is the best review I’ve ever seen of Toronto from someone who isn’t Canadian. I have lived in Ontario all of my life and agree with everything in this article. I visited the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) and ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) last Summer for the first time. Both were great but I especially loved the AGO. I agree that Toronto City Hall does have an ugly look but it’s interesting architecture due to the era it was built in and isn’t boring. The only place I haven’t been to in the article in St. Lawrence Market but I plan to go the next time I visit.
Thanks for this article! Local Torontonian here and first time commenting but I’d say don’t think Toronto is just an urban city without nature areas to explore. There are many nice parks and hiking trails in the neighbourhoods outside of downtown (in Scarborough or North York, for example) that are gorgeous especially during late autumn with the beautiful foliage. It does take a bit of time to travel on public transit and not many tourists would be interested, but it is definitely something I’d suggest for those looking for a bit of off-the-beaten-track options. Some parks that I really love: Crothers Woods, Morningside Park, Rouge Valley, Don Valley Trails (for salmon migration), and Scarborough Bluffs.
This was a great article on Toronto, I have lived here for 17 years and I love the city. Toronto is not an easily discovered city and you have to transit around and really do your research on what you want to check out. Some cities have everything in one area it’s not like that here. The best of the city is spread out in all the different neighborhoods and can seem tucked away. Expect to do a lot of walking while you’re here. The best time to visit Toronto is in late spring or fall. I would say mid June or mid September, early October. Our winters are grey, windy, humid and cold and our summers are scorchers, we get into the late 30s to mid 40s in the summer and it’s a super humid sticky heat. The pollution and grime mixed with the extreme heat of the city makes it rough. I wouldn’t recommend coming during our heat wave unless you spend all your time outside on the beaches.
Torontonian here…. Wow. You pretty much nailed it on every single subject! So you have a friend or family member that lives here? I would just have to suggest one thing for those who are not planning to ever come back… going up the CN Tower is a nice experience and the views are incredible, but it’s not for those that are scared of highs. Also, the Hop On Hop Off guided tour is worth it. Only a couple of hours but it brings you all over different parts of the city and the things you learn about our history is amazing! Even for a local, it’s worth doing it at least once! 🙂
6:32 that’s because the Entertainment District just west of downtown was bought up by condo developers and they took out all the bars/nightclubs/restaurants, and then the condo dwellers that moved in (plus the residents on the Islands…) complained about the noise from the few nightclubs that remained, shutting those down too.
Very accurate. I would add: don’t forget to check what festivals are happening in the city during the time you’re planning to visit. Pride, JazzFest, Caribbean carnival, CNE, Film Festival, etc., etc. because they each draw tens of thousands of extra visitors and it will affect traffic, hotel availability, restaurant reservations, and more. Also, don’t miss the Toronto Zoo.
Local Torontonian here! I have to say that this is a phenomenal review of the city and provided really insightful tips for visitors. The points on the great international food were especially spot on. I think that the city is quite busy on weekends though, perhaps not right by the CN tower but Queen St, King St, etc for sure.
I am from Toronto, and my favourite art gallery is in a small town abutting on the North West edge of Toronto. It’s the McMichael Gallery in Kleinburg (home if the local Bindertwine Festival … there is a story to that). For museums, there is the ROM that he mentioned, but there is also the Bata Shoe Museum and one I haven’t made it to yet, the Aga Khan Museum … going there this summer. Generally, he did a great job explaining some of the don’ts. Don’t worry too much about talking too loud. It isn’t usual, but it would fall under live and let live. Although we do have actual authentic foods, we also have North Americanized versions, particularly Chinese. If you do come, enjoy yourself, but as he says, it isn’t cheap. BTW please don’t litter. I know you will see it, and natives will litter, but we don’t like it even from us.
Great article. I’d add that downtown is often a very lively and vibrant place on weekends. I think you meant to say avoid the financial district which doesn’t have much going on weekends (but is very short walking distance to a lot of great spots so it’s still a great place to stay) but downtown is pretty big and has loads of amazing and busy neighbourhoods on weekends.
I am surprised you said the City Hall is ugly.I remember perusal DuMaurier cigarette commercials when I was a kid right after they built the NEW City Hall long before I moved to Toronto. At that time the new City Hall was promoted as a having a great design. But there is really nice architecture right next door to the city hall – the beautiful Romanesque-style old City Hall which is used for City Court and weddings.
I was here for the first time in early November and loved it. Rented a car for the second half to visit my friend in barrie, (hour north) and decided to see Niagara Falls, and traffic from Hamilton to my highway to head north, was hair pulling !! Stayed at the Rex hotel, and subway is really great to get around! Awesome article !!
the city hall is cool. and even if you hate it, across the street is the old one and it’s a great building as well that’s probably more your taste if the new one isn’t. most torontonians are proud of both, so I’d change that “don’t” to “don’t diss their architecture”. locals are only allowed to do that. 😀
As a person who lives about 1/2 an hour away from Toronto (when the highway is moving) I agree with 100% of what you said and recommended. Great article! especially your point about the diversity and food diversity and food quality. I love me my poutine.. but if you don’t try the amazing multi-cultural food in the city and find those amazing hidden gems you’re not doing it right.
I live a couple hours away from Toronto drive around 185 kilometres (115 miles). I would say, it is the best city to visit, and I know everyone has their own experience and opinion about Toronto. Toronto is more diverse and they have more options of international food that taste so much better than where I live in a decent small city. Downtown Toronto is the most international than anywhere I have gone anywhere to other cities in the province of Ontario. The downside of Toronto is way too expensive. I found the food is more expensive and housing the most is the most expensive. I only prefer visiting Toronto than to live there. I prefer going to North York area of Toronto and much more cleaner there. Downtown is more known for the iconic CN Tower. Since the 2026 FIFA World Cup is hosting in US, Canada, Mexico. I would like to have a chance to visit Toronto as they are one along with Vancouver the Canadian cities to host a few tournaments there. It is a good city at the end and it does not matter how bad can it be. Everywhere you go can be bad not just in Toronto.
As someone who visited Toronto (Toronna, as I was taught to pronounce it when I was there) for the first time in the last month or so, spot on info. One point for now: while you are correct that in absolute numbers, the prices were high, being from the US and having a strong dollar it was a welcome relief from the “sticker price”. Won’t last forever, I realize, but a nice twist!
Adding a few thoughts as a someone who lives in Toronto: – From what I’m fortunate enough to taste everyday, to what I’ve heard about people who travel to Toronto, you hit the nail on the head when it comes to food. We’re incredibly blessed as a food city, particularly with regards to different international flavours (my wife from Ottawa would disagree with me about our pizza and – at least compared to Ottawa, our shawarma). The one place we don’t really excel is seafood. We’re a long way from the ocean, and while you can find delicious seafood in Toronto, it’s even more expensive than our already high prices (I love oysters, but the prices here make that tricky). – Really want to double-down on the fact that you should travel to neighbourhoods. I was confused for a bit about the article talking about the downtown being dead, but then I realized you meant the Financial District (the downtown core). For me the downtown goes from Bathurst at the west to Jarvis at the east, and Bloor at the north down to the lake. Highlight neighbourhoods around the city are Kensington Market (boho pedestrian-first neighbourhood with vintage ships, bars, and food shops), Bloordale/Bloorcourt (grittier spots with lots of restaurants and bars and fantastic retailers), the whole area around Trinity-Bellwoods park as well as to the west of it (very busy and trendy, perhaps to it’s detriment, but still fun), & the Annex (perhaps a bit played-out and gentrified, but still a good spot for food, drinks, and activites).
I love Mark’s articles and as someone who lives in Toronto, everything here is pretty accurate. I would definitely recommend a bike share opposed to the TTC, especially street cars but the farther north you go, the farther the streets spread out. Sadly, we don’t have e scooter companies like Bird and Lime here yet.
As a Torontonian myself, downtown has some cool areas but its mostly a necessity rather than a destination. One of my biggest regrets about tourists in Toronto is that they don’t leave the downtown area when the soul, magic and creativity of our city is in our neighbourhoods that lie outside of the commercial core.
Fair accurate guide. Well done. Indeed Wintertime is slow. Tons of bike lanes. TTC does have an express bus to the the airport and the subways line. Toronto island is pretty much a huge park with tons of nice beaches (including a nude one) Renting a bike or canoe on the island. Tours from TO to Niagara falls is something I do a few times a year. Usually I take the casino bus and use the promotional casino bonus to cover the cost of the bus fair by heading to a virtual roulette machine and spinning half on red/black (maybe a buck on the 0’s) to “win” the fair back and cash out. Pretty much a free trip to Niagara Falls.
Just a few things. GO Transit does extend their Lakeshore West line with some trains going to Niagara Falls in the summer. There is some stuff that happens downtown on the weekends, usually centered on Yonge-Dundas Square or Nathan Phillips Square – where he was filming from – or other street festivals like Taste of the Danforth in Greektown or Corso Italia in Little Italy. Oh, and it’s a little subdued this year because of the weather, but with Toronto being so diverse, every 4 years in June/July during the World Cup, you can be assured to see fans from just about EVERY participating team in the streets and at the pubs with their flags displayed with pride…and speaking of Pride, ours is one of the biggest around. And if you come here around the first weekend in October, we have Nuit Blanche, with many dozens of art installations across the city that runs from sundown to sunup…which again, you can get to on the TTC, as the subway runs all night long just for the event. (Usually the subway and most bus routes shut down from about 1:30-2:00 AM to around 6:00-7::00 AM – 9:00 AM on Sundays – which is another thing to remember if you’re out late at night any other time here – while some bus and streetcar routes become a less frequent Blue Night service.)
If you’re in TO for an extended period, do take a day trip and drive south on the QEW to Niagara. Visit Niagara Falls (both Canadian and US sides- they have totally different feels; one built up tourist things to do, the other nature), wineries, quaint village shopping in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Buffalo. Only a 90 minute drive.
Excellent and very informative article! Thanks for sharing such great travel tips. I just got back from my 21st visit to Toronto and I love it there so much! One attraction that might merit mention on a “Do’s of Toronto” article would be “Little Canada” near the Dundas Street TTC Station. It’s a multi-floor diorama of major cities in Canada, including Toronto and Ottawa. There’s a mini Niagara Falls exhibit complete with a working ferry, a fireworks display over the Parliament building in Ottawa, several scale models of skyscrapers, the CN Tower, and so much more. It’s just one more thing that makes Toronto one of the most amazing cities in the world. Best wishes to you and yours for a Merry Christmas!
As a Torontonian, you shared some extremely accurate travel tips! One site to visit is actually right behind you – the Law Society of Ontario (formerly Law Society of Upper Canada). The building is behind iron gates, so it is not very noticeable, but it is a beautiful historic building. The library inside the building is exquisite and has been used on numerous occasions for filming movies. In addition, there are free tours of the building! Also, if anyone does visit Toronto in the Winter, the water next to you becomes a skating rink. 🙂
Pretty spot on and this article actually makes me a bit homesick (Used to live in Toronto but am now in Vancouver) There is plenty of stuff to do downtown during the weekends, but the financial core area specifically is pretty dead. I’d also have suggested going to see a sports game if that is something one is into. Toronto FC for MLS (soccer), The Leafs (hockey), Raptors (NBA), Blue Jays (baseball) are all things to do. Plus in the summer there’s almost always a festival of sorts going on. Kudos for the correct pronounciation. If someone pronounces the last “T” when saying the city, it’s a dead giveaway that they’re not from the area.
This article is so accurate about Toronto! Especially about the food. Come to Toronto for so many different and excellent foods which are not overly expensive IMO, yet. If you are coming in the summer, don’t miss out on the beach/boardwalk and island. Canada’s Wonderland Theme Park is great also in the summer as is a day trip to Niagara Falls & Niagara on the Lake nearby. A HUGE DON’T to mention is DON’T go to Marineland! It is run down and known for animal abuse. In the summer there are TONs of street events and festivals, markets (Brickworks) to go to, DON’T miss them!
As a resident of Toronto I advise people to avoid the TTC, especially on the weekends as there are holes in the service especially due to the partial closings on some of the subway stations due to ongoing maintenance which never seems to end. If you’re downtown, you’re better to walk as most attractions are relatively close and even walking to the ones that are further will give you a chance to see some of the vibrant life of Toronto’s diverse neighbourhoods.
Nailed it Mark! On a recent trip to watch the Red Sox play, we rented a car for a couple reasons, 1…to/from the airport, although we probably didn’t need to. and 2. To do a Niagara Falls day trip. The rest of the time (Stayed at the Eaton Centre Marriott), we just walked and took public transit. It was awesome! Expensive…yes, but awesome. Yes, we did the CN Tower…although I was the only one to walk over the glass floor…haha. I love visiting Toronto and hope to be back soon!
First I just want to say that I love your articles and find your advice/reviews to to not only informative and quite accurate but I also appreciate your Witt and Humor…..Which keeps me coming back…lol!! As a TTC employee and a resident of the 6ix, I really enjoyed this review of Toronto. It’s soo true, you can tell where someone is from or at least not a local by they pronounce Toronto…lol. Queen St. W, Kensington Market and the Textile district are a few of my own favourite. A couple great places to checkout would be The Horseshoe (live music at night and even The Rolling Stones have played this smaller venue) it’s always fun, great Mexican Type food at Sneeky Dee’s plus it’s a nice boisterous environment and a smaller local favourite is a place called The End (it’s in the west end). Thanks for the great articles, I’m perusal the Equadorian articles atm, as I plan to spend a few months between there and family in Argentina 😊 Thanks again
Great article, you pretty much nailed it except for the part about downtown being dead on weekends. When the weather is nice downtown Toronto during weekends is way more jam-packed with people and activity than it is on weekdays all along Yonge, Bloor, Queen W, along the Harbourfront, St. Lawrence, The Village, Chinatown, Kensington, Yorkville etc. Yonge & Dundas on a warm summer Saturday is bonkers! Only the financial district is more quiet on weekends, so I’m just going to assume that’s what you meant by “downtown”. haha
Toronto City Hall is beautiful, one of the best buildings in the city. You also missed the main thing that makes Toronto unlike any major city I know of and that is the Don Valley, and the Toronto ravine network, ….many trails, and unique parks make you feel like you are in the middle of a forest when you are just steps away from the city. Places like Brick Works and many other parks here are very unique.
Love the articles. You need to get out to Nova Scotia though. Halifax/Dartmouth has lots of history and plenty of beaches close by, plus Peggy’s Cove is 40-45min drive from Halifax/Dartmouth. The Cape Breton Highlands are amazing, wine tours in the Annapolis Valley are great, and the South Shore is also a nice place.
Don’t worry about how you pronounce ‘Toronto’. If you pronounce that second ‘T’ no one will get in your face. They will just know you are a visitor and that’s ok. I am originally from T.O. and recommend the Beaches neighbourhood for the weekend. Castle Loma is prettiest decorated for Xmas. I would check ahead for pricing but the Science Center would be free on Friday afternoon/evening and would be pretty empty. It’s great if you’re traveling with kids. Dress warm in the winter because it’s a humid city and that makes the cold more noticeable.
Great review. As an Ontarian, I can tell you that I’ve never been up in the CN Tower. Also, don’t drive in downtown Toronto, it reminds me of driving in Chicago . Lots of different foods and outdoor free concerts in the summer. The Harbourfront is nice to visit. The newer streetcars are air conditioned. The Toronto Science Centre in a suburb is pretty good.
Wow. This was a great review. Also the first time that I’ve heard the (new) city hall described as ugly. It’s such a great looking building – such a period piece too. And regarding the sales tax, I have found that around the world the adding of the tax at the cashier is more common than including it in the sticker price. Oh, I may just add that downtown Toronto is very active on weekends. Downtown is a big place that includes the St Lawrence Mkt, but also the entertainment district and the iconic Yonge street strip as well as Kenstington market and of course Harbourfront. There are live theatres and large shopping destinations and many many restaurants and clubs all through downtown. Even a very large and vibrant Chinatown. I would not miss downtown at all if I was visiting. And then there’s the pro sports teams – The Maple Leafs, the Raptors, the Blue Jays, The Rock, the Wolfpack, The Argos all play at downtown venues – or close to downtown as BMO field is over at the Exhibition grounds.
Great review! I differ on a couple points-#1 Toronto is a GREAT city to visit in the winter- lots to do in and out of the weather. Smaller crowds too. #2- CN Tower is a must visit. It’s an absolute wonder of architectural achievement and provides amazing views. The 360 restaurant is worth the splurge- to dine while viewing the horizon.
I watch a lot of your articles, so as a Torontonian, I was excited to see you had visited us. But I don’t totally agree with everything you said, and I would add some other ‘don’ts’: -It’s ok to pronounce Toronto however you want. I’m originally from Montreal, but have been living here 45 years, and still pronounce the final T. Half of our population are immigrants to Canada, so you will hear many accents, and many pronunciations; I’ve never heard of anyone who cares. -I agree about not renting a car, but only if you are staying and sightseeing all in the downtown core (from Bloor to the lake). But, depending how long someone is visiting, renting a car for part of a trip may be very helpful, as a lot of things to do and see are not in downtown, and our public transit (TTC) isn’t that great: the subway lines are limited, and the city is very spread out. And a car helps for day trips, such as Niagara Falls. -I agree with not skipping a day trip to Niagara falls (if you have the time), and I would add a ‘don’t’: If you drive to Niagara falls, don’t forget to consider visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake (a lovely town, with the Shaw Festival for theatre), and visiting the Niagara region wineries (some are producing award winning wines); both these areas are just off the highway before you hit the falls. -I don’t agree about Toronto being costly, if you are talking to Americans, or people used to US dollars. Buying a home is crazy expensive, but most things (for example, restaurants prices) are about the same as US prices, but in Canadian dollars.
I visited Toronto on vacation (from the UK) around 2015. I don’t think that the big “Toronto” sign was there then, plus the streetcars were very old, not the modern ones that are shown in this article. St Lawrence Market was closed when I visited, was very disappointing after all I had read about it. I did a day trip to Niagara Falls, would be rude not to, having travelled all that way and got so close to it. I went with a small local travel company who used minibuses not a coach, so we stopped off at several places on the way including the Flower Clock and Niagara on the Lake. Brings back happy memories…..
I’m glad you came to my country… all you say applies to all of Canada. The construction is our huge sore point. Montreal is no different! Canada in general has amazing multi cultural foods. If you are coming to Old Montreal, don’t rent a car.. metro is best. To avoid tourist trap places to eat, I recommend going to the Plateau area (metro Mont-Royal. Canada isn’t a cheap country and Quebec has 15% sales tax. Highest in all of North American, sadly. Summer is the best for every festival the world can offer, here in Montreal. Cheers
Toronto born and raised and this article is spot on. One of my favourite things about here is the variety of restaurants and shops from literally around the world. Chinatown is awesome, Greektown has it’s own festival each summer, little Italy has some of the best places to get gelato. Same with little India if you love your food with spice!
I live here. This is mostly true! I am polite, but tourists get the murder eyes and a pointed excuse me if they stop like a pylon in the middle of the people traffic in Union station while people are not on vacation. If you do that here you might be making someone late for work or an appointment. There are suburbs if you want the best of certain foods, but yes you should be happy with restaurants downtown. Toronto is also underrated for theatre too. We get runs of the big Broadway shows too. Canada has a big comedy scene too.
Great article, very accurate. However, as a native of Toronto, I have to say that it is a great place to visit but living in the city really sucks personally. The reason I say this is for many reasons such as the cold winters, lacking in sun, cost of living is absurd, (rent is unaffordable) city has a homeless problem including many of them with a lot of mental illness and/or drug addiction problems, sad but true.
The CN Tower is a must if you go to Toronto. Not only will you get amazing views, the experience rising up on the super fast elevator with glass walls is just spectacular excitement. And no worries, go there during the week and you’re not likely to have anyt lineup. In fact, I went on a Friday afternoon and only me and my partner were in the elevator.
I live in Toronto and I have two to add: 1) Don’t ignore the Toronto City Pass. For $108 CDN, you get admission to the CN Tower and four other attractions of these five: the ROM, the AGO, a cruise, the Ontario Science Centre, and the Metro Zoo. As long as you do three, you’ve made your money back. 2) Also, don’t feel compelled to eat downtown. The restaurants downtown are great, but if you go out to one of the neighbourhoods, you’ll find restaurants that are as good, less expensive, easier to get into, not as loud, and with more elbow room. I live in an area called Davisville which is right on the Yonge line of the TTC. We have great restaurants here – French, Italian, Thai, Japanese – and you probably won’t have the same wait to get in or rush to get out.
Downtown Toronto is hopping on the weekends, often more to do than during the week. Year round: St. Lawrence market, Eaton Centre, Queen Street West, Spadina Ave, and Dundas St. In the Summer, special events every weekend along Yonge Street and at the Harbour Front. I’ll add a DO. Do walk; Toronto is a great city to explore. Every time I go to Toronto, I find something new.
I would agree: parking gets crazy expensive, especially when there are sporting events going on. Here is one tip if you are coming from outside of the city and you need to drive but don’t want to park downtown: 1. Park at one of the subway stations with big parking lots (like Kipling, Shepard West, Pioneer Village, Kennedy and many more). Parking is just a flat rate of $2 and free of charge on weekends and statutory holidays. 2. Simply take the subway into town. Believe me, it saves so much headache!! 😅 Please make sure you factor in travel times. Journeys do get lengthy, so (for example) factor in at least an hour if travelling from downtown to Yorkdale Mall during rush hour. Also another thing, you don’t need to feel obligated to go up the CN Tower to get a view of the skyline but if you’re convinced you’ll get the best views from the top of the CN Tower then go for it! 😊 Eating out in Toronto does get expensive, but there are still affordable places to eat in the city. Tim Horton’s is everyone’s favourite coffee shop since it is part of the Canadian culture and very affordable. Several cheap eats are available in Toronto like Salad King, Osmow’s, or even a hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese restaurant. Just search “cheap eats in toronto” on Google and you’ll find a wide variety of places to choose from
Something to add about going out downtown at night, like he said its not necessarily busy on the weekends, but that doesn’t mean Toronto doesn’t have great night life down town. Look at when the Blue Jays play. If they have a 7PM game, head down town for the night. You don’t even have to go to the game (although you should), but it is poppin all night.
Learned my lesson coming up during winter (it was January) because I wanted to see a show at Danforth Hall (incredible show). Had a wonderful time regardless. Couldnt get back home the first day, but we got around via PATH and the subways. It felt like it was super easy to get about; from the airport to Union Station, and then to our hotel. Even getting to the CN Tower and the Aquarium weren’t too bad! Remembering getting patisserie from a vendor in the PATH and hanging out in the hotel room. We had a great view of the CN Tower from our window where we were sleeping! it’s my 2nd time there and will be there again hopefully soon! We also really loved Montreal and wished we had stayed there longer!
Great article and good information about the City. Toronto has a number professional sports teams (hockey, basketball, baseball, soccer, Cdn football), great theatre scene as well both big shows(Hamilton, Harry Potter etc) and small community theater. Get out of downtown and visit Markham, Scarborough. Golf courses (osprey Valley (TPC course), Glen Abbey. Concur with the diversity and quality of the food here.
That’s funny you mention being quiet on the TTC which is hit or miss, but I definitely hate loudspeakers/loud music anywhere and people still do it here. Also, I find it incredible that you suggests tourists move out of the way or don’t block the way, cos people here do it all the time and they don’t know it themselves!
I live in Toronto, but i didnt grow up here, but i spent roughly 10 years traveling all over Canada and US for my job. When I think of inviting people here, I tell them to take a hotel near the 401 highway on the edge of the city, and rent a car. Take day trips to all of the beautiful small towns and enjoy their food and hospitality. Toronto is a convenient jumping off point to many fun day trip destinations, and cottage country b&b’s just up the 400 highway.
As a native born and raised Torontonian, you really got it right, especially about the bikes 😂😂😂. But accurate all round for those of you thinking about visiting Toronto. Just one thing, when he says don’t stay downtown, he really means the financial core. Technically, Queen street is downtown but is a great place to stay.
I lived in Toronto for 8 years and loved it! Except for the traffic. It’s the absolute worst in the downtown at rush hour but still bad at other times. Traffic isn’t as bad in other areas such as Scarborough or the Beaches but even then it can get hairy. Still, a great city and I like to visit often. You can also take the GO train or GO bus to get to various places.
I’m just back from Toronto (I grew up there and moved to Portugal when I was 15). Everything in this article is spot on! We didn’t use the TTC and decided to walk everywhere, which was wonderful. My only word of warning is to be careful with taxis. Make sure the taximeter is on, if it’s not then you don’t have to pay. We were ripped off by a taxi driver who charged us $30 from Union Station to Chelsea Hotel when it should’ve been around 10 bucks. Lesson learnt!
The food culture in Toronto is really good – lots of great food from all around the world and quite a bit of fusion of all those different influences. There are many guides to eating in Toronto but one in particular is Suresh Doss. He regularly comments for CBC (Canadian Broadcast Corporation). His insights into where to get the best ethnic cuisine are outstanding. Not to put too fine a point on the but there are probably over a hundred nationalities and ethnicities that make Toronto a great city. I have to say too that the park system in Toronto is very large. From High Park in the west end to the lakefront that extends all the way from the West to the Don river and proceeds north along the river, you can travel for miles. There are bike and pedestrian trails through the parks. You can also access the parks from various parts of the city such as in Cabbagetown, in the east end, you can walk down to the Don river and hike or bike the trails. While the locals might complain about public transit, it is a better way to see the city, particularly the downtown, than driving, which can be hell. Using the Presto card, you have about a two hour window for your fare so you could conceivably hop on and off in that time without having to pay another fare. It is a good system. As to cycling in the city, while it is possible, Toronto drivers are largely oblivious to cyclists. I would not recommend cycling outside of the parks and the dedicated trails found there.
If u come to Toronto on winter and plan on taking the TTC, watch for snowfalls with more than 10cm as it will turn the TCC into a nightmare. Also don’t get to close to the tracks on the subway station, we are having some problems lately where people are pushing others onto the track, also some unprovoked stabbing and other cases of violence, nothing major, it’s still pretty safe comparing to other major cities, but take extra care on the TTC.
Butter tarts, raisins. Raisins all the way. Great article, agree with most of it, especially about not driving in the city. Traffic is a nightmare, and the one-way streets will drive you mental! One thing I will disagree with is that it’s dead on the weekends or at night. It’s busy as hell. Especially in the summer, the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) has tons of things to do and festivals (food!) every weekend. We do love our food here. Theatre is pretty damned good too, and a trip to Stratford isn’t a bad idea either. Another cool little place to visit is relatively new, Little Canada – you can find it at Yonge-Dundas Square. Ripley’s Aquarium is also cool, but a bit pricey. And, if you’re looking outside the downtown core of Toronto, the Toronto Zoo is a great trek, but it is further out in east Scarborough (might be better if you have your own car for this one). There are a lot of things you can research online. I’d suggest doing so before you come to get an idea of some of the tings you may want to do, and maybe even buy tickets or book things beforehand.
One of the very best restaurants in Toronto is The Rushton. It’s on St. Clair Ave West and Rushton Road. There’s a ‘neighborhood’ all along St. Clair West, so good for a walk, too. Its small, sort of New York decor, noisy when busy, and really really good food. A tiny bit pricey but worth it for the quality of your meal. French food.
Agree 100% about not driving but mostly in downtown. I live and work downtown. I drive and take the TTC. It’s hell trying to drive out from downtown most days. Walk or take transit downtown. Being quiet in transit really only applies in the morning rush. It’s a different dynamic from the afternoon onwards.
Excellent article, Mark! You hit all the great do’s and don’ts of going to TO that we Canadians would agree. I live in the GTA (greater Toronto area) and we mostly say Trana or Trano when speaking about it. Enjoy coming here, we’re friendly, unless you’re talking smack about our favourite sport, HOCKEY!!!!
Also, there’s a big ol’ suburban area on the east side called Scarborough. Snooty downtowners denigrate it as a boring suburb, but the best restaurants in the city are there. Mark alluded to it briefly, but basically there are very reasonably-priced restaurants of every description – East Asian, South Asian, European, South American, African etc. They have made Scarborough a foodie’s paradise.
Great coverage! I have one comment – downtown is actually pretty lively in the summer and adjacent seasons (May-Sept/Oct), so it depends on when you’re visiting. Oh, and don’t go to the path if you use a wheelchair, especailly a larger or power chair. It is not designed for that, the lifts are hard to find (and need someone to oeprate them, which is even harder to find), and fit mostly manual wheelchairs.
Hi! Great article! You missed out on 2 must sees. AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) and the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum. Every time I visit TO, which is usually once every few years I go see them both! I live in London, ON. Weekends in the downtown core is great for tourists! Yonge Street is awesome with all the shops, as well as the side streets. Tons of museums everywhere for any inclination. I think there is a shoe museum out there too! 😉
As lifelong Torontonian, I agree with everything in this article except when it comes to downtown Toronto being ‘quiet’ on the weekends! In fact, it’s quite the opposite as the streets get congested with pedestrian traffic with people from the suburbs, as well as tourists, coming to downtown for a night out, to visit the many attractions listed in the article or to just walk around and soak up the atmosphere of the city. Make no mistake, downtown Toronto is NEVER ‘quiet’ on any day of the week 🙂
Montreal and Quebec city are world class food cities, creative chefs, local products ., amazing ambiance and architecture with 500 years of culture, design, clean restaurants, the friendliest people in both official languages of Canada and all languages if the world. The most beautiful people in Canada and best night life
Welcome to Toronto . I glad you had a good time . Be sure to use the TTC and get the day pass so you can ride unlimited on any bus,streetcar or subway . The pass is valid for 24 hours from as early as 5 AM till 5 AM the next day ( great if your out and about after hours ) It wouldn’t hurt to mention to any TTC staff that your a tourist and need some guidance getting around . They will be glad to help . Do be sure to hit Young and Dundas .$$ Queen Street West $ Chinatown $ Yorkville $$$ Yorkdale Mall $$ Orfus Rd $ Jays game $$ Raptors $$ LEAFS $$$ for a great view try canoe restaurant but it’s also $$$ it’s right in the heart of downtown on the 54th floor . Ps .. what’s wrong with our city hall 😅🤣 we love it and so should you eh 💕
The TTC is far less hassle than traffic. OMG yess thank you, please don’t dawdle around, treat the sidewalk like a highway, it’s inconsiderate to block crowded sidewalks walking side by side without regard to those who have somewhere to go. I agree, with the comment about don’t limit your dinning to chain restaurants, the multicultural cuisine is amazingly good. Don’t litter please, there is a lot of little on the ground and it would make this city and every city for that matter more enjoyable if people would just pick up after themselves.
As a Torontoian I agree with this message. Please stop talking on speaker phone in public, make up your mind if your getting on transit, make room for people to get off the subway, please stop trying to pay us in usd and please remember to say please and thank you. 🇨🇦🇨🇦 Thank you for your time and tourist dollars we hope you enjoy your visit!
I need to add another “Don’t”. When you do go to the ROM don’t forget to rub the foot on the Timothy Eaton statue at the foot of the stairs when you go down to the basement. Also, as you’re in the neighbourhood, don’t forget to check out our surrounding municipalities like Vaughan and Mississauga. If you go to Niagara Falls try to squeeze in some time in Niagara on the Lake. It is a fantastic village rich in history. Toronto is a great town, I’ve lived here most of my life and, while I hate the traffic, I love this place.
In Toronto I would try to visit some of the bigger ethnic stores food. Like T&T (for chinese), galleria supermarket (for korean), yummy market (for russian/polish), adonis (for middle eastern)… among others. Most require a car to get to since they are not downtown. They are a cheap way of seeing something different. Some of these places don’t exist in other places and so its worth spending the time on a different experience. Also on the topic of food, you mentioned falafel, however falafel is just falafel; there are things that are much more obscure things that are super tasty that more than likely are not in your hometown. Like some of the afghani places are amazing. Also there are indian and chinese places that are specific for a particular area/city/province (a lot of these are a drive out of downtown).
It’s been at least 25 years but I went to Toronto and Montreal by car, and I learned on my 1st trip across to save my receipts, and apply for a refund of the border for sales tax. When I went the exchange rate 1.5:1 CAN/USD and the bar we stayed above graciously exchanged our money.. we needed a car repair covered under extended warranty and the dealer a block away handled it fine, we had a deductible which they wanted USD. The Peace Bridge near Niagara Falls took either currency, however at that time it was favorable to pay in Canadian.. I’m sure it’s EZPass by now. Where we stayed was kind of sleezy, upstairs from a bar, worth the price, and the convenience of buying in the grocery store and keeping cold in the refrigerator provided, made any beverages they sold much cheaper.. also there is a bottle deposit. We had a dedicated stairway to the bar indoors.. as well as outside access. The TTC probably has done away with the multi-day visitors pass, it was like a scratch off lottery ticket to indicate valid dates, which you shown when entering. I agree with getting the PRESTO card now, it may have gone to where a discount plan kicks in after so many rides “RMTRANSIT” website is hosted on Toronto, comment on one of his articles or tweet, he’ll answer most of the time. Both cities provided excellent hospitality.. although my Canadian friend has worked his way from Windsor to Vancouver.. it’s going to be a long trip to return.. definitely travel across the USA instead of within Canada, their fuel costs are astronomical up there.
9:01 Just be aware with the PATH.. it’s not intuitive how to get around. You likely WILL get lost (we locals get lost, too). And don’t expect your cell phone GPS to bail you out.. there’s a good chance it won’t work. And also note the PATH system is only for a small area of downtown. If you’re hoping to avoid the cold in winter.. well don’t expect too much.
I have found in the years I have been visiting Toronto is not to stay downtown. Find a hotel in midtown or even North York. Firstly the hotels are cheaper and secondly you will be pretty much on top of the subway so getting downtown is easy. I like staying away from downtown for my accomodation because it means at the end of the day you can get away from it rather than still be among the bussle of it 24/7. Also North York is a nice little neighbourhood in and of itself and if you don’t want to do too much walking on one day there is a nice neighbourhood to walk around on the doorstep of your hotel.
0:29 Born and raised Torontonian here (still live here) – to go with your CN Tower advice, I tell any tourist who asks me, don’t do the “kill two birds with one stone” thing and eat at the 360 revolving restaurant at the CN Tower. Both are overrated expensive tourist traps. Instead, have dinner at Canoe Restaurant which is on the top floor of the TD Centre, which is one of the best restaurants in the city (if not country!) and I’d say the cuisine is sort of French but using all Canadian ingredients. From there you get 1-much better food than 360 2-a great view of the tower, the islands, the other skyscrapers, etc.
Hi hi, so I just came back from Toronto Canada, and one more dont I would add to the list is : dont visit ripleys aquarium, now that is a true tourist trap. Its dirty, crowded, stuffy and expensive. If you are debating it just look at the 1 star reviews on google they show you the true volume of people who attend in a daily basis. I did visit the CN tower, i recommend taking the 9:30 or 10am ticket slots for a peaceful and relaxing experience. There is a cafe at the top where you can enjoy a coffee and some croissants, but you can also bring your own snacks. Dont dine at the restaurant above the cafe because that is a true trap with a $75 minimum per person.
As a current local to the gta, although not down town part of it, I sometimes visit downtown, and I can say these things are true. The locals do say it as Torono not Toronto, even though it is spelled as Toronto. The CN tower has a great view from the top, and has restaurants at the top, visit if you feel like it. Driving in down town is very frustrating due to no left and or right turns, some streets at all times, other streets at certain times only, parking is hard to find and is expensive. ( If you must drive and park, use Green P parking lots ) better rates than the other ones, the machine accepts coins, but also accepts credit card too. ( Green P is a privately managed parking services, and isn’t managed by the City ) Avoid parking on downtown Toronto streets, the City managed parking attendants are seemingly always close by, and have seen some in unmarked cars too, and are in hurry to issue tickets. ( better to take the metro ) it’s what I do, when I visit downtown. ( not giving money to those money hungry City managed parking attendants ). Try to stay out of the way, but if the bus is crammed, it’s harder to do, and takes more time. Hockey Hall of fame, Ripley Aquarium, Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Science Center, Aga Khan Museum, Casa Loma, The Ferrys, Woodbine Beach, The Eatons Center, Toronto Zoo, Kensington Market, Union Station, Royal Winter Fair, and other interesting place to see and explore. Lots of international foods, Korea Town, Little Italy, China Town, Greek Town, etc.
I don’t know about Toronto, but in Calgary I was hard pressed to actually use Canadian cash….many many places were card-only. I used cash at the Calgary Tower gift shop and that was about it. I sold back most of my Canadian currency at the airport before I left except for some coins & a 5 CAD bill as mementos.
I would say this about the CN Tower, I agree it’s a bit of a tourist trap, but I still think it’s worth going up. Having said that, be smart about it. Try to avoid going on Friday, Saturday or Sunday as it can be jammed packed. So many people visiting here complain about how long it took and yada..yada..yada. Okay, you came during Caribana weekend, went on a Saturday afternoon…what were you expecting?? lol. Mean while, you weren’t leaving the city until Tuesday so you could have went Monday and avoided chaos…lol.
My suggestion would be 1. In summer on weekends goto the harbour front center on waterfront. They have free concerts. 2. For every fine dining restaurant, you will find a smaller self service food place of same cuisine. Eat there. Its a bit cheaper and you won’t have to tip in a self service place. 3. Donot stand in a bike lane, especially on waterfront as its also the bike and running trail. 4. You can get free presto card in any local library. Get one from there and load it up. 5. CN tower is over rated. 6. Instead of taking a boat tour, if you have time, then please take the ferry to Toronto island. Its a 7 to 8 minute ride and you will get better pics of the city from there. 7. To goto Toronto island, buy online tickets of ferry. That way you will not be standing in long line to buy physical tickets. Also a ferry is better than water taxi as those are costlier. Hope you all have a wonderful time in our city and have fond memories of it.
As someone who lived in Toronto for decades, yes, if you come in the summer, you MUST go out to the Toronto Islands. They are just a delight. And it is there you can really see how wonderfully multicultural TO is. Families, kids, teens, seniors, everyone of every colour and creed, visiting the Island together, picnicking, swimming, BBQing, all together in peace and prosperity. Those loudmouths who say folks are “too different” or “they don’t share our values” have never seen this, Toronto at its best.
As a Toronto transit enthusiast…. expect delays on the subway . Lots of delays. Delays dont even make the news anymore, and trains get bad media here. Also don’t expect the streetcars to be fast. They get stuck in traffic and at traffic lights. If your biking, know that some people will park/block the bike lanes. Don’t ride bikes or e scooters on the sidewalk. It’s dangerous and annoying to pedestrians. Another tip while riding transit is to avoid Bloor-Yonge station at all costs. Its the busiest station in the country and it’ll br very crowded and confusing. If you have to get off at Bloor, wait for most people to head to the exits before you start going to the exit.
I’ve driven in a number of US big cities and NYC, Philly and DC at rush hour and I’ve driven in Toronto at rush hour and Toronto is the worst city traffic I’ve ever experienced. Ottawa, though smaller is no better. In Toronto and Ottawa, cars just don’t move or at a slower pace than US cities for some reason. My don’ts for Toronto: if you are an airliner enthusiast, don’t miss doing plane spottting at Pearson Airport on Airport Road. It’s very good when planes use the adjacent runway. For US visitors, don’t miss perusal Canadian TV. I always like to compare CBC, CTV and the offerings on the cable networks shared by both countries. For you retail tourists, don’t miss going into a Canadian Tire. I should not have been surprised but I was wowed by the size of the hockey section at the Bay/Dundas Street store.
Actually as a resident here for over two years, I have to say TTC is not reliable at all. Streets cars especially, they broke everyday. Subway also frequently went into trouble. The traffic here also bad because the narrow road(also not friendly for cyclers)…Toronto is very safe at night, I often go to McDonload near dundas at the midnight with absolutely no issue.