travel to Toronto

Travel to Toronto: ultimate guide for planning your visit

Today, with close to three million residents, Toronto is North America’s fourth-largest city. It is also one of the most multicultural cities in the world. You have to stop and wonder why so many people come here every year. Several great reasons will tempt you to travel to Toronto, and if you haven’t made your way here yet, this post will help you make the best of your visit.

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Travel to Toronto for a multicultural experience

With half of the population being born outside Canada, the residents of Toronto speak approximately 180 different languages and represent over 200 ethnic groups. Don’t be surprised when you hear various languages spoken around you when you travel to Toronto. That’s normal here.

Planning to travel to Toronto? You might enjoy reading about Canada’s UNESCO sites!

travel to Toronto
Travel to Toronto

Toronto has been attracting immigrants from all over the world for a long time. Different waves of ethnic groups came to call this place home, and even more arrived every day. This has made Toronto a very multicultural and diverse city. Many pockets around the city reflect particular cultures, and it’s easy to see why. (Looking at you, Kensington Market and Chinatown.) The cultural mix is definitely a fun part of travel to Toronto.  

Travel to Toronto for its neighbourhoods

Travel to Toronto for the neighbourhoods. As with Toronto’s nicknames, Torontonians also can’t seem to agree on their neighbourhoods. As there are 140 neighbourhoods officially recognized by the City of Toronto, there are upwards of 240 official and unofficial ones within the city’s boundaries. It’s easy to see how easily those who travel to Toronto can become confused. Heck, even the locals get confused sometimes.

Until the amalgamation in 1998, six municipalities formed what was known as Metropolitan Toronto. These were the municipalities of Toronto and York, East York, North York, Etobicoke and Scarborough. References to these areas are still common, and you will likely encounter them when you travel to Toronto.

travel to Toronto
Travel to Toronto tip sheet

So, where do the others come from? Several small villages that existed before Toronto was the city it is today eventually became part of it. Those villages gave names to the neighbourhoods, like Agincourt, Davisville or Leslieville. Other neighbourhoods like Greektown, Little Italy, Chinatown, etc., got their names from the various ethnic groups that lived there.

Travel to Toronto for the culinary offerings

With over 8,000 bars and restaurants, you can say that we have an amazing culinary scene and a good reason to travel to Toronto. From vegan to carnivore-happy diets and everything in between, it would take you 22 years to eat at them all. You will find everything from small mom-and-pop shops and high-end restaurants to hipster joints and large international chains. There is an eclectic range of options for every budget.

travel to Toronto

Remember all those ethnic groups that live here? They all bring with them dishes that are as authentic as the countries they hail from.  You can eat a different cuisine every night of the week and not run out of options. You want, Thai? Indian? Italian? Hungarian? Jamaican? You name it, and you will find it here. The best of them all is the fusions between various cuisines that you will find in many restaurants.  

travel to Toronto

In addition to a superb dining scene, there are numerous coffee shops, breweries and cideries to fill your heart’s content. Some even offer tours, which often come with ample samples. Win, win. Best part? Many of these culinary delights can be enjoyed at the numerous patios that keep popping up all over the city. We do love our patios here.

Enjoy the arts and culture scene

There seems to be no shortage of festivals in Toronto throughout the year. There are about 80 of them, including more than 30 run by the city. From annual staples to seasonal specialties, there is something to celebrate almost every weekend. From things like jazz festivals, multi-cultural celebrations, drink and food festivals, marathons, concerts, parades and various block parties, the hardest part is deciding where to go. So, when you know you will travel to Toronto, make sure to look up what’s on and to make sure you don’t miss a great show.

Some of the largest include the Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, TIFF, Winterlicious and Summerlicious, and Doors Open Toronto.  Toronto is also home to Caribana, a festival celebrating Caribbean culture, North America’s largest one-day parade, as well as the Pride Parade, one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world.  Each brings over a million visitors to the city.

If that’s not enough, the city is home to over 200 professional performing arts organizations, internationally recognized symphony, ballet and opera companies, as well as numerous commercial and not-for-profit galleries, museums, heritage sites, and cultural centres and zoos.

Want to see Toronto on screen? Check out these shows filmed in Toronto!

Sports culture

As Canada’s only city with representation in seven major league sports, Toronto is a sports paradise. There are numerous teams, professional and amateur, with various records of accomplishment behind them. No matter how good or bad the team is, the fan base behind it is almost fanatical. We take our sports seriously here. We celebrate the victories and losses deeply and usually through social media to let our collective feelings known.

That time the Raptors won the championship

Every four years, as the FIFA World Cup rolls around, this place goes nuts. If you are ever in Toronto during this time, you will see flags representing participating countries everywhere. On cars, balconies, jerseys and anywhere, you can attach one.  With each victory, there is a party. No matter who wins, there is always a place to celebrate, and you can guarantee a street closure at some point. Not to be missed.

Travel to Toronto for the outdoors

Although trees no longer grow in the water here, there are over 10 million in the city on streets, parks, ravines and other natural areas. There are over 1,500 parks in Toronto, 200 km of trails and numerous ravines, valleys, woodlots, parks and golf courses over 8,000 hectares. Torontonians take hiking, walking, biking, jogging and other outdoor activities to heart.  

travel to Toronto
The Scarborough Bluffs

Here you will also find 52 outdoor skating rings, tennis, basketball and other courts, as well as public pools, beaches and skate parks. There are many options for keeping active in the city throughout the year.

Notable public spaces

Whatever the occasion, there are a number of places in the city for crowds to gather and celebrate. They have become as iconic as the city itself and allow people to come together.

Dundas Square

This is probably one of the most interesting places as it has experienced a dramatic change over the years.  I must admit, I remember it as a sleepy spot that didn’t really offer any excitement or a reason for going there.  Fast forward a couple of decades, and today’s Dundas Square looks more like a mini Times Square with flashy billboards, restaurants and crowds.  Here you will find a place for concerts, festivals, celebrations, and a spot for watching major events (mostly sports-related) when the times call for it.

Exhibition Place

The grounds of Exhibition Place play a host to a variety of events, trade and consumer shows, including the Royal, Home Show and the Canadian National Exhibition. Not bad for a place established in 1879.

Nathan Phillips Square

Located in front of the city hall, Nathan Phillips Square is the home of the Toronto sign and features a pond in the summer and an ice rink in the winter. It is definitely a must-stop when you travel to Toronto day or night. Summer offers concerts, festivals, fireworks and a general good time.  In winter, you can grab a pair of skates and circle around the frozen pond with others as you enjoy the city lights around you.

travel to Toronto

Street art

Toronto’s street art scene is one of the most influential and dynamic in North America. From small and artful pieces to blown-out murals, street art is everywhere, thanks to some of the best street and graffiti artists in the world. From Graffiti Alley to the Underpass Park and everything in between, there is plenty to see, so bring your Instagram game. Thanks to the StreetARToronto project, there is now an app to help you explore the amazing street art located throughout the city.

Things to experience in Toronto Ontario

There are many unique and wonderful places to discover around Toronto. Some hide in plain sight, while others are very public and hard to miss. No matter what your taste, interest or budget, you will find it when you travel to Toronto. Here is a handy list of some of the most popular attractions.

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

The AGO, one of the largest art museums in North America, is home to approximately 95,000 works of art. Collections range from cutting-edge contemporary art, and European masterpieces to a vast collection by the Group of Seven and emerging Indigenous Canadian artists. The gallery also features special collections and exhibitions from other museums around the world.

travel to Toronto

Casa Loma

You might not expect to find a castle in the middle of the city when you travel to Toronto, but Casa Loma is just that. Built in 1914 by Sir Henry Pellatt, a Canadian financier with an imagination that matched his pockets, this is the only full-sized castle in North America. Today, Casa Loma is a museum that offers a taste of Edwardian-era splendour with secret passages, stables and a stunning conservatory. You can also stroll in the beautiful gardens for breathtaking views of the city. This is also a venue for special events like escape games and concerts in the garden.

travel to Toronto
Casa Loma

CN tower

For a truly unique experience when you travel to Toronto, make sure to visit the CN Tower, a quintessential Toronto icon.  Built in the 1970s and standing at 1,815 feet tall, the tower was the tallest freestanding structure in the world until 2007. With 360-degree views of the city from four different observation areas, including the famous glass floor and the EdgeWalk, you can see Toronto in a unique way. From a fine dining revolving restaurant, gift shop or a walk among sharks and other water creatures at Ripley’s Aquarium, there are plenty of options for the whole family.

travel to Toronto
CN Tower

Distillery District

Step back in time to what was once the largest spirit distillery in the world and is Toronto’s National Historic Site. The 40+ heritage buildings and brick-lined courtyards are home to numerous restaurants, art galleries, artisan boutiques, specialty retail stores and more. The Distillery is home to unique and interesting events throughout the year, with something to do in every season.

travel to Toronto
Distillery District

The Eaton Centre

The Eaton Centre is one of Toronto’s most popular attractions in the heart of downtown. With over 250 retail shops, restaurants and installations, it’s a great spot for fashion hunters and people watchers.

travel to Toronto
The Eaton Centre

The Hockey Hall of Fame

For the hockey fan in you, the Hockey Hall of Fame is a must-stop when you travel to Toronto. Dedicated to the love of the sport, it’s home to elaborate hockey memorabilia and gear, including the Stanley Cup, the most coveted prize in professional sports. Test your skills with the many interactive games, visit, a replica of a real NHL dressing room or shop for hockey-related merchandise and memorabilia.

The Path

For a unique way to get around the downtown core, take a walk in North America’s largest continuous underground shopping mall. According to Guinness World Records, the Path is home to 29 km (18 miles) of retail space tunnels that connect 50 office towers, six hotels, five subway stations and Toronto’s main train terminal, the Union Station.  

travel to Toronto
Part of the Path

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

The ROM is Canada’s largest museum of world cultures and natural history. It is home to six million objects, interactive exhibits and special exhibitions. From minerals and gems to dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies and Roman busts, you can spend a good part of the day exploring.

travel to Toronto

st lawrence market

Visit the St. Lawrence Market for an adventure in food. Filled with specialty food vendors, fresh produce, and restaurants, there is something for everyone. Numerous shops and artisan stalls offer a wide range of goodies, including local souvenirs.

Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands offer unbeatable views of the city. Bring your bike, rollerblades or picnic basket or take advantage of various on-site sports facilities, kayak and canoe rentals, as well as stand-up paddle boarding. Kids will enjoy Centerville Them Park with numerous rides, and food and drink options for the whole family.

travel to Toronto
Toronto Islands

Toronto zoo

The Toronto Zoo is the largest one in Canada and the third largest in the world. It’s home to 16,000 animals of 491 different species.

Travel to Toronto: Getting around

Toronto has an extensive public transit system, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). You can easily navigate the city using buses, streetcars and subways. Check the official TTC site for fares and schedules.

Driving around the city is not difficult as most streets follow a grid pattern, but it might confuse those unfamiliar with the streets during rush hour and construction. The city also has numerous parking garages, lots and street parking. Fees and availability will vary depending on the time and day. Be sure to observe the parking guidelines.

travel to Toronto
Traffic is also common when you travel to Toronto

Toronto has numerous bike lanes along major routes. You can use your own or rent one from the many bike rental stations throughout the city. If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, you have a choice between different taxi companies or ride-sharing services, Lift and Uber.  Taxi fares in Toronto are standard, metered and non-negotiable.

Helpful tips for travel to Toronto

  • Language – Canada has two official languages – English and French. In addition to these, the top five languages spoken in Toronto are Chinese, Italian, Tamil, Portuguese and Spanish.
  • Currency: Canadian dollar, denominations under five dollars are coins. The bills are made of polymer so they might feel a bit unusual to the touch. ATMs and banks are easily available throughout the city.
  • Tipping: A 15 to 20% tip on the pre-tax bill is customary when dining out if you’re happy with your service. Restaurants might automatically add gratuity to large groups. Tipping is also customary for other services at a similar rate.
  • Taxes: There is a 13% sales tax (HST) added to most purchases. Keep that in mind for any items you are considering.  
travel to Toronto
Travel to Toronto for the views

FAQ

What is the #1 attraction in Toronto?

The #1 must-visit attraction in Toronto is the iconic CN Tower. This architectural marvel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. It’s an unforgettable experience and a symbol of Toronto’s skyline.

Is there anything fun to do in Toronto?

Absolutely! Toronto is bursting with fun activities. Explore the diverse neighbourhoods like Kensington Market, visit the historic Distillery District, take a stroll along the picturesque Toronto Islands, enjoy world-class shopping in Yorkville, or catch a game at the Scotiabank Arena.

Is Toronto good for tourists?

Yes, Toronto is an excellent destination for tourists. The city is known for its safety, multicultural atmosphere and friendly locals. You’ll find a wide range of attractions, dining options and cultural experiences to suit your interests.

What is the new tourist attraction in Toronto?

The ideal duration for a visit to Toronto depends on your interests and how much you’d like to explore. A typical stay ranges from 3 to 5 days to cover the major attractions comfortably. This allows you to see the CN Tower, the ROM, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and explore neighbourhoods and cultural experiences. However, if you have more time, you can delve deeper into the city’s offerings and even take day trips to nearby attractions like Niagara Falls or the Thousand Islands.

Travel Resources

Planning your next trip? Check out the resources I use and start planning your perfect getaway today!

  • Flights: Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com (my new go-to for flights)
  • Book your accommodations: Find the best prices on hotels with Booking.com
  • What to do: Find the perfect tour with Viator
  • Need a car? Book your ride with Rentalcars.com

Check out my travel resource guide for more resources to help you plan your trip.

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