Toronto, Canada Visitors Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Travelling around the world can be a life-changing experience. It gives meaning to our lives and shows us how beautiful the world is and how much needs to be fixed. If you have read many other city guides, you may get skeptical about Toronto. “Is there anything special about this city?”. Our answer is, “Definitely!

The city of Toronto is a popular destination for vacationers, with its beautiful skyline, affordable hotels, and numerous tourist spots. As the largest city in Canada, Toronto has a population of 2.93 million and a metropolitan area of 5.14 million. It is considered the financial capital of Canada and one of the leading global multicultural cities.

You will be impressed if you’re visiting for the first time! There are so many attractions, hotels, and restaurants to choose from; it can spin your head. To make the most of your trip, deciding where to stay, what to do, and what food to eat is crucial. This guide helps you with that.

Let’s get started exploring Toronto!

Best Places to Visit in Toronto

Toronto’s diverse cultural landscape and multicultural cityscape make it one of the most visited cities in Canada. This city has something for everyone, from historical sites to buzzing nightlife and unique attractions.

This city is also known as Queen City in some circles. Its population includes people from all corners of the globe, and this multiculturalism has given rise to a unique culture unlike any other in North America.

There are many things to do in Toronto, but if you’re only going for a short time, you might want to focus on a few specific areas. Many different neighbourhoods are worth exploring, making it easy to customize your trip according to your interests. Here are some of the best places to visit in Toronto.

Best Places in The Shores of Lake Ontario

The Shores of Lake Ontario is a series of beaches, parks, and other attractions along the waterfront of Toronto. It’s ideal for families to spend the day with their loved ones. There’s plenty to do here, from swimming in the lake to playing volleyball on one of the many sandy beaches.

The Shores also has several restaurants and shops where you can grab a bite or buy souvenirs for friends back home.

There are many places on the Shores of Lake Ontario that you can visit on your trip to Toronto. If you want to explore, you should check out some of these spots.

CN Tower

The CN Tower is a must-visit for anyone who’s visiting Toronto. It was built in 1976 and stood at 553 meters (1,815 feet), making it the tallest building in Canada and the second tallest freestanding structure in North America.

The tower boasts a glass floor that allows visitors to look down at the city below them as they walk across it. This is where you can get a fantastic view of Lake Ontario and Toronto’s skyline! It also has a 360 Restaurant & Bar restaurant, which offers excellent city views and delicious food.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is one of the best places in The Shores of Lake Ontario to get up close and personal with aquatic life. Part of the reason it’s so great is that it has five million litres of water, more than any other aquarium in the world.

The aquarium features more than 1,000 species of marine life and 30 galleries that showcase aquatic life worldwide.

The aquarium also features a Rainbow Reef, which contains thousands of colourful fish worldwide, including clownfish and sea horses. You can see sharks, jellyfish, and turtles swimming through their tanks!

The aquarium was founded by Robert Ripley, who travelled worldwide collecting specimens for his museum, including giant squid and a komodo dragon skeleton.

Harbourfront Center

Harbourfront Center is a popular public space in Toronto, Canada. It’s located on the waterfront of Lake Ontario, right along the city’s harbour.

Harbourfront Center is home to numerous art galleries, other cultural institutions, and various shops, restaurants, and other businesses. It also hosts outdoor concerts and festivals throughout the year.

There are plenty of picnic tables, grassy areas, and even a small beach to enjoy your time outside without worrying about getting sand everywhere.

If you love art, then this is the place for you! They have a fantastic museum with exhibits from local artists all year. There’s also an outdoor sculpture garden with some unique pieces that make it feel like you’re walking through someone’s dreams!

The Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands are a city in their own right, and the best way to explore them is by taking a ferry from downtown Toronto. The island’s main attractions include beaches, farms, and the iconic Centre Island amusement park.

The Toronto Islands are made up of 13 individual islands. There are also three artificial islands: Gibraltar Island (the largest), Centre Island, and Hanlan’s Point. The islands are home to a diverse ecosystem and are a popular destination for birdwatching and nature walks.

In addition, the islands are a great place to go for a walk or bike ride, but you’ll want to be prepared for some steep hills. If you’re looking for a more leisurely pace, take advantage of Centre Island’s many restaurants and shops.

Ontario Place

Ontario Place is Toronto’s premier waterfront destination, offering visitors the chance to experience some of the best views and attractions in the city. Home to Ontario’s only IMAX theatre, the site also features an amusement park and several museums.

The park’s many attractions include:

• A theatre.
• An amusement park (Splash Works).
• The Cinesphere IMAX Theatre.
• Discovery Centre (a museum for kids).
• A marina for boating activities.
• A variety of restaurants and shops.

Best Downtown Places

Toronto is one of the most visited destinations in Canada. It is a massive city with many attractions, including museums, galleries, theatres, shops, and restaurants. The best way to discover Toronto is by walking through its streets and admiring its architecture.

Toronto Dominion Center

Toronto Dominion Center is one of the most recognizable buildings in Toronto, and it’s not hard to see why. Designed by Bregman & Hamann Architects, the dark glass towers rise to a height of 3,210 feet above street level, making them a dominant feature of the city skyline.

The building is home to 21,000 people who work within its walls, including employees from TD Bank Financial Group and other financial institutions. In addition to working space, the center houses an upscale hotel and many restaurants and shops.

Hockey Hall of Fame

The Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF) is located in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Dedicated to the history of ice hockey, it is both a museum and a hall of fame.

It holds exhibits about players, teams, National Hockey League (NHL) records, memorabilia, and NHL trophies, including the Stanley Cup. Free admission is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Christmas Day).

City Hall

Built in 1965, the Toronto City Hall is a landmark building located at 100 Queen Street West. This impressive structure is a symbol of the city’s prosperity and pride. The building is a beautiful example of modern architecture, and New York City Hall inspired its design.

The municipal government also has its council chambers and mayor’s office. You can also learn more about the various municipal services and programs available.

The building features a sleek glass tower with an observation deck that offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline. The tower also houses a restaurant, lounge area, and meeting rooms for private functions. A visit to this iconic building will give you an unforgettable experience in Canada’s largest city!

Eaton Center

Eaton Center is one of Canada’s most prominent shopping destinations. It has 230 shops and restaurants, so you can find everything you’re looking for right here. The atmosphere is metropolitan, and there’s always something going on.

The Eaton Center is also home to many high-end stores like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. In addition to these luxury brands, there are also many other options for shoppers who want to find new items at affordable prices.

Art Gallery of Ontario

The Art Gallery of Ontario is Canada’s largest art museum and one of Toronto’s best places to visit. The gallery has a collection of more than 95,000 works of art that span 5,000 years and include paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and photographs.

The collection includes everything from Canadian art to ancient Egyptian artifacts. The museum also houses a 380,000-volume library with books about art and other topics like history, literature, science, and philosophy.

The gallery has 45,000 square meters of space on three floors; there are also outdoor areas where visitors can enjoy the view from the roof garden or participate in free tours led by volunteers from local schools.

Bata Shoe Museum

The Bata Shoe Museum is a must-visit for anyone who has had a love affair with shoes. The museum is home to over 1,000 pairs of shoes from all over the world and an exhibit on 4,500 years of history.

It’s hard not to feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine when you walk through the doors of this museum—the feeling of history is palpable in every corner. You’ll see shoes from 16th-century Italy and platform shoes from ancient Egypt (and maybe even a pair or two that belonged to Cleopatra herself).

No matter how big or small your shoe collection is, there’s something here for everyone. It’s open daily from 10 am – 5 pm with free admission.

Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum is a must-see for anyone visiting Toronto. The museum is an architectural marvel, designed in the shape of the letter H, with a central courtyard open to the sky.

Inside, you’ll find over 6 million works of art from around the world. There are 40 galleries and exhibition spaces on offer, so there’s something for everyone here.

You’ll never be bored with so many things to see and do nearby! This is a great place to visit if you’re looking for something educational or want to spend some time exploring a remarkable space.

Casa Loma

The Casa Loma experience is unlike any other museum in the city. It was built as a residence for Sir Henry Pellatt, who also served as mayor of Toronto. Casa Loma was constructed from 1911 to 1914, with later additions to the house until 1932.

 The house is an eclectic mix of medieval, Gothic, and Victorian styles. You’ll get to explore the beautiful grounds, see the impressive architecture and learn about the castle’s history. The exhibit includes interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and a collection of vintage cars from the early 1900s.

Nearby Places to Visit

Canada is a beautiful country with a wide variety of attractions to explore. From the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean, there’s plenty to see and do in this country.

Ontario Science Centre

The Ontario Science Centre is Canada’s most popular destination for families, children, and science lovers. With over 500 interactive exhibits and an IMAX® theatre, there are always new ways to learn and explore. Science Centre is a place where science comes alive!

Its mission is to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in children and adults through entertaining and educational exhibits.

Toronto Zoo

The Toronto Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Canada, and it’s also one of the most popular. Its collection of animals includes 5,000 specimens representing 450 species, including giraffes, elephants, gorillas, and pandas. There’s also a rainforest exhibit with more than 3,000 tropical plants and more than 200 birds.

It has seven different geographic areas, each with its distinct climate and environment, which makes it easy for visitors to find the animals they’re looking for.

Best Places to Eat in Toronto

Toronto is a big city with some of the best restaurants in North America. The city has a vibrant food scene that reflects its multicultural makeup, with everything from Indian to Thai and Ethiopian to Mexican on offer.

The city’s restaurant scene is constantly evolving, so here are some of our recommendations for where to eat in Toronto:

Here are some of the best places to eat in Toronto:

Seven Lives

Finding a place that can satisfy a variety of palates is challenging, but Seven Lives is the place to go in Kensington Market. With tacos as their signature dish, they offer a wide range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

The restaurant’s signature dish is their Gobernador taco, which comes with grilled shrimp and steak, topped with cheese sauce and guacamole.

Amsterdam Brewhouse

If you love beer and want to try something unique, stop by Amsterdam Brewhouse on King Street West. This trendy brewpub has been around since 1986 but still feels new — especially since they’ve added an outdoor patio! Amsterdam offers over 20 beers on tap, including craft brews and other local favourites like Muskoka.

Momofuku Noodle Bar

Momofuku Noodle Bar is a Toronto institution. It’s the first Momofuku restaurant in Canada and home to chef David Chang’s famous pork buns.

Momofuku Noodle Bar is a 6,600-square-foot 3-story restaurant in a converted warehouse. The upstairs has a full bar and lounge area with a separate entrance. The ground floor houses the main dining room and kitchen, while the basement has two private rooms for special events.

The menu features original creations like spicy chicken buns (a bun with fried chicken and pickled cucumbers), ginger scallion noodles (handmade ramen topped with roasted pork shoulder), vegetarian har gow (shrimp dumpling), and more. They also offer takeout service for those looking to eat at home.

Richmond Station

Richmond Station is a restaurant serving various dishes from around the world. They have a diverse menu, including traditional European dishes, such as steak fries, and dishes inspired by Asian cuisines. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and many beers on tap.

The food at Richmond Station is always fresh and delicious, and the service is excellent. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, so it’s the perfect place to go with family or friends.

If you’re looking for something quick and casual, try their smoked cheese perogies or Brussels sprouts and rösti. Their burgers are also delicious!

360 The Restaurant (at the CN Tower)

The 360 restaurant on the top of the CN Tower is a fantastic place to eat. It’s in one of Toronto’s most famous landmarks and offers incredible city views. The menu features an international selection of dishes, including Canadian favourites like poutine and fish and chips. 

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, this is one of the best places to eat in Toronto!

Canoe

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Toronto, you might want to start at Canoe. This Canadian restaurant chain is known for its luxury dining experiences, with locations all over Canada.

The most notable place is the top of the TD Bank Tower, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Toronto’s skyline while feasting on delicious food.

The menu changes regularly but always includes decadent entrees like grilled foie gras and lobster risotto. If you’re feeling hungry but not quite ready for dinner yet, go for lunch instead and try their signature lobster roll or steak fries.

Average Travel Costs When in Toronto

Toronto is a city with a lot to offer. You will be surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful architecture and landmarks. It is also home to some of the best restaurants on the planet.

That being said, Toronto is not cheap. If you plan to go there for vacation or business, you must plan accordingly.

Travelling can be expensive even if you are within your own country, but travelling abroad can be even more costly.

Place to Live

The average cost of living in Toronto is $1,800 per month. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other essential expenses.

The average rent in Toronto is $1,200 per month. On average, a one-bedroom apartment will cost $900 a month, while a three-bedroom apartment will cost around $1600.00 a month.

The average price of a hotel room in Toronto is CAD$124. This is $5 more expensive than the average cost across Canada.

Hostels can be great places to meet people, but they’re usually not the most comfortable places to stay. The average hostel room costs CAD$ 75 per night, which is about half the price of a hotel room.

Foods

You’ll need to eat and drink to feed yourself and your family. Groceries will be the most significant expense for most people in Toronto at about $500.00 per month for a family of four (assuming 1-2 meals per day are eaten out).

A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost approximately $50 with alcoholic drinks, adding an extra $20 – $30 per person depending on how much you drink and what you order (e.g., beer vs wine).

A beer at a pub or bar costs around $6 – $10, while a cocktail will set you back between $12 – $15, depending on where you go and what type of drink it is.

How To Save Money During Your Toronto Travel?

Toronto is a food lover’s paradise. There are so many restaurants and cafes that offer a variety of cuisines from all over the world. Toronto has become one of the most popular destinations for tourists and locals alike. But how can you save money during your trip?

Toronto is a costly city to visit and explore. If you plan to go there, make sure you have enough money for fun in the sun! Here are some tips on how you can save money during your Toronto travel:

Acquire a City Pass

The Toronto Pass is a great way to save money on attractions, restaurants, and shopping in the city. The pass covers almost 28 attractions, including the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, and Ripley’s Aquarium (two locations). 

The pass also includes discounts on dining at over 50 restaurants and shops, including the Hockey Hall of Fame and Ripley’s Aquariums. This pass allows you to get into many shows for free or half off. It costs $78 for adults and $40 for children ages 3-12.

Stay With a Local

Airbnb is one of the best ways to save money during your Toronto travel. You can stay with locals who rent out their properties for short-term stays and get an authentic experience in exchange for saving money on hotel rooms or hostels. 

We recommend staying with locals because they will give you recommendations for things to do in their neighbourhood which could end up being more interesting than what’s written on your tourist map!

Bring a Bottle of Water

It’s always important to stay hydrated when travelling abroad (especially during summer). However, bottled water can be expensive at airports, especially when flying internationally and within Canada.

Bring a bottle of water with you if you want to save money during your trip. Plenty of water fountains around the city, so you don’t have to buy bottled water from stores. Bring some snacks, too, because these will help keep hunger pangs away and ensure you don’t spend too much on meals.

Enjoy Street Foods

Toronto is home to various street foods, including hot dogs and burgers. You can also find a wide range of international cuisines here. If you’re looking for something cheap and delicious, try eating at these places; they will satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.

Ditch the Cabs

If you’re looking to save money on your Toronto trip, there’s no better place to start than by ditching the cabs. If you’re staying in a hotel or hostel, check out their shuttle service or ask about public transportation options in the area. 

The TTC has a great network of buses and subways you can use to get from place to place. This way, you’ll save money on cab fares and get to see more of the city.

On Wednesdays, Visit the AGO

The AGO is free on Wednesdays after 5 pm, making it one of the best deals in town. It’s one of Toronto’s most famous art galleries and houses exhibitions from both local and international artists.

It also has an ongoing exhibition called “Beauty Is…” which displays beautiful works worldwide, including photographs, paintings, and sculptures.

Acquire a PRESTO Card

One of the best ways to save money during your Toronto travel is by getting a PRESTO Card. The PRESTO Card allows users to pay for public transportation in Toronto. You only need to load money onto the card and then use it when riding public transit in the city.

The best thing about using this card is that it has no extra charges or fees. This means that you will not have to worry about paying extra money for using public transit while in Toronto.

Also, if you plan on taking several trips within a week or two, then getting this card would be beneficial because it allows users to make multiple journeys without having to pay extra money each time they ride the bus or subway system.

Types of Transportation in Toronto

There are many ways to get around Toronto. Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft can be ordered from your phone, but taxis are also widely available.

The city has a public transit system called the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) with subways, light rail vehicles (LRTs), streetcars, and buses that run throughout the city.

Public Transportations.

Public transportation in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), a public-owned corporation of the city.

It consists of an extensive network of subways, buses, and streetcars serving Toronto’s urban and suburban areas. TTC has approximately 1.7 million riders per day and over 1,000 bus routes.

Car Lease

If you’re not planning to use public transportation, you may consider car leasing instead of buying a car. Car leasing allows you more freedom with your vehicle than if you were to buy it outright. You can rent both standard and luxury cars from most companies in the city; the average rent for a day is $20-30.

 If you’re only planning to use it for a few months or years at a time, car leasing is an affordable option that allows you to keep your options open when it comes to what kind of car you want and where you want it shipped from 

Taxi

Taxis are convenient if you don’t have time to wait for public transit or if you’re travelling with luggage or children. Several taxi companies operate in Toronto, including Beck Taxi, Co-Op Cabs, City Taxi and Diamond Taxi, with an average rate of 5CAD to $ 7CAD

Many offer 24-hour service through their apps or websites, so you can order a cab anytime or at night. Some companies also provide wheelchair-accessible cabs at no extra charge.

Ridesharing

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available in Toronto. They’re similar to taxis because they provide on-demand transportation but don’t have meters or set rates. You pay your driver directly through the app after your trip is completed.

Ridesharing has become very popular in Toronto because it’s cheaper than public transit and offers door-to-door service.

Rental Bikes

The Bike Share Toronto program is North America’s most extensive bike-sharing system, with more than 6,000 bikes and 625 stations across Toronto. The system allows you to pick up a bicycle from one station and drop it off at another location when you’re done.

There is no additional fee for renting a bike for up to 30 minutes. You’ll need a credit or debit card for payment if you want to use the service for longer than 30 minutes. Renting a bicycle costs $7 for 24 hours or $15 for three days.

Best Time to Visit Toronto

Toronto is a four-season city, so it’s not surprising that the best time to visit depends on what you’re interested in doing.

Summers

Summer is the busiest and most expensive season, but spring and fall are great times to visit. In general, late spring to mid-autumn is probably your best bet. In spring/summer, temperatures average around 20°C (68°F) but can be up to 30°C (86°F) at times; temperatures drop considerably in winter (below 0°C/32°F).

The weather is warm and sunny from May until September. During these months, it’s nice to spend some time at the beaches along Lake Ontario or in the parks in the downtown core.

If you want to try something different, go for a walking tour of historical sites and neighbourhoods like Chinatown, Kensington Market, and Little Italy. The weather can be unpredictable anytime; rain is common, but summer thunderstorms are less so.

Winters

Winter is cold and snowy, with frequent snowfalls lasting several days. January through March are usually the coldest months, averaging around -10°C (14°F). 

Winter activities include skiing and snowboarding at snowy hills around Toronto (especially in the Muskoka region), skating on natural ice rinks at Nathan Phillips Square or Harbourfront Centre, and ice fishing on Lake Ontario (at Sunnyside Park). Many guided tours available during the winter can help you enjoy your trip more!

Autumn

In autumn (September–November), Toronto is a great place for leaf peeping. The city hosts several festivals in September, including Nuit Blanche and Halloween Carnaval de Québec (early October) and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Keeping Safe in Toronto

Toronto is one of the safest cities in North America. Its crime rate has been dropping steadily since 2005, and in 2017 it had the lowest murder rate per capita of any major Canadian city. According to the Toronto Police Service, there were 18 homicides in 2017, including ten shootings and eight stabbings.

However, despite being one of the safest cities in Canada, there are still places where you should watch your back. The following tips will help you stay safe while visiting Toronto:

Avoid walking at night: If possible, avoid walking around downtown after dark — especially along Yonge Street and Queen Street West — as this is where most crimes occur. This includes areas such as Kensington Market, Chinatown, and Little Italy.

If you must walk at night, make sure that you’re aware of your surroundings, avoid isolating yourself from groups of people and never wander into unfamiliar neighbourhoods alone.

Avoid secluded parks or alleys after dark: Violent attacks often occur in parks or alleyways when they are less crowded than during the day. Some of these areas include High Park (southwest corner), Allan Gardens Conservatory (east side), and Greenwood Park (northwest corner). 

Stay alert and aware of your surroundings: It sounds obvious, but paying attention to what’s happening around you is essential. This means looking behind you if someone walks up behind you on the street and ensuring there aren’t any strange people lurking around before getting into an Uber or cab.

Watch out for scams: There have been reports of people posing as police officers and asking for information about tourists’ passports and travel plans. Don’t give out any personal data if someone stops you on the street or starts asking questions about where you’re from or where you’re staying in Toronto.

Why Visit Toronto?

You will find various things to do and places to visit in Toronto. This city has something for everyone. It is a great place to stay with your family or friends and for solo travellers.

It’s a beautiful town with many attractions: historic sites, museums, art galleries, music and entertainment venues, sports teams, and more.

Here’s why you should visit Toronto:

• The city is buzzing with culture, from the art galleries to the musicals and plays.
• Toronto is home to some of the best restaurants in Canada, and they’re all vying to be named one of the world’s best.
• Toronto has a vibrant food scene that reflects its diverse population, so no matter what your taste buds are craving, you’re sure to find something delicious here!
• There’s no shortage of things to do in this city—from museums to parks, and there’s always something new to explore!

Check Out the Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Toronto | Canada Travel Guide:

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Toronto is a city with a lot of variety—there’s so much going on, and it can be hard to know where to start. But hopefully, this travel guide has given you some ideas for how to get started.

Toronto is a city full of life and culture, and there are tons of unique places to visit here. Whether you’re looking for museums or festivals or want to explore the city’s unique neighbourhoods, Toronto has something for everyone!

We hope this guide helps you plan your trip—whether for business or pleasure, Toronto is always a great place to visit. And if you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to hear from you!