Toronto, Canada - Travel Guide

Toronto is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its iconic CN Tower, diverse culinary scene, and world-class arts and entertainment. It offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty with its proximity to Lake Ontario and numerous parks.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$75/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

The 6ixT.O.HogtownQueen CityTorontoOntarioCanada

🇨🇦 Country Information: Canada

CapitalOttawa

CurrencyCanadian dollar ($)

Language English , French

Phone Code+1

Electricity120V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is customary in restaurants (15
20% of the bill), bars, for taxi drivers, hairdressers, and hotel staff
For delivery services, tipping is also common (10
15%)

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
It is not necessary to bring large amounts of cash, but some cash is useful for small purchases
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Punctuality is valued in professional settings
Canadians tend to be polite and appreciate direct, but not aggressive, communication
Personal space is generally respected
It is common to remove shoes when entering someone's home

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Canada has progressive LGBTQ+ laws, including legal same-sex marriage nationwide.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18 or 19 depending on the province/territory
Drug laws vary by province, but recreational cannabis is legal nationwide for adults, with strict regulations

Special Laws

It is illegal to drive while using a handheld device
Some provinces have laws against jaywalking
Hunting and fishing require licenses

Common Phrases

HelloBonjour (bon-ZHOOR)

Excuse mePardon (par-DON)

Thank youMerci (mair-SEE)

Climate

Climate Zone: Continental Warm

Best Time to Visit

Extreme Cold: Dec
Feb
Extreme Hot: Jul
Aug
Floods: Feb
May (due to snowmelt and spring rains)

Getting There

Fly into Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) or Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
Train (VIA Rail, GO Transit) and bus (various operators) connections available from major Canadian and US cities

Getting Around

Public transit (TTC
subway, streetcar, bus) is extensive
Ride
sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are widely available
Taxis are common

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended
No specific altitude sickness, malaria, or motion sickness concerns for typical visitors
Probiotics generally not required but can be a personal choice

Staying Connected

eSIMs widely available from major Canadian carriers like Rogers, Bell, and Telus
Global eSIM providers like Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly also work well

Local Cuisine

Peameal Bacon Sandwich must_try

A Toronto classic featuring thick-cut, brined, and rolled pork loin, often coated in cornmeal (historically peameal). It is typically served on a fres

Poutine regional_speciality

While originating in Quebec, this dish of crispy french fries topped with fresh cheese curds and smothered in hot brown gravy is widely popular in Tor

Butter Tart dessert

A small, rich Canadian pastry consisting of a sweet, butter, sugar, syrup, and egg filling baked in a pastry shell. They are a famous dessert in Canad

The Food Caesar (Bloody Caesar) non_alcoholic_beverage

Canada's national cocktail, though often enjoyed in a non-alcoholic or alcoholic version, it is made with vodka (if alcoholic), clamato juice, hot sau

Toronto Style Pizza fusion

A distinct style of pizza that can be found in the city, often characterized by a unique preparation or topping combination. One local interpretation

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

CN Tower Timed Entry Ticket Attraction

Book 2 weeks to 1.5 months in advance

The CN Tower is a prime attraction, and timed entry tickets, especially for peak hours (sunset), often sell out, or you will face long standby lines.

High-Demand Restaurant Reservations (e.g., Michelin Guide mentions) Dining

Book 1–3 months in advance

Toronto's top, critically-acclaimed restaurants have limited seating and their reservations are released months in advance, often booking out instantly.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Niagara Falls Day Tour from Toronto tour_or_activity

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

Guided day tours, particularly those including transportation and popular activities like the boat cruise (seasonal), have limited seating and fill up quickly during peak travel months.

Tickets for Canada's Wonderland Attraction

Book 1–3 weeks in advance

While tickets are usually available, booking early online saves money compared to the gate price and is necessary for seasonal events like WinterFest or Halloween Haunt, which can sell out or require timed entry.

Accommodation in Downtown Toronto (Peak Season) Accommodation

Book at least 2 months in advance

Toronto hotel prices and availability fluctuate significantly. Booking early secures the best rates and central location, especially during summer and major city-wide events.

Fun Facts

1. Toronto is more southerly in latitude than Milan, Italy.
2. The PATH, Toronto's underground pedestrian walkway, is the largest underground shopping mall in North America, with over 1200 stores.
3. Baseball legend Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run on Toronto Island at Hanlan's Point.
4. Toronto's Rogers Centre (formerly Skydome) was the first stadium in the world to feature a fully retractable roof.

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