Itinerary · Canada
Toronto for the first time: airport to city, and how many days?
Four to five days in Toronto fit a Niagara Falls day trip. The UP Express or the TTC 900 bus, tap-to-pay fares with PRESTO or a card, and the best seasons.
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How many days for Toronto? 4 to 5
Toronto is Canada's largest city, on the shore of Lake Ontario. The CN Tower skyline, a public market over 200 years old, a Victorian distillery quarter, island parks reached by ferry and neighborhoods shaped by cultures from around the world all sit in one city.
The guide suggests 4 to 5 days, including a Niagara Falls day trip: three days around the city and one day on the GO train to Niagara.
Entry requirements (such as the eTA) can change, so check the Government of Canada or embassy information before you travel.
- Days 1-3: downtown, the lakeshore, markets, the islands and museums
- Day 4: GO train day trip to Niagara Falls
- Entry requirements: check Government of Canada or embassy info
Airport to the city: UP Express or the 900 bus
The easiest way from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to downtown is the UP Express. The airport train runs from Pearson Station at Terminal 1 to Union Station, stopping at Weston, Mount Dennis and Bloor, every 15 minutes. It takes about 28 minutes to Union Station and costs about CAD 12.35 adult one-way. Check official info for PRESTO fares.
You can tap a PRESTO card, credit or debit card or mobile wallet. Buses sometimes replace trains during construction, so check official notices.
The budget option is the TTC 900 Airport Express bus from Terminals 1 and 3 to Kipling Station on subway Line 2, about 20-25 minutes, then continue on the subway on a single TTC fare (about CAD 3.30). With luggage or late at night, a taxi or ride-hailing is handy. Toronto taxis are metered, fares are not negotiable and a tip is usually added; check official info for fares.
- UP Express: about 28 min to Union Station, about CAD 12.35 adult one-way, every 15 min
- TTC 900: about 20-25 min to Kipling + subway, about CAD 3.30
- Taxi or ride-hailing: metered; check fares officially (plus tip)
Getting around: the TTC and tap to pay
The TTC subway, streetcars and buses are the backbone of city travel. Subway and streetcars run 6 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday to Saturday and 8 a.m.-2 a.m. on Sunday, and children 12 and under ride free.
Tap a PRESTO card, credit or debit card or mobile wallet and a ride is about CAD 3.30; transfers within 2 hours are free when you tap the same card. Cash is about CAD 3.35 with no transfer.
Downtown, the PATH links shops, stations and buildings through about 27 km of mostly underground walkways, handy in winter or rain. The Toronto Island ferry runs year-round from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street; an adult round trip is about CAD 9.57, cards and mobile wallets are accepted, and tickets can be bought online in advance.
- TTC ride: tap about CAD 3.30 (free transfers within 2 hours), cash about CAD 3.35 (no transfer)
- Subway and streetcars: 6 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m.-2 a.m. Sunday
- PATH: about 27 km of walkways downtown
- Island ferry: about CAD 9.57 adult round trip, tickets online in advance
A 4-day route: three days in the city, one at Niagara
On day 1, take the UP Express to Union Station, check in and go up the CN Tower, Toronto's 553 m icon. From the 346 m LookOut level you look over the city and lake, and you can stand on the glass floor. Check official information for admission. In the evening, walk along the Harbourfront.
On day 2, have a peameal bacon sandwich at St. Lawrence Market, serving the city since 1803, and walk the Distillery District. In the afternoon, take the ferry to the Toronto Islands for skyline views at sunset. Ferry waits can top 30-60 minutes from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. heading out and 5-9 p.m. coming back, so buy tickets online in advance.
On day 3, see the Royal Ontario Museum and Yorkville, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Kensington Market and Chinatown, then the Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square by night. On day 4, take the GO train to Niagara Falls GO and use Niagara Parks' WEGO buses to reach sights such as Table Rock Centre at the Horseshoe Falls. Departures are limited, so check the official timetable for times and days.
- Day 1: UP Express → Union Station → CN Tower → Harbourfront
- Day 2: St. Lawrence Market → Distillery District → Toronto Islands
- Day 3: Royal Ontario Museum and Yorkville → Art Gallery of Ontario → Kensington Market and Chinatown → Nathan Phillips Square
- Day 4: GO train day trip to Niagara Falls (on departure day, UP Express to the airport)
When to go: summer (June-August) and autumn (September-November)
June-August is warm and great for the lakeshore and islands, and autumn (September-November) brings walkable weather, fall colors and cultural events. January-February brings sub-zero cold and snow, so pack a warm coat, gloves and non-slip shoes, and use the PATH on bitter days.
On average, July has a high of 27°C, a low of 17°C and 74 mm of rain, and October a high of 15°C, a low of 5°C and 67 mm. The January high is -1°C. These are the 1991–2020 normals for Toronto Pearson (Airport) station from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
- June-August: the lakeshore and islands
- September-November: walkable weather, fall colors and cultural events
- July normals: high 27°C, low 17°C, 74 mm
- October normals: high 15°C, low 5°C, 67 mm
- January-February: sub-zero cold and snow; pack for winter
Budget and things to know
Daily budgets per person: about CAD 150-220 for a hostel, market food and public transport; about CAD 350-500 for a city hotel, attractions and restaurants; about CAD 1,000+ for a luxury hotel and private tours.
Shelf prices usually exclude tax, and 13% HST is added to most purchases at checkout. Tips are expected at restaurants, bars, hotels, tours and taxis; the City of Toronto says 15-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard when you're happy with the service.
At Niagara Falls, always stay behind the railings; mist makes paths slippery. In the city, watch your belongings. Dial 911 in an emergency.
- Per person per day: about CAD 150-220 / 350-500 / 1,000+
- Tax: 13% HST added to most purchases
- Tips: 15-20% of the pre-tax bill
- Emergency: 911
Plan your Toronto trip
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FAQ
How many days do I need in Toronto?
The guide suggests 4 to 5 days: three days around the city and one day on the GO train to Niagara Falls.
How do I get from the airport to the city?
The UP Express reaches Union Station in about 28 minutes for about CAD 12.35 adult one-way. For less, take the TTC 900 bus to Kipling Station and continue on the subway on a single TTC fare of about CAD 3.30.
How do I pay for the TTC?
Tap a PRESTO card, credit or debit card or mobile wallet: a ride is about CAD 3.30 with free transfers within 2 hours. Cash is about CAD 3.35 with no transfer.
When is the best time to go?
June-August is great for the lakeshore and islands, and September-November for walking and fall colors. January-February brings sub-zero cold and snow, so pack for winter.
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