Toronto Travel Guide

Canada's largest city sits on the shore of Lake Ontario, with the CN Tower crowning its skyline and neighborhoods shaped by cultures from around the world. Explore major museums, a public market over 200 years old, a Victorian distillery quarter and island parks reached by ferry, then day-trip to Niagara Falls.

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At a glance

Currency
CAD (C$)
Power & plugs
120V · plug type: check before you go
Driving side
Right
Tipping
Not required but customary, usually 12–18%
Local language
English
How long to stay
4 to 5 days (including a Niagara day trip)

Emergency numbers

When to go

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 is cold and snowy, with highs around -1°C and lows around -7 to -8°C, so pack for winter.

Airport to the city

UP Express → Union Station

The airport train runs from Pearson Station at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) Terminal 1 to Union Station downtown, stopping at Weston, Mount Dennis and Bloor. Trains run every 15 minutes, and you can tap a PRESTO card, credit or debit card or mobile wallet. Buses sometimes replace trains during construction, so check official notices.

Time about 28 min to Union StationCost about CAD 12.35 adult one-way (check official info for PRESTO fares)

TTC 900 Airport Express bus

A city bus from Terminals 1 and 3 to Kipling Station on subway Line 2. You can continue on the subway on a single TTC fare, making it the budget option.

Time about 20-25 min to Kipling (+ subway)Cost single TTC fare, about CAD 3.30

Taxi or ride-hailing

Handy with luggage or late at night. Toronto taxis are metered and fares are not negotiable; a tip is usually added.

Time varies with trafficCost check official info for fares (plus tip)

Getting around

TTC subway, streetcars and buses

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. Children 12 and under ride free.

PRESTO & tap to pay

Tap a PRESTO card, credit or debit card or mobile wallet: a ride is about CAD 3.30 and transfers within two hours are free. Cash is about CAD 3.35 with no transfer.

PATH underground walkway

About 27 km of mostly underground walkways linking shops, stations and buildings downtown — a lifesaver in winter or rain.

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.

GO Transit

Green-and-white regional trains and buses from Union Station to the surrounding region, including Hamilton and Niagara.

Where to stay

Downtown & Union Station

Good for: First visit, transport

The hub for UP Express, GO and the subway, close to the CN Tower, the lakeshore and the PATH.

Entertainment District & Harbourfront

Good for: Shows and dining, lakeside walks

Theatres, restaurants and bars right next to the Lake Ontario waterfront — great for evenings.

Old Town & St. Lawrence

Good for: Markets, history walks

The historic core near St. Lawrence Market and the Distillery District, well served by streetcars.

Bloor-Yorkville

Good for: Museums, shopping

Cobblestones and 19th-century buildings mixed with galleries and upscale shops, right beside the Royal Ontario Museum.

Queen West, Chinatown & Kensington

Good for: Street character, varied food

Lively west-side streets with Graffiti Alley, independent shops, Asian eateries and vintage stores.

Map of stays in Toronto

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Map & prices: Stay22 — you book on each site

Top sights

  1. CN Tower

    Toronto's 553 m icon. Look over the city and lake from the 346 m LookOut level and stand on the glass floor. Check official information for admission.

  2. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

    Canada's largest museum of world cultures and natural history, known for dinosaur skeletons and Egyptian mummies. Check official information for hours and admission.

  3. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

    One of the largest art museums in North America, with wide-ranging collections and exhibitions. Check official information for admission.

  4. St. Lawrence Market

    A public market serving the city since 1803. On Saturdays a farmers' market fills the North Market from dawn. Check official information for hours.

  5. Distillery District

    A pedestrian-only national historic site in a former distillery complex, with Victorian brick buildings, cobblestone lanes, galleries and restaurants.

  6. Toronto Islands

    Island parks reached by ferry, with car-free trails and classic skyline photos. Three ferry routes run mid-April to mid-October; in winter only the Ward's Island route operates.

  7. Kensington Market

    A national historic site neighborhood of colorful Victorian houses and lanes filled with vintage shops and international eateries — best explored on foot.

  8. Niagara Falls day trip

    Take the GO train from Union Station to Niagara Falls GO (departures are limited, so check the official timetable for times and days). Locally, Niagara Parks' WEGO buses connect sights such as Table Rock Centre at the brink of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

Tours & tickets →

What to eat

Peameal bacon sandwich

Peameal bacon on a bun — a Toronto invention. Try one at St. Lawrence Market.

Poutine

Canada's classic dish of fries topped with gravy and cheese curds, found in many versions across the city.

Butter tarts

A quintessential Canadian dessert of flaky pastry with a sweet, gooey filling, easy to find at bakeries.

Asian food in Chinatown

Around Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street West, markets and restaurants serve a wide range of Asian cuisines.

Greek food on the Danforth

Greektown on Danforth Avenue is home to one of North America's largest Greek communities, with Greek and multicultural restaurants.

Daily budget (per person)

Budgetabout CAD 150-220 per day: hostel, market food, public transport
Mid-rangeabout CAD 350-500 per day: city hotel, attractions, restaurants
Comfortabout CAD 1,000+ per day: luxury hotel, private tours

Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.

Sample itinerary

  1. Day 1

    UP Express to Union Station, check in, views from the CN Tower, then an evening walk along the Harbourfront.

  2. Day 2

    A peameal bacon sandwich at St. Lawrence Market, the Distillery District, then the ferry to the Toronto Islands for skyline views at sunset.

  3. Day 3

    Royal Ontario Museum and Yorkville, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Kensington Market and Chinatown, then the Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square by night.

  4. Day 4

    GO train day trip to Niagara Falls, WEGO bus around the falls, back to Toronto in the evening (on departure day, UP Express to the airport).

Local tips

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Prices and times are approximate as of 2026-09 and may change. Always re-check visa and entry rules with official sources before you travel.

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