Visiting Toronto

• Introduction
• Chapter 1 Getting There
• Chapter 2 Getting Around
• Chapter 3 Accommodation
• Chapter 4 Top Attractions and Landmarks
• Chapter 5 Neighborhoods to Explore
• Chapter 6 Food and Dining
• Chapter 7 Culture and Entertainment
• Chapter 8 Shopping
• Chapter 9 Day Trips from Toronto
• Chapter 10 Practical Tips
• Chapter 11 Best Time to Visit
• Chapter 12 Currency and Language
• Chapter 13 Safety
• Chapter 14 Weather and What to Pack
• Chapter 15 Tipping Customs
• Chapter 16 Tourist Information Resources
• Chapter 17 Airports and Flights
• Chapter 18 Public Transportation
• Chapter 19 Taxis and Rideshares
• Chapter 20 Walking and Biking
• Chapter 21 Hotels and Hostels
• Chapter 22 Rentals and Alternative Accommodation
• Chapter 23 Multi-cultural Neighborhoods
• Chapter 24 Festivals and Events
• Chapter 25 Sports and Recreation

Toronto, the capital city of Ontario, stands as a dynamic metropolis in Canada and attracts millions of tourists each year. Renowned for its impressive skyline, the city plays host to countless attractions and offers a vibrant cultural mosaic that reflects its diverse population. Nestled on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto combines the bustling feel of urban life with the tranquility of its waterfront vistas, making it a prime destination for travelers from across the globe.

As one of North America's largest cities, Toronto boasts an array of landmarks including the iconic CN Tower, a marvel of engineering that pierces the sky. The city's appeal lies not just in its monuments but also in the neighborhoods that brim with character and charm. Every corner of Toronto reveals a new story, from the artistic scenes of Queen West to the upscale boutiques of Yorkville, ensuring that there is something for every type of traveler to discover and enjoy.

The city's multicultural essence is perhaps its most striking feature, providing a unique tapestry of experiences, tastes, and traditions. Visitors can relish the vast culinary scene that offers a plethora of dining options spanning global cuisines. From street food festivals to Michelin-starred restaurants, Toronto is a foodie paradse that caters to every palate.

In addition to its gastronomic adventures, Toronto is a hub for culture and entertainment. The city is home to world-class museums such as the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario, as well as a variety of theaters and music venues. Year-round events and festivals celebrate the city's creative spirit, with the Toronto International Film Festival and the Caribbean Carnival being highlights of the cultural calendar.

For visitors seeking to explore beyond the urban landscape, Toronto serves as an ideal gateway to picturesque day trips. With natural wonders like Niagara Falls just a short drive away, or the picturesque vineyards of the Niagara Wine Country waiting to be explored, there are countless opportunities to experience the beauty of Ontario.

Whether you're drawn to Toronto for its lively cityscapes, rich culture, or diverse attractions, this guide is crafted to help tourists navigate the various facets of visiting this Canadian gem. With practical advice, detailed overviews, and insider tips, our aim is to ensure that your trip to Toronto is both memorable and enjoyable. Welcome to Toronto – a city where the world comes together.

Welcome to the first step of your Toronto adventure: figuring out how to actually get here! Fortunately, reaching Canada's largest city is a relatively straightforward affair, regardless of where your journey begins. Toronto is a major North American transportation hub, well-connected by air, rail, and road. Whether you prefer the speed of a jet plane, the scenic route via train, the budget-friendly option of a bus, or the flexibility of your own vehicle, there's a pathway to Toronto suited to your travel style and budget. This chapter navigates the various ways you can arrive in this vibrant metropolis, ensuring your trip starts smoothly.

Most international visitors, and indeed many domestic travelers, will find themselves arriving by air. Toronto is served primarily by two airports, each with its own distinct characteristics and advantages depending on your origin and preferences. The behemoth is Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Canada's busiest airport, handling the vast majority of international and long-haul domestic flights. Then there's the conveniently located Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), situated remarkably close to the downtown core, primarily serving shorter routes within Canada and some destinations in the United States.

Let's first look at Toronto Pearson International Airport, universally known by its code, YYZ. Located about 27 kilometers (17 miles) northwest of Downtown Toronto, primarily in the city of Mississauga, Pearson is the main gateway for travelers flying into the region. It's a sprawling complex with two main terminals currently in operation: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Don't worry about Terminal 2; it was demolished years ago to make way for expansion. Knowing which terminal your flight uses is crucial, as they are quite large and distinct buildings connected by a free shuttle train, the Terminal Link.

Terminal 1 is the larger of the two and serves as the primary hub for Air Canada, the country's flag carrier, and its Star Alliance partners, including airlines like United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Avianca. If you're flying internationally with these carriers, or domestically on Air Canada, chances are you'll land here. Terminal 1 is a modern facility, known for its airy design and extensive amenities, designed to handle a massive volume of passengers efficiently, though peak times can still feel bustling.

Terminal 3, on the other hand, caters to a wide range of other international and domestic airlines. This includes carriers belonging to the Oneworld alliance (like American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific) and the SkyTeam alliance (like Delta Air Lines, KLM, Air France), as well as WestJet, Canada's second-largest airline, and numerous other international airlines from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. While perhaps slightly less architecturally dramatic than Terminal 1, Terminal 3 is fully equipped and provides a comparable passenger experience. Always double-check your airline and flight number to confirm your arrival terminal well in advance.

Pearson International Airport constantly buzzes with activity, reflecting its status as a critical node in global air travel. Upon arrival, international passengers will proceed through Canadian customs and immigration, managed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The process is generally efficient, particularly with the use of Primary Inspection Kiosks for many travelers, but queues can form during peak arrival banks, especially during holiday seasons or major international events. Be prepared with your passport and any necessary visa documentation. You'll also need to fill out a declaration card or use the electronic kiosks.

After clearing customs and collecting your checked baggage from the carousels, you'll emerge into the public arrivals area of your terminal. Here, you'll find currency exchange counters, ATMs, car rental desks, information booths, and the initial points for onward ground transportation. While the specifics of getting from Pearson to your final destination in the city are covered in the next chapter, rest assured that numerous options exist, from dedicated express trains to taxis and ride-sharing services. Pearson is well-integrated into the region's transport network.

Now, let's consider the alternative: Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), often simply called the Island Airport. Its location is its most significant selling point – it sits on the Toronto Islands, directly across a narrow channel from the city's waterfront and just minutes from the financial district and major downtown attractions. This proximity makes it incredibly convenient for travelers heading straight into the heart of the city, especially business travelers or those on short trips primarily focused on the downtown area.

Billy Bishop is served mainly by Porter Airlines, which uses YTZ as its primary hub, offering flights to various destinations within Eastern Canada (like Montreal, Ottawa, Halifax) and several key cities in the United States (such as New York/Newark, Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C.). Air Canada also operates some regional routes out of Billy Bishop, primarily connecting to Montreal. The airport itself is much smaller and more intimate than Pearson, offering a quicker, often less stressful check-in and security process.

Reaching the terminal at Billy Bishop is a unique experience in itself. Passengers cross the Western Gap, a 121-meter (400-foot) channel, either via a short, free passenger ferry ride (taking about 90 seconds) or through an underwater pedestrian tunnel equipped with moving sidewalks. Both options deliver you directly to the airport terminal building on the island side. The sheer novelty of taking a tunnel under the lake or a quick ferry to catch your flight adds a certain charm to the Billy Bishop experience.

However, the convenience of Billy Bishop's location comes with some limitations. The range of destinations is far more restricted compared to Pearson, focusing primarily on regional routes and turboprop aircraft due to runway length and noise restrictions. International flights are limited to the pre-cleared US destinations, meaning you won't find direct flights from Europe, Asia, or other overseas locations landing here. Flight prices can also sometimes be higher than comparable routes into Pearson, though this isn't always the case, particularly if booking with Porter Airlines well in advance.

Choosing between Pearson (YYZ) and Billy Bishop (YTZ) largely depends on your point of origin, your airline preference, your final destination within Toronto, and your budget. If you're flying from afar, Pearson is almost certainly where you'll land. If you're coming from a city served by Porter or on a specific Air Canada regional route into YTZ, and your accommodation or business is downtown, Billy Bishop offers unparalleled convenience. Compare flight availability, prices, and total travel time (including getting to/from the airport) before booking.

While flying is dominant, Toronto is also exceptionally well-served by train, offering a comfortable and often scenic way to arrive, particularly from other major Canadian cities or some locations in the Northeastern United States. VIA Rail Canada, the national passenger rail service, operates extensively across the country, with Toronto's Union Station acting as its central hub. Arriving by train deposits you directly in the downtown core, making it a highly convenient option.

Union Station itself is a grand, historic building, a National Historic Site of Canada, located at the foot of the city's financial district on Front Street. It's more than just a train station; it's a major intermodal transportation hub connecting VIA Rail services with GO Transit (regional commuter trains and buses), the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway and streetcars, and the UP Express train to Pearson Airport. Stepping off your train into the magnificent Great Hall of Union Station is quite an introduction to the city.

VIA Rail operates numerous routes converging on Toronto. The most heavily traveled corridor connects Toronto with Montreal and Ottawa, featuring frequent daily departures and relatively fast journey times. You can also travel west towards Southwestern Ontario cities like London and Windsor, or east towards Kingston. For the truly adventurous, VIA Rail's transcontinental service, "The Canadian," offers an epic multi-day journey connecting Toronto with Vancouver via the Prairies and the Rocky Mountains, a trip renowned for its stunning landscapes.

From the United States, Amtrak operates the "Maple Leaf" service, running daily between New York City's Penn Station and Toronto's Union Station. This route travels through scenic Upstate New York, crosses the border near Niagara Falls (offering glimpses of the famous cataracts), and continues through Ontario's wine region before arriving in Toronto. The journey takes approximately 12.5 hours, offering a relaxed alternative to flying or driving, complete with onboard amenities and the crucial border crossing handled smoothly while you remain seated on the train.

Train travel in Canada, particularly on VIA Rail, tends to be comfortable, with spacious seating, onboard meal services (depending on the class of service and route length), and often free Wi-Fi. It allows you to bypass airport security hassles and traffic congestion, delivering you directly to the city center. While generally more expensive than bus travel and sometimes pricier than discounted flights, the convenience, comfort, and scenic potential make arriving by train an appealing option for many visitors, especially those traveling within the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor.

For the budget-conscious traveler, or those coming from cities not easily served by air or rail, intercity bus services provide a practical and economical way to reach Toronto. Several companies operate routes connecting Toronto with numerous destinations across Ontario, Quebec, and into the United States. While journey times are typically longer than flying or driving, the cost savings can be significant, especially if booked in advance.

The primary hub for intercity buses in Toronto is now the Union Station Bus Terminal, a modern facility located just south of Union Station itself, integrated into the CIBC SQUARE office complex. This terminal replaced the older Toronto Coach Terminal on Bay Street (though some services might still use secondary locations – always check your ticket). Major operators serving Toronto include Megabus, FlixBus, and Ontario Northland. Greyhound Canada ceased operations in 2021, so ensure you are looking at currently active providers when planning.

Bus travel offers extensive connectivity, often reaching smaller towns and cities that might not have airports or train stations. Routes connect Toronto with major centres like Montreal, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Windsor, and numerous US cities including Buffalo, Detroit, and New York City. Buses typically offer basic amenities such as onboard restrooms, reclining seats, and sometimes Wi-Fi and power outlets, though comfort levels can vary depending on the operator and the age of the bus.

Arriving by bus places you conveniently close to Union Station, providing easy access to the city's public transit system for onward travel. It's a viable option, particularly for shorter distances within Ontario or for cross-border trips from nearby US states. Just be prepared for potentially longer travel times due to road traffic and multiple stops along the route. Pack some snacks, drinks, and entertainment, settle in, and watch the Ontario landscape roll by.

Finally, arriving by car offers the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to travel on your own schedule and easily explore areas outside the downtown core or embark on day trips. Toronto is accessible via a network of major highways, most notably Highway 401, one of the busiest highways in North America, which traverses the northern part of the city. The Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) connects Toronto with Niagara Falls and the US border crossing at Buffalo, while other key arteries include the Gardiner Expressway along the waterfront and the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) running north-south on the east side.

If you're driving from the United States, several border crossings provide access to Ontario highways leading to Toronto. The most common crossings are near Buffalo, New York (connecting to the QEW via Fort Erie), Detroit, Michigan (connecting to Highway 401 via Windsor), and Niagara Falls, New York (also connecting to the QEW). Ensure you have valid passports for all occupants, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Be prepared for potential queues at the border, especially during peak travel times or holidays, and be ready to answer questions from border officials about your trip.

Driving within Canada to Toronto is straightforward, with well-maintained highways connecting the city to other provinces. From Quebec, Autoroute 20 seamlessly becomes Highway 401 heading west into Toronto. From Western Canada, the Trans-Canada Highway leads eventually towards the Ontario highway network. Road signage is generally clear and follows North American standards, often displaying distances in kilometers.

However, driving within Toronto presents its own set of challenges. The city is notorious for traffic congestion, particularly during morning and afternoon rush hours on the major highways like the 401, Gardiner, and DVP. Parking in the downtown core and popular neighborhoods can be expensive and sometimes difficult to find, although numerous public and private parking garages are available. If your visit is primarily focused on central Toronto, where public transit is excellent, you might find having a car more of a hindrance than a help. Consider parking it at your accommodation (if available) and utilizing other methods for getting around town.

Regardless of your mode of arrival – plane, train, bus, or car – international travelers will need to clear Canadian customs and immigration. As mentioned earlier, for air travelers, this happens at the airport upon landing. For those arriving by train on the Amtrak Maple Leaf service, CBSA officers board the train at the border to conduct inspections. If arriving by bus or car, you will clear customs at the land border crossing point.

Ensure all members of your party have the required travel documents well in advance. Citizens of many countries, including the United States, simply need a valid passport. Visitors from other countries may require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if arriving by air. It is absolutely essential to check the latest entry requirements specific to your nationality on the official Government of Canada Immigration and Citizenship website before you travel, as regulations can change. Honesty and preparedness are key when dealing with border officials; declare any required goods and answer questions truthfully.

Once you've navigated the arrival process, whether it's stepping out of the airport terminal, walking through the grand hall of Union Station, disembarking from a bus, or parking your car, you've officially made it. The diverse neighborhoods, towering landmarks, world-class dining, and vibrant energy of Toronto await. The journey here is just the beginning, setting the stage for the explorations and experiences detailed throughout the rest of this guide. Welcome to Toronto – your adventure has begun.