Toronto Travel Guide 2026

Published on December 13, 2023 · Written by Zack Fenech

In this guide

Overview
Essential Tips
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Final Thoughts
FAQs

Overview

I’ve lived in Toronto for almost 30 years and, for better or worse, have seen the city undergo significant changes, particularly over the last decade.

One thing is sure: I take Toronto for granted, which rings true every time I leave home and find myself out of my element. Endless cuisines, live entertainment, museums and art galleries, high-end shopping and vintage thrifting options indeed say that it has something to offer.

I have much to say about this city, so this Toronto travel guide will be long and intricate and guide you through the best parts of Canada’s largest city. For more destinations in the country, check out our Canada travel guide.

“Toronto is a multicultural paradise — there’s no other city in Canada quite like it.”

Essential Tips to Know Before Visiting Toronto

Find some essential things to know and tips before visiting Toronto below.

✈️ Airports: Toronto Pearson International Airport & Billy Bishop

Use Skyscanner to find and compare the best flights to Toronto.

Toronto is served by two airports: Toronto Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop, the latter of which offers a much better experience for various reasons, the primary ones being its location in Downtown Toronto and its smaller size.

Getting downtown from both airports can be quite different. Pearson offers a train that will take you to Union Station, costing you around $8 CAD, while Billy Bishop Airport offers a free shuttle that runs every 20 minutes, though it’s a short walk from the Bathurst Streetcar.

🚑 Health and Safety: A (Fairly) Safe Canadian City

Be sure to get travel insurance before your trip. The emergency number in Toronto is 911. Generally, Toronto is relatively safe. However, post-COVID-19 has undoubtedly impacted the city, and poverty has become more apparent. If you’re staying in the downtown core, take standard precautions.

Most bad areas in the city are not close to where the action is, except Moss Park and Regent Park, which you’ll want to avoid entirely. These areas are very dodgy, especially at night, with some parts similar but not as bad as Skid Row in Los Angeles or East Hastings in Vancouver.

🚍 Public Transportation: Take the TTC & Go Transit

Millions of Torontonians use the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) daily to get from Point A to Point B. The TTC includes buses, subways, and streetcars. Fares cost about $3.25 CAD and permit riders to pay using credit or debit cards.

Alternatively, the Presto Card costs $6.00 CAD and can also be used on Go Transit, which takes riders to different parts of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), such as Hamilton, Barrie, and Niagara Falls. Additionally, Bike Share Toronto is a means of transportation.

Of course, both Uber and Lyft are available in Toronto. Visitors should avoid taking taxis, as they’re unreliable and usually overpriced.

💶 Currency and Tipping: Using the CAD and Be Prepared to Tip

Since Toronto is in Canada, the Canadian dollar (CAD) is used. Major banks are on every other corner, though Scotiabank is a member of the Global ATM network and offers free withdrawals for participating members.

Unfortunately, tipping culture is also prevalent here, and most waitstaff in bars and restaurants expect 18%.

🚶 Walkability: Toronto is Walkable, for the Most Part

Toronto’s downtown core is very walkable but not as walkable as other cities. It is separated and spread out, with a good portion uphill. While many points of interest are located in the downtown core, Toronto is a very walkable city for interesting areas.

☁️ Weather: Visit During the Spring, Summer, and Autumn

Toronto weather is relatively predictable. You can expect winters to be cold, summers to be hot, and springs and autumns to be incredibly fair. However, transitional periods between seasons can be unpredictable.

Be sure to expect weeks of rain from the end of April to the end of May. The best time to visit depends on the type of experience you’d like, but I’d recommend visiting in Spring, Summer, or Fall.

Fun Things to Do and Essential Places to Visit in Toronto, Ontario

Toronto is known for having six boroughs: Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, York, East York, and Downtown Toronto. For the most part, everything visitors want to see is downtown.

1. Downtown Toronto

Downtown Toronto centralizes most of what Toronto is known for. This is a great place to spend time if you’re visiting the city — it’s where you’ll find all the major attractions:

CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Scotiabank Arena, Ripley’s Aquarium, King Street West, Union Station, Hockey Hall of Fame, Yonge and Dundas Square

2. The Distillery District & St. Lawrence Market

A taste of old Toronto with Victorian architecture, cobblestone streets, art galleries, and the famous indoor St. Lawrence Market.

3. Harbourfront & Centre Island

Toronto’s waterfront with ferries to Centre Island — beaches, hiking trails, and an amusement park.

4. Queen Street West

The Fashion District with Nathan Phillips Square, Trinity Bellwoods, Horseshoe Tavern, Graffiti Alley, and DROM Taberna.

5. Kensington Market & Chinatown

Toronto’s hippest neighbourhood with the Art Gallery of Ontario nearby.

6. Yorkville

High-end shopping at Yonge and Bloor. Former hippie area where Neil Young and Joni Mitchell started.

7. The Annex

Trendy pubs, bars, restaurants, Casa Loma castle, and Lee’s Palace concert venue.

8. The Danforth

Greektown with fantastic restaurants, the Danforth Music Hall, and Riverdale Park for skyline views.

Food and Drink to Try in Toronto

1. Peameal Bacon

Iconic Canadian dish originating in Toronto. Try Paddington’s Pump and Carousel Bakery in St. Lawrence Market.

2. Ontario Craft Beer

Great Lakes Brewery, Leftfield, Bellwoods Brewery, Blood Brothers.

3. Italian Cuisine

Sugo and North of Brooklyn for the best pizza.

4. Asian Food

Rol San for Dim Sum, Ramen Isshin for ramen.

5. Mexican Restaurants

Itacate, El Rey, GUS Tacos.

My Final Thoughts: Is Toronto Worth Visiting?

For the best deals on places to stay, book hotels online ahead of your visit.

Toronto is a fantastic city to visit. It’s a multicultural paradise for foodies with culinary delights from around the world — and that alone makes it well worth the trip.

FAQs about Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Is Toronto safe?

Toronto is a reasonably safe city. However, the downtown core can get dicey at night.

When is the best time to visit Toronto?

Late Spring, Summer, and Fall.

What are the must-visit attractions in Toronto?

High Park, the Toronto Islands, and Queen Street West.

How can I get around Toronto?

The TTC or GO Train.

What are some family-friendly activities in Toronto?

CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, High Park, Riverdale, Toronto Zoo.