Everything You Need to Know for Your Visit to Toronto

 

Are you planning a trip to Toronto? There's something for everyone in Ontario's capital and Canada's largest city, whether you're travelling with kids, on a budget, or seeking for off-the-beaten-path attractions. This guide will walk you through all you need to know about Toronto before you go.

Is There a Best Time to Visit Toronto?

When is the most ideal time to visit Toronto? Every season offers a variety of enjoyable and reasonably priced activities. In the spring, explore the cherry blossoms in High Park, attend an outdoor event in the summer, spot celebrities at the Toronto International Film Festival in the fall, or skate in Nathan Phillips Square or visit Toronto's Christmas Markets in the winter.

Summer is the busiest season, so book your accommodation ahead of time, especially if you want to come between June and August.

How to Plan a Visit to Toronto on a Budget

Toronto may appear to be an expensive destination, but with proper planning, the city can be surprisingly affordable. Here are some helpful hints:

Purchase a Toronto CityPASS.

The Toronto CityPASS allows you to see all of the city's greatest attractions for one low fee. The following attractions are included in the package:

• Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is located in the CN Tower.
• The Royal Ontario Museum and the Ontario Science Centre are also located in Casa Loma.
  

The regular entry fee for all of these sites is $139.60, but with the Toronto CityPASS, you'll only have to spend $88 plus tax. Make careful to prepare ahead of time because the pass is only good for nine days.

Free admission to museums

Many of Toronto's museums and galleries provide free admission on particular days and at specified times. Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Art Gallery of Ontario invites visitors to its collection galleries for free, as does the Aga Khan Museum on Wednesday evenings from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Bata Shoe Museum is available to the public on Thursday nights from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for a $5 recommended contribution.

What Are the Must-Do Activities in Toronto?

The following are the important sights to see during your stay to Toronto:

Climb the CN Tower.

A climb to the CN Tower is a must-do on any vacation to Toronto. It is one of the world's highest structures, standing at 553 metres. Visitors may also now climb 33 stories higher to the SkyPod observation level, owing to a recent restoration.

Visit the Toronto Museums for a day.

The Royal Ontario Museum, Canada's largest museum, welcomes over one million people each year. The Bat Cave, with its 800 realistic bats, is often a hit with kids. Visit the Bata Shoe Museum, which is only a few feet away from the ROM, for a more unique experience. It's worth adding to your schedule because of its 13,000-piece collection of high-end footwear.

Meanwhile, art aficionados might visit the Art Gallery of Ontario, which was built by Frank Gehry. The Aga Khan Museum houses the aesthetic, scientific, and intellectual treasures of Islamic and Persian (Iranian) civilizations. The Hockey Hall of Fame is also a must-see for sports aficionados.

Get tickets to a performance in the entertainment sector of Toronto.

Get tickets to a production at the Princess of Wales Theatre or a concert at Roy Thompson Hall by The Toronto Symphony Orchestra. The National Ballet of Canada presents a full programme at the Four Seasons Performing Arts Centre, which also has the world's biggest free-span glass staircase.

Observe the activity at a sporting event.

Toronto has the distinction of being Canada's sportiest city, since it is the only city north of the border boasting teams in practically every major sport. The 6ix, as some residents refer to the city, is also recognised for its devoted fan base. Any seat is a good seat to see the action, from Drake's front-row commitment to the Raptors to diehards in the nosebleeds at a Maple Leafs game.

What Can You Do in Toronto That Isn't Found Anywhere Else?

These activities will take you off the beaten road on your vacation to Toronto if you're seeking for something less touristic.

The historic Distillery District is a must-see.

The Distillery District, which is only accessible by foot, is one of Toronto's best-preserved historic districts. Boutiques, galleries, and, of course, breweries now occupy historic buildings dating from the nineteenth century. While sweets like Soma Chocolate, Greg's Ice Cream, and The Sweet Escape are best enjoyed by individuals of legal drinking age (19 and over), they also provide something for the younger demographic.

Investigate Kensington Market.

Vintage thrift stores, handmade coffeehouses, independent restaurants, specialised vendors, and Instagram-worthy urban art can all be found in this pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood market.

Learn about the dining scene in Toronto.

The internationally recognised cuisine scene in Toronto caters to a wide range of preferences. Start at St. Lawrence Market for a taste of local fare. Then head out into the surrounding areas to sample the different food on offer, such as kimchi in K-Town or dim sum in Chinatown. Use the Toronto Food Trucks app to discover the closest meal-on-wheels to you if you prefer to eat on the go. There's a truck for every craving, from RaviSoups to Mustache Burger.

At Casa Loma, live like a king or queen.

Casa Loma, Toronto's castle on a hill, is three metro stations north of the ROM. The 98-room Gothic Revival-style estate boasts secret tunnels, ornately decorated chambers, and the recently renovated BlueBlood restaurant, which was formerly one of Canada's biggest private mansions.

What Can You Do With Your Kids in Toronto?

Are you planning a trip to Toronto with your children? The majority of tourist attractions are kid-friendly, but these attractions will win over the kids.

Visit Canada's Ripley's Aquarium.

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is located at the base of the CN Tower. More than 20,000 aquatic organisms call the aquarium home, as well as North America's longest underwater viewing tunnel.

Find out more about the Ontario Science Centre.

The Ontario Science Centre, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is a must-see for anybody with a curious mind. The Science Centre boasts hundreds of activities to keep everyone entertained for a whole afternoon, with ten exhibition rooms containing live demos, films, interactive learning activities, and even performances at the on-site IMAX Dome Theatre.

The Toronto Zoo is a great place to visit if you

The Toronto Zoo, which is home to over 5,000 animals, including a newborn zebra named Baby Stripe, is a perennial favourite with children. It is one of the world's largest zoos, occupying 780 acres on the eastern outskirts of the city. As a result, it's a good idea to plan on spending at least half a day there.

Make a day trip to Niagara Falls with the kids.

Where to Go in Toronto

In the Greater Toronto Area, car rental is a viable choice. However, if you want to avoid parking costs and traffic, use public transit, a cab, or use Bike Share.

Public transportation is available.

The cost of public transportation is low, and it is widely available. A single TTC fare costs $3.25 and gives you access to the city's subway, bus, and streetcar systems. Meanwhile, the day pass, which costs $12.50, is a good option for days with many trips.

Learn how to navigate Toronto's TTC system.

Taxi or carpooling

In Toronto, you may phone or hail a taxi from a variety of firms, including Diamond Taxi and Royal Taxi. Taxi prices are metered and non-negotiable, and it is common to tip 10 to 15%. Lyft and Uber are also accessible and may be booked using your smartphone app.

Toronto Bike Share

Bike Share Toronto is a cost-effective method to get about, with single trips costing only $3.25. The day pass or three-day pass are terrific deals for extended excursions to Toronto.

How to Get to the Airport

There are various low-cost flights to Toronto, which has two bustling international airports.

The largest and busiest airport in Canada is Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). The airport is about a 30-minute drive from the city centre. However, keep in mind that traffic and security queues will take time. Here's how to get to your destination from the airport:

• Hire a taxi, limo, or ride-sharing service.
• For a 25-minute rail travel to Union Station, take the UP Express.
• Take use of the TTC's public transit system. Although this is the lowest option, it does need several transfers.
  

Billy Bishop is a well-known musician. On an island across from the urban centre, Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is located. Here's how to get from the airport to your destination:

• Take the shortest boat journey in the world. For pedestrians, the boat is free and runs every 15 minutes.
• From the foot of Bathurst Street, take the 853-foot pedestrian tunnel.
• From Union Station, take the free fast shuttle bus.
• Take the TTC's 511 Bathurst or 509 Harbourfront streetcars.
• A taxi, limousine, or ridesharing service can be summoned.
  

The blog post "Everything You Need to Know for Your Visit to Toronto" was published first on Skyscanner

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