Toronto Travel Guide: Canada's Multicultural Metropolis

What You Will Find in Toronto

Toronto is Canada's largest city, with a population of nearly 3 million in the city proper and 6 million in the metropolitan area. It is also one of the most multicultural cities in the world—over half the population was born outside Canada, and more than 200 languages are spoken. This diversity is reflected in the city's neighborhoods: Chinatown, Little Italy, Little India, Greektown, Koreatown, and dozens of others each offer distinct food, culture, and atmosphere.

The CN Tower, at 553 meters, was the world's tallest freestanding structure for 34 years and remains the city's most visible landmark. The Royal Ontario Museum, with its Michael Lee-Chin crystal addition, houses one of Canada's most extensive museum collections. The Distillery District, a pedestrian-only neighborhood of Victorian industrial buildings, contains galleries, restaurants, and theaters.

Toronto is also a food city. The St. Lawrence Market, named the best food market in the world by National Geographic, has been operating since 1803. Peameal bacon sandwiches (back bacon rolled in cornmeal on a bun) are a Toronto specialty, available at Carousel Bakery inside the market.

Best Time to Go

Summer (June to August) is the warmest and most active season. Temperatures range from 18-28°C, and the city's outdoor spaces—Harbourfront, the Toronto Islands, High Park—are at their best. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September draws celebrities and film fans from around the world.

Fall (September to November) is pleasant (8-20°C) with fall foliage in the city's parks. TIFF in early September is the city's biggest annual event.

Winter (December to March) is cold (-5 to -15°C) and snowy. The PATH, a 30-kilometer underground network connecting downtown buildings, lets you walk much of the downtown core without going outside. Winter has lower hotel prices.

Getting There and Around

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is 22 kilometers northwest of downtown, with direct flights from virtually everywhere. The UP Express train connects the airport to Union Station downtown in 25 minutes for C$12.50.

The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) operates subways, streetcars, and buses throughout the city. A single ride costs C$3.35, and a day pass is C$13.50. The subway connects downtown to most major attractions.

Union Station is the hub for both the TTC and regional GO Transit trains and buses. VIA Rail connects Toronto to Montreal (4.5 hours), Ottawa (4.5 hours), and Niagara Falls (2 hours).

Where to Stay

Downtown (Financial District and Entertainment District) puts you near the CN Tower, the waterfront, and the theater district. Hotels range from C$150-400 per night.

Yorkville is an upscale neighborhood north of downtown with boutique shopping, high-end restaurants, and luxury hotels (C$200-500 per night).

King West and Queen West are trendy neighborhoods with restaurants, bars, and galleries. Hotels and vacation rentals here cost C$100-250 per night. For budget travelers, hostels downtown charge C$30-50 per bed.

Must-See Attractions

CN Tower

At 553 meters, the CN Tower was the world’s tallest freestanding structure from 1976 to 2010. The LookOut Level at 346 meters offers 360-degree views of the city and Lake Ontario. The Glass Floor, at 342 meters, lets you look straight down. EdgeWalk, a hands-free walk around the outside rim at 356 meters, is for the adventurous (C$195). Allow 1-2 hours.

Price: C$43 adult (general admission) | Hours: 9 AM-10:30 PM (varies by season)

Royal Ontario Museum

Canada’s largest museum, with collections spanning natural history, world cultures, and art. The Michael Lee-Chin crystal entrance is one of Toronto’s most photographed buildings. Highlights include a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, a bat cave recreation, and galleries on Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Canadian art and history. Allow 3-4 hours. Friday nights (4:30-8:30 PM) have half-price admission.

Price: C$23 adult | Hours: 10 AM-5:30 PM (Fri until 8:30 PM)

St. Lawrence Market

Named the best food market in the world by National Geographic, this market has operated since 1803 in the Old Town district. The South Market has two floors of food vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheese, baked goods, and prepared foods. The Carousel Bakery is famous for its peameal bacon sandwich (C$8-10). Go on a Saturday morning for the most activity.

Price: Free to enter | Hours: Tue-Sat 8 AM-5 PM, Sun 10 AM-4 PM

Distillery District

This pedestrian-only neighborhood contains the largest collection of Victorian industrial architecture in North America. The former Gooderham and Worts distillery buildings (1832) now house galleries, restaurants, cafes, theaters, and boutiques. The cobblestone streets and brick buildings create an atmospheric setting. Allow an afternoon.

Price: Free | Hours: 10 AM-9 PM (shops vary)

Niagara Falls Day Trip

The Niagara Falls, 130 kilometers from Toronto, are one of the most famous natural attractions in North America. The Horseshoe Falls (Canadian side) drop 51 meters and are 670 meters wide. The Maid of the Mist boat tour takes visitors to the base of the falls (C$28). The Journey Behind the Falls (C$16) descends through tunnels behind the Horseshoe Falls.

Price: Maid of the Mist C$28, Journey Behind Falls C$16 | Hours: Year-round (boat tours May-Oct)

Food and Drink

Peameal Bacon Sandwich — Back bacon rolled in cornmeal, grilled, and served on a soft bun with mustard. This is Toronto’s signature sandwich. Carousel Bakery in St. Lawrence Market is the most famous spot. A sandwich costs C$8-10.

Dim Sum — Toronto has excellent Chinese food, and dim sum is a highlight. The restaurants in Chinatown (Spadina Avenue) and in the suburban Chinese centers (Richmond Hill, Markham) serve dim sum that rivals Hong Kong. Budget C$20-35 per person.

Poutine — French fries with cheese curds and gravy. While originally from Quebec, Toronto has embraced poutine fully. Poutini’s House of Poutine in the Queen West neighborhood serves excellent versions. Budget C$8-12.

Multicultural Street Food — Toronto’s diversity means you can find excellent food from around the world. Jerk chicken at Rasta Pasta in Kensington Market, roti at Gandhi Roti in Little India, pupusas in Kensington Market, and pho in Chinatown all cost C$8-14.

Practical Tips

• Get a TTC day pass (C$13.50) if you plan to use public transit more than three times in a day.

• Visit St. Lawrence Market on a Saturday morning. The farmers’ market in the North building and the food vendors in the South building are at their best.

• Take the ferry to the Toronto Islands. The 15-minute ride costs C$8.50 round trip. The islands offer beaches, bike paths, and the best view of the Toronto skyline.

• Explore neighborhoods beyond downtown. Kensington Market, Little Italy, Greektown, and the Annex each have distinct character and food.

• Book TIFF tickets in advance if visiting in September.