Toronto is an urban mosaic of cultures and ethnicities, considered to be one of the most multicultural cities in the world. It is the most heavily populated city in Canada, a cosmopolitan financial, commercial and cultural center, blending its multicultural heritage — about 80 ethnic groups speaking more than 100 languages — with urban chic. With a lot to offer in terms of culture and entertainment any time of year, Toronto is the perfect travel destination for families and solo travelers alike.
Toronto is a bustling and ever-evolving multicultural hub of Canada. Home to over 2.8 million people, the city organically brings together a multitude of cultures and offers plenty in terms of art and entertainment all year round. It's the most populated city in Canada, as well as the capital of the country's province of Ontario.
The city's many districts each have their own unique flair, and some of the latest architectural creations liven up the cityscape and make for some amazing backdrop for unique photographs. Toronto's location on Lake Ontario adds a refreshing breeze to the vibe of this busy metropolis, and the abundance of green spaces and parks make Toronto a city incredibly livable. Toronto hosts a multitude of festivals throughout the year, boasts a plethora of sights to keep visitors busy for days (Canadian Niagara Falls are a stone's throw away from here, too), and boasts vibrant shopping and dining scenes.
Toronto is a vibrant city that can be enjoyed anytime of year. In the colder months, there is plenty to see and do with the city's diverse arts and entertainment offerings. The warmer seasons provide the perfect opportunity to experience Toronto's beautiful parks and beaches. The island archipelago is just a short ferry ride away and makes for a great day trip.
Niagara Falls Day Tour from Toronto
CN Tower
Royal Ontario Museum
Toronto Zoo
Distillery Historic District
Chinatown
Hockey Hall Of Fame
Casa Loma
The Islands
Ontario Science Centre
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Canada’s Wonderland
Dundas Square
Absolute Towers
Humber Bay Arch Bridge
Sugar Beach
St. Lawrence Market
Simcoe WaveDeck
Sherbourne Common
Brookfield Place
Allan Gardens Conservatory
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Niagara Falls
You are likely to find just about every cuisine of the world in the streets of Toronto. Visit Greektown, Little India and, of course, Chinatown for a taste of the world's gastronomic delights or head to the revolving restaurant atop the CN Tower for an unforgettable dining experience with a birds-eye view of the city. With a plethora of different cultures and neighborhoods, the cuisine is as diverse as the population and will suit any taste and wallet.
Sassafraz
360 Restaurant
Sotto Sotto
Madrina Bar & Tapas
Lee
C'est what?
Canoe
Terroni
Barque Smokehouse
Union Restaurant
Oyster Boy
Wilbur Mexicana
Khao San Road
From the exotic fruits and delicacies of Chinatown to the European-style Kensington Market, the colorful streets of Little India and the authentic restaurants of Little Italy and Greektown, cafes to your liking can be found in any of Toronto's multicultural corners.
Café Diplomatico
Moonbean Coffee Shop
Balzac's Coffee Roasters
Il Fornello on Danforth
Pizzeria Libretto
The Rooster Coffee House
Snakes & Lattes
The night in Toronto begins early at many of the Downtown’s watering holes — in the Old Town, Entertainment or Financial districts. Little Italy and Annex areas are also known for their late-night party spirit, and Toronto’s gay nightlife mostly centers around Church and Wellesley. Bars and pubs abound in these areas, and those looking to continue their night out in one of the city’s many dance floors must turn up at one of the Entertainment district’s clubs after 11pm.
The Village Genius Pub
The Lounge at the Drake Hotel
Dog & Bear
WVRST
The Reservoir Lounge
Tallboys
The Rex
Horseshoe Tavern
Toronto is a city with no shortage of shopping options. Whether it is a busy market you're after (St. Lawrence will certainly meet your expectations), or more of a "classic" shopping mall experience — Toronto has it all. Check out the Toronto Eaton Center (the city's largest mall) or plan your trip to one of Toronto's outlet malls with great bargains on brand name fashions. Head to Chinatown to browse through exotic herbs and teas, and don't miss the city's many thrift shops in search of gifts for your loved ones.
Bloor Street/Yorkville
Queen West
Kensington Market
Eaton Centre
Yorkdale Shopping Centre
Vaughan Mills
Square One
Sherway Gardens
Dixie Outlet Mall
Toronto Premium Outlets
King West
Blue Banana Market
Bergo Designs
Arts Market
One of a Kind Show
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Toronto is one of the most accessible cities in North America, nearby cities include Buffalo, Detroit, Chicago and New York.
The Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is located in the northwest corner of metropolitan Toronto 16 miles (25 kilometers) west of central Toronto and serves more than 35 international carriers. It is the main Toronto airport for handling commercial and business flights. Allow 40-60 minutes to/from the heart of downtown, depending on time of travel.
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) provides express bus and subway service to the city centre of Toronto. This is the least expensive method of getting to and from downtown Toronto. You will find the stations in terminal 1, ground level, second curb, column R4 and terminal 3, arrivals level, third curb, column C12.
MiWay, the local bus service within the City of Mississauga is located in terminal 1, ground Level, second curb, column S4.
GO Bus and GO Train service transport their passengers to the city centre of Toronto and surrounding suburbs. (Terminal 1, ground level, second curb, column Q2-Q4).
Union Pearson Express takes only 25 minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Union Station in the heart of downtown Toronto. The trains leave every 15 minutes and run between 5:30am and 1am. Tickets can be bought at the ticket vending machines at the airport, customer service counter in terminal 1 (arrival level) and onboard on the train.
If you choose to take a taxi, make sure to take a licensed Toronto Pearson taxi or limo. Only authorized taxi companies are allowed to pick passengers from Toronto Pearson. Taxi pick-up locations: terminal 1, arrival level and terminal 3, arrivals level.
At the airport there are several car rentals such as Avis, Budget, Dollar/Thrifty, Enterprise, Hertz and National/Alamo. They are on Level 1 of the Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 parking garages.
Address: 6301 Silver Dart Drive, Mississauga, ON
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Website: www.torontopearson.com
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Best Time to Visit
Toronto is a year-round destination and offers something for everyone. Summer (June through August) is the most popular season and this is when schools are on break and many families have holidays. Summer is the warmest time of the year and this is also when the city is getting more crowded and the accommodation rates are rising. During June many popular festivals are organized, and this is also when most festivals kick off.
If you like cold weather and outdoor activities, then November to March are good months to travel to Toronto. During these months the hotel rates are also lower. January is the peak of Toronto's long winter season and one of the coldest months of the year.
Spring between April and May is claimed to be the best time to visit Toronto. The weather is chillier but still it is comfortable to do some sightseeing. Make sure to have an extra layer of clothing when the sun drops down — it can get cold. During these months there are no crowds and the room rates are reasonable.
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Port of Toronto
The International Marine Passenger Terminal is an exciting destination for cruise ship travelers, with a convenient location just a short drive from downtown Toronto. The port allows passengers to spend several days in the city, taking advantage of its many attractions, restaurants and accommodations.
The port was originally built for the Spirit of Ontario I, a fast ferry service between Toronto and Rochester, New York, but has since become a hub for Great Lakes cruise ships. In the summer months, tourists from the US and Europe often use the terminal as a port of call between May and October.
Address: Port of Toronto, 8 Unwin Avenue, Port Lands, Toronto
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Website: www.portstoronto.com
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Public Transport
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is the quick, convenient and safe way to get around Toronto. The subway system is linked with buses and streetcars to get you around Toronto on one fare, provided it’s a one way trip with no stopovers. You can “ride the rocket” (as the TTC aptly describes itself) weekdays and Saturdays from about 6am until 1:30am and on Sundays from about 9am to 1:30am.
Get a transfer when you pay and you can make a free connection as long as you complete your journey within one hour. Weekly and monthly passes are also available at subway stations.
Buses and streetcars are frequent and can get you from any subway stop to your final destination. Both are equipped with route and destination information signs. Schedule information is posted at most major route intersections. There’s a late night service called the Blue Night Network. Buses and streetcars run on most major routes (transit stops are marked with a reflective blue band) every morning from about 1:30am to 5am Service is provided every 30 minutes or less.
Toronto is also served by the VIA Rail System, the network that provides all rail service throughout Canada (with connections to the Amtrak system through Niagara Falls, New York). Union Station is the name of the train station. It is located on Front Street, between Bay and University (across the street from the Royal York Hotel). The station is right on the subway line.
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Website: www.ttc.ca
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Post
Stamps are available from Canada Post outlets or post offices across the city. Most post offices are open from 9am to 7pm.
Address: Canada Post, 100 King Street West, Toronto
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Website: www.canadapost.ca
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Pharmacy
Pharma Plus Drug Mart and Shoppers Mart are two of Toronto’s main chains for medication. There’s often one in every neighborhood that is open 24 hours.
If you’re in need of emergency medical care, call 911. Concierges at hotel desks can also recommend doctors.
Address: Shoppers Drug Mart, 465 Yonge Street, Toronto
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Phone: +1 416 408 4000
Website: www.shoppersdrugmart.ca
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Electricity
Canada uses 110-volt electricity, 60 cycle electric power, same as the USA. Power outlets are designed for use with a two-prong and some accept a 3-prong (with ground) plug.
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Telephone
Country Code: +1
Area code: 416 and 647.
For the Greater Toronto Area: 905.
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