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Toronto is a vibrant, energetic city with inhabitants from all over the world. Given that its population is made up of people from more than 250 different ethnic origins, it is hailed as one of the most multicultural cities on Earth. Additionally, it is the largest city in Canada (which could be a perk or a drawback when comparing Toronto to Vancouver). The wonderful Queen City is a dynamic, cosmopolitan, sparkling, and multinational city originally made up of six different towns, each with its own unique history and personality.

Moreover, Toronto has earned the nickname City Inside a Park due to its extensive green spaces, which include a stunning shoreline. Tourists can find countless experiences and attractions, from art, cuisine, and beaches, to nightlife. The vibrant arts scene, which includes concerts, theater, galleries, and award-winning seasonal festivals, should not be missed. The lively energy of the city also powers a thriving nightlife, chic shopping, and unique dining experiences. Toronto also offers several professional franchises for sports fans including NHL, NBA, MLB, CFL, and others. Here is the ultimate travel guide to Toronto.

Check The Weather For The Best Time To Visit Toronto

Winter skyline of Toronto, Canada
Shutterstock
Winter skyline of Toronto, Canada

Toronto has four distinct seasons: summer, fall, winter, and spring, with winter temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 °C) in February and as high as 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27 °C) in July.

The city has a cold winter, but unexpectedly it has a milder climate than many other major Canadian cities, such as Montreal, Edmonton, or Winnipeg.

Related: 10 Things To Do In Toronto, Canada For Families

In the summer, Toronto can become extremely hot and muggy. The average temperature in July and August is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 °C), but evenings and places near lakes can be significantly cooler.

Even though the balmy summer months may be more pleasant, each of Toronto's four seasons has something unique to offer.

Toronto Cityscape from Toronto Central Island

The city is at its most attractive in late April through early May and in September through early October.

For instance, October is a perfect time to visit if tourists enjoy seeing the fall foliage because the city gives many opportunities to observe colorful fall canopies both inside and outside the city. On the other hand, Toronto is crowded with holiday activities in December, and there are numerous public skating rinks all around the city.

Summer is the busiest travel season during which sidewalks are alive with peddler markets, patio eateries, and countless cultural events. However, prices also climb along with the temperature.

If tourists want to save money, it's smart to pack a parka and plan their trip during winter. Shoulder seasons are the best bets if tourists want reduced rates and temps above zero.

  • Spring: Late April through May
  • Summer: June through August
  • Fall: September through early October
  • Winter: December

Plan To Visit Toronto’s Top Attractions

A diverse range of tourist attractions, including the CN Tower and museums and galleries, can be found in Toronto. Moreover, Niagara Falls is only a short drive away.

There are plenty of things to do, from the thriving Entertainment District, where tourists can enjoy the newest musicals and great restaurants, to the dazzling historic Distillery District, where they can discover a variety of stores and restaurants housed in beautifully preserved structures.

cn tower in toronto
Javen / Shutterstock.com
cn tower in toronto

Many key sites in Toronto's city center are within walking distance of one another, making it reasonably simple to get about, plus there is a subway system for longer trips.

When visiting Toronto in winter, tourists can go inside (and underground) to experience the vast PATH network of subterranean walkways that links attractions, entertainment, and retail establishments.

  • Other attractions: Casa Loma, Scotiabank Arena, St Lawrence Market, Kensington Market, Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
  • Recommended Tour: Exhilarating 120km Aerial Tour of Toronto with iflyTOTO
  • Duration: 24 minutes
  • Cost: From $82.69 USD per adult

Book this tour

an aerial view of toronto
Stephane Legrand / Shutterstock.com
an aerial view of toronto

Choose Where To Stay In Toronto

The ideal place to stay in Toronto if tourists want to be as central as possible is downtown, which is effectively the city's primary hub. It is the most practical option, particularly if they are visiting the city for the first time or have only a few days to spare.

There are plenty of funky and cool places to stay, as well as more luxurious accommodations.

Related: 10 Most Fascinating Hotels In Toronto

The heart and lungs of the city are located here: Yonge-Dundas Square, which is essentially Toronto's Times Square despite being much smaller. It is home to all the area's major attractions.

Tourists can anticipate a lot of advertising, a metro station, stores, and entertainment all year long!

st regis hotel in toronto
JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com
st regis hotel in toronto

The Entertainment District is also one of the finest neighborhoods to stay in. It is close to a lot of popular sites, restaurants, and nightlife. If tourists are looking for a luxurious vacation they can book at Ritz-Carlton which overlooks the CN Tower.

They can also go for the mid-range hotel, 1 Hotel Toronto.

However, if they are traveling on a significant budget, they can book at Luxury Condo Prime Location.

  • Cost: $181 per night for 2 adults in a one-bedroom apartment.
the harbourfront in toronto
Shutterstock
the harbourfront in toronto

The Harbourfront, which hugs the coast of the lake, can be a lot of fun to hang out at during the summer. Therefore, it is a great choice for tourists to stay in this area. From here, tourists may take a boat to the islands, go on a harbor tour, take in live entertainment, stroll along the shoreline, or eat al fresco.

One of the best choices they can make regarding a luxurious hotel is Le Germain.

Westin Harbour Castle is also an excellent choice for a mid-range stay.

For another affordable option, budget travelers can spend their night at Delta Hotels By Marriott.

Where To Eat In Toronto

Toronto is exceptional in all aspects, yet the city's growing food sector is still little known.

Related: Toronto's Alo Named Best Restaurant In Canada Second Year In A Row

The greatest restaurants are prepared to satisfy hungry tourists in several ways and will warm hearts and fill stomachs simultaneously, providing energy for more touring. Both indoor and outdoor dining experiences abound.

  • Best eateries for breakfast: Eggspectation, Sunset Grill, Lady Marmalade, Evviva Restaurant, Eggsmart
  • Recommended restaurants for lunch or dinner: Edulis for Canadian dishes, Byblos for Mediterranean cuisine, Alo and Scaramouche for French cuisine, Black Camel for sandwiches, Chef’s Hall for global cuisine
  • Favorite bars: BarChef, Bar Raval, Civil Liberties, Hole in the Wall, Good Fortune Bar
food, beer, and a view of toronto
Shutterstock
food, beer, and a view of toronto

How To Get Around Toronto

Discover The Dazzling City By Public Transit

Taking public transit is the most effective method to get around Toronto. The subway, streetcar, and bus are operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), which covers a large area of the city and its suburbs.

To ride the TTC, tourists will need to buy a pass or have a token; day and weekly passes provide them unrestricted access to all three types of public transportation.

Along with taxis, the subway also links the city to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

  • Cost: A taxi will cost tourists between CA$50 and CA$70 (about $38 and $54), whereas the subway would set them back at CA$3.25 (about $2.50).
Gooderham or Flatiron Building in downtown Toronto
Shutterstock
Gooderham or Flatiron Building in downtown Toronto

Explore The Magnificent Streets Of Toronto On Foot

Toronto's neighborhoods are quite simple to navigate on foot. Tourists need to take normal travel precautions including being cautious when out and about at night, as in any new city, and always walking with a companion and staying on well-lit streets.

Tour Toronto By Bike

The city of Toronto offers a bike-share program called Bike Share Toronto if you'd like to explore the neighborhoods on two wheels. It is simple to find a bike and get going with approximately 3,000 bikes and nearly 300 stations.

  • Day pass: $7
people biking through toronto
Vadim Rodnev / Shutterstock.com
people biking through toronto

Set your Budget For Your Trip To Toronto

A 7-day vacation to Toronto costs, on average, CA$2124.86 ($1,543) for a single traveler, CA$3815.93 ($2,771) for a couple, and CA$7154 ($5,195) for a family of four.

The average cost of a night in a hotel in Toronto is CA$201.06 ($146), while most vacation rentals in the city go between CA$289.19 ($210) and CA$619.69 ($450).

shopping mall in toronto
LouiesWorld1 / Shutterstock.com
shopping mall in toronto

To go to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), the average international flight expenses per person range from CA$824.88 to CA$1349.55 ($599 to $980) for economy class and from CA$2588.94 to CA$4234.57 ($1,880 to $3,075) for first class.

Depending on the day's activities, tourists are advised to set between CA$71.61 to CA$123.94 ($52 to $90) per person each day for travel and dining out.

Spend A Perfect Day In Toronto

Tourists are advised to limit their exploration of Toronto to the downtown and surrounding areas as they only have one day there.

Nathan Phillips Square and the Toronto Eaton Center both provide places to meet and enjoy their time.

As they stroll around Downtown Toronto, tourists will be surrounded by the dazzling Skyscraper structures of The Financial District, the hub of Canada's banking and financial sectors! This region is quite stylishly bordered by a ton of nice cafés, eateries, and opulent Toronto hotels and condominiums.

After St. Lawrence Market, if they are hockey fans, visitors may go to the renowned Hockey Hall of Fame. When they feel hungry, they may visit the beautiful revolving restaurant in the famous CN Tower.

Later, tourists may visit Casa Loma and make plans to take in the sights of the setting sun at Toronto's HarbourFront, which is humming with activity. Finally, they can go to the Distillery District at the end of their day.

FAQ

Q: When is the best time to visit Toronto?

With winter temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 °C) in February and as high as 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27 °C) in July, Toronto is at its most attractive in late April through early May and in September through early October.

For instance, October is a perfect time for leaf peeping. On the other hand, Toronto is crowded with holiday activities in December. Summer is the busiest travel season during which it hosts countless cultural events.

Shoulder seasons are the best bets if tourists want reduced rates and temps above zero.

Q: What are the best attractions in Toronto?

Toronto offers plenty of things to do, from the thriving Entertainment District, to the dazzling historic Distillery District. Additionally, when visiting the city in winter, tourists can go inside to experience the vast PATH network of subterranean walkways that links attractions, entertainment, and retail establishments.

Q: Where's the best place to eat in Toronto?

Toronto is exceptional in all aspects, yet the city's growing food sector is still little known. The greatest restaurants are prepared to satisfy hungry tourists in several ways and will warm hearts and fill stomachs simultaneously, providing energy for more touring.

Q: How do tourists get around Toronto?

Taking public transit is the most effective method to get around Toronto, and it covers a large area of the city and its suburbs. To ride the TTC, tourists will need to buy a pass or have a token. Along with taxis, the subway also links the city to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

A taxi will cost tourists between $38 and $54, whereas the subway would set them back at $2.50.

Q: How much does it cost to spend a week in Toronto?

A 7-day vacation to Toronto costs, on average, $1,543 for a single traveler, $2,771 for a couple, and $5,195 for a family of four. The average cost of a night in a hotel in Toronto is $146. The average international flight expenses per person range from $599 to $980 for economy class.

Tourists are advised to set between $52 to $90 per person each day for travel and dining out.

Q: Is Toronto safe?

Toronto is officially the 6th safest city in the world. Therefore, tourists generally don't need to be worried when visiting this area. However, they should take normal travel precautions to stay on the safe side and ultimately enjoy their trip!