Canada

Toronto

Toronto: Canada's biggest, most diverse city on the lake.

Local time
UTC-5
Population
3.0M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Expensive
  • Food$$$$$About $66 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $184 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $9.6 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇨🇦 CAD =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

YTZBilly Bishop Toronto City Centre AirportShort-haul airport 3 km from centre; fastest into downtown.
HowCostTime
Free shuttle busUnion Station / Fairmont Royal YorkCAD 010-15 min
Ferry or tunnel to mainland first, then shuttle.
TTC streetcar 509Union StationCAD 3.3015-20 min
Walk 4 min from ferry dock to Queens Quay & Bathurst.
TaxiDowntown coreCAD 15-2510-15 min
Short hop; traffic light outside rush hour.
Uber / LyftDowntown coreCAD 12-2210-15 min
Pickup at mainland terminal.
YYZLester B. Pearson International AirportMain international hub, 20 km from centre.
HowCostTime
UP Express trainUnion StationCAD 12-1325 min
Fastest rail link; runs every 15 min.
TTC bus + subwayDowntownCAD 3.3060-75 min
Cheapest; route 900 or 52 then Line 1.
GO busUnion Station areaCAD 6-1040-55 min
Check route and schedule.
TaxiDowntown coreCAD 55-7030-50 min
Flat-ish fare; traffic can double the time.
Uber / LyftDowntown coreCAD 45-7030-50 min
Pickup at designated zones.
YHMJohn C. Munro Hamilton International AirportSecondary airport about 80 km away; limited carriers.
HowCostTime
GO Transit bus + trainUnion StationCAD 12-1890-120 min
Connect via Hamilton GO Centre.
TaxiDowntown TorontoCAD 110-15060-80 min
Long drive; check flat rate.
Uber / LyftDowntown TorontoCAD 90-14060-80 min
Availability varies; check app.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Toronto

Getting around

Walk downtown and use the TTC subway and streetcars; tap a PRESTO or contactless card.

  • Metro ★TTC subway Lines 1 and 2 cover downtown well. Tap a PRESTO card or contactless card to ride.
  • BusBuses and streetcars run frequently. The King Street streetcar is transit-only through the core.
  • Taxi / ride appsTaxis are metered. Uber and Lyft both operate widely.
  • Rental carDriving is grid-easy, but downtown parking is costly and rush hour is heavy.
  • Walking ★Best way to see downtown. Bike Share Toronto is handy along the waterfront.
  • FerryA short free ferry and pedestrian tunnel link Billy Bishop Airport to the mainland.
Recommended stay★ 2 nights (3 days)

Two nights covers the CN Tower, a museum and the Distillery District; add a night for the islands or a Niagara day trip.

Best for
  • CultureROM, AGO, Casa Loma and the Distillery District.
  • FoodMarkets, dim sum, Kensington and a big brunch scene.
  • FamilyCN Tower, the islands ferry and the aquarium.

Weather by month

0°-7°Jan🌧 10d
1°-8°Feb🌧 9d
5°-3°Mar🌧 10d
10°2°Apr🌧 13d
18°8°May🌧 10d
23°14°Jun🌧 10d
26°18°Jul🌧 11d
26°17°Aug🌧 10d
22°14°Sep🌧 9d
15°8°Oct🌧 12d
8°1°Nov🌧 10d
3°-3°Dec🌧 12d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Continental climate with cold winters and warm, humid summers. Rain falls year-round, spread over many days.

  • Best time: May to SeptemberHighs from 18°C to 26°C and mild evenings. Best for walking, the islands and patios.
  • Winter is cold (December to February)Highs near 0°C to 3°C and lows down to -8°C. Bring a heavy coat, hat and gloves.
  • Rain in every monthAbout 9–13 rain days a month. April and October are the wettest; pack a light rain jacket.
  • Summer can be humidJuly and August highs near 26°C with muggy spells. Carry water and plan indoor breaks.
  • Spring and fall are mildMay and September are comfortable, around 18–22°C. Good shoulder-season months.
  • What to packLayers for cool evenings, a waterproof jacket, and warm boots in winter. Comfortable shoes for walking.

Landmarks 22

Must-see · 8

  1. 1

    CN Tower

    Toronto's defining icon and one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world, with sweeping views over the city and Lake Ontario. Book tickets online in advance to skip lines, and go near sunset for the best light.

  2. 2

    Royal Ontario Museum

    Canada's largest museum, mixing natural history, world cultures and dinosaurs in a striking crystal-clad building. Allow at least half a day and check for discounted evening hours.

  3. 3

    Distillery District

    A pedestrian-only historic district of Victorian industrial buildings now filled with galleries, shops and cafes. It is a pleasant stroll any time; visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds.

  4. 4

    Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

    A large aquarium beside the CN Tower with walk-through tunnels and sharks overhead, great for families. Buy timed tickets online and go early on weekends.

  5. 5

    St. Lawrence Market

    A beloved historic market with food stalls, local produce and the famous peameal bacon sandwich. Come hungry on a Saturday morning when it is liveliest.

  6. 6

    Casa Loma

    A grand early-20th-century castle with towers, gardens and secret passages to explore. Take the audio guide and allow a couple of hours.

  7. 7

    Art Gallery of Ontario

    A major art museum with a celebrated Frank Gehry-designed facade and a strong Canadian and international collection. Check for free or reduced admission nights.

  8. 8

    Toronto Islands

    Car-free islands just offshore with beaches, bike paths and skyline views back at the city. Take the ferry from the harbour and bring a picnic.

1CN Tower2Royal Ontario Museum3Distillery District4Ripley's Aquarium of Canada5St. Lawrence Market6Casa Loma7Art Gallery of Ontario8Toronto Islands

Cultural

Tower 1

Museum 2

Modern Architecture 1

Urban Hub 2

Castle 1

Market 2

University 1

Natural

Island 1

Activities

Football Stadium 1

Amusement Park 2

Painting 1

Aquarium 1

Theater 1

Library 1

Festival 1

Cruise Tour 1

Zoo 1

Filming Location 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Toronto

    Niagara Falls · 1 h 35 by bus

    ★★★★★ · Full day · 130 km from Toronto

    Best way: The bus is the fastest option at 1h 35m and drops you near the falls.

    Take a GO Transit Lakeshore West train to Burlington or Aldershot, then a connecting GO bus to Niagara Falls, or a seasonal direct GO train; the whole trip is roughly 2 to 2.5 hours each way.

    • Train2 h 28 · from $10-$160
    • Bus ★1 h 35 · from $12-$19
    • Car1 h 37 · taxi ≈ 230 CAD

    What to see

    • Horseshoe Falls
    • Clifton Hill
    • Journey Behind the Falls
    • Niagara-on-the-Lake side trip
    • Whirlpool Aero Car

    5 landmark quests to check off here

    Good to know

    • Book ahead in summer as it is peak season
    • Best time to go is late spring to early fall
    • Bring a light rain layer for the mist

    Niagara-on-the-Lake · 1 h 45 by bus

    ★★★☆☆ · Full day · 127 km from Toronto

    Best way: The bus is the quicker of the two at 1h 45m, though the last mile needs a local bus or short taxi.

    Take a GO train or bus to Niagara Falls, then a local bus or short taxi to Niagara-on-the-Lake; total travel is about 2.5 to 3 hours each way.

    • Train1 h 59 · from $64-$211
    • Bus ★1 h 45 · from $12-$19
    • Car1 h 42 · taxi ≈ 230 CAD

    What to see

    • Queen Street shops
    • Fort George
    • Winery tastings
    • Lake Ontario waterfront

    Good to know

    • Best in summer when the town and wineries are in full swing
    • Book winery visits ahead
    • Expect a last-mile transfer from Niagara Falls

    Stratford · 1 h 59 by road

    ★★★☆☆ · Full day · 147 km from Toronto

    Best way: With the train showing 10h 26m each way and no bus listed, the 119-minute drive is clearly better.

    Take a VIA Rail train from Toronto Union to Stratford, about 2 to 2.5 hours each way, with the station a short walk from downtown.

    • Train10 h 26 · from $323-$785
    • Car ★1 h 59 · taxi ≈ 260 CAD

    What to see

    • Stratford Festival theatres
    • Avon River
    • Downtown shops
    • Shakespearean Gardens

    Good to know

    • Best in the festival season for theatre
    • Book performances well ahead
    • The station is a short walk from downtown if you do take rail

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Toronto rewards visitors with world-class food, museums, waterfront and lively neighbourhoods. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    2 nights · Culture ★ Recommended length

    First-timers who want the big museums, the old Distillery lanes and a castle, at an easy pace.

    Stay: Downtown/Union. Walk to the CN Tower, the waterfront and the main subway lines. Easiest base for a first visit.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ CAD 196
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ CAD 210
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Hotel
    CAD 400–900
    2 nights · Downtown/Union
    Day 1

    Arrive, downtown icons and the tower

    Tickets ≈ CAD 105 pp · taxis ≈ CAD 75
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 1192 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CAD 15
    2. 1

      14:00–14:30 · Free; ice rental in winter costs extra

      Nathan Phillips Square Landmark quest

      Good first stop to get your bearings. City Hall is right there.

      Open Always open; ice rink seasonal · Source

    3. Taxi · 981 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CAD 15
    4. 2

      15:00–17:00 · ≈ CAD 20–30 adult; free for some ages; check on the day

      Art Gallery of Ontario Landmark quest

      About 10 minutes on foot. Closed Monday.

      Open Usually Tue–Sun 10:30–17:00; closed Monday · Source

    5. 2

      17:00–17:20 · Included with Art Gallery of Ontario admission; check on the day

      Massacre of the Innocents Landmark quest

      Inside the AGO, so see it with your gallery ticket.

      Open Same as the Art Gallery of Ontario; closed Monday · Source

    6. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ CAD 15
    7. 3

      18:00–20:00 · ≈ CAD 40–50 adult general admission; check on the day

      CN Tower Landmark quest

      Short walk south. Late afternoon into sunset is the best light. Book a time slot online.

      Open Daily, roughly 09:00–22:00; seasonal changes · Source

    8. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ CAD 15
    9. 4

      20:15–20:45 · ≈ CAD 8–20 per person; check on the day

      Pizza Pizza Landmark quest

      Easy late dinner nearby. Hours vary by branch.

      Open Many branches open late; hours vary by location · Source

    10. Taxi back to your hotel · 1279 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CAD 15
    Day 2

    Yorkville museums and a castle

    Tickets ≈ CAD 66 pp · taxis ≈ CAD 75
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ CAD 15
    2. 1

      10:00–12:30 · ≈ CAD 20–30 adult; check on the day

      Royal Ontario Museum Landmark quest

      Weekday morning is quietest. Closed some holidays.

      Open Daily, usually 10:00–17:30; closed some holidays · Source

    3. Taxi · 727 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ CAD 15
    4. 2

      12:45–13:45 · Free to walk the campus

      University of Toronto Landmark quest

      Walk the campus, then grab lunch in the area.

      Open Campus grounds always open · Source

    5. Taxi · 417 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ CAD 15
    6. 3

      14:15–14:45 · Free

      Queen's Park and Ontario Legislative Building

      Short walk from campus. Building tours are weekday daytime only.

      Open Park always open; building tours weekday daytime · Source

    7. Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ CAD 15
    8. 4

      15:15–17:15 · ≈ CAD 35–45 adult; check on the day

      Casa Loma Landmark quest

      About 15 minutes on foot or a short taxi. Gardens are best in summer.

      Open Daily, usually 09:30–17:00 · Source

    9. Taxi back to your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 21 min · ≈ CAD 15
    Day 3

    Old town, market and the Distillery

    Tickets ≈ CAD 25 pp · taxis ≈ CAD 60
    123
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 1084 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CAD 15
    2. 1

      09:30–10:45 · Free

      St. Lawrence Hall and neighbourhood walk

      Closed Sunday and Monday. Saturday morning is busiest and best.

      Open Always open outside

    3. 1

      11:00–11:30 · Free

      St. Lawrence Hall and neighbourhood walk

      Walk the neighbourhood around the hall.

      Open Always open outside

    4. Taxi · 1374 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ CAD 15
    5. 2

      12:00–13:30 · Free to walk; shops and tours cost extra

      Distillery District Landmark quest

      About 15 minutes on foot. Lanes are always open; shops roughly 10:00–19:00. Lunch here.

      Open Public lanes always open; shops roughly 10:00–19:00 · Source

    6. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ CAD 15
    7. 3

      14:30–16:00 · ≈ CAD 20–30 adult; check on the day

      Hockey Hall of Fame

      Short taxi or walk back west. Usually 10:00–17:00 daily.

      Open Daily, usually 10:00–17:00 · Source

    8. Taxi back to your hotel · 386 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ CAD 15

    Swap in instead

    • Take the short ferry to the Toronto Islands for skyline views and a picnic; check the day's schedule.
    • Ride the subway to the Royal Ontario Museum and the AGO in one day if museums are your thing.
    • Day trip to Niagara Falls by train or bus; it is a long day, so start early.

    Getting around

    • TTC subway (Line 1 and 2) and streetcars cover downtown well; tap a PRESTO card or contactless card.
    • Buses and streetcars run frequently; King Street streetcar is transit-only through the core.
    • Taxis are metered; Uber and Lyft both operate widely.
    • Driving is grid-easy but downtown parking is costly and rush hour is heavy.
    • Walking is best downtown; bike-share (Bike Share Toronto) is handy along the waterfront.
    • A short free ferry and pedestrian tunnel link Billy Bishop Airport to the mainland.

    Where to stay

    • Downtown/Union · ≈ CAD 200–450 a night
      Walk to the CN Tower, the waterfront and the main subway lines. Easiest base for a first visit.
    • Yorkville · ≈ CAD 280–650 a night
      Quiet, upscale blocks near the ROM and good restaurants. Two subway stops from downtown.
    • Entertainment District · ≈ CAD 180–420 a night
      Next to King West bars, theatres and the Rogers Centre. Lively at night, sometimes noisy.
    • Distillery District · ≈ CAD 220–500 a night
      Cobbled, car-free lanes with galleries and cafés. A short streetcar ride east of the core.

    Food & drink

    • Try a peameal bacon sandwich at St. Lawrence Market; go early, many stalls close by mid-afternoon.
    • Chinatown and Kensington Market are close together: dim sum, dumplings and cheap tacos in one walk.
    • Poutine, butter tarts and a Toronto-style brunch are the local staples; expect CAD 15–30 for a main.
    • Book dinner ahead on weekends in King West and Yorkville; walk-ins are hard after 7pm.
    • Tipping is expected: about 15–20% on the bill, and it is often added to larger groups.

    Tips

    1. PRESTO card or contactless payment is essential for all TTC and GO Transit rides
    2. The PATH is a massive underground pedestrian network — extremely useful in winter
    3. Winters can be bitterly cold; dress in heavy layers and invest in good boots
    4. Visit the St. Lawrence Market or Kensington Market for great local food
    5. Stand on the right, walk on the left on subway escalators
    Sources for prices and hours

    Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

    Tours & activities

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Casa Loma
    • Explore the castle and its gardens
    • Flexible entry time
    • 3,531 reviews · 4.6 rating
    Entry includedSelf-guided

    Casa Loma Entry Ticket

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.6 (3,531)

    $32View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Toronto Islands
    • Harbor and skyline views
    • Passes the Toronto Islands
    • 3,195 reviews · 4.7 rating
    CruiseGreat views

    Harbor and Islands Sightseeing Cruise

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (3,195)

    $28View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
    • Walk-through shark tunnel
    • See the aquarium's main exhibits
    • 2,344 reviews · 4.6 rating
    Entry includedSkip the line

    Ripley's Aquarium of Canada Entry Ticket

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.6 (2,344)

    $33View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

    St. Lawrence Market
    Distillery District
    • Sample local food at the market
    • Stroll the Distillery District
    • 267 reviews · 4.7 rating
    6 tastingsGuided walk

    St Lawrence & Distillery Food Tour with 6 Tastings

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (267)

    $86View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    CN Tower
    • Main and lower observation levels
    • Panoramic city and lake views
    • 42 reviews · 4.8 rating
    Entry includedObservation decks

    CN Tower Ticket to Main & Lower Observation Levels

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (42)

    $38View tour

    Souvenirs

    Ontario Icewine

    CAD 25–60200–375 ml · estimate

    This sweet dessert wine is made from grapes frozen on the vine, and the Niagara region near Toronto is well known for it.

    Where: LCBO, downtown Toronto stores
    Look for the VQA seal to confirm Niagara origin, and note that 'Icewine' is different from 'iced wine.'

    SOMA Chocolate Bars

    CAD 20–28About 50–65 g, 2 bars · shop prices

    SOMA is a bean-to-bar chocolate maker based in Toronto, so these bars are a local product you can only buy in the city.

    Where: SOMA Chocolatemaker, Distillery District
    Choose bars by cacao origin to find the flavor you like best.

    Maple Syrup

    CAD 12–30250–500 ml · estimate

    Maple syrup is a classic Canadian product, and Ontario produces it from sugar maple trees.

    Where: St. Lawrence Market

    Flights

    Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

    Search flights · Trip.com

    Hotels

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    Luggage storage

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