TorontoTravel Guide
Toronto is Canada's largest city, situated on Lake Ontario’s north-western shore. While Québec is a fairy-tale city of French-Canadian culture and Vancouver is a one-stop destination for outdoor adventure, Toronto offers an exciting mix of shopping, arts, entertainment, greenspaces, islands and beaches. Yes, beaches!
Despite being the fourth largest city in North America, there's a community neighbourhood feel in some parts, and the city is known for its friendly, welcoming locals.
Like Vancouver, Toronto is a melting pot of cultures, communities and languages. In fact, it’s considered one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with over 250 ethnicities and half of its population born elsewhere. It’s also home to several Indigenous cultures.
This city is creative at heart — a hub for music, theatre and movie production — and it also boasts a fascinating history. Add to this a world-class culinary scene, day trips to the Niagara Falls and wine region, and relatively mild weather, and Toronto is a city to be enjoyed year-round!
Toronto quick facts
Language
National language
English
Beverages
Bottle of Coke/Pepsi (330ml)
ZAR R40.04
Local time
Friday
2:10am
Currency
Canadian dollar
ZAR R1.00 = CAD $0.07
Eating out
Restaurant meal (casual dining)
ZAR R325.06
Electricity
Plug type: A
2 or 3 pins • 120V
Explore Toronto
Where to stay in Toronto?
Toronto has about 200 diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own unique appeal. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, there's one that’s perfect for you.
If you're new to Toronto, staying in the Harbourfront neighbourhood is an excellent choice. Its central location puts you within easy walking distance of many popular attractions, close to Union Station and near the ferries to the Toronto Islands. For an upscale stay, consider the Ritz Carlton. This luxury hotel offers gorgeous views of Lake Ontario, has an indoor pool and claims to have the largest luxury rooms in the city. You might even rub shoulders with celebrities during your stay.
Fashion-forward visitors, this neighbourhood’s for you! One of Toronto’s (and indeed, the world’s) trendiest suburbs, Queen West, is also one of the city’s most multicultural. Highlights in Queen West include Chinatown, the Kensington Market and the much-photographed selfie spot, Graffiti Alley. Here, the Drake Hotel is a traveller’s favourite and a local landmark in the heart of Toronto’s art and cultural hub. It’s edgy, vibey, artsy and an experience!
The Westin Harbour Castle is not a medieval structure as you’d expect; instead it’s a sleek, shiny, modern high-rise building. The four-star hotel is located on the waterfront and boasts many selling points: views to die for, “heavenly beds”, green hotel practices and… it’s dog-friendly, too!
Three-star comfort more your style? The Applewood Suites – Front Street West are a 15-minute walk from the city centre, but close to several attractions and an underground station. Some of these stylish apartments have balconies and kitchens if you enjoy self-catering on holiday.
An iconic Toronto neighbourhood, this is where style, luxury and high-end shopping meet. With the Mink Mile (Bloor Street’s prestigious shopping district), Bata Shoe Museum and a host of art galleries, there is plenty to see and do here during your stay. Our top accommodation picks in Bloor-Yorkville include the five-star Four Seasons hotel, the pocket- and pet-friendly Town Inn Suites, and the mid-range Intercontinental Toronto Yorkville.
Believe us when we say, this is just the start. Book your accommodation today!
Things to do in Toronto
You’ll never run out of things to do in this buzzing city, from family fun and beach relaxation to pumping nightlife and exciting festivals, topped off with art, history and culture. Insider tip: Get a City Pass, which has all the top attractions bundled for you.
One of the city’s most popular attractions and recognizable landmarks is the iconic Canadian National (CN) Tower. As the Western Hemisphere’s tallest freestanding structure, it’ll leave you giddy but on a natural high in Downtown Toronto. Aside from being an engineering marvel, it offers an incredible food-and-wine experience in the 360 Restaurant. Feeling brave? Take the EdgeWalk, the world’s highest full-circle, hands-free ledge walk.
Toronto offers visitors many museums to choose from, but the most visited is the Art Gallery of Ontario, featuring a jaw-dropping 90 000 art pieces. Other standouts are the Royal Ontario Museum with exhibits of art, culture and nature from around the world, the quirky Museum of Illusions, and the Bata Shoe Museum, which showcases 4,500 years of footwear history, including Egyptian sandals, Dutch clogs and glittering 70s platform shoes!
If you’re in Toronto in October, this is when the annual all-night arts festival, Nuit Blanche, takes place and best of all, it’s free!
Toronto also has a castle! Casa Loma was built in 1914 and draws over 650,000 visitors every year to explore its magnificent interiors and grand estate gardens. Themed events and classical music concerts are also hosted at this heritage site.
In Downtown Toronto, there’s always something happening at Yonge Dundas Square. This central entertainment hub hosts free concerts, scheduled events, pop-up stalls and traditional performances, offering you the chance to experience the city’s energy and hang out with the locals.
If you’re an active traveller, book a bicycle or Segway tour and explore the historic cobblestone streets of the Distillery District (where you may bump into a ghost or two), the Toronto Island Park on Lake Ontario and the Waterfront — a long stretch of land on the shoreline featuring walking trails and boat cruises where you can also hire kayaks or canoes.
Travelling with children? They’ll love the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Toronto Zoo, the Ontario Science Centre and LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre, which also has a 4D movie theatre, various rides and of course, the chance to play with Lego.
There’s also an experience of a lifetime waiting for you on Toronto’s doorstep — the famous and spectacular Niagara Falls, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of North America. Catch a train or bus there (about 2 hours’ travel time) or take a road trip and explore along the way.
The Toronto Islands are a group of 15 islands in Lake Ontario connected by bridges. While the lakeside beaches are a bit different from tropical beaches, they still offer sand, colourful umbrellas, playgrounds, picnic spots, water sports and swimming (although the water is chilly even in summer). The views are amazing, many beaches have Blue Flag status, and there’s even a “clothing optional” beach! Get to the islands by taking a ferry from Downtown Toronto.
Looking for an immersive experience? Then a tour is the way to go.
Flights to Toronto
Toronto food and drink
Torontonians are a wonderful mix of people from all over the world, including from several European countries, China, India and the Caribbean. Not surprisingly, ethnic neighbourhoods have sprung up all over the city like Chinatown, Little Italy and Greektown.
Toronto also has a large Indigenous population of North American Indian, Métis or Inuit descent. The city’s culinary scene reflects all these influences and also features Portuguese, Hungarian, Japanese, Vietnamese and Jewish food. The craft beer scene is big, and wine country is just on the on the outskirts of the city.
For Indigenous comfort food in a casual setting, head to Tea-N-Bannock in Leslieville. From bison burgers and “bear paws” to bannock (flatbread) and salmon sliders, this Native American eatery will give you a delicious introduction to traditional dishes.
Carnivores will be happy to know there are many steakhouses in the city but nothing quite like Barberian’s in Yonge & Dundas, which doubles up as an exhibit of Canadiana and local artwork. The eatery has an extensive wine cellar, and the steak tartare is a must-try.
Fran’s Restaurant is another great casual dining option. This retro diner in College Street, which cuts through Downtown Toronto, dishes up much-loved staples like pancakes, waffles, rice pudding, hash browns, ribs, meatloaf and more.
Several leading wine estates are situated just outside the city, making for an ideal day trip. The award-winning Peller Estates Winery and Restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake offers tastings and dining on the terrace with a farm-to-table menu. You can also enjoy tours of the estate.
If you have time (and a car) for a road trip of about three hours to Prince Edward County, we recommend visiting the Norman Hardie Winery and Vineyard in Wellington. It specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines and has a delightful eatery with Neapolitan-style pizza served fresh from a wood-fired oven. They also offer a winery tour and tasting experience.
Alo Restaurant is French and naturally chic. It’s also Michelin-starred, and you’ll find it in Downtown Toronto set in a beautiful heritage building. It features multi-course tasting menus, European and Asian dishes, creative cocktails and superb wines.
In the centre of Toronto, Avelo Restaurant offers plant-based fine dining in a gorgeous Victorian townhouse with wall panels and pressed ceilings. Whether you choose the tasting menu with optional wine pairing or à la carte upstairs at the Avelo Bar, complemented with cocktails, it’ll be an adventure for your taste buds!
Get a real taste for the local cuisine by booking a tour.
Toronto through your eyes
Where to shop in Toronto?
Toronto is one of the top shopping destinations in the world and offers many ways to blow your holiday cash!
For luxe shopping, the 19th-century neighbourhood of Bloor-Yorkville is the place to go. Here, old and new merge, and you’ll find Bloor Street (the so-called Mink Mile) and the Yorkville Village mall with an array of high-end boutiques and pricey eateries.
The historic Distillery District is another gem that combines Victorian industrial architecture with 21st-century design. It’s not only an arts, culture and entertainment hotspot, but is also home to world-class shopping and a unique collection of stores.
The CF Toronto Eaton Centre in Downtown Toronto is North America’s busiest mall, attracting millions of visitors each year. Its 200 shops include iconic Canadian brands like lululemon, Roots and Hudson’s Bay. The centre also caters to tourists with great exclusive offers (redeemable at Guest Services on Level 2).
For a retail adventure, head to Chinatown. Shop for gadgets, tech, souvenirs and fresh produce, then tuck into delicious Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese food.
One of the most popular markets in Toronto is the St Lawrence Market It’s been around since the 1800s and has about 120 vendors and artisans. The South Market features fresh produce, meat, baked goodies and dairy products, while the North Market is known for its Saturday farmers’ market and Sunday antique market.
The Kensington Market is another Toronto must-visit for vintage clothing, eclectic wares and unique gifts. It’s in the neighbourhood of Queen West, set in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For an indoor market experience, head to Downsview Park Merchant’s Market in North York. It combines a farmers’ market, a shopping space offering clothing, antiques, toys, merchandise from all over the world and a vast 500-vendor food court.
The largest farmers’ market in Toronto is Evergreen’s Saturday Farmers Market, which runs outdoors from May to November and indoors from November to April. It offers local and seasonal fare and also features talented buskers.
Looking for a safe and simple way to bring your money when you travel? Our Travel Money Card has you covered!
When is the best time to travel to Toronto?
Unlike rainy Vancouver or chilly Winnipeg, Toronto has a relatively mild climate year-round with four clearly defined seasons. Rain can fall any time of year.
Spring is the rainy season, with temperatures averaging about 12°C (54°F) between March and early May.
Summertime (July and August) is when Toronto is at its hottest. Daytime temperatures average 20°C (68°F) or above, often hitting 30°C (86°F). It can also be humid.
Autumn starts in September and is truly beautiful in Canada, with the changing colour of the leaves. Temperatures average around 10°C (50°F) with breezy days and nights already getting cold.
Temperatures often fall below 0°C (32°F) in winter, with frequent snowfall. Winter is from late November to mid-March while January and February are the coldest months. It's not unusual for temperatures to drop to -25°C (-13°F), with extreme cold-weather alerts. If you visit during the festive season, don’t miss the Toronto Christmas Market. Held in the Distillery District, it features a giant Christmas tree, festive market fare, a beer garden and a light tunnel.
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How to get around Toronto
Toronto is a vast city but most tourist areas are easy to explore, even on foot. Biking is popular and, with its Cycling Network Map and bicycle-sharing facilities, the city is working hard to cater to this eco-friendly option of getting around.
If you prefer public transportation, the Toronto Transit Commission TTC has a great website with all the options, fares and schedules. Buses and streetcars are the most affordable, especially if you need to get to the outskirts of Toronto. Buses run frequently (usually about every 10 minutes) for most of the day and night. The Toronto streetcar system is a network of nine routes that carve their way through the city and offer another way to explore via public transit.
There’s also an efficient subway system with two main lines: Bloor-Danforth (green line) and Yonge–University–Spadina (yellow line). We recommend getting a Presto Card at the subway vending machines, loading it with funds and using it to pay for your public transport fares. It’s easy and convenient.
Metered taxis are plentiful and easy to hail. For tipping, 15–20% is the norm.
Let us help you organise your own wheels for exploring. Hire a car today.
What are the best parks in Toronto?
Like many Canadian cities, at the heart of Toronto are its green spaces. In fact, the city is home to some of the most beautiful parks in the country. Many also have public tennis courts, which are free to use.
Dufferin Grove Park is popular with families, and its attractions include a reflexology footpath, wading pool, sports field and a skateboard park.
One of the most stunning places to visit in April and May when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom is High Park, which has a playground, mini zoo, dog park, picnic area and sports facilities. It’s also the city’s largest public park.
For a fun outing, hop on the ferry and head to Toronto Island Park. You can hire bikes here to cycle along the many bike trails or visit the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, dating back to the early 19th century.
Among the many excellent parks in Toronto, we must mention Trillium Park in Ontario Place. A former parking lot, this green oasis has been designed with many aspects to it, including a summit offering views of the city and recreated marker trees, used by Indigenous people to point to landmarks.
The city’s gardens include the Botanical Garden and the Toronto Music Garden, a charming “secret garden” where you can listen to live classical music.
Getting from park to park is so much better with your own wheels. Hitch your ride now!
