Destination guide

Toronto

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Toronto is Canada's largest city, a multicultural lakeside metropolis with a landmark tower, lively neighbourhoods, great food and easy access to Niagara Falls. It is clean, safe and friendly, and its streets reflect people from all over the world.

It suits a long weekend of food, museums and waterfront walks, with the falls as a day trip.

How many days: 3

Three days covers the waterfront, a museum, two or three neighbourhoods and a day for the falls. Two is enough for the highlights.

Use the streetcars and subway to link areas.

What to do in Toronto

Go up the CN Tower
A tall tower with views over the city and the lake. Book ahead for a better time slot.
Walk along the waterfront
A long lakeside path with parks, beaches and ferry docks. Pleasant in summer.
Take the ferry to the Toronto Islands
A short ferry ride leads to car-free islands with beaches, bike paths and city views.
Visit the Royal Ontario Museum
A large museum of art, culture and natural history. Good for a rainy day.
Browse Kensington Market
A colourful neighbourhood of vintage shops, cafes and food stalls.
Explore the Distillery District
A pedestrian quarter of Victorian industrial buildings with galleries, shops and restaurants.
Visit Niagara Falls
A day trip by train or bus. Boat trips take you close to the water.
Watch a game or a show
Hockey, baseball, basketball and live theatre are all popular. Check schedules and book ahead.
Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario
A large gallery with a strong Canadian collection, in a building designed by a local architect.
Watch the sunset from a harbour beach
Beaches along the lake are popular for swimming and picnics in summer.
Walk through the Hockey Hall of Fame area
A museum for hockey fans, in the downtown core.
Browse a neighbourhood like Queen West
Independent shops, cafes and galleries line the streets.
Visit the Bata Shoe Museum or a small museum
Toronto has quirky specialist museums. A good rainy-day choice.
Walk through the Beaches neighbourhood
A relaxed lakeside area with a boardwalk and cafes.
Take a ride on a historic streetcar
Streetcars run through many neighbourhoods and are a cheap way to see the city.
Spend an evening at a comedy or music venue
Toronto has a lively comedy and live music scene. Check listings for the week.

What to eat and drink

Peameal bacon sandwich
A local specialty, served at the city's main food market.
Poutine
Chips with cheese curds and gravy. A Canadian favourite.
Butter tarts
A small, sweet pastry, often sold in bakeries.
Food from every culture
Chinese, Caribbean, Portuguese, Korean and Ethiopian restaurants are all excellent.
Craft beer
The city has many small breweries with tasting rooms.
Maple treats
Maple syrup, candy and desserts are popular souvenirs.
Dim sum in Chinatown
Toronto has several Chinatowns, with plenty of dim sum.
Caribbean roti and jerk
A large Caribbean community means excellent, affordable food.
Bagels and brunch
Brunch is a local pastime, with long weekend queues.

Getting around

The subway, streetcars and buses use one fare system. A contactless bank card or phone works on most.

Walking is good in the downtown core.

Trains and buses run to Niagara Falls and nearby towns.

Good to know

  • Winters are cold and snowy. Pack warm layers and boots.
  • Summers are warm and humid, with lots of outdoor events.
  • Tipping is expected in restaurants and bars.
  • Prices on menus and tags exclude tax. Allow for it.
  • Visitors from many countries need an electronic travel authorisation. Check the official site.
  • The underground PATH walkway links many downtown buildings, and is useful in winter.
  • Book the Niagara trip early in summer, when the falls are busiest.
  • The summer festivals are a highlight. Check what is on during your visit.
  • Public transport can be slow at peak times, so allow extra time.
  • Hotels and attractions book up during major festivals and sports events. Reserve early.

Where to stay in Toronto

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

Downtown & Entertainment District

Downtown Toronto places visitors beside the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, theatres, major restaurants and much of the city's nightlife. It is the easiest base for first-time visitors and events, but hotel rates are high and the area can feel busy and commercial.

Yorkville

Yorkville is Toronto's premier luxury shopping and dining neighbourhood, with designer boutiques, galleries and five-star hotels close to major museums. It is polished and convenient for upscale stays, although accommodation and restaurants are among the city's most expensive.

King West

King West is one of Toronto's main restaurant and nightlife districts, packed with bars, clubs, fashionable restaurants and converted warehouse buildings. It suits younger visitors and groups, but weekend noise and premium hotel prices reduce its appeal for quiet stays.

Queen West

Queen West combines independent shops, cafés, bars, live music and creative businesses along one of Toronto's most energetic streets. It has strong neighbourhood character and nightlife while staying close to downtown, though it can become noisy and crowded on weekends.

Distillery District

The Distillery District is a pedestrianised collection of Victorian industrial buildings now filled with restaurants, galleries and boutiques. It is one of Toronto's most romantic and atmospheric areas, but accommodation options are limited and transport is less convenient than downtown.

Harbourfront

Harbourfront provides waterfront walks, ferry access to the Toronto Islands and convenient proximity to downtown attractions. It is particularly strong for families and summer visits, although evenings are quieter and dining options are less concentrated than further inland.

What it costs

A typical day in Toronto, per person, in pounds.

£61

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£182

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

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