Toronto
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Toronto
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.Find your trip
Witness one of the world's greatest natural wonders on a Niagara Falls day tour from Toronto. Composed of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls, the Niagara Falls has the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world — it is like more than a million bathtubs of water plummeting over the edge every second. So, don't miss your chance to soak up the stunning views and get soaked while at it.
One of Toronto's most important symbols and well-known landmarks is the CN Tower. The tower's top level is where the world's highest observation deck is located, offering visitors a stunning view of Toronto's skyline. The tower's third level houses a high-class restaurant with spectacular vistas, and a cafe occupies the level below. The tower serves a practical purpose, too — it is a major Canadian telecommunications hub.
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) stands as one of Canada's largest cultural institutions, housing a collection of millions of artifacts. Its architecture is a major landmark, a dramatic juxtaposition of the original heritage building and the contemporary, angular form of 'the Crystal'. The galleries offer a comprehensive journey through natural history and world cultures, presenting everything from dinosaur skeletons to exceptional collections of Chinese temple sculptures and Indigenous art.
Toronto Zoo is the largest zoological garden in Canada. It's divided into seven zoogeographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Tundra Trek, Australasia, Eurasia and the Canadian Domain. The displays include animals inside tropical pavilions, as well as naturalistic ones, where animals live in an imitation of their natural environment. Toronto Zoo's idea is to be Canada’s national leader in saving wildlife to guarantee the rich variety of nature for upcoming generations.
The Distillery Historic District is a pedestrian-only neighbourhood celebrated for its preserved Victorian industrial architecture, set on cobblestone streets that once housed a large whiskey distillery. This atmospheric setting is now a vibrant cultural and social hub, home to independent boutiques, art galleries, and a diverse range of restaurants and bars. The area thrives with a dynamic calendar of events, most notably the annual Christmas Market that transforms its lanes into a festive destination. It successfully blends its 19th-century heritage with a contemporary, creative energy.
Toronto 's Chinatown is a must-see destination. The area is full of interesting stores, herbal remedy shops, cafes, restaurants and produce markets, all waiting to be explored. The area is also conveniently located near other notable attractions such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, Kensington Market, Bau-Xi Gallery, and Art Square Gallery, which has a cafe with an impressive menu. If you happen to be in town at the right time, be sure to check out one of Chinatown's two popular festivals. In August, the Toronto Chinatown Festival features traditional and modern Asian dance troops, bands and musicians. In January–February, join the vibrant Chinese New Year celebration.
This venue is both a museum, dedicated to the history of ice hockey and a hall of fame. Fans of this popular winter sport that Canadians take very seriously will surely find plenty to keep busy with. Don't miss the Stanley Cup also on display here.
The medieval Gothic Revival castle of Casa Loma today belongs to the city of Toronto and has been used as a film set for numerous movies and TV shows. The castle is open to visitors, who are welcome to explore its halls furnished with authentic period items. The view over Toronto from one of the towers is definitely worth taking in.
Witness one of the world's greatest natural wonders on a Niagara Falls day tour from Toronto. Composed of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls, the Niagara Falls has the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world — it is like more than a million bathtubs of water plummeting over the edge every second. So, don't miss your chance to soak up the stunning views and get soaked while at it.
One of Toronto's most important symbols and well-known landmarks is the CN Tower. The tower's top level is where the world's highest observation deck is located, offering visitors a stunning view of Toronto's skyline. The tower's third level houses a high-class restaurant with spectacular vistas, and a cafe occupies the level below. The tower serves a practical purpose, too — it is a major Canadian telecommunications hub.
Probably Toronto's most well-known shopping street, this area is packed with shops and boutiques of some of the world's biggest brands. Browse Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Aritzia and lots more. Enjoyable high-end shopping guaranteed.
Queen West is known as the “artsy” part of Toronto and one of the most popular shopping districts. Here you can find the latest in trendy home furnishings, urban wear like “raver” ware, cutting-edge fashion, as well as funky and vintage lines of clothing.
A year-round cacophony of vendors hawking everything from fresh fish to dress socks, Kensington Market is the place to get whatever your heart desires. The food choices available are a gesture towards Toronto's multi-ethnic population. Kensington Market is also known for its second hand vintage clothing stores.
One of the largest and most well-known shopping complexes of Toronto with four levels and over 300 shops and restaurants. From H&M, Zara and Gap, to Canadian retailers like Roots and La Maison Simons, this is one-stop-shopping at its best. There are many other upscale boutiques that offer the latest in women’s fashion and accessories.
A great mall for those looking to browse through high-end stores, even though shoppers on a budget won't find themselves at a loss either. The food court on the top floor offers plenty of food choices, too. Stores like Hugo Boss, Burberry, Chanel, Levi's, Diesel, H&M, Zara, The North Face, Ecco and much more are all housed here.
Vaughan Mills is the perfect mall if you're looking to drop into some brand name outlets, which include Lacoste, Calvin Klein, Banana Republic and many more. Entertainment options include a bowling alley, hockey and even a LEGOLAND Discovery Centre.
Square One isn't just a mall, but an entire experience. Events are regularly held on Celebration Square right next to it, and there is also a weekly Farmers' Market. The mall is the biggest one in all of Ontario, so if something exists — you can probably find it here. Here you can stroll around and explore stores such as Claire's, Aldo, Lululemon and Alo, Walmart, Banana Republic, Zara, Victoria's Secret, GUESS, Lacoste, Michael Kors, Tiffany & Co, Pandora and a lot more.
A stone's throw away from Square One is Sherway Gardens, a mall with a distinct geometric layout which makes it not only a shopping destination, but an interesting sight to look at. The collection of shops in it ranges from brand-name clothing and accessories to cosmetics and household goods.
Probably Toronto's most well-known shopping street, this area is packed with shops and boutiques of some of the world's biggest brands. Browse Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Aritzia and lots more. Enjoyable high-end shopping guaranteed.
Queen West is known as the “artsy” part of Toronto and one of the most popular shopping districts. Here you can find the latest in trendy home furnishings, urban wear like “raver” ware, cutting-edge fashion, as well as funky and vintage lines of clothing.
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 (UP) 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.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) offers a convenient travel hub, situated on Toronto Island just three kilometres from the downtown core. This regional airport provides flights to major Canadian cities as well as select U.S. destinations including Newark, Boston and Chicago. Its proximity allows for a short commute via public transit, a complimentary shuttle, or a walk through the scenic pedestrian tunnel connecting the mainland to the island terminal.
Toronto is a year-round destination that offers something for everyone. Summer (June through August) is the most popular season and this is when schools are on break and many families go on vacation. 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. In June, many popular 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, in April and May, is often mentioned as 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.
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.
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) provides a fast, 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.
Stamps are available from Canada Post outlets or post offices across the city. Most post offices are open from 9am to 7pm.
Rexall and Shoppers Drug 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.
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.
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 (UP) 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.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) offers a convenient travel hub, situated on Toronto Island just three kilometres from the downtown core. This regional airport provides flights to major Canadian cities as well as select U.S. destinations including Newark, Boston and Chicago. Its proximity allows for a short commute via public transit, a complimentary shuttle, or a walk through the scenic pedestrian tunnel connecting the mainland to the island terminal.
