Every year, Toronto welcomes around 43 million visitors. This is no surprise now that it is largely regarded as a world-class city. Tourism is a huge part of Toronto, with the industry being worth around $8.8 billion yearly, so there are plenty of things to do and see during a trip to Canada’s largest city. Therefore, if you are considering a trip to Toronto then there are certain things that you should know before you visit. By being prepared and knowing your stuff before you travel, you can be sure to make the most of your time away and really immerse yourself in everything that Toronto has to offer. So, here are seven things you should know about Toronto before your visit, as well as some tips and advice to help you with your trip!
When organizing any trip, it is important that you plan your journey as soon as possible to avoid any cancellations or expensive prices. The main airport in Toronto is the Toronto Pearson International Airport and, referred to as Toronto Pearson by the locals, and its airport code is YYZ. It is well accustomed to handling the influx of visitors that the city has every year, and it is now the 30th busiest airport in the world due to the number of travelers it serves. There are different forms of transportation, such as buses and taxis, that can get you to and from the airport easily. If you are looking to book a flight to Toronto, then you need to also consider what you are going to be doing. There are a few providers that fly to different areas. For example, you could check out Porter Airlines that fly to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport which is great if you want access to Downtown Toronto. If this is the case then you should be sure to check out the service provided by Porter Airlines. Porter Airlines flies from various airports in the US and provides domestic flights from other airports across Canada, which is particularly useful if you want to explore other areas of the country on your trip.
Canada is strict when it comes to its alcohol drinking laws, but different provinces in Canada have different laws, so it’s a good idea to be aware of the rules and regulations in your current area before you arrive. For example, in the province of Ontario you must be 19 years of age or older to legally buy alcohol from the store or order it from a bar or restaurant. However, the age is lower in places such as Montreal, so be sure to check to avoid finding yourself in any trouble. You can buy beer in Toronto in The Beer Stores, as well as in the LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) where you will also find spirits such as rum and whiskey.
The list of things to do in Toronto is endless and it is unlikely that you will be able to do everything in a short amount of time. The CN Tower, which we mentioned earlier, is probably one of the most popular and well-known locations in Toronto as it is now world-famous, and taking a ride up it provides you with an unforgettable view of the whole of Toronto. However, this doesn’t come cheap so you should expect to pay around $38 per adult, and $28 each for children. There are some slightly reduced admission prices for seniors, but if you plan to visit the tower as a family, then you should be prepared for the steep prices. However, there is a lot more to Toronto than just the CNN tower. One attraction that we highly recommend is Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, which allows you to walk underneath swimming sharks and view a wide variety of different fish. It is not surprising that this is a very popular attraction amongst tourists in Canada.
It is very easy to get around Toronto, and due to how populated and busy the city is, both locals and tourists make the most of the public transportation links that are provided. The travel company that you should look out for during your trip is the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). This is a network of subways, buses, and streetcars that are in operation throughout the city. They are both affordable and reliable and operate 6 days a week (Monday to Saturday). You will find subway trains that run every couple of minutes from 6am in the morning until after 1am. There are a few different payment options for the TTC provided service, from buying tokens, to paying a cash fare, or even investing in a daily or weekly pass. An adult day fare pass is only around $12.50, and children under 12 go free, so this is an easy and affordable way to travel around Toronto as a family.
Toronto is a vast area with a population of around 3 million. It is the fourth largest city in North America, which means there is a lot of places available for you to explore. There is a sense of hustle and bustle in the city, which is one of the reasons why it is so popular amongst tourists. For some people who are used to a quieter and more slow-paced environment, the busy atmosphere of Toronto may be slightly overwhelming at first. However, the people are friendly so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you get lost!
The cuisine and food scene in Toronto is one of the highlights when visiting the city, and brunch is very popular! All over the city you will find establishments offering a great brunch in various neighborhoods. Although, you should be prepared for at least a thirty-minute wait for your brunch to arrive as it is a very popular time to eat, for both tourists and locals. Generally, people tend to eat out a lot in Toronto, and on average Torontonians eat out around 3 times a week. You may want to make reservations so that you don’t miss out!
While there is a huge French presence in Canada, with many locals speaking and being taught French at school, and with it being an official Canadian language, you shouldn’t assume that everyone in Toronto speaks French. Toronto is a very multicultural and mixed city with people from all over the world living and visiting, which explains why there are over 140 languages spoken in the city. So, no matter where in the world you are visiting from you will feel welcome and at home. In fact, 26 percent of people that live in Toronto don’t speak English or French, which just goes to show how multicultural the city is. The options are endless when it comes to visiting Toronto. So, whether you want a jam-packed break away visiting some world renowned attractions, or you want to explore the city’s streets taking in the art culture that it has on offer, you will be able to find something you can enjoy.