Toronto Ontario, Canada Travel Guide
Summer (June to August): Expect warm to hot temperatures, often with humidity. Average daily temperatures range from 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F). Heat waves occasionally push temperatures above 30°C (86°F). Precipitation occurs moderately, often as brief, intense thunderstorms. Summer has long daylight hours, ideal for outdoor activities.
Fall (September to November): Experience a change from mild to cool weather, with decreasing humidity. Early fall sees daily averages from 50°F to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), dropping to 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F) by late November. Precipitation remains moderate, and November brings an increasing chance of frozen precipitation. Fall foliage peaks in late September and early October.
Winter (December to February): Prepare for cold, snowy conditions. Average daily temperatures hover between -5°C and 0°C (23°F to 32°F). Temperatures frequently drop below -10°C (14°F), with wind chill making it feel much colder. Snowfall is common and transforms the city into a a beautiful winter landscape. Daylight hours are shorter.
Spring (March to May): Enjoy a gradual warming trend from cool to mild. Daily average temperatures range from 0°C to 15 degrees celsius (32°F to 59°F). Precipitation is moderate, mainly rain, though the beginning of spring can still see snow. Spring blooms, especially the cherry blossoms, are featured in the End of april and early May.
High Demand, Top Rates
Warm Weather, Outdoor Events
Higher Prices, Crowds
Moderate Crowds, Value
Variable Weather, Spring/Fall Scenery
Variable Weather, Layered Clothing
Lowest Prices, Fewer Tourists
Cold Weather, Winter Activities
Cold Weather, Short Days
Toronto does not experience monsoons or hurricanes. However, it sees specific weather patterns that merit attention: severe cold in winter with temperatures sometimes well below -15°C (5°F), heat waves in summer with temperatures over 30°C (86°F), and blizzards or ice storms that affect winter travel. Thunderstorms are possible in spring and summer, occasionally bringing intense winds and heavy rain.
Outdoor Festivals, Patios, Toronto Island Visits: Plan these in order to June through August. Ice Skating, Indoor Museums, Holiday Markets: December through February are perfect for these. Japanese Cherry blossoms, Spring Walks: Latter Part of april to early May offers the best chance. Baseball Games (Toronto Blue Jays): The MLB season runs from April to September. Theater and Indoor Cultural Events: These run year-round, with the busiest programming often occurring in fall and winter.
Open-air festivals, patios, Toronto Island visits.
Skating on ice, indoor museums, holiday markets.
Cherry blossoms, spring walks.
Baseball games (Toronto Blue Jays).
Theater and indoor cultural events.
Prepare your entry documents to ensure a smooth arrival in Canada. Requirements vary based on your nationality.
Passport: Most visitors need a valid passport. It must remain valid for your entire stay. Some airlines recommend at least six months of validity beyond your intended departure date. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Citizens of visa-exempt countries (excluding U.S. Citizens) have a need for an eTA for air travel to Canada. Obtain this online before your departure. The eTA links electronically to your passport. U.S. Citizens are exempt from the eTA when entering Canada by land or sea, but require a valid passport.
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV): Citizens of visa-required countries have a need to apply for a TRV through a Canadian visa office in their home country or country of residence. The application typically involves submitting forms, supporting documents, and biometric information. The process spans several weeks or months, so apply well in advance.
Always carry these documents when traveling to Toronto: Valid Passport, a printed copy of your eTA approval or your physical TRV (if applicable), proof of funds, and your return ticket. If visiting friends or family, a letter of invitation can be valuable. Carry a valid government-issued photo ID.
Immigration Procedures: Upon arrival at a Canadia flight center, you will go through Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) customs. Use self-service kiosks (main Inspection Kiosks) to complete your customs declaration. You scan your passport, take a photo, and answer a few questions. The kiosk prints a receipt, which you present to a CBSA officer. Alternatively, use the ArriveCAN app to submit your border control and customs declaration in advance, saving time. Be prepared to answer questions about your visit's purpose, duration, plus where you will stay. Remain polite and truthful.
Essentials for Entry
Valid Passport, eTA/TRV (if applicable), Evidence of Financial means, Return Ticket, Letter of Invitation (if applicable), Government-issued photo ID
Use self-service kiosks at Canadian airports for customs declarations. Scan your passport, take a photo, and answer questions. Present the receipt to a CBSA officer. The ArriveCAN app expedites this.
Cost to Enter
CAD $7.00
CAD $100.00, plus CAD $85.00 biometric fee (if applicable)
For Specific Activities
Work Permits: For work in Canada, a work permit exists. Study Permits: For study over six months, a study permit exists. Camping Permits: For camping in provincial or national parks outside Toronto, you will book campsites and obtain permits from park authorities.
Canada does not have specific vaccination entries from most countries. Routine vaccinations are current. Border officials may ask questions about your health status to identify any public health risks. Declare any illnesses or symptoms you experience.
For general tourism within Toronto or Ontario, you typically do not need special permits. However, specific intentions carry different documentation: Work Permits: If you plan to work in Canada, you need a work permit. This is a separate application process from a tourist visa. Study Permits: For those intending to study in Canada for more than six months, a study permit exists.
Camping Permits: If you plan to camp in provincial or national parks outside Toronto, you will book campsites and obtain permits from the park authorities. Health-Related Entry Requirements: Canada does not require specific vaccinations for entry from most countries. Ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Border officials may ask questions about your health status to identify any public health risks. Declare any illnesses or symptoms you experience.
Separate application for employment.
For studies over six months.
Obtain permits for parks.
Be truthful with border officials.
Routine vaccinations are current.
Toronto has experiences for every budget, from luxury indulgence to budget-conscious travel.
Currency: Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD), often symbolized as $ or C$. Exchange: Major currencies exchange at banks, currency exchange kiosks (often found in well-known tourist areas), and some hotels. ATMs are widely available, a way to withdraw cash. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are universally accepted, with contactless payment options common. Debit cards work well for purchases. Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid card freezes.
These are approximate daily costs and can vary based on personal choices and seasonality. Budget Traveler: CAD $80 - $150 per day (hostel dorm, street food, public transit, free attractions). Mid-Range Traveler: CAD $150 - $350 for each day (3-star hotel, mid-range restaurants, occasional ride-sharing, paid attractions). Luxury Traveler: CAD $350+ per day (4-5 star hotels, fine dining, taxis/private transfers, premium tours).
Accommodation, meals, transportation, and attractions show varied pricing. Budget for these based on your travel style.
Toronto is a safe city, but understanding area health and good safety habits helps ensure a worry-free visit. Prepare for potential health concerns and be aware of how to access services if needed.
Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date.
Carry allergy relief medicine for high pollen counts in spring/summer.
Use SPF 30+, wear hats, stay hydrated during summer heat waves.
Strategies For prevention
Seasonal Allergies: Check local pollen forecasts. Sunburn and Heatstroke: Use sunscreen, wear hats, stay hydrated, seek shade. Frostbite and Hypothermia (winter): Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, limit outdoor time. Foodborne Illness: Rare, practice general precautions. Insect Bites: Use insect repellent in warmer months.
Toronto does not experience monsoons or hurricanes. However, be aware of extreme cold, heat waves, blizzards, ice storms, and occasional thunderstorms.
Always check the local weather.
Call 911 for police, fire, or ambulance. This number is free from any phone, including cell phones.
Toronto has a high-quality healthcare system. Non-residents are not covered by Canadian provincial health insurance. Medical services can be very expensive. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Walk-in clinics offer non-emergency care for minor ailments. For severe emergencies, head to a hospital emergency department. Pharmacies are widespread.
Toronto is considered a safe major city. The total crime rate is low relative to other large North American cities.
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all visitors. It covers medical emergencies, trip disruption, lost luggage, and other unforeseen events. Ensure your policy covers emergency medical evacuation. Review policy details carefully to understand coverage limits and exclusions.
Call 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
(416) 808-2222 (Toronto Police Service)
1-800-268-9017 (Ontario Poison Centre)
