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Toronto Travel Hacks

Toronto Travel Hacks

Toronto Ontario, Canada Travel Guide

Money-Saving Strategies

Travel smart and stretch your budget further in Toronto.

Discount Cards and Passes

  • CityPASS Toronto: Purchase this pass for reduced price admission to five major attractions. This pass means great savings compared to individual ticket purchases.
  • PRESTO Card: Use this reloadable smart card for public transit. It indicates a discounted single fare compared to paying cash on the TTC.
  • Attraction Memberships: If you plan to visit the ROM or AGO multiple times, consider an annual membership. These often pay on their behalfselves after a few visits and come with other good things.
  • Organize your belongings with Eagle Creek travel organization products.

Free Activities and Attractions

  • Nathan Phillips Square: Enjoy the iconic "TORONTO" sign, reflecting pool, and public events.
  • Harbourfront Centre: Walk along the waterfront, enjoy public art, and look for free events.
  • High Park: Explore Toronto's largest public park with strolling trails, a small zoo, and beautiful gardens.
  • St. Lawrence Market: Browse the historic market and soak in the atmosphere.

Happy Hours and Dining Deals

  • Happy Hour Specials: Many restaurants and bars have deals for drinks and appetizers.
  • "Prix Fixe" Menus: Enjoy "Summerlicious" and "Winterlicious" galas for fine dining at reduced prices.
  • Lunch Specials: Many restaurants have more affordable lunch menus relative to their dinner offerings.
  • Budget-Friendly Eateries: Seek out diverse and affordable food options city-wide's neighborhoods.

Transportation Savings

  • Public Transit (TTC): The most economical way to find your way. Purchase a PRESTO card.
  • Walk or Cycle: For short distances, walking or using Bike Share Toronto is a wholesome and low-cost option.
  • UP Express: For getting to/from the airport, the UP Express is cheaper than taxis and faster than public transit.
  • Online Tickets: Purchase UP Express tickets online for a small price reduction.

Time-Saving Tips

Efficient planning for seeing more of Toronto without feeling rushed.

Skip-the-Line Options

  • Advance Online Tickets: Purchase buy tickets online beforehand for popular attractions. This frequently signifies you bypass ticket purchase lines.
  • Early Morning Visits: Arrive at popular sites as soon as it opens time to see fewer crowds.
  • CityPASS: Beyond economizing, the CityPASS often means faster entry at participating attractions.
  • Off-Peak Visits: Consider visiting attractions during weekdays, outside of peak hours.

Best and Worst Times for Popular Attractions

  • Best Times: Weekday mornings, especially right at opening, or late afternoons (after 3 PM) are generally less crowded.
  • Worst Times: Weekend afternoons, public holidays, and during major city events see the largest crowds and longest wait times.
  • Major Events: Check the city's event calendar when planning your visit.
  • Weather Impact: Consider weather conditions, as rain or severe heat can alter crowd levels.

Express Transportation Alternatives

  • UP Express: Use the Union Pearson Express for fast, dedicated airport travel (25 a few minutes to Union Station).
  • Subway: The subway is generally faster than streetcars or buses for longer distances, as it avoids street traffic.
  • Ride-sharing: Use Uber or Lyft for door-to-door convenience on shorter trips.
  • Bike Share Toronto: A quick way to cover short distances in good weather.

Efficient Routing Suggestions

  • Group Attractions Geographically: Plan your days by grouping attractions in the same area.
  • Use Navigation Apps: Use Google Maps or Citymapper to plan routes and check real-time transit information.
  • Themed Days: Organize days around themes like "Museum Day" or "Waterfront Exploration."
  • Foot Travel: For short distances, walking lets you see more of the city's character.

Local Insights

Gain knowledge from locals to make your Toronto experience better and avoid common tourist mistakes.

Common Tourist Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Underestimating Distances: Toronto is a large city. Do not try to walk everywhere. Plan your transit.
  • Not Using Public Transit: The TTC is efficient and affordable. Learn to use it.
  • Not Tipping: Tipping is expected in service industries. Include it in your budget.
  • Only Staying Downtown: Toronto's different neighborhoods feature special character and experiences. Explore beyond the core.

Local Customs That Visitors Should Know

  • Politeness: Say "please" and "thank you." Hold doors for others.
  • Line Etiquette: Form orderly lines and wait your turn.
  • "Sorry": Canadians use "sorry" often, sometimes early or as a gentle apology.
  • Recycling: Use the separate bins for recycling and organics. Toronto has a strong recycling culture.

Unofficial Rules and Social Norms

  • "The Six": A popular nickname for Toronto, made popular by Drake. Using it shows some local knowledge.
  • Sports Talk: Knowing about local sports teams can start friendly conversations.
  • Patios: In warmer months, patios (outdoor seating) are much desired.
  • Early Bird: Lots of famous activities or restaurants are best enjoyed by arriving early to beat the crowds.

Phrases That Impress Locals

  • Using "eh?" correctly in conversation (e.g., "It's a beautiful day, eh?").
  • Referring to the CN Tower simply as "The Tower."
  • Knowing some facts about local sports teams or cultural events.
  • Acknowledge Canada's bilingual nature (English and French).

Solo, Family & Group-Specific Advice

Change your travel plans for different group needs.

Solo Traveler Safety and Social Opportunities

  • Safety: Toronto is safe for solo travelers. Practice general urban safety (be aware of surroundings, keep valuables safe).
  • Social: Stay in hostels with common areas for meeting other travelers.
  • Activities: Join walking tours, use local apps (like Meetup) for events and group activities.
  • Dining: Consider dining at bar seating or casual eateries.

Family-Friendly Adaptations and Kid-Specific Tips

  • Attractions: Toronto Zoo, Ripley's Aquarium, Ontario Science Centre are great for kids.
  • Parks: High Park has a zoo and playgrounds. Centre Island has amusements and open spaces.
  • Transit: Children under 12 ride free on the TTC. Strollers have room on public transit.
  • Dining: Many restaurants are kid-friendly and often have kids' menus.

Managing Group Logistics and Reservations

  • Advance Booking: Book accommodations, tours, and popular restaurants well in advance for groups.
  • Transportation: Consider private transport or charter buses for group airport transport.
  • Communication: Have a clear communication plan within your group for meeting points and schedules.
  • Group Deals: Look for group rates on attractions or tours.

Accessibility Considerations for Different Travelers

  • Consult section 11.4: See the detailed accessibility information for public transit, attractions, and services.
  • Direct Inquiry: Ask directly with accommodations and sights about specific accessibility needs before booking.
  • Wheel-Trans: For those needing paratransit, register for TTC Wheel-Trans early.
  • Planning: Research accessible routes and facilities in advance.

Traveler's Insight

For the most economical choice on attractions, consider purchasing a CityPASS. It means cost savings and faster entry.

Resources & References

Explore Toronto more fully with these helpful resources.

Digital Resources

Use applications and websites for smooth travel planning.

Print Resources

Traditional guides and books for understanding.

Emergency Info

Essential phone numbers and stairs for urgent situations.

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • TTCwatch / Citymapper: Real-time public transit information and mapping out your journey.
  • PRESTO App: Manage your PRESTO card for smooth public transit use.
  • Green P: Pay for street vehicle storage and find available parking lots.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

  • Destination Toronto: Destinationtoronto.com (Official tourism site).
  • Toronto Transit Commission (TTC): Ttc.ca (Public transit information).
  • BlogTO: Blogto.com (Local news, events, and culture).

Podcasts and Digital Content About the Destination

"Toronto Mike'd" features interviews with Toronto personalities. Local news outlets like "CityNews 680" and "CP24" offer up-to-date events. Many YouTube channels feature Toronto food and travel guides for visual ideas. For language learning, apps like Babbel.com help you pick up some local lingo.

Emergency & Medical Information

Important Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • Police, Fire, Ambulance: 911 (Universal emergency number in Canada).
  • Non-Police Emergency line: (416) 808-2222 (Toronto Police Service).
  • Poison Control: 1-800-268-9017 (Ontario Poison Centre).
  • Embassy/Consulate: Keep your country's contact information handy.

Hospital Locations

  • Toronto The Public hospital
  • St. Michael's Hospital
  • Mount Sinai Hospital
  • Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
  • SickKids (for children)

Lost Document Procedures

  • Passport: Report to local police and contact your embassy/consulate.
  • Plastic Cards: Contact your bank immediately to cancel.
  • International Numbers: Keep emergency numbers separate from cards.
  • Police Report: Obtain a police report for lost items.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Staying Informed

  • Extreme Weather Alerts: Watch local news for warnings about severe thunderstorms, blizzards, or heat waves.
  • Monitor: Use radio, TV, or apps like The Weather Network for updates.
  • City Resources: The City of Toronto website has information on emergency preparedness.

Basic Safety Steps

  • Familiarize yourself with basic safety steps for various situations.
  • An Disaster preparedness kit: Consider a small personal emergency kit with basic supplies.
  • Local Contacts: Share your itinerary with trusted contacts at home.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries and Films About Toronto

  • Films set in Toronto: Explore movies filmed in the city, like "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World," "Enemy," "Chloe."
  • Documentaries: Look for documentaries focusing on Toronto neighborhoods, cultural issues, or history.
  • TIFF: Many independent films premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Music and Art to Experience

  • Music: Listen to artists from Toronto like Drake, The Weeknd, Rush, Feist, and Broken Social Scene.
  • Art: Learn about works by the Group of Seven (seen at the AGO) and contemporary Canadian artists.
  • Galleries: Visit area art galleries to find new talent.

Online Communities and Forums for Travelers

Reddit Subreddits

  1. R/Toronto for general discussions.
  2. R/askTO for questions about the city.
  3. R/torontotourism for travel-specific inquiries.
  4. These subreddits let you ask questions, read local talks, and get recommendations.

Other Forums and Language Resources

  1. TripAdvisor Forums: The Toronto forums are a place for travelers to partake in tips and advice.
  2. Language Learning: Duolingo, Babbel, or local ESL schools help with English.
  3. Local Apps: Meetup for events and group activities.
  4. YouTube Channels: Find visual motivation for Toronto food and travel.

Embassy and Consulate Information

Consulates in Toronto

Many countries keep consulates in Toronto for local assistance.

Embassy Location

Main embassies for Canada are in Ottawa, the capital.

Contact Details

Find your country's nearest diplomatic mission in Canada and keep their contact details easy to reach.

Critical Alert

Save the 911 emergency number to your phone. Understand the location of your country's consulate in Toronto.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

Guidebook Publishers

  • Major Publishers:

    Guidebooks from Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Fodor's, and Frommer's often have full information on Toronto. Buy the latest edition for current details.

  • Latest Editions:

    Always look for the most recent edition to have the most up-to-date information on attractions and services.

  • Specialized Guides:

    Consider niche guides for specific interests like food tours or architectural walks.

Maps for Navigation

  • Official TTC Map:

    Get a complimentary official TTC map at subway stations for a clear view of the transit system.

  • City Tourism Maps:

    At tourist information centers, these maps point out major attractions and neighborhoods.

  • Detailed Street Maps:

    For exploring specific neighborhoods on foot, consider a detailed street map.

Books About the Destination

Non-Fiction Insights

"Stroll: Psychogeographic Walking Tours of Toronto" by Shawn Micallef offers different views about the city's neighborhoods. "Toronto: Biography of a City" by Allan Levine provides a detailed history.

Fiction Set in Ontario

Works by Margaret Atwood or Alice Munro, though it isn't always set specifically in Toronto, often have strong Ontario contexts and themes. "In the Skin of a Lion" by Michael Ondaatje is a novel set in Toronto, a literary journey through its past.

Local Publications

"Now Toronto" is a free weekly alternative newspaper covering arts, culture, music, and local issues. "Toronto Life" is a monthly magazine covering city issues, culture, dining, and lifestyle. It has in-depth articles and guides.

Pre-Booking Recommendations

Essential Travel Bookings

  • Flights and Accommodations: These are typically the first items to book, especially during high season or for specific events.
  • Rental Cars: Arrange these if you intend to drive outside Toronto.
  • Major Attractions: Book tickets for popular sites like the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, and Casa Loma.
  • Specific Time Slots: Book in advance if you want specific time slots or to skip lines.

Experience and Dining Reservations

  • Popular Restaurants: Make reservations for highly sought-after dining experiences, especially for dinner on weekends.
  • Theater/Concert Tickets: Reserve these as soon as the travel dates are firm, as popular shows sell out quickly.
  • Day Travels with Tour Operators: Reserve these if you choose organized excursions.
  • Group Tours: For groups, advance booking for tours is often required for availability.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Security and Maintenance

  • Security: Secure your home (lock doors, windows, set your alarms).
  • Mail/Newspapers: Stop mail/newspaper delivery or arrange for a trusted person to collect them.
  • Plants/Pets: Water plants, arrange pet care.
  • Appliances: Turn off unneeded appliances and lightweights.

Information Sharing

  • Itinerary: Leave a copy of your itinerary and emergency contacts with a trusted friend or family member.
  • Trusted Contact: Choose a reliable person who can act in your absence if needed.
  • Out-of-Office: Set up out-of-office replies for work or personal emails.
  • Return Date: Make sure your trusted contact knows your planned return date.

Smart Tip

Make digital copies of all important documents and save them to a cloud service. This gives access even if you lose your phone or physical copies. Protect your digital documents and online activity with NordVPN.

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