Travel guide Toronto
Toronto, capital of the province of Ontario, is a dynamic metropolis in the heart of Canada's vastness. Indeed, Toronto' s unique blend of green spaces, such as the famous Toronto Islands, and soaring skyscrapers, emblems of its financial district, is a seductive destination. A city of contrasts, it is famous for the CN Tower, which defies the skies and offers a breathtaking view of the city. Canada's largest city is an industrial and financial hub, home to over six million people, representing one-sixth of the national population. With its elegant skyscrapers and cosmopolitan villages, unique painted walls and lush green parks, its urban landscape is simply incredible. Home to an astonishing diversity, more than half of its residents are not native Canadians. Hence its name, which means "meeting point". The French community, present since 1650, is one of the many that shape this melting pot. Toronto excels culturally with its festivals and vibrant arts scene, and attracts foodies and shoppers alike, with landmarks such as the Eaton Centre.
With an urban fabric rich in history, Toronto can be discovered through neighborhoods such as the historic Distillery District or the bustling Kensington Market, places steeped in the Toronto spirit. The city is also the ideal starting point for exploring the spectacular Niagara Falls, a must-do when visiting the region. On the cultural front, the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario are institutions whose collections tell the story of the city's cultural diversity and openness to the world. And how can we not mention Toronto's gastronomic scene? This culinary melting pot is reflected in its markets, such as the famous St. Lawrence Market, where you can sample flavours from around the world.
Between its lush parks, like Hight Park, its welcoming islands and its eclectic neighborhoods, Toronto is a destination in the image of its CN Tower: elevated in its standards and rooted in a deep and diverse history. For travelers seeking an authentic Canadian experience, Toronto is a must-see.
What to see, what to do Toronto?
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When to go Toronto ?
When to go to Toronto? The best time to visit Toronto depends on what you're looking for: mild weather, attractive prices or cultural events:
In winter, January and February are cold, but offer the skating rink at Nathan Phillips Square. March heralds the end of the cold season, ideal for those looking to avoid the crowds while taking advantage of reduced rates.
Spring sees Toronto in full bloom in April and May. It's the perfect time to see the cherry blossoms in High Park. Prices stay low until the influx of tourists in June, which kicks off the high season with the much-anticipated Luminato Festival, a major artistic event.
July and August in Toronto are synonymous with heat and excitement, with the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, a colorful parade that attracts visitors from all over the world. This is the high season: prices rise, but the city vibrates with energy.
September marks a pleasant transition with the Toronto International Film Festival, a must-see for movie buffs. Temperatures are milder and prices start to drop.
October is often considered one of the best months to visit Toronto, thanks to its pleasant autumn and events like Nuit Blanche, where art takes over the streets for an entire night.
In November, as the city prepares for the holiday season, it's time to enjoy the Christmas markets without the crowds of the winter months.
December in Toronto is magical, with its Christmas lights and outdoor skating rinks, but it's also the start of the cold season.
To experience Toronto in all its diversity, September and October are ideal. If you're looking for attractive rates and a milder climate, April and May are ideal. When to go to Toronto? That depends on whether you prefer summer festivals or the quiet charm of spring.
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How to go Toronto
How to go alone
Toronto may not be the most frugal of getaways, but it sure knows how to charm its visitors. Get out your Canadian dollars, and don't worry too much about fluctuating exchange rates: your credit card will be king in the city of the maple leaf. And if you get the urge to feel the crack of bills, there's always a bureau de change ready to welcome you with open arms. Here, tipping is not a choice, but a way of life: count on 15-20% as a thank you for good service. And if your wallet is a little shy, don't panic: Toronto has some nice little spots that don't cost an arm and a leg. Of course, if you're the type who likes caviar more than peanuts, prepare to be seduced by the opulence of the city's luxury options. So, whether you're on a rockstar's budget or a student's at the end of the month, Toronto holds out its arms to you with one promise: to live at your own pace and within your own means.
How to go on a tour
For a Toronto tour package, look for a reputable travel agency offering tours that include the city's main attractions, such as the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum and the Distillery District. Make sure the package also includes typical Toronto experiences, such as discovering the local cuisine or a trip to St. Lawrence Market. Check reviews and compare itineraries to find the best value. Opt for a trip that leaves enough free time to explore at your own pace. Ask if French-speaking guides are available if necessary. And don't forget to take out travel insurance for peace of mind.
How to get around
Going it alone in Toronto is an exhilarating adventure that offers freedom and personal discovery. Before you leave, download a map of the city onto your smartphone for easy orientation. Public transport is reliable and accessible, so don't forget to buy a presto card card to simplify your journeys. Don't hesitate to start conversations with local expressions like Eh at the end of sentences to help you blend in. For accommodation, hostels and short-term rentals are good options for solo travelers. Explore the diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, and don't miss the city's markets for an authentic taste of Toronto culture. Solo, every encounter and discovery is a new opportunity to enrich your experience.
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Discover Toronto
Flanked by countless skyscrapers and the CN Tower, the tallest in the Western Hemisphere, Toronto has the air of a North American city. The city's dynamism is unrivalled, making it the country's leading tourist destination and largest city. Ethnic diversity is also on the agenda, with an incredible wealth of culinary delights to tantalize the taste buds, making it possible to savour the world all over the city. Performing arts, culture and street art are also omnipresent, not to mention a very pleasant nightlife, even if it doesn't finish particularly late. If you want to catch your breath, the city's large parks, islands (with a breathtaking view of Toronto's waterfront ) and beaches are the perfect place to take it easy in a city that lives at the frenetic pace of North America's major metropolises.
The 12 keywords Toronto
1. #Asia
Toronto's Asian community is one of the largest in North America. This seems fairly normal for cities geographically close to Asia such as Vancouver, but it is more surprising for Toronto, which is much closer to Europe. The Chinatown neighbourhood, for example, is home to one of the most exotic Asian mosaics.
2. #Broadway
While Toronto has one of the widest ranges of cultural events in the world, the Broadway-style musical is the most prominent. After London and New York, Toronto is the city most likely to please the fan of musical tales such as Les Misérables and Anastasia.
3. #Falls
This is a must-see pilgrimage for any self-respecting visitor: to get a close-up look at the famous Niagara Falls, a legacy of the last ice age and one of the country's best-known natural wonders. To see this force of nature up close, boats offer river trips to the foot of the falls.
4. #Convenience stores
These small shops open very late at night and every day of the week. Some even operate day and night. You can buy newspapers, cigarettes, beer (not everywhere), milk, canned goods, some fresh produce, sweets, etc. The prices are higher than at the supermarket but, as the name suggests, it's a convenience store.
5. #Francophonie
Ontario is one of the provinces governed by the French Language Services Act. Several institutions, media and cultural venues also cater to Francophones, such as the Théâtre français de Toronto (theatrefrancais.com), TFO (télévision francophone - tfo.org) and, since 2021, the Université de l'Ontario français à Toronto (uontario.ca).
6. #Grand Lac
The city of Toronto is nestled on the northwest shore of Lake Ontario. Covering an area of 18 960 km², about half of which is in the United States, it is the smallest of the five Great Lakes in North America. It has many beaches and beautiful islands that are easily accessible by ferry from downtown Toronto.
7. #Neighborhoods
Toronto is a conglomeration of countless neighbourhoods, each with its own atmosphere, its own specialty, and sometimes its own nationality. Some consist of only a portion of a street, others are fairly large areas that are themselves subdivided into smaller neighbourhoods. But it is to these neighbourhoods that Torontonians refer for orientation.
8. #Skyline
It can be seen from as far away as Highway 401 to the north of the city. According to a report by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat in 2021, Toronto ranks3rd in North America, just behind New York and Chicago. From the Toronto Islands, the view of the skyline is truly sublime.
9. #Streetcar
Toronto has an extensive city bus system and four subway lines, but one of the most commonly used vehicles is the streetcar. These cars on rails, which have the particularity of running in a third lane, in the middle of the road, travel around the city at all hours of the day and even at night for most of them.
10. #T.O.
Clearly one of Toronto's best known nicknames! And it's everywhere, from the names of local businesses to the titles of many books, not to mention tourism and municipal election campaigns. Canada's largest city has many other nicknames, such as Hogtown, Queen City and 6IX.
11. #CN Tower
Built between 1973 and 1976 by Australian brutalist architect John Andrews, the CN Tower is undoubtedly the city's landmark. For its 42nd anniversary in 2018, it has received a well-deserved facelift on the observation deck. On a clear day, the 360-degree view captures the immensity of the city and Lake Ontario.
12. #Vineyards
Ontario is the province of wine par excellence and very good wine to boot. Don't miss a visit to the vineyards of the Niagara Peninsula, especially for its highly regarded ice wines. If you choose a day trip to the Falls through a local agency, a visit to a wine cellar is usually included.
You are from here, if...
Your last visit to the top of the CN Tower was on a school or family outing.
You've become a polyglot from rubbing shoulders with every country in the world at every corner.
You have at least one of these items in your wardrobe: a pair of fleece jogger pants and a Roots hoodie, any Toronto professional sports team apparel or accessory, and something that says We the North.
You've realized that it's smarter to live far from the center, or even in another city like Hamilton, because of Toronto's exorbitant rents. You may have even moved back in with your parents while you look for your own.
The weather is your main topic of conversation. You're the first to go shirtless on the patio when the temperature reaches 10°C in the spring. However, you put on your best woollens in autumn when the temperature reaches 10°C...