Toronto

Toronto is a massive, energetic place where gleaming skyscrapers stand next to historic brick buildings, and you can hear dozens of different languages just walking down the street. The vibe is a cool mix of fast-paced North American ambition and a friendly, neighborhood-focused community spirit.

Toronto is a must-visit for three main reasons. First, the food scene offers an incredible adventure. Because of its immense diversity, visitors can eat their way around the world, from authentic jerk chicken in Kensington Market to delicious dim sum in Chinatown. Second, it's a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality – the artsy vibe of West Queen West, the historic charm of the Distillery District, and the intellectual buzz of the Annex. Lastly, the access to both urban thrills and natural beauty is fantastic. You can be at the top of the CN Tower one minute and then escape to the tranquility of the Toronto Islands for a killer skyline view the next.

Torontonians are generally polite, though often in a hurry, as you'd expect in a major city. It's one of the most multicultural cities in the world, and that's not just a slogan. You'll encounter people from every corner of the globe. English is spoken everywhere, but you'll hear a symphony of other languages. While people might seem reserved at first, they're usually helpful if you ask for directions.

The food in Toronto is a direct reflection of its diversity. You absolutely have to try a peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery in the St. Lawrence Market – it's a true Toronto classic. Poutine, while originally from Quebec, is a must-try Canadian dish, and you'll find amazing versions all over the city. Beyond these, the highlights are the sheer variety: incredible dim sum in Chinatown, authentic pasta in Little Italy, and flavourful Jamaican patties that are a local favorite. A cheap and delicious meal at a food stall can be just as satisfying as a high-end dining experience.

Toronto is a modern city with solid infrastructure. The internet is fast and reliable, and you'll find A/C almost everywhere, which is a lifesaver during the hot and humid summers. The public transit system, known as the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission), consists of subways, streetcars, and buses. It’s extensive, but it can sometimes feel strained and show its age, with occasional delays. Power outages are rare. The biggest infrastructure challenge is the weather – the city is well-equipped for heavy snow in winter, but it can still slow things down.

You'll most likely fly into Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), the main international hub. From there, the best and fastest way to get to the city center is the UP Express train. It takes just 25 minutes to get to Union Station downtown and runs every 15-20 minutes. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are also readily available, though a taxi will typically cost between $50-$70 CAD (flat rate to downtown) before the 13% HST, gratuity, and a $15 airport pickup fee. They are also subject to the city's notorious traffic.

The TTC is your go-to for getting around. Getting a PRESTO card is highly recommended; it's a reloadable tap-on, tap-off card that works across the subway, streetcars, and buses. For 2025, fares are frozen at 2023 rates, meaning a single adult fare is $3.35 CAD with PRESTO and provides a two-hour transfer window. The subway is efficient for north-south and east-west travel along its main lines. Streetcars are iconic and great for exploring neighborhoods along major arteries like Queen Street or King Street. Central Toronto is very walkable, but distances can be deceptive, so expect to use a mix of walking and transit. Be aware that some streetcar and bus routes may experience diversions due to ongoing construction, particularly in the mid-September to late October 2025 timeframe for King Street West and Dufferin Street.

Toronto is generally considered one of the safest big cities in North America, with low crime rates for a metropolitan area of its size. However, like any major urban area, it’s not without its problems, and petty crime does occur.
Street Smarts: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist hotspots like Yonge-Dundas Square. Keep an eye on your belongings, as pickpocketing can happen in busy areas. If you're driving, be cautious of car thefts; avoid leaving valuables in your car or trunk, and if possible, avoid street parking overnight in unmonitored areas.
Neighborhood Awareness: Some areas still warrant extra caution, particularly at night. Moss Park and Regent Park, while undergoing revitalization efforts in the latter, continue to have visible issues with homelessness and drug use, making them feel less comfortable for visitors after dark. While crime has decreased in some aspects in Regent Park, it's still best to be aware in these areas, especially if walking alone at night.
Common Scams: Be wary of common travel scams. These can include fake online travel booking sites and fraudulent accommodation listings using AI, overcharging taxi drivers (always use official taxis or trusted ride-share apps with upfront pricing), and individuals on the street attempting to sell you "gold" jewelry or asking for money with elaborate stories. Always book directly with reputable companies, verify URLs, and be skeptical of unsolicited offers or "help" from strangers.