Canada

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Toronto

Canada's multicultural lakeside metropolis

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Toronto Plan a trip around Canada

Best time to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Currency: CAD
Time zone: UTC-4
Country: Canada

Photo: Wladyslaw ( talk ), CC BY-SA 3.0

Toronto is Canada's largest city, a diverse lakeside metropolis known for its museums, food scene, theatre and waterfront. Visitors come for world-class attractions, neighbourhoods like Kensington Market and the Distillery District, and easy day trips such as Niagara Falls.

Largest cities

Toronto
Montreal
Vancouver
Calgary
Ottawa

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Canada
Capital: Ottawa
City population: 2.8M
Population of Canada: 37M
Country area: 9,984,670 km²
Official language: English and French
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD) · 1 USD ≈ 1.43 CAD
Time zone: UTC-4
Calling code: +1
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 91 m
Plugs: A / B · 120V
Emergency numbers: 911
Best time to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	0°	1°	6°	12°	18°	24°	26°	26°	22°	16°	8°	3°
Low	-7°	-7°	-2°	3°	9°	15°	18°	18°	14°	9°	2°	-3°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$70
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$150
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$325

Plan a trip to Toronto

Top things to do

≈ $35
CN Tower
Ride the glass elevator to the observation deck for panoramic city and lake views; book online to skip lines, and consider the EdgeWalk for thrill-seekers.
- Half day
- Downtown Toronto
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $20
Royal Ontario Museum
Explore world cultures and natural history in Canada's largest museum; the dinosaur and First Peoples galleries are highlights.
- Half day
- Downtown Toronto
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $20
Art Gallery of Ontario
See an extensive collection of Canadian and European art, including a large Henry Moore sculpture centre; free entry on Wednesday evenings.
- Half day
- Downtown Toronto
- Indoors
Free
St. Lawrence Market
Sample peameal bacon sandwiches and local produce in this historic market; go hungry and arrive before noon on weekends.
- Half day
- Downtown Toronto
- Good for kids
- Indoors
- Closed: Sunday
Free
Distillery District
Wander pedestrian lanes of Victorian industrial buildings now housing galleries, shops and cafes; the Christmas market here is popular.
- Half day
- Distillery District
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Kensington Market
Browse bohemian shops, vintage stores and global eateries in this lively neighbourhood; try a Jamaican patty or a taco.
- Half day
- Kensington Market
- Good for kids
Free
Harbourfront
Stroll the lakefront boardwalks, catch a show at Harbourfront Centre, or take a ferry to the Toronto Islands for skyline views.
- Half day
- Harbourfront
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $60
Niagara Falls Day Trip
Take a day trip to see the falls, about 1.5–2 hours by car or train; a Hornblower boat ride gets you close to the mist.
- Full day
- Downtown Toronto
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

Most visitors need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter or transit through Canada; British citizens and many other nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 6 months but usually need an eTA if arriving by air. Land and sea arrivals from the US do not need an eTA, but must carry acceptable travel documents. Temporary Ebola-related border measures are in place for travellers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, and have been extended until November 27, 2026. Check the official Government of Canada page to see whether you need a visa or eTA before booking.

Official website

From the airport

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the main gateway, about 25–50 minutes by UP Express train or taxi to downtown. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is closer, with a 10-minute ferry and shuttle to downtown.

Getting around

The TTC subway, streetcars and buses cover the city well; a PRESTO card or contactless payment makes fares easy.

Local tips

Tipping 15–20% is expected in restaurants and for taxis.
Winters are cold and snowy; pack warm layers and waterproof boots from December to March.
Many museums and galleries are free or discounted on certain evenings; check ahead.
Toronto is generally safe, but stay aware in busy areas and on public transit at night.