How to plan a trip to Toronto?

Are you ready to start planning a trip to Toronto? Immerse yourself in Canada’s cultural and financial heartland, its multicultural neighbourhoods, its food and its urban nature. This city has a lot to offer, so we’ve put together this post with the best travel tips we learned during our visit.

Below, you’ll read about the best time to travel and accommodation in Toronto, but bear in mind that the city is huge and you’ll need to use public transport to get around. So as well as the best way to get around the city, we’ll tell you all about public transport, as well as many other travel tips that will help you during your stay. Are you ready to hit the road?

1. Prepare your travel documents for Toronto

To travel to Canada, it is necessary to have specific documentation in order depending on where you are travelling from. Here we leave you all the detailed information:

• From the United States: US citizens are the only ones, along with Canadians, who can cross the Canadian border with a valid passport.
• From European, Commonwealth and other visa-exempt countries: you need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), which costs $7 CAD, is processed online and is usually approved quickly. The eTA is linked to the passport and allows stays of up to six months for a period of 5 years.
• From visa-required countries: Travellers must obtain a visa through the embassy, consulate or online, costing approximately $100 CAD and taking up to 40 days to process. Documents required for application include a valid passport, passport-style photos, proof of financial solvency, letter of invitation if applicable, details of travel itinerary, proof of personal relationships or marital status, and medical examination results if staying for an extended period or for certain countries. In addition, criminal record certificates and payment of visa fees are required. For stays longer than six months, an interview is required for the collection of biometric data. It is also recommended to obtain an international driving permit if you plan to drive in Canada. It costs approximately €10.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose a date to plan your trip to Toronto

The best time to visit Toronto is during autumn, especially September and October. During these months, the city is tinged with shades of gold and crimson, with pleasant temperatures hovering around 15°C (59°F), ideal for spending the day outdoors. Spring is also a good time to travel.

Summer can be a good time in terms of temperature, however, as it’s high season, you’ll find a lot of tourists and prices will be higher. Also, you should book tickets and accommodation in advance so that you can make the best choices.

In contrast, winter in Toronto, from December to February, offers the opportunity to visit the Christmas markets and ice skate. Although temperatures can drop to -10°C and the days are shorter, the snow adds a special charm to the city, perfect for those who enjoy winter activities. Just remember to dress warmly, with gloves, a hat and warm layers.

3. Find out how to get to Toronto

Toronto is one of Canada’s most internationally accessible cities. There are more than 10 airports, although the main one is Pearson International Airport, which is where we landed. But depending on where you’re travelling from, you have all these options available to you:

• Car: if you’re travelling from Canada or the US you can get there via Highway 401 which runs east-west across Ontario, and the QEW from the south. Keep in mind, however, that the distances are very long, and during the winter you may need chains or snow tyres. If you’re travelling from another country, you can also rent a car at the airport.
• Train: VIA Rail offers services from several Canadian cities to Toronto’s Union Station.
• Bus: Companies such as Greyhound and Megabus connect Toronto with other major cities across the country. Although it’s an inexpensive option, it’s also the slowest.
• Plane: Pearson International Airport receives flights from all over the world. Air Canada and WestJet are the main carriers, but many more airlines operate. If you book your ticket at least 3 months in advance, you can find tickets for around €500. With the Passporter App you can quickly and easily compare and buy your tickets directly from Skyscanner.
• Boat: Although less common, it is possible to get there by water via Lake Ontario; however, this option is less common for long-distance travel.

Once you arrive at Pearson International Airport, getting to downtown Toronto is simple. You can take the UP Express train which takes you directly to Union Station in just 25 minutes, at a cost of approximately $12.35 CAD per trip. Or take the 192 Airport Rocket bus, which for $3 CAD will drop you off at Kipling Station underground station, a 30-minute ride from downtown. Another option is to take a taxi for about $50-60 CAD depending on traffic.

And to get around the city, you’ll have no choice but to use public transport, which offers an extensive network of buses, trams and subways that cover the entire city. A single ride costs $3.25 CAD, but there are daily and weekly passes available for frequent travellers.

4. Find accommodation that meets your expectations for enjoying Toronto

Toronto offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets despite being considered an expensive city. You’ll see that if you look ahead of time, you’ll be able to choose from many affordable options. We encourage you to check your accommodation through the Passporter App with Booking, where you can compare, read reviews and book your hotels.

And if you don’t know where to start looking, don’t worry, here’s a list ofthe best areas:

• Downtown: this is the city centre and has accommodation ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. It is generally expensive due to its convenience and proximity to major attractions.
• Entertainment District: is close to downtown and offers many entertainment and dining options. Prices are high, but it’s perfect for those looking to be in the centre of the action.
• Yonge-Dundas: centrally located near shopping and theatres, with a variety of accommodation options ranging from moderate to expensive.
• Chinatown: Affordable option with a cultural atmosphere and excellent food. Prices are lower and it’s an excellent alternative for tight budgets.
• The Harbourfront: Exclusive area overlooking the lake, ideal for luxury accommodation.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Toronto

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is a tapestry of cultures, cuisine and architecture. The city offers so much to do that you can stay for weeks at a time and never run out of ideas. However, to see the main sights, three days is enough time. In this time we had time to see the city centre, the Toronto Islands and some of its famous cultural neighbourhoods. We talk about all this and more in this post: Things to do and see in Toronto Canada

Top 10 points of interest in Toronto:

• CN Tower: iconic skyscraper that defines the city skyline, ideal for panoramic views. Price: general admission about $38 CAD.
• Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: home to more than 16,000 aquatic creatures, with an impressive underwater tunnel. Price: adult admission $43 CAD.
• Royal Ontario Museum: one of the largest museums of world culture and natural science in North America. Price: adult admission $23 CAD.
• Art Gallery of Ontario: one of the most distinguished art galleries in North America, with a collection spanning works from the 1st century to the present day. Price: adult admission $25 CAD.
• St. Lawrence Market: one of the world’s most famous markets, perfect for sampling local produce.
• Casa Loma : a Gothic-style castle that was once the largest private residence in Canada. Price: adult admission $30 CAD.
• Toronto Islands: a group of small islands converted into a park, accessible by ferry, ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. Ferry fare: $8.19 CAD (return trip).
• High Park: the largest park in the city, offering playgrounds, sports areas and nature trails.

6. Where and what to eat in Toronto?

Toronto offers an exquisite mix of flavours influenced by its cultural diversity, making the city a gastronomic paradise. From Asian and European ingredients to local dishes, every bite reflects its rich multicultural heritage. Typical ingredients include maple syrup, salmon, and fresh local produce, which are found in traditional dishes and innovative culinary fusions.

These are the dishes you can’t miss in Toronto:

• Poutine: French fries topped with grainy cheese and gravy, a Canadian classic.
• Peameal Bacon Sandwich: Toronto’s signature cornmeal-cured bacon sandwich.
• Butter Tart: small butter tarts with a sweet, gooey filling.
• Smoked Salmon: usually served on bagels or in gourmet dishes.
• Tourtière: Spicy meat pie originally from Quebec but popular in Toronto during the winter.

A typical drink in Toronto and across Canada is the Caesar, similar to the Bloody Mary but made with clamato (tomato and clam juice). It is a tradition to enjoy a Caesar during Sunday brunches.

7. Organise a trip with friends to Toronto

In Toronto we’re sure you’ll have a great time with your friends as the city offers a wide range of cultural offerings, from the CN Tower to ethnic neighbourhoods such as Chinatown and Little Italy. However, travelling in a group can sometimes lead to discussions about which activities to prioritise, how to allocate the budget between shopping, eating and entertainment, and how to manage the differences in the pace of each person’s trip.

Conflicts can arise especially when it comes to choosing between a quiet afternoon in the Toronto Islands or a lively night exploring the city’s music scene. The Passporter app can be a great help in democratising planning, allowing everyone in the group to propose and vote for activities, ensuring that each day meets everyone’s expectations. We tell you how to do it in this post: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Toronto

• Be sure to bring the local currency, the Canadian dollar, although credit and debit cards are widely accepted. We recommend using international cards.
• Check that you have all your documents in order, including your passport and, depending on your country of origin, an eTA or visa.
• Bring an adapter if your electrical devices have different specifications, as Canada uses A and B type plugs, with a voltage of 120V and frequency of 60Hz.
• Prepare for variable weather depending on the region and the season; bring cold-weather clothing if you’re travelling in winter, especially to the northernmost regions or the Rocky Mountains.
• Use efficient public transportation in major cities such as Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, and consider buying a local transit card for unlimited travel.
• Bear in mind that English and French are the official languages, with French predominating in Quebec and English in the rest of the country.
• A tip of 15-20% is customary in restaurants. Tipping is also common in taxis.
• Check if you need an international driver’s licence if you plan to rent a car.
• Buy an eSIM card for mobile internet access. Our favourite company is Holafly as they offer cards for Toronto with unlimited data.
• Book flights and accommodation in advance, especially in high season or for popular destinations such as the Rocky Mountains.
• Although Toronto is generally safe, it’s always wise to take standard precautions, especially in big cities.
• Remember that if you’re visiting a national park, you’ll have to pay a visitor’s fee. The fee is around $10 CAD per day.
• Using apps like Passporter to plan your trip to Toronto is free and helps you get inspiration from other travellers and organise your itinerary efficiently.
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Toronto

Download the Passporter App and discover all the possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you want to visit each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums.
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents.
• Make any changes you need to make and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Toronto.

If you have doubts about how to create your itinerary, you can consult our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about travelling to Toronto