Toronto
Toronto is a cosmopolitan city that is home to vibrant lifestyles, art and beaches. The city’s food reflects the multicultural diversity, with restaurants providing an insight into the population. There is so much to explore in the city, from waterfront walks, to kayaking around Toronto Islands. Toronto’s seasonal weather means that the city’s attractions are exciting and versatile.
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: 911
- Language: English
- Currency: Canadian Dollar
- Country Code: CA
- Travel Visa: eTA (click for more info)
- Population: 6,196,731
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For the Emergency services just dial 911 from any phone.
Hospitals in Toronto
Tourist Offices
Travelling Around
Toronto is easily accessible by bus, subway and streetcar. Operating throughout the city, it is a cheap and efficient way of exploring. Subway services are available from 6am, with two main subway lines running through the city. Buses run every 10 minutes and provide routes valid with a pass to ride. To explore more, ferries visit Toronto Island, departing from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal in downtown Toronto.
Train Stations
Toronto Safety
How do I keep up with the local news?
What are some safety tips I should know?
Although vehicles are supposed to stop when the streetcar doors open, some motorists and cyclists will ignore this and keep going so please be careful when getting off the streetcars and look always to your right before leaving the car.
Parts of Toronto have a visible homeless population and so you may get asked for money. You may find this a bit startling but please note, you do not need to give them money and can simply say “no, thank you,” or ignore them.
Petty crime is generally not a large-scale problem in Toronto, but as always, keep vigilant with your possessions and avoid keeping valuables in outer pockets.
When withdrawing cash from ATM try to go inside the bank. Beware of withdrawing cash from cash points on pedestrian walkways. Try to withdraw small sums and don’t flash your cash around even in the bank.
What are the common crimes?
Property crime is one of the most common crimes and it can affect almost anyone at any time. These crimes include, breaking and entering, motor vehicle or bicycle theft, possession of stolen property, theft, shoplifting and mischief against property or causing property damage.
Toronto has resulted in the city having a reputation as one of the safest large cities in North America. However, police statistics show assaults remain consistently high in down-town neighbourhoods.
Are there any areas to avoid?
Stay away from parts of the area bordered by Jarvis, Wellesley, Queen and the Don Valley. During the day, you’re pretty much safe anywhere but these are the areas to avoid when dark.
Areas that have relatively higher rates of crime, some of which are in the old town as follows: Southwest Parkdale, Greenwood/Gerrard/railway, Steeles/Jane/Finch/Gosford, Overlea Blvd/Thorncliffe Park, Queen/Dundas/Spadina/Bathurst
Improve Your Personal Safety
Knowledge – the more you have the better equipped you are.
Awareness – the more you see the safer you become.
Response – the right reaction can change a situation.
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
Toronto Events
Canada Day
This weekend event celebrated in Toronto and other Canadian cities alike. Celebrate a new chapter in Toronto’s history as they have recently officially open the brand new Canada Square with music, dance, food and spectacular ‘Canada Eve Fireworks’.
Luminato
In June, Luminato is a 10-day festival in Toronto featuring over a thousand local and international artists for theatre, dance, music, visual arts, books and film events.
Toronto Highlights
What else is there to see?
Toronto Zoo
The zoo is a dynamic and exciting action centre that inspires people to love, respect and protect wildlife and wild spaces. Teaching the public to nurture and protect wildlife populations and the places that sustain them, this attraction offers a compelling education and outreach experiences to inspire people to care about wildlife and protect habitats. The Toronto Zoo celebrates a spectrum of plants and animals and it inspires to connect people with nature.High Park
Toronto’s largest public park featuring many hiking trails and sports facilities. The park has diverse vegetation and a beautiful lake-front with a dog park, a zoo and playgrounds for children. There is convenient parking as well easy public transit access and a choice of eateries or picnic areas if you prefer. This beautiful park is a true gem in Toronto. Check out the website for details on the events hosted throughout the year.St. Lawrence Market
Over 120 speciality merchants await you at Toronto’s premier market. The Market is a place where the authenticity of truly great food and shopkeepers who care reign above all else. For each of their 120 vendors, merchants and artisans, the Market is their life’s work and their pride, care and passion is the reason that over 200 years later, the Market continues to thrive and has been named the world’s best food market by National Geographic in April 2012.What are the main attractions?
CN Tower
At over 550 metres above the ground, the CN Tower is a communications and observation tower in Down-town Toronto. At the time of being built it was the world’s tallest free-standing structure and world’s tallest tower! ‘360’ is the Restaurant at the CN Tower, one of Toronto’s finest, features unforgettable food combined with a magnificent revolving view of Toronto for a special occasion or even just a treat! The restaurant offers market-fresh cuisine, featuring regional ingredients to ensure an incomparable culinary experience alongside the world’s highest “cellar in the sky”.Toronto Island Park
A chain of small islands, they are the only group of islands in the western part of Lake Ontario. The islands are popular places to visit with tourists and locals alike, located just offshore from the city centre. Recreational bicyclists are accommodated on the ferries, and bicycles and canoes can be rented on the islands.Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is located in the city of Toronto, one of North America’s most diverse and exciting urban centres. The ROM is a must-see Toronto attraction, as one of Canada’s largest museum of world culture and natural history. It attracts over one million visitors every year.Are there any festivals?
Toronto International Film Festival
Toronto plays host to a variety of different events year-round. An especially exciting time of year is September, Hollywood actors, writers, directors and producers descend on the city for the Toronto International Film Festival.OVO Fest
For 9 years, Toronto’s Budweiser Stage has been home to this music festival. The famous rapper Drake, honours his home town with headline acts and guests. This annual event features local and industry icons for two days of performances.Pride Toronto Festival
In celebration of the the LGBTQ+ community, the city holds an annual festival. Running for 35 years, the streets come alive to honour the community. From dancing, food and festive fun, this is a popular event.
