Toronto Tour Guide: A complete Insight

History of Toronto:

Toronto is one of the most popular city in Canada. It is the capital city of the Canadian province of Ontario. Toronto is the 4th most popular city in North America with a recorded population of 2,794,356 till 2021.

Toronto is the centre for music, theatre, motion picture production and television production. It is the home to headquarters of Canada's major national broadcast network and media outlets. 

This site lays an entrance to one of the oldest routes to the northwest. This route was used by Huron, Iroquois and Ojibwe.

The French traders founded Fort Rouille (French trading post) located in Toronto, Canada.

In 1793 Britishers founded the town of York as the capital of upper Canada after acquiring that land. Later York was changed to Toronto. Immigration from the United States and Europe helped in the growth of the city and made it a centre of finance and industry.

Currently it is a global city known for its diverse economy, arts, culture and financial strength.

Things you must know before visiting Toronto:

Toronto is one of largest cities in North America, bigger than cities of the United States other than New York and Los Angeles.

There are many cultural things you can do in Toronto as it is one of the most popular cities in Canada. It's famous for music, dining scenes, and has famous Cities as neighbours. The people living there have hidden sportspersons within them. The city comes to life on sports days on the baseball ground in summers and the ice hockey stadium in the winter season.

The city Toronto has many historical buildings, dramatic scenes and extraordinary shopping and styling techniques. Other than that it is the city of hidden treasure and secrets. It has city bus system, street car services and subway which allows visitors to explore the city.

Here are some places to visit in Toronto:

Ontario science centre:

The OSC (Ontario science centre) is the topmost interactive place for science and technology in Toronto, Canada. It also has a live demonstration of rainforest and a huge  dome theatre. This museum was constructed and designed during a large-scale movement in Canada. Which was opened to the public in 1969. The Ontario science centre is situated on Don Mills road near Don Valley Parkway in the northeast of the City Toronto. 

The Ontario science centre is the home to world class interactive exhibits which steals the show. It has the world's largest outdoor hydraulophone and fountain located right outside the entrance which is 24/7 open for people.

Hockey hall of fame:

People living in Toronto are fond of sports and ice hockey is their favourite sport. The Hockey hall of fame is the home of the Stanley Cup. It was first founded in Kingston by James T Sutherland in 1943 then this hall of fame moved to Toronto due to funding problems.

In 1998 the hockey hall of fame launched a world hockey zone which highlights the players and teams from other North American or international leagues.

Casa Loma: 

Casa Loma was built between 1911-1914 and has a structural appearance just like the Gothic Revival Castle from the 18th century. This building was built by a man who constructed the first hydro-electric plant on the Nigerian River.

It's now a museum and a renowned venue for wedding ceremonies which is open from April to October.

Toronto City Hall: 

The square in front of the Toronto City Hall is often bustling with people who enjoy sitting near Foundation and 3D Toronto signs. Iconic place to take selfies. There are many cafes and buildings nearby so you can visit there to enjoy and explore unique things in Toronto.

CN Tower:

This is the most iconic structure on the Toronto Skyline. It is part of the tallest free-standing structures in the world.

You can stand at the top and enjoy the magnificent view of the whole city.

Kensington Market:

This market is north of Chinatown and has a trendy collection of things, a great collection of vintage stores, art galleries and a market.

The market consists of fresh products, meat, fish and is popular for students and people who live nearby. The best time to visit the market is the last Sunday of the month because at that time areas go car free to allow free giant street markets.

Entertainment district: 

This district is an area of old Toronto which has bars, Clubs and theatres. It is popular for its size which makes it one of the most liveliest party places in the world. Which has some famous bars like Bars Hop, The fifth social Club, the second city Toronto.  Each bar and place has its own significance and attracts a lot of tourist accross the world.

Tips you must follow while you visit Toronto:

Here are some tips and tricks you must follow while you visit Toronto:

Best time for exploring the city:

The city of Toronto has amazing weather between April and November. In the summer season it is all about music festivals and tourism. People enjoy every outdoor event and activity which makes it the best time to explore the city. The people who are winter lovers the best time to visit the city is after November.

In December the city becomes fully covered with snow with the arrival of Christmas and New year. So hurry up and book your hotels according to your preference.

Traffic rules:

The traffic rules in Toronto follows:

• Sides of the road

• Traffic signals

• Sidewalk 

• Pedestrian rush.

Other than Montreal you can take a right on red light everywhere in Canada. The pedestrians can walk on the crosswalks and local tourist maps are readily available for the visitors to ease their exploring experience.

Languages:

The languages which are mainly used in Toronto Canada are English and French. You must at least know one of them to communicate with people living there. According to data almost 95% of the people living there know how to speak English. Apart from French, languages such as Chinese and Italian are spoken here. Canada is home to hundreds of ethnic groups of immigration so the language there is diverse.

Currency:

You can exchange currency with the help of ATMs present there which helps in exchange of high currency exchange and withdrawal.

Many hotels give facilities of exchanging currency at lower rates as compared to banks.

One tip is not to carry exchanged currency as it will keep you worried and can land you into trouble. You can change currency according to your needs and preferences.

Local transport system:

Public transport is the best choice for visitors who want to explore the city. Some of them are:

Subways and trains: It is the most used way of transportation in the city which has three rapid transit lines for heavy rail systems. Scarborough is one of the famous tourist attractions where a light metro line is available for transportation. 

Go transit:

This service is operated by the government of Ontario. It is another option available for letting people travel and explore the city. This local transportation system consists of rail and bus. The private networks such as Uber and Toronto Bike. This Bike system the bikes are hired by the visitors from docking stations for short period of time. 

Other public transportation: 

Street cars are readily available for people whether they are local or tourists. Bus services cater at places where subways are not available for travelling.  Popular while exploring outdoor activities in remote areas of Toronto.

Neighbouring towns to stay while you visit Toronto:

All the primary financial centres as well as entertainment and event venues are located downtown. With University of Toronto and all other cultural sites. The uptown is situated in the north. The downtown with best curb appeal are found on Front, Queen, Dundas and King. This is the best location if you want to explore college street.  

In order to save the cost associated with public transportation it is advised to stay closer to any metro station or bus station in the downtown. All the tickets are booked online so you don't need to worry about wasting your time in purchasing tickets.

Festivals in Toronto:

Here is the list of some most popular festivals celebrated in Toronto:

Toronto International Film Festival:

The Toronto International Film Festival is celebrated every year in September. Ity is one of the most important and popular film festivals in the world.

Caribana:  

It is an exciting summertime celebration of Caribbean culture that features a wide variety of exotic food and entertainment which people enjoy indulging with.

Toronto Santa Claus Parade:

It is one of the largest parades in the world and also the longest running children's parade held every year in the city.

Toronto Gay Pride Parade:

The pride parade for queer communities is celebrated the entire week but the festival is celebrated on any 1 day of the week.

Flights from London to Toronto

London is the largest City and Capital of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of around 8.8 million.

Toronto is the most popular city in Canada and the capital city of the Canadian province of Ontario.

Flights from London to Toronto

There are Many flights which move from London to Toronto but here are the top three Flights which are popular on this route are:

1.Air Canada AC847 Departing from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) at PM and arriving at (YYZ)Toronto Pearson International Airport, with a flight time of 7 hours & 25 minutes.

2. WestJet WS623 Departing from London Gatwick Airport (LGR) at 10:20 AM and arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), with a Flight time of 7 Hours & 10 minutes.

3. British Airways BA219 departing from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) at 11:15 AM and arriving at Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) at 4:00 PM, with a flight time of 7 Hours & 45 minutes.

There are many daily Flights available between London And Toronto, but these are the few things that you should keep in mind when booking a flight ticket.

You should Book your Flight in advance, especially if you are travelling during the peak season.

• Choose accurate & flexible Data and Time.

• Consider flying into a smaller airport, e.g. LGW or STN, which may have cheaper fares than LHR.

• And Importantly Sign up for email alerts from the airline and travel website to be notified about sales and special offers.

Hotels in Toronto, Canada

Expensive Hotels

1.The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto

This Hotel in Toronto, Ontario is located near Scotiabank Arena, Harbourfront, and Graffiti Alley. They provide Massage or facials in the SPA or enjoy on-site Dining at Toca.

2.Hotel X Toronto by Library Hotel Collection

This hotel brings a next-level lifestyle experience in Downtown Toronto. With all the innovative Offerings in entertainment, accommodation, fitness, wellness and dining. This hotel features unrivalled Resort-style. This is the only hotel of this kind in Downtown Toronto with a focus on nature, wellness, and community.

3.Windsor Arms Hotel 

Consistently Voted as the #1 Hotel of all time in Toronto by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, the Windsor Arms Hotel is nestled on a quiet Street ideally Located only a few steps from Yorkville, the HEART of Toronto’s most Fashionable Shopping and entertainment District.

Mid-Range Hotels

1.DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Toronto Downtown

Streamlined rooms offer free Wi-Fi, Flat-Screen TVs, and coffeemakers; some of them even have mini-fridges. Suites add Separate living areas, and some include Kitchens and Whirlpool Baths.

2.Residence Inn by Marriott Toronto Downtown

The polished studio comes with a full Kitchen and free Wi-fi, as well as pull-out Sofas, desks, and TVs. Warm 1-and 2-bedroom suites add separate living areas and additional TVs.

3.Hilton Hotel Toronto

There are Warm Rooms, Wi-Fi, TVs, Coffeemakers, and Warm 1-and 2-bedroom suites add separate living areas and additional TVs. Upgraded rooms and suites include access to a lounge with breakfast  and snacks, some featuring Lake Ontario views.

Toronto’s Art & Culture

1.Visual Arts:

Galleries & Museums: The Grandeur of the AGO showcasing International Masterpieces of the constant edge of the Power Pant, Toronto’s diverse galleries catering to all tastes. There are even historical collections at the ROM or the world of photography at the Photography Festival.

Street art & Murals: Kensington Market’s maze of alleys, where colourful murals tell stories on Each & Every Walls there. Witnessing the ever-evolving  Canvas of Graffiti Alley downtown or the Street Art in St. George West.

Films & Animation: The latest Independent Films & documentaries at TIFF, or the animation of the world at the Toronto International Animation Festival. Explore more exciting small venues like the Revue Cinema or the Innis Hall Society for Unique Cinematic Experience. 

2.Performing Arts:

Theatre: From the Shakespearean Production at the renowned Stratford festival to shows at fringe venues like Theatre Passe Muraille, Toronto’s theatre scene offers a range of experience.

Music: Feel the energetic live music scene, diverse genres from Jazz at the Rex to electronic beats at The Hoxton. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra or discover up-&-coming talents at small venues or streets like Downtown, The Horseshoe Tavern.

Dance: The innovative contemporary dance at Toronto Dance Theatre or the Balletlujah, or enjoy traditional performances at the Alhambra Theatre. Experience the vibrant cultural dance at community festivals like the Caribana Festival or the South Asian Fest.

3.Festival & Events:

Year-round celebration: Throughout the whole year, Toronto comes alive with diverse festival celebrations, everything from films and music to Art and Culture. Immerse yourself in the Caribbean vibes of Caribana, the excitement of the artistic spirit of the Luminato festival.

Community Connections: Engaging with the local people of Toronto, the artists there and the makers at craft fairs and outdoor markets like the one-of-a-kind show. Celebrated different cultures at community festivals like the Taste of Little ITALY or the Dragon Boat Festival.

4.Culinary Arts:

Divers Flavors: From the 5 Star Michelin Starred Restaurant showcasing global cuisine to vibrant food trucks and markets like St. Lawrence Market, Toronto’s culinary scene is a melting pot of Flavors. Explore Italy’s traditional restaurants, Chinatown’s dim sum houses, or Savour Ethiopian stews in Little Ethiopia.

Art on a Plate: Experience the food as an art at innovative restaurants like Black Camel or Scaramouche restaurant, where chefs create delicious masterpieces.

5.Literary & spoken Word:

Bookstores & Festival: Independent Bookstores like The Beguiling or Ben McNally Books, or attend the Scotiabank Giller Prize ceremony & book events throughout the whole year. Author reading at The International Festival of Authors or the Word on the Street festival.

Poetry & spoken words: The Powerful Voices of Toronto’s spoken word scene at venues like The Porch or The Poetry Project. Immerse yourself in the rhythm & language at open mic nights & poetry Slams.

Food and Cuisine:

The local street food of Toronto consists of mixed flavours from Italy to France. The dishes like ketchup chips, nanaimo, and smoked meat sandwiches all define the style and flavours of the Toronto foodie scene. 

Sushi Pizza can be a unique choice. You may also love Caesar cocktail tourtiere etc while exploring the streets of Toronto.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What's the best way I can get to Toronto? 

The TTC's public transit system in Toronto is a reliable and affordable way to get around the city. To explore this city, Bike Share Toronto is a fun and eco friendly way to do so. Walking is also a great option, particularly in the city's core, where you can walk very easily. There are also a number of ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft.

Do tourists have any security concerns? 

Although Toronto is secure, you should keep an eye on your surroundings and take security precautions in crowded areas at night as a general rule. pickpocketing and other petty crimes should also be taken care of by tourists.

Can I make use of the US dollars in Toronto? 

Although some businesses in Toronto are allowed to accept U.S. dollars, it is recommended that you use Canadian dollarCAD for all transactions. There are a wide variety of credit cards available, and an ATM is located all over the city.

What's the rate of sales tax in Toronto?

The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) in Toronto is 13% on most goods and services. Some items, such as basic groceries and prescription drugs, are exempt from HST.

What are the most popular day trips from Toronto?

Niagara Falls: You'll have a chance to view some of the most beautiful waterfalls. 

Stratford: Take a look at the theatre and the Victorian architecture. In the Algonquin Park, learn about nature and animals. 

In addition to the daytrips mentioned, there are a variety of other popular trips from Toronto that you can take including visits to Niagara's charming town of Niagaraon The Lake, wine tasting and skiing or snowboarding in the Blue Mountains.

Where's that train going to be arriving in Toronto? 

There's a Via Rail station on the corner of Bay Street and Front Street West in downtown Toronto. There's a station called Union Station.

 

What's the location of the performing arts centre at Four Seasons? And what are the performances that they've got? 

It is located in the central block of University Avenue, Richmond Street West, York Street and Queen Street West. It's home to the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada.

I've heard about a festival where it starts at night? 

It's called Nuit Blanche, the festival you're talking about. For Toronto's fourth annual sunset to sunrise celebration of contemporary art, the city was transformed by more than 550 artists for one sleepless night. Find out more about art in galleries, museums and unexpected places. Choose from over 132 installations and chart your route, including churches, grocery stores, petrol stations, chimney stacks or bus stops.

What's the best place to pick up something downtown? 

In the centre of Toronto, shopping is always going to end. You'll find Queen Street West, Kensington Market, Chinatown, Queens Quay Terminal, Toronto Eaton Centre and Yorkville.

What should I take with me for the trip to Toronto? 

It depends on the time of year, but here are a few things you need for your trip to Toronto: 

Comfortable shoes: Toronto's a very walkable city, which is why you need to take appropriate clothing with you for your explorations. 

Layered clothing: If you're going to Toronto, there may be an unpredictable weather pattern so bring layers that are easy to add or remove. Camera: Toronto's a lovely city with lots of opportunities for photographs, so make sure you bring your camera or mobile phone.

And Things according to your preference and needs. Hurry up! Enjoy your vacation!