Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | C$40–75 | C$130–220 |
| Food | C$20–35 | C$50–80 |
| Transport | C$7–13 | C$15–30 |
| Activities | C$0–15 | C$25–50 |
| Drinks | C$10–18 | C$25–40 |
| Daily Total | C$77–156 | C$245–420 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Visa-exempt countries (including EU, UK, Australia) need an eTA (C$7, apply online). US citizens need a passport only — no eTA required
- Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ): UP Express to Union Station (C$12.35, 25 min). TTC bus 192 + subway is cheaper (C$3.35) but slower (60–75 min)
- Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) is on the Toronto Islands — a 6-minute walk to downtown via pedestrian tunnel. Regional flights only
Health & Safety
- Canada has universal healthcare for residents — visitors need travel insurance. Walk-in clinics charge C$100–200 without coverage
- Toronto is very safe. Standard city precautions apply — watch your phone on the subway, be aware on quiet streets late at night
- Winter (Dec–Mar) is cold (-10°C to -20°C with windchill). Layer up, bring thermal underwear, and watch for icy sidewalks
Getting Around
- Get a Presto card (C$6) for TTC subway, streetcars, and buses. Single ride: C$3.35 with 2-hour transfer. Day pass: C$13.50
- The streetcar network is extensive — the 501 Queen line and 504 King are the most useful. Google Maps has real-time TTC integration
- Uber and Lyft work well. Bike Share Toronto (C$3.25/30-min trip) has stations across the downtown core. Walking is easy — the city is flat
Connectivity
- Free WiFi at most cafes, libraries, PATH underground (downtown), and many public spaces. TTC stations have WiFi through Freedom Mobile
- Canadian SIM cards: Public Mobile or Chatr (C$25–35/month prepaid). Available at phone stores and some convenience stores
- Cell coverage is excellent across the city. Download the TTC real-time app for subway and streetcar tracking
Money
- Cards and tap payment accepted virtually everywhere. Many places are cashless. Apple Pay and Google Pay widely used
- Tipping: 15–20% at restaurants (15% is more standard in Canada than the US), C$1–2/drink at bars, 15% for rideshare
- Canadian pennies are discontinued — cash prices round to the nearest 5 cents. Tax (13% HST) is added at checkout, not included in listed prices
Packing Tips
- Summer (Jun–Aug): light clothing, sunscreen, a rain jacket. Temperatures reach 30°C+ with humidity
- Winter (Dec–Mar): thermal base layers, insulated jacket, waterproof boots, toque (beanie), and gloves. Wind chill makes it feel -20°C+
- Spring/fall are unpredictable — layers are essential. Comfortable walking shoes year-round. An umbrella for the shoulder seasons
Cultural tips
Tipping Culture
Tip 15–20% at restaurants (15% is standard, 18–20% for great service). C$1–2/drink at bars. 15% for rideshare. Counter-service tips are increasingly expected (15–20%) but optional.
Canadian Politeness
Canadians say "sorry" reflexively — even when you bump into them. Hold doors, say please and thank you, and you'll fit right in. The politeness is genuine, not performative.
Multiculturalism
Toronto is the world's most multicultural city — over 200 ethnic groups and 140 languages. Every neighborhood has its own cultural identity. Respect and curiosity toward all cultures is the Toronto way.
Hockey Culture
Hockey is a religion in Toronto. The Maple Leafs haven't won the Stanley Cup since 1967 but the devotion is unwavering. Catch a game at Scotiabank Arena (C$80+ for nosebleeds) or watch at a sports bar.
Canadian English
It's "washroom" not "bathroom," "toque" not "beanie," "double-double" is coffee with two creams and two sugars (Tim Hortons standard), and "eh" is real but subtle. Colour has a U.
Alcohol Laws
Legal drinking age is 19 in Ontario. Alcohol is sold through the LCBO (liquor stores) and The Beer Store — not at convenience stores or supermarkets (with limited exceptions). Bars close at 2am.
