Toronto is a straightforward city to navigate, but its size, dual-airport system, and seasonal extremes mean a little planning goes a long way. This FAQ covers getting in and around, visa requirements, tipping customs, safety, and practical money-saving tips to help you visit Toronto like a local.
Toronto Travel Tips: Airports and Getting Into the City
Toronto has two airports. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the main international gateway, located 27km northwest of downtown in Mississauga. Terminal 1 handles Air Canada, Star Alliance partners, and most international carriers. Terminal 3 handles WestJet, American carriers, and many discount airlines. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is on an island 2km south of downtown, served exclusively by Porter Airlines and Air Canada Express with flights to US and Canadian destinations. YTZ is far more convenient for downtown access: you walk off the plane and onto a free 90-second ferry to the foot of Bathurst Street.
Getting Downtown from Pearson (YYZ)
The UP Express train is the fastest option: it departs Terminal 1 every 15 minutes (every 30 minutes outside peak) and reaches Union Station in 25 minutes. Fare: CAD 12.35 one-way adult, CAD 9.25 with Presto card. Children under 12 ride free. A taxi or Uber from Pearson to downtown costs CAD 55-65 flat rate, with a 35-60 minute travel time depending on traffic (avoid 4-6 PM on weekdays). The TTC bus and subway combination (Route 900 Airport Express bus to Kipling Station, then Line 2 subway) costs CAD 3.35 and takes 60-75 minutes.
Getting Downtown from Billy Bishop (YTZ)
From Billy Bishop, take the free 90-second ferry to the mainland terminal, then a free shuttle bus to Union Station (runs every 15 minutes, 5-7 minutes). Alternatively, walk 2 minutes to Bathurst Street and take the 509 or 511 streetcar east to Union Station (CAD 3.35). Taxi or Uber from Billy Bishop to downtown: CAD 12-18, 5-10 minutes.
Toronto Travel Tips: Getting Around the City
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) runs the subway (two main lines: Line 1 Yonge-University and Line 2 Bloor-Danforth, plus the Line 4 Sheppard spur), 11 streetcar routes, and over 140 bus routes. A single fare costs CAD 3.35 for adults, CAD 2.30 for youth (13-19) and seniors (65+), free for children under 12. A Presto card (CAD 4 purchase at any subway station kiosk) reduces fares to CAD 3.30 and enables free two-hour transfers. A day pass is CAD 13.50 and is valid on all TTC services for one person from first tap until 5:30 AM the next day. The TTC does not accept contactless credit card payments (as of 2025); you need a Presto card, a single-use Presto ticket from a station vending machine, or exact change (cash). Uber and Lyft are widely available and downtown rides typically cost CAD 8-18.
Toronto Travel Tips: Money, Tipping, and Costs
The currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD). Credit cards are accepted everywhere; you can go weeks without handling cash. Tipping expectations: 15-20% at restaurants (pretax amount), CAD 1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% on taxi and ride-share fares, CAD 2-5 per night for hotel housekeeping. Tipping is culturally expected for table service; some restaurants auto-gratuity groups of 6 or more at 18%. Sales tax in Ontario is 13% HST (Harmonized Sales Tax), applied to most goods and services including restaurant meals. Hotel taxes add roughly 13% HST plus a Municipal Accommodation Tax of 6% (total roughly 19% on top of the room rate).
Toronto Travel Tips: Visas and Entry Requirements
Most visitors to Canada need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). US citizens are exempt from both (passport only required). Citizens of visa-exempt countries (UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and about 50 others) need an eTA, which costs CAD 7 and is applied for online through the official Canadian government website. The eTA is linked to your passport electronically and is valid for five years or until your passport expires. Standard visitor visas are required for citizens of India, China, the Philippines, and many African and South American countries; processing takes 2-8 weeks. Always apply through the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Scam sites charge hundreds of dollars for forms that cost CAD 7-100 officially.
Toronto Travel Tips: Safety and Practical Advice
Toronto is one of the safest large cities in North America. Violent crime rates are low by US standards. The downtown core, including the Entertainment District, Financial District, Queen West, and Yorkville, is safe to walk at any hour, though standard urban awareness applies late at night. The TTC subway is safe and well-lit, with Designated Waiting Areas (DWAs) on platforms monitored by cameras and intercoms at every station. Tap water is safe and excellent quality; Toronto draws from Lake Ontario and consistently ranks among the best municipal water in the world. Emergency number: 911.
Toronto Travel Tips: Weather and Packing Advice
Pack for extremes. Winter (December to March) requires a serious winter coat rated to -15°C or colder, waterproof boots, hat, gloves, and a scarf. The wind off Lake Ontario is biting. Summer (June to August) calls for shorts, light breathable fabrics, and sunscreen (UV index can hit 9 in July). A light jacket or sweater is useful even in summer: air conditioning in malls, restaurants, and the PATH is frequently set to frigid. Spring and fall are the hardest seasons to pack for, with 10-15°C temperature swings within a single day. Layers are essential. An umbrella is useful year-round; Toronto gets 815mm of rain spread across 12 months with no reliable dry season.
Toronto Travel Tips: Technology and Connectivity
Free public WiFi (named “City of Toronto WiFi” or “TConnect”) is available in many public spaces including Nathan Phillips Square and Union Station. The TTC offers free WiFi called “TConnect” at all subway stations. Most cafes and fast-food restaurants have free WiFi. If you need a local SIM, the three major carriers are Rogers, Bell, and Telus, with prepaid plans starting around CAD 40 for basic data. Discount brands like Fido, Koodo, and Virgin Mobile offer cheaper prepaid options (CAD 25-35) running on the same networks. eSIM apps like Airalo offer Canada-wide data packages starting at CAD 6 for 1GB (7 days).
Suggested Hotels in Toronto
Fairmont Royal York
Toronto’s historic grand railway hotel, located directly across from Union Station with direct PATH access. The 1929 building features a landmark lobby with hand-painted ceilings and travertine columns. Best for travelers who want a historic landmark experience with unbeatable transit connections. Check rates and availability
Chelsea Hotel Toronto
Canada’s largest hotel with 1,590 rooms, located on the edge of the Garden District. The Chelsea is family-focused with a kids’ activity center, indoor pool with waterslide, and a 5-minute walk to the Eaton Centre. Best for families who want mid-range pricing with kid-specific amenities. Check rates and availability
Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre
A reliable chain hotel at 30 Carlton Street, next to the former Maple Leaf Gardens. The College subway station is 2 minutes away on foot. Best for budget-conscious travelers who want a clean, predictable room with direct subway access. Check rates and availability
