Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do on a trip to Toronto, Canada. While many travel blogs will tell you all the fun things to do in Toronto, we want to be sure you know what you should NOT do when you plan a Toronto trip.
Don’t Feel Obligated to Go Up CN Tower
CN Tower is the building that sets the Toronto skyline apart from other cities. You’ll have dozens of pictures of the CN Tower, and you can pay to go up to the top, but it’s not really necessary. There are great views of the Toronto skyline all over the city.
Don’t Drive in Toronto
Driving in Toronto is a hassle and I advise you to avoid it at all costs. It’s not just driving, it’s also the parking. It’s like any major city: traffic, congestion, construction, and expensive parking. Just get a PRESTO card and use the TTC; the Toronto Transit Commission. There is a subway, streetcars, and buses that make it easy to get around Toronto. (Just don’t be loud on the TTC; Canadians are a bit more reserved and quiet, so be aware of your surroundings.)
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Another easy way to get around Toronto is by bike; there are bike lanes everywhere and Bike Share Toronto has over 7000 bikes at over 600 stations around the city.
Don’t Miss the Toronto Neighborhoods
Like any major city, Toronto is made up of dozens of smaller neighborhoods outside of the Central Business District. Downtown Toronto is actually pretty quiet in the evening and on the weekends, so the neighborhoods are where the nightlife is.
Regardless of where you stay in Toronto, make sure you check out at least a few of the best neighborhoods in Toronto:
- The Distillery District is a revamped distillery that is now home to bars, restaurants, and art galleries
- Kensington Market (Jocelyn’s favorite neighborhood in Toronto) is more of a hippie vibe with colorful houses and independent boutiques.
- Greektown or Danforth has a nice concentration of international cuisine, including Greek restaurants!
- CabbageTown is one of the more historic neighborhoods in Toronto, with cool Victorian homes
- Queen West is another hip and trendy Toronto neighborhood, with great dining and entertainment options
- Chinatown / Little Italy are great neighborhoods for shopping and eating in Toronto.
In the summer months, you’ll find all kinds of fun festivals and events in the neighborhoods.
Don’t Miss The Top Tourist Attractions in Toronto Canada
When you visit Toronto, there are some things you should absolutely not miss.
- The Hockey Hall of Fame – even if you’re not a hockey fan, this museum is so interesting and informative, you will love it! You can get your photo taken with the real Stanley Cup!
- The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) has one of the best dinosaur collections in the world. Our boys still remember this museum and it’s been years since they visited Toronto.
- St. Lawrence Market is one of the best public markets in the world and one of the best places to try Toronto specialties, like the Peameal Bacon Sandwich.
- Campbell House Museum is an 1822 house that remains in downtown Canada and now serves as a heritage house and museum.
- Casa Loma is a castle that was built in 1914 and at one time was the largest private residence in Canada. Today, the home and gardens are open to the public and host many events, including live music.
- The Art Gallery of Ontario has nearly 100,000 pieces of art to explore.
- Explore Toronto Street Art and Architecture; either on your own or with a guided tour. Destination Toronto has the latest information on Toronto street art and architecture.
- Take a ferry to the Toronto Islands and enjoy the fresh air and green space just outside the city.
- Niagara Falls is one of the most popular day trips from Toronto and it’s totally worth it! You can even take a tour from Toronto so you don’t have to drive.
Don’t Just Eat Canadian Food
Toronto is a major international city, so don’t just stick to Canadian food when you visit Toronto. There are ethnic neighborhoods all over Toronto with amazing food from Korea, China, Italy, Greece, and others. Yes, have your Beaver Tails and poutine, but save room for some of the international cuisines found in Toronto. I lived in Portugal for five years, and I had some of the best Portuguese food of my life in Toronto.
Don’t Expect a Cheap Trip to Toronto
Toronto is not a cheap destination. It’s expensive to live in Toronto and it’s expensive to visit. It’s no different than visiting Chicago or New York; accommodation, entertainment, and eating out are going to add up. Along with Vancouver, Toronto is one of the most expensive cities in Canada.
Don’t Forget About Sales Tax & Tipping
Canada, like the US. adds sales tax on top of what you see on the price tag. Expect to pay about 13% sales tax and if you are eating out at a restaurant, plan to pay another 15-20% gratuity to your server. Tipping is customary in Canada!
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Don’t forget to get some Canadian dollars; some places will take U.S. Dollars, but I wouldn’t count on it and you won’t get a good exchange rate that way.
Don’t Be in the Way
While you are a tourist in Toronto, this is a working city so most folks on the street are probably trying to get to work or get home. Always stand on the right and pass on the left when you are on the escalators, and always stand to the side if you are debating which direction to go or which bus to take.
Don’t Come to Toronto in the Winter
Unless you have to, I don’t recommend visiting Toronto in the winter. It’s cold. If you do have to visit Toronto in winter, make sure you use the PATH. It’s an underground network of tunnels that connect the city and eliminate the need to be outside in the cold.
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Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with Toronto! It’s a fantastic international city, with amazing cuisine, friendly people, and safe streets. If you are looking for a safe, urban vacation with both outdoor activities and cultural attractions, a trip to Toronto may be just what you are looking for!
Want more tips for traveling in Canada? Check out some of our other blog posts: