Explore Toronto like a local and you’ll soon realize that the city is a delightful mix of multicultural vibes, quirky neighborhoods, and fantastic food. You might know it as “The Six,” but for us locals, it’s a bustling city full of hidden gems, confusing streetcars, and enough coffee shops to caffeinate the entire population. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or just pretending to know where the heck you are, I’m here to guide you on how to explore Toronto like a local, complete with insider tips, food recommendations, and the occasional polite but awkward Canadian encounter.
When to Visit Toronto: Timing is Everything
First off, if you’re thinking of coming to Toronto in January, turn back. I mean it! Unless you want to experience what it feels like to have your face frozen off by a rogue polar vortex, I’d suggest you aim for the more forgiving months.
Best time to visit?
Late spring (May-June) and fall (September-October). These months give you perfect weather for exploring the city without breaking a sweat or an ankle on black ice. Plus, you get the added bonus of fall foliage or spring blossoms, so you can post on Instagram with the hashtag #NoFilter and actually mean it.
Getting Around the City: A Crash Course in the TTC
Before we dive into the good stuff (aka food), let me give you a crash course on how to navigate Toronto. First, there’s the TTC – our public transit system, which consists of buses, streetcars, and subways. It’s reliable enough for the occasional mishap, and your subway ride comes with free entertainment (you know, like that guy playing a saxophone in the middle of the train).
Pro tip: If you’re waiting for the 501 streetcar and it feels like it’s taking forever, don’t worry, that’s because it is. Grab a coffee and wait it out, life in Toronto is about patience, especially when it comes to the TTC.
Explore Toronto Like a Local: GO Train Weekend Pass
Want to explore the city and its surroundings? Grab a GO Train Weekend Pass! For just $10, you can travel on Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays. This pass allows you unlimited travel on all GO Train and GO Bus routes, making it a perfect way to visit nearby attractions like Niagara Falls, Hamilton, or the beautiful waterfront towns of the GTA. So grab your pass, hop on the train, and explore Toronto like a local!
Top Eateries: Toronto’s Food Scene (aka Heaven for Foodies)
Now for the real reason anyone should ever visit Toronto: the food. Forget sightseeing; your Toronto experience should revolve around where you’re going to stuff your face next. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with a multicultural food scene that rivals any major city. Here’s where to start:
1. Kensington Market – Seven Lives Tacos
Taco-lovers, rejoice! If you’re in Kensington Market, stop by Seven Lives for some of the best fish tacos in the city. They’re so good, that you’ll wonder if you’ve accidentally been transported to the streets of Baja California. Just remember: if there’s a line (there will be), it’s totally worth the wait.
2. St. Lawrence Market – Carousel Bakery
Ever heard of the peameal bacon sandwich? No? Well, you’re about to. This sandwich is a Toronto classic, and Carousel Bakery inside St. Lawrence Market does it best. It’s essentially Canadian bacon in sandwich form—salty, delicious, and unapologetically messy.
3. The Annex – Sushi on Bloor
If you’re craving sushi, head to Sushi on Bloor in The Annex, where you’ll find quality rolls at affordable prices. Yes, it’s possible to eat amazing sushi without breaking the bank in this city!
4. Chinatown – Mother’s Dumplings
If you like dumplings (and really, who doesn’t?), then Mother’s Dumplings is where you need to be. Handmade, perfectly steamed or fried, and absolutely stuffed with fillings—this is one of those spots where you’ll leave with both a full belly and a full heart.
5. Distillery District – Cluny Bistro
Feeling fancy? Time to hit up Cluny Bistro in the Distillery District for some fine French dining. The atmosphere is elegant but not too stuffy, and the pastries? You won’t even care about the calories because, let’s face it, you’re on vacation.
Things to Do: Toronto for the Adventurous
After all that food, you’ll probably want to walk it off, and luckily, Toronto has more to offer than just its food scene. Here are a few must-do activities to burn off those tacos and dumplings and explore Toronto like a local:
1. Walk the Waterfront and Toronto Music Garden
Toronto’s waterfront is one of the best spots to stroll, especially on a sunny day. You can walk all the way from the Harbourfront to the Beaches, catching glimpses of sailboats, swans, and even the occasional swan-shaped paddleboat (seriously). Bonus points if you grab an ice cream along the way. For a more relaxing experience, stroll through the Toronto Music Garden. Inspired by Bach’s “The Well-Tempered Clavier,” this beautiful garden combines music, nature, and art. It’s a lovely spot to unwind, especially in the summer, when they often host concerts.
2. Explore the Distillery District
Cobblestone streets, cool art galleries, and cute boutiques—what more could you ask for? The Distillery District is an Instagrammer’s dream. Even if you’re not into taking pictures of your latte art, the historic architecture and charming vibe are well worth a visit.
3. Hit the Islands
Take the ferry to the Toronto Islands for the day and escape the city without ever leaving it. Rent a bike, take a dip in the lake, or just laze around on the beach with the city skyline as your backdrop. It’s the perfect urban escape, just minutes from downtown.
4. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
No trip to Toronto is complete without a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum. This iconic museum houses a vast collection of art, culture, and natural history. Whether you’re marveling at dinosaur fossils or exploring ancient artifacts, the ROM is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon and hey, it’s a great place to escape the heat in the summer!
5. Get a Bird’s-Eye View from the CN Tower
I know it’s touristy, but hear me out: standing on the glass floor of the CN Tower while looking down at the city 1,100 feet below is something that even locals do from time to time. Plus, the views? Absolutely unbeatable. And if you’re a daredevil, you can do the EdgeWalk and walk outside the tower while harnessed in (but that’s only if you don’t value your sanity).
6. Toronto to Niagara Falls
Take that GO Train and head to Niagara Falls for a day trip! It’s a world-famous natural wonder and totally worth the visit. Take a boat tour on the Maid of the Mist for an up-close view of the falls. just be prepared to get a little wet! Seriously, wear a poncho.
7. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
If art is more your thing, don’t miss the Art Gallery of Ontario. With an extensive collection of Canadian and international art, it’s perfect for both seasoned art lovers and those just looking to appreciate a good painting or two. Bonus: the building itself is a work of art, thanks to the stunning architecture by Frank Gehry.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Toronto Vibe
To really appreciate Toronto, you need to embrace its quirks. Yes, the weather can be dramatic. Yes, people will apologize for bumping into you even when it’s clearly your fault. And yes, we do love Tim Hortons coffee more than we should. But that’s part of the charm.
Whether you’re exploring our hidden laneways, grumbling about the TTC, or indulging in some of the world’s best cuisine, Toronto will welcome you with open arms (and likely an offer to take your photo when you’re standing in front of the CN Tower). So pack your appetite, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to fall in love with the Six. Trust me, by the end of your trip, you’ll be saying “eh” like a true Torontonian.
