Toronto offers year-round pleasure for tourists, but depending on why you are visiting, certain seasons may be more appealing. Peak travel to the area is from June through September, with July and August seeing the highest tourist numbers due to North American schools being closed for the summer. While summer is busy, the streets come to life with pedestrian markets, patio service at restaurants, and cultural events. Temperatures rise, but so do ticket prices! For the best time to visit Toronto, late April through May or September through October are ideal. Winter time visits do have lower prices, but you also have to deal with lower temperatures.
The best deal found on momondo in the last two weeks was a flight to Toronto from Puerto Vallarta for 96 C$. This is 80% cheaper than most flight deals to Toronto. To find the cheapest price to Toronto from your area, use momondo’s Airport-to-Airport Pricing Tool.
The cheapest month to fly to Toronto from Canada is in January. Flight prices, which tend to average around 330 C$, are often lower during this time because this is during the off-season. If you’re not able to fly to Toronto in January, then May is your next best option. Flight prices from Canada to Toronto during May average around 330 C$.
In general, most travellers find the cheapest time to book a flight to Toronto is about 60 days prior to their departure date, when tickets on average are 385 C$. However, in the past 72 hours, people saw flights from Canada for as low as 135 C$.
According to our data, Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly to Toronto from Canada. The lowest ticket price found for a Wednesday departure recently was 438 C$. Keep in mind that prices can always vary depending on your route and whether or not you are flying domestic or international. Be sure to avoid booking your departure on a Sunday as prices are generally higher than usual. According to our data, the average ticket price to Toronto on Sunday is 480 C$.
Flying to Toronto from Canada in the morning is the least expensive time of day to depart. momondo users have found prices as low as 440 C$ when looking at flights departing in the morning. Flights to Toronto are more costly in the afternoon, with an average ticket price of 464 C$. Departure times in the afternoon fall within the peak daily travel times, which is why tickets can be more expensive.
If you’re looking to do your hiking in warmer conditions, consider planning your flight to Toronto for May, June, and July. Parks like Downsview Park are popular hot spots in those months.
Typically, the best ski conditions are found in January, when the temperatures are lower and there is a chance of fresh snow. Popular places to ski in the Toronto area include Blue Mountain. Many momondo users planning trips to multiple ski mountains or resorts in the Toronto area will check out Horseshoe Valley as well.
Toronto Pearson Intl Airport, Toronto Hamilton Airport or Toronto Kitchener-Waterloo Airport can be an alternative airport used for travel to Toronto.
Prices vary based on where travellers are departing from, but on average, the cheapest airport to fly to in Toronto is Toronto Island Airport where the average price is 386 C$pp. Users typically find the best prices when using momondo’s Airport-to-Airport Pricing Tool.
Popular options for domestic flights to Toronto include Air Canada, Air North, WestJet, Air Transat, Central Mountain Air and Sunwing Airlines.
Getting to Toronto’s city centre is quite easy from Pearson Airport.
Taxi
Taxis are the most expensive, but one of the quicker ways to reach downtown. Taxis take about 40 minutes to reach the city centre, and typically charge a flat fee of $60 CAD one-way.
UP Express
The UP Express train costs $12 CAD one-way and delivers you from Pearson Airport to Union station in 30 minutes.
Subway
The subway system is the most affordable but also takes about one hour to complete. The fare is $3 CAD if you purchase a ticket or tokens and $3.25 CAD if you pay cash. You will take Bus 192 Red Rocket to Kipling station and then the subway to Spadina. From there, you take the University Line to Union station. While it involves a few changes, $3 CAD makes it quite affordable for travel.
Limousine
If you have time to book ahead, you can take an airport limo service, which costs $60 CAD plus tip. The drive depends on traffic, averaging 30 to 60 minutes.
Buses
There is no direct subway, train or bus line from the airport to the downtown core. Bus 192 Airport Rocket (Red Rocket) runs every 8 -15 minutes from the airport to Kipling station from where a couple of changes on the subway line take you to Union station. From 1:00 am to 5:30 am (until 8:30 am on Sunday), the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) additionally offers night buses. The 300A line goes across Bloor Street West and Danforth Avenue. The 307 line takes Eglington Avenue West. Either route stops at Yonge Street where you take the 320-night bus to get to city centre.
Rental Cars
Rental car desks are located at the first floor of terminal parking garages. These can be booked on-site, but it is better to book ahead. Arrange your own Toronto transportation with car rentals deals from momondo.
Toronto transportation is plentiful, but navigating the city is quite easy on foot too. Using the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), you can pay just $3 CAD per person per direction. If you buy multiple rides the same day, it drops to $2.50 CAD per person per ride. A day pass is $12.50 CAD and recommended if you plan to ride the TTC all day. Day passes cover families of up to two adults and up to four children during weekends and holidays too. Taxi cabs are available throughout the city, and you can easily hail one in downtown. Cabs come in all colours, and they are available if their rooftop light indicates such. Wave from the curb and once the taxi turns on the meter, you pay $3.25 CAD for one to four passengers and the rate of $0.25 CAD every 143 metres after that.
No visa is required for domestic travelers within Canada. For foreign nationals, please check the Government of Canada Immigration website.
Toronto is rich in activities and cultural events. From the aquarium to the zoo to the science center, art galleries, weekend farmers’ markets, jazz festivals, food festivals, auto shows, baseball games, Broadway-style live shows, concerts, and more, this city has lots to see and do. A few must-dos to check out while you are in Toronto include:
CN Tower
This engineering marvel lets you see Toronto’s skyline from above. You can walk along the edge and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city.
Niagara Falls
While not exactly in Toronto, most visitors to the area make a half day trip to see the breathtaking waterfalls.
Centre Island
Just across the harbour is Centre Island that has its own park and petting zoo. It is open seasonally and closed in the winter months.
Hockey Hall of Fame
For sports fans, stopping in at the Hockey Hall of Fame is a great place to celebrate the country’s favourite sport.
Casa Loma
Visit this historic castle that has been transformed into an event center and museum.
Cuisines and Festivals
In Toronto, you can explore a variety of cuisine styles from all over the world. This city is truly a melting pot of global cultures. Enjoy the craft beers from local breweries like Steam Whistle, Granite, and Left Field. Also, make sure you try the classic poutine from local eateries. If street food is your thing, you have plenty to choose from; and don’t forget the hotdogs! Festivals and events happen year-round in Toronto, including the Cavalcade of Lights, Doors Open Toronto, Toronto Jazz Festival, Food Truck Festival, Taste of Toronto, and Blanche Toronto. See what events are happening during your visit.
Tipping Guidelines
In Toronto, it is customary to tip 15 to 20 percent on the pre-tax bill to show your appreciation. Some restaurants automatically charge this, so check the bill before adding the tip.
Taxes
The Harmonised Sales Tax (HST) is 13 percent and is applied to taxable goods and services.
Parking
Parking on streets downtown is limited to certain times of the day, with street signs indicating allowed hours. There are public parking lots throughout the city, and a green P logo identifies them.
Walk the Underground City
The Downtown Toronto underground walkway, PATH, links up 27 kilometres of shopping, services, and entertainment. Just follow the PATH lights, and you can reach your destination without having to experience the elements. Sun, rain or snow, there’s no stopping if you are seeking out the magic of Toronto!