Hotels in Toronto, Canada

Best time to visit Toronto

Visiting Toronto any time of the year offers you plenty of activities and events. However, if you want to pair up your ideal weather, limit the amount of lines you have at tourist attractions, and still enjoy the vibrancy of the city, April – May or September – October are the best times. You can also enjoy the gorgeous spring blooms or the magical fall colours if you come during these months. Peak tourism kicks in during the summer. However, the pedestrian marketplaces and farmers’ markets also come out of their hiding; the city comes to life. Restaurants open patio dining, cultural events kick up, jazz festivals abound, and the temperatures are perfect for water sports.

Getting around Toronto

Toronto is a walking city. When you stay downtown or in one of the popular neighbourhoods, you can walk to many places you want to see. Of course, when you must venture a little further than your two feet can carry you, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) takes you there. Throughout the city you have buses, the Metro subway, and the Downtown Express. A single fare for any TTC transit option is $3.25 CAD per adult. Children 12 years and younger ride free. To save money, purchase a day pass for unlimited 1-day travel starting at $12.50 CAD per person. Taxis are available too and you can hail one in the downtown area, but for other parts of the city, you will need to phone a local taxi service. Uber and Lyft also operate in the city but may have surge pricing during peak times, so you must check before you book your ride. If you plan to visit friends and family in neighbouring cities such as Mississauga, Oakville, Brampton, etc. you may want to rent a car and drive there. You can arrange your own Toronto transportation with car rental deals from momondo.

Best places to stay in Toronto

Toronto is by far one of the most multicultural areas in Canada. In Toronto alone, you have over 140 languages spoken, and half of the residents here are estimated to be born outside of the country. While this large, cosmopolitan city seems complex at first, once you get to know the districts of Toronto, you will find yourself mingling with the locals and enjoying the safe downtown atmosphere with ease. Toronto’s downtown area is vibrant with the expected big-city flair, and you find some of the finest eateries, unique events, and gorgeous architecture. Even better, you are right on the waters of Lake Ontario’s northern shore, and in the midst of the 400-acre High Park with its eclectic mix of outdoor activities, hiking trails, musicians, and a whole lot of fun for everyone in your group to enjoy.

Downtown Toronto

Downtown Toronto is a bustling metropolis with grand skyscrapers, shopping streets, and the longest street in the world, known as Yonge Street. For the trendiest, hippest finds, the Queen West neighbourhood is your best option. Hotels in downtown are sleek, chic and comfortable. Most have on-site restaurants and nestle up amongst the high-rises of the downtown area. Hotels for a luxurious stay and fine dining include the Fairmont Royal York or the Cambridge Suites Toronto.

Chinatown

Chinatown in Toronto is not the been-there-done-that scene, but instead a place you definitely want to visit. This diverse neighbourhood has the Chinese-Canadian population that is so large you have multiple blocks in the zone. Enjoy authentic Asian cuisine, ethnic goods, and traditional items coming from Vietnam, China, Japan, and Thailand. Hotels in Chinatown are colourful, sleek, and safe. For a reasonable stay in this part of the city, try Hotel Victoria on the outskirts of Chinatown. The Alexandra Hotel and Studio 6 Toronto are in the middle of Chinatown and surrounded by local eateries and boutiques.

Waterfront Area

You simply cannot visit a waterfront city and stay inland the entire time! Lake Ontario offers you the most breathtaking morning views of the sunrise, yellow sanded beaches, and the distinct Toronto skyline. You can stay close to the beaches and you will be within walking distance for plenty of local activities. Hotels here are more for the elite and therefore, pricey, but ideal if you plan to spend a lot of your time on the lakeside beach. Two hotels with premium locations include The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto and the Radisson Admiral Hotel Toronto-Harbourfront.

Yorkville

Yorkville is that chic, trendy neighbourhood of Toronto you imagine when you see big city shows and movies. When considering where to stay in Toronto, you might enjoy the high-class, fashionable options and swanky boutiques here. Deluxe suites, 5-star hotels, and elegant inns are scattered throughout Yorkville, including the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, The Hazelton Hotel, and InterContinental Toronto Centre hotel.

Scarborough

Scarborough is on the eastern border of Toronto. Originally, it was a rural group of villages, but eventually merged into Toronto. Today, it is a diverse community with immigrants from around the world. Religious landmarks are scattered throughout Scarborough, and you can walk to local points of interest, including Rouge National Urban Park. Most of the hotels here fall into the quaint and boutique categories. However, they also offer the most value and convenience. Some hotels to consider here include Delta Hotels Toronto by Marriott and Scarborough Centre Luxury Business Suite.

Cheap hotels in Toronto

Toronto is often, mistakenly portrayed as a pricey place to visit. In reality, there are numerous budget-friendly hotel options. Because the city itself is safe overall, and vibrant, you do not have to worry much about your choice of hotel location skimping on safety to find lower prices. While many cheap hotels in Toronto are by the airport, you are not in a strategic location staying here. Instead, circle out a bit and explore the city for accommodations that are cost-effective, but away from the sound of jet engines overhead. A few budget options include the Courtyard Toronto Downtown on Yonge Street. Also, the Super 8 Toronto Downtown in Chinatown is on Spadina Avenue. In Yorkville, stay at the Howard Johnson Hotel Toronto Yorkville, where you are next to the Bay and Museum subway stations on Avenue Road.

Toronto is one big city with plenty of small, fun cities making up the bulk of the area. From Little Italy to the St. Lawrence Market, there is so much to do here that you might find yourself quickly overwhelmed. Depending on how long you plan to stay, put a few of these locations at the top of your Toronto trip itinerary:

• West Queen West is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Toronto. Here you have boutique shopping, the Trinity Bellwoods Park, and The Theatre Centre for live entertainment. Dining here is exciting with restaurants like The County General, Oyster Boy, and Dandylion. Get your morning espresso at Dark Horse Espresso Bar, then catch a cocktail at Bar Fancy.
• King West fills its rows with high-end condominiums, but squeezed in between the rows of residential buildings, you also find restaurants like Gusto 101 and Buca. For nightlife, go to the burlesque bar and supper club known as Candyland.
• In Chinatown, get your fill of dumplings at Dumpling & More or get a cheap and tasty meal at Jackpot Chicken Rice. Crimson Teas serves up fine gourmet tea, and you can even select some fine tea bags to take home. Homemade Ramen is the perfect spot for authentic ramen, and you can get your noodle fix at Origination Noodle House.
• Yonge Street is the longest street in the world, so you could spend an entire weekend here exploring. Go over to Roundabout Canada Escape for some of the best escape game rooms in Canada. Bakeries, boutique eateries, and cheap eats are scattered throughout Yonge Street, including McCoy Burger Co. and Lime Asian Kitchen restaurant.
• Take a tour ride up to Niagara Falls and spend the day exploring the sights and local attractions. From the water spraying onto your face to the magic of the Butterfly Conservatory to the boat ride into the falls on the Maid of the Mist, there is a lot to enjoy here for all ages.
• Toronto’s attraction list is quite extensive, but for the dare-devil in you, go up to the CN Tower. Standing at 1,815 feet, you can do the edge walk and literally live on the edge. Head over to the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada to escape the heat or Royal Ontario Museum for amazing exhibitions. A short ferry ride takes you to Toronto Islands, where you can soak up the views, enjoy local attractions, and take the kids to Centreville Theme Park.