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While Toronto may not be as exotic as southeast Asia or some Eastern European countries, the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) has plenty of reasons to check it out. Here’s what I wish I knew before arriving.
We spent about 2 1/2 months in the Toronto area – a bit of a break from the road trip across Canada. I’ve already written the 3 Days in Toronto itinerary, but if you’ll be there for awhile, read on.
On a budget? Scope out the Dollarama, Value Village, No Frills, and Talize…
Food, clothes, toiletries, and electronics – it may not be everything, but it’s a good chunk of your expenses. Dollarama is your classic ‘most stuff’s a dollar’ store (up to $4), Value Village is a great second-hand store, No Frills is a no-frills type of grocery store, and Talize is another second-hand store that seems like it has a more quality selection.
…and Kijiji for almost everything else.
Craigslist rocks in the US, but here in Canada, Kijiji.ca is your best friend. Much like Craigslist, the design is a bit bare-bones, but has plenty of filters based around location, categories, prices, and more. We bought our car on Kijiji, sold a fair bit of tech, and so on – as with Craigslist, the key is to respond to recent posts, ignore lowballers, reply quickly, and make the transaction happen in-person and with cash.
Summers can get HOT!
High 20’s and low-to-mid 30’s are not uncommon in the summer months (Americans, that’s about 77-89 degrees Fahrenheit).
Pick up the alternative papers for info on all the festivals.
During the summer you can easily attend multiple festivals / fun events every weekend. Among others, the Weird Toronto Facebook group is a good place to start.
Grab the Presto card.
I didn’t recommend the PRESTO card after a trip to Toronto in 2017, since the card wasn’t yet accepted across all of Toronto’s buses and streetcars. It was easier for the tourist to pick up the tokens or transfer slips as seen below.
As of my last visit in October 2019, I’m happy (and somewhat relieved) to see Toronto has caught up with European cities around the world to create a ubiquitous system that’s nearly universal across the region. I’m less happy with the fact that the card costs $6 CAD, quite a bit higher than similar cards around the world.
In any case, the PRESTO card is like most transit cards you touch to a pad that pays for your fare. It’s usable on a total of 11 systems from Hamilton to Ottawa to Toronto, including the Go Trains. Be aware that the machines don’t currently show your card’s balance, or whether you’re paying another fare vs. going for free as part of a transfer. Use the machines at subway stations to see your current balance and fares you’ve recently paid.
Go bus (or streetcar)-to-subway-to-bus (or streetcar) to get the most possible transfer time.
Officially, one dime-sized token is supposed to equal a single one one-way ride, using the most direct path. If you’ll be using more than one form of transportation, you’ll request a transfer (a small slip of paper) upon boarding a bus or entering a streetcar or subway station. That transfer has a timestamp on it (left is what you’d get on entering a bus, right is what you’d get once past the turnstile at a subway station). As of October 2019, you can still do this, though you won’t need to when you pay with a PRESTO card.
Unofficially, I was never asked where I was going or where I was coming from, and there are plenty of reasons for your route to be slightly more circuitous (think running a quick errand, making a transaction, or the like)…or if you’re using the streetcars to catch Pokemon and are trying to make one ride last as long as possible…
Seriously, though – start on a bus (or streetcar) to get a transfer and ride to the subway station. Once at the subway station, show the bus-style transfer to get past the turnstiles, then take a subway-style transfer before walking to the platform. Once off the subway, use the subway-style transfer as you board the bus.
Save your loonies and toonies…
When it comes to parking in Toronto, you’ll be faced with the need for those loonies and toonies to pay for parking. Don’t forget about snacks and drinks as well.
Speaking of money, remember the Canadian dollar ≠ the American dollar.
The two currencies haven’t been at parity since January 2013 – to say it another way, the Canadian dollar has been weaker than the US dollar since January 2013. You’ll likely see Canadian shops accepting American dollars at parity (a great deal for them, and a terrible one for you).
The Harbourfront – what’s the question?
I spent many an hour playing Pokemon Go here… but it’s also a happening hotspot for festivals, food trucks, fun, fashion, and lots of other stuff. Most weekends during the summer had plenty going on here, so if you’ve ever in doubt on where to go or what to do, the Harbourfront is the starting point.
Only in Toronto for a few days? Check out my guide, 3 Days in Toronto, to make them awesome.
