Travel tips · Toronto · Canada
Toronto travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Dillan Payne, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world — close to half its residents were born outside Canada — and that diversity shapes its food, festivals and neighbourhoods. Manners are polite and low-key: people queue patiently, apologise easily and expect punctuality.
Key facts
- Language
- English
- Currency
- CAD
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink, and drinking fountains are common in parks in…
- Emergency
- 911
Things to know
- Queue in an orderly line at streetcar stops, shops and food counters; pushing in is frowned upon.
- On subway escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left.
- Let passengers off subways and streetcars before you board.
- Use 'sorry', 'please' and 'excuse me' freely; everyday politeness is expected.
- Many events open with a land acknowledgement recognising Indigenous peoples; listen respectfully.
- Book CN Tower ahead: Timed tickets bought online avoid the longest queues; EdgeWalk must be booked well ahead.
- Book Ripley's Aquarium of Canada ahead: Book a timed ticket online for weekends and school holidays.
- Book Toronto Islands ahead: On summer weekends buy ferry tickets online to skip the ticket-office queue.
- Menu and shop prices exclude 13% HST, and restaurant tips of 15–20% go on top, so budget about a third more than menu prices when eating out.
Tipping
Tip 15–20% of the pre-tax bill in restaurants and bars, and about 10–15% for taxis and hairdressers. Card machines prompt for a tip; at counter-service cafés it is optional.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Double-double | Coffee with two creams and two sugars |
| The TTC | Toronto's transit system |
| The 6ix | Local nickname for Toronto |
| Washroom | Toilet / restroom |
| Loonie / toonie | One-dollar / two-dollar coin |
What to wear
Dress in layers: summers are warm and humid, while winter needs an insulated coat, hat, gloves and waterproof boots for snow and slush.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink, and drinking fountains are common in parks in summer.
- Emergency number
- 911
- Phone and internet
- Free Wi-Fi is available in libraries, many subway stations and cafés; eSIMs and Canadian SIM cards work well.
- Time zone
- America/Toronto
Toronto is generally calm for visitors; the most common problems are bike and car break-ins and occasional incidents on late-night transit and around a few busy downtown intersections. In winter, icy pavements and severe wind chill are real hazards, so dress for the weather.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Canada's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Toronto?
Tip 15–20% of the pre-tax bill in restaurants and bars, and about 10–15% for taxis and hairdressers. Card machines prompt for a tip; at counter-service cafés it is optional.
+Can you drink the tap water in Toronto?
Tap water is safe to drink, and drinking fountains are common in parks in summer.
+What plugs are used in Toronto?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Toronto?
English.