Toronto
Canada · Country profile
Toronto is Canada’s largest and most multicultural city, a gleaming, lakefront metropolis where neighbourhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy and the Danforth cluster together on one of the world’s most diverse streets. The CN Tower anchors a skyline of glass, while the waterfront, the Distillery District’s cobbled lanes and the islands just offshore offer room to breathe. It’s a food city — peameal sandwiches, momos and banh mi are all at home here — and a cultural one with world-class museums, theatre and sports. Friendly, safe and easy to navigate, Toronto is a welcoming, underrated North American capital.
About Toronto
Toronto is a city in Canada. The city's documented population is around 2,983,889 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD) and English and French are spoken; the dialling code is +1. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: Toronto Pearson International Airport.
A Hundred Neighbourhoods, One Lakefront
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, a modern, lakeside metropolis that is more comfortable than flashy. Its defining trait is its multiculturalism — neighbourhoods cluster by origin and the food scene is one of the world’s most diverse. A gleaming skyline around the CN Tower sits beside a lakefront with parks, ferries to the islands and a revived waterfront. It is friendly, safe and easy to navigate, with a solid public transit network and an understated energy that rewards a little time. It isn’t a city that screams for attention, but it grows on you quickly.
Dress for Every Season in the Same Week
The weather shapes the visit more than anything — a warm up-to-card covers the subway, streetcar and bus network, so get one early. Winter is cold and snowy, summer is warm and humid, and spring and autumn are mild; pack for the season rather than assuming a single climate. The CN Tower and the major museums have timed entry, so book ahead. Tipping is expected and fairly generous at roughly 15–20% at seated meals. The airport connects to the city by a dedicated express train. Many attractions and some shops close early on certain days, so check hours per venue.
Streetcars, Islands and the Cashless Core
The subway, streetcars and buses are reliable, and the UP Express from the airport is a fast link into the centre. The city is walkable in its core, but the transit system helps reach the outer neighbourhoods. The Distillery District and the islands are easy, pleasant escapes. It is overwhelmingly cashless, so cards and contactless cover almost everything. The city’s diversity means you can eat your way across the world without leaving town — the neighbourhood markets are a highlight. Toronto is safe and easygoing, and the lakefront is the place to wind down at the end of a day.
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- Country
- Canada
- Population
- 2,983,889
- Coordinates
- 43.6777, -79.6248
- Capital
- Ottawa
- Region
- North America
- Currency
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- Languages
- English, French
- Calling code
- +1
- Country code
- CA
Entry requirements for Canada
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting Canada for tourism.
Getting to Toronto
Airports we list for Toronto:
Other airports in the area:
Cities in Canada
Other cities we cover in Canada:
Frequently asked questions
Is Toronto the capital of Canada?
No — the capital of Canada is Ottawa.
What currency do I need in Toronto?
The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Languages spoken in Canada include English and French.
What is the dialling code for Canada?
The international dialling code for Canada is +1.
Which airport should I fly into for Toronto?
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the airport we list for Toronto.
How far is Toronto from the nearest airport?
Toronto is about 507 km from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport.
Do I need a visa to visit Canada?
It depends on your passport. For the origins we track, the current tourism visa status is Australia (e-visa), France (e-visa), Germany (e-visa), India (visa required) and Italy (e-visa). Check the entry requirements tool for your own nationality.
Flying out of Toronto? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.