Sprawling Toronto is awe-inspiring, and record-breaking.
Flip through the Guinness Book of World Records, and you’re bound to
see this city mentioned several times, either as the home of the (now
second) tallest free-standing tower in the world; as the site of the
largest underground shopping mall; or as the place where you’ll find the
longest street in Canada. In other words, “big” is a big deal here —
original city boundaries were forgotten by the mid-20th century, nearby
suburbs were engulfed, and Toronto became North America’s fifth largest
city. Take a trip to the top of the CN Tower to see what we’re talking
about — you’ll see a host of shops, restaurants and nightlife sprawled
out before you.
And it’s not just expanse that draws visitors — it’s also the
Torontonians. According to the Toronto Tourism Board, more than half of
this metropolis’ 2.5 million residents are immigrants. Dive deeper into
the city and you’ll practically be able to call yourself a world
traveler. Greektown, Little Italy, Koreatown, Roncesvalles Village,
Little India, Chinatown are all Toronto neighborhoods worth exploring.
And thanks to the city’s extensive public transportation system, getting
from Europe to Asia is a breeze!
Keep in Mind…
– No dictionary is necessary You’re sure to hear a smorgasbord of
tongues here, but the official language is English. While you may
struggle with a small language barrier in the city’s ethnic
neighborhoods, you don’t have to worry about packing a phrasebook.
– Pick your locale first With so many hotels to choose from, you’ll have
an easier time finding a room if you decide on a neighborhood first.
Try placing yourself near the attractions you wish to see or within
walking distance of public transit.
– Don’t forget your CityPass Experiencing everything Toronto has to
offer can get a little expensive. Start your trip in a budget-friendly
way by purchasing a CityPass, which will save you 50 percent on
admission to five of the city’s top attractions, including the CN Tower
and the Royal Ontario Museum.
How To Save Money in Toronto
– Forget the car Unless you’re planning a daytrip to Niagara Falls,
having a car will be both pricey and a pain. Instead of worrying about
the price of gas or finding a parking space, rely on public
transportation.
– Summer some other place Warm, sunny weather attracts hordes of
tourists and drives hotel prices through the roof. You’ll find much
lower rates during the winter and shoulder seasons.
– Dine on a dime Substitute at least one sit-down meal with a trip to
the St. Lawrence Market, where vendors prepare local treats for a
fraction of the prices found at restaurants.