Toronto, a vibrant and multicultural city, is an exciting destination full of diverse experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a foodie, an art enthusiast, or a nature lover, Toronto offers a plethora of activities that won’t break the bank.
The illuminated Toronto sign lights up the night with vibrant colors © Pexels
Getting from the Airport on the Cheap
Flying into Toronto? Lucky you! Here’s how to get to downtown without spending your entire travel budget on a cab:
- UP Express: From Pearson, the Union Pearson Express train zips you downtown in just 25 minutes for $12.35 CAD. Quick and painless.
- TTC (Toronto Transit Commission): For a more budget-friendly ride, hop on the TTC bus and subway for $3.25 CAD. It’s a bit longer but hey, you’re saving money for poutine.
- Shuttle Buses: Coming in via Billy Bishop? Free shuttle buses will whisk you to Union Station, right in the heart of downtown.
Using Public Transport
For $3.25 CAD per ride, you can access buses, streetcars, and subways that cover the entire city. Pro tip: Grab a daily pass for $13.50 CAD or a weekly pass for $43.75 CAD if you’re planning to hop around a lot. The subway is the fastest way to travel long distances, with four lines connecting major neighborhoods and landmarks. Streetcars offer a scenic way to traverse central areas like Queen Street and King Street, while buses fill in the gaps, reaching places the subway and streetcars do not. And if you’re out past your bedtime, the Blue Night Network keeps you rolling from 1:30 AM to 5:00 AM.
Toronto’spublic transport includes iconic streetcars, offering a scenic and efficient way to explore the city © Pexels
Walking Tours
Tour Guys
These knowledgeable local guides offer free walking tours that explore Toronto’s history, architecture, and hidden gems. It’s free, but a $6 CAD booking fee and tips of $10-$20 CAD keep karma happy.
Enjoying Toronto on the Cheap or Free
Toronto is packed with cool, budget-friendly experiences that cater to a variety of interests. Here are some detailed highlights to help you make the most of your visit without breaking the bank.
Window Shopping
Queen Street West
This vibrant street is a haven for trendy boutiques, vintage shops, and indie art galleries. You can spend hours browsing through unique clothing stores like Black Market Vintage (clothing starting at $5 CAD) or Fashionably Yours (scores under $50 CAD), and quirky shops like Outer Layer (novelty items from $3 CAD). The street is also home to several art galleries, such as Stephen Bulger Gallery, showcasing contemporary and photographic art (free to browse).
Daytime hustle and bustle on Queen Street West, lined with trendy shops and cafes © Pexels
Kensington Market
An eclectic neighborhood that offers an array of unique shops, second-hand stores, and vibrant street art. Here, you can explore vintage clothing stores like Courage My Love and Exile Vintage (prices typically range from $10-$50 CAD). Don’t miss the colorful murals and graffiti that adorn the streets, perfect for some Instagram-worthy shots.
Distillery District
One of Toronto’s most charming and historic neighborhoods. This pedestrian-only village is filled with beautifully preserved Victorian industrial architecture, housing a variety of shops, galleries, and eateries. Wander through the cobblestone streets and explore unique boutiques like Blackbird Vintage Finds and Bergo Designs (prices vary, but many items are affordable).
Art lovers can hit up Corkin Gallery for free exhibits. Also, don’t miss the Distillery Sunday Market, where you can find locally made crafts and foods at reasonable prices. During the holiday season, the Toronto Christmas Market transforms the district into a festive wonderland, complete with twinkling lights and free entertainment.
Nature
High Park
Toronto’s largest public park spans 400 acres and features beautiful gardens, extensive hiking trails, and serene picnic spots. The park is home to a zoo, which is free to visit, and the picturesque Grenadier Pond. In the spring, the park’scherry blossoms attract visitors from all over the city. Perfect for a chill day out.
The CN Tower viewed from a serene park, offering a peaceful contrast to the urban landscape © Pexels
Toronto Islands
A short and inexpensive ferry ride (about $9 CAD round trip) takes you to these peaceful islands. The Toronto Islands offer stunning views of the city skyline, sandy beaches, and bike paths. You can rent a bike or a tandem for about $10 CAD per hour – not the cheapest, but worth it for the views and the fresh lake air. Center Island is picnic central and has an amusem*nt park if you’re up for some old-school fun.
Local Food to Taste
Street Food
Hungry? Head to Nathan Phillips Square, where food trucks gather to offer diverse and affordable bites. You can sample everything from gourmet poutine ($7-$10 CAD) to ethnic delicacies like Indian dosas or Korean tacos (around $5-$10 CAD each). It’slike a world tour for your taste buds (minus the jet lag).
Kensington Market
This place is a foodie’sdream. Grab an empanada from Jumbo Empanadas ($4-$6 CAD), a delicious taco from Seven Lives ($5-$7 CAD), or dumplings from Mother’sDumplings (around $8 CAD).
A tempting close-up of golden brown empanadas, fresh out of the oven © Pexels
Toronto culture
Graffiti Alley
Located between Queen Street West and Richmond Street Graffiti Alley is a vibrant and colorful stretch that spans nearly one kilometer, showcasing some of Toronto’smost dynamic and ever-changing street art. This hidden gem is a haven for artists and art enthusiasts alike, with new murals and graffiti appearing regularly, making each visit a unique experience. The alley serves as an open-air gallery, featuring works from both local and international street artists.
Strolling through Graffiti Alley, you’ll encounter an eclectic mix of artistic styles, from bold and graphic designs to intricate and detailed murals. Perfect for snapping pics and pretending you’re an art critic.
Toronto’sTheaters
Toronto’s theater scene is a vibrant cultural gem, offering a range of performances from Broadway hits to indie productions. The Entertainment District is home to iconic venues like the Royal Alexandra Theatre and the Princess of Wales Theatre, where ticket prices typically range from $50 to a whopping $150 CAD, depending on the show and seating. For a more intimate experience, visit the Soulpepper Theatre in the historic Distillery District or the Tarragon Theatre, known for showcasing Canadian works, with ticket prices ranging from $25 to $60 CAD. Student discounts and last-minute deals are your friends here.
Harbourfront Centre
The bustling cultural hub located along the scenic shores of Lake Ontario, offers a variety of free and affordable activities. Even a simple stroll along the waterfront to take in the stunning views of the lake and Toronto’sskyline is worth the trip.
The CN Tower majestically overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Ontario © Pexels
During the summer, you can enjoy free music and dance performances at the Concert Stage. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, which offers free admission and features cutting-edge contemporary art. The Toronto Music Garden, designed by renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, is a serene spot for a relaxing walk or a picturesque picnic. For water lovers, renting a kayak or paddleboard from one of the local vendors is an affordable way to explore the harbor (starting around $20 CAD per hour).
Yonge-Dundas Square
The Toronto’sanswer to Times Square, located at the intersection of Yonge and Dundas Streets is a perfect place for people-watching. It’ssurrounded by digital billboards and buzzing with activity. The square hosts free events like concerts, outdoor movies, and cultural festivals, making it a lively spot to visit at no cost. In summer you can cool off at the interactive water fountains.
Museums
Royal Ontario Museum
Visit this iconic museum for free on the third Monday of each month from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Explore exhibits ranging from natural history to world cultures without spending a dime (standard admission $23 CAD).
The striking crystal-like architecture of the Royal Ontario Museum © Pexels
Hockey Hall of Fame
Located in downtown Toronto at Brookfield Place, this is a must-visit for sports enthusiasts. For an entry fee of $20 CAD, visitors can explore a rich collection of hockey memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and multimedia displays. Snap a pic with the Stanley Cup and test your skills in the interactive games.
Art Gallery of Ontario
Enjoy free admission on Wednesdays from 6 PM to 9 PM. The gallery houses a vast collection of Canadian art, European masterpieces, and contemporary works (standard admission $25 CAD).
Sports Activity to Try
Toronto Bike Share
For just $7 CAD per day, you can rent a bike and explore Toronto’sextensive network of bike paths. Cycle along the scenic Waterfront Trail or through the lush greenery of the Don Valley Trail.
Where Locals Go
Bars, Restaurants and Cafes:
- The Lakeview Restaurant: A local favorite known for its affordable comfort food, open 24/7. It offers hearty breakfast options, burgers, and milkshakes in a retro diner setting (meals range from $10-$20 CAD).
- 7 West Cafe: This cozy spot is open 24 hours and offers a range of affordable dishes, from pasta to sandwiches, making it perfect for a late-night bite (meals range from $10-$20 CAD).
- Sneaky Dee’s: A beloved dive bar offering cheap drinks ($5-$8 CAD), Tex-Mex food, and live music. It’sa great spot to experience Toronto’s indie music scene.
The Touristy Stuff
CN Tower
The $43 CAD ticket is steep. For a free view, head to Riverdale Park. It’s a prime sunset spot with killer city views.
The iconic CN Tower, a symbol of Toronto’sskyline, standing tall against the blue sky © Pexels
Best Time to Visit Toronto
Toronto is great year-round, but the best times to visit are late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) when the weather is mild, and the city hosts numerous festivals. Summer is also vibrant, though it can be crowded and more expensive.
How Expensive is Toronto?
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you budget your trip:
Food: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $15 CAD, while a mid-range restaurant might charge $30 CAD per person.
Drinks: Coffee is around $3-4 CAD, and a pint of beer is about $7-8 CAD.
Accommodation: Hostel dorm beds range from $30-50 CAD per night, while budget hotels start at $100 CAD per night.
Conclusion
Toronto’s a blast without breaking the bank. From diverse neighborhoods and tasty eats to beautiful parks and free culture, this city’s got it all. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore Toronto’s coolest spots!
