Welcome to Toronto

Here you will find all of the necessary information to make the best of your time in Toronto. From arrival and departure information, daily tour pick up times, and general information about the city.

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About Toronto, Ontario

Toronto is the capital of Ontario and the leading tourism destination in Canada. Known for its multiculturalism, this dynamic city offers superb attractions, music and events backed by the best convention and sports facilities in Canada. From art, history, museums, food, beaches, nightlife and entertainment, Toronto has something for everybody. The best place to start is at the top—the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere.

Population – 6.7 Million


Arrival Information:

When arriving in Toronto by air, immediately outside the exit door of the arrivals section, there is a taxi stand. As of 2021, airport to downtown Toronto hotels fares will range between CAD $55-75 per taxi and take approximately 30 minutes depending on the time of service and traffic conditions. Taxis accept all major credit cards, CAD and USD.

The Union Pearson Express train runs from Pearson Airport to Union Station in downtown Toronto in just 25 minutes. Adult one-way fare from Pearson to Union is approximately CAD $13.00. Children under 12 years of age ride free. For more info visit Union Pearson Express. The UP Express is a great option for those who are staying at the Fairmont Royal York as it is located right across the street from the train station. For those staying at another Toronto hotel, an additional taxi will be required from the train station which you will find outside of the Front Street entrance.

If we have arranged your hotel private transfer, you will find your driver holding a sign with your name right at the passenger exit.

Uber and Lyft are also available in Toronto but are not recommended as transportation from the airport as they are not allowed to pick up directly from the arrivals section.

If you are a visitor to Canada and you are not a citizen of the USA, you may be required to purchase an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This document can be purchased for CAD $7.00 and most applications are approved within minutes of applying. Please visit the following government site for information and to purchase this eTA: Electronic Travel Authorization.

If you are arriving in Toronto at Union Station by VIA Rail train, it is recommended that you take a taxi or Uber/Lyft to your hotel as transfers are not included here. Your hotel will be no more than a 10-minute ride away. Taxis are often available lined up outside of the main station entrance, located on Front Street.

If you are staying at the Fairmont Royal York, your hotel is directly across the street from the station on Front Street.


Departure Information:

When departing from Toronto, your hotel front desk staff will be happy to request a taxi. As of 2021, downtown Toronto hotel to Pearson International airport fares will range between CAD $55-75 per taxi and take approximately 30 minutes depending on the time of service and traffic conditions. Taxis accept all major credit cards, CAD and USD.

If we have arranged your airport private transfer, you will find your driver waiting for you at the hotel lobby at the scheduled time.

Uber and Lyft are also available in Toronto, depending on the type of service/vehicle the trip from the hotel to the airport will cost between CAD $95 – 105.

The Union Pearson Express runs from Union Station in downtown Toronto to Pearson Airport in just 25 minutes. Adult one-way fare is approximately CAD $13.00. Children under 12 years of age ride free. For more info visit Union Pearson Express. This option is great for those staying at the Fairmont Royal York as the train station is located across the street.

If you are going to be in the airport for a long duration and require services to freshen up, the Plaza Premium Lounge offers comfortable furnishings, flat-screen televisions, fresh food and a selection of hot and cold drinks. It’s located in terminal 1, near boarding gate D20.

If you are departing Toronto on a VIA Rail train, please make your way to Union Station 90 - 60 minutes prior to your train departure. For guests staying at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, the station is located directly across the street. For those staying at a different Toronto hotel, please take a taxi to the station.


Restaurant Recommendations:

Being Toronto the biggest Canadian city, it offers a wide array of world and domestic cuisines. Here are some of our restaurant recommendations below.

TOCA ~ Offers seasonal, locally sourced ingredients on an Italian menu, plus there’s a cheese cave. Smart casual attire.
Address: 181 Wellington Street, West (inside the Ritz-Carlton)

El Catrin Destileria ~ A trendy restaurant with elevated Mexican small plates, tequila and a heated patio. Casual attire.
Address: 18 Tank House Lane

Momofuku Noodle Bar ~ David Chang’s hip take on ramen, steamed buns and more. Casual attire.
Address: 190 University Avenue

The Shore Club ~ An elegant seafood and steakhouse with a lively cocktail bar. Smart casual attire.
Address: 155 Wellington Street, West

Patria ~ Award-winning authentic upscale Spanish tapas eatery, vinos and special drinks from all Spain’s regions. Casual attire.
Address: 478 King Street West

Please click the restaurant name to be redirected to their website. Making reservations in advance is recommended.


Sightseeing Recommendations:

The Hop on Hop off tour bus is a fantastic way to see the sights of Toronto and get acquainted with the city. If this has not been included in your tour package and you have free time in Toronto, you will be able to purchase tickets directly by clicking the like above. These tickets will also be available through your hotel concierge.

For no extra cost, City Sightseeing includes a guided boat tour that explores 14 small islands in Lake Ontario (operational May through October). You can relax on the boat’s upper deck as you make your way across the Inner Harbour, and explore the canals and lagoons around the islands. With 360º views, you will see the Wildlife Sanctuary, the Toronto Island Marina and Forestry Island – just a few of the sights visible from the boat.

The Royal Ontario Museum is a museum of art, world culture and natural history. It is one of the largest museums in North America and the largest in Canada.

The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest and most distinguished art galleries in North America including a collection of more than 90000 works of art.

Casa Loma, a grand Gothic-style home built in the early 20th century. With soaring battlements and secret passageways, it paid homage to the castles and knights of days gone by. To this day it remains one of the only true castles in North America. Visit the museum to learn all about the history of this beautiful city.

The Toronto Railway Museum, located in Roundhouse Park, is the repository of the City’s vibrant railway history. The purpose is to connect people to the secret history of rail in Toronto and tell the story of those who propelled the city from a sleepy town into our nation’s economic engine.

For something a little unusual, you can visit the Bata Shoe Museum. Although it might seem like an odd tourist destination, it will be sure to put a smile on your face as you discover how footwear has evolved in Canada over time. It may not be as you think!

All of these locations are accessible via the Hop-on, Hop-off tour route.

The St. Lawrence Market is one of the world’s great markets, comprised of three main buildings containing hundreds of specialty vendors as well as retail shops and special events.

Toronto's Downtown district is the proud owner of the longest street in the world: Yonge Street. This street has over 600 retail stores, including independent boutiques, chain stores and bargain shops. Including the Toronto Eaton Centre, located just a few minutes from the attractions of downtown Toronto, is a must-do when you’re exploring the city’s centre. This iconic Toronto mall is a great place to start or end your downtown trip with plenty of places to eat and shop.

Kensington Market is one of the most eclectic and unique locations in the entire city. Everything from fresh food markets to restaurants and bars, vintage clothing boutiques, spice markets, and music shops are all contained in two small north-south streets and a handful of cross-streets. Also nearby is Chinatown, the second-largest in North America after New York City. It contains many Chinese and East Asian restaurants, shops and businesses. South of these neighbourhoods is Queen St West and the Fashion District, home to both mainstream and independent shops.

Bloor-Yorkville is a collection of the very best fashion, food and culture. Explore luxury shops, unique restaurants, world-class art-galeries and the best salons and spas Toronto has to offer.

Toronto is home to teams in nearly every North American Major Professional League. Depending on when you are visiting, it may be a great time to check out a game. The four major teams are:

  • Toronto Maple Leafs - Hockey
  • Toronto Blue Jays - Baseball
  • Toronto Raptors - Basketball
  • Toronto FC - Soccer/European Football

If you are a big sports fan then we recommend visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame. It is, of course, a museum dedicated to the world’s best ice hockey players.

Toronto is a major North American tour-stop for all kinds of performers so you may also wish to check online for any events happening during your time in Toronto with a website like Ticketmaster. There is no shortage of shows, concerts and conventions going on here!

Other popular sights and attractions around Toronto include:

The CN Tower: Standing at over half a kilometre high, you won’t miss the signature icon of Toronto’s skyline.

Saint Paul’s Basilica – 83 Power Street
Enoch Turner Schoolhouse Museum – 106 Trinity Street
Toronto’s Old City Hall – 60 Queen Street
Legislative Assembly of Ontario – 111 Wellesley Street West
Fort York National Historic Site – 250 Fort Street
Allen Gardens – 160 Gerrard Street East
Sugar Beach Park – 11 Dockside Drive
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada – 288 Bremner Boulevard
Graffiti Alley – The best parts are between Augusta Avenue and Spadina Avenue