Last Updated On 5 June 2024, 4:37 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

Toronto is Canada’s largest city enriched with a diversity in culture and a vibrant energized population.

Many people take the decision to come to Canada every year because they see it as a place of prosperity where they can have a better future.

Immigrants mainly move to Canada for its safety, welfare and education opportunities, with a high majority aiming for the city.

If you are a newcomer (aka this is your first year in Canada) and you have recently come to Toronto on either a student visa, a work visa, or simply decided to move here, then this guide was primarily made for you.

This article will provide a set of instructions on what you can do in Toronto and serve as a way for you to explore the many experiences that this city has to offer.

Essential Tips

One of the main tips that we can give you when it comes to exploring the surrounding areas where you move to, is to simply go for a walk.

You can do this by going out and roaming around the neighborhood and potentially meeting your neighbors.

Apart from that, you can also visit some of the main tourist attractions that characterize Toronto like the skyline in CN Tower, the St. Lawrence Market and Queen Street West.

When it comes to transportation, Toronto offers some of the latest tech in public transport with modern subways, streetcars and buses, which make moving around the city a breeze.

It is recommended that you purchase a Presto card, which can serve as a ticket for all the above-mentioned means of transport.

When it comes to finding accommodation, to be frank, finding a house or a place to stay in Toronto can be very challenging.

The prices have significantly increased in the recent years and there is more demand than options available for accommodation.

However, we recommend looking into different websites like Pad Mapper, Kijiji, and Craigslist which will help you find something that you like sooner or later.

What should I expect? Toronto’s culture

Cuisine

When it comes to culture, Toronto offers a lot of things depending on what you are interested in.

For example, if you are interested in having a taste of the cuisine in Toronto, this city offers a variety of foods.

You have options like Chinatown, Little Italy, Little India and Greektown where you can go and enjoy the food that you like.

Another option is the Kensington Market where you have the possibility to taste a lot of international foods and flavors.

Wherever you decide to go, one thing is for sure, you will enjoy a nice dine with tasty and delicious foods.

Sports

If you are into sports, then Toronto is the place for you because the sports culture here is immense.

There are possibilities to enjoy and play any sport in Toronto, ranging from football to basketball, baseball, hockey, volleyball, and so forth.

However, in recent years, the most electrifying sport for fans in Toronto has been basketball.

So, if you were wondering where is basketball most popular, the answer is Toronto.

And if you enjoy basketball, this place is heaven on Earth for you because it is home to big teams like Toronto Blue Jays (MLB), Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), and Toronto FC (MLS).

Art

Toronto has things in store for you, too, if you are a fan of art. There are a lot of festivals and events that take place here throughout the year, so you have to keep an eye on when they are happening.

One of the most famous festivals is the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), which is usually held in the second week of September every year, but you would have to look out for the exact date.

Apart from that, there are also other events that are organized, such as Nuit Blanche or White Night in English, in which the city is transformed into an art gallery.

Nature

Last but not least, we definitely recommend you explore the outdoors that nature has to offer you in Toronto.

There are many parks that you can visit, such as High Park, which is extremely popular.

If you want to go for a walk or cycle, we suggest you explore the walking and biking trails of Lake Ontario.

The city also offers beaches in Toronto Islands, which you can reach quickly by ferry.

In addition to that, you can explore Woodbine Beach or the sandy shores of Centre Island.

Practical Tips for newcomers in Toronto

Toronto is generally safe, however, be aware of your surroundings everywhere you go. As they say, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Prioritize networking with people and meeting new people, especially when you first move to the city. Those people you meet could be of great help whenever you need something.
Be prepared to experience all the seasons here. Here the winters are cold and the summers warm, so expect to encounter all types of weather.

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Sidak Singh Dhanoa

I am a born Canadian citizen and growing daily with my content on INC – Immigration News Canada, developing into an empathetic person and knowing the other side of the story. Born in Toronto, exploring Canada from coast to coast, embracing the nomadic lifestyle.