Hotels in Toronto

Best time to visit Toronto

Located north of Lake Ontario, Toronto experiences warm, sunny summers, and often, severe winters. The peak tourist season is from June – August when average temperatures of 60 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit are accompanied by a host of cultural events, street festivals, open patio dining, pedestrian markets, and ideal conditions to enjoy water-based activities. If you wish to explore the city when the crowds are smaller, temperatures are pleasant and room rates are reasonable, time your visit between April – May or September – October. You can enjoy the fresh spring blooms or the magical fall colors if you visit during these months. To get the best deals on hotels and travel, pack a warm jacket, hat, gloves and boots to head to Toronto between November – March. Average temperatures hover around 20 – 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter months welcome their share of fun activities such as ice skating, skiing and festivals such as ‘Cavalcade of Lights’ in November and the ‘Winterlicious’ culinary fest in January.

Getting around Toronto

Downtown Toronto is easily explored on foot, and most of the popular attractions are within walking distance of each other. To cover longer distances, rely on the efficient public transport operated by Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), including buses, subway, streetcars, the and Downtown Express. Cash single fare for any TTC transit is $3.25 CAD per adult while a 1-day pass allowing unlimited 24-hour travel across all modes of TTC operated transport costs $12.50 CAD. Children 12 years and younger ride free. Taxis can be hailed on the streets and they usually operate within Downtown Toronto. If you are traveling to the suburbs, you may need to pre-book a local taxi service. Uber and Lyft also operate in the city but watch out for surge pricing during peak times. If you plan to explore the neighboring satellite towns within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), consider renting a car to drive around. Check for attractive deals on car rentals with momondo.

Best places to stay in Toronto

At first glance, Toronto appears to be just another big city, an attractive commercial and financial center with a glittering skyline. But as you look beyond that, you will find one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. 53% of the residents are immigrants who speak over 140 different languages and dialects. Toronto’s neighborhoods are also a reflection of their ethnic diversity, and each area consists of several unique smaller districts.

Westside

Westside is a trendy neighborhood that combines Little Portugal, Liberty Village, the entertainment district of Queen Street West, the West Queen West area and Chinatown. This area features some of the hottest pubs and clubs, and an eclectic mix of gift shops, cafés, and restaurants. Indulge in a stay at the chic Thompson Toronto hotel that offers ultra-luxe rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, and spectacular views of the Toronto skyline. On Queen Street West, the Drake Hotel offers comfortable rooms designed with a mix of modern artistic and vintage charm. The hotel also features a great restaurant, and several bars and lounges where creative mixologists and renowned live musicians draw nightly crowds, making it one of the most happening social hubs in the city.

Eastside

Eastside comprises Little India and Greektown with their great culinary repertoire, The Beaches area with its casual restaurants, laidback pubs and safe, swim-worthy beaches, and the Leslieville area known for its indie boutiques and cafés. Check out the airy rooms at The Broadview Hotel, a 126-year-old landmark hotel set in a redbrick building amid cafés and restaurants in the Eastside neighborhood. For a mid-range budget option, consider the Days Inn Toronto East Beaches on Queen Street East, a 10-minute walk from Woodbine Beach.

City Center

Toronto city center is a busy and buzzing neighborhood that is home to the Financial District and the Yonge Street corridor. Stay in this neighborhood if you are in the city to broker a power deal, to catch a Broadway-style show, or to enjoy some prime shopping areas. Opposite Union Station, in the heart of the city center, enjoy luxury accommodation in the historic and award-winning Fairmont Royal York hotel on Front Street West. A 5-minute walk from the Hockey Hall of Fame, you can consider the chic studios and 1-bedroom suites at One King Street West Hotel & Residence, an elegant hotel set in a grand Beaux-Arts-style building on King Street West.

Waterfront

The Queens Quay strip, and the miles of waterfront along the Harbourfront Centre offer a dynamic mix of parks, restaurants, shopping, arts and culture, all connected to the Water’s Edge Promenade. In a modern brick and glass building, just a 5-minute walk from the CN Tower, you can enjoy the bright, contemporary rooms at the Radisson Admiral Hotel Toronto – Harbourfront on Queens Quay. Further down on Harbour Square, consider The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto hotel set in a waterfront high-rise, a short walk from Air Canada Centre.

Cheap hotels in Toronto

Toronto offers a generous dose of attractions and entertainment, hence, the dollars you save on budget-friendly accommodation can be used to explore the city. In the lively Queen West neighborhood, stay in simple rooms at The Rex hotel that boasts a delicious breakfast, and foot tapping music at its live Jazz and Blues bar. Near Ryerson University, you can look at the clean basic rooms of Alexandra Hotel. Enjoy cozy and comfortable rooms in the 1909-dated Hotel Victoria, Toronto’s 2nd oldest hotel, just a 2-minute walk from the King station subway stop. Consider the bright, contemporary rooms and suites in Bond Place Hotel – Eaton Centre, a minimalist hotel set near the Yonge-Dundas Square, just steps away from the Toronto Eaton Centre shopping mall.

A multicultural city that offers a wide range of activities and attractions, Toronto has so much to see and do, that it is possible to discover something new each time you visit. Your Toronto itinerary promises to be filled with a generous mix of art and architecture, weekend markets, live games, shows, concerts, cultural events and festivals.

• Admire the marvelous architecture of the tallest freestanding structure in the western hemisphere, the CN Tower. Ride up to the observation deck to enjoy panoramic views of the city and its surroundings, enjoy the view and test the strength of the Glass Floor. It is 5 times stronger than the required standard; strong enough to hold 35 moose or 3 and a half orcas!
• Visit the Gothic-Revival style Casa Loma castle, a historic landmark that has been transformed into an event center and museum.
• Stroll along the 10 acres of the Harbourfront Centre, a key cultural center and hub for theaters, art galleries, eateries and several parks, including the Toronto Music Garden.
• Enjoy scores of stalls selling a variety of imported goods and watch live street performances in the vibrant Kensington Market neighborhood. For the most traditional market experience, try to plan your visit on the last Sunday of the month.
• Discover Toronto’s walkway, PATH, with over 18 miles of underground shopping, services and entertainment open all year, no matter what the weather.
• Hop on a ferry and go across the harbor to Centre Island. Visit the Centreville Theme Park that has a petting zoo, several rides for all ages, and plenty of food and drink options within the park. It is open seasonally and closed in the winter months.
• Sports fans should not miss a trip to the Hockey Hall of Fame, a great place to celebrate the country’s favorite sport of ice hockey.
• Shop for a wide range of goodies from gourmet cured meats on one end to handcrafted jewelry on the other, at the historic 17th-century St. Lawrence Market.
• Spend a few hours at the Distillery District to explore the industrial-style Victorian buildings filled with art galleries, breweries, cafés, restaurants and performance spaces.
• Go on a self-guided beer tasting tour to local breweries like Steam Whistle Brewing, The Granite Brewery & Tied House, and Left Field Brewery.
• Explore global cuisine as well as street food, particularly the hotdogs! If you are a foodie, try to plan your visit during popular events such as The Toronto Food Truck Festival or Taste of Toronto Food Festival.
• While every ethnic neighborhood such as Koreatown, Greektown, Little Italy, Little India, etc. boast a bunch of unique cultural offerings, don’t miss a stroll in the colorful and bustling Chinatown. Sample a wide range of authentic Chinese delicacies at the busy restaurants, and browse through stores selling everything from porcelain and gem stones to herbs and pickled seaweed.
• Plan a half or full day trip to fully experience the breathtaking Niagara Falls, and all the other attractions near the Falls. The Niagara region is a little over an hour’s drive from Downtown Toronto.