What to Do in Toronto

We understand these concerns and want to make your journey to Toronto simpler. That is why, in this article, we will share our insights into why Toronto is a top choice for international students, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant student life and presenting a list of enjoyable activities tailored specifically for students. So, keep reading and get ready to go on an unforgettable adventure in the multicultural city of Toronto.

Toronto – the international study destination

Toronto, as the largest city in Canada, has long been a magnet for international students. Its English-speaking environment makes it easy for students from around the world to navigate their way through the city. Situated on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto is the province’s capital and home to many renowned international universities.  The University of Toronto has gained an outstanding academic reputation, while Toronto Metropolitan University(formerly called Ryerson University) is well-known for its practical and career-oriented approach. Additionally, other great Canadian universities in Toronto include York University and Humber college.

One of the key attractions of Toronto for students is its vibrant and multicultural atmosphere. The city has been recognized as one of the most multicultural in the world, with half of its population being born outside of Canada. Toronto is also known as the financial capital of the country, with a high concentration of banks, brokerage firms, and the headquarters of major national broadcast networks and media outlets. Important Canadian banks, like the Royal Bank of Canada and the National Bank of Canada, have their base in Toronto. As a result, students can find plenty of job opportunities, internships, and networking events in the city.

Toronto is an ideal destination for studying as well as enjoying a city trip, and this article will explain why.

Things to see in Toronto

 

In the following paragraphs, we will recommend different places and activities to experience in Toronto. From cultural neighbourhoods to natural attractions and popular hangout spots for students, we will cover everything you need to know about this Canadian city.

Go on a cultural journey through Toronto’s neighbourhoods

 

Toronto offers a global adventure within its city limits, allowing you to travel the world simply by visiting its vibrant streets. This remarkable feature comes from the numerous distinct neighbourhoods, both large and small, each with a special cultural focus. If you’re looking for diverse ethnic experiences and where to grab a bite, here are our top 7 unique places where to visit in Toronto:

• Chinatown is centred at the intersection of Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street West. It’s Toronto’s largest ethnic neighbourhood and a bustling hub filled with Asian grocery stores, restaurants, and charming cafes that not only offer Chinese delicacies but also serve up the finest Vietnamese cuisine in the city. Just like in many other Chinatowns, this vibrant area is home to some of the most wallet-friendly and mouth-watering dining spots in Toronto!
• Koreatown in Seaton Village. Here, you can find everything from Korean supermarkets to the famous Korean fried chicken. Koreatown is yet another historic Asian ethnicity in Toronto.
• The neighbourhood of Roncesvalles Village is also known as Little Poland. For those that crave something Eastern European, this is the place to be. If you’re in town in September, don’t miss out on a chance to be in Little Poland during the weekend Roncesvalles Polish Festival.
• Greektown in the Danforth. It’s the largest Greektown in North America, promising not only Mediterranean food but also a Greek atmosphere. Another tip is to come to this neighbourhood during the annual mid-August food festival called Taste of the Danforth and experience Greek festivities with locals.
• Little India, sometimes referred to as the Gerrard India Bazaar, is located in the Leslieville neighbourhood. The ethnic area began forming in the last century when the Naaz Theatre, which screened Bollywood and Pakistani films, was opened. Now Little India is a buzzing part of the city and an important part of Toronto’s cultural history.
• Portugal Village is west of downtown in the old city of Toronto. Even though this neighbourhood is mainly a residential area, the vibrant Portuguese spirit comes out every time the Portuguese football team is playing high-stakes matches.
• Little Tibet is located within the neighbourhood of Parkdale. This area is home to a thriving community of Tibetan immigrants and many Tibetan-related businesses and restaurants. When in this neighbourhood, don’t forget to taste the staple dish of Tibet – momo, a type of steamed dumplings.

Visit museums and galleries

Rest assured, Toronto offers plenty of museums and galleries, ensuring that you’ll never run out of options to explore. To simplify your choices, we’ve created a list of must-visit museums and galleries in the city:

• Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Located in a building with stunning architecture, this museum showcases exhibits from art and world cultures to natural history. A student entrance to this museum is $20.
• Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). Placed in a very impressive building, AGO also has a huge collection of art. In this gallery, you can explore Canadian, European, and contemporary artworks. General admission to AGO is $30.
• Gardiner Museum. A perfect place for handcrafts lovers! Appreciate the beauty of ceramic art and learn about its history through fascinating displays and workshops. Entrance to this museum is free for all students, but if you want to be creative, take a weekly drop-in class for $17 to learn how to work with clay.
• Bata Shoe Museum. Are you ready for a more unusual museum visit? Step into a unique world of footwear and explore the evolution of shoes across different cultures and eras. Get a ticket to this museum only for $14.
• Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto (MOCA). Calling all the art fans! Experience cutting-edge contemporary art and innovative exhibitions by local and international artists. Visit MOCA with a $10 student ticket or for free every Friday evening.
• The Museum of Illusions. Challenge your perception and senses with mind-bending exhibits and optical illusions that will leave you questioning reality. This interactive museum has an admission fee of about $31.

Enjoy Toronto’s natural side

Despite being a busy metropolis, Toronto is fortunate to be surrounded by natural beauty. With numerous parks, both within and outside the city, Toronto provides many opportunities to escape the urban environment and visit stunning natural landscapes. We have some suggestions of what to see in Toronto when you feel like taking a city break:

• Escape the city buzz and immerse yourself in the beauty of High Park. Here you can find picturesque trails, gardens, a zoo, and a stunning cherry blossom display in the spring.
• Hop on a ferry and just off the city’s shore discover Toronto Islands. Sandy beaches, lush greenery, bike rentals, and stunning views of the Toronto skyline are everything that you can enjoy on the islands.
• If you don’t mind going further outside the city, explore the Rouge National Urban Park. This green oasis is a perfect nature spot for those who want to experience diverse ecosystems, hiking trails, wildlife viewing and birdwatching. For a more guided park visit, check out this free opportunity to join a walking tour.
• Discover one of the best free things to do in Toronto – a wooden trail walk in beautifully manicured Edwards Gardens. In this picturesque park, you can find a greenhouse showcasing plants from around the world. And in the summer, you can listen to free outdoor concerts where contemporary Canadian talent performs.
• Combine a visit to Tommy Thompson Park with a visit to the Bird Sanctuary. This unique urban wilderness, known as the Leslie Street Spit, provides a habitat for migratory birds and offers beautiful views of the city skyline.
• See up close colourful creatures in a calm Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat, located within Humber Bay Park East. It’s an open and free-to-enter outdoor space where butterflies and birds come and go as they wish.
• And finally, if you have some extra funds to spare, a highly recommended option is to go on a day tour to witness the breathtaking beauty of Niagara Falls. While this suggestion is pricier compared to other activities, with prices starting at around $66, this day trip is truly worth every penny. So, if you have both the financial means and time available, we highly recommend going on a trip to Niagara Falls.

Explore Toronto like a local student

Toronto is an incredible city for students, offering a dynamic and lively atmosphere that is both enjoyable and energizing, along with numerous student-friendly destinations for socializing and relaxing. After doing all the sightseeing, here’s a list of other fun things to do in Toronto as a student:

• Explore the vibrant Kensington Market in a bohemian neighbourhood. This area is known for its independent spirit and because of that, it attracts many artists and students wanting to explore indie shops, trendy cafes, and international cuisine in the area. This colourful and energetic neighbourhood is a great student hangout spot.
• Visit Graffiti Alley, a colourful spot in downtown Toronto, where vibrant street art provides a backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos and creative expression.
• Unleash your competitive side in a famous Snakes & Lattes board game cafe. In Toronto, there are even 3 locations where you can choose from a big selection of games while sipping on coffee or enjoying tasty snacks.
• Have you ever been to a party in a museum? Experience the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) like never before during their Friday Night Live events that transform the museum into a vibrant social space with music, food, and drinks.
• Take part in Toronto’s nightlife. Visit student-going-out bars and clubs such as El Furniture Warehouse, Grace O’Malley’s, Lab 416, or The Maddy, and prepare for a night-long fun.
• Check out the iconic Robarts Library, known for its modernist architecture and extensive collection of books. Not surprisingly, this library is a popular study spot for Toronto students.

Join local festivities

If you have the freedom to select a specific date for your visit to Toronto, you might want to consider planning your trip around one of these vibrant festivities that take place in the city throughout the year:

• Caribana (Toronto Caribbean Carnival)

It’s a Caribbean-inspired carnival that fills the streets of Toronto with colourful parades and costumes, lively music, delicious Caribbean cuisine, and a joyful celebration of Caribbean culture. You can take part in this unique Caribbean community celebration happening every summer.

• Pride Toronto

It’s a vibrant and inclusive celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. During this festivity, you can enjoy colourful parades, energetic street performances by DJs, and a spirit of acceptance, unity, and love. The Pride Toronto programme, spanning the summer month of June, features a diverse range of events leading up to the grand finale – the lively parade that marks the culmination of the festival.

• Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

TIFF is one of the world’s most famous film festivals, attracting filmmakers, industry professionals, and movie lovers from around the globe to Toronto. This film festival offers a chance for students visiting Toronto to choose from a wide selection of films, attend red-carpet premieres, and immerse themselves in the thrilling atmosphere of cinematic arts. Usually, the festival takes place in September.

Student budget tips for visiting Toronto

A visit to Toronto can quickly become costly if you don’t keep an eye on your finances. To ensure you make the most of your student visit without breaking the bank, we’re here to provide you with our top money-saving tips for exploring Toronto on a budget:

• Instead of pricey activities, consider exploring Toronto’s parks, hiking trails, or free community events. For instance, you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Harbourfront or join a free yoga class at a local park.
• Keep an eye out for free or low-cost events happening in the city. Toronto often hosts festivals, concerts, and cultural events that are either free or have affordable ticket prices. For example, the Toronto Jazz Festival offers free concerts at various locations throughout the city.
• Always take your student ID with you! Many attractions, museums, and events in Toronto offer discounted rates for students.
• Toronto has an extensive public transportation system, including subways, buses, and streetcars. Consider using a Presto card for discounted fares, allowing you to navigate the city affordably.
• If you plan to visit many museums, art galleries and other city attractions, consider buying a Toronto city pass that offers discounted or free entrances to many popular destinations.

Now that you’ve gathered all the essential information about Toronto, it’s time to pack your bags and take on a journey to this captivating Canadian metropolis.