Toronto Has More to Discover Than You Think
Toronto might not shout as loudly as some North American cities, but give it a little time and there's an enormous amount to like. More than 200 cultures have shaped the city, and you feel that most when you start exploring its neighbourhoods. One day can take you from dim sum and dumplings to Caribbean cooking, Italian cafés, Middle Eastern bakeries and some seriously good Canadian food.
There's plenty happening between meals too. Toronto sits right on Lake Ontario, with beaches, islands and waterfront trails surprisingly close to the downtown towers. Catch a game of ice hockey, basketball or baseball, explore the city's galleries and live music scene, or wander neighbourhoods such as Kensington Market, Yorkville and Queen West. Each gives you a different version of Toronto.
And Toronto can easily be the start of a bigger Canadian trip. Niagara Falls is an easy addition, Niagara-on-the-Lake brings wineries and a completely different pace, while the city makes a natural starting point for exploring more of Ontario and eastern Canada. Give Toronto a few days, then leave some room in the itinerary for more of Canada.
Toronto — Quick Facts
Flight time (with stopover)
~19–22 hours via Vancouver/LA
Direct flights from Australia
No — stopover required
Best time for cheap fares
January–March
Peak season
June–August, Christmas/NYE
Main airport
Toronto Pearson (YYZ)
Visa required
eTA (online) — 6 months
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD $)
Time zone
EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4)
Top Things to Do in Toronto
CN Tower
Toronto's most iconic landmark at 553 metres tall. Glass floor, SkyPod observation deck, and the EdgeWalk — the world's highest hands-free walk around the outside of the tower. Sunset is the best time.
Niagara Falls Day Trip
Just 90 minutes by car or bus from Toronto. Take a Hornblower boat cruise to feel the mist, walk behind the falls via Journey Behind the Falls, and explore the charming nearby town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Distillery Historic District
Cobblestone pedestrian-only streets lined with Victorian-era buildings turned into galleries, restaurants, breweries and boutique shops. Magical year-round, particularly during the Christmas Market.
St. Lawrence Market
Named the world's best food market by National Geographic. Over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, Canadian specialties, peameal bacon sandwiches and international cuisine. Saturday mornings are buzzing.
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Canada's largest museum, blending world cultures and natural history. The striking crystal-shaped Daniel Libeskind addition is a Toronto architectural icon. Dinosaur galleries are unmissable for families.
Kensington Market & Chinatown
Bohemian streets packed with vintage shops, street food, murals and cafés. Adjacent Chinatown is one of the largest in North America. Best explored on foot.
When to Fly to Toronto
January through March generally offers the cheapest fares to Toronto, but there's a reason — winter temperatures can drop well below freezing. May, September and October are also good months to compare, with reasonable airfares and much milder weather. June through August is the busy summer period, while Christmas and New Year usually bring higher fares. The Toronto International Film Festival in September can also increase demand, so check your dates if you're travelling then.
Toronto's Airports
YYZ
Toronto Pearson International
Canada's busiest airport, located 22km northwest of downtown Toronto. The UP Express train connects to Union Station downtown in 25 minutes. Air Canada's main hub with excellent global connections.
YTZ
Billy Bishop Toronto City
A smaller airport on Toronto Islands, used mainly for short-haul flights to nearby Canadian and US cities (Porter Airlines, Air Canada). Just minutes from downtown by tunnel or ferry.
Getting Around Toronto
Toronto is easy to get around without a car. The TTC runs the city's subway, buses and distinctive red streetcars, with a PRESTO card making tap-and-go travel simple across the network. Downtown is very walkable, so you may find yourself using public transport mainly for longer trips. If Niagara Falls is on the itinerary, GO Transit, intercity buses and car hire all give you options for getting there.
Before You Fly
- eTA required: Australians need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before flying to Canada. Apply online at canada.ca/eTA — costs CAD$7, takes minutes to process. Valid for up to 5 years.
- Tipping: Tipping is expected in Canada — 15–20% at restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and a few dollars for hotel staff, taxis and tour guides.
- Winter clothing: If visiting between November and March, Toronto gets seriously cold (often below -10°C with wind chill). Pack a heavy winter coat, gloves, scarf, beanie and waterproof boots.
- Travel Insurance: From long-haul flight delays to unexpected hospital bills, minor mishaps on a Canadian trip add up quickly. Arranging Canada travel protection helps cover emergency medical care, lost bags, and non-refundable travel costs if your plans are disrupted.
More USA & Canada Flights
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines fly from Australia to Toronto?
There are no direct flights. Most travellers connect via Vancouver (Air Canada), Los Angeles (Qantas, United, Air Canada) or San Francisco (Qantas, United). Total travel time is around 19–22 hours including transit.
Is there a direct flight from Australia to Toronto?
No — there are currently no direct flights from Australia to Toronto. The most common route is via Vancouver on Air Canada, or via LA/SF on multiple carriers. Connecting in Vancouver is usually fastest.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Toronto?
January through March is cheapest — but it's also bitterly cold. May, September and October are great value shoulder months. Avoid summer peak (June–August), Christmas/NYE and the Toronto International Film Festival (early September).
Do Australians need a visa for Canada?
No visa, but you must apply online for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before flying. Apply at canada.ca/eTA — costs CAD$7 and takes minutes. Valid for up to 5 years.
Can I visit Niagara Falls from Toronto?
Absolutely — Niagara Falls is just 90 minutes by car or bus from Toronto and is one of the most popular day trips. Tour companies offer easy round-trip excursions. For more time, stay overnight in Niagara-on-the-Lake for wine tastings.