Toronto is Canada’s leading industrial, commercial and cultural center, which comes as no surprise seeing how the city earned its name from the native word for “meeting place.” In fact, the United Nations recently deemed this performing arts powerhouse and shopping mecca the world’s most ethnically diverse city.
Should visitors rent a car in Toronto?
When planning a trip to Toronto, it’s important to evaluate your itinerary before deciding if you should rent a car. If you are hoping to stay in the core downtown area, you can easily get around using the public transportation system or, for late nights, a cab.
However, if you want to visit other parts of the greater Toronto area, then you’ll definitely want to have your own vehicle at the ready. So if you are planning a trip to Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan or hope to do a bit of outlet shopping, renting a car will make your trip that much more seamless.
The best time to visit Toronto
If you prefer to walk the streets without turning into an icicle, plan your trip to Toronto during the summer. The end of July and first two weeks of August typically provide the best weather for outdoor exploration.
As you stroll the streets of the vibrant neighborhoods where the sidewalks are overflowing with patios, you’ll understand that the city bursts to life in the summer. Chock-full of street festivals and open-air extravaganzas, the warm months in Toronto mean nonstop activity.
Whether you venture to the enormous Toronto Pride Festival in June or the Toronto International Film Festival in September, your trip to this metropolis will be jam-packed with culture and fun.
What to pack for a trip to Toronto
If you were to pack only one sensible item for a trip to Toronto, it would have to be a comfortable pair of walking shoes. It’s a great city to explore by foot no matter when you visit.
What else you should pack will vary greatly by season. Summertime will require flip-flops, light and airy clothes for hot and humid days and a light jacket for cooler nights.
During the fall and spring seasons, you’ll want to bring a combination of T-shirts and pants with a jacket, closed-toe shoes and a sturdy umbrella. Winter will require a nice warm coat, sweaters, socks, winter boots, scarves and gloves.
