City trip to Toronto

When is the best time to visit Toronto?

May to October are the best months for Toronto. September and October are particularly attractive: pleasant autumn weather (15 to 22 degrees Celsius), beautiful fall colours in High Park and Toronto Islands, and fewer tourists than the summer peak.

June to August are warmer and livelier but busier and more expensive. The Canadian winter from December to February brings wind chill temperatures down to -15 degrees Celsius; great for ice skating on Nathan Phillips Square but less ideal for a first Toronto visit.

Top 5 things to do in Toronto

• CN Tower and SkyPod (CAD 43) The 553-metre-tall CN Tower was for decades the world's tallest free-standing structure and offers breathtaking views over Toronto and Lake Ontario. The glass floor at 342 metres is a must for thrill-seekers. The basic lookout-level ticket costs approximately CAD 43 per adult. Book online in advance for the best price.
• Royal Ontario Museum (approx. CAD 23) The ROM is Canada's largest museum: from Egyptian mummies to Canadian dinosaurs and an impressive First Nations exhibition. The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal wing is architecturally spectacular. Admission approximately CAD 23; on Friday evenings there are additional programmes.
• Distillery District (free) The former Victorian-era Gooderham and Worts distillery is now a car-free cultural district full of galleries, cafes, restaurants and boutiques. The cobblestone streets and red brick buildings create a unique atmosphere. Walking through the district is free.
• Day trip to Niagara Falls (CAD 25-35 return) Niagara Falls is just 130 kilometres from Toronto. Travel by GO Bus route 12 or Megabus for approximately CAD 25 return. The Maid of the Mist boat (USD 25) brings you right to the foot of the American Falls. The Canadian side offers the most spectacular viewpoints.
• Art Gallery of Ontario (approx. CAD 25) The AGO has one of the largest art collections in North America with works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet and an extensive Canadian section. The spectacular glass facade designed by Frank Gehry is a landmark on Dundas Street West.

Flights and transport from the Netherlands to Toronto

KLM flies non-stop from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) with a flight time of approximately 8 hours outbound and approximately 7.5 hours return. Return tickets start at around 450 to 600 euros per person in the low season (November to January) when booked early.

In the summer peak expect to pay 700 to 1,100 euros. Book at least 2 to 3 months in advance. There are no direct transatlantic flights from Eindhoven; take the intercity train to Schiphol (approximately 1.5 hours).

From Pearson Airport to the city centre: the Union Pearson Express (UPX) train runs from all Pearson terminals to Union Station in the heart of Toronto in 25 minutes for CAD 12.35.

Alternatively, TTC bus route 900 Airport Express runs to Kipling or Bloor-Yonge metro station for CAD 3.30. A single TTC metro or bus ride costs CAD 3.30; a day pass CAD 13.50. An Uber or taxi from Pearson to the centre costs CAD 50 to 80.

How much does a Toronto city trip cost?

Hostels in Toronto cost approximately CAD 35 to 70 per night in a dormitory. Budget hotels start around CAD 100 to 150 per night. Mid-range hotels in Downtown or Yorkville cost CAD 150 to 280 per night. Tip: the Kensington Market, Annex or Queen West neighbourhoods offer comparable options for 15 to 25 per cent less than Downtown. The Canadian dollar is historically attractive for Europeans: 1 euro is roughly CAD 1.45 to 1.55.

Food: poutine (fries with cheese curds and gravy) as a classic Canadian dish costs CAD 10 to 18. A Canadian bakery lunch costs CAD 12 to 20. Toronto is one of the world's most multicultural cities: Little Italy, Chinatown and Greektown offer delicious dinners for CAD 15 to 30 per person. The Canadian eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) costs just CAD 7 and takes minutes to arrange online.