Toronto on a Budget: 5-Day Adventure Guide

Explore Toronto without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Traveling to Toronto on a tight budget is an excellent option for adventurers looking to explore one of Canada's most dynamic cities while keeping costs low. With affordable accommodations, delicious street food, and free cultural attractions such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, it's easy to have a blast exploring Toronto without breaking the bank. Don't forget to visit the CN Tower, take a stroll around Lake Ontario, and immerse yourself in the city's rich arts and music scene.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Cultural Immersion

  • Check-in at the award-winning Planet Traveler Hostel located in the heart of downtown Toronto
  • Indulge in authentic dim sum at Rol San before visiting the Royal Ontario Museum for a lesson in Canadian heritage
  • Stroll through the charming Victorian-era houses at Cabbagetown followed by a visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario
  • Catch a show at the vibrant Second City comedy club for an evening of laughter
Day 2

Island Escape

  • Enjoy a complimentary breakfast at the hostel before taking a ferry ride to the Toronto Islands
  • Rent a bike and explore the lush greenery and beaches
  • Stop by the Centreville Amusement Park for some nostalgic fun before renting a paddleboat on the lagoon
  • Grab a bite at Rectory Café before taking in a picturesque sunset view of the city skyline from the islands
Day 3

Shopping & Nightlife

  • Head to the trendy Queen West neighbourhood for some shopping at independent boutiques and vintage stores
  • Nosh on a shawarma at Fat Pasha before enjoying a craft cocktail at Bar Raval
  • Take in a show at the legendary Massey Hall or dance the night away at the famous El Mocambo
Day 4

Nature & Adventure

  • Start the day with a hike through the scenic trails of High Park
  • Get thrills and chills at the EdgeWalk, a hands-free walk around the exterior edge of the CN Tower
  • Indulge in some Canadian comfort food at Bannock before checking out some street art in Kensington Market
  • Head to the Danforth neighbourhood for some Greek food and a night out at the lively bars and clubs
Day 5

History on Foot

  • Walk down Memory Lane at the St. Lawrence Market to sample some local delicacies
  • Visit the historic Distillery District for a tour of the Gooderham & Worts Distillery and a taste of Canada’s national spirit
  • Take a stroll through the elegant Casa Loma castle before grabbing a coffee at the quaint Baldwin Village
  • End the trip with a sunset view of the city from the rooftop bar at the Thompson Hotel

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Toronto by plane is to fly into Toronto Pearson International Airport, which has connections to many major cities around the world.

Car

Driving to Toronto is a viable option from various cities across North America. From New York City, it takes approximately 8 hours to reach Toronto via I-90E and over the Niagara Falls border crossing.

Train

There is the VIA Rail train service from Montreal to Toronto that provides scenic views of the countryside and the journey takes approximately 4-5 hours.

Boat

There are currently no direct boat routes to Toronto, however, you can take a ferry from Rochester, NY to Toronto Island Airport and then take a short flight to Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport.

Bus

Taking a coach bus from New York City's Port Authority Bus Terminal is a popular way to get to Toronto. Bus companies like Greyhound and Megabus provide direct services to Toronto's Bus Terminal.

Destination

Toronto

Toronto - the city that's always bragging about being the centre of the universe, but at least they make a mean poutine and apologize for it afterwards.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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