Toronto on a Budget: Downtown Delights

Discover Toronto's vibrant culture and attractions without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

With a limited budget, a trip to Toronto can be an exciting experience. Exploring the streets of downtown, visiting museums and galleries, and taking a ferry ride to the Toronto Islands are all affordable options. Eating at local food markets and finding budget-friendly accommodations can also make for a memorable trip.

Day trip plan

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Day

Downtown Delights

  • Start your day off with a coffee and freshly baked treat from Dineen Coffee Co.
  • Take a stroll through the historic St. Lawrence Market to sample local produce and goods.
  • Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario for a dose of culture, admission is free Wednesday nights.
  • For lunch, head to the great value Chinatown to try some authentic and affordable Asian cuisine.
  • Walk around the vibrant Kensington Market neighborhood, full of street art and vintage shops.
  • Finish off your day with a stunning view of the city from the observation deck of the CN Tower, with a special discount for those who arrive after 8pm.

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.

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