Where to stay in Toronto – A guide to the capital of Ontario
Toronto is the capital of the province of Ontario and is located in the southeastern part of Canada. This cosmopolitan city is famous for being the most populated in the country and for its skyline with iconic skyscrapers like the CN Tower creating a beautiful contrast to Lake Ontario. It is such a big city that you will need help choosing where to sleep in Toronto. But don’t worry we’re here to guide you
The CN Tower is the most important attraction in Toronto. The tower is 553 meters high and is the second tallest freestanding structure in the world, after the Burj Khalifa. Inside the building, you’ll find the Ripley Aquarium of Canada and an observation deck with the best views of Toronto.
When it comes to cultural attractions, the city has the largest museum in Canada, the Royal Ontario Museum, as well as several art galleries.
In terms of climate, summers in Toronto are usually very humid due to their location next to Lake Ontario. Winters are cold but milder than in other Canadian cities. The best time to visit Toronto is during the summer if you don’t mind the humidity. Summer is also Toronto’s peak season.
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Toronto Pearson is the city’s main airport and is 14 miles northwest of downtown Toronto. Toronto Pearson International Airport is Air Canada’s main hub, connecting to different destinations around the world. To get to the airport from Toronto and vice versa, you can choose from taxis, buses, and trains.
Public transportation in Toronto is very efficient and includes a subway system with two lines that connect its outlying areas with the more central neighborhoods. There are also buses, commuter trains, and taxi services to get around the city.
Still, in order to visit neighboring cities and the city’s natural attractions, it may be a good idea to rent a Toronto vehicle.
Being a large city, it is difficult to choose which are the best locations to stay in Toronto. However, the city center stands out for its excellent public transport connections and lively nightlife. See accommodation in Downtown Toronto. On the other hand, North York is a good accommodation option if you are traveling on a tight budget. See accommodation in North York.
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Best areas to stay in Toronto
Downtown
The downtown area is the best place to stay in Toronto for sightseeing and nightlife. Here you will find the most important attraction in the city: the CN Tower, which houses the Ripley Aquarium.
When the sun goes down, downtown Toronto offers live music shows, Broadway-style plays, and parties for all audiences, including gay and gay-friendly events.
This is also the best area to stay in Toronto for shopping due to shopping malls like the Eaton Center. Also, there are many dining options available in the financial district, so there is something for all types of foodies in this part of the city.
Being an area of great tourist, commercial and financial importance, downtown Toronto is connected to the rest of the city through two lines of light rail, subway, and several bus lines.
When it comes to accommodation, you will find a wide variety of options in this area. This includes luxury hotels, business hotels, hostels, and guesthouses.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Toronto:
- Great area for tourists
- Best area to stay without a car
- Best area for nightlife
- Accommodation in this area
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Harbourfront (Port area)
Harbourfront is an exclusive and luxurious area, located south of the Entertainment District, with high-class hotels to satisfy the needs of the most demanding travelers.
It also houses the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal that connects to the Toronto Islands (located on Lake Ontario). In addition, it has bus routes to access the center and other areas of the city.
Other transportation options on Harbourfront are tram and tube. However, its streets are pedestrian-friendly and can also be explored by bicycle.
Harbourfront is a modern area that has many green areas and Lake Ontario for outdoor activities.
In addition, the fun does not escape from Harbourfront. Its streets are crossed by thousands of visitors, thanks to its festivals, shops, and restaurants.
Harbourfront is one of the best areas to stay in Toronto for its exclusivity, galleries, and spaces where the best shows in the city take place.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Toronto:
- Luxury hotels
- Jack Layton Ferry Terminal
- Good area for shopping
- Accommodation in this area
West Queen West
West Queen West is regarded as a modern neighborhood full of art, as well as a fairly busy area throughout the year, thanks to its leisure offer.
It is also filled with clubs, bars, and cafes, as well as stages where live music and fun are the stars every night.
This neighborhood is described as one of the most stylish districts in the world by major magazines such as Vogue, thanks to its galleries, innovative restaurants, and variety of stores.
Transportation in West Queen West is covered by the tube, with stations such as Queen and the Osgoode, as well as by streetcar and buses.
Queen West is one of the best areas to stay in Toronto because it is also cheaper than other districts of the city and has a wide range of hotels.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Toronto:
Cheap accommodation
Charming neighborhood
Best Food in Toronto
Accommodation in this area
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Fashion District
As its name suggests, Fashion District is Toronto’s fashion suburb and another excellent area to stay in the capital of Ontario.
Located near the center of the city, the Fashion District has a large number of shops and exclusive cafes.
The Fashion District serves as the stage for international and local designers who offer the public their greatest creations, in stores with the most recognized clothing brands worldwide.
Being one of the safest districts in Toronto, the bars and clubs in the area are filled with young tourists for most of the year.
Fashion District connects to the rest of Toronto by subway. However, the most recommended option is to rent a car or walk its streets on foot, to appreciate its walls covered with street art.
Fashion District is one of the best areas to stay in Toronto for being a luxury neighborhood and having first-rate gastronomy.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Toronto:
- Best area for shopping
- High-end restaurants
- Excellent night life
- Accommodation in this area
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North York
North York is considered the “geek zone” of Toronto because it is home to a large number of companies dedicated to the development of new technologies.
Located north of the city, North York has a wide range of hotels, especially for business travelers who plan to stay for a short time in Toronto.
This area is crossed by line 1 of the tram, heading towards downtown and other areas of Toronto.
In addition to being a technology center, North York stands out for its restaurants, shops, and cafes, where a late-afternoon cocktail or a delicious dinner is a good option to enjoy.
North York is recommended as one of the best areas to stay in Toronto for staying away from the hustle and bustle of the city center and therefore offering cheaper accommodation.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Toronto:
- Budget hotels
- Good area for business travelers
- Restaurants and cafes
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Scarborough
Scarborough is a neighborhood full of surprises, a great zoo, many shops, and one of the best gastronomic offerings in Toronto.
For lovers of green spaces and outdoor activities, Scarborough has attractions such as Rouge Park and the lake at Scarborough Bluffs, ideal for swimming during the summer.
Similarly, this area is excellent for family trips, as it has the Scarborough Town Center, one of the largest shopping centers in Canada, with shops, movie theaters, and entertainment for all ages.
This district also has its own walk of fame, a tourist attraction reminiscent of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Scarborough is one of the best areas to stay in Toronto for its shopping centers, open spaces, and proximity to important districts through public transport.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Toronto:
- Scarborough Town Center
- Toronto Walk of Fame
- Toronto zoo
- Accommodation in this area
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Bloor-Yorkville
Bloor-Yorkville is a neighborhood full of life and energy, both day and night.
Within this area is the famous Bloor Street, full of residences and shops. This street runs through the entire district with its many shops and has therefore been named the “Fashion Mile”.
The Victorian-style houses in the area are currently cafes, frequented by a young crowd.
Being an exclusive area in Toronto, Bloor-Yorkville is home to luxury hotels, but there are also other more affordable accommodations.
Although shopping is considered the main activity in Bloor-Yorkville, you can also visit the galleries and museums in the area.
During the famous Toronto International Film Festival, this area is one of the busiest, so it is recommended to reserve accommodation in advance.
Bloor-Yorkville is one of the best areas to stay in Toronto, as it is easy to get around on foot and is one of Toronto’s hipster neighborhoods par excellence.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Toronto:
- Toronto hipster neighborhood
- Victorian architecture
- Cafes and shops
- Accommodation in this area
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Toronto Pearson Airport
The Toronto Pearson International Airport area is another of the best areas to stay in Toronto for business trips
The airport is located 32km from the city center and is the busiest air terminal in Canada, with flights to many international destinations.
Getting to other areas from the airport is not a problem, as it has several bus stops, taxi services, and metro lines.
The restaurants and markets in the Toronto Pearson area are recommended for those visiting Toronto for a short stay. However, to taste true gastronomy, the best restaurants are found in other areas of the city.
A point in favor of those who stay in this area is the availability of hotels of all kinds, as they adjust to different budgets and travel reasons.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Toronto:
- Good transport links
- Excellent area for business trips
- Best area to stay during a stopover
- Accommodation in this area
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