As Canada’s largest city and one of the biggest cities in North America (third only to New York and LA), Toronto is a destination with so much to offer. Never a dull moment, this sprawling metropolis gives even New York City a run for its money.
Whether you plan your visit to Toronto for the summer or winter, there’s always plenty of fun to be had. Here we give you the full breakdown on weather, events, attractions, and public holidays to help you plan your perfect adventure.
Table of Contents
- The Weather in Toronto
- Toronto’s Most Popular Annual Events
- The Best Tourist Attractions in Toronto (And When to Visit Them)
- Toronto Sporting Events That Make Tourists Go Wild
- Canadian Public Holidays & Occasions
The Weather in Toronto
Toronto is a year-round pleaser, and each season has its merits. If you want to know more about the city’s climate and weather, read on for tips about the ideal time to pack your bags.
Spring (March to May)
The temperature rises above freezing from March onwards, marking the end of winter. Beating the summer crowds in April/May means getting great travel deals, but be prepared for some spring rain and unpredictable weather.
Summer (June to August)
This is peak tourist season, with July and August being the most popular months for beaches and walking around the city. Expect highs of 95°F during the summer.
Fall (September to November)
A great time for sightseeing, fall brings milder weather to the city. Average temperatures fall to 62°F in September, 51°F in October, and 39°F in November. However, September marks the beginning of the fall shoulder season for travel, meaning cheaper airfares and fewer crowds at attractions.
Winter (December to February)
Expect temperatures below freezing cross-country, going as low as 18°F by the peak of winter in January. Don’t let the chilly weather fool you, though—this can be a busy and expensive time to travel. Toronto is home to both amazing winter sports and fun festivals that keep the winter months lively.
Toronto’s Most Popular Annual Events
You’ll find never-ending fun in Canada’s largest and most exciting city! But here are some specific events you’ll want to add to your itinerary.
Winterlicious (January)
Warm your belly at Toronto’s premier foodie gathering, featuring mouthwatering three-course meals and exclusive events across more than 200 restaurants and venues.
Toronto Fringe Festival (July)
The Toronto Fringe Festival is a celebration of the arts across a number of theaters around the city. Tickets and passes start from just 13 CAD ($10 USD).
Caribana Toronto (August)
As North America’s biggest and most spectacular Caribbean carnival, Caribana Toronto is not to be missed if you’re here in August. Hotel and nightlife packages start from 235 CAD ($182 USD) per person.
Toronto Chocolate Festival 2022
On October 1st, the city will come together for chocolate tastings, chocolate-making exhibitions, and chocolate-eating contests. Of course, one can’t forget the Chocolate Ball, with fashion shows, delectable treats, and much more.
Toronto Santa Claus Parade 2022
The largest parade of its kind in North America, the Toronto Santa Clause Parade attracts over half a million visitors each year. Taking place annually on the third Sunday of November, it’s free to watch!
The Best Tourist Attractions in Toronto (And When to Visit Them)
From beaches to architecture and nature to museums, there’s simply too much to mention when it comes to attractions. But here are some of the most popular ones to consider visiting during your stay.
CN Tower
The view from the CN Tower is perhaps the most iconic one you’ll get of the city. The highest viewing platform is the SkyPod at 447 meters, with vistas as far as Niagara on a clear day. General admission is 43 CAD ($33 USD).
Next Vacay Travel Tip: Summer offers the best visibility, but some of the most beautiful sunsets happen in October.
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Discover the ROM’s outstanding collection covering natural history, art, and culture from around the world. General admission is 23 CAD ($18 USD), but you can also get tickets for a range of events taking place at the venue.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: Peak season runs from May to September, so consider visiting in April or October to beat the crowds.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
This is one of the city’s top attractions for kids and adults alike. Walk through the huge underwater tunnel—with its moving sidewalk—and watch in awe as sharks and sawfish glide past. Tickets are 44 CAD ($34 USD) for adults and 12.50 CAD ($10 USD) for children.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: Travel in the shoulder season (September to November) to avoid big crowds and large groups/families enjoying their school break.
Toronto Zoo
Another family-friendly attraction, Toronto Zoo is home to over 5,000 species, offering the perfect day out for animal lovers. Walk-through admission is 27.99 CAD ($22 USD) for adults and 18.30 CAD ($14 USD) for children.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: Visit in spring or fall for the most comfortable temperatures while strolling the zoo.
Niagara Falls
No trip to Toronto is complete without an excursion to Niagara Falls. You can access the falls for free all year round, but some people prefer to book a tour through their hotel.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: The best time to visit Toronto and Niagara Falls is in the summer (when the falls and weather are at their best).
Toronto Sporting Events That Make Tourists Go Wild
If you’re into sports as well as travel, combine your two passions with a trip to Toronto, and immerse yourself in these thrilling sporting events in the city.
The Stanley Cup
This annual ice hockey championship is one of the most popular sporting events in Canada. Head to Scotiabank Arena to watch the Toronto Maple Leafs. Playoffs typically kick off in May, with finals set for June.
NBA Playoffs and Finals
As the only Canadian team left in the NBA, the Toronto Raptors are Canada’s pride and joy. Get tickets from the box office at the Scotiabank Arena for home games. Regular seasons usually run from October to April.
Canadian Public Holidays and Occasions
The best time to visit Toronto is different for everyone. Whether you’re into winter activities or summer fun, you’ll discover plenty to see and do throughout the year. However, if you prefer to travel when there are fewer crowds, avoid booking your trip during public holidays such as Christmas.
Canada is a popular winter destination, so airfares and hotel prices can be inflated around this time. Additionally, cities such as Toronto get busy during the summer due to school breaks, but it’s still possible to find some great travel deals.
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