This Opinion article is part of a Narcity content series. The views expressed are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
I've lived in Toronto for a decade now. I'd call this period of my life a "learning experience" if it weren't at risk of becoming the understatement of the year. Frankly, I've made too many mistakes to count since moving here.
However, on the other side of all those embarrassing flubs are an equal amount of rewarding experiences and lessons learned that more than make up for all the hand-to-face moments I've endured as a result of my own innate aloofness.
To help you avoid some of the pitfalls I stumbled across during my first few years here, I've created this colourful guide of dos and don'ts.
If you're like me when I first moved here, you'll probably skim through them and fall into at least a half dozen of them before realizing I have a point. But if you're in genuine search of a smooth entry into the 6ix, I highly recommend taking a look at the list I've compiled below. From a seasoned Torontonian to a newbie.
DO: Embrace the TTC
Okay, so let's talk transit. The Toronto Transit Commission, or TTC, is your best friend — you know, the one that's sometimes super flaky — when it comes to getting around Toronto. It's reasonably efficient and affordable, and it'll save you from the forever headache that is Toronto traffic.
How do you board? Easy peasy: Get yourself a PRESTO card at any one of the subway stations via their electronic dispensing machines for a $4 deposit and load it up. That little piece of plastic gives you access to the city's network of buses, subways and streetcars. It might look flimsy and bland, but it's a lifesaver, especially when winter rolls around and driving starts to look and feel like the ending of The Shining.
Better still, the TTC also connects you to GO Transit, a regional public transit system that serves the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) and extends to communities across Southern Ontario. It includes a network of trains and buses designed to make travelling between cities and towns convenient and efficient. Everything from heading to the Niagara region for a weekend wine-tasting getaway to commuting from the suburbs is made relatively stress-free by this integrated system.
DON'T: Depend solely on driving
Speaking of driving, let's get one thing straight: Toronto traffic is the stuff of nightmares. Between the gridlock and the exorbitant parking fees, you'll find yourself questioning your life choices every time you get behind the wheel. Save yourself the needless suffering and use public transit, walk or bike. Your wallet and your sanity will thank you.
If you must drive, be strategic. Avoid rush hours if possible, and use apps like Waze or Google Maps to navigate around traffic. Also, consider car-sharing services like Zipcar or Turo for occasional trips, which can be more economical and convenient than owning a car in the city.
DO: Explore different neighbourhoods
Toronto is a city of diverse neighbourhoods. From the hipster-centric Kensington Market to the boujee, celebrity-adjacent Yorkville, there's something for everyone. My advice? Take the time to explore all of them and find the area that suits your vibe best. I lived downtown for years before realizing my people were actually in the west end. Love you, Parkdale.
Obviously, proximity to work or school and access to public transit are key decision-making factors as well. Trumped only by the need to find a killer brunch spot nearby — after all, nobody wants to live too far away from a world-class breakfast.
For my money, the Distillery District is a must-see, with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings now home to galleries, boutiques and cafes. It's like stepping into a Hallmark movie, but with better coffee and less cheese. Queen West, known for its vibrant street art and eclectic shops, is also a highlight for those who prefer a more bohemian atmosphere. It's where you can find both that obscure vinyl and an artisanal donut in one trip. Just be prepared to pay $10 for the donut because, you know, inflation.
And don't miss the Beaches, where you can enjoy a more relaxed, faux-seaside vibe while still being in the city. It's like a mini vacation without having to suffer through airport security or your brother's questionable barbecue skills. So grab your sunscreen and your sense of adventure, because Toronto has a neighbourhood with your name on it.
DON'T: Overlook the suburbs
Yes, downtown Toronto gets all the hype, and for good reason — it's a vibe. But don't underestimate the power of the suburbs. Areas like Mississauga, Scarborough and even Brampton are known for offering more affordable housing options (not claiming they're cheap, but their real estate markets haven't gone full-on nuclear winter like Toronto) and a strong sense of community. Plus, they're well connected to the city via the aforementioned public transit, so with a little luck and patience, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
A true highlight is the Scarborough Bluffs, which offers stunning natural beauty with dramatic cliffs and scenic trails. Mississauga's Square One Shopping Centre, one of the largest in Canada, provides a plethora of shopping and dining options with much smaller crowds than Toronto's Eaton Centre. Lastly, Brampton, the Flower City, lives up to its name, offering beautiful parks and gardens to those who lean towards the outdoorsy side of city life.
DO: Embrace cultural diversity
Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. So, why not embrace it? The 6ix is filled to the brim with cultural festivals, diverse cuisines and traditions that make up the fabric of this city. Events like Caribana, Pride and Taste of the Danforth are not to be missed. After all, they're not just fun; they're a celebration of everything that makes Toronto an all-inclusive city.
Food lovers will revel in the culinary delights available here. In Little Italy, you can enjoy authentic pasta dishes at restaurants like Sotto Voce or Cafe Diplomatico. Chinatown offers a fantastic dim sum experience at Rol San or DaiLo. The gastronomic journey is endless. Don't forget to explore the many ethnic grocery stores and farmer's markets that offer a taste of home for many residents.
DON'T: Stick to chain restaurants
Toronto's food scene is every bit as diverse as its population. If you're moving here, then it's officially time to step out of your comfort zone and explore the myriad of independent eateries and food trucks on offer. From the best peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery in St. Lawrence Market to authentic butter tarts from Bakerbots, there's a world of flavours waiting to be discovered. Sure, chain restaurants are ever-present and convenient here, but they won't give you the true taste of Toronto.
For a truly local experience, try dining at a farm-to-table restaurant like Richmond Station or indulging in fusion cuisine at places like Patois, which blends Jamaican and Asian flavours. The city's food festivals, like Summerlicious and Winterlicious, are great opportunities to sample a variety of dishes from top restaurants at a fraction of the usual cost.
DO: Take advantage of free and affordable activities
Let's be real: Toronto is expensive as all get-out. With the rising cost of living and housing prices reaching record highs, it can feel like your wallet is under constant assault. But fear not — there are still plenty of low-cost and free activities to keep you entertained on a budget. High Park, the Toronto Islands and the Art Gallery of Ontario (on free admission days) are great places to start, in my humble opinion. Whether you're into outdoor activities, cultural experiences or simply people-watching, there's always something to do without breaking the bank.
If you're an outdoor enthusiast, High Park offers beautiful trails, a zoo and cherry blossoms in the spring. The Toronto Islands provide a mini-escape from city life, with beaches, bike rentals and stunning skyline views.
For culture vultures, the Art Gallery of Ontario has free admission on the first Wednesday evening of every month. Plus, there's always a quirky festival or street fair popping up somewhere because Toronto loves any excuse to throw a party.
And if people-watching is your thing, grab a seat in Yonge-Dundas Square or Kensington Market. The entertainment is endless and costs you nothing more than a coffee.
DON'T: Spend all your time indoors
Even when the weather goes from great to plain sucks, Toronto has a lot to offer. As long as you bundle up appropriately during the winter, you can enjoy exploring the outdoor skating rinks at Nathan Phillips Square or Harbourfront Centre, or take a picturesque hike in one of the city's many parks, like the trails at Rouge National Urban Park.
In the summer, I like to take advantage of the numerous festivals and outdoor events, like the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) or the Beaches International Jazz Festival. The city's vibrant street life is something I'm loath to miss, regardless of the season.
Winter Stations at the Beaches showcases art installations that make braving the cold worth it, while the summer's Pedestrian Sundays, a personal favourite, transform the streets of Kensington Market into a bustling fair with food, music and performances. Embrace the seasons and you'll find there's always something exciting happening.
That's my list, folks. My hope is that by providing you with these hard-learned dos and don'ts, you'll navigate your new home with fewer blunders than I did. If I have any parting advice, it's to embrace the city's adventure, explore the neighbourhoods and enjoy everything Toronto has to offer. Welcome!
Dos and don'ts: An honest guide for people who just moved to Toronto
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