Best Tips For Visiting Toronto on a Budget
As Toronto’s tourism industry continues to flourish, visitors are getting access to a wave of deals and promotions. Boasting a robust population of 2.73 million, Toronto is easily the most populous city in Canada. Thanks to its vibrant economy and multicultural population, the Ontarian Capital is one of the most revered cosmopolitan cities in the world. In 2017, Toronto welcomed a record breaking 43.7 million tourists. This was a 3.9% increase from 2016, and this impressive growth showcases how quickly Toronto’s tourism industry is evolving.
Tips For Visiting Toronto
Now that Toronto is a certified tourist hub, people from around the world are figuring out how to visit this city on a budget. Being a sought after destination has its consequences, and one of them is increased costs. In total tourists spent $8.8 billion on their trips to Toronto, which was $700 million more than previous year. Even though this is great news for the local economy, these figures showcase the pitfalls tourists face when visiting Toronto. When you have all the modern amenities at your fingertips, it’s easy to overspend. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make your next trip to Toronto budget-friendly.
By implementing a few tips, Toronto can be visited without breaking the bank. All that’s necessary is a little guidance and planning to make this trip a positive experience for you and your budget. For this reason, we compiled a list of the best tips to save when in Toronto. With this many deals and promotions, there’s no reason to overspend. Learn how to make any budget work in Toronto with this list of proven tips!
Top Tips to Save in Toronto
Tip #3: Explore Toronto Pearson International Airport Alternatives – Despite being the main travel hub for Toronto, there are plenty of better options. On top of being more less expensive, other airports provide better locations for various itineraries. Visitors who want to dive right into the city should opt for Toronto City Centre Airport. Unlike Pearson International, this airport is nestled right in the middle of downtown Toronto. This strategic location cuts down on transportation costs and provides immediate access to everything Toronto has to offer. This airport is also the hub for Porter Airlines, which has cheap flights to Chicago, New York and various Canadian destinations.
Visitors who want to visit Niagara Falls should consider flying into Hamilton International Airport. Situated 45 minutes outside Toronto, this airport is right in the middle of Ontario’s capital and Niagara Falls. This is the perfect jump off point to save money on accommodations while visiting both locations. These are just two of the options, so make sure to check all the other neighboring airports when purchasing your flight.
Tip #2: Dine Strategically – Thanks to its vibrant culture, Toronto is one of the biggest culinary hubs in the world. There are over 15,822 restaurants to choose from that range from Michelin star awarded venues to street stands. While the temptations to splurge are understandable, spending a lot of money for a good meal isn’t necessary in Toronto. Multiple markets offer fresh food that’s a fraction of the cost of eating in a restaurant.
For those who prefer traditional venues, Toronto’s ethnic neighborhoods can’t be ignored. Vietnamese subs can be eaten in Chinatown for less than two dollars while Kim Chi Beef is available for $6 in Little Korea. These affordable offerings are flanked by various delicacies, so enjoy the best of both worlds in Toronto’s most interesting neighborhoods!
Tip #1: Avoid Hotels – Even though sticking with familiar hotel brands is easy, this convenience comes at a cost. Booking a room close to the center of town is always complimented by an astronomical price tag. For this reason, the best approach is avoiding hotels all together. Use websites like Airbnb to find rooms and guesthouses throughout the city. Summer rentals are also available at St. Michael’s and Massey college. On top of being surprisingly affordable, these dorms include breakfast and have ideal locations. There’s no reason to blow your budget on accommodations, so think outside the box to find the perfect place to stay during your trip!