This Q&A about moving to Canada from the US is part of Why I Moved, a recurring series about Americans building a life abroad.
17.01.2025 - 15:07 / lonelyplanet.com
Jan 17, 2025 • 5 min read
Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto is one of Canada’s most exciting cities. Shining skyscrapers, diverse neighborhoods, and even some lakeside beaches – there’s plenty to keep you busy in the capital of Ontario.
The best part? Despite Toronto being an expensive city, you can experience plenty for absolutely no cost. Here's our list of the top things to do in Toronto for free.
Like many major cities, Toronto has a debate between what is known as street art and what is vandalism. Rush Lane, better known as Graffiti Alley, is meant to be an art space and has become a Toronto favorite, especially among photographers, artists and Instagrammers, thanks to all the colorful murals. The alley is about 400m (1312ft) long and is covered in art from some of the city’s most notable street artists. Although some pieces have remained over time, many others get regularly painted over, so there is always something new to check out.
Planning tip: You’ll want to visit during the daytime, ideally on a nice day since so you can get some great shots of the artwork (and keep your camera dry!). Consider an early start before it gets too busy.
St Lawrence Market is an iconic institution in Toronto. It’s been open since 1803 and remains an important part of the city more than 220 years later. The market holds a number of different retail businesses, specialty item stores, an exhibition space plus a weekly antique market and farmers market that are always a huge hit. Locals and tourists alike come here to shop, and you should too. However, you don’t need to spend money to enjoy the atmosphere of St Lawrence Market. It’s fun to browse, people watch and experience a little bit of Toronto’s history in what is considered to be one of the world’s greatest markets.
Planning tip: St Lawrence market is covered, which makes it a great free indoor thing to do in Toronto on a rainy day. The farmers' market takes place on Saturday and the antique market takes place on Sunday, so plan your visit accordingly based on your interests.
Considered to be the heart of Toronto, Nathan Phillips Square is probably best known by visitors as the home of the Toronto Sign – the big block letters that visitors (and some locals!) love to take photos with. As well as the iconic sign, the plaza is also home to a number of special events. From New Year’s Eve parties to Remembrance Day celebrations, concerts and more, there’s often something going on in this part of the city, so be sure to stop by and check it out when you visit.
Planning tip: The Toronto sign is best seen at night when it is lit up and colorful.
Visitors looking for free outdoor activities in Toronto should head to High Park. As the largest public park in the
This Q&A about moving to Canada from the US is part of Why I Moved, a recurring series about Americans building a life abroad.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Stephen and Joanna Vargha, a married couple who moved from North Carolina to Cuenca, Ecuador, in 2020 after retiring early. Cuenca is located in the Andes mountains and has a population of about 600,000 people. Their interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Jan 30, 2025 • 10 min read
Jan 30, 2025 • 7 min read
Jan 28, 2025 • 5 min read
Earlier this year, Cirium released its annual On-Time Performance Review for airlines. In 2024, airlines faced many challenges, including cybersecurity disruptions and weather anomalies, yet many airlines demonstrated adaptability and continued their commitment to punctuality. Cirium’s analysis examined the airline industry’s top performers and the strategies behind their success.
It’s a cloudless December day on Lake Como, the kind that would make anyone want to stay in bed and stock the pantry. Ever since we overtook Lord Byron—the unromantic hydrofoil ferry, not the Romantic poet—the only fast-moving object that skipper Giorgio Cantaluppi and I have spotted is a cormorant, cresting the ripples in the direction of George Clooney’s villa, wingtips skimming the water.
Jan 23, 2025 • 9 min read
Jan 23, 2025 • 7 min read
I've always been drawn to nature's beauty, so for me, moving to Svalbard was the perfect decision. This remote archipelago, located in the Arctic Ocean between mainland Norway and the North Pole, is home to the world's northernmost town, Longyearbyen.
Cobblestone streets, adorable bistros, scenic river cruises, impressive basilicas, and artsy enclaves — this isn't France, it's Montréal in Canada.
With the rollout of Europe’s new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which is a digital entry form expected to charge an entry fee to visit Europe visa-free and streamline the entry process, Americans are wondering: what will this cost me on my next trip abroad?