Getting around
On foot
I find that roads are slightly longer than you think if you look at a map. Trust the time estimates on your phone; if it says it's a 15 minute walk, and you think "I'll do it in 10", the phone is correct.
The countdowns at street crossings are how much time you have left to cross. It's technically illegal to start crossing when the countdown starts, but everybody ignores this. It's legal to cross mid-block but it's often safer to use a crossing.
Pedestrians have priority at stop signs and uncontrolled intersections. In other words: if there's no traffic lights, you can keep walking. Drivers will 100% expect you to use this; you will confuse people if you try to give way or wave cars through.
Be aware that traffic generally moves even when you have a "walk" signal; cars must give way to anyone crossing, but they can legally turn through it. So make sure they've seen you.
Public transport
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| The downtown TTC map. More maps (and this one as PDF) on the TTC website. |
Public transport in Toronto is the TTC, and is a combination of streetcars (trams), subways, and buses. They generally run often enough that you don't need to check a timetable. Google Maps, Apple Maps, Citymapper, or the TTC itself will help you plan a journey.
A trip costs $3.30, which gets you a 2-hour window of travel. There's no restrictions - you can change transport modes, double back, etc.
Most people use a Presto card to pay their fare. It costs $4 from vending machines in subway stations or at Shopper's Drug Mart. You can top it up at machines as needed. They've just enabled payment via debit/credit card on the TTC, so if you have an international card this is the easiest option.
Tap your card whenever you get on a vehicle.
By bike
Cycling in Toronto is a bit hairier than the UK, but it's improving. There's a reasonable network of separated cycle lanes and quieter street routes.
There are bike share stations all over the city. They charge $1 to unlock a bike, then 12ยข a minute to ride ($7.20/hour). Ebikes cost a little more.
You can also get a day pass for $15, as long as you keep your rides less than 90 minutes.
There's a lot of on-street parking next to cycle lanes in Toronto, so watch out for door prizes. Pedestrians are also oblivious, especially along the waterfront and Bloor Street.
You can legally turn right at a red light if there's no pedestrians crossing. When streetcar doors are open, you should stop behind the street car. (They have flashing lights to warn you.)
By car
You must give way to pedestrians at all turns. Pedestrians will expect this.
If there's no pedestrians or crossing traffic, you can generally turn right at red lights. Watch out for cyclists, and "no right on red" signs.
Don't pass streetcars when they're picking up/dropping off passengers.
There are a lot of stop signs in Ontario. Whoever stops first at an intersection has right of way. If two vehicles stop simultaneously, the driver on the right goes first.
If you see or hear an emergency vehicle with its lights on, you're supposed to pull over and stop. In city traffic this isn't always possible, but try to get out of its way. If possible, leave one lane of space when overtaking a stopped emergency vehicle.