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Moving to Toronto? Here are our top tips

Moving to Toronto? Here are our top tips

Toronto tops the list as a relocation destination for a number of factors; for one it is the largest city in Canada and fourth largest city in North America. It is also renowned as one of the safest places in the world and celebrated for being cosmopolitan and multi-cultural. The official language is English. 
If you enjoy the arts as well as diverse dining options it’s definitely worth considering as a destination. It is home to over 80 film festivals, countless museums, historical monuments, galleries and public artworks. It also has a vast selection of celebrated restaurants covering every national cuisine you can think of. Once you get to know the city a bit you’ll be able to find good but affordable places to go to. 

If you’re moving from the UK it is worth considering several factors ahead of time. For example, much like the United States tipping is common practice so always make sure to budget 15% to 18% of your bill for it.  Housing can be very expensive the closer you are to the centre so keep it in mind when job and house hunting. If you’re looking for a shorter commute the flip side will be slightly higher rent as is the case in most large cities. Inner city parking can be quite pricy too, so maybe it’s time to start taking the train as the public transport system is quite good. You’ll also have to convert your driver’s license to an Ontario one within 60 days of arriving, so keep that in mind.

If you like the outdoors you’re in luck because Toronto is home to a number of parks and outdoor activities. Just make sure to pack your winter clothes as it tends to rain or snow for about half the year. If you don’t want to go outdoors, that’s OK too, just go the PATH. The PATH is said to be the largest underground shopping complex in the world, with over 30km of shops, services and restaurants, and even connects tourist attractions so you never have to go out in the cold.

For tips and advice as well as the opportunity to buy second hand items affordably make sure to join one of the many facebook groups available to Toronto newcomers. Alternatively Bunz is a very popular app for trading goods in the area.


Top six things to do and see when you’re in Toronto: 


Niagara Falls 

Moving to Toronto means being within close proximity of one of the world’s greatest natural sites so make sure to put in a visit to Niagara Falls as soon as possible. You’ll be able experience the area’s sights and history as well as taking part in exciting activities like visiting ice wineries or going on a cruise at the falls.
The falls are on the Canadian-American border and are formed by the American, Horseshoe and Bridal Veil Falls which are quite the natural spectacle. In fact, the City of Niagara was the birthplace of hydroelectric power when in 1896, Nikola Tesla developed the alternating current system, which generated enough power from the Niagara River to power nearby homes and businesses. It continues to power both the American and Canadian side of the falls by generating over two million kilowatts of electricity annually. 


Hockey hall of fame

Making Toronto your home will mean developing an inevitable interest in ice hockey. The Hockey Hall of Fame is a real celebration of the sport and will teach you everything you need to know about this special game. It’s located in downtown Toronto and once there you’ll be able to see the world’s greatest collection of hockey artefacts, including the Stanley Cup, as well as take part in interactive activities, themed exhibits and even view a replica NHL dressing room. If you feel like it you can also have a go at goal keeping!

 
Royal Ontario Museum 

The ROM is Canada’s largest museum and its exhibits include everything from art and archaeology to natural science. With over 30 galleries ranging from Egyptian to Byzantine to Korean artefacts you’re bound to learn new things and be entertained at the same time. 


West Queen West Neighbourhood

Described as one of the 15 coolest neighbourhoods in the world by Vogue this eccentric area is a must see when living or visiting Toronto. It is filled with restaurants, boutiques and art galleries and buzzes with creative energy and trendy vibes. Spend the day mooching through galleries, eating tasty treats and people watching.


Toronto botanical gardens

Spread over four acres within Toronto’s Don Valley Ravine the 17 award winning gardens offer a fun day out in nature. Luckily admission is free and there are always a lot of events going on such as courses and tours, as well as indoor and outdoor learning activities designed for all ages. 


Toronto International Film Festival

If you’re a movie buff, you’ll be pleased to learn that Toronto is home to the Toronto International Film Festival. The Festival takes place in September but also offers other events throughout the rest of the year such as regular movie screenings and talks, art exhibitions and even teaching events for children.  


For more advice about moving to Canada, including VISA requirements and other tips, visit our Canada destination page

 

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