I know I’m in Toronto when everyone stands at the crosswalk waiting patiently to cross. While people often compare Ontario’s capital to New York, Toronto is a standout destination in its own right. After all, it’s the fourth-largest city on the continent, and the most multicultural of them all—the city is home to five major sports teams, over 140 different languages, and some of the world’s most beloved Canadian exports—we’re looking at you, the Weeknd. And while it’s true that come winter, it can get so cold you can’t feel your face, that’s still no excuse to rush past the traffic lights.
I’ve lived elsewhere and picked up habits along the way, like jaywalking—but my hometown quickly reminds me it plays by its own rules. Toronto is the city that raised me, the place where I first discovered my love for great restaurants, fine art, and most importantly—kind people. So if you’re interested in feeling like a local from the start, consider these unwritten rules—the small details that make navigating Toronto a little easier.
Julia Viele
Julia Viele is a Toronto-based and NYU-trained journalist covering travel, food, hospitality, and lifestyle. Her work has appeared in Italy Segreta, Spaced Magazine, and The Kit. Curious by nature and guided by her appetite, she’s always chasing hidden gems, savoring thoughtful tasting menus, and discovering the world’s most stylish hotel bars. Her storytelling is fueled by a passion for connection and a desire to understand what drives us all. Julia’s writing is complemented by her photography, which elegantly captures the little details we might otherwise miss. For more of her adventures, delicious finds, and tiny moments, follow along on Instagram @juliaviele.
Read our complete Toronto travel guide here, which includes:
There’s two t’s in Toronto, but we only pronounce one
At some point in Toronto’s storied history, we dropped the second T. Tor-on-to to visitors became Tor-ono to locals. The silent letter feels like a shared understanding among everyone who lives here—one of those, if you know, you know moments—and if you don’t, well, we can hear it.
Pick the right “J” when visiting
That would be June or July, not January. A slightly sad but undeniable fact about Toronto is that it truly shines in the summer. Long afternoons and spontaneous plans unfold on patios and in parks across the city. Anticipated street festivals like Salsa on St. Clair and Dundas West Fest bring cuisine, culture, and rhythm to warm days and lively nights. Then there’s the Harbourfront and the Toronto Islands, where you can sit on the boardwalk watching boats dock or spend a relaxing day just offshore (more on that later).
Consider the traffic when planning anything
Here’s the thing: Toronto has bad traffic—really bad. Gone are the days when rush hour was neatly contained to 5 p.m. Now, congestion can strike at almost any time of day. The Gardiner Expressway, the Don Valley Parkway, and Highway 401 are regularly at a standstill—and that’s before you even consider Allen Road.
When planning anything in this city, it’s not enough to check the distance: you also have to factor in traffic. And if there’s a sporting event or concert, take public transit. Your ride will likely take longer than a flight to Montreal.
Subway etiquette must be applied at all times
Ah, the subway. Public transit in Toronto is not our strong suit. Line 1, the Yonge-University line, is shaped like a U. Line 2, the Bloor-Danforth line, runs east to west, and there are two smaller lines, but they’re not very important.
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