Toronto, also known as the “Queen City,” is a multicultural city located on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario in Canada. Its prime location-enabled Toronto to be not only the country’s international trading, financial and commercial center but also transportation, distribution and manufacturing center. The central location and a host of political policies favoring international trades place this city with the greatest economic ties to, and influence from, the United States. Toronto is dynamic, cosmopolitan, exciting, and international.
Fun Fact: Chicago is Toronto’s Sister City (Twinning Town). If you enjoy Chicago, you’re likely going to enjoy Toronto as well! 🙌
Things to experience during your time in Toronto
Toronto is home to one of the most multicultural populations in the world, which also means there are diverse, ever-evolving sets of activities to choose from across all forms of culture. Whether you’re looking to dive into Toronto’s vast number of museums, attend professional sports games, explore nature in its parks, or sample from its varied cuisines, there is plenty to fill any itinerary. Condé Nast Traveler highlighted a few of our favorites. Plus a few picks from Wayne Porterfield, the resident Canadian in the Career Design Center.
- Toronto Music Garden
- Art Gallery of Ontario
- Harbourfront Centre
- St. Lawrence Market
- Hockey Hall of Fame
- Kensington Market
- CN Tower
- TIFF Bell Lightbox
- Rogers Centre-Toronto Blue Jays (MLB)
- Scotiabank Arena-Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)
- BMO Field-Toronto FC (MLS)
- The PATH- Underground Tunnel System
Wayne’s Picks
- CF Toronto Eaton Centre 👉
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Ontario Science Centre
- Toronto Islands
- Nathan Phillips Square
- Chinatown
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Places to Eat in Toronto
Not sure where to eat? They got you covered on the best restaurants in town as well. 😍🤩
- Richmond Station – Co-owned by a “Top Chef Canada” winner, this bustling spot offers a weekly menu of seasonal cuisine
- St. Lawrence Market – As fresh as you’ll ever find!
- Gusto 101 – Has Southern Italian classics
- Dreyfus – French without the fuss
- The Lakeview Restaurant – 24-hour diner
- Donna’s – Home-cooking joint
- Avelo Restaurant – A plant-based restaurant that even carnivores can get behind
- Canoe Restaurant and Bar – has the best view in Toronto
Cool Neighborhoods to Visit
The Entertainment District –
If you enjoy performing arts, festivals, sports and major attractions, the Toronto Entertainment District is the place to be. Walking around this neighborhood, you might see celebrities and their fans.
Old Town –
This collection of six neighborhoods has been revitalized as trendy shops and restaurants took over space in centuries-old buildings. One of the city’s best foodie destinations: St. Lawrence Market (just four years ago, National Geographic named it the best in the world.)
Greektown –
Also known as the Danforth. This area is known for its architecture and for its number of Greek restaurants and stores, which means great food perfect for the foodie at heart.
Take an 8-minute virtual walk to explore downtown Toronto in the Financial District.
Moving to Toronto
Ok, you’re convinced, and you’re thinking about moving to Toronto. Here are a few things you need to know before moving to Toronto.
Cost of Living in Toronto
The average rent prices for apartments in Toronto are as follows:
| Apartment type | Average rent (CAD) | Average rent (USD) |
| 1-bedroom | 1,900 | $1,430 |
| 2-bedroom | 2,350 | $1,770 |
| 3-bedroom | 2,450 | $1,845 |
Check out other costs of living in Toronto
How to find a place to live in Toronto
Consider these resources to help your apartment search:
- Rentals.ca
- TorontoRentals.com
- Rentfaster.ca
- Viewit.ca
- PadMapper.com
- RentSeeker.ca
- Toronto.Craigslist.org
- WalkScore.com
- GottaRent.com
- RentHello.com
- 4Rent.ca
- Condos.ca
- Realtor.ca
- Zillow
Getting around Toronto
Just a short 2-hour drive from Buffalo, driving in the Toronto city center is not recommended due to congested traffic and pricey parking.
As Canada’s largest city and the capital of the province of Ontario, Toronto can be challenging to navigate. Fortunately, Toronto has an extensive public transportation system throughout the city and suburbs. According to the U.S. News Travel Guide, these are the best ways to get around Toronto:
- Subway is the best way to get around, especially when you’re in a hurry. However, the subway is not as extensive as above-ground transportation.
- Buses and Streetcars are great options to reach places that the subway doesn’t. Streetcars run extensive services 24/7, and buses have an extensive network that consists of over 140 bus routes.
- Ride-share services such as Zipcar, Enterprise CarShare, and Turo operate in Toronto.
- Riding a bike or walking is always a good free option as well.
📽 We’re Watching:
✨ We’re Following:
- @torontolife – The essential and entertaining guide to life in Toronto, for over 50 years.
- @curiocitytoronto – Get the most from your city. Curiocity presents you with the most relevant local food, experiences, news, deals, and adventures.
- @dishedtoronto – See. Eat. Repeat. The food and beverage section of Daily Hive Toronto.
- @destination_toronto – Official account for Destination Toronto. All the reasons to #SeeTorontoNow
- @todotoronto – Your source for things to do in Toronto!
- @blogTO – Toronto’s source for local news and culture, restaurant reviews and events.
Working in Toronto
Working in Toronto could be a fantastic opportunity. Toronto has established companies in the tech and finance industries and positions to suit most skillsets. If you want to work for some of the biggest companies in the world, Meta (Facebook), Google and Microsoft all have offices based in Toronto.
Still not convinced about working in Toronto? Here are few highlights.
Top Industries
Right now in Bullseye powered by Handshake, Toronto is one of the top cities hiring in the following industries:
- Internet & Software
- Nonprofit
- Advertising, PR & Marketing
Forbes’ Canada’s Best Employers
According to Forbes’ top 50 best employers in Canada, these are the best companies in Toronto.
- Canadian Mental Health Association – Ranked #10
- Cisco Systems – Ranked #20
- Google – Ranked #23
- Coca-Cola Bottling Limited – Ranked #24
- Intact Financial – Ranked #29
- Apple – Ranked #31
- SickKids – Ranked #42
- University of Toronto – Ranked #46
Check out all 100 winners of the 2022 Greater Toronto Top Employers
Where can I find a job or internship in Toronto?
- Bullseye powered by Handshake – Set “Toronto, Ontario, Canada” as your location, then set a radius distance.
- Interstride – Select “Canada” in the Country dropdown menu, then enter “Toronto” in the “City” textbox.
Here is a list of employers hiring for full-time jobs and internships right now in Toronto:
Browse more employers looking to hire right now in Toronto
Another way to get a job in Canada as a foreigner is simply by beginning your search online. This will give you a quick comprehensive look at the types of jobs out there. Job search websites include:
- Interstride
- Indeed
- Canadian Immigrant
- Charity Village
- Workopolis
Interstride offers a Job Search engine for you to filter job openings in Canada. Select “Canada” in the Country dropdown menu and enter keywords to begin your search.
Working in Canada is a dream for many expats, but understanding the process and learning how to navigate your way through the Canadian job market can be complicated, especially for a foreigner. As a foreigner working in Canada, you will need a work permit to work legally. Refer to the InterNations Work in Canada Guide for additional information about the ins and outs of navigating the job market as a foreigner. You may also utilize the Country Insights on Interstride for other resources related to Canada and Toronto, respectively.
How to grow your professional network
So you don’t have to take our word for it. Talk to UB alumni who are or have lived and worked in New York City. They can give you advice on moving, tips on where to start looking for a job, and everything in between. Start looking for alums in the UB Alumni group on LinkedIn or the UB Alumni Canada Network.
Next Steps:
If you’re considering moving to Toronto, here are a few things you can do:
- Watch the Interstride Webinar: Canada’s Express Entry Program talking about Express Entry allows you to register as a candidate for Canadian permanent residence.
- Update your Bullseye powered by Handshake profile and add Toronto as a location you’re interested in moving to. This helps employers find you and message you about the roles you want.
- Add to your Bullseye powered by Handshake profile bio you’re open to relocate!, especially to Toronto. Employers look at bios often, and it helps make your profile stand out.
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