Trip prep: Canada → Toronto
A complete checklist for traveling from Canada to Toronto, Canada. Synthesized from every layer — visa, plugs, tipping, weather, packing, transit, embassy.
1 Passport & entry
- Visa/entry: You're a citizen — no entry restrictions.
- Passport expiry: Most countries require 6 months validity beyond your departure date — check yours now.
- Photo your passport: store a scan in cloud + email it to yourself for emergencies.
2 Money
- Tipping in Canada: Tip 15-20% at restaurants.
- Cards vs cash: Notify your bank of your travel dates. Bring 2 cards from different networks (Visa + Mastercard) in case one is locked.
- ATM strategy: Use bank ATMs (not currency exchange counters). Withdraw in larger amounts to minimize per-transaction fees.
- Foreign transaction fees: Use a card with no foreign transaction fees (most travel rewards cards). Pay in LOCAL currency when card terminals ask — never accept "your home currency" conversion (DCC steals 5-8%).
3 Health & safety
- Emergency number: 911 — save this to your phone with country code.
- Healthcare: Universal healthcare doesn't apply to tourists — travel insurance recommended. Healthcare costs are lower than US but still significant without coverage.
- Travel insurance: Pick a policy with $100K+ medical and $250K+ evacuation. Buy within 14 days of your first booking for Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) eligibility.
- Vaccinations: Check the CDC destination page 4-6 weeks before travel.
- Prescription meds: Bring 2× what you need + a doctor's note for controlled substances. In original bottles.
4 Power & tech
- Power plugs: No adapter or converter needed — your plug fits and voltage matches.
- SIM/data plan: Check if your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones + Pixels since 2018). Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad sell affordable data eSIMs for Canada — far cheaper than roaming.
- VPN: Install before travel. Some hotels/cafes have insecure wifi; some countries block apps you use at home.
- Power bank: 10,000+ mAh, with at least one USB-C port. Long sightseeing days drain phones fast.
5 Weather & what to pack
January
-1°C / -7°C
freezing · rainy
May
19°C / 9°C
mild · rainy
September
21°C / 13°C
mild · rainy
- Layers: t-shirts + sweaters + a packable rain jacket
- Walking shoes (broken in)
- Rain jacket and umbrella
6 Once you're in Toronto
- Public transit: TTC Subway + Bus + Streetcar — single fare C$3.30, day pass C$13.50. PRESTO is required for transfers between subway and bus/streetcar. Tap on every vehicle. Day pass works on all modes including the UP Express airport train.
- Where to stay: First-timers usually pick Downtown / Entertainment District — CN Tower + Rogers Centre + theaters + walkable. Full neighborhood guide →
- Day trips worth planning: Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake + wine country, Stratford (Shakespeare Festival). Full day-trips guide →
- Scams to know: Few. Maple-syrup tourism is legit; downtown Toronto has more pickpockets than usual in summer.
7 The night before you fly
- Hold mail, water plants, set out-of-office
- Download offline maps for Canada in Google Maps
- Pre-book airport parking or ride share
- Print boarding passes + first night's hotel reservation
- Set 3 alarms for the morning of departure
- Phone wallpaper = your booking confirmation