With its vibrant food scene, world-class attractions, and unique neighbourhoods, Toronto is one of Canada’s most exciting cities to visit. For those travelling from Edmonton, Toronto may seem far, but the journey is well worth it. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to plan the perfect Edmonton to Toronto trip.
Getting from Edmonton to Toronto
The main options for travelling from Edmonton to Toronto are:
Flying
- Fastest way – around 4 hours total travel time
- Multiple daily nonstop flights are available
- Air Canada and WestJet offer direct routes
- Flights start around $300 roundtrip
Driving
- Provides maximum flexibility to stop route
- The total distance is over 2700 km
- Driving time is 25-30 hours in total
- Can break up drive over 2-3 days
Train
- Relaxing way to travel through the countryside
- VIA Rail offers sleeper cabins
- Total trip is around 33 hours
- Fares start around $400 roundtrip
Bus
- The cheapest option for budget travellers
- Greyhound and Megabus offer direct routes
- The trip takes 45-55 hours in total
- Fares from $150 roundtrip
Consider your budget, timeline, and interests when deciding how to travel. Flying is fastest but driving allows more flexibility.
Best Time to Visit Toronto
Toronto enjoys four distinct seasons. The peak tourist season is summer, but spring and fall offer mild weather perfect for sightseeing. key factors for deciding when to visit:
- Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, major festivals, beaches open
- Fall (September-November) – Mild temps, beautiful autumn colours
- Winter (December-February) – Cold but great for skiing, winter activities
- Spring (March-May) – Temperatures warming up, flowers blooming
Hotel rates and crowds tend to be highest in summer. For cooler weather with fewer tourists, aim for spring or fall. Winter can be brutally cold but perfect for winter sports fans.
Getting Around Toronto
As Canada’s largest city, Toronto has an extensive public transportation system making it easy to navigate after arriving. Key options are:
Public Transit
- Subway – Quick way to travel, with 75 stations
- Streetcars – Iconic trolleys serving downtown
- Buses – Extensive network covering the city
- PRESTO card – Reusable fare card for transit
Taxis/Rideshares
- Taxis are available 24/7, flat rates to airport
- Uber and Lyft also operate in Toronto
Walking/Biking
- Compact downtown core walkable
- Bike share program with 5,000+ bikes
Top Attractions and Neighborhoods
With its wealth of museums, landmarks, and diverse neighbourhoods, Toronto offers something for everyone. Top attractions and areas to explore include:
CN Tower
- Iconic 1815 ft tall tower with panoramic views
- Glass floor observation deck
- Thrilling EdgeWalk on exterior
Ripley’s Aquarium
- Massive aquarium with 20,000+ marine animals
- Floor-to-ceiling shark tunnels
- Touch pools and interactive exhibits
Kensington Market
- Bohemian neighbourhood with vintage shops
- Trendy cafes and bars
- Graffiti-lined streets with artists
St. Lawrence Market
- Massive food market since 1803
- Local produce, cheeses, baked goods
- Saturday farmers market
Distillery District
- Pedestrian-only restored distillery area
- Cafes, shops, galleries, and restaurants
- Live music and outdoor events
Royal Ontario Museum
- Cutting-edge galleries and exhibitions
- Dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, meteorites
- Modern wing with glass facade
Where to Stay in Toronto
With hotels ranging from budget hostels to luxury suites, Toronto offers places to stay across the spectrum. Recommended neighbourhoods to stay in are:
Downtown Core
- Steps from Union Station and main attractions
- Major chain hotels like Fairmont, Ritz-Carlton
- High-rise condos are also available
Entertainment District
- Close to theatres, sports arenas, nightlife
- Boutique hotels and modern high-rises
- Easy transit access
Queen West/West Queen West
- Trendy art galleries and cafes
- Boutique hotels with rooftop patios
- Hostels also available
Yorkville
- Upscale area with high-end shopping
- Luxury hotels like Four Seasons
- Great dining and proximity to nature
Day Trips from Toronto
If you have extra time, fantastic day trips from Toronto include:
- Niagara Falls – See the stunning falls and casinos, 1.5-hour drive
- Niagara-on-the-Lake – Picturesque wineries and Victorian town, 1.5 hours
- Blue Mountain – Year-round resort with skiing and biking, 2 hours
- Stratford – Attend theatre festivals and small-town charm, 2 hours
- Muskoka – Cottage country with hiking and lakes, 2 hours
- Prince Edward County – Wineries, cideries, and farms, 2.5 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Toronto from Edmonton?
The driving distance from Edmonton to Toronto is over 2700 km in total and takes 25-30 hours of nonstop driving. Flying time is around 4 hours.
How much is a flight from Edmonton to Toronto?
Flights range from $300-$500 roundtrip for direct routes between the cities. Search sites like Expedia, Google Flights, and Air Canada for deals.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Edmonton to Toronto?
The cheapest option is taking the bus, with fares starting around $150 roundtrip. Megabus and Greyhound offer direct routes between the cities.
What is there to do in Toronto?
Top attractions include the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Royal Ontario Museum, Kensington Market, Distillery District, St. Lawrence Market, and Lake Ontario waterfront.
Where should I stay in Toronto?
Recommended neighbourhoods to stay in are Downtown Core, Entertainment District, Yorkville, and Queen West for proximity to attractions and transit. Choose based on budget and interests.
Start Planning Your Edmonton to Toronto Trip!
From its world-class museums and iconic landmarks like the CN Tower to areas like Kensington Market and the Distillery District, Toronto offers something for all travellers. Prepare for an unforgettable trip by researching transportation, timing your visit, building an itinerary, and booking accommodations with this guide!
