Expat communities

Toronto has a large expat population, with communities from around the world. Immigrants make up more than half the city's population, creating a multicultural hub. Language exchange events, expat forums, and cultural associations provide plenty of networking and community-building opportunities. Join our community of over 150 members who have relocated to Toronto! Connect with fellow expats, share experiences, and build your network in one of the world’s most diverse cities.

Co-working spaces

We partner with IWG - International Workplace Group, a leading co-working provider to offer exclusive benefits to our users available in Toronto (Regus). Sign up to discover more partners details.

Here are some popular co-working spaces in Toronto:

• WeWork: Multiple locations with modern amenities, including high-speed Wi-Fi, private offices, and networking events.
• Regus: Offers flexible workspace solutions with professional meeting rooms, lounges, and virtual office services.
• The Centre for Social Innovation (CSI): Focused on social enterprises and startups, providing hot desks, event spaces, and collaboration opportunities.
• East Room: A stylish co-working space catering to creative professionals with communal areas, private offices, and an onsite café.

Public workspaces

For those who prefer public workspaces, Toronto has a range of options:

• Toronto Reference Library: Free Wi-Fi, study tables, and quiet zones make this a popular choice.
• Balzac’s Coffee Roasters (various locations): Known for its cozy ambiance and strong Wi-Fi.
• Stackt Market: A unique outdoor workspace with seating areas, pop-up shops, and free Wi-Fi.

Company presence

Toronto is Canada’s business hub, excelling in technology, finance, healthcare, media, and manufacturing.

• Technology: Home to Google Canada, Shopify, and IBM Canada, Toronto is a global tech hub with expertise in AI, fintech, and e-commerce.
• Finance: Toronto hosts Canada’s "Big Five" banks like RBC and Scotiabank, alongside the Toronto Stock Exchange.
• Healthcare/Biotech: Features companies like BlueRock Therapeutics and Apotex, supported by world-class research facilities.
• Media/Entertainment: Known as "Hollywood North," it’s home to Cineplex, CBC, and Rogers Communications.
• Manufacturing: Includes giants like Magna International and Bombardier, specializing in automotive and aerospace.

Startup culture

Toronto is Canada’s tech startup capital, hosting a vibrant ecosystem supported by accelerators and incubators:

• MaRS Discovery District: One of the world’s largest urban innovation hubs, supporting startups in tech, health, and clean energy.
• DMZ: An accelerator at Toronto Metropolitan University, focusing on scaling early-stage tech startups.
• StartUp HERE Toronto: A city initiative promoting entrepreneurship, with resources for funding, networking, and mentorship.

The city is especially strong in AI, fintech, and health tech, with notable startups like Wealthsimple and Clearco making waves.

Networking opportunities:

Toronto offers a wide range of networking events and hubs for professionals and entrepreneurs:

• TechTO: Monthly meetups bringing together the tech community for learning and collaboration.
• Startup Grind Toronto: A local chapter of a global startup community offering events and mentorship opportunities.
• LinkedIn Local Toronto: Regular meetups aimed at fostering professional connections in a relaxed setting.
• Spaces like CSI and East Room: These co-working hubs regularly host events to help professionals connect.

Attractions

Toronto boasts iconic landmarks and cultural treasures that captivate history buffs, art enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike. Discover these must-see attractions and explore their vibrant images and details:

• CN Tower: One of the tallest freestanding structures in the world, offering breathtaking views of Toronto from its observation deck and the thrilling EdgeWalk experience.
• Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): A treasure trove of natural history, world cultures, and art, housed in a striking architectural marvel.
• Distillery Historic District: A pedestrian-only village featuring restored Victorian industrial architecture, boutique shops, galleries, and cafes.
• Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): Home to an impressive collection of Canadian and international art, including works by the Group of Seven and contemporary artists.
• Toronto Islands: A peaceful retreat with sandy beaches, cycling paths, and stunning city skyline views, accessible by ferry.
• St. Lawrence Market: A historic market offering fresh produce, gourmet foods, and local delicacies. It’s a foodie’s paradise.
• Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: A family-friendly destination featuring mesmerizing underwater exhibits, including a shark tunnel and hands-on touch pools.
• Casa Loma: Toronto’s only castle, this Gothic Revival mansion offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of early 20th-century elites.

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Festivals and holidays

Festivals:

• Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) (September): A globally renowned event showcasing hundreds of films, attracting celebrities, filmmakers, and film enthusiasts from around the world.
• Caribana (July-August): North America’s largest Caribbean carnival, featuring vibrant parades, dazzling costumes, and infectious calypso and soca music.
• Toronto Pride Festival (June): Celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, this festival features a spectacular Pride Parade, concerts, and community events, drawing millions each year.

Holidays:

• Canada Day (July 1): A national celebration of Canada’s birthday, with fireworks, concerts, and parades at key venues like Harbourfront Centre and Ashbridges Bay.
• Thanksgiving (2nd Monday in October): A time for families to gather and share meals, often centered around turkey, pumpkin pie, and seasonal harvest dishes.
• Christmas Day (December 25): The city sparkles with holiday markets, lights, and events like the Christmas Market at the Distillery District, bringing festive cheer to all.

Local celebrities

Toronto has produced numerous influential figures in various fields. Here are some of the city's celebrated names:

• Margaret Atwood: The acclaimed author of The Handmaid’s Tale and other literary works grew up in Toronto and continues to be a prominent voice in Canadian literature.
• The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye): Born in Toronto, The Weeknd is a globally recognized singer-songwriter known for hits like "Blinding Lights" and "Starboy."
• Keanu Reeves: The Hollywood actor of Matrix and John Wick fame spent part of his childhood in Toronto.

Fun fact

The Toronto Islands were formed after a fierce storm in 1858 turned a peninsula into a cluster of small islands. Today, they serve as a recreational escape with stunning city views, bike paths, and beaches.

Local cuisine

Toronto's culinary scene reflects its multicultural population, offering a unique fusion of flavors. Here are some must-try dishes and experiences:

• Peameal Bacon Sandwich: This classic Toronto dish consists of peameal (cornmeal-coated) bacon served on a bun, typically found at St. Lawrence Market.
• Poutine: A Canadian favorite, this dish of fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy is a common indulgence across Toronto’s diners and food trucks.
• Butter Tarts: A quintessential Canadian dessert, butter tarts are pastry shells filled with a buttery, sugary mixture, often including raisins or pecans.
• Jamaican Patties: Reflecting Toronto’s vibrant Caribbean community, these spicy, flaky pastries are sold everywhere, from small bakeries to big chains like Patty King.
• Toronto Bagels: A local twist on the classic bagel, often served with smoked salmon or cream cheese.

Do's and Don'ts

✅ Do respect the city’s multiculturalism, participate in cultural festivals and try cuisines from different communities.

✅ Do dress in Layers, Toronto’s weather changes quickly, so dress in layers, especially in spring and fall.

✅ Do embrace politeness, Canadians are known for their politeness. Say “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” as a cultural norm.

❌ Don’t ignore pedestrian rules, always wait for the green signal at crosswalks. Jaywalking is not only illegal but frowned upon.

❌ Don’t assume everyone knows French, while Canada is bilingual, Toronto is predominantly English-speaking.

❌ Don't disrupt wildlife, urban parks like High Park are home to animals like squirrels and raccoons. Feeding or disturbing them is discouraged.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in Toronto and appreciated for most services.

• ‍Restaurants: 15-20% of the total bill is standard.‍
• Bars: $1-$2 per drink.‍
• Taxis: 10-15% of the fare.‍
• Hotels: $2-$5 per bag for bellhops, and $2-$5 per night for housekeeping.

Note: While tipping is not mandatory, it is considered a significant part of service staff wages in Canada.

Equivalent services & platforms

^{Taxi service} _{Beck Taxi, Uber}

^Supermarket _{Loblaws, No Frills}

^Messaging _{WhatsApp, Telegram}

^{Food delivery} _{Uber Eats, DoorDash}

^{Internet provider} _{Bell, Rogers}

^Bank _{TD Bank, RBC}

^{Hotel booking} _{Booking.com, Airbnb}

^Streaming _{Netflix, Spotify}

Apps to download before arrival

^{Navigation & transit} _{Google Maps, Waze}

^Ride-hailing _{Uber, Lyft, Bike Share Toronto}

^{Food & dining} _{Uber Eats, SkipTheDishes, OpenTable}

^{Daily essentials} _{PC Optimum, Flipp}

^{Currency & language} _{XE Currency, Google Translate}

^{Weather & city info} _{The Weather Network, Toronto Official Guide}

Disclaimer: This city guide is based on personal research, experiences, and various online sources. While we strive for accuracy and inclusivity, the content is generalized and may not reflect all individual circumstances or perspectives. Readers are encouraged to double-check information for accuracy and relevance to their specific needs. Updated as of November 2024, this guide is for informational purposes only. We disclaim all liability for decisions made based on this guide.