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Toronto

Ontario, Canada

Arriving, settling in and working in Toronto: what official sources say, in the order you’ll need it. Every point links to the page it came from.

Plan my move to TorontoRead the guide ↓
Photo: Jochem Raat / Unsplash
Guide sections12
Sourced facts68
Last verified27 Sept 2026
Areas with rent7

Decide

Is this the right city for us?

Toronto at a glance

The basics about Toronto, plus official sources for time, weather, safety and prices.

  • The City describes Toronto as "Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America", with a population of more than three million people.
    toronto.ca ↗
  • Toronto uses Eastern Time. In Ontario, clocks go forward one hour on the second Sunday in March and back one hour on the first Sunday of November, at 2:00 a.m.
    nrc.canada.ca ↗
  • For official forecasts and weather alerts, use Environment Canada's 7-day forecast for Toronto.
    weather.gc.ca ↗
  • The UK government's travel advice for Canada lists seasonal risks, including winter storms from November to April and thunderstorms from April to September.
    gov.uk ↗
Show 1 more
  • Statistics Canada publishes Consumer Price Index (inflation) data for Canada and each province, including an interactive CPI dashboard. Use it to follow changes in the cost of living.
    www150.statcan.gc.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 27 Sept 2026

Laws & local rules

Official rules on cannabis, smoking and drugs.

  • In Ontario, you must be 19 or older to buy, use, possess or grow recreational cannabis.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • You cannot use cannabis in a vehicle or boat that is being driven or will be driven. You also cannot use it in indoor common areas of apartments or condos.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • It is illegal to take cannabis across the Canadian border without a permit or exemption from Health Canada.
    gov.uk ↗
  • You cannot smoke or vape in enclosed workplaces or public places, or on bar and restaurant patios (including within 9 metres of a patio).
    ontario.ca ↗
Show 2 more
  • No one may smoke tobacco or vape in a vehicle if anyone inside is 15 or younger. Smoking and vaping are banned on playgrounds and within 20 metres of them.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • The UK FCDO warns that illegal drugs carry severe penalties in Canada, including long jail sentences and heavy fines.
    gov.uk ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 27 Sept 2026

Arrive

The first 72 hours

Arriving in Toronto

Airports, official ways into downtown, and what to do first.

  • UP Express trains run from Toronto Pearson to Union Station downtown in 28 minutes. The train also stops at Weston, Mount Dennis and Bloor.
    upexpress.com ↗
  • At Pearson, the UP Express station is in Terminal 1, next to the Terminal Link Train. Follow the 'Train to City' signs. Trains run every 15 minutes, seven days a week.
    torontopearson.com ↗
  • TTC route 900 Airport Express runs all day between Pearson and Kipling Station on Line 2. Routes 952 and 52A run to Lawrence West and Lawrence stations. Routes 300 and 332 run overnight.
    torontopearson.com ↗
  • Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is on Toronto Island at the foot of Bathurst Street. You can reach it by pedestrian tunnel, ferry or airport shuttle.
    billybishopairport.com ↗
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  • When you enter Canada, you must declare currency or monetary instruments worth CAN$10,000 or more. You must also declare all food, plants, animal products, weapons and firearms.
    cbsa-asfc.gc.ca ↗
  • The City's after-arrival checklist tells newcomers to get an Ontario Health Card and a Social Insurance Number (SIN). You need a SIN to work in Canada.
    toronto.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 27 Sept 2026

Getting around

The TTC, PRESTO, GO Transit, Bike Share and using your licence.

  • You can pay TTC fares with a PRESTO card (physical or in a mobile wallet), a PRESTO Ticket, Interac debit, a credit card or cash.
    ttc.ca ↗
  • If you pay by PRESTO or tap a debit or credit card, a two-hour transfer applies automatically. The two-hour transfer does not apply if you pay cash.
    ttc.ca ↗
  • GO Transit is the regional train and bus service for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, run by Metrolinx. It accepts PRESTO and credit or debit cards.
    gotransit.com ↗
  • Bike Share Toronto offers bikes 24/7 from stations across the city. You unlock a bike with the app and can pay per ride, buy a day pass or get an annual membership.
    bikesharetoronto.com ↗
Show 1 more
  • If you are a new Ontario resident with a valid licence from another province or country, you can use it for 60 days in Ontario.
    ontario.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 27 Sept 2026

Settle

Home, school, doctor, bank

Neighbourhoods & renting

How to research areas with official data, and your rights as a tenant.

  • The City of Toronto publishes profiles for its 158 neighbourhoods, based on Statistics Canada census tract boundaries. Use 'Find Your Neighbourhood' to see local demographic information.
    toronto.ca ↗
  • The City's Open Data Portal lets you browse and download datasets published by the City of Toronto. This can help you compare areas yourself.
    open.toronto.ca ↗
  • Landlords of most private rental units must use Ontario's standard lease for all new leases. A lease cannot take away a right or responsibility under the Residential Tenancies Act.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • Ontario says: "The rent increase guideline for 2027 is 1.9%." For most tenants, rent cannot go up by more than the guideline each year.
    ontario.ca ↗
Show 2 more
  • The Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario) resolves disputes between landlords and tenants and deals with applications to end a tenancy.
    tribunalsontario.ca ↗
  • CMHC's Rental Market Report covers rents, vacancy rates and market conditions in major centres, including Toronto.
    cmhc-schl.gc.ca ↗
External links
REALTOR.ca — homes for sale and rent ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 27 Sept 2026

Schools

Toronto's four school boards, how to register, and official test results.

  • To register with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), gather proof of age, proof of address and immunization records, then register online. If your child was not born in Canada, bring proof of their arrival date.
    tdsb.on.ca ↗
  • TDSB's 'Find Your School' tool shows families which school their address is assigned to.
    tdsb.on.ca ↗
  • The Toronto Catholic District School Board's Orientation Centre registers newcomer students aged 14–20 and places them in a grade. It assesses English and math and reviews school records from abroad.
    tcdsb.org ↗
  • Conseil scolaire Viamonde is a French-language public school board. It takes registrations all year.
    csviamonde.ca ↗
Show 2 more
  • Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir runs French-language Catholic schools. It accepts registrations at any time.
    cscmonavenir.ca ↗
  • EQAO measures reading, writing and math skills in Ontario's public schools. It publishes provincial results and has a 'Find My School' tool.
    eqao.com ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 27 Sept 2026

Healthcare

Getting OHIP, finding a doctor, and where to go for care.

  • Ontario says: "There is no longer a waiting period for OHIP coverage." If you are eligible, your coverage starts immediately.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • Apply for OHIP in person at a ServiceOntario centre. Bring the registration form and three separate original documents proving your status, Ontario residency and identity. Photocopies are not accepted.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • Some work permit holders qualify for OHIP, for example those working full-time for an Ontario employer for at least 6 months. Check the eligibility rules for your status.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • Health Care Connect finds a family doctor or nurse practitioner who is taking new patients. Register online or call 811, using your Ontario health card number.
    ontario.ca ↗
Show 3 more
  • Call Health811 to talk to a registered nurse, day or night, for free, secure and confidential health advice. You can also message a nurse online.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • Walk-in clinics treat minor illnesses and injuries if you have no family doctor or can't reach yours. Bring your health card. Call the clinic first to confirm it is open.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • Emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Ontario lists severe chest pain, breathing difficulty and loss of consciousness among reasons to call 911.
    ontario.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 27 Sept 2026

Banking & IDs

Your SIN, a bank account, photo ID and tax basics.

  • You can apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) online, by mail or in person at Service Canada. If your documents are in order, you get your SIN during an in-person visit. There is no fee.
    canada.ca ↗
  • You have the right to open a bank account even if you have no job or no money to deposit right away. The bank must confirm your identity with acceptable ID.
    canada.ca ↗
  • The Ontario Photo Card is government photo ID for Ontario residents aged 16 or older who don't have a driver's licence. Apply in person at ServiceOntario.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • The CRA treats your first year as a tax resident as your newcomer year. You can apply for some benefits, such as the Canada Child Benefit, before you file your first tax return.
    canada.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 27 Sept 2026

Driving & cars

Licence exchange, graduated licensing, insurance and buying a used car.

  • Ontario exchanges licences from all Canadian provinces and territories and from a set list of countries, including the US, UK, Australia and Japan. India is not on the list.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • From July 1, 2026, drivers from countries without an exchange agreement can claim up to 12 months of driving experience. They need an original, valid foreign licence and may also need an authentication letter.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • New drivers go through three stages: G1 (knowledge test), G2 (after a road test), then a full G. Each stage usually lasts 12 months. Take tests at a DriveTest centre.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • FSRA says: "In Ontario, all motorists are legally required to have auto insurance." Carry proof of insurance (the 'pink slip') while driving.
    fsrao.ca ↗
Show 1 more
  • Sellers of a used vehicle must give the buyer a Used Vehicle Information Package. It shows the vehicle's Ontario registration history, any liens and its condition status.
    ontario.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 27 Sept 2026

Where people live in Toronto

Average rent a month from official or market surveys, as of 1 Oct 2025. Asking rents for new listings are often higher.

Downtown (CMHC zone: Toronto Central)

Old City of Toronto, south of the CP rail line, between Bathurst St and the Don River
1 bedroomCA$2,042
2 bedroomCA$2,776
SinglesStudentsNear the centreGood transit
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Yonge and Eglinton area (CMHC zone: Toronto North)

Old City of Toronto, north of the CP rail line, east of Bathurst St
1 bedroomCA$1,892
2 bedroomCA$2,476
CouplesSinglesGood transit
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

West end (CMHC zone: Toronto West)

Old City of Toronto, west of Bathurst St to the city limit
1 bedroomCA$1,798
2 bedroomCA$2,252
SinglesCouplesNightlifeGood transit
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

East end (CMHC zone: Toronto East)

Old City of Toronto, east of the Don River
1 bedroomCA$1,692
2 bedroomCA$1,869
CouplesFamiliesGood transit
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

North York Centre and Willowdale West (CMHC zone: North York North Central)

North York, between Highway 401 and Steeles Ave, west of Yonge St to Dufferin St
1 bedroomCA$1,771
2 bedroomCA$2,039
FamiliesCouplesGood transit
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

York University area (CMHC zone: North York Northwest)

North York, between Highway 401 and Steeles Ave, from Dufferin St west to the Humber River
1 bedroomCA$1,517
2 bedroomCA$1,751
StudentsLower rent
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Central Scarborough (CMHC zone: Scarborough Central)

Scarborough, south of Highway 401, west of Brimley Rd and McCowan Rd
1 bedroomCA$1,610
2 bedroomCA$1,843
FamiliesLower rent
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Average monthly rent in purpose-built rental apartments (row and apartment structures) by CMHC survey zone, October 2025. This covers all occupied and vacant units, including long-time tenants, so it is lower than the asking rent for a newly listed unit.

Thrive

Work, study, belong

Jobs & work

Job search, labour market data, getting credentials recognized, and your rights at work.

  • Job Bank is Canada's national employment service. Use it to search job postings and find labour market information.
    jobbank.gc.ca ↗
  • Job Bank's labour market pages give an overview of conditions by province. You can also look up an occupation's wages, prospects and job requirements.
    jobbank.gc.ca ↗
  • If your occupation is regulated, contact its regulatory body in your province to begin foreign credential recognition. The federal Foreign Credential Recognition Tool helps you check this.
    canada.ca ↗
  • Ontario supports internationally trained workers through Ontario Bridge Training, Skilled Trades Ontario trade assessments, Health Force Ontario and Global Experience Ontario.
    ontario.ca ↗
Show 2 more
  • Ontario's Employment Standards Act sets rules on minimum wage, hours of work, public holidays, vacation, leaves and termination.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • The City of Toronto helps newcomer job seekers find local employment services. It also runs a mentoring program with The Mentoring Partnership for internationally trained professionals.
    toronto.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 27 Sept 2026

Universities & colleges

Public universities and colleges in Toronto, and what to check before getting a study permit.

  • Ontario's list of public universities includes four in Toronto: University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University, York University and OCAD University.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • The University of Toronto has three campuses: St. George, Mississauga and Scarborough.
    utoronto.ca ↗
  • York University has three core campuses in the Greater Toronto Area: Keele, Glendon and Markham.
    yorku.ca ↗
  • Toronto Metropolitan University has an urban campus in downtown Toronto, at 350 Victoria Street.
    torontomu.ca ↗
Show 3 more
  • OCAD University is an art and design university in downtown Toronto.
    ocadu.ca ↗
  • Ontario's public college list includes Centennial, George Brown, Humber and Seneca Polytechnic. Full-time applicants apply through ontariocolleges.ca.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • To apply for a study permit, you need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI). Check that your post-secondary school is on IRCC's DLI list.
    canada.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 27 Sept 2026

Newcomer support

Free settlement help from the government, the City and the library.

  • IRCC's 'Find free newcomer services near you' tool lists government-funded settlement organizations. Eligibility depends on your status. From April 1, 2026, economic-class permanent residents can use these services only for a limited time.
    ircc.canada.ca ↗
  • Settlement.Org gives newcomers information for settling in Ontario. It is funded by IRCC and the Province of Ontario and managed by OCASI.
    settlement.org ↗
  • Toronto Public Library offers newcomers meetings with settlement workers, ESL classes, practice citizenship tests, and information in over 40 languages.
    tpl.ca ↗
  • Settlement workers help newcomers for free at City Hall (100 Queen Street West) on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    toronto.ca ↗
Show 1 more
  • The City's Newcomer Services Kiosks give free, confidential referrals on housing, jobs, health and education. You will not be asked for proof of immigration status.
    toronto.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 27 Sept 2026

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