Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Toronto is the capital city of the province of Ontario and Canada's largest city, known for its diversity and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 3 million residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 150 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | CAD (Canadian Dollar), approximately 1 CAD = 0.75 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe to consume. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Rogers, Bell, and Telus with unlimited data plans starting around CAD 50/month. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include TD Bank, RBC, and Scotiabank. Many accept online applications for accounts. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Popular options include Airbnb, Short Term Rentals, and local hostels like HI Toronto. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, and mobile payments are common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are available for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as HI Toronto Hostel offer affordable lodging options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown is ideal, close to attractions like the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Kensington Market and Queen St. West are recommended for a creative atmosphere and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork at 50 Caldwell Ave offers flexible office space with great amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Drake Hotel Cafe provides a cozy environment with good coffee and WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly events hosted by organizations like Tech Toronto offer excellent networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetup groups such as 'Toronto Expats' host regular gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is the preferred choice for on-demand transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike Share Toronto offers convenient bike rental services. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Woodbine Beach is a popular destination, located about 20 minutes from downtown. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Canada is the main regional carrier serving flights across Canada. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Canada and WestJet are major international carriers. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Gardiner Expressway provides easy access to the suburbs. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Union Station serves as the main transit hub for trains and subways. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | TTC monthly pass costs CAD 156, providing unlimited travel on subways, streetcars, and buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses from Union Station connect to surrounding cities such as Hamilton and Mississauga. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Toronto General Hospital is one of the leading healthcare facilities in Canada. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Tree offers various classes across their studios in the city. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | GoodLife Fitness has numerous locations throughout Toronto. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services like Nifty Wash provide convenient laundry solutions. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and DoorDash are popular delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Peameal bacon sandwich, a Toronto classic found in local diners. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Fresh Restaurants and Planta are highly recommended for plant-based dining. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakery Dog's Ear offers a selection of gourmet pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | St. Lawrence Market is ideal for budget-friendly food shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.ca and local e-commerce platforms provide extensive shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart delivers groceries from stores like Loblaws and Costco. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Queen Street West is known for its vibrant nightlife and bar scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Steam Whistle Brewery offers local tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Bar on College St. offers a wide selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Kensington Market features diverse street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Chinatown provides authentic Asian cuisine with numerous restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, and Distillery District are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) showcases Canadian and international art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Casa Loma, a Gothic Revival style mansion, is a must-visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica is a significant historical church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is a major cultural event each September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Kensington Market and Queen Street West are known for their cultural diversity. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Princess of Wales Theatre hosts major productions. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | St. Lawrence Market is famous for local food vendors and specialty shops. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Horseshoe Tavern is an iconic venue for live music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Graffiti Alley is famous for its vibrant murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Cookbook Store offers various culinary classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Power Plant Gallery specializes in contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Flatiron Building is one of Toronto's oldest structures. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays are major cultural icons representing Canadian sports. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Toronto Islands provide a peaceful retreat just off the coast of the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Rouge National Urban Park offers trails and wildlife observation. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Martin Goodman Trail runs along the waterfront, perfect for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The CN Tower Observation Deck provides stunning city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | High Park is a great spot for birdwatching during migration seasons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Tommy Thompson Park allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Canada Post and FedEx provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | The Apple Store and Best Buy offer tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Toronto Table Tennis Club has facilities for playing and training. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Toronto Language School offers courses for English and other languages. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Toronto Public Library has numerous branches suitable for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The 519 Community Centre offers various services and events for residents. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Gaming Lounge in Toronto offers a space for video gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Rama offers gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 10,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 400,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 7,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 280,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 9,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 570,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 6,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 390,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 8,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 680,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 5,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 440,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 26.5% for general corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% for dividends paid to shareholders. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 53.53% for income over CAD 220,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) is 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Ontario has specific regulations regarding CFC taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are based on the assessed value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Land Transfer Tax: 0.5% on first CAD 55,000 and up to 2.5% on amounts over CAD 2,000,000. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific incentives, but total taxes can be managed through different structures. |