One Day Shoestring Budget Travel Itinerary for Toronto

  • 9:00AM: CN Tower
    10 minutes (1.3 km) from Nathan Phillips Square

    CN Tower is a landmark tower and a must-visit attraction in Toronto for budget travelers. This impressive tower is over 500 meters tall and offers panoramic views of the city from the observation deck. You can take a photo and enjoy the view of the city skyline.

  • 11:00AM: Kensington Market
    30 minutes (3.6 km) from CN Tower

    Kensington Market is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood in Toronto that's perfect for budget travelers. This unique place is known for street art, vintage shops, and various street vendors selling interesting items.

  • 1:00PM: St. Lawrence Market
    15 minutes (1.6 km) from Kensington Market

    St. Lawrence Market is a large indoor market in Toronto, where you can find a variety of food and shops. Budget travelers can enjoy a cheap and tasty lunch from one of the many food stalls.

  • 3:00PM: Art Gallery of Ontario
    15 minutes (2.4 km) from St. Lawrence Market

    The Art Gallery of Ontario is a great place to visit for budget travelers who have an interest in art. The gallery has an extensive collection of Canadian art, as well as pieces from other countries. It's an excellent place to visit to escape the heat or cold weather outside.

  • 5:00PM: Toronto Islands
    20 minutes (3.2 km) from Art Gallery of Ontario

    While the ferry to the Toronto Islands takes a bit of money to get there, exploring the islands and beaches is free. Walking or biking is budget-friendly, and visiting the islands can offer a fantastic break from the city.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • CN Tower (2 hours, CAD 40)
  • Kensington Market (2 hours, CAD 0)
  • St. Lawrence Market (2 hours, CAD 20)
  • Art Gallery of Ontario (2 hours, CAD 25)
  • Toronto Islands (2 hours, CAD 15 Ferry ride)
  • Total Estimated Costs: CAD 100

Transportation

Toronto has an excellent public transport system, including buses, subways, and streetcars. For budget-conscious travelers, a day pass for CAD 13.50 is an option for unlimited travel for one day. It is also walkable around the city center.

Useful Tips

For budget travelers who have more time in Toronto, there are additional places to visit that are budget-friendly such as Graffiti Alley, Allan Gardens, and Casa Loma. For those with less time, St. Lawrence Market can be removed from the itinerary as it requires additional time.

Airports

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the main airport serving Toronto, located around 22.5 km northwest of Toronto. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is also close to downtown Toronto, located around 2.5 km southwest of the city center.

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