Toronto, Ontario
Your Complete 2026 World Cup Guide
At a Glance
- Location
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Population
- 2.9 million
- Time Zone
- EST/EDT (UTC-5/-4)
- Stadiums
- 1 venue
- Matches Hosted
- 6 matches
- Best Way to Get Around
- TTC (Toronto Transit Commission)
Last Updated: by KickoffAdventures Editorial Team
Overview
Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) in Toronto will host 6 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including Canada's opening match on June 12—the first-ever World Cup match on Canadian soil. The expanded ~45,700-seat stadium sits on Toronto's waterfront, just 2 miles from downtown. Toronto is Canada's largest city and one of the world's most multicultural metros, with neighborhoods representing every corner of the globe.
From the iconic CN Tower to the historic Distillery District, Toronto blends big-city energy with lakefront charm. The city's food scene is world-class, public transit is reliable, and the vibe is friendly and safe. June and July bring perfect weather for outdoor patios, waterfront festivals, and exploring Toronto's diverse neighborhoods.
Pro Tip: Stay in the Entertainment District for best stadium access and downtown energy, or Harbourfront/Waterfront for lakefront views and a 10-minute walk to BMO Field. Book early—Canada's opening match will sell out hotels.
⚽World Cup Stadium
Getting Around
Toronto's TTC (subway, streetcar, bus) is reliable, affordable, and covers the entire city. A single adult fare is frozen at $3.30 CAD for 2025. You do NOT need to buy a Presto card ($6 fee). Simply TAP your credit/debit card or phone on the reader for the same price. The TTC runs roughly 6am-2am daily, with 24-hour service on some routes.
To reach Toronto Stadium (BMO Field): Walk 15-20 mins from Entertainment District hotels, or take the 509 Harbourfront or 510 Spadina streetcar to Exhibition Loop (5-10 min walk to stadium). From midtown or Yorkville, take Line 1 subway to Union Station, then walk or catch the streetcar.
Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) is also excellent for direct trips, especially to the stadium. Most downtown trips run $12-25 CAD ($9-18 USD), though surge pricing kicks in on match days.
Pro Tip: Download the TTC or Transit app for real-time arrival times. Streetcars can be slow in traffic, so allow extra time or walk if you're close to the stadium.
Where to Stay
Best for Stadium Access: Entertainment District (200-450 CAD/$145-330 USD per night). Heart of downtown, 1-2 miles from BMO Field. Walking distance to CN Tower, theaters, restaurants, and nightlife. Best hotel concentration.
Best for Waterfront: Harbourfront/Waterfront (180-400 CAD/$130-290 USD per night). Closest to BMO Field (10-15 min walk). Quiet lakefront setting with trails and parks. Less nightlife than downtown.
Best for Trendsetters: King West / Queen West (160-350 CAD/$115-255 USD per night). Toronto's coolest neighborhoods with trendy bars, restaurants, and galleries. 15-20 min streetcar to stadium. More local, less touristy.
Best for Luxury: Yorkville (250-600 CAD/$180-440 USD per night). Upscale shopping, fine dining, and high-end hotels. Quiet and refined. About 30-35 min to stadium via TTC.
Pro Tip: Book 3-4 months early for World Cup dates, especially June 12 (Canada's opener). Prices will spike 40-60% closer to matches.
Neighborhood Breakdown
Entertainment District
Best For
First-time visitors, stadium access, nightlife, attractions
Distance to Stadium
1-2 miles
Travel Time
15-20 min walk or 10 min streetcar
Pros
- •Heart of downtown Toronto—walking distance to CN Tower, Scotiabank Arena, and Rogers Centre
- •Only 1-2 miles from BMO Field (15-20 min walk or short streetcar ride)
- •Packed with restaurants, bars, theaters, and nightclubs
- •Best concentration of hotels in all price ranges
- •Steps from Union Station for easy TTC access across the city
- •Safe, well-lit, and busy at all hours
Cons
- •Can be loud on weekends and event nights
- •More expensive than outer neighborhoods
- •Very touristy—less 'local' feel
- •Crowded sidewalks and busy streets during peak times
Harbourfront & Waterfront
Best For
Scenic views, proximity to BMO Field, lakefront activities
Distance to Stadium
0.5-1 mile
Travel Time
10-15 min walk
Pros
- •Closest neighborhood to BMO Field (10-15 min walk)
- •Beautiful Lake Ontario waterfront with trails, parks, and marinas
- •Quieter than Entertainment District but still central
- •Walking distance to CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, and Rogers Centre
- •Great for morning runs along the water before matches
- •Good mix of hotels and Airbnb options
Cons
- •Fewer dining options than Entertainment District
- •Can feel isolated at night when attractions close
- •Some areas are still being developed
- •Limited late-night public transit options
King West / Queen West
Best For
Trendsetters, foodies, boutique shopping, local vibe
Distance to Stadium
2-3 miles
Travel Time
15-20 min streetcar or 10-15 min rideshare
Pros
- •Toronto's coolest neighborhoods with trendy bars, restaurants, and galleries
- •Less touristy than downtown—more authentic Toronto experience
- •Good mix of boutique hotels and Airbnb lofts
- •Easy streetcar access to BMO Field (15-20 min)
- •Walking distance to Kensington Market and Trinity Bellwoods Park
- •Great nightlife without the Entertainment District crowds
Cons
- •About 2-3 miles from BMO Field (need streetcar or rideshare)
- •Some blocks are grittier than downtown core
- •Fewer big chain hotels—mostly boutique or Airbnb
- •Can be harder to navigate for first-time visitors
Yorkville
Best For
Luxury travelers, upscale shopping, fine dining
Distance to Stadium
3-4 miles
Travel Time
30-35 min subway + streetcar, or 15-20 min rideshare
Pros
- •Toronto's most upscale neighborhood with designer boutiques and Michelin-quality restaurants
- •Safest, cleanest area with tree-lined streets and high-end hotels
- •Walking distance to Royal Ontario Museum and University of Toronto
- •Close to Bloor-Yonge subway station (Line 1 and 2 interchange)
- •Quieter and more refined than downtown core
- •Excellent for pre-match upscale dining experiences
Cons
- •Most expensive neighborhood in Toronto
- •About 3-4 miles from BMO Field (30-35 min by subway + streetcar)
- •Too quiet for those seeking nightlife and energy
- •Can feel stuffy and overly polished
Yonge & Dundas Square
Best For
Families, budget travelers, central location
Distance to Stadium
2 miles
Travel Time
25-30 min subway + streetcar
Pros
- •Center of downtown—Toronto's Times Square equivalent
- •Walking distance to Eaton Centre mall and Ryerson University
- •Excellent subway access (Dundas station on Line 1)
- •Wide range of budget to mid-range hotels
- •Close to Chinatown and Kensington Market
- •Easy to get anywhere in the city from here
Cons
- •About 2 miles from BMO Field (requires TTC)
- •Very crowded and chaotic—constant noise and activity
- •Some blocks feel less safe late at night
- •Overwhelming for those seeking a quieter experience
Top Things to Do
Must-See in Toronto:
- CN Tower – Iconic 553-meter tower with observation decks and glass floor. $40-50 CAD ($29-36 USD).
- Distillery District – Pedestrian-only village in restored Victorian buildings. Free to explore; great for photos and lunch.
- Kensington Market – Bohemian neighborhood with vintage shops, street art, and international food. Free; Pedestrian Sundays in summer.
- St. Lawrence Market – World-class food market. Free entry; try peameal bacon sandwich ($8-12 CAD).
- Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) – Canada's largest museum. $25 CAD ($18 USD) entry.
Food Highlights:
- Peameal bacon sandwich (Toronto's signature) at St. Lawrence Market
- Poutine (fries, gravy, cheese curds) at Smoke's or local pubs
- Ramen in Chinatown or Koreatown
- Craft beer at Bellwoods Brewery or Steam Whistle (near CN Tower)
- International cuisine in every neighborhood (Toronto is one of the world's most multicultural cities)
Pro Tip: Toronto's waterfront has a 56 km trail system. Go for a morning jog or bike ride along the lake before match day—rentals available at Harbourfront Centre.
Must-See Attractions
CN Tower
Toronto's most iconic landmark and once the world's tallest free-standing structure. The 553-meter tower offers breathtaking 360-degree views from its observation decks, a glass floor, and a revolving restaurant. On clear days, you can see Niagara Falls. It's a must-visit for first-timers.
Cost
Around $40-50 CAD ($29-36 USD) for general admission; higher for EdgeWalk experience
Time Needed
1.5-2.5 hours
Best Time
Sunset or early morning to avoid crowds
How to Get There
Walking distance from Entertainment District hotels, or TTC to Union Station
Distillery District
A pedestrian-only village set in restored Victorian-era buildings from an old whiskey distillery. The cobblestone streets are lined with art galleries, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. It's one of Toronto's most photogenic spots and perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Cost
Free to explore; food and shopping extra
Time Needed
2-3 hours
Best Time
Late morning through afternoon
How to Get There
15 min walk from BMO Field, or take 504 King streetcar to Parliament
Kensington Market
Toronto's bohemian heart with vintage shops, international food stalls, street art, and a multicultural vibe. During summer, Pedestrian Sundays close the streets to cars, filling them with live music and food vendors. It's chaotic, colorful, and authentically Toronto.
Cost
Free to explore; budget $15-30 CAD for food
Time Needed
2-3 hours
Best Time
Weekend afternoons, especially Pedestrian Sundays in summer
How to Get There
TTC to Spadina station (Line 2), then 510 Spadina streetcar south
St. Lawrence Market
One of the world's best food markets with over 120 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and prepared foods. The Saturday farmers' market is legendary. Grab a peameal bacon sandwich (Toronto's signature sandwich) and explore local flavors.
Cost
Free entry; budget $10-25 CAD for food
Time Needed
1-2 hours
Best Time
Saturday morning for farmers' market; closed Sundays and Mondays
How to Get There
10 min walk from Union Station or take 504 King streetcar east
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Canada's largest museum with world-class collections of art, archaeology, and natural history. The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal addition is an architectural marvel. Highlights include dinosaur fossils, Egyptian mummies, and Indigenous art galleries.
Cost
Around $25 CAD ($18 USD) adults; discounts for youth/seniors
Time Needed
2-4 hours
Best Time
Weekday mornings to avoid crowds
How to Get There
TTC to Museum station (Line 1), right at the entrance
Weather & When to Visit
High
77°F
(25°C)
Low
63°F
(17°C)
Rain
13-16 days/month (June-July is rainy season)
Humidity
70-82%
June/July Weather:
- Highs around 77°F (25°C), lows around 63°F (17°C)
- Warm and pleasant—Toronto's best season
- Rain fairly common (13-16 days/month), usually brief afternoon showers
- Humidity 70-82%—can feel muggy on hot days
- Occasional hot days reach upper 80s to low 90s°F (30-32°C)
What to Pack:
- Light rain jacket or umbrella (rain is common)
- Layers (mornings can be cool, afternoons warm)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light sweater for air-conditioned indoor spaces
Pro Tip: Toronto Stadium is open-air with no roof. Bring sun protection for day matches and a light jacket for evening games. Check the forecast—Toronto weather can change quickly.
Money-Saving Tips
- Use **PRESTO Contactless** (tap your credit card) instead of buying a physical Presto card ($6 fee). Same $3.30 fare.
- **Escalator Etiquette:** Stand Right, Walk Left. Locals are serious about this!
- Take the **UP Express train** from the airport ($12.35 CAD) instead of rideshare ($50-80 CAD)—saves $40+ CAD each way.
- Eat at **St. Lawrence Market**, food courts, or ethnic neighborhoods (Chinatown, Little India, Koreatown) for meals under $15 CAD instead of sit-down restaurants.
- Book hotels in **King West, Queen West, or Yonge & Dundas** instead of Entertainment District or Yorkville—save $50-150 CAD per night.
- Visit free attractions: **Distillery District**, **Kensington Market**, **Harbourfront trails**, and **Nathan Phillips Square**.
- Buy groceries and snacks at **Loblaws, Metro, or No Frills** instead of convenience stores or hotel minibars.
- Walk or bike when possible—Toronto is very walkable downtown, and **Bike Share Toronto** costs $3.25 CAD for 30 mins.
- Book accommodation 3-4 months early to avoid 40-60% World Cup price spikes.
- Share rideshare with other fans to split costs on match days.
- Drink tap water—it's top tier quality in Toronto.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Population
6.4 million (metro)
Time Zone
EST/EDT (UTC-5/-4)
Currency
CAD ($)
Language
English
Emergency
911
Major Airports
YYZ - 17 mi