According to forum posts, Toronto offers numerous family-friendly attractions. The Ontario Science Centre and the Toronto Zoo are highlighted as exciting destinations, providing educational and interactive experiences suitable for children. Additionally, the Royal Ontario Museum and Casa Loma offer cultural insights with fun, kid-friendly exhibits. These venues are appreciated for their engaging content that caters to younger audiences.

Travelers have called out the Toronto Islands and High Park as excellent spots for families looking to enjoy the outdoors. The Toronto Islands offer beautiful parklands and recreational activities, including bike rentals and beaches, accessible via a short ferry ride. High Park provides a large green space with playgrounds, a small zoo, and splash pads, making it a perfect venue for children to play and explore.

Some users have recommended specific experiences like the Ripley’s Aquarium, which is adjacent to the CN Tower, and Little Canada, featuring animated miniature displays of Canadian landmarks. These attractions provide unique and immersive experiences that are both entertaining and educational for families.

According to forum posts, Tour Guys are frequently recommended for their walking tours of Toronto. Travelers have also mentioned self-guided tours, which can be found on the City of Toronto's official website. Additionally, the Toronto Society of Architects and Heritage Toronto offer themed walking tours, which are popular among those interested in architecture and city history.

Some travelers have highlighted unique walking tour experiences such as the Toronto Crime Tours, which provide insights into the city's darker history. This tour has been described as well-received and offers a different perspective on Toronto's usual tourist spots.

During specific events like the Doors Open festival, numerous special tours are available around the city. These tours provide access to buildings and areas that are not typically open to the public, offering a unique way to explore Toronto during the festival dates.

Some travelers recommended exploring non-touristy attractions such as local neighborhoods, markets like Kensington and St. Lawrence, and attending local festivals. Museums and galleries offering free admission on certain evenings were also suggested.

For solo travelers interested in group activities, it was suggested to join various meetups through platforms like meetup.com, which cater to diverse interests. Engaging in community events or group tours can provide both social interaction and deeper insights into the city.

Checking local event listings on websites like blogto.com and toronto.com was advised to stay updated on current happenings around the city. These sites often list daily or weekly events that could be of interest to solo travelers.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, visiting the Toronto Islands, walking tours of the city, and exploring the beach areas were highly recommended. These activities allow solo travelers to enjoy Toronto's natural landscapes and urban environment.

According to forum posts, the Sheraton Centre Toronto, Hilton, Doubletree by Hilton, Marriott at Eaton Centre, The Pantages, and One King West are popular choices located close to shopping, restaurants, and transit in downtown Toronto. Prices vary, but many users find these options offer a good balance of comfort, convenience, and access to city attractions.

Some travelers have recommended boutique hotels such as Le Germain, either at Mercer or Maple Leaf Square, for their unique charm and excellent service. These hotels offer a more personalized experience and are still well-located for exploring downtown Toronto.

For those on a budget, travelers have suggested looking at university residences during the summer months, as they often convert to hotel accommodations. These are generally more affordable and centrally located, providing a good base for city exploration without the higher costs of traditional hotels.

Travelers have called out the area bordered by Bloor Street, Lake Ontario, Jarvis Street, and Bathurst Street as ideal for staying in Toronto. This area is central, safe, and provides easy access to public transportation, making it a convenient choice for visitors.

During specific events like TIFF, forum posts suggest that while hotels like the Marriott Downtown at CF Eaton Center might be busier, they often provide easier access to event venues. For quieter options during such times, the Westin Harbour Castle might be a less hectic choice, although slightly removed from the main action.

According to forum posts, Toronto offers a comprehensive public transit system managed by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), which includes buses, subways, and streetcars. The system is accessible and economical for getting around the city. Travelers can plan their routes using the TTC website or Google Maps.

Some users have highlighted that the Presto card is widely used for fare payment on the TTC, as well as on the GO Transit system. The card can be loaded with funds for multiple rides and is convenient for both residents and visitors. It is available at various locations, including the airport.

Travelers have called out specific transit routes such as the UP Express train from Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto, which connects easily with the TTC subway at Union Station. For regional travel, GO Transit provides bus and train services linking Toronto to surrounding areas.

For those visiting attractions like the Toronto Zoo, forum posts suggest that while public transport is available, the journey might be lengthy and could involve multiple transfers. A combination of GO Train and a short taxi ride is recommended for a more efficient trip to places like the Toronto Zoo or Niagara Falls.

According to forum posts, popular road trip routes from Toronto include traveling east to cities like Kingston, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City. These destinations offer a mix of urban and nature experiences and are accessible by trains and buses, which can be more convenient due to city traffic and expensive parking.

Some travelers suggested driving along Highway 17 for a more scenic route, described as more picturesque than southwestern Ontario's farmland. This route passes through small towns and continues from Sudbury down to Toronto, providing a continuous scenic drive.

For those looking for a unique cultural and historical experience, destinations like Niagara Falls and the 1000 Islands are recommended. These spots are known for their stunning natural beauty and are within a reasonable driving distance from Toronto, making them perfect for shorter road trips.

For travelers with a layover at Toronto Pearson Airport, some users suggest heading to downtown Toronto, particularly if the layover is overnight. The UP Express train provides a 20-minute ride to Union Station, from where attractions like the CN Tower and numerous downtown restaurants are accessible.

For those facing an overnight layover, it's advised to book a hotel as Pearson Airport does not permit overnight stays airside. The Alt Hotel and Sheraton Gateway are directly accessible from the airport, offering convenient lodging options.

If remaining at the airport, Pearson offers a variety of dining experiences within its terminals. Travelers have mentioned that there are sufficient eateries in Terminal 1 where one can comfortably wait for their next flight.

If time permits, some travelers recommend a short trip to the Toronto Christmas Market or the Distillery District, especially during the holiday season, to experience festive shopping and dining.

According to forum posts, downtown Toronto offers a variety of dining options, including Pai, Gusto 101, Chubbys, Cibo, and Wurst. Yueh Tung is noted for its Chinese dishes, particularly the dry chili chicken. Travelers have also recommended the Butter Chicken Factory for Indian cuisine, highlighting its unique flavor and pleasant dining experience.

Some users have pointed out specific dishes at these restaurants, such as the dry chili chicken at Yueh Tung and crispy pork at Hong Fatt. Additionally, Miku near Union Station is highly recommended for sushi and sashimi, praised for providing an exceptional dining experience.

For those seeking a more upscale dining experience, George Restaurant has been mentioned as a Michelin-starred option that offers a tasting menu with wine pairing, located on Queen St E. Canoe, another upscale choice, provides a quality dining experience with scenic views from the 54th floor of a downtown building.