Toronto on a Budget

This is not really a story about what to see and do in Toronto. It is an attempt at getting you around this gorgeous city without destroying your budget. As with most tourist meccas, Toronto offers plenty of easy ways to pay top dollar for things that won't really enhance your experience. Get a National Geographic Destination Map of Toronto.Winters are harsh, but Toronto is too busy to shiver. Most tourists visit in the summer months, when prices are usually at their peak. Consider a trip in the fall, when foliage is spectacular. Prices have fallen by that time, and crowds thin out at the major attractions. If you plan a Spring trip, keep in mind that mild weather sometimes does not arrive until late May. You'll be searching for airfares to and from Canada's busiest airport.Toronto is one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. Here you can find restaurants featuring food from almost any point on the compass. Many travelers rave about the authenticity of the offerings from eastern Europe and Asia. It's one of the few cities where, with very little effort, you can dine on a new and striking ethnic specialty every night of your stay.As you search for a room, consider that most of the world's major hotel chains have multiple locations here, with most concentrated near the airport in Malton or in the downtown area. Some budget travelers prefer to snag Priceline deals on the larger hotels along Younge Street, because they can then walk to a lot of major attractions, the subway, and dining.The Toronto Transit Commission operates a network of buses, streetcars and subway trains. It's a clean, efficient network that would be the envy of most major cities. Check out the passes they offer if you'll be in the city more than a few days. Be aware that routes are extended during the summer months to popular destinations such as Exhibition Place, Ontario Place, and Toronto Zoo. If you explore the vast Toronto suburbs, you'll need a car.Toronto's club scene is active and changes quickly. It's best to check local listings after arrival. The theatre district frequently hosts Broadway productions, but you'll also find "off Broadway" class shows of high quality. Sports fans can take a guided tour of SkyDome. The tour is reasonably priced, but don't expect the same at SkyDome hotels and restaurants, especially if an event is scheduled. Also expensive: a trip to the top of CN Tower, the world's tallest free-standing structure.Chinatown has become the generic place name of a wide area along Spadina Ave and along Dundas St. West. Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese immigrants sell native specialties in restaurants and markets. Toronto has two "Little Italy" sections: One along College Street and one to the northwest in Woodbridge. If you choose College, you can stroll into "Little Portugal," too. See how easy it is to sample the world in Toronto?

Get a GO Toronto Card. This is a card you buy prior to your trip and then activate on first use. You can buy from one- to three-day cards (cost: $68-147) good for free admission at dozens of local attractions. Design your itinerary before you consider a Go Toronto purchase, to determine if the investment will save you money on admissions.

For a major splurge, consider taking High Tea. The Fairmont Royal York Hotel will serve you the traditional British mid-afternoon treat, complete with pastries and shortbreads. It will cost you about as much as a moderately-priced dinner somewhere, but the upscale experience is something you'll remember longer than an average meal.

Look at ToTix.com for half-priced theatre tickets. Much like their counterparts in New York and London, ToTix offers deeply discounted tickets for day-of-show performances. Toronto's version is at the southeast corner of Young-Dundas Square. Sales are done in-person only. Tip: Be careful about waiting hours in line to save money on anything. The time you spend is valuable, too.

Check out Saint Lawrence Market. Here is an Old Toronto locale (east of downtown near Wellington and Front Streets, subway to Union Station or King Street) that will inspire those interested in European architecture and charm. The Market's Web site says Food and Wine Magazine named St. Lawrence one of the world's Top 25 Markets. Drinking in the sights is free; enjoying the trendy bistros nearby is not!

One more Market: Kensington. This place will take you back in time. Sample old world pastry at one storefront, buy vintage tailored clothing a few doors away. Narrow streets and friendly faces abound. Even if you don't buy a thing, it's an authentic Toronto experience you won't soon forget.

Rail options for Canada begin here. Few places in the country offer rail travel opportunities that rival what you'll find in Toronto. Union Station is located adjacent to the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. It was once the crossroads of Canada, and it still offers some intriguing trips. How about a jaunt to Moose Jaw? You'll probably be more interested in high-speed options: a trip to downtown Montreal can be completed in less than four hours for $234 CDN roundtrip.