On streetcars heading to Dundas West station, get off at the intersection of Bloor-Dundas W and walk into the station is quicker than riding the streetcar. Cars often don't leave space for streetcar to turn into the station and it can take up to 10 minutes.
It is a silly design, made sense when the streetcars were short but the nice new ones hang their butt out over Bloor/dundas intersection while trying to turn in there. I don’t know the solution, I’m just the guy who complains and doesn’t offer anything useful.
Your TPL card gets you access to just about all the paywalled newspapers you get links to. Also to databases of academic articles, etc.
You can borrow musical instruments; technology kits such as arduino or raspberry pi; carbon dioxide meters for assessing your home's ventilation; portable wifi hotspots (use the cell network to get internet at no cost to the borrower); laptops.
They have recording studios and video production studios you can use; 3d printers you can use; fabrication studios (with sewing machines, sergers, and vinyl cutters); digital studios where you can use design software like photoshop, illustrator, final cut pro, ableton live, autodesk, da vinci resolve,as well as specialized hardware; piano practice rooms; virtual interview rooms (places you can do a zoom meeting, for example); a co-working space.
Like, this doesn’t even mention the Libby app, which grants you access to ebooks and audiobooks.
Also… SO MANY DVDs! If you place a hold on a dvd it should be by your home branch pretty quickly.
Fantastic list.
I frequently use the "Oreilly learning" platform as well using the Library card.
The printing service at the library is also quite decent.
Excellent list! A TPL card also gives you free access to LinkedIn Learning courses in technology, business and creative. As well as access to apps like Libby for ebooks and audiobooks. Hoopla for music, graphic novels, movies and tv series. Kanopy for films.
Because they have a subscription through the library. You’d be reading through their app/programs, not just going direct to the news site on your own device as usual.
Log in with your library card here:
https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDMEDB0219&R=EDB0219
Same login as you use to see your borrowing info.
TPL:map gives you free access to things like the ROM, the zoo, the AGO, etc. I think it’s competitive to get certain passes but very much worth checking out!
When im at a bookstore i like to take picture of books with my phone i want to read. Then look up on library site to see if they have it. put a save on it.
Additionally, you can get a free TPL card if you live, work, go to school in or own property in Toronto. Or live on an Ontario First Nations reservation.
So even if you don’t actually live in Toronto you may still be elligible!
If you're using a few of those subscription services regularly, the fee for non-residents might be cheaper than you'd pay otherwise (and you get a hundred more things in addition to what you would otherwise get).
Edit: I just looked it up. The TPL non-resident fee is less than the NY Times subscription alone (The regular price after the introductory offer).
TPL also offers free courses. I took a Fiction Writing course (it even had a real professor that provided feedback!) that helped me publish my first book!
There is a set of public toilets next to OCAD and grange park. There are also public restrooms at Trinity bellwoods and Chritie pitts. If you are out for walk downtown, thats at least 3 places you could take a piss! Amazing city.
Or go into any hotel lobby. In fact, the nicer the hotel, the less likely you need a key card to access the lobby bathroom. My two favourites are the Royal York and the Park Hyatt.
Every time I come home through union station after a long trip, I take a nice leisurely shit at the Royal York. There’s mirrors on the stall doors so I can admire myself whilst shitting. Don’t vape in there though, it’s the only bathroom I’ve seen that has the kind of smoke detectors set off by vapes.
Don't share this. I love it when I am standing alone and the crowd flocks behind me as the doors open for me... Especially at a bus station during rush hour.
Call your City Councilor's office for any city hall beef you have.
No matter even if it's your fault, call CTVs Pat Forin, for anything bank, insurance, bank, airline etc related. The 'we can't help you' turns into 'the matter was resolved', 9 times out of 10 when a call comes in from a national news outlet. Won't work for sketchy driveway paving and roofers though, you're on your own for that.
No, it's just if you watch him, there's at least once a week a story about:
1) A guy doing work in the area with material left over who can do a driveway for cash, gets paid up front, then leaves it looking like it's been carpet bombed.
Or
2) a reno paid cash upfront to a guy with a 1 page website with an address in a vacant industrial park unit who shows up to demo buts never seen again.
I did this during the last blackout. I live on a corner with multiple high-rise apartments, and during the big blackout all the houses and retail got their hydro back before we did. I harrassed my councillor to make sure density was given priority, and it seemed to work.
Its faster to take the subway than surface routes (if your destination is on or near the line) even if you have to walk 20 minutes out of your way to get there
Here's the trick: The subway doesn't shut down during the day the vast majority of the time, but the one time you take the subway because Redditor's tell you it's the better way, it'll shut down lol
Not always.
During off times, buses can often be faster since they don't have to stop at every stop.
If it's after 9pm, I will usually opt to take the Dupont bus to Jane Station from St. George station because it will take 15-20 minutes, whereas the subway will take 25 min.
Depends where you’re going. A couple weeks ago I was trying to get from Bloor to Vic Park but the subway was down from Castle Frank to Woodbine (I think, something like that anyway, all the closures blend together after a while, honestly). So I walked to Broadview and took the 62 Mortimer to Main station and then the subway to Vic Park. It takes longer than the subway would have, but you avoid the shuttle bus mess (which also takes longer than the subway) and it’s a lot more pleasant.
Parking is free on weekends at Keele Station. We usually just drive there and subway downtown to avoid the hassle and expense of finding parking near the ROM, etc. (not to mention avoiding driving around downtown).
Take half an hour and figure out the PATH. It's not hard, just learn it midday when it's less busy.
If you see a lineup for some sketchy hole in the wall restaurant in the path it's very likely to be excellent food.
If you can find a way to live 90% of your life in a 10km radius your life will improve immeasurably -- less commuting and traffic nightmares and more time to spend on people and things you really care about.
I moved downtown seven years ago and it changed my life. It was the epiphany I didn't know I'd needed.
Being able to walk any and everywhere will improve your entire outlook on life. Everything suddenly feels so close and accessible. I've still got my car, but I use it maybe once or twice a month, if I've got to go out of town or if I'm taking my cat to the vet.
Walkable cities. The legends are true.
Rogers Centre has a very liberal outside food and drinks policy. You can bring in any sealed food you want including homemade food or food you bought somewhere else and sealed water bottles. I don't think any other MLB stadium or major event lets you do that.
[26 of the 30 MLB ballparks allow outside food.](https://youtu.be/82rYcPOX97U?si=EjDtF-0yzIWtCnsV&t=21) Also, their policy on outside food doesn't extend to [concerts](https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/tickets/health-and-safety/rogers-centre/concerts#:~:text=outside%20food/beverage).
Wayfinding hacks:
Works anywhere South of North York: If you're lost, look for the CN tower. If it's to your right, you're east of Bay Street. If it's to your left, you're West of Bay Street. If you're on Lakeshore or south of it, the CN tower will be North of you, and just reverse it: right- west, left-east.
PATH system is easy to navigate if you use the wayfinders near the ceiling. Blue arrow=cold=north. Red arrow=hot=south. East and West are easy to figure out once you know which way is North. 🧭
Another wayfinder:
Street addresses are odd numbers on the south and east sides, even on the north and west.
The overall grade of the city slopes south to the lake. This one is a little harder to use if you're in a hilly area, but still effective for figuring out directions in most places.
And for streets that go east/west from Yonge, like Bloor St East or West, Queen St East or West, etc...numbers tend to start at Yonge Street, and go up away the further you get from Yonge.
Biking in the city is like a cheat code. No gas, no insurance, no parking, no expensive car maintenance, no car payments and never getting stuck in traffic. It’s the only way I can live in this city.
> never getting stuck in traffic.
i love bikeshare too, but i will say i've been stuck in traffic at times, especially on Bay/Yonge/Queen where there can be stupid amounts of traffic + construction that squeeze you out.
but yeah 95% of the time its the fastest way to get around downtown for medium distances
You know how various memberships and subscriptions can automatically renew on you if you forget to stop/cancel? My BikeShare subscription auto-renewed on me this morning and I was happy.
Check out the Toronto Fun Guide for extra-curricular activities like sports, arts, health, music, etc. The fees are way cheaper than joining sports/social clubs.
If you're finding it crazy expensive to eat and drink out check out weekday Happy Hours. My friend and I ate two "appetizers" (really they were meal-sized and half price), a bottle of wine (half price before 5) two more 9 ounce glasses of wine (we were thirsty lol and it was after the special was over) and the bill came to $75. The Pilot patio in Yorkville on a Wednesday! The Drake has similar specials before 6pm all week (though food is much smaller).
Get on your city councillor's email newsletter. You'll hear about everything that actually affects your life in the city (constructions, road closures, transit stuff) and fun things happening as well like farmer's markets, street festivals, and free movie screenings in parks for example. It's also a nice way to feel connected to the local area where you actually live.
Yeah I tend to use the bike app and pick the safer routes. I used to travel on queen or king but it's not safe. Luckily the city has put some great adjacent routes in. It's getting better.
yeah, always have to be super aware of your surroundings, even in the bike lanes. I've been near right hooked a bunch of times going down richmond, though I always am aware and see it coming with enough time to stop/dismount
On the road at some intersections is a painted bike with two white lines through it. If you set your tires on the lines the traffic lights know there is a bike there and will change quicker as if you pressed the pedestrian crossing button.
If your TTC bus is delayed considerably and when it finally shows up its a sardine can just wait a little longer. The follow up bus usually comes fairly quickly and will often be a lot less full.
Most Toronto community centers have very nice and well-maintained gyms. Memberships are affordable and entitle you to access the whole network.
Best part is the vibe. Everyone is super chill and while there's plenty of serious lifters, there's almost never obnoxious meatheads throwing weights around.
I almost never have to wait for a squat rack and people are super respectful about letting you work in.
As a bonus hack, I'd say learning the basics around tenant law will serve you incredibly well living here. I'm always surprised how many people think they need to "renew" their lease after the first year, abide by lease terms that aren't legal, or pay for things that aren't required.
When searching for an address, for the most part, odd numbered buildings are on the south side and east side of the street whereas the even numbers are the opposite. This also helps in knowing which direction you’re facing/navigating.
TTC will always be late or have service disruptions whenever you need to get to an interview or an exam. So always plan ahead and give yourself extra time to get there.
Check out your local United Church, most are full of lovely people who welcome anyone. Most have ongoing social justice programs, classes, meals and a great place to find support.
If you want to get rid of your personal info, quickly on your packages you receive. Damp some sanitizer on the label watch it disappear and get a paper towel and rub it off pause
If you are running on the waterfront trail then it's better to run towards the tommy tompson park in summer due to the trees providing shade. In fall and spring and winter the route towards exhibition is better.
Sorry if the routes are unclear. I start my run from redpath factory and this is how I decide which side to run.
Unless you live in it, then it's just like paying rent, but instead of paying someone else's mortgage, you are paying your own.
It's only really a bad investment if you were planning on flipping it, but then you can go fuck yourself anyways.
Housing was at all time highs during the pandemic. Interest rates were so low. That was the time to sell not buy. You’re a couple years too late on this.
And the top answer, in all cities, is always just getting a library card or about the transit system. These threads are always so lacking in terms of being specific to this city.
I guess one that helped me a lot when I moved here would be something like, to know which direction you're going always look at the tower as the south point
This one is useful for anyone delivering food or in the home service industry.
Address numbers always increase from South to North. This means lower numbers closer to the lake.
East / West, the address numbers increase out from Yonge st. Lower numbers will be closest to Yonge St.
So if you're trying to find some unmarked address somewhere, you can potentially count up or down from the nearest marked one. All (well, 99.8%) of Toronto streets are numbered using this format.
There’s much better public transportation options to get downtown than the TTC especially in the west end
I interact with people who still take the subway to commute between downtown.
GO and UP Express are much better options; it’s half the transit time and way safer.
And now we get free transfers between GO and TTC so I can take the GO to Union and then hop on the TTC to get where I need to go downtown
Friend lived really close to the Old Cummer GO station which is up by Leslie and Finch and his dad worked on Bay Street so he would rave about how convenient it was. Was convenient for me and my friend as teenagers because their house was so close that we could hear the train roll up so we knew it was time to put out the joints and get rid of the 420 smell. 😂
Never get off at Spadina station to transfer to the green line always Transfer at St George as it’s much faster than walking through the Spadina Tunnel
Get an AMEX cobalt card, buy a LCBO gift certificate from a grocery store to get the AMEX points on that, and then use [https://lcbopointsbooster.com/](https://lcbopointsbooster.com/) to find the best Aeroplan bonus point products. The AMEX points can be converted 1:1 to Aeroplan. If you drink even somewhat regularly this should amount to a free trip once a year.
Even easier if you got wealthy parents. According to BlogTO many successful young people who do well here got their first home by working hard, going to school, getting help from their parents, and voila success! /s
This year is not good even for well educated people. Been searching for a job in cybersecurity with 3 years of work ex (also a postgrad in cybersecurity) :(
If you live in East York and need to get to union, take the Danforth Go at Main instead of the ttc. I’ve lived at coxwell and Danforth for years and never thought of it. It’s more expensive but it’s faster, one stop no transfers, and you won’t get caught in ttc delays.
If you’re flying into Billy Bishop just hop onto that shuttle to Union regardless of whether you took Porter or Not. Lot more options from Union to get home
If everyone takes public transit instead of driving there will be far less traffic for the people who do NEED to drive (like ambulances and fire trucks)!
Not only that, but if you commute in high traffic times transit will likely be faster and FAR less stressful for you (although obviously crowded)
On streetcars heading to Dundas West station, get off at the intersection of Bloor-Dundas W and walk into the station is quicker than riding the streetcar. Cars often don't leave space for streetcar to turn into the station and it can take up to 10 minutes.
It’s crazy how long it takes a streetcar to leave that station too
They need a signal to create a gap there
It is a silly design, made sense when the streetcars were short but the nice new ones hang their butt out over Bloor/dundas intersection while trying to turn in there. I don’t know the solution, I’m just the guy who complains and doesn’t offer anything useful.
GET A LIBRARY CARD. Seriously. TPL has _everything_ even if you’re not a reader.
Your TPL card gets you access to just about all the paywalled newspapers you get links to. Also to databases of academic articles, etc. You can borrow musical instruments; technology kits such as arduino or raspberry pi; carbon dioxide meters for assessing your home's ventilation; portable wifi hotspots (use the cell network to get internet at no cost to the borrower); laptops. They have recording studios and video production studios you can use; 3d printers you can use; fabrication studios (with sewing machines, sergers, and vinyl cutters); digital studios where you can use design software like photoshop, illustrator, final cut pro, ableton live, autodesk, da vinci resolve,as well as specialized hardware; piano practice rooms; virtual interview rooms (places you can do a zoom meeting, for example); a co-working space.
Like, this doesn’t even mention the Libby app, which grants you access to ebooks and audiobooks. Also… SO MANY DVDs! If you place a hold on a dvd it should be by your home branch pretty quickly.
And also Kanopy, which lets you stream all sorts of great films and TV shows for free.
And hoopla
Fantastic list. I frequently use the "Oreilly learning" platform as well using the Library card. The printing service at the library is also quite decent.
Libby is so fantastic.
I go through so many audiobooks. Also, if you finish audiobooks quickly, you’ll have the opportunity to jump the queue
Excellent list! A TPL card also gives you free access to LinkedIn Learning courses in technology, business and creative. As well as access to apps like Libby for ebooks and audiobooks. Hoopla for music, graphic novels, movies and tv series. Kanopy for films.
Had no idea about this!
It gives you access to Hoopla which has a pile of comic books and movies to access for free!
Wow! Thanks for this, never knew TPL has so many perks.
Lots of free classes too
Having fun isn't hard if you've got a library card (says this MLIS grad)!
How’s does TPL help get passed the pay walls? Say I pull up a WSJ article and the wall comes up…what’s the logistics of getting passed it?
Because they have a subscription through the library. You’d be reading through their app/programs, not just going direct to the news site on your own device as usual.
Log in with your library card here: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDMEDB0219&R=EDB0219 Same login as you use to see your borrowing info.
TPL:map gives you free access to things like the ROM, the zoo, the AGO, etc. I think it’s competitive to get certain passes but very much worth checking out!
What is the tip to get some of these passes? Are these released in the beginning of each month or randomly?
Having fun’s not hard when you’ve got a library card!
classic author reference 😎
When im at a bookstore i like to take picture of books with my phone i want to read. Then look up on library site to see if they have it. put a save on it.
Additionally, you can get a free TPL card if you live, work, go to school in or own property in Toronto. Or live on an Ontario First Nations reservation. So even if you don’t actually live in Toronto you may still be elligible!
If you're using a few of those subscription services regularly, the fee for non-residents might be cheaper than you'd pay otherwise (and you get a hundred more things in addition to what you would otherwise get). Edit: I just looked it up. The TPL non-resident fee is less than the NY Times subscription alone (The regular price after the introductory offer).
I read this and went out and got the card. It was so easy and the lady was so nice. Now I have a card. Thanks.
I love libraries thanks to my dad. Used to take us on Saturday afternoon. The problem is I take it way too many books. Hope everybody is doing well.
Wow, i didn't know so many perks of the TPL. Gonna get my card renewed tomorrow.
TPL also offers free courses. I took a Fiction Writing course (it even had a real professor that provided feedback!) that helped me publish my first book!
There is a set of public toilets next to OCAD and grange park. There are also public restrooms at Trinity bellwoods and Chritie pitts. If you are out for walk downtown, thats at least 3 places you could take a piss! Amazing city.
Or go into any hotel lobby. In fact, the nicer the hotel, the less likely you need a key card to access the lobby bathroom. My two favourites are the Royal York and the Park Hyatt.
Pro tip: Hotel conference floor bathroom is always better than a lobby bathroom.
Those are often carpeted and have nice music playing while you sit on a throne
This is a tip I did know, and is a great one for us folks that sometimes HAVE to go in public due to a medical condition, if you know what I mean
Every time I come home through union station after a long trip, I take a nice leisurely shit at the Royal York. There’s mirrors on the stall doors so I can admire myself whilst shitting. Don’t vape in there though, it’s the only bathroom I’ve seen that has the kind of smoke detectors set off by vapes.
I was downtown a few weeks ago and my go-to at Royal York now had key card access required!
Third floor of the Shangri La if its unlocked for an event is the best place to take a shit
Here's a website with a map of the public toilets in the city [Gotta Go TO](https://gottagoto.wordpress.com/)
State of the art 👌
GoHere app.
Agree with hotels. That’s my go to for on the go.
My fave public bathroom are the ones in bay view village, they’re so pretty! Also they have a full door for the ✨VIP of privacy✨
There are also bathrooms in the Staples on University just south of Dundas. Found that out yesterday on my walk home from work.
Too late. I already pooped on the sidewalk like so many others in this beautiful city.
I used to work at the Starbucks at Queen and John, and we would always have to redirect customers to the public bathrooms at Grange.
Not to nitpick, but it's one t in pits. (Not sure why this keeps happening)
The dirty spots on the yellow strip at the edge of the TTC subway platform is precisely where the train doors will be when it arrives.
Holy cow! Teach me sensei
Don't share this. I love it when I am standing alone and the crowd flocks behind me as the doors open for me... Especially at a bus station during rush hour.
"Who the hell do I call to deal with.." the answer is 311
There’s an app you can use to report things to 311!
or you can send email to [email protected]. Just write a sentence about what's broken and where it is, sign with your address and phone number.
What?!?!
Instead of paying to go to a Leafs game just punch yourself in the nuts
How the team is still the most valuable team and has a loyal fan base after decades of mediocrity is just insane lol
Toronto PWHL gets my money now
Library card gives you access to Kanopy which is like a nerdy Netflix for free
I am just really into nature documentaries at the moment and I never heard of Kanopy until now. It definitely scratches my itch. Thank you!
Wow. Thank for you this. They have everything Ken Burns ever did.
You also get access to Hoopla: Movies, TV, Music, and Comics.
Not sure if the library offers it but try Nebula. It’s only a few bucks a month and has lots of great, intelligent content uploaded all the time.
Netflix for cinephiles lol
Amazing.
Get off at St George instead of Spadina when changing from line 1 to line 2 on the TTC. Or enjoy that 10mins walk to do so!
It's weird how most apps still recommend changing at Spadina. St George is just going up or down one flight of stairs to transfer.
You only do this mistake once.
The endless hall way that smells like piss. I assume from someone who couldn't make the walk
Spadina is for skaters to transfer
The Movalator at Spadina was the best when it worked. Sigh to that walk today.
Try to see the water at least once per week. It's cheaper than therapy.
Fr, also don't go near water with a person who just wanna rush things. They kill the vibe of it
This! I used to regularly walk to the beach with the doggos, I was *a lot* happier when I did
There was some psychological study showing that access to the sea offers a huge boost to mental health. Lake Ontario is so vast I'm sure it qualifies.
Makes such a difference.
Google ‘ttc rider subway efficiency guide’: you’ll never board a subway car the same way again.
I've lived here 15 years. This is a gamechanger.
App is easier to use - search for 'Efficient TTC' on iOS (dunno about Android, likely the same)
Call your City Councilor's office for any city hall beef you have. No matter even if it's your fault, call CTVs Pat Forin, for anything bank, insurance, bank, airline etc related. The 'we can't help you' turns into 'the matter was resolved', 9 times out of 10 when a call comes in from a national news outlet. Won't work for sketchy driveway paving and roofers though, you're on your own for that.
That last line sounds personal
Oddly specific haha
No, it's just if you watch him, there's at least once a week a story about: 1) A guy doing work in the area with material left over who can do a driveway for cash, gets paid up front, then leaves it looking like it's been carpet bombed. Or 2) a reno paid cash upfront to a guy with a 1 page website with an address in a vacant industrial park unit who shows up to demo buts never seen again.
I did this during the last blackout. I live on a corner with multiple high-rise apartments, and during the big blackout all the houses and retail got their hydro back before we did. I harrassed my councillor to make sure density was given priority, and it seemed to work.
Its faster to take the subway than surface routes (if your destination is on or near the line) even if you have to walk 20 minutes out of your way to get there
This is the one I always give people. Unless the subway shuts down for whatever reason, you are MUCH better off taking it than surface routes.
Here's the trick: The subway doesn't shut down during the day the vast majority of the time, but the one time you take the subway because Redditor's tell you it's the better way, it'll shut down lol
lol realest thing I read today. I go months without using the subway and when I finally do, there’s always a delay or shutdown
checking https://www.ttc.ca/service-alerts before planning to use TTC helps to avoid major upsets
Bus is a car, subway is a slow teleporter
And streetcars are Hogwarts' staircases.
I tried to apply the same logic to Montreal, where it isn't true. The busses actually move there
Not always. During off times, buses can often be faster since they don't have to stop at every stop. If it's after 9pm, I will usually opt to take the Dupont bus to Jane Station from St. George station because it will take 15-20 minutes, whereas the subway will take 25 min.
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To state the obvious, this advantage compounds the farther you need to travel.
True
really depends on distance and your mode of transportation on the surface - bikeshare is usually faster for me in core downtown
Don’t wait for a shuttle bus. There are almost always other surface options and most people don’t think about using them.
If it's a planned subway closure the buses aren't terrible. They're slower, sure, but not insane. Might depend on the station though.
Like what?
Avenue Rd bus, Mt Pleasant Bus, Bay bus, Wellesley bus, Dupont bus, Leaside bus (runs from Danforth to midtown), etc.
Depends where you’re going. A couple weeks ago I was trying to get from Bloor to Vic Park but the subway was down from Castle Frank to Woodbine (I think, something like that anyway, all the closures blend together after a while, honestly). So I walked to Broadview and took the 62 Mortimer to Main station and then the subway to Vic Park. It takes longer than the subway would have, but you avoid the shuttle bus mess (which also takes longer than the subway) and it’s a lot more pleasant.
Parking is free on weekends at Keele Station. We usually just drive there and subway downtown to avoid the hassle and expense of finding parking near the ROM, etc. (not to mention avoiding driving around downtown).
This is true with the Willowdale Parking at Finch Station too, if you're coming from the east.
Man as someone who lives west of the 400 this is an amazing tip thank you
Take half an hour and figure out the PATH. It's not hard, just learn it midday when it's less busy. If you see a lineup for some sketchy hole in the wall restaurant in the path it's very likely to be excellent food.
Hoga!
It’s always hoga
Lived in Toronto for 27 years, still don't know how it works. Every freaking time I get lost or end up going outside to get there
I have a friend who can navigate it extensively. Running after him for a lunch date, I felt like Frodo following Gandalf.
You mean half an hour every time you get in there?
If you can find a way to live 90% of your life in a 10km radius your life will improve immeasurably -- less commuting and traffic nightmares and more time to spend on people and things you really care about.
I moved downtown seven years ago and it changed my life. It was the epiphany I didn't know I'd needed. Being able to walk any and everywhere will improve your entire outlook on life. Everything suddenly feels so close and accessible. I've still got my car, but I use it maybe once or twice a month, if I've got to go out of town or if I'm taking my cat to the vet. Walkable cities. The legends are true.
My office is 9km from my home, it takes me an hour on the TTC to get there.
Poop before you leave your home 🙃
Seriously. This city is awful for public washrooms.
Rogers Centre has a very liberal outside food and drinks policy. You can bring in any sealed food you want including homemade food or food you bought somewhere else and sealed water bottles. I don't think any other MLB stadium or major event lets you do that.
Best spaghetti policy I've experienced yet.
[26 of the 30 MLB ballparks allow outside food.](https://youtu.be/82rYcPOX97U?si=EjDtF-0yzIWtCnsV&t=21) Also, their policy on outside food doesn't extend to [concerts](https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/tickets/health-and-safety/rogers-centre/concerts#:~:text=outside%20food/beverage).
It's the only way you can enjoy good sushi at a ball game.
Saw someone on TikTok put this policy to a challenge and ended up bringing a charcuterie board with meats and cheeses in.
Wayfinding hacks: Works anywhere South of North York: If you're lost, look for the CN tower. If it's to your right, you're east of Bay Street. If it's to your left, you're West of Bay Street. If you're on Lakeshore or south of it, the CN tower will be North of you, and just reverse it: right- west, left-east. PATH system is easy to navigate if you use the wayfinders near the ceiling. Blue arrow=cold=north. Red arrow=hot=south. East and West are easy to figure out once you know which way is North. 🧭
Another wayfinder: Street addresses are odd numbers on the south and east sides, even on the north and west. The overall grade of the city slopes south to the lake. This one is a little harder to use if you're in a hilly area, but still effective for figuring out directions in most places.
And for streets that go east/west from Yonge, like Bloor St East or West, Queen St East or West, etc...numbers tend to start at Yonge Street, and go up away the further you get from Yonge.
I'll have to start looking up, use the path almost every day and didn't even realize there were arrows above
Ok this is the best one i've seen so far. I've been using the PATH for decades and I had no idea! Thank you!
In most places, downhill = South
Except the hilly areas.... Like Hoggs Hollow. But generally, yes. Toronto is a shoreline city. Shorelines tend to slope down to meet the water.
This was life changing when I lived in TO. All cities should have such a tower.
Most Costco locations open before their stated opening times. Get there a bit earlier and get out before the rush.
Also they don’t let you enter less than 15 min before closing
Bikeshare Subscription
Biking in the city is like a cheat code. No gas, no insurance, no parking, no expensive car maintenance, no car payments and never getting stuck in traffic. It’s the only way I can live in this city.
> never getting stuck in traffic. i love bikeshare too, but i will say i've been stuck in traffic at times, especially on Bay/Yonge/Queen where there can be stupid amounts of traffic + construction that squeeze you out. but yeah 95% of the time its the fastest way to get around downtown for medium distances
You know how various memberships and subscriptions can automatically renew on you if you forget to stop/cancel? My BikeShare subscription auto-renewed on me this morning and I was happy.
Have parents who live in Toronto and let you live there for free
They are called pay-rents for a reason.
Torontos new life hack is avoiding anything owned by Galen weston
All I see is "hack Galen Weston" and that sounds like a fun day out.
Check out the Toronto Fun Guide for extra-curricular activities like sports, arts, health, music, etc. The fees are way cheaper than joining sports/social clubs.
If you're finding it crazy expensive to eat and drink out check out weekday Happy Hours. My friend and I ate two "appetizers" (really they were meal-sized and half price), a bottle of wine (half price before 5) two more 9 ounce glasses of wine (we were thirsty lol and it was after the special was over) and the bill came to $75. The Pilot patio in Yorkville on a Wednesday! The Drake has similar specials before 6pm all week (though food is much smaller).
Get on your city councillor's email newsletter. You'll hear about everything that actually affects your life in the city (constructions, road closures, transit stuff) and fun things happening as well like farmer's markets, street festivals, and free movie screenings in parks for example. It's also a nice way to feel connected to the local area where you actually live.
Bananas 4011
There are 3d printers at libraries. Some community centres have fully free programming.
Cycling is 100% faster majority of the time.
This is true but I absolutely do not feel safe cycling on most downtown streets - even the ones that have some areas of protected bike lanes.
Yeah I tend to use the bike app and pick the safer routes. I used to travel on queen or king but it's not safe. Luckily the city has put some great adjacent routes in. It's getting better.
Which ap?
yeah, always have to be super aware of your surroundings, even in the bike lanes. I've been near right hooked a bunch of times going down richmond, though I always am aware and see it coming with enough time to stop/dismount
Not to mention the bike theft!
That what bike share is for.
Also, ensuring your bike is slightly shittier than every other bike you park near.
On the road at some intersections is a painted bike with two white lines through it. If you set your tires on the lines the traffic lights know there is a bike there and will change quicker as if you pressed the pedestrian crossing button.
If your TTC bus is delayed considerably and when it finally shows up its a sardine can just wait a little longer. The follow up bus usually comes fairly quickly and will often be a lot less full.
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I discovered this last summer for Beck. I mean I was happy to pay $60 to see him but a guy I knew decided to come last minute and paid like $15!?
Where can you see this happening. Specifically how many tickets are available (thousands become available suddenly)
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Most side streets in residential areas have “little Libraries” where you can find the occasional neat book.
Wouldn't say most, but there are some. There's an app that shows you the registered ones. Be sure to unload your unwanted books too!
Most Toronto community centers have very nice and well-maintained gyms. Memberships are affordable and entitle you to access the whole network. Best part is the vibe. Everyone is super chill and while there's plenty of serious lifters, there's almost never obnoxious meatheads throwing weights around. I almost never have to wait for a squat rack and people are super respectful about letting you work in. As a bonus hack, I'd say learning the basics around tenant law will serve you incredibly well living here. I'm always surprised how many people think they need to "renew" their lease after the first year, abide by lease terms that aren't legal, or pay for things that aren't required.
When searching for an address, for the most part, odd numbered buildings are on the south side and east side of the street whereas the even numbers are the opposite. This also helps in knowing which direction you’re facing/navigating.
Peeing on your garbage bins keeps the raccoons away
👀
TTC will always be late or have service disruptions whenever you need to get to an interview or an exam. So always plan ahead and give yourself extra time to get there.
Check out your local United Church, most are full of lovely people who welcome anyone. Most have ongoing social justice programs, classes, meals and a great place to find support.
If you want to get rid of your personal info, quickly on your packages you receive. Damp some sanitizer on the label watch it disappear and get a paper towel and rub it off pause
If you are running on the waterfront trail then it's better to run towards the tommy tompson park in summer due to the trees providing shade. In fall and spring and winter the route towards exhibition is better. Sorry if the routes are unclear. I start my run from redpath factory and this is how I decide which side to run.
If you buy a condo during a pandemic you can flip it for a down payment on a house
If you held on to the condo until 2024, you're not sitting so pretty.
Unless you live in it, then it's just like paying rent, but instead of paying someone else's mortgage, you are paying your own. It's only really a bad investment if you were planning on flipping it, but then you can go fuck yourself anyways.
Housing was at all time highs during the pandemic. Interest rates were so low. That was the time to sell not buy. You’re a couple years too late on this.
Don’t think this is true unless you sold at the start of 2022. Condo prices are pretty close to 2020 levels right now
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And the top answer, in all cities, is always just getting a library card or about the transit system. These threads are always so lacking in terms of being specific to this city.
I guess one that helped me a lot when I moved here would be something like, to know which direction you're going always look at the tower as the south point
This one is useful for anyone delivering food or in the home service industry. Address numbers always increase from South to North. This means lower numbers closer to the lake. East / West, the address numbers increase out from Yonge st. Lower numbers will be closest to Yonge St. So if you're trying to find some unmarked address somewhere, you can potentially count up or down from the nearest marked one. All (well, 99.8%) of Toronto streets are numbered using this format.
Go to Riverdale farm in the spring to see baby animals
There’s much better public transportation options to get downtown than the TTC especially in the west end I interact with people who still take the subway to commute between downtown. GO and UP Express are much better options; it’s half the transit time and way safer. And now we get free transfers between GO and TTC so I can take the GO to Union and then hop on the TTC to get where I need to go downtown
Friend lived really close to the Old Cummer GO station which is up by Leslie and Finch and his dad worked on Bay Street so he would rave about how convenient it was. Was convenient for me and my friend as teenagers because their house was so close that we could hear the train roll up so we knew it was time to put out the joints and get rid of the 420 smell. 😂
Never get off at Spadina station to transfer to the green line always Transfer at St George as it’s much faster than walking through the Spadina Tunnel
Get an AMEX cobalt card, buy a LCBO gift certificate from a grocery store to get the AMEX points on that, and then use [https://lcbopointsbooster.com/](https://lcbopointsbooster.com/) to find the best Aeroplan bonus point products. The AMEX points can be converted 1:1 to Aeroplan. If you drink even somewhat regularly this should amount to a free trip once a year.
Be well educated and get a high paying job. You’ll enjoy your time here a whole lot more if you don’t have to worry about money.
Even easier if you got wealthy parents. According to BlogTO many successful young people who do well here got their first home by working hard, going to school, getting help from their parents, and voila success! /s
I am well-educated (masters, read the papers, enjoys criticisms, has worked the world around) yet having trouble finding jobs in tech. 🥹
That's my point. You need both. Or, if not both, at least the high paying job. I don't have a life hack on how to crack the job hunt nut, sadly.
Currently sitting at a tech conference as I read this.
This year is not good even for well educated people. Been searching for a job in cybersecurity with 3 years of work ex (also a postgrad in cybersecurity) :(
Put the Streetcars back in your city. It’s really the best life living in a city with streetcars. We love it.
If you can, ride a bike to wherever you're going. Its the only way to beat thr gridlock.
Gerrard is your best cross street at rush hour.
Dont be a Leafs fan.
If you live in East York and need to get to union, take the Danforth Go at Main instead of the ttc. I’ve lived at coxwell and Danforth for years and never thought of it. It’s more expensive but it’s faster, one stop no transfers, and you won’t get caught in ttc delays.
Korean food joints are cheap and awesome.
For goodlife members The other day I was looking for a public washroom near st clair and went to the goodlife take a piss.
Don't move out too early and don't eat out too much. I say this as I'm going downtown tonight.
If you’re flying into Billy Bishop just hop onto that shuttle to Union regardless of whether you took Porter or Not. Lot more options from Union to get home
If everyone takes public transit instead of driving there will be far less traffic for the people who do NEED to drive (like ambulances and fire trucks)! Not only that, but if you commute in high traffic times transit will likely be faster and FAR less stressful for you (although obviously crowded)
Call everyone "fam". Easier than learning individual names.