🇨🇦 Toronto

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is Canada's busiest airport and your main gateway. It has direct flights from Mexico City (approximately 4.5 hours with Air Canada, Aeromexico, and WestJet), Cancun, Bogota (approximately 6 hours with Avianca and Air Canada), Lima (approximately 8 hours), Sao Paulo (approximately 10 hours with Air Canada and LATAM), and multiple US cities. Virtually all major international connections arrive at Pearson. The airport has two terminals connected by a free internal train.

The UP Express is the fastest and most affordable way to reach downtown from Pearson. This express train connects the airport to Union Station (Toronto's central station) in just 25 minutes for $12.35 CAD. It departs every 15 minutes and is modern, clean, and has luggage space. From Union Station you are in the heart of the city, with immediate access to the subway and streetcars that take you to the stadium.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), located on the Toronto Islands facing downtown, operates domestic flights and some US flights with Porter Airlines. It is small but incredibly close to downtown — you cross a pedestrian tunnel and you are in the downtown core within minutes.

BMO Field is at Exhibition Place, easily accessible by streetcar from Union Station. Take the 509 Harbourfront or 510 Spadina line to Exhibition Loop — the trip takes approximately 15 minutes and drops you at the venue entrance. VIA Rail, Canada's intercity train, connects Toronto with Montreal (4.5 hours) and Ottawa (4.5 hours) — an excellent option if you plan to visit multiple Canadian cities.

The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) operates one of the most extensive public transit systems in North America. The subway has 4 lines covering major north-south and east-west routes. Streetcars are iconic to Toronto — 11 routes run along the main downtown streets, including the 509 and 510 lines that take you directly to BMO Field. Buses complement the network covering the entire city. The PRESTO card is your ally: it works across all TTC services and also on GO Transit (commuter trains). You can buy it at subway stations or use contactless payment with your credit card directly at the turnstiles.

Downtown Toronto is walkable and pleasant in summer. From Union Station you can walk to the CN Tower (10 minutes), the Distillery District (20 minutes), Kensington Market (25 minutes), and St. Lawrence Market (15 minutes). The PATH is an underground tunnel system connecting 30 km of shops, restaurants, and subway stations beneath downtown — useful in rain, though in summer you will probably prefer walking above ground.

Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city and are a practical option for nighttime trips or less connected areas. Bike Share Toronto offers bicycles at stations throughout downtown — an excellent way to explore the waterfront area and the Toronto Islands. For BMO Field on match days: the most direct option is the 509 or 510 streetcar from Union Station to Exhibition Loop. You do not need a car in downtown Toronto. GO Transit offers commuter trains for those staying in nearby cities like Mississauga, Oakville, or Hamilton.

Downtown and the Entertainment District are the most convenient area to stay during the World Cup. You are in the center of everything: the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Union Station (direct connection to BMO Field), restaurants, bars, and nightlife. King Street West is the main entertainment artery with trendy bars, clubs, and restaurants. Hotels in this area range from $150 to $300 CAD per night. Ideal for those who want to be within walking distance of everything and have easy streetcar access to the stadium.

Kensington Market is one of Toronto's gems — a bohemian, colorful neighborhood full of character. Vintage shops, restaurants from every nationality, independent cafes, and a contagious creative energy. It is the neighborhood most similar to a San Cristobal or Mexico City market in terms of atmosphere. Accommodation here is mostly Airbnbs and hostels ($70-130 CAD per night). From Kensington you can easily walk to Chinatown, the University of Toronto, and downtown.

St. Lawrence Market and the Distillery District are Toronto's historic zone. St. Lawrence Market was voted the world's best food market. The Distillery District is a restored Victorian complex with galleries, restaurants, and craft breweries — perfect for strolling. Hotels in the area between $130 and $250 CAD.

The Annex and Bloor West, near the University of Toronto, offer a mix of diverse restaurants, independent bookstores, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Scarborough, to the east, is the budget option — diverse, with Caribbean and South Asian communities, and accommodation prices between $80 and $130 CAD. It is farther from downtown but connected by subway (Line 3 and buses).

Toronto has one of the most diverse food scenes in the world, and that is not a marketing phrase — it is the direct result of having communities from over 200 countries coexisting in a single city. You can have dim sum for breakfast in Chinatown, shawarma for lunch in Yorkville, Jamaican goat curry for dinner in Scarborough, and end the night with tacos al pastor in Kensington Market. That diversity is something you will not find at any other World Cup host city.

St. Lawrence Market, located near downtown, was voted the world's best food market by National Geographic. Here you will find everything from local cheese and charcuterie producers to the legendary peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery — a breaded pork bacon sandwich that is a Toronto institution. Do not miss it. Kensington Market is the polar opposite: chaotic, colorful, with global street food stalls, tropical fruit stands, and restaurants that change with the seasons.

Poutine is THE Canadian dish you must try. Crispy French fries, hot gravy sauce, and chunks of cheese curds that melt with the heat. It is comforting, indulgent, and addictive. You will find it at practically every restaurant, from chains like Smoke's Poutinerie to gourmet versions at downtown restaurants. Chinatown on Spadina Avenue is enormous and has some of the best dim sum restaurants outside of Asia. Little Italy on College Street offers fresh pasta and authentic espresso. Jamaican patties — spiced meat pastries in yellow dough — are sold at bakeries throughout the city and cost $2-4 CAD.

Latin American food: along St. Clair West you will find authentic Colombian and Salvadoran restaurants. Kensington Market has taquerias and Mexican restaurants. The Brazilian community has its rodizios and bakeries in Junction Triangle. Budget: a casual meal costs between $12 and $20 CAD (poutine, patties, street food). A sit-down restaurant ranges from $30 to $60 CAD per person. Important note: prices are in Canadian dollars (1 CAD equals approximately $0.73 USD in 2026).

Toronto is one of the safest major cities in North America. The violent crime rate is significantly lower than in most similarly sized American cities, and visitors can feel safe in virtually all tourist areas. Downtown, the waterfront, Kensington Market, Yorkville, the Distillery District, and the main commercial arteries are extremely safe at all hours.

The TTC public transit system is generally safe, including at night. Subway stations are monitored by cameras and there are emergency buttons in the cars. At night, the night buses (Blue Night Network) are a safe option for returning to your accommodation. As in any major city, apply standard precautions: watch your belongings on the subway during rush hour and avoid displaying valuables unnecessarily.

The waterfront area where BMO Field is located is particularly safe, especially on event days when there is additional police presence and organized crowds. The Moss Park area and some stretches of Dundas Street East have a visible homeless population, but they do not pose a danger — simply walk normally. Emergencies: dial 911 from any phone. If you need medical attention, keep in mind that the Canadian healthcare system is free for residents but NOT for visitors — always carry travel insurance. An emergency room visit without insurance can cost thousands of Canadian dollars.

June and July are Toronto's summer — and contrary to Canada's reputation as a frozen country, Toronto's summer is warm, sunny, and very pleasant. Temperatures range from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius (64-82 Fahrenheit), with days that can exceed 30 degrees Celsius during heat waves. Humidity increases in July, but nothing comparable to the tropical heat of Miami or Houston. For Latin American fans accustomed to warm climates, Toronto in summer will feel refreshing and comfortable.

Occasional thunderstorms can occur, especially in the afternoon during July. They are brief and intense — forming quickly, delivering rain with lightning and thunder, and passing in 30-45 minutes. Carry a compact umbrella or rain poncho. Lake Ontario moderates temperatures, creating pleasant breezes in the waterfront area where BMO Field is located.

BMO Field is an open-air stadium — dress for sun during the day and possible rain. Summer nights in Toronto are pleasant, with temperatures dropping to 15-20 degrees Celsius. What to pack: light clothing for daytime, a light jacket or hoodie for evenings, sunscreen, sunglasses, compact umbrella. Daylight hours are generous — sunrise before 6 AM and sunset after 9 PM, giving you long days to explore the city.

Toronto has a growing Latin American community that has left its mark on the city. St. Clair West is Toronto's Latin epicenter — along this avenue you will find Colombian businesses, Salvadoran restaurants, Latin American bakeries, and shops selling imported products from across Latin America. Junction Triangle has an active Brazilian community with its own restaurants and businesses. Kensington Market houses Mexican and Latin American restaurants in a bohemian and multicultural setting.

Consulates for Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Brazil, and other Latin American countries have offices in Toronto. If you need consular assistance during the World Cup, you will find it available. The Latin community organizes festivals throughout the year, including Salsa on St. Clair (one of the largest salsa festivals in North America) and Day of the Dead celebrations.

Toronto FC has a dedicated fan base, with the south end section of BMO Field known for its chants and passionate atmosphere. The city has real football culture — it is not a marginal sport as in other North American cities. Canada uses the metric system, the Canadian dollar (CAD), and standard tipping is 15-20% in restaurants (it is part of server income, similar to the United States). Toronto is a predominantly English-speaking city, though some government services are available in French as Canada is an officially bilingual country.

For Latin American fans: Canada may feel more orderly, quiet, and expensive than the United States, but it is extremely welcoming and safe. Many Torontonians speak Portuguese and Spanish. Toronto's diversity is not just a slogan — it is a reality you will feel in every neighborhood, every restaurant, and every interaction. This is a city where 200 cultures coexist with mutual respect, and Latin American visitors are part of that diversity, not an exception.