Car rental Toronto

Toronto sprawls sedately across its long, picturesque waterfront. Whether you’re staying in the city centre, dabbling in the Distillery District or the Old Town, you’ll find an extensive road network to guide you on your way.

As you would expect in a major city, there’s some congestion during peak times – so try and plan your journeys accordingly. Outside of these times, you’ll be able to travel the city with relative ease.

One of the main routes is the Gardiner Expressway, which follows the waterfront, linking many of the most interesting neighbourhoods on the way. If you’re arriving at the airport, you’re a 26-kilometre drive along this route from the heart of the city.

Further north, Highway 401 cuts east to west across the city, intersecting with the Don Valley Parkway which runs south through various parks before reaching the Distillery District and Harbourfront.

When driving in Toronto, be conscious of the numerous bike lanes, one-way streets and streetcars – which you can’t pass when they are stopped. Speed limits are the same as the rest of Canada, apart from some downtown areas where the maximum has been reduced to 30km/h. Be aware of speed signs to ensure you’re driving at the correct speed.

Downtown parking meters are a mixture of cash and credit card, so it’s a good idea to carry some loose dollars. They’re split into three zones with differing prices per hour – check the local signs for time limits. You’ll also find various parking garages, ideal for longer stays.

One of the wonders of Toronto life is you can enjoy all the buzz of an urban adventure and then relax on the myriad of lakeside beaches. The food here is taken as seriously as the ice hockey, the boardwalks are beautiful, the markets vibrant and the art and museums genuinely world-class.

The old to the new

Toronto is comprised of several distinct neighbourhoods, each with their own feel and history. Old Town is, as the name suggests, the original Toronto. These 10 blocks were built in the late 18^th century, when the city was called the Town of York.

It’s a little bigger than that now, taking in superbly preserved heritage buildings, the legendary St. Lawrence Market and more.

Wander from here to the Distillery District, where the 1832 building that gives the neighbourhood its name is now the home of independent stores and restaurants, boutiques, cafes and a constant programme of events, shows and pop-ups.

Close by is Corktown, named for the 19^th century Irish settlers who put down roots and built up the area. Look out for St. Paul’s Basilica, the first Roman Catholic church in the city, as well as a lively nightlife scene.

In love with the lake

Lake Ontario is more than just a big body of freshwater framing the city – it’s very much the lifeblood of Toronto. The rippling waters weave their way through beaches and pretty parks, art galleries and bike trails, while runners pace past the water on one side and the city on the other.

There’s urban art, galleries and an inspired Music Garden, where Johann Sebastian Bach’s life and work is given new expression through flowers. You can get out on the water too – try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking or take a boat out for something more sedate.

A walk in the sky

Once the world’s tallest building – and still staggeringly huge – the CN Tower is more than 550 metres tall, the city’s crowning glory.

Speed up to its highest reachable point in a glass elevator that emerges to take in a view that’s worth every second you’ve spent in line.

The restaurant at the top, 360, slowly revolves as you dine, showing you all of the city. Its beautiful in the daytime, but especially dramatic as the sun sets.

They specialise in Canadian food and wine, with fresh seafood, sablefish chowder and Quebec pork tenderloin on the menu. The Wild Canadian Mixed Grill is a carnivore’s dream of boar, quail, pheasant and elk.

To get your thrills, step out onto EdgeWalk. This adrenaline-fuelled experience takes you outside the tower, securely harnessed, leaning out over the drop below. It’s not one for the faint-hearted, but if you brave it, you’ll enjoy the best view of the city.

Relish your time in this charming city and then continue your adventures in the surrounding areas. With car rental in Toronto, the vast waters of Lake Huron and the neighbouring cities of Mississauga and Hamilton are all within a two-hour drive.

Find your perfect Hertz rental car and reserve online now to begin your Toronto adventure.