Toronto Part 1 of 2
FAQ:
Do you travel on public transport? Let's explore one city.
The FAQ for today is: How would I travel around Toronto on public transport, if needed?
Here are a few facts about their public transit.
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is your central transit system—includes:
Subway
Streetcars (trams)
Buses
PRESTO Card is the smart fare card you'll want to use. It gives discounted fares for seniors (65+). Ask ChatGPT about the best travel options for you, whether it's the subway or any other mode of transportation. It will provide detailed information instantly.
PRESTO App (to manage your fare/pass balance)
Transit App (real-time TTC arrivals)
TTC Official App (for alerts and maps)
If you like today's Confidence Challenge, my book series dives deeper into public transportation and how to build confidence using it—link in description."
See Book A, page 24, for addressing this challenge.
Find it on the website at https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/ or on Amazon. It's a several-part series.
Destination Deep‑Dive
Today's special destination is: Toronto, Canada, part one of two.
I'll suggest some things to do in Toronto for your next trip in part one. In part two, I'll share some of the experiences I had during my trip. All of these activities will depend on the weather, so if you are in the summer, fall, or spring, these are going to be good, but not necessarily for the winter.
Why: Scenic, safe, and relaxing — perfect for walking, biking, or just enjoying the waterfront views of the skyline.
Tip: Take the ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to Ward's Island or Centre Island early to avoid crowds.
Why: Great for leisurely walks with lake views, public art, and cultural performances.
Safety: Well-lit, busy in the summer, and easy to navigate solo.
Extra: You can join a short boat cruise from nearby.
Why: Vibrant street scenes, global foods, and quirky shops.
Solo-Friendly: Busy and colorful, with plenty of daytime activity.
Tip: Visit mid-morning for fewer crowds but still lively energy.
I stayed in Kensington for my first two nights in Toronto. The streets were easy to navigate, and if you kept your eyes up, you could see the CN Tower from here, which made me more confident despite my directional challenges.
I did not get here, but I would go next time. I had already visited 30 art galleries on my trip. Sorry.
Why next time? A rich collection of Canadian and international art in a comfortable, modern space.
Summer Bonus: Often has free Wednesday night admission (check schedule).
St. Lawrence Market
Why: Famous for gourmet foods, fresh produce, and Canadian treats.
Solo-Friendly: Easy to browse at your own pace, great for lunch.
Why: Toronto in summer is full of music, food, and cultural events.
You'll find these all over town in the best seasons, so search for one on your visit.
💡 Extra Comfort & Safety Notes for a Senior Solo Traveler
Toronto's public transit (TTC) is reliable, as mentioned earlier, but in summer, walking and biking (with rentals) are popular options.
Neighborhoods like the Annex, Yorkville, and the Beaches are especially solo-friendly.
Stay hydrated — Toronto summers can be humid.
Smart Move and Slip-up pairings
A slip-up occurred when I got a ticket in South Africa and then did all the research to find out what it was for. After several weeks of trying to figure it out, I got a note from Avis saying that the traffic fine was waived. I still don't know what it was for, but it was from Plettenberg, on the Garden Route, where there were almost no cars, and it was a beautiful place. I'd go back there in a minute. If you get a traffic ticket in a foreign country, I hope you find the same outcome.
60-second confidence challenge. Here's my challenge for you.
Try to rise early and get out of your comfort zone as the sun is rising. See the sunrise if you can. That's a challenge if you stayed up late the night before. If you can get to bed early, the challenge is to keep this schedule and make it a habit. I'm still trying to make this my habit.
Resources Roundup
Toronto is generally safe, and most areas are lively and well-lit. Still:
Travel during daylight when possible
Avoid empty train cars late at night
Keep your bag in front of you on busy streetcars
Read my travel books for advice and confidence builders.
Keep one foot in front of the other. Every step you take is one closer to the destination, and it could even be HOME, as it was for me after 90 days away.
