Senior travel: Toronto
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 1 stop a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 122 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)Step-free: yes · about 120 minNone on the main route.
- CN TowerStep-free: yes · about 120 minNo stairs on the normal route.
- Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)Step-free: yes · about 180 minNone on the main route.
- Toronto Islands (ferry)Step-free: yes · about 180 minThe ferry ramp is level in most cases.
- St. Lawrence MarketStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 75 minThe entrance is level; some stairs between levels.
- Distillery DistrictStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 90 minSome steps at shop doors.
- Kensington MarketStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 90 minSome shops have one or two steps.
Getting around in Toronto
Toronto is workable on wheels in the central grid, but winter ice, some old subway stations and streetcar stops without ramps limit access.
- Pavements:
- Wide on the main streets; snow and ice can block kerb ramps in winter.
- Subway:
- Line 1 stations are increasingly accessible; check the TTC list before you go.
- Streetcar:
- Low-floor vehicles on some lines; check the TTC page.
Medicines and health on the ground
- Travel insurance · before flying: Medical cover for private rates.
- Tap water:
- Safe to drink.
- Cold:
- Dress in layers and cover your ears and hands; a wind chill of -20 °C is hazardous.
- Heat:
- Drink water and rest in shade on humid days above 30 °C.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.