I moved to Toronto from Ireland in April 2024, and before landing, I heard many stereotypes. Now that it’s my home though, I’ve debunked more than a few.
There’s lots of misconceptions surrounding the 6ix, that people from around the world, and the rest of Canada, hold. Getting to explore the city has been one of my favourite things though — learning about all of what makes it unique.
Like any other city, Toronto has its pros and cons. It blends urbanization while still having many green areas, amenities, and parks – but has traffic that will instantly inspire a headache. Sure, the Toronto Maple Leafs do break our hearts and the winters can be cruel, but much of the hate this city gets is unjustified.
Here are some things people get wrong about the city I now call home.
The cost of living is that extreme
Don’t get me wrong — Toronto is not cheap, but some of the claims about its cost of living can be blown out of proportion.
Rent can be expensive, but it has many perks that you’ll only find in a big city. In Ireland, rent is very high, but you could be put in an old, mouldy shoebox for wild prices (especially in Dublin).
Plus, Toronto’s rent is still cheaper on average than Vancouver’s, which is something at least!
When it comes to Toronto, it can be expensive if you’re going for spots like the Eaton Centre or in Yorkville. However, there are plenty of bargains to be got in the city.
It’s just all condos and skyscrapers
Looking at Toronto’s skyline, you would think that it is a concrete jungle.
There has been a massive increase in condos going up over the past few years. However, Toronto still has plenty of historic buildings with character.
When my parents were here from Ireland over a fortnight ago, we took the City Sightseeing bus. The tour guide said the Ontario Heritage Act lists thousands of buildings. It’s nice that Toronto still keeps its history around the city.
There are also many parks and green areas in the city that you can enjoy. Riverdale Park East, Christie Pits, Coronation Park, High Park, Corktown Common, and many more are beautiful places are great to go to be in touch with nature.
It is too fast-paced
A lot of the people knock Toronto for being too fast-paced. I was in N.Y.C. for the first time last April, though, and I found it so draining compared to Toronto.
There was just so many people, and it showed me how laid-back Toronto actually is when it come to big cities.
It’s always cold
While the winters are cold, it’s not a year-round thing at all.
Toronto has beautiful, warm summer weather. Last summer’s temperatures were always around 25-30 C, and I was still walking around in shorts and a t-shirt until November!
The summers here are fantastic. Sitting on a patio, taking a boat to the islands, or walking in your local park is fun.
It’s an “American city” in Canada
One of the major themes I heard before living here is that Toronto is like U.S. city, but in Canada. It couldn’t be further from the truth. While it is such a multicultural city, it is distinctly Canadian.
Its character is much different from that of a city over the border.
It’s a boring place
This is the most head-scratching misconception. Toronto is not one bit boring!
I love how the city’s activities change depending on the season. There is always something to do at the weekends, whether going to a Blue Jays or Raptors game or a concert.
Some of the world’s best artists and bands come here to play at the Rogers Centre, Scotiabank Arena, Budweiser Stage and other venues across the city.
For someone who lives downtown, I love how easily accessible everything is, too. You can meet your friend for a few drinks on a patio at a moment’s notice.
It is soulless and lacks culture
This is a common thread with most large cities; people believe they lack culture.
Toronto is so full of history, and it is a melting pot though. It’s why we have some of the best food in the world and a wide range of cuisine.
All you have to do is look at Chinatown, Greektown, Corktown, Little Italy, Koreatown, Little Portugal, and more, to see all that makes this city so special.
All that, combined with Toronto’s unique culture of loving the arts, music, and sport, makes for a wonderful concoction!
Like every city, it has its faults, but overall — I’m team T.O.
The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
