I moved from Ireland to Toronto in April 2024, and it didn’t take long to realize that being new to this city comes with its own set of rites of passage.
The culture shocks hit quickly. Coming from a small town in the west of Ireland, about 45 minutes outside Galway City, I thought I was used to “bad traffic.” But nothing could have prepared me for the reality of Toronto gridlock.
I also had no idea the city has an entire underground maze (the PATH), and yes, it’s just as confusing as people say. One wrong turn and suddenly you’re blocks away from where you meant to be.
Then there are the classic Toronto firsts: hopping on the TTC, catching a Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre, or venturing up the CN Tower. These might feel routine to longtime residents, but to a newcomer, they’re genuinely thrilling.
Beyond the tourist attractions, these little moments are part of what makes moving to Toronto such a unique experience, and they’re the unofficial “welcome package” every newcomer goes through.
Getting lost in the PATH
I only discovered the PATH in winter. For months, through spring, summer, and fall, I’d noticed the signs on buildings but just assumed they belonged to some company.
It turns out they mark the entrances to Toronto’s underground pedestrian network. This massive maze links office towers, department stores, and subway stations, including Union Station.
The problem is, I’m still too intimidated to use it. My first few attempts ended with me getting completely lost. GPS doesn’t work properly underground, so I usually end up wandering in circles until I finally find an exit.
That said, the PATH is definitely something every newcomer should experience. Love it or hate it, getting lost down there feels like a proper Toronto initiation.
Enduring Toronto’s traffic
Some Toronto “firsts” you have to seek out for yourself, but traffic? That one will find you.
As I mentioned previously, Galway is renowned throughout Ireland for its notoriously congested traffic, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours. However, Toronto’s traffic is even more chaotic!
Driving downtown during rush hour is a hellish experience. You’re moving at a snail’s pace, and when you eventually get going, you get stopped by a red light at an intersection.
The same is true in a streetcar, as they generally don’t have their own dedicated lanes.
It’s enough to make you tear your hair out if you’re actually trying to get somewhere on time. But still, sitting in gridlock is practically a rite of passage — you can’t really call yourself a Torontonian until you’ve suffered through it.
Waiting AGES for a streetcar
If there’s one thing almost every Torontonian can relate to, it’s the unpredictability of waiting for a streetcar.
Even with apps like Moovit, arrival times feel more like suggestions than guarantees. Toronto’s streetcars remind me of that old London bus saying, “You wait ages for one, then three show up at once.” It happens here all the time — nothing for ages, then suddenly a parade of streetcars rolls by.
In the summer, the wait is annoying but bearable. In the winter, though? It’s brutal. Few things test your patience like standing in the cold for what feels like forever, only for the streetcar to finally appear with that dreaded sign: “Not in Service.” The despair is absolute.
Surviving your first winter
Experiencing your first Toronto winter is the ultimate test of endurance that you have to overcome to call yourself a true Torontonian.
In Ireland, we experience relatively mild winters, as the island receives a lot of rainfall.
I remember everyone telling me last summer in Toronto to enjoy the weather while it lasts because winter is entirely different.
And they were right! It was so cold here last winter. That type of cold where you feel like your face is about to fall off.
However, I embraced it, and I went skiing and ice-skating for the first time in my life.
Experiencing and surviving a Toronto winter is a true rite of passage.
Hopping on the wrong TTC line
Getting on the wrong TTC service is something that’s happened to almost every newcomer.
It’s rough hopping on a subway, bus or streetcar and then realizing you’re going the wrong direction.
Another inconvenience is getting on a streetcar and not realizing it’s doing a short turn.
Chilling out at Trinity Bellwoods
Trinity Bellwoods is something every newcomer has to experience.
Its vibe and energy are just incredible, as there’s always something happening there. Whether it’s a band playing or people walking on tightropes (yes, that can be a regular occurance), Trinity Bellwoods is the place to be when there’s lovely weather in Toronto.
It’s a great place to meet friends, chill out, and relax.
Having to use a shuttle bus
This is something I experience frequently on the weekends. When you’re in a rush to go somewhere and you find out that the subway line is stopping, and the service is being replaced with shuttle buses.
You always end up getting stuck in traffic and become stressed that you won’t arrive on time.
However, as you get used to living here, you realize you must plan ahead when using the TTC, as it can throw up numerous surprises.
Seeing the Toronto Islands
Going to the Toronto Islands is something that every newcomer should experience at least once.
The boat trip across Lake Ontario to the islands is a lot of fun, as Toronto’s skyline is stunning.
Once you arrive, you’re shocked by the size of them, and it’s mind-blowing that you’re still in Toronto.
It’s so tranquil, and the vibes are top-notch. Whether it’s a picnic, walk, or BBQ, there’s so much to do on the islands.
There’s a reason Ricky Gervais said it was one of his “favourite places in the world” during his visit last week.
Going to a Blue Jays game
Going to the Rogers Centre for a Toronto Blue Jays game is a must. I’ve been so many times, and I still feel like a little kid when I first walk in there. It’s just such a fun day/night out.
This summer has been extraordinary, as the Jays have been playing exceptionally well. Last Friday, I was in attendance as the Jays came from 5-2 down in the 7th innings to win 6-5. The atmosphere was absolutely incredible as Alejandro Kirk solidified himself as a fan favourite.
It’s a sight to behold when the roof is open on a sunny day and you can see the CN Tower.
Getting bitten by a mosquito
In Ireland, we only really have to contend with midges, but Toronto feels like mosquito central in the summertime.
I’ve been the victim of a barrage of bites so many times, mainly because I play Gaelic football in the summer, and they always seem to be out in the evenings.
It’s so itchy, and the bites swell up big time. A few months ago, I was bitten on my eyebrow, and it swelled up completely; it looked like I had been fighting a boxing match!
However, I’ve started using bug repellent, and I have noticed a difference. Hopefully that continues!
Going up the CN Tower
This is something everyone should do at least once. I know tickets can be pricey, but it’s definitely worth it.
The view of Lake Ontario, the islands, downtown and midtown Toronto and Mississauga is breathtaking.
You only appreciate how big Toronto is when you’re at the top of the CN Tower.
Watching the sunset at Riverdale Park East
This is just one of the most stunning views of Toronto’s skyline.
Meeting up with friends, or going solo, is incredibly relaxing. You can bring your picnic blanket, read a book, or listen to a podcast and sit there to watch the fabulous sunset.
It’s something all newcomers have to experience.
Discovering what an LCBO is
This blew my Irish mind. I couldn’t believe that there were liquor stores that were operated by the provincial government. That is just such a wild concept in my country, as we have independent off-licences and supermarkets also sell alcohol.
I know that has changed in Ontario, but when I first arrived here, you couldn’t buy alcohol at convenience stores or gas stations.
Visiting an LCBO for the first time is an experience; some of them are massive and offer a wide range of products.
Getting lost in Union Station
This is definitely a universal experience! Union Station is massive, and the TTC, GO Transit, VIA Rail, Amtrak, and the UP Express all utilize the station.
I’ve been to Union so many times, and I still find it so confusing. It’s very poorly sign-posted, and you can easily get lost in there.
If you get lost on your first visit, don’t worry. It’s a rite of passage.
The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.