Riding the Streetcar in Toronto

Best Streetcar Routes for sightseeing in Toronto

One benefit of riding the streetcars as opposed to the subway is the opportunity they provide for some inexpensive sightseeing as they make their way across the city. Some good routes for sightseeing are listed below along with some of the districts the serve.

1. At just over 24 kilometres, the 501 Queen Streetcar route is one longest in North America. This route has the distinction of being ranked the #1 Trolley Ride in the world in the National Geographic book Journeys of a Lifetime. Following the lakeshore past Humber Bay Park and High Park in the west, it then makes it way through the shopping districts lining Queen Street West, past the Old and New City Hall, Nathan Philips Square, Eaton Centre and out to the Beaches neighbourhood. The entire ride takes about 1½ hours from end to end. Add a bit more time during rush hour. Try to time your ride away from the morning and afternoon rush for a more enjoyable experience.
2. The 504 King Street passes through the Entertainment District, Financial District, Distillery District and Chinatown East.
3. The 506 Carlton Street runs from the eastern side of High Park through Little Italy, past the University of Toronto, Cabbagetown, and Little India — a great trip for visitors to the city.
4. The 509 Harbourfront runs along its namesake serving Exhibition Place in the west, the Toronto Island Ferry Wharf and Union Station.
5. The 510 Spadina runs from the University of Toronto in the North, through Chinatown, the central Harbourfront area, the Toronto Island Ferry Wharf and Union Station.

Tips for riding the Streetcar in Toronto

Most of the streetcar routes run on roads in mixed traffic, however many routes are being upgraded to operate inside dedicated rights-of-way to provide separation from traffic. They run along medians with raised curbs and are aided by special traffic lights at intersections. This helps provide more efficient service and safer operations by reducing slowdowns from traffic congestion and lowering the risk of being completely blocked due to a motor vehicle accident.

Drivers of other vehicles are required by law to stop when streetcars open their doors, however, it is important to always look to your right when getting off a streetcar to ensure that all cars have stopped, then move quickly to the sidewalk when safe. When boarding a streetcar wait until it comes to a full stop and opens it doors, then check for traffic before stepping from the sidewalk to board the streetcar.

Toronto has recently started phasing in new modern streetcars known as the Flexity on Spadina Avenue, one of Toronto's major thoroughfares, and on the new 514 route. These new street cars are longer, quiter and smoother riding than the older models and they feature multi-door boarding. Click on the 'Photos' Tab to see some photos of these new modern streetcars.

Update: Boarding by any door is now permitted on the all Streetcars and routes, providing you have a valid fare with you, however on the older streetcars you'll still have to enter via the front door and obtains a transfer if you are paying by ticket, cash or token.

If you are in possession of a valid fare you can enter the new streetcars through any door by just pushing a button. Tickets may be purchased from ticket vending machines located on the sidewalk at major stops. You cannot pay the driver on the new streetcars. Be sure to keep you valid ticket or pass handy at all times incase you are asked for it by a fare inspector.

Official Website: TTC Toronto

• See the complete line of Toronto Experiences on Viator

Toronto Streetcar Map

 View Full Screen

Interactive Streetcar Map with Streets and Attractions

Open an Interactive Toronto Streetcar Map with Streets. Find the next departure near you with our Click&Go Map and Route Finder.

More Info for Getting Around Toronto on Public Transportation

• Fares
• Subway
• Streetcars
• Buses
• Go Transit
• Bike Share Toronto
• Airport Service
• Real Time Transit Alerts
• Transit Tips

Photos

Video