The Unwritten Rules of Visiting Toronto

"I know I'm in Toronto when everyone stands at the crosswalk waiting patiently to cross. While people often compare Ontario's capital to New York, Toronto is a standout destination in its own right. After all, it's the fourth-largest city on the continent, and the most multicultural of them all-the city is home to five major sports teams, over 140 different languages, and some of the world's most beloved Canadian exports-we're looking at you, the Weeknd."

"And while it's true that come winter, it can get so cold you can't feel your face, that's still no excuse to rush past the traffic lights. I've lived elsewhere and picked up habits along the way, like jaywalking-but my hometown quickly reminds me it plays by its own rules. Toronto is the city that raised me, the place where I first discovered my love for great restaurants, fine art, and most importantly-kind people."

Pedestrians in Toronto typically wait patiently at crosswalks rather than jaywalk. The city is often compared to New York but stands out as the fourth-largest city on the continent and the most multicultural, with five major sports teams, over 140 languages, and globally known cultural exports such as the Weeknd. Winters can become extremely cold, yet traffic signals are respected rather than rushed. Unwritten local rules and small social details help visitors navigate and fit in. The city cultivates strong scenes for dining, fine art, and community, and residents are generally kind and welcoming.

Read at Conde Nast Traveler