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Toronto, Canada

Traditions and customs in Toronto

5 customs and traditions in Toronto — what they are, and how to take part without causing offence.

Last updated 2026-08-08

1. Multicultural neighbourhood festivals

Multicultural neighbourhood festivals — Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source

Caribana, Taste of the Danforth and dozens of others across the summer — the city's defining civic tradition.

Best time: June to September

2. Hockey

Hockey — Photo: Unknown; photograph made before 1949. · Public domain · source

Maple Leafs games and the Hockey Hall of Fame; shinny on outdoor rinks through the winter.

Best time: October to April

3. Patio season

Patio season — Photo: LoneStarMike · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source

The moment the weather turns, restaurant patios open and the city relocates outdoors.

Best time: May to September

4. Ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square

Ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square — Photo: Timothy Ng · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source

Free outdoor skating under the city hall arches, with skate rental on site.

Best time: December to March

5. PATH walking

PATH walking — Photo: Bahman A-Mahmoodi · CC BY 2.0 · source

30 km of underground pedestrian tunnels connecting downtown — how the city functions in February.

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