Toronto is one of the most welcoming cities in the world for Indian travellers, and for families from Gujarat and Surat it often feels surprisingly like home. Canada's largest city pairs a glittering lakeside skyline with the thundering spectacle of Niagara Falls just a short drive away, a huge and thriving Gujarati and wider Indian community, and vegetarian food on almost every corner. Whether you are visiting relatives, celebrating a milestone or simply ticking off a bucket-list destination, this guide from Explera Vacations walks you through everything you need to plan a smooth, memorable trip. If you would rather have it all arranged for you, our tour packages from Surat take care of the details end to end.
Getting there and the best time to visit
There are no direct flights from Surat to Toronto, so most travellers connect through Delhi, Mumbai or a Gulf hub such as Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi before flying on to Toronto Pearson International Airport. Total journey time is usually around 16 to 22 hours depending on your layover. Our team can help you compare routes and fares through our flight booking in Surat desk. Before you travel you will need a Canada visitor visa, which takes planning, so start early; our visa agent in Surat handles the paperwork and you can read the full requirements in our Canada visitor visa guide from Gujarat. The best time to visit is late spring to early autumn (May to September), when the weather is warm and the days are long. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winters are very cold and snowy, so pack accordingly and always verify current entry rules before booking.
CN Tower and downtown Toronto
The CN Tower is the icon of the Toronto skyline and the natural place to begin. Ride the glass-fronted lift to the LookOut and Glass Floor levels for sweeping views over Lake Ontario, and if you have a head for heights the SkyPod climbs even higher. Around the base you will find the Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, the Rogers Centre stadium and the lively Harbourfront promenade where you can stroll, sip a coffee and watch the boats. Downtown is very walkable; a short tram or metro ride takes you to the shops of the Eaton Centre, the historic St Lawrence Market and the leafy University of Toronto campus. Buy CN Tower tickets online in advance to skip queues, and note that prices change seasonally, so verify current rates when you book.
Niagara Falls day trip
No trip to Toronto is complete without a day at Niagara Falls, roughly 90 minutes to two hours away by road. The three falls together are a jaw-dropping sight, and getting close on the Niagara City Cruises boat (the modern successor to the famous Maid of the Mist) is unforgettable, so bring a light waterproof. The surrounding area rewards a full day: the pretty town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Skylon Tower viewpoint and the vineyards of the wine region are all nearby. You can go independently by train and bus, but a guided day tour removes all the hassle. Ask our team about adding a Niagara excursion when you plan your holiday through our packages or services in Surat.
Distillery District and Toronto Islands
For a change of pace, wander the cobbled lanes of the Distillery District, a beautifully preserved Victorian quarter of red-brick warehouses now filled with art galleries, boutiques, cafes and seasonal markets; it is especially magical during the winter festival. On a fine day, hop on the short ferry from the downtown waterfront to the Toronto Islands, a chain of car-free islands with sandy beaches, cycle paths, picnic lawns and the best skyline photo in the city looking back at the mainland. Both are easy, relaxed half-day outings that balance nicely against the bigger sights, and they are wonderful for families and older travellers who want a gentler pace.
Food and Toronto's large Indian community
This is where Toronto truly shines for Gujarati travellers. The Greater Toronto Area is home to one of the largest Indian communities outside India, with vibrant neighbourhoods such as the Gerrard India Bazaar (Little India) and suburbs like Brampton and Mississauga where you will find Gujarati thali houses, Surti and Kathiawadi snacks, chaat, dosas and pure-vegetarian and Jain-friendly restaurants. Grocery shops stock familiar spices and sweets, and many temples and community halls host events, so you are never far from a taste of home. Beyond Indian food, Toronto is a global dining city, so adventurous eaters can sample cuisines from every continent. Do carry some local currency for street eats and markets; our forex and money guide for international travel from India explains how to manage cash and cards abroad.
Budget and practical tips
Toronto is a developed, higher-cost city, so budget realistically for hotels, meals and attractions; costs vary widely by season and how you travel, so we avoid quoting fixed figures here and recommend you verify current prices at the time of booking. A few tips make a big difference: get a local eSIM or SIM so you stay connected and can use maps and ride apps, as covered in our eSIM and international SIM guide for Indian travellers; pack layers, as the weather changes quickly, using our international travel packing checklist; and never travel without cover, which you can arrange through our travel insurance in Surat desk and understand better via our travel insurance guide for Indian travellers. For getting around, the Presto card works across the subway, streetcars and buses. If you are also exploring Canada's west, our Vancouver, Canada travel guide from India is a useful companion read.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Toronto from India? Yes. Indian passport holders need a Canada visitor visa (a temporary resident visa) to enter Toronto. Requirements and processing times change, so apply well in advance and verify current rules; our visa desk and visa agent in Surat can guide you through the whole process.
Is it easy to find vegetarian and Jain food in Toronto? Very. Thanks to the large Indian community across the Greater Toronto Area, pure-vegetarian, Gujarati and Jain-friendly restaurants are widely available, especially around Little India, Brampton and Mississauga, alongside plenty of international vegetarian options.
How many days do I need in Toronto? A comfortable first visit covering the CN Tower, downtown, a Niagara Falls day trip, the Distillery District and the Toronto Islands works well over four to six days. Add more time if you want to explore further afield or visit family.
Ready to see Toronto for yourself? Let Explera Vacations handle the flights, hotels, visa and day trips so you can simply enjoy the journey. Explore our tour packages from Surat or get in touch with our team today to start planning your Canadian holiday.
