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Toronto is a diverse and energetic city, making it a favorite for travelers. As Canada’s largest city, it offers a plethora of experiences and panoramic views. From letting loose in lively clubs and bars to relaxing walks by Lake Ontario, Toronto offers an enjoyable nighttime experience for every taste.

The city’s entertainment district has many clubs and bars, while areas like Queen Street West offer more casual venues. Don’t miss live music performances at venues like the Horseshoe Tavern. For a unique experience, check out the Distillery District’s cobblestone streets with boutique restaurants and bars.

Some people visit to see architectural marvels like the CN Tower. In contrast, others enjoy the food, cultural scenes, or the historical aura of Casa Loma. Whatever your pleasure, Toronto delivers. Its well-connected public transit system makes exploring the city effortless, and the varied attractions ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

However, first-time visitors might find the city’s many attractions overwhelming, especially in the summer. With the correct information, your journey can be both seamless and unforgettable. When traveling this summer, remember a few things to ensure your safety.

Is summer the best time to visit Toronto?

There is no ideal time to visit Toronto, as each season offers a different experience. The summer is great for outdoor activities, festivals, and other cultural events, but that also means more people and peak prices.

Also, roads will be crowded as many people will go to their summer cottages or camping, increasing the road risks. The Canadian Safety Council reports more road fatalities during the summer than at any other time of year. High heat, humidity, and smog may also pose some safety issues.

Plan Your Trip

When traveling this summer, cross your Ts and dot your Is. List all the places you plan to visit and research the best places to stay and the weather. This will ensure you bring the proper clothes and gear so you don’t swelter in the heat or freeze when the sun goes down. Also, have plenty of drinking water on hand.

It is always a good idea to call ahead and make reservations when you can. Plan out the routes so you don’t get lost if you go by car. Depending on where you come from and how long you plan to stay, you might need help to get the shows you watch in Toronto. For example, you want to access region-locked content on Amazon Prime Video. Subscribe to a VPN service to bypass geo-restrictions.

You should also list all medications, travel documents, money you might need, and a safe place to keep them. Ensure they are accessible to you but hard for others to find. Also, ensure you have an emergency kit handy and ready in case of an accident.

Drive Safely

When traveling by car, ensure you have the essentials packed and ready: spare tire, emergency kit, etc. Keep items like snacks and wipes within easy reach. When needing something from the back of the vehicle or tending to a child, park in a layby or another safe spot and attend to your needs.

Follow the signs carefully and be aware of any ongoing road work. It might be obvious, but it is worth mentioning anyway: never drink and drive. Always have a designated driver ready. Lastly, pay attention to closed road signs. They’re there for a reason.

Here are a few more tips when you’re on the road:

Wear a seatbelt

Ensure everyone in the car has a seatbelt and wears them at all times while on the road, no matter how short the trip. Don’t unbuckle children while in the vehicle, as accidents can happen anytime. Additionally, check if you have the proper car seat for your child and that it is installed correctly. Children up to 13 or until they are big enough to use a standard seat belt must be in booster seats.

Secure everything

Keep gear like umbrellas and beach chairs in the boot to prevent them from flying around in case of a car crash and causing injuries. If you don’t have a boot, secure these and any object likely to become dangerous projectiles in the back seat with heavier items on top.

Lightning Strikes

Lightning strikes and injuries are rare in Toronto, but weather systems that bring lightning can occur with little warning. When indoors, avoid using and preferably unplugging electronic equipment such as televisions, computers, appliances, (corded) power tools, or (corded) telephones. Also, refrain from bathing, showering, or washing dishes.

Before heading outdoors for the day, check the weather forecast to be prepared for an electrical storm. Here are some lightning tips when you’re outdoors in Toronto:

• You are in the danger zone if you hear thunder, even if it’s not raining. Get into a sheltered area as soon as possible.
• The best places to take shelter are a car with a metal roof or a grounded building like a house. Wait until half an hour after the last flash of lightning you’ve seen before going outdoors.
• Suppose you are caught outdoors during a thunderstorm. In that case, avoiding tall objects such as trees or any structures that conduct electricity is crucial, including metal fences, golf clubs, lawnmowers, bicycles, or umbrellas. Additionally, it’s essential to avoid bodies of water during a thunderstorm.
• Avoid open, high areas like the rooftop of a building. Low-lying areas are safer than hillsides.
• If lightning strikes nearby while outdoors and there is nowhere to take shelter, crouch down, put your feet together with the heels touching, and cover your ears with your hands. That will protect you from hearing damage. You know it’s nearby when the thunderclap is less than 30 seconds after the lightning strike.

Suppose someone has been struck by lightning. Call 9‑1‑1 immediately because the victim will likely suffer from burns and be in shock. If they stop breathing, you should perform CPR until medical help arrives.

Consider Childproofing

Conduct a safety check to identify potential hazards when visiting relatives or staying in a rental space. Ensure that medications, sharp objects, and cleaning supplies are out of reach. Explain the safety precautions to family and friends not used to young children.

Ensure Water Safety

Going to the beach or swimming in a pool is a great way to enjoy your summer vacation. However, any body of water can be dangerous, especially if you have young children.

Assign an adult to watch the little ones at specific time intervals when they are in or near water. Take turns to ensure someone is always supervising them. Explain to children the differences between pools and open water, telling them how dangerous natural bodies of water can be. If your children cannot swim or are weak swimmers, have them wear life jackets when they are around the water.

Carry Insurance

Surprises can happen at any time when traveling anywhere this summer, whether to the cottage or a weekend in Toronto. For peace of mind, take out adequate travel insurance for each group member before you go on your vacation. It will cover any medical or travel expenses that come up.

Inform Your Credit Card Company

You will likely use your credit card while on vacation. If that is the case, give your credit card company a heads-up about your travel plans. That way, they know that the card hasn’t been stolen.

Travel Safe in Toronto This Summer

As you prepare for your summer trip to Toronto, remember that safety is a necessity, not an option. By following these tips, you can have your adventures and create lasting memories with peace of mind. Having a fun and exciting summer is on everyone’s mind, but having a summer full of fun and entertainment that is also safe makes it more memorable.

About Jeremy Diamond

Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about Jeremy Diamond.