We parked in front of a busy Iraqi Street Food restaurant, bumped into a mini “Free Tibet!” protest in the Gay Village, crossed the Halal Bites Festival at Nathan Phillips Square and headed to Chinatown for fried rice (Mark), jiǎo zi (Feng) and bāo zi (me).

A large group of Indians were sampling Korean desserts on Spadina. Two blocks further, in Kensington Market, Rastafarians were doing exactly what you expect Rastafarians to do—no worries, it’s legal and socially acceptable in Canada. Plus, it didn’t seem to bother the old Vietnamese ladies doing tai chi at the end of the street, in Bellevue Square Park, or the two Colombians ordering empanadas from a tiny restaurant.

You’ll meet the world in Toronto, including countries, cultures and subcultures you didn’t even know existed.

Canada is very multicultural, but Toronto takes it a notch above the rest of the country—over half of the city’s residents were born abroad.

Toronto has always been a magnet for newcomers. First, along with Montreal and Vancouver, it’s a Canadian city people abroad have heard about—”I want to immigrate to Canada and settle in Flin Flon,” said no one ever. Second, Toronto is a big city, with potentially more work opportunities. And finally, you’re pretty sure that someone speaks your language somewhere—finding your people can be easier; easing into Canada can be less lonely.

And this is how Toronto became a giant salad bowl or tossed salad, where every culture and ethnic group contributes to the city rather than blending into a single whole. I like the idea but it always surprises me that various groups don’t really mix. For instance, it’s still fairly rare to see mixed-race couples. In 2025! In Toronto! Weird.

Toronto is cool this way, but living in Toronto ain’t cheap. Currently, in 2025, the average rent price for a studio is $1,755, $2,096 for a one-bedroom apartment and $2,821 for a two-bedroom apartment. “Where do they live and how can they afford the rent?” I can’t help wondering when I see people hauling groceries home or walking their dog.

People-watching is my favourite activity in Toronto. It’s fun because the streets are livelier and busier than in Ottawa… and of course, I had my camera all weekend.

Here are the people of Toronto, spring 2025 edition!