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Knowing a few life hacks in Toronto will make it a whole lot easier to get the most out of this vibrant city. From expertly navigating the TTC to knowing where to get free stuff, there's a host of little tricks that'll save you time and money and make you feel like you're the master of your domain.
Here are 25 hacks to make life easier in Toronto.
1. It's pronounced "Churrono" not "Tor-on-to": the quicker you lose the proper pronunciation the quicker people will think you're a local.
2. Download Rocketman to plan TTC routes. Never wait in the rain at a bus or streetcar stop for 13 minutes again.
3. Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card. A Toronto Public Library card not only gets you access to in-house resources, you can also use it to download e-books and digital albums - you can even use it to get free access to the Zoo.
4. You get six free bagels at What a Bagel on your birthday.
5. Buy all your kitchen stuff at Tap Phong. They have absolutely everything you could need and the best prices in the city.
6. There's an easy trick If you get disoriented coming out of a subway station. Generally downhill is south, uphill is north. Left of the CN tower is east, right is west. You'll never get lost again.
7. Look at the seams of streetcar seats before you sit down. If they're darker, it's probably wet or someone peed on them.
8. You can book a Toronto Greeter for free. Whether you're new in town or you've been here your whole life, you can use a Toronto greeter to fill you in on your neighbourhood and answer any questions you have.
9. At the end of the month people put their old furniture out on the street because they're moving. You can furnish an entire apartment this way.
10. Sign up for DanceBreak, Nights Out, C-Stage, and HipTix to get majorly reduced tickets to theatre, opera and ballet. Provide your email and you'll have access to all the hottest tickets for reduced prices.
11. Spadina Road and Spadina Avenue are NOT the same thing.
12. You can go to free yoga classes almost every day around the city at Toronto Public Library and Lululemon locations. Check the Share The Love Yoga site for a full schedule of free or donation-based classes. Namaste.
13. When getting on a streetcar at a busy intersection, walk one block east or west and get on without the crowded changeover.
14. There are free shuttles to Vaughan Mills, Toronto Outlets, Ikea and the Brick Works. When you have an itch for discount Kate Spade bags or reasonably priced furniture, it must be scratched.
15. Never transfer at Spadina. People will tell you it can be done. The little map dot will flash green. Do not be fooled.
16. Avoid these tourist traps.
17. Linger around Yonge & Dundas Square and you can get free stuff almost everyday.
18. Public garbage cans have pedals at the bottom. Use them to open the flap and save your hands from having to press against other people's waste.
19. When looking for a specific address remember even numbers are on north and west sides and odd numbers are on south and east sides of the street.
20. Plan your late night drinking around events with extended last calls. TIFF, NXNE, Nuit Blanche, Pride and Fashion Week all have extended 4am last call permits extended as part of their programming.
21. You don't have to pay for on street parking until 1pm on Sundays. Leave a car overnight on a main street between 9pm Sat until 1pm on Sunday for free.
22. You get a free coffee at Jet Fuel on your birthday. Take it home and drink it with one of your free bagels. Birthday celebration complete.
23. The TTC efficiency guide will move you through the subway way faster by showing the best places to board and exit trains.
24. Don't sit in the empty seat on a busy streetcar, there is a reason it is empty. The reason may not be readily apparent but trust your fellow transit-goers.
25. Avoid going outside in the winter at all costs. Hibernate like a bear. It's not worth it.
Read the original article on BlogTO here