Toronto Parking Tips

Getting around the bustling, vibrant streets of Toronto is a breeze for both residents and tourists alike with the city’s efficient and extensive public transport system. But if you’re the type who prefers driving around the city’s best tourist destinations, finding a convenient parking spot can be a challenge.

If you have any luck with street parking, you may be able to find parking near attractions, but make sure to follow Toronto’s strict parking rules so you don’t end up with a ticket. Unlike San Francisco with its color-coded parking spots, the City Government of Toronto strictly implements area- and permit-based parking across the city. This is why you need to read the signs posted in the area you park in because the rules and hour limits sometimes differ.

Don’t worry if you’re confused. Below are some practical tips and tricks to help you park smarter and avoid getting a parking ticket or towed as you explore the exciting sights of Toronto.

Parking options in Toronto

There are several parking options you can choose from in Toronto and, if you’ll only be parked for three (3) hours or shorter, you may even score free parking at a convenient location. 

That’s right, free parking in Toronto is not an urban legend. Such things exist, though it only happens for a limited time (i.e., 9 P.M. to 11:59 P.M) or in certain areas when the establishment or attraction is closed (e.g., Scotiabank Arena).

If you need to park longer, however, you’ll definitely need to opt for paid parking spaces. 

On-street parking

Do not assume that parking is free if you don’t see a meter when you park on the streets of Toronto. When you find a spot and park make sure to look for the GreenP parking meters — you should see circular green signs with the letter ‘P’ inside. You can pay by coins, credit or debit card, or via the Parkmobile application. Don’t forget to print your receipt after paying because you need to display it on your dashboard.

If you happen to park in a pay-by-plate zone, you can also pay through the City of Toronto’s website or mobile application— just input your plate number and pay the fee.

On-street or metered parking typically charges $5 to $6, but may also charge lower depending on the area. Likewise, area parking regulations would impose the hour limits so make sure to read the sign to know how long you’re actually allowed to park.

Municipal parking lots

The Toronto Parking Authority (TPA) also manages municipal parking lots and offers hourly, daily, and monthly parking. It’s a good option if you want a leisurely trip around the city without having to worry about parking meter time limits.

Just like the parking meters, look for a green circular sign with the letter ‘P’ on it as that would point you to the direction of municipal parking lots and garages.

 Private parking lots

Private parking garages, lots, and buildings are managed by licensed Private Parking Enforcement Agencies (PPEA), so parking fees may be more expensive especially in the Downtown core. These usually have their own rules and regulation and may impose more expensive fines. Be sure to read and understand the existing regulations and, if you have concerns or disputes with PPEAs, consider reporting the incident to 311 for proper investigation.

 Furthermore, if you get a ticket while parked in a private parking lot, make sure that it was issued by the city of Toronto before paying. If the ticket came from a third-party company, it could be a scam so report the incident to proper authorities for immediate investigation.

Tourist and visitors parking tips

You may get a parking ticket if you don’t pay attention or assume that parking rules are the same everywhere. Make sure to keep the following in mind if you’re driving around Toronto for vacation, business, or to visit relatives or friends:

Read and understand the parking signs

Ignorance is not an excuse for breaking the rules, so if you find available on-street parking, check for signposts and check what rules apply to that specific area. Remember these signs and what they mean to avoid getting a ticket because the TPA itself reiterates that there is no parking consideration for offenses related to them:

• No Parking: A crossed-out ‘P’ either by itself or with specific rules printed underneath.
  You may load or unload passengers or merchandise quickly, but it is absolutely not allowed to park on that side of the street in that area.

• No Standing: A sign with a red “NO STANDING” printed in red with or without specific rules printed beneath.
  This is for passenger loading and unloading only. The passenger(s) must be ready to board or dismount the vehicle upon arrival because waiting is absolutely not permitted. Once the car door closes, you need to move out immediately.

• No Stopping: A crossed-out black octagon that may have specific rules explicitly stated below it.
  Absolutely do not stop for any reason except to avoid conflict with another motorist or under the directions of a police officer or constable.

Take parking hour limits seriously

Read the information on display parking meters before you pay so that you’re informed of specific hour limits or additional rush hour restrictions in the area you’re parking at. As previously mentioned, even if there is an unspoken 3-hour maximum parking rule, there are still areas that impose their own restrictions. Some may only allow 1-hour parking while high-traffic areas may only grant 15 minutes.

If you’re going to a place where you may stay longer than intended, such as a doctor’s clinic, consider parking off-street instead. You may get a ticket or have your vehicle towed if you don’t arrive on time to move your vehicle to a different parking spot.

Apply for a temporary permit in advance

You can apply for a temporary parking permit if you’re visiting relatives or friends who reside in Toronto. According to the TPA, only residents and their guests are eligible to apply for temporary permits to park in residential street parking areas, and only those with permits may be exempted from hour limits in some areas.

 This is especially helpful for nighttime parking as most on-street parking do not permit overnight parking for those without a parking permit.

The TPA may issue 24-hour, 48-hours, or weekly temporary permits, and it may be issued for up to 8 consecutive weeks.

You may apply for a temporary permit upon arrival or up to a maximum of two weeks in advance.

One strict restriction you need to know is that temporary permits will not be issued to any type of recreational vehicle (RV), even if it’s just a small camper trailer.

Book parking in advance with WhereiPark

If you’ll be staying in Toronto for a month or two, consider booking a parking space in advance with WhereiPark.

WhereiPark provides a listing of affordable, traditional and non-traditional monthly parking spaces across Canada and the United States. The platform is safe and easy to navigate and, best of all, it’s covered by a 100% money-back guarantee. The longer the duration you book, the cheaper prices get.

Businesses can also benefit from WhereiPark’s services if they are in need of parking spaces for their fleet or employees. Just reach out to the WhereiPark team, and they’ll be sure to provide favorable group parking solutions for you.