Toronto & Scarborough city guide
For newcomers & families
Where the community is: Gerrard India Bazaar in the east end, Scarborough (including Malvern and around Lawrence Avenue East) and Rexdale/Etobicoke North are well-known South Asian hubs.
Health coverage
OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan)
Apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre with proof of status, residency and identity.
Driver’s licence
Ontario driver’s licence (ServiceOntario / DriveTest)
Licences from some countries can be exchanged; others start the graduated G1 → G2 → G process. Bring a letter of driving experience from your home country.
Getting around
TTC (Toronto Transit Commission)
Pay with a PRESTO card.
Schools
Toronto District School Board
Toronto Catholic DSB
Public school is free for children of permanent residents and most work- and study-permit holders.
Free newcomer help
COSTI Immigrant Services
Settlement.Org
Settlement.Org (Ontario)
Free settlement services help with jobs, English or French classes, housing and paperwork.
First steps in Canada
Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Canada Child Benefit for families
Open a bank account and get a local phone number in week one.
Read the full newcomer checklist →
Festivals & events
Toronto’s Khalsa Day Parade (spring) is one of the largest Sikh celebrations in North America; Diwali, Eid, Holi and Navratri events run across the city.
Rules and programs change; always confirm on the official site before you apply.
Local directory
🍛 Indian restaurants
🍢 Pakistani restaurants
🐟 Bangladeshi restaurants
🥥 Sri Lankan restaurants
🥟 Nepali restaurants
🍬 Sweet shops & bakeries
🛒 South Asian grocery stores
🙏 Gurdwaras
🛕 Hindu temples
👗 Ethnic wear & jewellery
💅 Beauty salons, threading & henna
🩺 Doctors, dentists & clinics
🎓 Tutoring, music & dance classes
Indian Road Crescent Junior Public School
285 Indian Road Crescent, Toronto, M6P 2G8
💼 Other professional services
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