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City guide

Toronto

Canada

Toronto is the gentlest big English-speaking city for a French-speaking family: multicultural, safe and green, with a real French school network, from the AEFE lycée to Franco-Ontarian public schools. Your child can grow up bilingual here almost effortlessly.

Currency
Canadian dollar (C$)
Language
English (French co-official federally)
Time vs Paris
6h behind
Emergencies
911 (health line: 811)

FIAFE network

The Accueil for French-speaking families

In each city, a volunteer-run association from the FIAFE network welcomes, informs and helps French-speaking families settling in.

Toronto Accueil

Since 1987

Born in 1987 as Françaises Accueil, Toronto Accueil supports French speakers settling in the Queen City: welcome coffees, a pram-friendly Café Poussette, neighbourhood visits, book clubs and big yearly gatherings like the galette des rois with the Consul General.

Where to meet them

Based at the Lycée français de Toronto (2327 Dufferin Street); reach out by email or through the website form.

Visit the association's website Email the association See the FIAFE page

What they offer

  • Welcome coffees and newcomer meet-ups
  • Pram-friendly Café Poussette for young mums
  • Neighbourhood visits, walks and cultural outings
  • Book clubs, cooking workshops and potluck dinners

Other support networks

Two large national networks also support the French abroad, each with its local chapter.

  • UFE

    UFE Canada Toronto

    The Toronto representation of the Union des Français de l'Étranger: welcome, mutual aid and conviviality for the French in Ontario, in close touch with the Consulate General.

    Visit the website
  • Français du monde – ADFE

    Français du monde – ADFE Toronto

    The Toronto section of Français du monde - ADFE supports French residents of Ontario with their paperwork and keeps expat solidarity alive.

    Visit the website Email the chapter

The French business network

The local French chamber of commerce (CCI France International network) is a real asset for work: networking, job offers and help to restart a career or start a business locally.

CCI France International

France Canada Chamber of Commerce, Ontario

Toronto's France-Canada chamber, part of the CCI France International network, runs the French-Canadian business community in Ontario with networking events and useful support to grow a professional network.

Visit the website CCI country page

AEFE network

Accredited French schools

Schools accredited by the French Ministry of Education follow the French curriculum: your child can continue their schooling seamlessly, abroad and back in France.

💰 Compare school fees

Source: official AEFE directory, verified June 2026. aefe.gouv.fr

Tutoring and private lessons

To support your children's schooling across two systems, two solutions designed for expat families.

  • Axiom Academic

    Private lessons and tutoring for expat families: French curriculum, IB and British curriculum, at home or online, with teachers who know the schools in your city.

    Discover Axiom Academic

  • IB Tutor

    Tutors specialised in the International Baccalaureate: online lessons in every IB subject, to aim for top grades from MYP to the diploma.

    Discover IB Tutor

Schools and education

Toronto speaks English, but schooling in French is surprisingly accessible: two AEFE-accredited schools and a free Franco-Ontarian public network. Everything you need for a truly bilingual path.

Good to know

  • The Lycée français de Toronto (AEFE conventionné) follows the French curriculum from nursery to the baccalauréat.
  • TFS, Canada's International School (AEFE partner), is accredited from nursery to Grade 9, then switches to the IB diploma.
  • Public school in French exists too: the Viamonde (secular) and MonAvenir (Catholic) boards are free, but outside the AEFE network.
  • School starts early in Ontario: junior kindergarten welcomes children from age 4.

Children's healthcare

Public healthcare runs through OHIP, Ontario's health insurance plan. There is no agreement like Quebec's: depending on your status, coverage can take a little time, so plan private insurance for the transition.

Good to know

  • Apply for the OHIP card as soon as you settle in; while you wait for coverage, private insurance protects the whole family.
  • Finding a family doctor takes time: walk-in clinics and the Health811 line cover the gap.
  • SickKids, Toronto's children's hospital, is a world-renowned paediatric reference.
  • The Centre francophone du Grand Toronto offers health services in French.

French-speaking community

Toronto hosts a large, well-organised French-speaking community: Franco-Ontarians, French, Quebecers and francophones from around the world. In Canada's most multicultural city, you find your tribe fast.

Good to know

  • Toronto Accueil (FIAFE network) has animated the French community since 1987.
  • The Alliance Française de Toronto offers classes, shows and children's activities in French.
  • The Centre francophone du Grand Toronto supports French-speaking newcomers for free.
  • The Salon du livre de Toronto celebrates francophone literature every year.

Family outings and events

Between the lake, giant museums and wooded ravines, Toronto is a very family-friendly city. Every season has its classics, from the island ferry to winter skating rinks.

Good to know

  • The Toronto Islands, a ten-minute ferry ride away, are the paradise of family picnics and bike rides.
  • The Royal Ontario Museum and Ripley's Aquarium save rainy days.
  • High Park combines playgrounds, a small free zoo and cherry blossoms in spring.
  • In winter, skating is free at Nathan Phillips Square, under the illuminated TORONTO letters.

These landmarks change fast: the MumExpat community will keep them up to date.

Coming soon: the full Toronto guide.

Verified addresses, paediatricians recommended by mums, a family agenda updated every week. Join the waitlist to discover the Toronto page first.

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