10 things that you just don't do in Toronto

Toronto has a reputation for being conformist as compared with Montreal or even Vancouver, and to an extent the characterization is true: there are unwritten rules here that, if broken, can result in pain, embarrassment, or at least some serious eye rolling.

Here are 10 things you just don't do in Toronto.

Mix it up with streetcar tracks on a bike

Every frequent cyclist has a story, usually a painful one, about have a tire chomped by the streetcar tracks. Pro tip: cross the rails at 90 degrees, or as close to it as possible.

Go up the CN Tower

The tower might be an icon of the city, but everyone knows it's not meant for Torontonians to enjoy. There's a restaurant up there but don't get sucked in. $45 for a main course? Forget about it.

Expect the TTC to deliver you anywhere within the estimated time

Google says 30 minutes by transit? Better give it an hour, or two.

Talk about Rob Ford when family comes to visit

At first it was all good fun with the weigh-ins and the gravy train, but as the crack scandal and the ensuing nastiness unfolded, the Ford mayoralty turned into a never-ending nightmare. 25 more days...

Say "world class city"

We are one, but those three words are enough to make anyone's eyes roll.

Earnestly believe the new mayor will deliver better transit

This isn't a dig at John Tory, it's just that after decades of inaction and broken promises, city hall watchers have learned to take any transit proposal with a healthy dose of skepticism.

Get your hopes up about the Leafs

47 years of hurt. The last time the Leafs won the cup the Toronto Maple Leafs baseball team was still pitching and hitting at the foot of Bathurst Street. Playoff losses like this one do little to inspire future confidence.

Claim Montreal bagels are better than Gryfe's

"...It just tastes better!" Likewise, poutine is ours now.

Step off the streetcar without looking

Not a ride goes by without a car blowing past the open doors. Every close call gives me a little heart attack.

Bring wine to dinner and avoid paying corkage

Yeah, you can do it at some places on some nights, but it's just not part of our dining culture, and don't expect the wait staff not to make a face.

Bonus

Fail to make mention of the weather

Making light of the weather, be it cold and snowy or hot and muggy, is something Torontonians just can't seem to resist. You'd think we'd be used to all by now, but we just can't stop talking about it.

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Image: Neil Ta/blogTO Flickr pool.

by Chris Bateman via blogTO