Student Discounts in Downtown Toronto: Where Students Can Save

Being a student in downtown Toronto has its perks — especially when it comes to saving money. From your daily coffee run to weekend adventures, there are tons of discounts just for students. All you need is a valid student ID, and in many cases, a Student Price Card (SPC) or an International Student Identity Card (ISIC).

Here’s your go-to guide to student discounts in downtown Toronto across food, entertainment, retail, and transit — plus a few extra tips on how to make the most of your student status.

Jump to a section:
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Retail
Transit & Travel
Student Unions
SPC & ISIC Cards

🥗 Food & Drink

1. Metro

One of Canada’s largest grocery chains, Metro makes weekly shopping a little more affordable for students. Participating stores offer a 10% student discount on selected days — just check your local Metro to confirm when the deal is on.
Metro Student Discount

2. Bulk Barn

Perfect for stocking up on snacks, baking ingredients, and pantry staples, Bulk Barn offers 15% off every Wednesday with a valid student ID. Bring your own containers to save even more and cut down on waste.
Bulk Barn Student Discount

3. SPC Food Discounts – tons of restaurant, cafes, & grocery stores included!

An SPC card unlocks food deals at a wide range of restaurants, cafés, and grocery stores. Examples include 10% off at Pizza Pizza and Tim Hortons, plus heavily discounted meal kits with HelloFresh — ideal for busy weeks when cooking from scratch isn’t on the menu.
SPC Featured Food Discounts

🎬 Entertainment

1. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

One of the largest art museums in North America, the AGO houses over 120,000 works ranging from Canadian classics to European masterpieces. Students aged 14–25 can sign up for a free annual membership through the AGO’s Free Annual Pass program — no catch, just art. Enjoy unlimited access to the gallery’s vast collection and rotating exhibitions year-round.
AGO Free Annual Pass

2. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

Canada’s largest museum of natural history and world cultures, the ROM features everything from dinosaur fossils to ancient artifacts. With a valid student ID, you’ll receive a discount on general admission — and it’s worth checking ahead for deals on special exhibitions. Even better, the museum is free for everyone on the third Tuesday night of each month; just remember to book your tickets in advance.
ROM Tickets & Third Tuesday Nights Free

3. Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema

A dedicated documentary cinema in the Annex neighbourhood, Hot Docs screens thought-provoking films from Canada and around the world. During the Hot Docs Film Festival, students with valid ID can score free admission to regular screenings starting before 4 p.m. It’s the perfect excuse to immerse yourself in new perspectives without spending a dime.
Hot Docs Festival

💳 Retail

1. Apple Education Pricing

Known for sleek, powerful devices perfect for classwork and creative projects, Apple offers exclusive education pricing for university and college students. Save on MacBooks, iPads, and accessories year-round — plus, watch for seasonal promotions that sometimes include freebies like AirPods.
Apple Education Store

2. Adobe Creative Cloud

From Photoshop to Premiere Pro, Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite is an industry standard for design, photography, and video editing. Students can get over 50% off the full subscription, making it an affordable way to level up your creative skills.
Adobe Student Pricing

3. SPC Discounts on Fashion

The SPC card unlocks discounts at dozens of popular fashion and footwear stores, including H&M, Foot Locker, New Balance, and Gymshark. Examples include 15% off in-store and online at Levi’s, and 25% off regular-priced products plus an extra 15% off sale items at adidas.
SPC Discounts on Fashion Features

4. Urban Outfitters

Famous for trendy clothing, accessories, and home décor, Urban Outfitters occasionally runs special student discount events. The best way to catch them is to sign up for their newsletter or follow along on social media.
Urban Outfitters Canada

🚊 Transit & Travel

1. TTC

Toronto’s public transit system connects you to every corner of the city by subway, streetcar, and bus. Post-secondary students (ages 19–24) can apply for a Post-Secondary Monthly Pass ($128.15/month) using a PRESTO card and a TTC Student Photo ID. There’s also a pay-as-you-go PRESTO option for post-secondary students 19 and under at just $2.35 per trip.
TTC Post-Secondary Fare Info

2. GO Transit & UP Express

Whether you’re commuting from the suburbs or heading to Pearson Airport, GO Transit and UP Express make travel in and out of Toronto quick and convenient. Students save 40% on fares with a PRESTO card registered under a student profile.
GO Transit Student Discount

3. VIA Rail

For longer trips across Ontario or to other provinces, VIA Rail offers comfortable and scenic train travel. Students can often find deals such as 25% off for adults aged 18–24 with a Canada Strong Pass — but discounts vary, so check their site for current offers.
VIA Rail Travel for Youth & Students

4. FlixBus 

Known for affordable intercity travel, FlixBus runs routes between Toronto and destinations across Ontario, Quebec, and beyond. Students can often get 10% off tickets by verifying their status through platforms like Student Beans and ISIC. 
FlixBus Canada

5. Megabus

Another budget-friendly bus option, Megabus connects Toronto to cities in Ontario, Quebec, and the U.S. They frequently offer student discounts through Student Beans and ISIC — it’s worth checking back regularly for new deals.
Megabus Canada

🏛️ Student Unions

Many schools, such as TMU and UofT, also facilitate discounts for their students through their student unions, be sure to check what your institution offers.
UofT Students’ Union Perks & TMSU Discounts

Are SPC & ISIC Cards worth getting?

Yes! Both SPC and ISIC cards are worth it for most students. They offer discounts on everything from clothing and food to travel and entertainment, which can add up to significant savings over the year. If you use them regularly, they more than pay for themselves.

🎓 SPC (Student Price Card)

For just $11.99/year, the SPC Card offers exclusive discounts at over 450 brands in Canada — including fashion, restaurants, and entertainment.
Get an SPC Card

Bonus: If you bank with CIBC, you may be eligible for free SPC membership.
CIBC x SPC

🌍 ISIC (International Student Identity Card)

Recognized globally, the ISIC card gives you access to over 150,000 student discounts in Canada and worldwide — including museums, hostels, and transit.
Apply for ISIC Canada

📝 Pro Tips to Save Even More

• Always ask if a business offers a student discount — not all advertise it.
• Keep your student ID handy, especially at independent stores or cafes that offer unlisted discounts.
• Use apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans to access additional student deals.
• Follow brands on social media for limited-time student promotions.

Final Thoughts

Being a student in Toronto doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right cards in your pocket and a little bit of savvy, you can enjoy everything the city has to offer without stretching your budget. Bookmark this page and start saving today!

Check out The Downtown Student to find more tips and tricks for students in downtown Toronto. We’ve got you covered!