Welcome to Toronto

• Useful Information for Your Stay
• Transportation

From its spectacular scenery to its vibrant cities and hospitality, Canada offers a wealth of opportunity to its visitors. Canada is recognized globally for its outstanding quality of life, stable, progressive political environment, and one of the healthiest economies in the world. The United Nations ranked Canada for eight consecutive years as the best country in the world in which to live. Canadians love to share their clean, safe, beautiful country with visitors from around the world.

Cultures and languages from all over the world thrive in Toronto, one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Canada’s largest city, Toronto, is commonly referred to as "the world within a city". Boasting more than 4.8 million residents representing more than 80 ethnic groups, Toronto is known for its unrivalled array of over 5,000 restaurants, world-class theatre scene, diverse neighbourhoods, and assorted highlights unique to Ontario's capital city. See our line-up of Toronto attractions.

Toronto offers guests a plethora of things to see and do. Year-round sights and attractions include the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Hockey Hall of Fame, and not-to-be-missed Niagara Falls located a little more than an hour’s drive from Toronto. International sport competitions and professional teams vie for attention, while Toronto's vibrant performing arts scene explodes with colour and magic. Toronto's restaurants reflect the multitude of cultures that harmoniously co-exist.

A trip to Toronto wouldn't be complete without exploring the city's many shopping opportunities, from the upscale boutiques of Yorkville to the alternative shopping and art gallery scene of Queen Street West. Visitors must view the dazzling panorama of Lake Ontario, Toronto Island and the pulsing city itself from the top of the CN Tower, one of the world’s tallest free standing structures.

Toronto Fast Facts

Useful Information for Your Stay

Banks
Bank hours and days of business will vary depending on the bank as well as on its location. Generally, banks are open from 10.00 to 16.00, Monday to Friday. Some banks also open on Saturday and/or operate longer business hours.

Business Hours
Most stores are open from Monday through Saturday from 10.00 to 18.00 and usually on Sunday as well.

Climate
Springtime in Toronto is a sight to behold as the bulbs and buds begin to bloom (pardon the alliteration – we can’t help ourselves!). This seems to energize the population – the first time the temperature rises into the high teens (high 60s), you’ll find us jostling – politely, of course – for a seat on an outdoor patio.
What to pack: A light jacket and umbrella in case of fresh, rainy days

Drinking water
Tap water in Toronto is safe to drink.

Electrical appliances
The electrical voltage system in Canada is 110 volts. Those traveling from a country outside of North America will need a proper voltage converter and adapter in order to operate their electrical appliances.

Health Insurance
Visitors are advised to obtain health insurance before leaving their home province or country. There are no compulsory health requirements for entry into Canada.

Language
There are two official languages in Canada: English and French. In addition to these official languages, the top five languages spoken in Toronto are Chinese, Italian, Tamil, Portuguese and Spanish. However, English is predominately spoken in restaurants, hotels and shops.

Local time
Toronto is in the Eastern Standard Time zone (EST) which is five hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time (UK) and is in the same time zone as New York City.

Money
The money system in Canada is based on Canadian dollars (CDN$) and cents. International currency exchange services are available at Lester B. Pearson International Airport as well as at banks and currency exchange outlets located throughout the city.

U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere in Toronto, although change from transactions will be provided in Canadian currency and exchange rates will differ with each merchant.

Cash machines/ATMs are available in most banks, hotels, shopping malls and at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, with cash dispensed in Canadian currency.

Traveler’s cheques and credit cards are accepted at most major retailers.

Taxes and Tax Rebates
Please be aware that you will be charged 13% sales tax (GST / PST) in addition to the cost of most purchases or services. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a 5% tax that is charged on most goods and services sold or provided in Canada. Purchases or services in Toronto are also subject to the 8% Provincial Sales Tax (PST).

Non-resident visitors to Canada are entitled to a refund of GST on certain goods they take out of Canada as well as on short-term accommodations.

Please keep your receipts if you wish to apply for the tax refund. A copy of the Tax Refund Application for Visitors can be picked up at any Customs office or most tourism information centres, duty-free shops, department stores and some hotels.

There are private firms that process tax refunds on behalf of visitors for a fee.

For more information, please download the tax fact sheet at www.canada.travel/selectCountry.html.

Tipping
Tips or service charges are not usually added to restaurant bills in Canada. Where service has been satisfactory, it is customary to leave a tip of 15% on the pre-tax amount. Some restaurants will place a mandatory service charge on a bill for a large party.

Tips are also expected for services such as haircuts, shoe shines and taxi rides. 15% is standard in these situations as well.

Transportation

Public Transit
Explore Toronto on one of North America’s finest transportation systems – the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) at http://www3.ttc.ca/. With easy to navigate subways, buses and streetcars, getting around the city is a snap. When using the TTC a single fare will take you anywhere in the city on a one way trip. You can freely transfer between subway, streetcar and bus, but make sure you obtain a transfer when and where you pay your fare. On buses and streetcars, exact change is required.

GO Transit is Ontario’s inter-regional bus and train service. It links Toronto with outlying areas of the Greater Toronto and beyond. GO Trains and buses depart from Toronto’s Union Station at regular intervals throughout the day at http://www.gotransit.com

Taxis
There are a number of different taxi companies in Toronto – each has a distinct look.

• Fares are standard, metered and non-negotiable
• The driver should start the meter at the beginning of your ride and stop it when you reach your destination
• Refuse to ride in a taxi without an operational meter
• If your service was acceptable, a 10-15% tip is customary