Toronto is hip and diverse like New York City, only cleaner, safer, friendlier, and easier to negotiate. British actor Sir Peter Ustinov once called Toronto "New York run by the Swiss." Although he wasn't far off, Toronto's varied ethnic population (some 90 ethnic groups) brings a unique edge to the city that has led the United Nations to call Toronto the most ethnically diverse city in the world.
This 250-year-old city has the hyperactive, experimental energy of a teenager. Its seemingly varied restaurants, innovative bars, and plentiful shops are wonderfully inexpensive. With the Bay Street stock market growing as rapidly as the population, Toronto is Canada's boom city and the pace shows no signs of slowing. This is also one of the banking capitals of the world, full of glinting chrome-and-glass skyscrapers, but city planners have managed a successful marriage between high-tech design and the imposing civic architecture of the Victorian era. The multitude of ethnic neighborhoods lends a vibrant, village-like atmosphere to this metropolitan area.
Along with its fantastic restaurant and bar culture, Toronto plays host to several prestigious arts festivals. The International Film Festival in September and the International Festival of Authors in October are just two of the better known. It is also of the home of the CN Tower, the largest freestanding structure in the world, and the SkyDome, headquarters of the Toronto Blue Jays.
With Niagara Falls, and other getaways, in its orbit, Toronto's visitors needn't worry if they tire of urban living. Niagara is the largest falls in the world by water volume (800,000 gallons per second) and is worth spending a day to see. For natural entertainment closer to home, stroll through the city's many green spaces or hop on a ferry and ride 10 minutes across the harbor to Toronto Islands. Once residential, these three islands are now mostly a public park and offer a relaxing way to spend a sunny afternoon away from the bustle of the city (no cars are allowed on the islands).
In 1996, the reader's of Fortune magazine voted Toronto, with its booming economy and appealing location, the best place to live and work. Visit Canada's metropolitan center and you may never leave.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Australia
Australian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Canada.
France
French citizens must have a valid passport to enter Canada.
Germany
German citizens must have a valid passport to enter Canada.
Ireland
Irish citizens must have a valid passport to enter Canada.
Japan
Japanese citizens must have a valid passport to enter Canada.
United Kingdom
British subjects must have a valid passport to enter Canada.
United States
U.S. citizens must have a birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, or a valid passport to enter Canada.
LOCAL LANGUAGE
Although Canada is a bilingual country (English and French), Toronto is the county's Anglophone center, and 99 percent of its residents speak English (or rather Canadian English, which should be easy for any Anglophone to comprehend). But watch out for the thick "T'ranta" drawl. Considering that the city is comprised of about 90 ethnic groups and is neighbors with Quebec, visitors from as far and wide as France and Korea should be able to find someone to chat with in their mother tongue.
LOCAL CURRENCY
The Canadian dollar and cent exist in virtually the same denominations as their U.S. counterparts. There are 100 cents to the Canadian dollar. The C$1 and C$2 bills are no longer used and have been replaced by a C$1 coin known as the "loonie," after the loon that appears on it, and the C$2 coin, known as a "twoonie."
U.S. dollars are accepted and a premium is often given to make up the difference between the two rates. Currency can be exchanged at banks and at many hotels. Currency exchange bureaus are located at airports, train and bus stations, and in most major towns and cities.
ATMs allowing access to a traveler's own account are widely available across the country. Fees may be slightly higher than at home. Credit cards are accepted nationwide. ELECTRICITY
Canada, like the United States, uses 110-volt electric power. Flat, two-pin plugs are used. Adapters for European-style plugs are widely available from travel stores and at hotels, as are transformers for those appliances that do not have a 110-volt setting.
CALLING CODES
The country code for Canada is 1. The code for Toronto City is 416, and the code for the greater Toronto area is 905.
If you wish to speak to an operator, dial 0. For telephone information, dial 411. For inquiries on long distance calls dial 1, then the area code, then 555-1212. All of these operator services are free of charge.
FAX/MODEM
Fax machines and Internet connections are readily available to the public in most hotels, post offices, and a range of business centers in malls and commercial centers.
TIME ZONE
Toronto lies in the Eastern Time Zone (Greenwich Mean Time minus five hours). The city observes Daylight Savings Time during the summer, starting from the last Sunday in April and ending the last Sunday in October.
BUSINESS HOURS
The majority of retail outlets are open Monday through Saturday, from 10am to 6pm (often until 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays). Sometimes, stores are also open on Sundays, from 12pm to 5pm. Downtown, many stores and all of the malls tend to stay open until 9pm or 10pm on weekdays.
Banks are open Monday through Thursday, from 10am to 5pm and on Fridays from 10am to 6pm. Offices and certain banks open as early as early as 8:30am, some on Saturdays as well, and many don't close until 8pm.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
New Year's Day, January 1
Good Friday, Friday before Easter
Easter, Sunday in mid-March or early April
Easter Monday, Monday after Easter
Victoria Day, Monday preceding May 24
Canada Day, July 1
Civic Holiday, First Monday in August
Labor Day, First Monday in September
Thanksgiving, Second Monday in October
Remembrance Day, November 11
Christmas, December 25
Boxing Day, December 26 TIPPING
Restaurants 15 to 20 percent of bill Bars 15 percent Airport Skycap/Porter 1per piece of luggage Hotel Bellhop 1 per piece of luggage Taxi Drivers 15 percent of the fare Hotel Housekeeping 1per person per day Hotel Room Service 15 percent of bill Parking Attendant/Valet 1 to 2 Haircare/Personal Services About 15 percent
WHEN TO GO
Spring, summer, and autumn are ideal for visits to Toronto. Summer can be very hot and humid. In the leafier parts of Toronto (north of the city) and in Ontario, the autumn colors are spectacular. Only the very hardy would plan a trip during the winter when temperatures drop to well below freezing from November through March (and can be brutal in January and February).
However, these harsh winter temperatures often provide the best conditions for winter-sports enthusiasts, and the vast underground network of shopping concourses ensure that you almost never have to come up to face the cold. Toronto benefits from Lake Ontario, which offers cooling winds during the summer and warms the air during the winter.
Most of Toronto's festivals take place during the spring, summer, and autumn. Some of the main events that draw large international crowds are: Caravan Celebrations in June, a 10-day tour of the world from national exhibits in booths around town; the Caribana in July, which showcases Caribbean culture, cuisine, and music; the Toronto International Film Festival in September; and the International Festival of Authors in October.
Since Toronto is a business center there are conventions year-round, so it is always better to book accommodations in advance. There is no real high season for leisure travelers, but most travelers avoid the winter months. WHEN TO TAKE HEALTH PRECAUTIONS
No specific vaccinations are required to enter Canada but all visitors should have travel insurance to cover possible medical expenses.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Dial 911 for all police, fire, accident, and medical emergencies. FOREIGN EMBASSIES
American Consulate General 360 University Ave. Toronto Canada 416-595-1700 Australian Consulate General 175 Bloor St. East, Ste. 314 Toronto Canada 416-323-3919 British Consulate General 777 Bay St. Toronto Canada 416-593-1267 French Consulate General 130 Bloor St. West, Ste. 400 Toronto Canada 416-925-8041 German Consulate General Postal Station P.O. Box 523 Toronto Canada 416-925-2813 Irish Consulate Toronto Canada 416-366-9300 Japanese Consulate General Suite 2702, Toronto Dominion Bank Tower, P.O. Box 10 Toronto Canada 416-363-7038
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Toronto Website
Access Toronto
416-338-0338
City of Toronto
Niagara Falls Canada Visitor and Convention Bureau
5433 Victoria Ave.
905-356-6061
Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce Visitor and Convention Bureau
153 King St.
905-468-4263
Ontario Travel Information Centre
220 Yonge St.
Toronto Life
Toronto Tourist Information Center
Queen's Quay Terminal
416-203-2500
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