Practical Information

Airport

Toronto is served by two airports. Toronto Pearson International Airport, managed by the Greater Toronto Airport Authority is Canada’s principal airport with travel connections to every continent and ranks among the top 30 world airports in terms of passenger traffic and aircraft movements. There are over 76 scheduled and charter airlines currently serving Toronto Pearson International Airport. Air carriers provide non-stop service to 26 Canadian and 42 United States (transborder) destinations and same-plane service to 56 other International cities. Please visit http://www.torontopearson.com for details.

The Toronto Island Airport also known as Billy Bishop Toronto City Centre Airport (YTZ) bills itself as an ideal alternative to the ultra-busy Pearson International for business travel. Situated to provide quick and convenient access to the downtown and surrounding area. It offers flights to destinations as far afield as mid-western and northeastern U.S., and northern Ontario and Quebec with minimal delays or customs hassle. The Toronto Island Airport Ferry leaves regularly from the dock at the foot of Bathurst Street for the short trip to the airport terminals. Please visit http://www.torontoport.com/airport.aspx for details.

Climate

Toronto’s weather is tempered by Lake Ontario, which softens the winter bite and eases the summer heat. Average winter temperatures range between 0 and -10 C, with snow usually on the ground between December and March. Summer usually hovers around 20 to 30 C. For current climate and weather conditions by province and territory, visit the Environment Canada (http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html) or The Weather Network (http://www.theweathernetwork.com/) websites.

Communications

Telephone
The Canadian phone system operates much like the United States phone system. Phone numbers in Canada have 10 digits. The first three digits are the area code followed by the seven-digit local number (e.g., 555-555-5555). When making a long-distance call out of the local area, dial "1" followed by the three-digit area code and the seven-digit local number.

Mobile/Cell Phones
To make international (non-US) calls from Canada, first dial 011 and then the country code (e.g., France, 33). Next, dial the area code and number.

Mobile phone coverage in Canada varies depending on the type of cell phone you use, your local mobile service provider and plan, and the system upon which your phone operates. Many companies in the US and abroad have partnerships and programs available to provide roaming coverage in Canada.

Contact your mobile service provider to learn about its international roaming coverage services and to determine if your phone is compatible with Canadian networks and frequencies.

Currency

Toronto offers visitors world-class products without world-class prices. A favourable exchange rate doesn't hurt, either. So be sure to pack an extra bag for the loot you'll want to bring back home.

Toronto's currency is the Canadian dollar
For denominations under five dollars we use coins - some we've even given cute names: the loonie ($1), and toonie ($2)
U.S. dollars are accepted in most Toronto establishments, although you'll receive change in Canadian funds and exchange rates will differ from merchant to merchant
You’ll find cash machines/ATMs in most banks, hotels and shopping centres
Travelers cheques and credit cards are accepted at most (but not all) major retailers
Currency exchange is available at banks and kiosks throughout the city and at the airport

Electricity

Canadian appliances operate on 110 volts (60Hz), which is identical to the US voltage. A universal adaptor is required for overseas electrical devices.

Main wall sockets (or power outlets) and plugs for 110 volts are two parallel flat blades. If those sockets are different from the ones used in your country you will need a socket converter.

Language

There are two official Canadian languages – English and French. In addition to these, the top five languages spoken in Toronto are Chinese, Italian, Tamil, Portuguese and Spanish.

Safety and Security

Toronto has a 911 emergency service. In an emergency, you can reach police, fire or ambulance services by dialing 911 on any telephone. If 911 service is unavailable, dial "0" for the operator and ask for police, fire or ambulance service. There is no charge for emergency calls placed from a public pay phone.

Canada takes great pride in the freedom of movement and personal security enjoyed by all its citizens and visitors. Although Toronto is a major North American urban centre, residents and visitors alike are generally able to move freely—day and night—without experiencing personal security threats.

Tipping

If you’re happy with the service you receive, a 15-20% tip on the pre-tax bill is a standard expression of appreciation when dining out in the city. Note that some restaurants automatically add this gratuity when serving large groups, so be sure to check your bill. Tips are also expected for services such as haircuts, shoe shines and taxi rides.

Tourism

Discover all the things to do in Toronto. You’ll find an abundance of vibrant nightlife, stunning architecture, great museums, galleries & theatre, wonderful vintage stores, luxury shops and everything in between. For information about Toronto visit http://www.seetorontonow.com.

Transportation

Public Transit

Explore Toronto on one of North America's finest transportation systems - the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). 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.

Driving Around Town

Toronto's streets follow a basic grid pattern and are easy to navigate
Speed limit signs are posted on each street
The city's "rush hour" is more than an hour long - count on heavy traffic from 7:00-9:00 a.m. and again from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Plenty of Toronto's major streets have bicycle lanes nearest the curb. Please respect cyclists in the city - they're environmentally friendly!

Parking

Parking on most downtown streets is limited to specific times of day, and often requires you to purchase and display a ticket from one of the parking machines located along the street. Be sure to check and obey the signs posted along the street to make sure your vehicle doesn't get ticketed or, worse, towed away.
There are also a variety of public parking lots throughout the city. City-owned lots are indicated by the 'Green P' logo - a large 'P' in a green circle. Plan in advance using Green P's parking locator to find the nearest lot.

Hail a taxi

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

The Underground City

PATH is downtown Toronto's underground walkway linking 27 kms (16 miles) of subterranean shopping, services and entertainment. Follow the brightly coloured PATH signs and you'll reach your downtown destination easily in weatherproof comfort. http://www.toronto.ca/path/

Local Time - Toronto

Links