Toronto Facts
The Capital City of the Province of Ontario, Toronto sits in the heart of the Great Lakes region of southeastern Canada, on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. The city is 350km (220mi) southwest of Ottawa, 500km (310mi) southwest of Montréal, 560km (350mi) west of New York City and 335km (210mi) northeast of Detroit.
Toronto's climate can be harsh in December, January, and February, and sometimes March and late November. These simple facts alone may repel some people but also attract skiing and skating enthusiasts. In the often-bleak winter months, underground shopping concourses allow you to walk through much of the downtown area and avoid the cold.
Spring can be brief, and a (hot) summer can last through much of June, July, and August, even September. The gorgeous autumn colors are seen best just north of the city and throughout the myriad parks; temperatures are moderate at this time. Lake Ontario often cools the city air in summer and warms it in winter.
Some of the best theater, ballet, opera, and concerts take place between September and May; both the Stratford and Shaw festivals, in venues each about a 90-minute drive from Toronto, are in full swing from mid-April or May to October. Toronto has year-round engagements of major theater productions.
Toronto is pleasant to walk around and enjoy from late spring through early fall, when the entire city seems to come to life. On the other hand, some hotels drop their prices up to 50% in the off-season, particularly December and January.
| Metro: |
4,682,897 (2001)
4,263,759 (1996) |
| City: |
2,481,494 (2001)
2,385,421 (1996 census) |
| Metro Area: |
5,902.74 sq. km. |
| City Area: |
629.91 sq. km. |
| Metro density: |
793 inh./sq. km. |
| City density: |
3939 inh./sq. km. |
Time Zone:
Eastern Standard Time (same time as New York City). Daylight saving April-October.
Emergencies:
Call 911 for fire, police, or ambulance.
Police non-emergency:
(416) 808-2222
Weather:
416-661-0123
Toronto, on the shores of Lake Ontario, has higher winter temperatures than Ontario's capital city of Ottawa. Summers are quite warm with considerable amounts of sunshine, averaging eight to nine hours a day. Some snow usually covers the ground from mid-December until mid-March, but heavy snowfalls are rare. Toronto is equipped for rapid snow removal. The precipitation in Toronto averages between 2.4 and 2.9 inches per month year round.
Average Temperatures (In Fahrenheit):
|
High |
Low |
| January - March |
37 |
15 |
| April - June |
73 |
34 |
| July - September |
79 |
51 |
| October - December |
56 |
21 |
Packing:
In winter, pack sturdy, waterproof boots, warm clothes that can be layered and a warm coat, gloves and hat. In summer, pack light cottons, comfortable walking shoes, a sweater and lightweight jacket or windbreaker, sunglasses and a hat. Be prepared with sunscreen for trips to the beach and waterfront.
Public Holidays:
Jan. 1 - New Year's Day
March or April varies - Good Friday
March or April varies - Easter Monday
May Third Monday - Victoria Day
July 1 - Canada Day
August First Monday - Civic Holiday
September 1st Monday - Labor Day
October 2nd Monday - Thanksgiving Day
November 11 - Remembrance Day
December 25 - Christmas Day
December 26 - Boxing Day
Government:
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II is the Queen of Canada and Canada's head of State. This means that the Queen is the formal head of Canada. The Governor General is the Queen's representative in Canada. The Queen is also represented in each province by a Lieutenant Governor and by a Commissioner in the territories.
Useful Conversions of weights and measures:
1 hectare - 2.471 acres
1 inch - 2.54 cm
1 ft. - 30.48 cm
1 oz. - 28.57 grams
1 lb. - 0.454 kg
1 cm - 0.39 inches
1 meter - 3.28 feet / 1.09 yards
1 km - 0.62 miles
1 liter - 0.26 US gallons
1 inch - 2.54 cm
1 foot - 0.39 meters
1 yard - 0.91 meters
1 mile - 1.60 km
1kg - 2.2lb
1 gallon - 3.78 liters
Currency:
The Canadian currency is in dollars. There are one dollar coins called "loonies" because of the loon depicted on the gold colored coin ; two dollar coins with a gold colored center and silver border called "toonies" because they are equal to 2 loonies ; dime; nickel and penny.
The paper currency comes in denominations of $5; $10; $20; $50; $100. The present exchange rate is between $1.42 and $1.50 Canadian for every US dollar. Rates vary widely depending on where money is exchanged.
Banks give the best rate. The easiest method of securing cash at the best exchange rate is to make withdrawals using a US credit card from the ATM machines found at the major banks and stores.
As in the US, some banks charge a fee and a transaction tax, so check with the banks to find the best value. Save remaining Canadian dollars for your next trip as the exchange rate to convert back into US money from Canadian is usually not favorable.
Area Code:
Toronto was assigned a new area code: 647: starting on March 5, 2001. All existing telephone numbers up to that time still carry the 416 area code, but new business and residence lines may be assigned the new code.
The result: every time you dial a local phone number in Toronto, you have to dial the three-digit area code and then the seven-digit phone number: even if you're dialing from a 416 number to a 416 number.
On June 9, 2001, the Greater Toronto Area: a collection of cities including Markham, Richmond Hill, and Mississauga were assigned the 289 area code which now accompanies the existing 905 code.
Business Hours:
Banks are generally open Monday to Thursday 10am to 3pm, Friday 10am to 6pm. Most stores are open Monday to Wednesday 10am to 6pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm, with extended hours until 8 to 9:30pm on Thursday and usually Friday.
Dentist:
For emergency services from 8am till midnight, call the Dental Emergency Service 416/485-7121.
Doctor:
The staff or concierge at your hotel should be able to help you locate a doctor. You can also call the College of Physicians and Surgeons, 80 College St. 416/967-2600, ext. 626 , for a referral between 9am to 5pm.
Electricity:
It is the same as in the United States: 110 volts, 50 cycles, AC.
Customs Regulations:
A passport is not required for US citizens entering Canada, but it is still the best form of identification. Proof of citizenship is required. Legal custody documents are also required for each child being transported. Non custodial parents grandparents, etc. are required to have with them a notarized letter of consent signed by the child's custodial parent.
Pets being transported must be accompanied by proof of licensure paperwork, not just the tag on the collar and proof of all vaccinations and inoculations. Possession of radar detectors is illegal in the province of Ontario. Telephone Tourist information from the US or Canada at 1-800-668-2746 for more information or contact Canada Customs 905/ 354-6043.
Fishing and Hunting Regulations:
416/ 314-2000.
Email retrieval:
Many hotels have dedicated telephone outlets in the rooms for internet access.
Visitors with disabilities:
Canadian Paraplegic Association National Office provides information about accessibility in Canada. 613/ 723-1033.
Embassies/Consulates:
All embassies are in Ottawa, the national capital. US Consulate in Toronto is at 360 University Ave. 416/595-1700. .
The Toronto General Hospital:
200 Elizabeth St., provides 24-hour emergency service 416/340-3946 for emergency or 416/340-4611 for information.
Liquor Laws:
The minimum drinking age is 19. Drinking hours are daily 11am to 2am. The government is the only retail vendor. Liquor Control Board of Ontario LCBO stores sell liquor, wine, and some beers. They are open Monday to Saturday. Most are open from 10am to 6pm; some stay open evenings, and a few are open Sunday from noon to 5pm.
Wine:
Vintages stores also operated by the LCBO , which carry a more extensive, specialized selection of wines. Downtown locations are in the lower-level concourse of Hazelton Lanes 416/924-9463 and at Queen's Quay 416/864-6777. The Wine Rack, 560 Queen St. W. 416/504-3647, and 77 Wellesley St. E., at Church 416/923-9393, sells only Ontario wines.
Beer:
Most branches of the Beer Store also part of the LCBO are open Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm, Saturday 10am to 8pm. There is a downtown location at 614 Queen St. W. 416/504-4665.
Lost Property:
If you leave something on a bus, a streetcar, or the subway, call the TTC Lost Articles Office 416/393-4100.
Luggage Storage/Lockers:
Lockers are available at Union Station and at the Eaton Centre.
Mail:
Postage for letters and postcards to the United States costs C55¢. Mailing letters and postcards within Canada costs C45¢.
Newspapers/Magazines:
The four daily newspapers are the Globe and Mail, the National Post, the Toronto Star, and the Toronto Sun. Eye and Now are free arts-and-entertainment weeklies.
Pharmacies:
One big chain is Pharma Plus, which has a store at 68 Wellesley St., at Church Street 416/924-7760 . It's open daily 8am to midnight. The only 24-hour drugstore near downtown is Shopper's Drug Mart, 700 Bay St., at Gerrard Street West 416/979-2424.
Rest Rooms:
Finding a public rest room is usually not difficult. Most tourist attractions have them, as do hotels, department stores, and public buildings.
Taxes:
The provincial retail sales tax is 8%; on accommodations it's 5%. There is an additional 7% national goods-and-services tax GST.
In general, nonresidents may apply for a tax refund. They can recover the accommodations tax, the sales tax, and the GST for nondisposable merchandise that will be exported for use, provided it is removed from Canada within 60 days of purchase.
The quickest and easiest way to secure the refund is to stop at a duty-free shop at the border. You must have proper receipts with GST registration numbers. Or you can apply through the mail. It will take about 4 weeks to receive your refund. Pick up a rebate form at the registration desk of your hotel.
Tele:
A local call from a telephone booth costs C25¢. The United States and Canada are on the same long-distance system. To make a long-distance call between the United States and Canada, use the area codes as you would at home. Canada's international prefix is 1.
Time:
Toronto is on Eastern Time. he time in Toronto will be the same as the time in New York City. Daylight saving time is in effect from April to October.
Tipping:
The same as in major U.S. cities: 15% in restaurants, 10% to 15% for taxis, C$1 per bag for porters, C$2 per day for hotel housekeepers.
Transit Information:
For information on the subway, bus, streetcar, and light rapid transit LRT system, call 416/393-4636.
Bike rental:
Cyclepath, 2106 Yonge St 487-1717, and Wheel Excitement Inc at 5 Rees St 260-9000, also rents rollerblades.
Bus information:
416-393-7911.
Rail:
GO Transit 869-3200; VIA Rail enquiries 366-8411.
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