What you need to know about Toronto

Did you know that Toronto is as far south as the French Riviera or that more people live in Toronto than in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces combined?

• Capital city Toronto is capital of the province Ontario
• Population Toronto is at the heart of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and is part of a densely populated region in Southern Ontario known as the Golden Horseshoe, which is home to over 8.1 million residents—approximately 25% of Canada’s population.
• Languages Both of Canada’s official languages – English and French – are spoken throughout Toronto.
• Area Code International country code: + 1 (Canada)/ Area codes: 416 or 647
• Airports Toronto Pearson International AirportYYZ, Bishop Toronto City AirportYTZ, and Buffalo Niagara International AirportBUF About 59 mi South-southeast . (Note: In U.S.A.)

• Holidays

  1. New Year’s – January 1
  2. Good Friday – April 2
  3. Easter Monday – April 5
  4. Victoria Day – May 24
  5. Canada Day – July 1
  6. Natal Holiday – August 2
  7. Labour Day – September 6
  8. Thanksgiving Day – October 11
  9. Remembrance Day – November 11
  10. Christmas – December 25
  11. Boxing Day – December 26

   

• Currency Canada’s currency is based on the decimal system, with 100 cents to the dollar. You can exchange your currency for Canadian dollars at authorized currency exchange counters in Toronto.
• Banks A majority of stores, restaurants and accommodations throughout Ontario accept major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Debit (bank) cards are readily used (Interac, Plus and Cirrus networks). Credit and debit card charges will appear on the purchaser’s statement, converted to the home currency.
• Credit/Debit Cards Canada’s currency is based on the decimal system, with 100 cents to the dollar. You can exchange your currency for Canadian dollars at authorized currency exchange counters in Toronto. You can also exchange currency at banks, credit unions and trust companies throughout Ontario.
• Sales Tax & Rebates The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is applied at a single rate of 13% to a base of goods and services. If you are a non-resident (non-Canadian) sponsor, organizer, exhibitor, incentive house, or a participant in an event, you may be eligible for a rebate of this tax. Foreign visitors may also be entitled to claim a rebate of the HST paid. For rebate forms and more detailed information click here to link to Canada Revenue Agency.
• Hospital/Medical Services Visitors to Canada are strongly urged to obtain health insurance before leaving their home country. Canadian hospital and medical services are excellent, but a hospital stay can be costly without adequate insurance coverage. Visitors taking prescribed medications are advised to take a copy of the prescription should it need to be renewed during the trip.