Toronto City Information

Population:
4.5 million

Elevation:
566 feet

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.

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.

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:  417 and 416

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.