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Here are the essentials – everything you need to get here and blend in with the locals once you arrive. Find transportation options, maps and guides, money matters, sample itineraries and much more.
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WHIlE you'rE here
 
Languages Spoken

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.

 
Accessible Toronto

People with disabilities have the same tourism desires as others however, travelling in environments that don’t always consider the unique challenges of those with disabilities can be aggravating and disheartening. Toronto is proud to be an accessible destination, accommodating travellers of varying special needs! Start planning your trip to accessible Toronto with helpful maps, guides and tours from Travel with a Challenge, Accessible Toronto, Beyond Ability and Abilities. Travel with a Challenge lists accessible accommodations, and to savour Toronto’s global cuisine, visit Resto Toronto and Dine.TO which highlight accessible restaurants around the city. Looking for Accessible Transportation in Toronto? Dignity Transportation is Ontario’s largest transportation provider for those with special needs. Not all disabilities are obvious, so be sure to advise those accommodating you of your special needs.

Take charge of your travel needs by consulting The Canadian Travel Agencies guide for those with special requirements and for Accessibility standards in Ontario please visit www.cwdo.org/ASC_Welcome_page.htm.

 
 
Money Matters

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

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. 15-20% is standard in these situations as well.

Taxes
The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is a 13% tax that is applied to most purchases of taxable supplies of goods and services in the Province of Ontario. The HST consists of a 5% federal portion and an 8% retail sales tax portion.  

 
 
Official Holidays

Banks, liquor stores and government offices observe these holidays, as do most stores and business offices. Holidays that occur on weekends are observed the following Monday:

  2010 2011 2012
New Year’s Day Jan 1 Jan 1 Jan 1
Good Friday Apr 2 Apr 22 Apr 6
Easter Sunday Apr 4 Apr 24 Apr 8
Easter Monday Apr 5 Apr 25 Apr 9
Victoria Day May 24 May 23 May 21

Canada Day

July 1 July 1 July 1
Civic* Aug 2 Aug 1 Aug 6
Labour Day Sept 6 Sept 5 Sept 3
Thanksgiving Day Oct 11 Oct 10 Oct 8
Remembrance Day* Nov 11 Nov 11 Nov 11
Christmas Day Dec 25 Dec 25 Dec 25

* Stores remain open on these dates.

 
Religion and Places of Worship in Toronto

Toronto is home to a vast multicultural population and is welcoming to all. For places of worship in Toronto please click here.

 
 
 
 
 

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