Travellers flock to Toronto for a taste of its world-class attractions, entertainment, shopping and restaurants. The city has also put itself on the international map as a renowned cultural hub, thanks in part to the influence of nearby Montreal and New York. Vibrant multicultural neighbourhoods have given Toronto a cosmopolitan edge, though not at the expense of its signature and world-famous politeness.
Ottawa and Toronto are in the southeastern corner of the province, around the massive Lake Ontario. The north is bear country and largely uninhabited, and the rest is scenic and filled with various natural wonders.
Indeed, the awesome Niagara Falls and legendary Great Lakes of North America make this region a nature lover's dream destination. Canoeing, swimming and diving are popular activities, while the province's sprawling forests make it a priority stop for hikers.
All visitors must hold a valid passport, and it's recommended that passports always be valid for six months after the intended period of travel. Visitors are required to hold onward or return tickets, all documents needed for the next destination and sufficient funds to cover the period of intended stay.
Travellers from most visa-exempt countries arriving in Canada by air need to fill in an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) form online prior to visiting Canada. This requirement is applicable to all but U.S citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel documents to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.
The currency used is the Canadian dollar (CAD). Banks and bureaux de change will change cash, as will some hotels. Major credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are widespread. US dollars are widely accepted.
Ontario's climate is continental, meaning the province experiences hot, humid summers and very cold winters with heavy snowfall. Spring and autumn tend to be milder. Due to the Great Lakes, the province experiences far less variation in its temperatures year round, and more precipitation than would be expected for such a central region.
Cities located farther away from the lakes in the south of the province are much hotter, and temperatures can reach around 80°F (27°C), with possible heat waves. In winter, areas north of the Great Lakes tend to be much colder, with more severe winters caused by arctic air currents. Temperatures can range between 36°F (0°C) and 14°F (-10°C).
Travellers should be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before traveling to Canada, and should consider taking routine vaccines as a standard precaution. Medical care is excellent but expensive, so medical insurance is advised.
While most visits to Canada are trouble-free, the country does share the common international risk of terrorism. The crime rate is low but travellers are advised to take sensible precautions to safeguard their belongings, as they would anywhere. Parts of Canada are prone to tornadoes between May and September.
Rowdiness and loud speech are inappropriate except under special circumstances or in places such as bars, as Canadians tend to be soft spoken, patient and almost apologetic in their public behaviour. They are generally tolerant of the complex network of cultural differences in public behaviour, particularly in cities where such diversity is more common place. Recreational cannabis is legally available throughout Canada, though local laws can vary depending on the province or territory travellers are visiting.
Travellers to Canada are allowed to enter the country with the following items without incurring custom duties: gifts to the value of C$60 per recipient (excluding advertising material, tobacco and alcoholic beverages); 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or cigarillos and 200g of tobacco or 200 tobacco sticks; 1.14 litres of liquor or wine or 24 x 355ml bottles or cans of beer or ale. There are strict regulations governing the import of the following: explosives, endangered animal and plant species, items of heritage, fresh foodstuffs and weapons.
Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal are the main business centres, and English is the language of business except in French-speaking Quebec, where all written material and business cards should be in French. Business cards are not traditionally exchanged during an initial meeting, but at some appropriate time thereafter; it is best to wait for the host to offer theirs first.
A firm handshake is used by way of greeting and punctuality should be taken seriously for meetings. Canadians dress conservatively and smartly for business and suits are the norm. Gifts can be given in conclusion to celebrate a deal, but should be understated; taking someone out for a meal is a popular way to conclude business dealings.
Canadians are reserved and frown on emotional outbursts. Business is based on facts and figures rather than relationships, so it is best to be as prepared as possible for meetings. Hours of business are usually 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
The international access code for Canada is +1. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code. The outgoing code is not necessary for calls to the US and the Caribbean. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
A tip of around 15 percent is standard in restaurants, and hairdressers and taxi drivers are usually tipped at the same rate. Bellhops, doormen, porters, and similar service providers at hotels, airports, and stations are generally paid at the customer's discretion.
All visitors must hold a valid passport, and it's recommended that passports always be valid for six months after the intended period of travel. Visitors are required to hold onward or return tickets, all documents needed for the next destination and sufficient funds to cover the period of intended stay.
Travellers from most visa-exempt countries arriving in Canada by air need to fill in an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) form online prior to visiting Canada. This requirement is applicable to all but U.S citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel documents to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.
US travellers should have a valid passport if departing from the USA. Other proof of citizenship is accepted in the form of a birth certificate, a US certificate of citizenship, a US certificate of naturalisation, or a NEXUS card. A visa is not required for a stay of up to six months.
UK nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to six months, though UK travellers must have Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
Australians must hold passports valid for period of intended stay. Nationals of Australia with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) are visa exempt for a maximum stay of 6 months.
Irish nationals must hold a passport valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to six months. However, the individual must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
New Zealanders require a passport valid for the period of the intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 6 months. However, the traveller requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
South African nationals must be in possession of a passport valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is required. South African temporary passports are not recognised. Passports, identity or travel documents of Bophuthatswana, Ciskei, Transkei and Venda are not accepted.
The currency used is the Canadian dollar (CAD). Banks and bureaux de change will change cash, as will some hotels. Major credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are widespread. US dollars are widely accepted.
Exchange rate for 1 CAD - Canadian Dollar | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0.00 BMD Bermudan Dollar |
0.68 EUR Euro |
0.73 USD U.S. Dollar |
0.58 GBP U.K. Pound Sterling |
111.95 JPY Japanese Yen |
0.66 CHF Swiss Franc |
1.11 AUD Australian Dollar |
28.83 UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia |
324.82 KZT Kazakhstani Tenge |
68,104.49 LBP Lebanese Pound |
3.55 LYD Libyan Dinar |
5.02 BOB Bolivian Boliviano |
0.00 NPR Nepalese Rupee |
0.00 OMR Omani Rial |
0.00 QAR Qatari Rial |
0.99 SGD Singapore Dollar |
7.92 SEK Swedish Krona |
0.00 TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar |
0.00 VEF Venezuelan Bolivar |
42.52 DOP Dominican Peso |
0.00 HRK Croatian Kuna |
12.41 MXN Mexican Peso |
446.74 XOF West African CFA Franc |
0.00 PGK Papua New Guinean kina |
0.00 BSD Bahamian Dollar |
0.00 FJD Fiji Dollar |
0.00 HNL Honduran Lempira |
97.95 DZD Algerian Dinar |
0.00 MMK Myanma Kyat |
0.00 BWP Botswana Pula |
2.72 PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol |
686.67 CLP Chilean Peso |
283.06 AMD Armenia Dram |
17.04 CZK Czech Koruna |
12.90 MDL Moldova Lei |
102.36 ISK Icelandic Krona |
9,206.75 UZS Uzbekistan Sum |
2.72 ILS Israeli New Sheqel |
0.52 JOD Jordanian Dinar |
0.00 KWD Kuwaiti Dinar |
27.92 UYU Uruguayan Peso |
0.00 MUR Mauritian Rupee |
0.00 NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba |
7.96 NOK Norwegian Krone |
2.95 PLN Polish Zloty |
2.74 SAR Saudi Riyal |
0.00 LKR Sri Lanka Rupee |
26.92 THB Thai Baht |
2.68 AED U.A.E Dirham |
3.73 BRL Brazilian Real |
3.39 RON Romanian New Leu |
5.72 HKD Hong Kong Dollar |
446.74 XAF Central African CFA Franc |
18,589.76 VND Vietnamese Dong |
642.71 ARS Argentine Peso |
0.00 XCD East Caribbean Dollar |
0.00 GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal |
7.36 MAD Moroccan Dirham |
0.00 BHD Bahrain Dinar |
0.73 PAB Panamanian Balboa |
1.24 AZN Azerbaijan Manat |
2,868.33 COP Colombian Peso |
64.70 KGS Kyrgyzstan Som |
264.88 HUF Hungarian Forint |
7.97 TJS Tajikistan Ruble |
11,761.39 IDR Indonesian Rupiah |
35.09 EGP Egyptian Pound |
994.29 KRW South Korean Won |
5,456.06 PYG Paraguayan Guaraní |
3.47 MYR Malaysian Ringgit |
371.94 CRC Costa Rican Colón |
1.22 NZD New Zealand Dollar |
203.32 PKR Pakistani Rupee |
66.87 RUB Russian Rouble |
13.54 ZAR South African Rand |
2.29 TND Tunisian Dinar |
0.00 BBD Barbadian Dollar |
1.33 BGN Bulgarian Lev |
23.66 TRY Turkish Lira |
41.92 PHP Philippine Peso |
23.64 TWD New Taiwan Dollar |
852.33 NGN Nigerian Naira |
0.00 XPF CFP Franc |
0.00 GHS Ghanaian Cedi |
0.00 JMD Jamaican Dollar |
0.00 ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder |
0.00 BND Brunei Dollar |
79.69 RSD Serbian Dinar |
5.30 CNY Chinese Yuan |
5.08 DKK Danish Krone |
2.55 TMT New Turkmenistan Manat |
61.04 INR Indian Rupee |
1 USD = 1.37 CAD
1 EUR = 1.47 CAD
1 GBP = 1.72 CAD
1 AUD = 0.90 CAD
1 NZD = 0.82 CAD
1 ZAR = 0.07 CAD
Location: Ottawa The airport is situated eight miles (13km) south of Ottawa.
Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).
Contacts: Tel: +1 613 248 2000.
Getting to the city: Hotel-shuttle and limousine services to downtown Ottawa are available. Bus Route 97 departs from outside the Arrivals area. Taxis are also an option.
Car rental: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz are all represented at the airport.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the terminal.
Facilities: There are a number of bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as retail outlets, duty-free shopping, ATMs and currency-exchange services located throughout the airport. Internet access is also available.
Parking: Short-term and long-term parking are available.
Location: Toronto The airport is located 17 miles (28km) northwest of downtown Toronto.
Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).
Contacts: Tel: +1 416 247 7678 (Terminals 1 and Terminal 3).
Transfer between terminals: The Terminal Link train system operates a 24-hour free service between Terminals 1 and 3, as well as to the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, ALT Hotel, the Value Park Garage and Value Parking Lot.
Getting to the city: The Terminal Link train offers free transportation between Terminals 1 and 3, the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, ALT Hotel, the Value Park Garage and Value Park Lot. Several companies provide bus and shuttle transit services to and from the airport into Toronto and surrounding areas. The Union Pearson Express train links the airport to Downtown Toronto in just 25 minutes. The airport is also easily accessible on various public transportation routes with providers such as Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and GO Transit.
Car rental: Rental companies include Avis, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty, Hertz and National-Alamo.
Airport Taxis: There are authorised taxis available outside the arrivals halls.
Facilities: All terminals are well-supplied with facilities, including bureaux de change and ATMs, WiFi, shops and duty-free outlets, hotel-reservation services, bars and restaurants.
Parking: Parking options range from long-term to curb-side pickup.
Location: Thunder Bay The airport is located three miles (5km) from Thunder Bay city centre.
Time: GMT -5 (GMT-4 from the first Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).
Getting to the city: The airport is serviced by local buses, on line 3 Memorial, Airport. Taxi services at the airport are provided on-demand by Roach's Yellow Taxis.
Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National and Hertz.
Airport Taxis: Taxi services at the airport are provided on-demand by Roach's Yellow Taxi.
Facilities: Airport facilities include WiFi, shopping, a restaurant, a lounge and security services.
Parking: The airport's 500-plus bays provide long-term and short-term parking.
Situated on the north shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto has distinctive neighbourhoods, where immigrants from across the globe have helped shape what it means to be Canadian. The city's most prominent feature is the CN Tower, one of the world's tallest free-standing structures with design elements giving visitors unparalleled city views. Chief among them are glass-fronted elevators and a revolving restaurant near the top. Toronto also boasts the Rogers Centre, a multi-purpose entertainment complex with a retractable roof, and a claim to being the world's greatest entertainment centre.
The city gets bitterly cold during winter so travellers should visit over the mid-year period if avoiding chillier weather is a priority. But come rain or shine, travellers to Toronto seldom leave disappointed.
Public transport in Toronto is fast, safe and reliable. Known as the Toronto Transit Commission, it consists of an integrated system of subways, buses and streetcars that reach every part of the city. The subway has four lines and is easy to use, and there are bus and streetcar stations next to every major stop that take over where the subway leaves off.
Fares are standard and a single fare will take commuters anywhere on a single trip. Commuters can use tokens to avoid the hassle of having to pay with exact change but can also use PRESTO cards with preloaded money. To freely change from one form of transport to another, commuters should get a transfer slip when paying for the fare.
The subway runs from 6am-2.00am, while buses and streetcars operate from about 6am-12.30am. Both start at 8am on Sundays. The Blue Night Network services main street routes after 1.30am. Taxis are always available and ferries travel to the Toronto Islands. Driving a hired car is not recommended due to traffic congestion and expensive parking.
From swanky clubs to cosy bars, the nightlife in Toronto has something for everyone. Visitors can expect an action-packed cosmopolitan vibe in this big and energetic city. Little Italy has a number of trattorias that double as bars, while Greektown has its own flair and party atmosphere. Broadly speaking, bars and pubs close around 2am, while dance clubs stay open till dawn. Late-night buses pick up afterhours commuters when the subway shuts down.
Clubs come and go fairly quickly in Toronto, so visitors should check out local nightlife guides for the hottest spots. The legal drinking age in Ontario is 19 and is strictly enforced at most venues. Dress codes tend to be relaxed, but many will refuse entry for people wearing jeans or trainers.
Toronto's restaurant scene is extremely diverse and diners can expect a bevy of culinary adventures. As a starting point, travellers should remember that certain cuisines cluster in distinct areas.
College Street, better known as Little Italy, is naturally home to the city's best Italian restaurants and trattoria. Danforth serves up Greek food, while authentic Chinese establishments are abundant in Chinatown. Visitors should also check out King Street West for excellent Indian, Japanese and sushi eateries.
Otherwise, Lai Wah Heen, Bangkok Garden, 360 and Canoe are among the titans of Toronto's restaurant scene and definitely worth visiting. Tips of 15 to 20 percent are expected for good service.
Lai Wah Heen —
Chinese
Located within the sophisticated setting of the Metropolitan Hotel, Lai Wah Heen is renowned for turning the finest local produce into authentic dishes from different regions of China. The large menu offers some of the best dim sum in the city, as well as other intriguing options. Service is attentive and the food is elegantly served. The restaurant opens daily for lunch and dinner.
Metropolitan Hotel, 108 Chestnut Street (Downtown)
Toronto, Canada
laiwahheen.com
Senses —
Modern Eclectic
Senses Cafe is the perfect place to launch a bright day in Toronto. Fresh-brewed artisanal coffee, decadent treats, seasonal fruit and guilt-free comfort food are all on offer to feed the body and nourish the soul. Patrons enjoy themselves before emerging into a city full of possibilities.
For those wishing to sleep in, the cafe does made-to-order brunch favourites on weekends, and a selection of chef-curated lunches on weekdays.
318 Wellington Street West
Toronto, Canada
http://www.senses.ca
North 44 —
Modern Eclectic
Named after Toronto's latitude, North 44 has been one of the city's most genteel eating places for many years and is an experience in pampering. The artistic interior bathes diners in a warm glow, the food is superb and the service flawless. The seasonal menu is influenced by Mediterranean, American and Asian flavours and might include pepper and sesame crusted tuna, lamb shank or stuffed quail, as well as a few exciting pastas and pizzas. Desserts such as the lemon meringue mille-feuille are the best in town. Reservations essential. Closed Sunday. Dinner only.
2537 Yonge Street (Uptown)
Toronto, Canada
http://www.north44restaurant.com
360 Revolving Restaurant —
International
For foodies visiting Toronto, 360 Restaurant is a definite bucket-list item. Located in one of the world's tallest free-standing structures, the CN Tower, it offers patrons breath-taking, revolving views of the city, and dishes created with the finest Canadian produce. Daily lunch service runs from 11am-3.15pm. Dinner is from 3.30pm-10.15pm. Visitors should also note that the summer menu starts in May, while the winter menu begins in November.
CN Tower, 301 Front Street West (Downtown)
Toronto, Canada
http://www.cntower.ca
Bangkok Garden —
Thai
Established over 30 years ago, Bangkok Garden is noted for introducing Thai cuisine and culture to Toronto. The Thai Consulate has since awarded the restaurant the Thai Select Premium designation, recognising the authenticity of its food and the tremendous quality of its service. Bangkok Garden is open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner, while Saturdays and Sundays are dinner only.
18 Elm Street, Toronto
Toronto, Canada
http://www.bangkokgarden.ca
Canoe —
International
Widely considered one of the country's best restaurants, Canoe is renowned for crafting dishes that reflect Canada's diverse landscape and heritage. House chefs use only the finest produce from around the country, sourced through their close relationships with domestic farmers and suppliers. Canoe is open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Friday, while Saturdays and Sundays are for private events.
54th Floor, Toronto Dominion Bank Tower, 66 Wellington St.
Toronto, Canada
http://www.canoerestaurant.com/
Toronto is undoubtedly Canada's shopping capital, offering top international labels and enterprising local brands. Its most famous mall is the Eaton Centre, which brims with brand stores, restaurants and entertainment all under one roof.
But visitors are far better off seeking out local stores that are unique to the city. Lovers of haute couture should try Canadian labels such as Ross Mayer and Linda Lundstrom. St Lawrence Market has an amazing array of local arts and crafts, and excellent food. Kensington Market is the place to go for vintage clothing and other eccentric paraphernalia, while the Heritage Antique Market has an amazing selection of retro items.
Queen West, which has the best that young and trendy Toronto has to offer, is an essential stroll for serious shoppers. Bathurst Street has small, independent art galleries, where discerning buyers can pick up a souvenir or two, while Yorkville, along Bloor Street, is the city's most exclusive retail district and is home to boutiques and jewellers from Milan, Paris and London.
For travellers on the hunt for mementos, the obvious choices are some good Toronto maple syrup or gifts emblazoned with Mounties or maple leafs. Alternative choices would be Native American art, dream catchers or moccasins.
Lake Ontario takes some of the edge off Toronto's humid continental climate. Summer (June to August) tends to be hot and very humid, while winter (December to February) is severe with heavy snowfall. The average maximum temperature in January is 28°F (-2°C), while the average maximum temperature in July is 80°F (27°C). Rainfall tends to occur throughout the year, but summer, though the sunniest season, is also usually the wettest. Autumn is perhaps the best time to travel to Toronto, as temperatures are less extreme than in summer or winter, with mild days and cool nights.
Toronto guarantees something for every kind of sightseer, boasting striking natural scenery, charming neighbourhoods and even one of the world's tallest buildings. It has a range of fantastic museums, including the Royal Ontario Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Canadian Air and Space Museum, the Ontario Science Centre and the Hockey Hall of Fame. There are also numerous art galleries, such as the OCAD Professional Gallery, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art.
Visitors can go for a stroll in the city's many distinct neighbourhoods, such as Toronto's huge Chinatown, which is home to the city's 350,000 Chinese-Canadian residents. There's also Little Italy, the lively Art and Design District, and Leslieville, with its antique and vintage shops. The funky Queen West has boutiques, art galleries and restaurants, while the harbour and Toronto Islands are perfect places to relax without having to travel far from the city.
Travellers can save money on many of Toronto's attractions by buying a Toronto CityPass online. It provides discounted tickets to places such as the Ontario Science Centre, the CN Tower and the Toronto Zoo.
Toronto has loads of places for kids to play and even learn new things, ensuring they'll be stimulated for days on end.
Canada's Wonderland is the country's premier theme park, with families relishing the mix of rides and entertainment. Travellers looking for kid-friendly ways to enjoy the outdoors should head out to High Park and Centre Island's Centreville Amusement Park.
Parents can add a touch of learning to family holidays in Toronto by visiting the Toronto Zoo, the Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park or the Ontario Science Centre. Children might also have fun when climbing the CN Tower, with views from one of the tallest buildings in the world sure to be a thrilling experience.
Opening time: Open daily, from 9.30am to 5pm
Admission: C$30 (adults), C$20 (children aged 4 - 13). Other concessions are available.
Getting there: From Dupont station, walk to Spadina Ave and Davenport Rd, then climb the Baldwin Steps to the castle.
Address: 1 Austin Terrace
Telephone: +1 416 923 1171
Website: casaloma.ca/
Opening time: Open daily 9am to 10:30pm
Admission: General Admission: C$38 (adults), C$28 (children aged 4 - 12).
Getting there: Take the subway to Union Station. Then take a short walk west along Front Street.
Address: 301 Front Street West
Telephone: (416) 868 6937
Website: http://www.cntower.ca
Opening time: Open daily, from 10am to 5.30pm
Admission: General Admission: C$20 (adults), C$14 (children aged 4 - 14). Other concessions are available.
Getting there: Museum subway station, or Avenue bus #5 from Eglington station
Address: 100 Queen's Park
Telephone: +1 416 586 5682
Website: http://www.rom.on.ca
Opening time: Open daily, from 9.30am to 4.30pm
Admission: May to October: C$29 (adults), C$19 (kids aged 3 - 12). November to April: C$23 (adults), C$14 (kids aged 3 - 12). Other concessions are available
Getting there: Rouge Hill GO Train station, #86A Scarborough bus route or #85 Sheppard East bus route
Address: Meadowvale Road, Scarborough
Telephone: +1 416 392 5900
Website: http://www.torontozoo.com
Opening time: Different attractions have different opening hours and seasons. Check website for details
Admission: Admission tickets vary depending on which attractions are visited. See website for details
Website: http://www.niagaraparks.com
The district had its beginnings in 1832 and eventually became the largest distillery in the British Empire. It assumed its current role as an arts and culture centre during the 1990s, doubling as one of Canada's most popular film locations. As of 2003, it has been a pedestrian-only village dedicated to the arts. Anyone visiting Toronto should explore the district's many art galleries, artisan boutiques and restaurants, and make sure they book tickets for one of the many festivals and special events held here.
Website: http://www.thedistillerydistrict.com
Opening time: Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, from 10am-5pm. Open Friday from 10am-9pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
Admission: Adults, C$10. Under 18, free.
Address: 158 Sterling Rd
Telephone: +1 416 530 2500
Website: museumofcontemporaryart.ca/
Getting there: The Toronto Island Ferry operates daily from 9am to 10pm, and leaves every 30 minutes. It travels to Hanlan's Point, Centre Island and Ward's Island
Address: Toronto Island Ferry Docks, foot of Bay Street and Queens Quay
Website: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/
Opening time: Monday to Thursday from 10am to 6pm; Friday from 10am to 9pm; Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm
Admission: C$15 (adults); free for children under 18 years. Other concessions available.
Address: 111 Queen's Park
Telephone: +1 416 586 8080
Website: http://www.gardinermuseum.on.ca
Opening time: Open seven days a week. Most opening hours are from 11am to 7pm, although fresh produce stalls usually open earlier, and restaurants usually close later
Getting there: The market is served by streetcar stops College, Spadina and Dundas
Address: Area bordered by Spadina Avenue, Dundas Street, Bathurst Street and College Street
Website: http://www.kensington-market.ca
Address: 235 Queen's Way
Website: http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com
Opening time: Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm. Saturday, 9.30am-6pm. Sunday, 10.30am-5pm.
Admission: C$18 (adults), C$12 (youths aged 4 - 13), free for children under 3. Other concessions are available.
Address: 30 Yonge Street, Brookfield Place
Telephone: +1 416 360 7765
Website: http://www.hhof.com
Opening time: Opening times vary according to season - check the official website for details.
Address: 9580 Jane Street, Vaughan
Telephone: +1 905 832 8131
Website: http://www.canadaswonderland.com
Address: 1873 Bloor Street West
Website: http://www.highparktoronto.com
Opening time: Open daily, from 10am-5pm
Admission: October to April, C$17 (adults), C$12 (teens and seniors), C$8.50 (children). May to October, C$20 (adults), C$15 (teens and seniors), C$10 (children)
Address: 3667 Concession Road 6, Orono
Telephone: +1 905 983 5016
Website: http://www.junglecatworld.com
Where: Pride Parade follows a route down Yonge Street.
Toronto Pride is one of the largest gay and lesbian celebrations in the world. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each June who participate in the festival's variety of events. Every year, a different theme sets the tone for the activities and events on the programme, culminating in the massive Pride Parade and the Dyke March.
http://www.pridetoronto.com
Where: Various galleries, museums, art centres and other public places in Toronto.
Elevating photography beyond the simple snapshot, the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival is a premier cultural experience in Canada. It highlights the enduring significance of photography in modern life, and celebrates talent and innovation in the art form. CONTACT now features more than 1,500 photographers and artists at more than 200 venues across Toronto. The festival attracts crowds of nearly two million people, making it the largest photography event in the world. Some of the exhibitions are public installations which decorate outdoor and urban spaces wonderfully.
scotiabankcontactphoto.com/
Where: Numerous locations in downtown. The main stage is at Nathan Phillips Square.
No self-respecting Canadian city can go without hosting an annual jazz festival, and Toronto offers one of the best on the continent. The 10-day TD Toronto Jazz Festival attracts jazz celebrities from all over the world, and now draws more than 500,000 fans each year. While around 1,500 musicians feature in the festival at 40 locations in the city, the main hub of the jazz festival is Nathan Phillips Square in the heart of downtown Toronto. The venue is a good source of information on what's showing and who's playing.
http://www.torontojazz.com
Where:
Toronto Taste is a celebration of exquisite cuisine, fine wines and stunning waterfront scenery. The annual fundraising event brings together more than 70 top chefs and 30 of Ontario's premier vintners and beverage companies, and is the biggest fundraising event supporting Canada's largest food-rescue charity, Second Harvest. The charity collects perishable food that would otherwise go to waste and redistributes it to community organisations that feed hungry people in Toronto. The festival has raised funds for as many as 1.9 million meals, making Toronto Taste not only a memorable celebration of cuisine, but also a major contributor to a worthy cause.
secondharvest.ca/toronto-taste/
Where: Various
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is perhaps the largest of its kind that is open to the general public. Unlike Sundance and Cannes, which screen a number of independent features and world-cinema projects, Toronto's famous film festival has a glamorous Hollywood sheen to it. Many filmmakers and studio bosses consider it to be a successful launching platform for the crazy awards season that eventually climaxes with the Academy Awards in February. TIFF screens nearly 400 films at various venues in downtown Toronto, attracting audiences amounting to more than 480,000 people, with only around 5,000 of them industry professionals.
http://www.tiff.net/tiff/
Where:
The Fringe Festival continues to be Toronto's liveliest grassroots-theatre experience. Throughout the city, thousands of artists perform comedy, cabaret, music, poetry, drama and classics to their adoring crowds. What sets the Toronto Fringe Festival apart is that judges do not select its list of plays. Instead, a lottery process determines participation, giving all entrants an equal chance to perform. This ensures a huge variety of productions and a festival that consistently leads to the discovery of fresh artists and plays.
http://www.fringetoronto.com
Location: Toronto The airport is located 17 miles (28km) northwest of downtown Toronto.
Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).
Contacts: Tel: +1 416 247 7678 (Terminals 1 and Terminal 3).
Transfer between terminals: The Terminal Link train system operates a 24-hour free service between Terminals 1 and 3, as well as to the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, ALT Hotel, the Value Park Garage and Value Parking Lot.
Getting to the city: The Terminal Link train offers free transportation between Terminals 1 and 3, the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, ALT Hotel, the Value Park Garage and Value Park Lot. Several companies provide bus and shuttle transit services to and from the airport into Toronto and surrounding areas. The Union Pearson Express train links the airport to Downtown Toronto in just 25 minutes. The airport is also easily accessible on various public transportation routes with providers such as Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and GO Transit.
Car rental: Rental companies include Avis, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty, Hertz and National-Alamo.
Airport Taxis: There are authorised taxis available outside the arrivals halls.
Facilities: All terminals are well-supplied with facilities, including bureaux de change and ATMs, WiFi, shops and duty-free outlets, hotel-reservation services, bars and restaurants.
Parking: Parking options range from long-term to curb-side pickup.
Ottawa was a humble lumber town until Queen Victoria designated it the capital of Canada in 1857. Since then it has grown into a modern and cosmopolitan city, often overlooked in favour of its larger, more glamorous neighbours, Toronto and Montreal.
Its main landmark is the 302ft (92m) high Peace Tower, rising above the imposing Parliament Buildings, which stand in Gothic splendour at the junction of the Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau rivers.
The city has a network of waterways and canals that link it to Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay. Locals and visitors use the historic Rideau Canal for boating in summer, and for ice sculpting and skating in winter. The parliament buildings and other sites have an old-world European charm, offering numerous top-class museums and galleries, while the National Arts Centre houses an opera company, theatres, studios and restaurants.
For sightseeing purposes, most visitors enjoy exploring Ottawa's compact downtown area on foot or by bicycle, but the OC Transpo company also provides a top-class integrated public transport system. Travellers can purchase tickets when boarding buses and streetcars, while day passes and discount tokens are available. Taxis are available but are fairly expensive. Rates should be displayed in the taxi cab and the meter rate should be set at one at the start of a journey. There are also ride-sharing apps such as Uber on offer.
Ottawa's humid semi-continental climate boasts a vast range of temperatures between summer and winter. Essentially, the city has unpredictable weather conditions. Winters are generally snowy and icy. Average low temperatures in winter (December to February) can drop to 5°F (-15°C) at night. However, averages are misleading because days can be much warmer or colder. Ice storms can occur. Summer (June to August) in Ottawa is warm and humid, with temperatures exceeding 80°F (27°C) fairly often, sometimes as early as April and as late as October. Summers are usually short, though, while spring and autumn are unpredictable, with potentially early or late snowfalls, or unseasonal heat waves.
Ottawa is a green city, packed with parks and open spaces. As the capital of Canada, it sports numerous national attractions and top museums. A holiday in Ottawa is inevitably a busy whirl of sightseeing, but the city also has a jam-packed events calendar, so it is wise to check what's on when planning to visit. Fun festivals take place throughout the year, from ice-carving in winter to exploring tulip gardens in the spring.
While everyone will enjoy its charms, the city is particularly well suited to more active holidaymakers who'd enjoy cycling along the city's miles of trails, or ice-skating down the Rideau Canal in winter. Extreme outdoor activities such as bungee jumping and white-water rafting are also on offer just outside Ottawa.
Top attractions include the National Gallery of Canada, and Parliament Hill, the seat of Canada's federal government and site of frequent pomp and ceremony. Visitors should also stop at the Canadian War Museum, the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal and the ByWard Market, a historic farmers' market by day and popular entertainment venue by night. If visitors want to go on a tour of Ottawa, a novel way would be to do so on the open-topped tourist buses.
Address: Wellington Street
Website: http://www.parl.gc.ca/Default.aspx?Language=E
Address: 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau
Website: http://www.historymuseum.ca/
Location: Ottawa The airport is situated eight miles (13km) south of Ottawa.
Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).
Contacts: Tel: +1 613 248 2000.
Getting to the city: Hotel-shuttle and limousine services to downtown Ottawa are available. Bus Route 97 departs from outside the Arrivals area. Taxis are also an option.
Car rental: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz are all represented at the airport.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the terminal.
Facilities: There are a number of bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as retail outlets, duty-free shopping, ATMs and currency-exchange services located throughout the airport. Internet access is also available.
Parking: Short-term and long-term parking are available.
This rugged, northern region is home to Lake Superior, the largest of North America's Great Lakes and a hugely popular attraction. Visitors travel to this vast expanse of water to enjoy its striking shoreline and surrounding wilderness. Nature-lovers will relish immersing themselves in Thunder Bay's lakes and rivers, wandering its forests, and exploring its deep chasms, plunging waterfalls and towering granite cliffs.
Thunder Bay has a large fleet of fully wheelchair accessible buses that service the city and surrounds. The local council has also transformed the city into a pleasant place to walk or bike, meaning locals and visitors can enjoy an extensive network of cycle lanes, recreational trails, wide sidewalks and active living corridors. Taxi services are available and drivers will find ample parking.
Thunder Bay's humid continental climate produces hot summers and cold winters. However, Lake Superior influences conditions and gives the city cooler summers and warmer winters than other places in the region.
The best time to visit is from June to September, when temperatures are warmer. The average high temperature in summer is around 73.4°F (23°C). The hottest month is July, while January is the coldest, when temperatures can dip to -2.2°F (-19°C). Winters can be bitterly cold for visitors not used to extreme temperatures.
Ontario boasts about 330 parks, attracting more than 10 million visitors annually. Many of these picturesque areas are clustered near Thunder Bay and around the massive Lake Superior, offering travellers a number of exciting opportunities for outdoor recreation. Lake Nipigon and the township of the same name are close to Thunder Bay, and are also a hub for outdoor pursuits such as hiking, camping and water sports.
The region has some cultural diversions too. The Amethyst Mine Panorama is a huge favourite, allowing visitors the chance to poke around for souvenirs in one of the largest amethyst deposits in the world. The Fort William Historical Park is a living history attraction that recreates the days of the North West Company and the Canadian fur trade, while the Magnus Theatre is the premium performance venue.
Address: 1350 King Rd
Website: http://www.fwhp.ca
Address: East Loon Road
Website: http://www.amethystmine.com
Address: Thunder Bay
Website: http://www.ontarioparks.com/park/sleepinggiant
Address: Ontario, Canada
Website: http://www.ontarioparks.com/park/lakesuperior
Location: Thunder Bay The airport is located three miles (5km) from Thunder Bay city centre.
Time: GMT -5 (GMT-4 from the first Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).
Getting to the city: The airport is serviced by local buses, on line 3 Memorial, Airport. Taxi services at the airport are provided on-demand by Roach's Yellow Taxis.
Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National and Hertz.
Airport Taxis: Taxi services at the airport are provided on-demand by Roach's Yellow Taxi.
Facilities: Airport facilities include WiFi, shopping, a restaurant, a lounge and security services.
Parking: The airport's 500-plus bays provide long-term and short-term parking.
Ontario is crammed full of tourist attractions. The urban hubs of Toronto and Ottawa dominate the cultural landscape, while seven national parks and more than 300 provincial parks provide scenic outdoor recreation.
Ontario's celebrated national parks are the UNESCO-listed Bruce Peninsula National Park, the Fathom Five National Marine Park, the Thousand Islands National Park, the Georgian Bay Islands National Park, the Point Pelee National Park, the Pukaskwa National Park and the St Lawrence Islands National Park. The most popular natural attractions in the province include the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls, the Thousand Islands which stretch for miles in the St Lawrence River, and the rugged coastlines of Lake Superior.
Ontario also boasts fun theme parks, numerous world-class museums, living history attractions and as much shopping and nightlife as anybody could want in the big cities. Toronto is the main urban drawcard and its top sightseeing attractions include the lofty CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Toronto Zoo and the theme park Canada's Wonderland.
Opening time: Open daily, from 9.30am to 5pm
Admission: C$30 (adults), C$20 (children aged 4 - 13). Other concessions are available.
Getting there: From Dupont station, walk to Spadina Ave and Davenport Rd, then climb the Baldwin Steps to the castle.
Address: 1 Austin Terrace
Telephone: +1 416 923 1171
Website: casaloma.ca/
Opening time: Open daily 9am to 10:30pm
Admission: General Admission: C$38 (adults), C$28 (children aged 4 - 12).
Getting there: Take the subway to Union Station. Then take a short walk west along Front Street.
Address: 301 Front Street West
Telephone: (416) 868 6937
Website: http://www.cntower.ca
Opening time: Open daily, from 10am to 5.30pm
Admission: General Admission: C$20 (adults), C$14 (children aged 4 - 14). Other concessions are available.
Getting there: Museum subway station, or Avenue bus #5 from Eglington station
Address: 100 Queen's Park
Telephone: +1 416 586 5682
Website: http://www.rom.on.ca
Opening time: Open daily, from 9.30am to 4.30pm
Admission: May to October: C$29 (adults), C$19 (kids aged 3 - 12). November to April: C$23 (adults), C$14 (kids aged 3 - 12). Other concessions are available
Getting there: Rouge Hill GO Train station, #86A Scarborough bus route or #85 Sheppard East bus route
Address: Meadowvale Road, Scarborough
Telephone: +1 416 392 5900
Website: http://www.torontozoo.com
Opening time: Different attractions have different opening hours and seasons. Check website for details
Admission: Admission tickets vary depending on which attractions are visited. See website for details
Website: http://www.niagaraparks.com
Address: Wellington Street
Website: http://www.parl.gc.ca/Default.aspx?Language=E
Address: 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau
Website: http://www.historymuseum.ca/
Address: 1350 King Rd
Website: http://www.fwhp.ca
Address: East Loon Road
Website: http://www.amethystmine.com
Address: Thunder Bay
Website: http://www.ontarioparks.com/park/sleepinggiant
Address: Ontario, Canada
Website: http://www.ontarioparks.com/park/lakesuperior
The district had its beginnings in 1832 and eventually became the largest distillery in the British Empire. It assumed its current role as an arts and culture centre during the 1990s, doubling as one of Canada's most popular film locations. As of 2003, it has been a pedestrian-only village dedicated to the arts. Anyone visiting Toronto should explore the district's many art galleries, artisan boutiques and restaurants, and make sure they book tickets for one of the many festivals and special events held here.
Website: http://www.thedistillerydistrict.com
Opening time: Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, from 10am-5pm. Open Friday from 10am-9pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
Admission: Adults, C$10. Under 18, free.
Address: 158 Sterling Rd
Telephone: +1 416 530 2500
Website: museumofcontemporaryart.ca/
Getting there: The Toronto Island Ferry operates daily from 9am to 10pm, and leaves every 30 minutes. It travels to Hanlan's Point, Centre Island and Ward's Island
Address: Toronto Island Ferry Docks, foot of Bay Street and Queens Quay
Website: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/
Opening time: Monday to Thursday from 10am to 6pm; Friday from 10am to 9pm; Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm
Admission: C$15 (adults); free for children under 18 years. Other concessions available.
Address: 111 Queen's Park
Telephone: +1 416 586 8080
Website: http://www.gardinermuseum.on.ca
Opening time: Open seven days a week. Most opening hours are from 11am to 7pm, although fresh produce stalls usually open earlier, and restaurants usually close later
Getting there: The market is served by streetcar stops College, Spadina and Dundas
Address: Area bordered by Spadina Avenue, Dundas Street, Bathurst Street and College Street
Website: http://www.kensington-market.ca
Address: 235 Queen's Way
Website: http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com
Opening time: Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm. Saturday, 9.30am-6pm. Sunday, 10.30am-5pm.
Admission: C$18 (adults), C$12 (youths aged 4 - 13), free for children under 3. Other concessions are available.
Address: 30 Yonge Street, Brookfield Place
Telephone: +1 416 360 7765
Website: http://www.hhof.com
Opening time: Opening times vary according to season - check the official website for details.
Address: 9580 Jane Street, Vaughan
Telephone: +1 905 832 8131
Website: http://www.canadaswonderland.com
Address: 1873 Bloor Street West
Website: http://www.highparktoronto.com
Opening time: Open daily, from 10am-5pm
Admission: October to April, C$17 (adults), C$12 (teens and seniors), C$8.50 (children). May to October, C$20 (adults), C$15 (teens and seniors), C$10 (children)
Address: 3667 Concession Road 6, Orono
Telephone: +1 905 983 5016
Website: http://www.junglecatworld.com