Toronto, Ontario Hotels and City Guide

Toronto - Travel Tips

When to Visit Toronto
Local Holidays
Local Customs and Language

When to Visit Toronto

Seasons
The best time to travel to Toronto is during the summer months, when the weather is pleasant for exploring on foot and the city comes alive with outdoor events. Winters in Toronto are bitterly cold, but if you choose a Toronto holiday in the chilly months the underground shopping malls will provide plenty of entertainment without having to brave the elements.

Local Holidays

1 Jan - New Year's Day
March/April- Good Friday
March/April- Easter Monday
1 July - Canada Day
October (2nd Monday) - Thanksgiving
11 November - Remembrance Day
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Boxing Day

Local Customs and Language

Language
The official languages are English and French (predominantly in Quebec).

Smoking
Smoking bans have been implemented in enclosed public places such as restaurants, bars and shopping malls.

Toronto Tipping Advice
In Toronto, like the rest of North America, there is no automatic service charge added to restaurant bills. Tipping is generally expected and can be problematic if one is used to having a service charge included in the bill. Service charges can only be added to the bill with your consent and normally amount to between 10% and 20% of the total. Toronto doormen and porters are normally tipped at around CAD 1.00 per bag in a standard hotel. Maid service may be tipped at around CAD 1.00 a day.

Health and Security Advice

Health
No vaccinations are necessary for travel to Canada. The West Nile virus, spread by mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water, poses a threat during summer months in rural areas, so insect-repellent measures are advised for those visiting the countryside particularly in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec. Rabies is a problem and can be spread by a bite from small animals such as racoons and bats. Medical care is excellent, but expensive, so medical insurance is advised.

Security
Most visits to Canada are trouble-free. The country is politically stable, but does share the common international risk of terrorism. There have been no recent terrorism events. The crime rate is low, but travellers are advised to take sensible precautions to safeguard their belongings as they would anywhere. Canada is prone to tornadoes between May and September.

Tax Refunds

Foreign visitors to Canada can apply for a rebate on the GST that is paid on accommodation (up to 30 nights per visit), and on goods purchased in Canada and exported within 60 days of the purchase. Be sure to keep your receipts – you’ll need to have them validated by Canada Customs at the airport or border crossing when you leave.

Hotels in Toronto, Ontario