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.

Average Monthly Temperatures:

 Month  

   High

 Low 

January  

   30F  

  16F

February  

   30F

  15F

March  

   37F  

  23F

April  

   50F

  34F  

May  

   63F

  44F  

June  

   73F

  54F 

July  

   59F

  79F  

August  

   77F  

  58F

September  

   69F

  51F

October  

   56F

  40F

November  

   43F

  31F

December  

   33F

  21F

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.

Useful Conversions of weights and measures: 1 hectare - 2.471 acres 1 inch - 2.54 cm 1 ft. - 30.48 cm 1 oz. - 28.57 grams 1 lb. - 0.454 kg 1 cm - 0.39 inches 1 meter - 3.28 feet / 1.09 yards 1 km - 0.62 miles 1 liter - 0.26 US gallons 1 inch - 2.54 cm 1 foot - 0.39 meters 1 yard - 0.91 meters 1 mile - 1.60 km 1kg - 2.2lb 1 gallon - 3.78 liters

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.

Fishing and Hunting Regulations: 416/ 314-2000

Email retrieval: Many hotels have dedicated telephone outlets in the rooms for internet access.

Visitors with disabilities: Canadian Paraplegic Association National Office provides information about accessibility in Canada. 613/ 723-1033.

Embassies/Consulates: All embassies are in Ottawa, the national capital. US Consulate in Toronto is at 360 University Ave. 416/595-1700 .

The Toronto General Hospital: 200 Elizabeth St., provides 24-hour emergency service 416/340-3946 for emergency or 416/340-4611 for information

Liquor Laws: The minimum drinking age is 19. Drinking hours are daily 11am to 2am. The government is the only retail vendor. Liquor Control Board of Ontario LCBO stores sell liquor, wine, and some beers. They are open Monday to Saturday. Most are open from 10am to 6pm; some stay open evenings, and a few are open Sunday from noon to 5pm.

Wine: Vintages stores also operated by the LCBO , which carry a more extensive, specialized selection of wines. Downtown locations are in the lower-level concourse of Hazelton Lanes 416/924-9463 and at Queen's Quay 416/864-6777 . The Wine Rack, 560 Queen St. W. 416/504-3647 , and 77 Wellesley St. E., at Church 416/923-9393 , sells only Ontario wines.

Beer: Most branches of the Beer Store also part of the LCBO are open Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm, Saturday 10am to 8pm. There is a downtown location at 614 Queen St. W. 416/504-4665 .

Lost Property: If you leave something on a bus, a streetcar, or the subway, call the TTC Lost Articles Office 416/393-4100

Luggage Storage/Lockers: Lockers are available at Union Station and at the Eaton Centre.

Newspapers/Magazines: The four daily newspapers are the Globe and Mail, the National Post, the Toronto Star, and the Toronto Sun. Eye and Now are free arts-and-entertainment weeklies.

Pharmacies: One big chain is Pharma Plus, which has a store at 68 Wellesley St., at Church Street 416/924-7760 . It's open daily 8am to midnight. The only 24-hour drugstore near downtown is Shopper's Drug Mart, 700 Bay St., at Gerrard Street West 416/979-2424 .

Rest Rooms: Finding a public rest room is usually not difficult. Most tourist attractions have them, as do hotels, department stores, and public buildings..

Taxes: The provincial retail sales tax is 8%; on accommodations it's 5%. There is an additional 7% national goods-and-services tax GST .

In general, nonresidents may apply for a tax refund. They can recover the accommodations tax, the sales tax, and the GST for nondisposable merchandise that will be exported for use, provided it is removed from Canada within 60 days of purchase.

The quickest and easiest way to secure the refund is to stop at a duty-free shop at the border. You must have proper receipts with GST registration numbers. Or you can apply through the mail. It will take about 4 weeks to receive your refund. Pick up a rebate form at the registration desk of your hotel.

Time: Toronto is on eastern time. The time in Toronto will be the same as the time in New York City. Daylight saving time is in effect from April to October.

Tipping: the same as in major U.S. cities: 15% in restaurants, 10% to 15% for taxis, C$1 per bag for porters, C$2 per day for hotel housekeepers.

Transit Information: For information on the subway, bus, streetcar, and light rapid transit LRT system, call 416/393-4636.

Bike rental: Cyclepath, 2106 Yonge St 487-1717 , and Wheel Excitement Inc at 5 Rees St 260-9000 , also rents rollerblades.

Bus information: 416-393-7911 .

Rail: GO Transit 869-3200 ; VIA Rail enquiries 366-8411 .

Arriving and Departing:

By Plane:

Most flights arrive at Pearson International Airport, in the northwest corner of Metro Toronto, approximately 30 minutes from downtown. The trip may take longer during the morning rush 7 to 9am . A few commuter flights land at the Toronto Island Airport, a short ferry ride from downtown.

Pearson has three terminals, served by more than 50 airlines. The most spectacular is the Trillium Terminal 3 905/612-5100 . This supermodern facility has moving walkways, a huge food court, and many retail stores. There is a new, equally grand terminal currently under construction, which will one day replace the existing terminals 1 and 2.

To get from the airport to downtown, take Highway 427 south to the Gardiner Expressway East. taxi ; flat-rate limousine, and hotel shuttles are modes of travel from the airport to town.

The Airport Express bus 905/564-6333 travels between the airport, the bus terminal, and all major downtown hotels.

There is also bus service between the airport and York Mills and Yorkdale subway stations every 40 minutes.

The cheapest way to go is by subway and bus, which takes about an hour. The TTC airport bus no. 58A travels between the Lawrence West subway station and Pearson Airport Terminal 2. 416/393-4636.

By Train:

Trains arrive at Union Station on Front Street, 1 block west of Yonge Street, opposite the Royal York Ho The station has direct access to the subway, so you can easily reach any Toronto destination.

Getting Around:

By Public Transportation:

The Toronto Transit Commission, or TTC 416/393-4636 daily from 7am to 10pm for information , operates the subway, bus, streetcar, and light rapid transit LRT system.

Fares:

You can buy a special day pass that's good for unlimited travel for one person after 9:30am on weekdays, and good for up to six people a maximum of two adults anytime on Sunday and holidays. There is no Saturday pass, and no multiple-day deals.

For surface transportation, you need a ticket, a token, or exact change. You can buy tickets and tokens at subway entrances and at authorized stores that display the sign TTC. Bus drivers do not sell tickets, nor will they make change. Always obtain a free transfer where you board the train or bus, in case you need it. In the subways, use the push-button machine just inside the entrance. On streetcars and buses, ask the driver for a transfer.

The Subway:

It is fast, quiet, and clean: and very simple to use. There are two lines: Bloor-Danforth and Yonge-University-Spadina: that form a cross. The Bloor Street east-west line runs from Kipling Avenue in the west to Kennedy Road in the east where it connects with Scarborough Rapid Transit to Scarborough Centre and McCowan Rd. . The Yonge Street north-south line runs from Finch Avenue in the north to Union Station Front St. in the south. From there, it loops north along University Avenue and connects with the Bloor line at the St. George station. A Spadina extension runs north from St. George to Downsview station at Sheppard Avenue.

The light rapid transit LRT system connects downtown to Harbourfront. The fare is one ticket or token. It runs from Union Station along Queen's Quay to Spadina, with stops at Queen's Quay ferry docks, York Street, Simcoe Street, and Rees Street, then continues up Spadina to the Spadina subway station. The transfer from the subway to the LRT and vice versa at Union Station is free.

The subway operates Monday to Saturday 6am to 1:30am, Sunday 9am to 1:30am. From 1am to 5:30am, the Blue Night Network operates on basic surface routes. It runs about every 30 minutes. For route information, pick up a "Ride Guide" at subway entrances or call 416/393-4636. Multilingual information is available. You can also use the automated information service at 416/393-8663.

Buses & Streetcars: