Toronto

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Toronto

  

PopulationToronto’s population is 2,503,281
CurrencyThe Canadian Dollar (CAN$). Current exchange rate is CAN$1.53 (July 2011).
Service industry professionals in Canada rely on tips to supplement an otherwise low income. Taxi drivers and waiters are generally given a minimum 10-15% tip, which is generally not included on the bill.
Canada is bilingual but the primary spoken language is English (unless you are in Québec where the primary spoken language is Québécois French).
Passports & VisasBritish citizens travelling to Canada require a full 10 year passport, which should be valid for at least six months after travel dates.
TransportationToronto, Canada is largely a pedestrian city. While many do drive, the transportation system (TTC) is very effective and makes for easy travel throughout the city. The subway & streetcars will get you to most main attractions quite easily and at a fairly low cost. If you wish to travel outside the city, trains to Ottawa, Quebec, Stratford, Niagara, and other Canadian cities or the US, can be found leaving daily from the beautiful, historic Union Station in downtown Toronto. Toronto International Airport is accessible by the TTC, and will take you anywhere in the world – including regular across country flights from Toronto to Vancouver and visa vera.
ClimateIn the height of summer, Toronto temperatures can rise to 40 degrees Celsius with a high humidity factor, which can at times make you feel as if you’re in the amazon. During the hot summer season there can be quite spectacular thunder storms which break up the heavy air pressure and make for some spectacularly coloured (green & purple) skies.Winter temperatures with wind chill can reach the -40s Celsius; blustery wind tunnels can make wandering through the city a very chilly experience. Fortunately, the city is well equipped to deal with all weather extremes including underground heated pedestrian tunnels in the city centre over winter, which are also suitably air conditioned in the summer.
Ideal Times to TravelThere are really only three seasons in Toronto: winter, summer, and autumn. On average, winter tends to extend from November to May when temperatures spike and suddenly it feels like summer. The ideal time for a holiday in Toronto is the autumn when patio season is in full swing, temperatures are still very warm but can often be less extreme. You’ll also see some spectacular autumn colours! May & June are also great months to travel to Toronto though may be very hot (and sometimes still have freak hail storms!)Despite the cold, winter & particularly Christmas holidays to Toronto can be rather beautiful – just make sure you bring your thermals!
Top AttractionsThe CN Tower, a well-known landmark, offers glass floors and spectacular city views from the viewing rooms and the 360 degree rotating Restaurant. It also offers a unique 3D Theatre experience. Casa Loma is a majestic historic castle features secret passages, an 800 foot tunnel, towers, stables, and beautiful 5-acre estate gardens (open May through October). It features various seasonal events and a spectacular restaurant. Queen Street West is a hip urban area similar to New York’s famous Soho, it is home to funky boutiques, an independent bookstore, trendy & unique restaurants, cafés and bistros, and fantastic people watching. Home to the headquarters of Much Music, local TV stations, and shops specialising in urban culture and design, it is a great place to go for a stroll, people watch, and take in some of Toronto’s more modern culture. Kensington Market is a buzzing local marketplace similar to a farmer’s market but year round. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix of unique shops and spectacular coffee at places like Moonbeam Café. King Street is Toronto’s Theatre District home to Broadway shows and contemporary theatre, pubs, restaurants, and dance clubs. Toronto Islands are a great escape from the bustling city, featuring an amusement park, Children’s Garden, boat rentals, and beautiful beaches and walks. You can get to the islands from the Queen’s Quay ferries. Note: the islands are only open to the public in the warmer months as the lake freezes in winter.
Local CultureToronto is one of the most diverse, multicultural cities in Canada with around 49.9% foreign born, which may be in due to it’s central location and nearness to the Country’s Capital (Ottawa). Because of its multicultural nature, you can find international hubs all over the Toronto area including: Little Italy, Little Greece, Little India, Chinatown, and so on. As a result the varied food, festivals, and lifestyles have something to offer pretty much anyone. It is also a city of arts, media and culture, a central hub for Canada’s music, film, theatre, and television industry, and is buzzing with creativity and culture.
ShoppingThe Main shopping centre in Toronto is in and around Eaton Centre, located at the cross between main streets Yonge and Dundas (easily found via the subway). Queen Street West, Kensington Market, and Yorktown are also great hubs for shopping. In the cold winter months, you may especially enjoy a walk through the PATH, the world’s largest underground shopping complex!
Whats OnThe first weekend in July normally sees Toronto’s Exhibition Place turned into an expansive racing track and is home to the very popular Honda Indy Toronto (formerly the Grand Prix of Toronto). Also in July is the Toronto Fringe Theatre Festival. Every September celebrities, film professionals, and film fans from around the world flock to Toronto for the world-renowned Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). TIFF is recognised as the most important festival after Cannes and is considered a launching pad for International, Hollywood, and Canadian cinema. On October 1st, there is a free all-night contemporary art event called Nuit Blanche which runs from 6:59pm to sunrise. If you’re an art enthusiast it is definitely not to be missed.Toronto is also just a 2 hour train trip away from Stratford, home of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, which is a very popular theatre festival that runs annually from April to October.
Historical ContextToronto’s urban community has only been around since 1793 when British colonials founded the Town of York (now called Yorktown), part of the Upper Canadian Frontier. The town was slow to grow due to numerous American attacks and occupations during the War of 1812. After 1815, due its status as the capital, Toronto began to attract many institutions, banks, and schools. It was also well-positioned for commercial, trade and transportation needs for the wider province and country. It was incorporated as the City of Toronto in 1834. Despite rebellions, outbreaks, and various other challenges at its start, Toronto continued to grow and now stands strong as one of the central hubs of industry, art, and culture for Canada.