Tourism Toronto - Pass for a Torontonian - transit, languages, transportation, money, tipping

All the little things the locals know

We love tourists so feel free to wear your fanny pack, camera and hat proudly. But if you’d rather try to pass for a Torontonian, here are a few tips for getting yourself to and fro like a pro.

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Languages Spoken

There are two official Canadian languages – English and French. In addition to these, the top 5 languages spoken in Toronto are Chinese, Italian, Tamil, Portuguese and Spanish.

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Getting Around

Public Transit
Explore Toronto on one of North America’s finest transportation systems – the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). With easy to navigate subways, buses and streetcars, getting around the city is a snap. When using the TTC a single fare will take you anywhere in the city on a one way trip. You can freely transfer between subway, streetcar and bus, but make sure you obtain a transfer when and where you pay your fare. On buses and streetcars, exact change is required.

GO Transit is Ontario’s inter-regional bus and train service. It links Toronto with outlying areas of the Greater Toronto and beyond. GO Trains and buses depart from Toronto’s Union Station at regular intervals throughout the day.

Driving Around Town

Toronto’s streets follow a basic grid pattern and are easy to navigate
Speed limit signs are posted on each street
The city’s "rush hour" is more than an hour long – count on heavy traffic from 7:00-9:00 a.m. and again from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Plenty of Toronto’s major streets have bicycle lanes nearest the curb. Please respect cyclists in the city – they’re environmentally friendly!

Parking
Parking on most downtown streets is limited to specific times of day, and often requires you to purchase and display a ticket from one of the parking machines located along the street. Be sure to check and obey the signs posted along the street to make sure your vehicle doesn’t get ticketed or, worse, towed away.

There are also a variety of public parking lots throughout the city. City-owned lots are indicated by the ‘Green P’ logo – a large ‘P’ in a green circle.

Hail a taxi
There are a number of different taxi companies in Toronto – each has a distinct look.

Fares are standard, metered and non-negotiable
The driver should start the meter at the beginning of your ride and stop it when you reach your destination
Refuse to ride in a taxi without an operational meter
If your service was acceptable, a 10-15% tip is customary

The Underground City
PATH is downtown Toronto's underground walkway linking 27 kms (16 miles) of subterranean shopping, services and entertainment. Follow the brightly coloured PATH signs and you'll reach your downtown destination easily in weatherproof comfort.

Accessible Toronto
Toronto is an accessible destination. A great resource for travelers with disabilities is EnableLink, a screen reader-friendly site. To learn more about specific Greater Toronto entertainment venues, lodging and more search Ontario and then Toronto at Access Guide Canada or visit Access Holidays Canada Inc.

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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), the toonie ($2)
US 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 Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a 6% tax that is charged on most goods and services sold or provided in Canada. And as we’re part of the Province of Ontario, purchases made in Toronto are also subject to the 8% Provincial Sales Tax (PST).

Tax Rebates Services
These companies offer services that ensure your visit to Toronto is less taxing. Visit them online, call or download their rebate application forms using the links below:

Custom House Global Foreign Exchange
Global Refund
Premier Tax-Free Services

Tax Rebates for Foreign-Based Convention Organizers
If the attendance at your convention is at least 75 per cent non-Canadian, you may be able to claim a rebate for tax paid on exhibition space and convention supplies (including business equipment rental, security, audiovisual equipment and speakers). If you’re planning a meeting, trade show or convention in Toronto, contact Tourism Toronto and Canada Customs & Revenue Agency well in advance to determine whether you qualify and what steps you’ll need to take.

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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:

2007

2008

2009

New Year’s Day

Jan 1

Jan 1

Jan 1

Good Friday

Apr 6

Mar 21

Apr 10

Easter Sunday

Apr 8

Mar 23

Apr 12

Easter Monday

Apr 9

Mar 24

Apr 13

Victoria Day

May 21

May 19

May 18

Day

July 1

July 1

July 1

Civic holiday*

Aug 6

Aug 4

Aug 4

Labour Day

Sept 3

Sept 1

Sept 7

Thanksgiving Day

Oct 8

Oct 13

Oct 12

Remembrance Day*

Nov 11

Nov 11

Nov 11

Christmas Day

Dec 25

Dec 25

Dec 25

Boxing Day

Dec 26

Dec 26

Dec 26

* Stores remain open on these dates.

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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.