WHEN BEST TO GO
Despite Canada’s reputation for extreme sub-zero weather, Toronto is a wonderful place to visit all year round, and, located on Lake Ontario, experiences a far milder climate than many other Canadian cities.
Temperatures do fall below freezing in winter, but a wealth of indoor, sporting and romantic wintry pursuits keep the city alive and cheerful in the cold. December to March sees the coldest weather, so if you are visiting around this time bring plenty of warm clothing. And you can definitely look forward to a white Christmas! The summer months of June, July and August are humid and warm, with plenty of festivals and outdoor fun.
LANGUAGE
English and French are the official languages of the Canadian government, thus official services across the country are provided in both languages. While native French speakers are a majority in the eastern province of Quebec, most Torontonians speak English as a first language.
LOCAL CUSTOMS
Toronto is a thriving melting pot of different cultures. Overall it has a relaxed and sophisticated vibe that places no major restrictions on its visitors in terms of dress or behavior. The legal drinking and smoking ages are 19, and smoking is prohibited in many restaurants and bars.
CURRENCY
Canadian dollar (CAD)
EXCHANGE RATE
$1 = 0.9 CAD
£1 = 1.6 CAD
€1 = 1.4 CAD
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COUNTRY DIALLING CODE
+1
24-HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT
Ambulance, police and fire services: 911
TIME ZONE
GMT-5, except for days between the second Sunday in March and the first Sunday in November when the time is adjusted to GMT-4 for daylight savings.
POPULATION
5.5 million
RELIGIOUS DEMOGRAPHIC
Approximately one third of Toronto’s residents identify as Roman Catholic, and a fifth as Protestant. Significant Muslim, Christian Orthodox, Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist and Sikh minorities exist, while around 16% of the population does not consider itself religious.
EMBASSY CONTACTS
UK: +1 416 593 1290
US: +1 416 595 1700
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
- New Year’s Day January 1,2012
- Family Day February 20, 2012
- Good Friday April 6,2012
- Easter Monday April 9, 2012
- Victoria Day May 21, 2012
- Canada Day July 1, 2012
- British Columbia Day August 6, 2012
- Labor Day September 3, 2012
- Thanksgiving Day October 8, 2012
- Remembrance Day November 11, 2012
- Christmas Day December 25, 2012
- Boxing Day December 26, 2012
BUSINESS HOURS
Standard business hours in Toronto are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. However, banks may close earlier at 4pm and open on Saturdays, and shops may stay open late into the evening.
EXECUTIVE SECURITY SERVICES INTERNATIONAL
For the VIP traveler with unique security needs, Executive Security is the transport provider you can trust. These personal protection experts are renowned internationally for their experience and success in ensuring the safety and security of high-profile clients. Owner Sunil Ram – who provides licensed personal protection training to law enforcement officers and military personnel – ensures the service is tailored to your unique needs, and will discuss your situation with honesty and expert advice. Offering a variety of transport options, Executive Security uses the elite services of partner companies with drivers and pilots they have trained personally. The company can provide armored vehicles, SAS-trained security agents, surveillance, even the expertise of former counter-terrorism agents – whatever it takes to ensure the client’s safety. Though based near Toronto, Executive Security’s remit is international, with a service as bespoke as it is thorough.
Sunil Ram, Owner and Operator
+1 705 788 1957
Huntsville, P1H 2L5
