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Toronto, Canada: Why Go

Recommendations & Suggestions

BEFORE YOU GO: Toronto
Toronto
Phone: 5555555

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND CUSTOMS
-Starting January 23, 2007, all U.S., Canadian, Mexican, and Bermudian citizens must carry a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States.
-Visitors leaving Canada for US destinations clear US Customs and Immigration before departure. US citizens are allowed to bring back $400 worth of merchandise duty-free every 30 days. Above that, you'll be charged a flat rate of 10% duty on the next $1000 worth of purchases. Be sure to save all of your merchandise receipts.
-Non-US citizens, please contact the nearest consulate or embassy of the country to which you aretraveling to determine your entry/visa requirements.

LANGUAGE
-English except in Quebec province, where French is spoken.

CURRENCY
-The Canadian Dollar (CDN$1). The exchange rate varies, but is currently about 1 US Dollar= 1.24 Canadian Dollars. It's easy to exchange currency at banks, and US dollars are often, although not always, accepted.
-24-hour ATMs are widely available and major international credit cards are accepted in most places.

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
-Road rules are the same as in the US.
-Taxis are widely available at airports, hotels and business areas, and are usually metered.
-Major cities have excellent public transportation facilities including buses and rapid transit.

DEPARTURE TAX (not included in this package)
-CDN$10 airport beautification tax is charged upon arrival or departure at Dorval airport in Montreal. No airport tax is charged in Toronto.

ELECTRICITY
-120 volts/60 cycles, which is compatible with the US.

HEALTH & SAFETY
-Just as you would when traveling to an unfamiliar area, consult any major guidebook or check with your hotel about any areas to avoid or precautions to take, and use common sense.
-Most hotels offer a safe for your valuables, but the safest option is always to leave any treasured valuables like expensive jewelry at home.

SHOPPING
-Non-resident visitors are entitled to a rebate of the 7% GST tax or 15% HST tax on certain goods they take out of Canada, as well as on short-term accommodations. Keep your receipts, and pick up a copy of the Tax Refund Application for Visitors at your hotel, a duty-free shop or a tourism information center.
-Tipping for service is usually 15%, although some hotels and restaurants automatically add a gratuity to the bill. For porters and other hotel staff, CDN$1 per item of luggage carried is standard.

CALLING CUSTOMER SERVICE:
When calling Customer Service from Canada, dial 1-800-CALL-ATT prior to the toll-free number printed in your confirmation e-mail.

NOTE: U.S. State Department passport, visa and travel advisory information may be found at www.state.gov/www/services.html

Casa Loma
1 Austin Terrace Off Spadina Road

Described as "a mixture of 17th century Scotland and 20th Century Fox," Casa Loma is one of Toronto's great architectural pleasures. Built by Sir Henry Pellatt after he was knighted for building the first Canadian electricity generation station at Niagara Falls, the mansion reflects his fascination with medieval European castles. The house took three years and cost $2.5 million to build--in 1914. Chock-full of secret passageways (including an 800-foot tunnel leading to the stables) and futuristic touches, highlights include the Great Hall, with its 70-foot ceiling, and the 1,700-bottle wine cellar. Tickets are C$10 for adults.

Fez Batik
129 Peter Street on the corner of Richmond and Peter Streets

From its basement teahouse with a resident Tarot card reader and psychic, to the penny candy shop perched atop a staircase, the roomy Fez Batik isn't your everyday Moroccan restaurant/smoke shop/art gallery--let alone your average Toronto restaurant and lounge. Get there early and enjoy the creative kitchen's tasty and unusual (although not necessarily African-inspired) fare.

With a large patio and a trendy young crowd, Fez Batik has a relaxed and loungey atmosphere that's fostered by the upstairs fireplace in one corner, opposite a nook encased by a plush padded bench laden with plenty of cushions. Open for lunch and dinner, the club charges a small cover on weekend evenings after 10pm. There's often live music Wednesdays through Sundays, or else a DJ encouraging people onto the hopping dance floor. Don't go if you hate crowds, but if you're trying to find great nightlife in Toronto, this centrally-located Entertainment district lounge is one of Toronto's hotspots.

Lee Garden
331 Spadina Avenue Between St. Andrews Street and Baldwin Street

This authentic Cantonese spot sits in the heart of Toronto's Chinatown, near the intersection of Spadina and Dundas. Known for its fresh seafood, Lee Garden is popular with locals for its variety, selection and spicy dishes. While it's a bit pricier than some of its neighbors, the quality is consistent, although it doesn't serve dim sum.

Moose in the City
Various locations throughout Toronto

The moose are loose all over Toronto. Made of fiberglass and designed by Toronto-based artists, you'll find moose in the city's squares and parks and grazing along the side of the road. If you fall in love with one, the moose are for sale--proceeds benefit local charities and the Canadian Olympic team.

Queen Street West
Queen Street West Between University and Bathurst Avenue

Home to Toronto's avant-garde scene, Queen Street West is the strip to find cutting-edge clothes, used books, music, hot ethnic restaurants, dives and clubs. Artists studying at the Ontario College of Art contribute to the neighborhood's funky feel.

Rivoli
332 - 334 Queen Street West

If you're wondering where Mike Myers got his inspiration for Dieter (of "touch my monkey" fame), look no further than Rivoli. In the 80s, the Riv was at the heart of Queen Street's goth hipster scene, but it's changed with the times to become more of an upscale, mixed scene. There's a restaurant on one side, a bar on the other, and a back room with some of the best alternative rock acts, comedy and performance art in town. The Side Bar (also known as Riv Gauche) features a rotating roster of local DJ talent. Upstairs is a pool hall with 13 vintage tables that's open until last call. The patio out front is pole position for Queen Street West people-watching.