Public transport in Toronto is fast, safe and reliable. It consists of an integrated system of subways, buses and streetcars that reach every part of the city. The subway has four lines and is easy to use, and there are bus and streetcar stations next to every major stop - taking over where the subway leaves off. Fares are standard, and a single fare will take commuters anywhere on a single trip. Commuters can use tokens to avoid the hassle of having to pay with exact change. To freely change from one form of transport to another, commuters should get a transfer slip when paying for the fare. The subway runs from 6am-2.00am, while buses and streetcars operate from about 6am-12.30am. Both start at around 8am on Sundays. The Blue Night Network services main street routes after 1.30am. Taxis are always available and ferries travel to the Toronto Islands. Driving a hired car is not recommended due to traffic congestion and expensive parking.
GMT -5 (GMT -4 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).
Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. American-style flat two-pin plugs and a plug with a third round grounding pin are standard.
The currency used is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Banks and bureaux de change will change cash, as will some hotels. Major credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are widespread. US Dollars are widely accepted.
The international access code for Canada is +1. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code. The outgoing code is not necessary for calls to the US and the Caribbean. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
911 (all emergencies)
2018 | 2019 | |
New Years Day | 1 Jan | 1 Jan |
Good Friday | 14 Apr | 19 Apr |
Victoria Day | 21 May | 20 May |
Canada Day | 2 Jul | 1 Jul |
Labour Day | 3 Sep | 2 Sep |
Thanksgiving Day | 8 Oct | 14 Oct |
Remembrance Day | 11 Nov | 11 Nov |
Christmas Day | 25 Dec | 25 Dec |
Boxing Day (Ontario only) | 26 Dec | 26 Dec |
Lake Ontario takes some of the edge off Toronto's humid continental climate. Summer (June to August) tends to be hot and very humid, while winter (December to February) is severe with heavy snowfall. The average maximum temperature in January is 28°F (-2°C), while the average maximum temperature in July is 80°F (27°C). Rainfall tends to occur throughout the year, but summer, though the sunniest season, is also usually the wettest. Autumn is perhaps the best time to travel to Toronto, as temperatures are less extreme than in summer or winter, with mild days and cool nights.
The Terminal Link train offers free transportation between Terminals 1 and 3, the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, ALT Hotel, the Value Park Garage and Value Park Lot. Several companies provide bus and shuttle transit services to and from the airport into Toronto and surrounding areas. The Union Pearson Express train links the airport to Downtown Toronto in just 25 minutes. The airport is also easily accessible on various public transportation routes with providers such as Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and GO Transit.
Rental companies include Avis, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty, Hertz and National/Alamo.
There are authorised taxis available outside the arrivals halls.
The Terminal Link train system operates a 24-hour free service between Terminals 1 and 3, as well as to the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, ALT Hotel, the Value Park Garage and Value Parking Lot.
All terminals are well-supplied with facilities, including bureaux de change and ATMs, wifi, shops and duty-free outlets, hotel-reservation services, bars and restaurants.
Parking at Toronto Pearson International Airport ranges from C$5 for 30 minutes or C$50 per day in the Express Car Park, to C$20 per day or C$105 per week in the Value Park Lot. The Daily Park Lot costs C$30 per day and is within walking distance of Terminals 1 and 3.
Free wifi is available.