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Welcome to Toronto
Toronto is an astonishing and eclectic mosaic of
people and languages, cultures and lifestyles
all in one
clean, safe, friendly place. It's a North
American city
of rare openness, energy and style, showcasing
world-class dining, shopping, museums,
galleries,
theatre, architecture and more. Its skyline
includes the CN Tower, one of the Modern Wonders of the
World, and
its miles of waterfront, beaches, boardwalks and
trails
perfectly complement Toronto's bustling downtown
core.
[ Explore attractions ]
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Getting Here
There are many ways to travel from Pearson Airport to the Westin Harbour Castle in Downtown Toronto - by car, public transit, inter-city buses or taxis and limousines.
Approximate costs ($CDN) for various options are:
| Taxi and limousine: |
$55 |
| Rental Car: |
$65 per day (Standard model) |
| Airport Express (Bus): |
$20 one way or $33 return |
The Airport Express operates between the Airport and Downtown hotels on an almost
24-hour basis, seven days a week, and departs every 30 minutes. The travel time from the Airport to the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel is approximately 45 minutes depending on time of day and mode of transportation. Please visit www.torontoairportexpress.com for more information.
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Credit Cards
Most American credit cards are honored in Canada. Most U.S. ATM (banking machine) cards can be used in Canada. Money will be disbursed in Canadian funds and converted to U.S. dollars on bank statement.
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Climate
Long, bright, sunny days are expected at this time of year in Toronto. Average daytime high temperatures are in the low 20°s C (low 70°s F), while evening temperatures can be as low as 10° C (50° F). A sports jacket or light coat is recommended. For more information on Toronto weather, please go to http://weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca
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Currency
Canadian currency is in dollars and cents. Please check the current exchange rate before travelling. Banks are generally closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Several options are available for currency exchange and bank machines are available at Pearson Airport and at the hotel. U.S. currency is widely accepted. See www.xe.com for current rates of exchange.
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Electrical Current
110 Volts, 60 cycles AC (same as the U.S.).
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Insurance
Participants are strongly urged to take out personal, medical and travel insurance prior to travelling.
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Cultural Mosaic
The over 100 different cultures who call Toronto home are reflected in a wonderful mosaic of distinctive neighbourhoods. Some can be described as
'ethnic', while others reflect a particular lifestyle, business or leisure activity.
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In many cases, an area's personality will change rapidly over the years, transformed by its new residents and retailers. This is a testament to Toronto's amazing ability to adapt and flourish, while remaining essentially 'Canadian' - gracious, broadminded, safe and friendly.
To truly experience a local's Toronto, neighbourhood-hopping is essential!
- For a real community flavour, try Greektown, Little Italy, Chinatown or the Gay Village
- If shopping is your passion, check out Bloor-Yorkville, Corso Italia or Queen Street West
- To explore Toronto's waterfront, visit The Beaches or Harbourfront
- If you’re looking for sensory overload, try the Entertainment District or St. Lawrence Market
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More bang for your buck
Imagine a retail experience that includes everything from upscale boutiques to an underground city featuring 1,200 shops in more than 10 kilometres of subterranean concourses. Boutiques. Malls. Markets. Galleries. Department stores. Outlets. Shops.
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It's all in Toronto where the favourable rate of exchange means your funds
go a long way. For example, the U.S. dollar goes 20% further or more with every purchase.
Here's what you need to know to spend money in Toronto:
- Toronto's currency is the Canadian Dollar
- For denominations under five dollars they use coins, including the 'Loonie' (one dollar coin) and 'Two-nie' (two dollar coin)
- U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere in Toronto, although change from your transactions will be given in Canadian currency and exchange rates will differ with each merchant
- You'll find cash machines/ATMs in most banks, hotels and shopping malls - cash is dispensed in Canadian currency
- Traveler's cheques, credit cards and debit cards are accepted at most (but not all) major retailers
- Currency exchange is available at banks and kiosks throughout the city, as well as in the airport
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Parkas and boots or Bermuda shorts?
Situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario (part of the Great Lakes system), Toronto is one of the southernmost cities in Canada. In fact, its latitude is very close to that of northern California and Cannes in the French Riviera.
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You haven't lived until you've jumped in a pile of freshly fallen leaves. Bring your camera because among the urban scenery, the turning leaves in golds, reds and oranges will make for gorgeous shots.
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Toronto's general tourism web sites
If you're planning a trip to Toronto, there are lots of online places to get good information about the city.
The following sites provide information about various attractions, restaurants, and activities in Toronto. Since this list is not comprehensive, please use the General Tourism Sites to search for specific interests...
www.torontotourism.com - the official site of the local convention and visitors bureau, Tourism Toronto, gives comprehensive information about the Toronto region that includes a calendar of events, an itinerary planning tool called MyToronto, maps, attractions, dining and theatre information and more
www.theatreintoronto.com - The Toronto Theatre Alliance's comprehensive 12-month listing of performing arts
www.toronto.com - Toronto shops, hotels, restaurants, dating and more
www.theweathernetwork.com - search Toronto for current conditions and forecasts, as well as statistics such as monthly temperature averages.
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 On any given day, there are up to 40 productions filming, earning Toronto the nickname, "Hollywood North"
Toronto boasts the third largest English-language theatre centre in the world
Toronto is home to five professional sports teams; Hockey: Toronto Maple Leafs; Football: Toronto Argonauts; Basketball: Toronto Raptors; Baseball: Toronto Blue Jays; Lacrosse: Toronto Rock
Stretching 1,896 km (that's 1,178 miles), Yonge Street holds the Guinness World Record as the longest street in the world
At 553 meters (that's 1,815 feet, 5 inches), the CN Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the world. It features four lookout levels — including one with a glass floor
Built from 1911 to 1914 at a cost of $3.5 million (equivalent to $60 million today), Casa Loma is only real castle in all of North America
Toronto Islands are just a 10-minute ferry ride from the mainland
Over 100 languages and dialects are spoken in the greater Toronto region, the top five being English, Chinese, Italian, Tamil and Portuguese
The city's 386 parks include green areas, beaches, conservatories and the Toronto Music Garden, a waterfront showcase inspired by the music of Johann Sebastian Bach
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