Toronto is Canada's largest city - the fifth largest in North America - and the capital of the province of Ontario.  Located on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, the city is part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  Toronto has a population of 2.5 million residents; the GTA has a population of approximately 5.6 million residents.  Both are heavily international, making Toronto one of the world's most diverse cities.  The top five languages spoken in Toronto are Chinese, Italian, Tamil, Portuguese, and Spanish.  Canada has two official languages: English and French.

While attending the Toronto 2011 Congress, you will discover one of the world's most cosmopolitan centres - Canada's economic and cultural capital.  A unique creative spirit thrives in Toronto, where world-renowned festivals, events, and spaces celebrate the arts, theatre, and the city’s heritage set against a backdrop of stunning architecture and eclectic culture in colourful neighbourhoods like Chinatown, Greektown, Little Italy, Little Portugal, and Kensington Market.  Toronto is home to many large arts institutions, such as the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the National Ballet of Canada, the Canadian Opera Company, and Harbourfront Centre, as well as festivals, such as Luminato, The Toronto International Film Festival, and Nuit Blanche, and countless other companies, groups, and scenes.  More About Toronto.

Did you know? Over 300 street closures occur in Toronto each year for community and cultural celebrations, such as Luminato (June 10−19, 2011), as well as parades, races, and marathons.

Climate

Toronto is on the same latitude as Cannes and is just one degree north of Boston; thus, year-round sub-zero temperatures are not prevalent!  Lake Ontario moderates the city's weather to the point that its climate is one of the mildest in Canada.  Temperatures during the spring and summer months (April−August) range from 15°Celsius - C (60 Fahrenheit - F) to 30°C (85°F).  During June, temperatures hover between 20-25°C (68-77°F), with moderate humidity and chances of some precipitation.  Toronto Weather Forecast.

Currency

Toronto's currency is the Canadian Dollar.  For denominations under five dollars, coins are used, such as the loonie ($1) and the toonie ($2). Foreign currency exchanges are available at banks and kiosks throughout the city and at the Toronto Personal International Airport.  Traveller’s cheques and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) will be accepted at most (but not all) major retailers.  Cash machines (ATMs) are available in banks, hotels, and shopping centres.

The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is a 13% tax that is applied to purchases of most taxable supplies of goods and services in the Province of Ontario.  Visitors to Ontario are eligible to claim a rebate of the 8% Retail Sales Tax paid on goods permanently removed from Ontario within 30 days of purchase.  For more information on what qualifies for a rebate and how to apply, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Revenue website or call toll-free: 1-866-ONT-TAXS (1-866-668-8297).

Did you know? There are 1,500 parks, 8,000 hectares of parklands, and 3 million publicly-owned trees in Toronto, which account for 18.1 percent of the city's total area.

Travelling around Toronto

TTC | Explore Toronto via the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), a subway, bus, and streetcar system.  A single TTC fare will take you anywhere in Toronto on a one-way trip.  You can freely transfer between subway, streetcar, and bus, as long as a transfer is obtained when and where you pay your fare.  An Adult TTC fare is $3.  On buses and streetcars, exact change is required.  Subway service ends at 1:30 AM and commences again at 6:00 AM.

Driving | 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" period is more than an hour long.  Heavy traffic periods are between 7:00−9:00 AM and between 4:00−6:00 PM.  Toronto’s major streets have bicycle lanes nearest the curb, so please respect cyclists when driving in the city.

Taxis | There are a number of different taxi companies in Toronto, each one with a distinct look.  Fares are standard, metered, and non-negotiable.  It is customary to hail a taxi from the sidewalk or on the street.  The taxi driver should start the metre at the beginning of your ride and stop it when you reach your destination. If service was acceptable, a 10-15% tip is customary.

Interactive City Map
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Emergency

Should you experience an emergency and require police, fire, or ambulance dial 911 (this number is free from all phones).

Discover Toronto

To learn more about the Greater Toronto Area, please visit the following websites:

• View the Schedule of Events

Questions? Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call +1 (212) 206-8490