| Taxes The provincial retail sales tax is 8%.
In addition another tax is applied to most goods
and services, the GST, which is applied at a rate
of 7%. There is a program for visitors or
tourists called the FOREIGN VISITOR REBATE (follow the link for details) which
provides a rebate on GST taxes on
certain expenditures of at least
$50.00 for each item and a combined total of at
least $200.00. Your receipts must be stamped
before you leave the country at a duty free shop
or Canada Customs. Any claim must be made within
60 days. Contact the government for the
appropriate form and be sure you understand all
the details before you visit. The Ontario
Government has a similar plan for some
purchases. Call 1-905-432-3332 from
outside Canada or 1-800-263-7965 from within.
Tipping
Tipping is expected for good
service at a rate of 10 to 15% of the before tax
total.
Language
Canada's official languages are
French and English. In Ontario the predominant
language spoken is English.While you will hear
French in Toronto, you'll find greater fluency in
the eastern regions of the province, particularly
in the Ottawa area.
Climate
Ontario's climate varies
considerably (after all it's a huge place). In
the extreme north you'll find Artic like
conditions around the Hudson's and James Bay. As
you move south, you generally find more
precipitation and a milder climate. The
southwestern region of the province, above Lake
Erie and into the Windsor area is the most
moderate, experiencing relatively mild winters
with little snow. It's important to remember that
blizzard conditions are possible in any area of
the Province in the winter.
Average Temperature
Toronto has fairly mild winters
for a Canadian city. The fact that it lies south
of most of the rest of the country is a factor as
is the moderating effects of the great lakes. For
the most part summers are pleasant but it
certainly can get hot and humid at times.
Month High Low
January -1.1C (30.1F) -7.7C (18.1F)
February -0.3C (31.5F -7.3C (18.9F)
March 4.2C (39.5F) -2.9C (26.7F)
April 11.9C (53.4F) 3.2C (37.8F)
May 17.9C (64.3F) 8.4C (47.2F)
June 24.2C (75.6F) 14.1C (57.4F)
July 26.8C (80.3F) 16.1C (62.3F)
August 25.9C (78.7F) 16.2C (61.2F)
September 21.6C (70.8F) 12.3C (54.2F)
October 15.5C (59.6F) 7.1C (44.8F)
November 7.8C (46.1F) 1.8C (35.3F)
December 1.2 (34.2F) -4.8C (23.4F)
While total snow accumulation in Toronto is
often low, don't rule out the possiblity of a
great blizzard, just like in the rest of Canada.
If you're visiting in winter, take this into
account when you do your planning. If your
heading north or east of the city in the winter
you will generally encounter greater snowfall so
be prepared.
Holidays
Ontario shares the same
holidays as the rest of Canada (see the VISITING
CANADA section) with the addition of the Civic
Holiday, which falls on the first Monday of
August each year.
Driving
A valid drivers license from
you country of residence is valid for up to three
months in Ontario.Seat belts must be worn, by
law, for adults and children over 40lb (18kg).
The speed limits are as posted with freeways
generally allowing speeds up to 100km/h (62.5
mph).You are permitted to turn right on red
lights (once you've come to a stop and
ascertained the way is clear) unless otherwise
indicated. Ontario has photo radar so keep a
light right foot. Ontario is particularly
stringent about drinking and driving - don't!
Snow is a possibility from October to April
(sometimes yes, sometimes no, you never know!)
particularly in the north so check road
conditions and closures before setting out. More Information on Driving in Ontario.
Provincial
Information
Government
Regional Information
Toronto Tourism Region - Southern Ontario
Weather
Toronto
Marine Forecast - Lake of
the Woods, Lake Nipigon, Lake Nippising, Great
Lakes and the St. Lawrence
Wind Chill
Air Quality
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