Toronto

Entry/Visa
Depending on which country you come from you might need a visa, however when coming from most European countries a visa is not required to enter Canada. One has to bring a valid passport.

Vaccines
Other than the standard vaccinations there are no special vaccinations needed when travelling to Toronto.

Climate
Toronto has more of a cool climate however the summers tend to be quite sunny. During the colder season from November to March the temperatures range from -10°C up to 10°C and during the warmer season from April to October the temperatures range from 10°C to 30°C. The winters can have snowfall whereas the summer s can be very warm at times.

Currency
The local currency used in Toronto is the Toronto Dollar, the Canadian Dollar however is also widely used.

Language
In Toronto the dominant language spoken is English, however many other languages are spoken amongst inhabitants, especially French.

Customs / Culture
Toronto’s culture is formed by the incredible theatre and performing arts scene. Toronto is home to more than 50 ballet and dance companies, 6 opera companies, 2 symphony orchestras and many theatres. Therefore it is part of the culture to visit operas, musicals, plays etc. One of the most famous districts in Toronto is the “Distillery District” through which you can walk and find art galleries, restaurant, art studios, boutiques and many other things which can introduce local customs.

Traditions
One of the main traditions in Toronto is to attend “Toronto’s Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival” which takes place every summer July to August and is a great street festival. There are so many other traditions which have been established over the years due to the immense history Toronto has.

Religion
Toronto is a very multicultural city with a great variety of different religions. Most people are Roman Catholic, some have no religious affiliation and the others are part of a range of different religions.

Airports / Car rental
Toronto has its own airport “Toronto Pearson International Airport” which is located about 40 minutes away from the city Centre. This airport receives domestic and international flights coming in and out on a daily basis. At the airport it is possible to rent a car which should be ordered in advanced.

Public transport
The public transportation system within Toronto is well developed. When in Toronto it is not always necessary to use a car. There are a variety of different transportation opportunities either via Streetcar rail, subway rail, intercity rail services and buses. All these transportation systems rotate in the city or around to go to further locations.

Taxis / Infrastructure
It is possible to find a taxi in Toronto almost everywhere. At the airport, at taxi stands, on the road or simply by calling one from the central taxi service.

Events

As Toronto is such a large city there are of course so many different events to attend. Some of the main events are:
- “Fresh Wednesday” which occur from July 13th until August 31st and is a live music festival ,
- “Tasty Thursdays” which is also a live music festival which occurs from July14th up to September 1st,
- “Sunday Serenades” which occurs from July 10th up to August 21st and is a live music festival with a lot of dancing,
- “Scotiabank Nuit Blanche” occurs in October and is a free all-night contemporary art event,
- “Cavalcade of Lights” occurs end of November and is the first lighting celebration,
- “Winterlicious” which occurs from January 27th until February 9th and is a price fixed restaurant promotion with lots of culinary offers.

Culinary Specialities
Toronto has a very authentic ethnic cuisine due to the city being so multicultural. Therefore you can find food from many origins all around Toronto. Some local specialties from the Canadian origin include Poutine, Butter tarts, Caribou stew, boiled fiddleheads and maple syrup. Some of the most popular local dishes include: Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast turkey, baked beans, peameal bacon, yellow pea soup, poutine and the originating dish pierogis.

Sights
In Toronto there is so much to see which ranges from a variety of different things that there is something for everyone of interest. Amongst these are:
- Art Gallery of Ontario
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Ontario Science Centre
- Bata Shoe Museum
- Canadian National Exhibition
- CN Tower
- Casa Loma
- Spadina House
- Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art
- Hockey Hall of Fame
- Black Creek Pioneer village
- Ontario Place
- Toronto City Hall
- Toronto Zoo
- Toronto Aerospace Museum
- McMichael Canadian Art Collection
- Rogers Centre.