Local Insights
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Blessed with architectural, culinary and cultural charms, Canada's largest city welcomes the world. T.O., as it is fondly referred to by the locals, is a hub of business and a sizzling multi-ethnic wok that has the energy and excitement, matched only by the nearby Niagara Falls.
Getting there
The main international gateway to Toronto is Lester B Pearson Airport (1 416 776 3000; www.gtaa.com) which is about 45 minutes' drive from downtown. The City Centre (or Island) Airport (1 416 203 6942; www.torontoport.com) handles regional flights to other Canadian cities. Amtrak (1 800 872 7245; www.amtrak.com) provides daily rail services to the United States, while VIA Rail services travel across Canada with a national system (tel 1 888 842-7245; www.viarail.ca). The Greyhound bus network (1 416 594 1010; www.greyhound.ca) stretches across the entire country and into the United States.
Weather
Toronto has generally moderate climate but you can expect the thermometer to drop to minus 30 ºC with heavy snow in the depths of winter. Summer temperatures can reach 26 ºC, while in spring the mercury sits around 17 ºC.
Important Numbers
| Emergency | 911 |
| Ambulance | 1 416 392 2000 |
| Fire | 1 416 338 9050 |
| Police | 1 416 808 2222 |
| Tourist Information Hotline | 1 416 203 2600 |
Transportation/Getting Around
| Taxi |
Subway |
Streetcar (Tram) |
Bus | |
| Hotlines | Taxis can be hailed almost anywhere within the city centre or at taxi ranks. Diamond Taxi 1 416 366 6868 www.diamondtaxi.ca Crown Taxi 1 416 750 7878 www.crowntaxi.com |
Three subway lines extend across the entire city. Toronto Transit Commission 1 416 393 4636 www.ttc.ca |
A picturesque way to travel within the city centre. Toronto Transit Commission 1 416 393 4636 www.ttc.ca |
Quick and efficient normally but may be slow during rush hour. Toronto Transit Commission 1 416 393 4636 www.ttc.ca |
| Fare range/ destinations |
Fares from C$2.50 |
All fares, regardless of destination C$2.75 adults, C$1.85 seniors/student and 70 cents children. |
Same fares as for subway. Day pass allows two adults or an entire family to travel on Sundays and holidays at a total of C$8.50. |
Same fares as for subway. For all transport operated by TTC need exact fare or else buy prepaid tickets at newsagents or subway stations. |
| Operating hours | 24 hours |
Monday - Saturday 6.00 am - 1.30 am; Sunday 9.00 am - 1.30 am |
Monday - Saturday 5.00 am - 12.30 am or 1.00 am; Sunday from 9.00 am |
Same as for streetcars. Services both for buses and streetcars supplement-ed by Blue Night Network Services from 1.30 am to 5.00 am. |
| Train |
Car |
Bicycle |
||
| Hotlines | Railway lines run from Union station to suburban stations in eastern and western directions. Go Transit 1 416 869 3200 or 1 800 438 6646 www.gotransit.com |
All major car rental companies and a few local ones available. Budget 1 416 961 3932 www.budget.com Discount 1 416 921 1212 www.discountcar.com |
Great way to get around the city but take care if cycling in winter due to icy roads Cyclepath 1 416 487 1717 www.thecyclepath.com. |
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| Fare range/ destinations |
Fares vary depending on destination. Single ride, two-ride, ten-ride tickets or day pass and monthly passes available. |
From C$47.99 per weekday to weekly deals of C$179.99. |
From C$12 to C$24 a day. |
|
| Operating hours | Services commence between 4.15 am and 5.30 am and run until 12.00 am. |
24 hours |
24 hours |
* Remarks: The local currency is Canadian dollar "C$"
Local Language
Learn more about local language from below.
| English | Local language |
| Good morning/day | Bonjour |
| Goodbye | Au revoir |
| Thank you | Merci |
| How are you? | Comment ca va? |
| Fine | Bien |
| What is your name? | Qu'est ce que vous appellez vous? |
| My name is | Je m'appelle... |
| Nice to meet you | Enchante |
| I'm sorry | Pardonnez moi |
| Excuse me | Excusez moi |
| You're welcome | Je vous en prie |
| Yes | Oui |
| No | Non |
| Do you speak English? | Parlez vous anglais? |
| I can't speak French | Je ne parle pas francais |
| Help me please | Aidez moi s'il vous plait |
| I don't understand | Je ne comprends pas |
| Where is the toilet? | Ou est le toilette? |
| How much is this? | Ca coute combien? |
| Expensive | Cher |
| Cheap | Bon marche |
Business and Finance
Currently, both a buoyant economy and a strong devotion to business ethics combine to make Toronto a profitable city. Work, and efficiency at work, is important in Toronto, with punctuality, prompt responses and swift action being the norm. Hockey may be a Canadian passion, but it takes second place to the office in Toronto.
The above information is for reference only. They may be provided to HSBC by other persons or compiled by HSBC from information and materials provided by other persons. HSBC does not warrant the truth, reliability, accuracy or adequacy of the above information and HSBC assumes no liability for any reliance on them by you or any other persons. Please contact the relevant merchant, company or organisation for further details.
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