Best Time to Visit

Toronto is a year-round destination and offers something for everyone. Summer (June–August) is the most popular season and this is when schools are on break and many families have holiday. Summer is the warmest time of the year and this is also when the city is getting more crowded and the accommodation rates are rising. During June many popular festivals are organized, and this is also when most festivals kick off. If you like cold weather and outdoor activities, then November to March is good months to travel to Toronto. During these months the hotel rates are also lower. January is the peak of Toronto's long winter season and one of the coldest months of the year. Spring between April and May is claimed to be the best time to visit Toronto. The weather is chillier but still it is comfortable to do some sightseeing. Make sure to have extra layer of clothing when the sun drops down — it can get cold. During these months there are no crowds and the room rates are reasonable.

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

Toronto is one of the most accessible cities in North America, nearby cities include Buffalo, Detroit, Chicago and New York. The Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is located in the northwest corner of metropolitan Toronto 16 miles (25 km) west of central Toronto and serves more than 35 international carriers. It is the main Toronto airport for handling commercial and business flights. Allow 40-60 minutes to/from the heart of downtown, depending on time of travel. Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) provides express bus and subway service to the city centre of Toronto. This is least expensive method of getting to and from downtown Toronto. You will find the stations in terminal 1, ground level, second curb, column R4 and terminal 3, arrivals level, third curb, column C12. MiWay, the local bus service within the City of Mississauga is located in terminal 1, ground Level, second curb, column S4. GO Bus and GO Train service transport their passengers to the city centre of Toronto and surrounding suburbs. (Terminal 1, ground level, second curb, column Q2-Q4). Union Pearson Express takes only 25 minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Union Station in the heart of downtown Toronto. The trains are leaving every 15 minutes and run between 5:30 am and 1 am. Tickets can be bought at the ticket vending machines at airport, customer service counter in terminal 1 (arrival level) and onboard on the train. If you choose to take a taxi, make sure to take a licensed Toronto Pearson taxi or limo. Only authorized taxi company are allowed to pick passengers from Toronto Pearson. Taxi pick-up locations: terminal 1, arrival level and terminal 3, arrivals level. At the airport there are several car rentals such as Avis, Budget, Dollar/Thrifty, Enterprise, Hertz and National/Alamo. They are on Level 1 of the Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 parking garages.

• Web:

  www.torontopearson.com

• Address:

  6301 Silver Dart Drive, Mississauga, ON

Public Transport

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is the quick, convenient and safe way to get around Toronto. The subway system is linked with buses and streetcars to get you around Toronto on one fare, provided it’s a one way trip with no stopovers. You can “ride the rocket” (as the TTC aptly describes itself) weekdays and Saturdays from about 6 am until 1:30 am and on Sundays from about 9 am to 1:30 am. Get a transfer when you pay and you can make a free connection as long as you complete your journey within one hour. Weekly and monthly passes are also available at subway stations. Buses and streetcars are frequent and can get you from any subway stop to your final destination. Both are equipped with route and destination information signs. Schedule information is posted at most major route intersections. There’s a late night service called the Blue Night Network. Buses and streetcars run on most major routes (transit stops are marked with a reflective blue band) every morning from about 1:30 am to 5:00 am Service is provided every 30 minutes or less. Toronto is also served by the VIA Rail System, the network that provides all rail service throughout Canada (with connections to the Amtrak system through Niagara Falls, New York). Union Station is the name of the train station. It is located on Front Street, between Bay and University (across the street from the Royal York Hotel). The station is right on the subway line.

• Web:

  www.ttc.ca

Electricity

Canada uses 110-volt electricity, 60 cycle electric power, same as the USA. Unless your appliance is dual voltage, you need to use a “converter” or a “transformer”. Power outlets are designed for use with a two prong and some accept a 3 prong (with ground) plug.

Pharmacy

Pharma Plus Drug Mart and Shoppers Mart are two of Toronto’s main chains for medication. There’s often one in every neighborhood that is open 24 hours. If you’re in need of emergency medical care, call 911. Concierges at hotel desks can also recommend doctors.

• Web:

  www.shoppersdrugmart.ca

• Address:

  Shoppers Drug Mart, 465 Yonge Street, Toronto

• Phone:

  +1 416 408 4000

• Opening hours:

  24/7

Port of Toronto

The International Marine Passenger Terminal is an exciting destination for cruise ship travelers, with a convenient location just a short drive from downtown Toronto. The port allows passengers to spend several days in the city, taking advantage of its many attractions, restaurants and accommodations. The port was originally built for the Spirit of Ontario I, a fast ferry service between Toronto and Rochester, New York, but has since become a hub for Great Lakes cruise ships. In the summer months, tourists from the US and Europe often use the terminal as a port of call between May and October.

• Web:

  www.portstoronto.com

• Address:

  Port of Toronto, 8 Unwin Avenue, Port Lands, Toronto