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Travel Tips in Ontario

Here are a few helpful tips, facts and resources to help you get the most out of your travel experience, no matter where you're visiting from. Please make a selection from the list below to learn more about a particular topic.

Border Crossing

A number of resources can provide you with up-to-date information about border crossing to and from Ontario/Canada: 

Ministry of Transportation

Canada Border Service Agency

Customs

US Visitors to Ontario

Travel by Air
Beginning January 23, 2007, All persons, including U.S. Citizens, travelling by air between the United States and Canada (including in transit passengers who are transferring planes in the U.S.) will be required to present a valid passport or Air NEXUS card or return to the U.S.

Travel by Land and Sea
Visitors can continue to use such documents as their birth certificates and drivers' licences to cross the Canada-U.S. border by land and sea (including ferries) for at least another year.

American visitors may be asked to verify their citizenship with such documents as a passport or a birth certificate. Naturalised U.S. citizens should carry a naturalisation certificate. Permanent U.S. residents who are not citizens are advised to bring their Alien Registration Receipt Card (Green Card).

For more information visit the US Department of State at www.travel.state.gov or the Canadian Border Services Agency.

All Other Visitors to Ontario
Citizens of other countries, except Greenland, and residents of St-Pierre and Miquelon, must have a valid passport (some also require a visitor's visa).

Travellers under the age of 18 and unaccompanied by a parent need a letter of permission to travel in Canada from a parent or guardian. If you are travelling with children, you should carry identification for each child. Divorced parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the legal custody documents.

Non-residents of Canada visiting Ontario are allowed to bring in any reasonable amount of personal effects, a reasonable supply of food and a full tank of gas. (Reasonable means enough for personal use for the length of the stay.) Please note that any unreasonable amounts are subject to duty.

Many agricultural items are restricted or prohibited entry to Canada. Canadian law requires that you declare all agricultural products you bring into Canada to Customs officers when you arrive, whether it is by land, water or air. Permission is required to import plants to Canada, with the exception of houseplants from the United States. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency provides more information.

Learn more about Customs information for Visitors to Ontario at Canada International, at Canada Border Services Agency and at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Customs Offices
To locate your nearest customs office, please call the Border Information Service (BIS).
From within Canada, call: 1 800 461-9999 (toll free)
From outside Canada, call: (204) 983-3500 or (506) 636-5064 (long-distance charges apply)

Alcoholic Beverages
Visitors arriving in Ontario who are 19 years of age or older may import, duty and tax free, for personal use, either: 1.5 litres (52.7 oz.) of wine or 1.14L (40 oz.) of liquor or spirits; or 24 x 355 mL (12 oz.) cans or bottles of beer, ale, or their equivalent. Visitors can import more alcoholic beverages (up to 45 litres or 11.9 U.S. gallons), if they are willing to pay the Ontario fees and taxes in addition to the duties that apply.

Tobacco Products
Visitors arriving in Ontario who are 19 years of age or older may import, duty and tax-free

• 200 cigarettes;
• 50 cigars;
• 200 grams (7 oz) of manufactured tobacco; and
• 200 tobacco sticks

• Goods (souvenirs, etc.)
• $50 (excluding alcohol and tobacco) any number of times per year, after a minimum 24-hr absence.
• $200 any number of times after a minimum 48-hr absence.
• $750 after a minimum 7 days' Absence (excluding day of departure).

• 1.5 litres of wine, or 1.14 litres (40 oz.) of liquor, or 24 X 355 mL (12 oz.) bottles or cans of beer or ale (288 oz. Or 8.2 litres)

• 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or cigarillos, 200 tobacco sticks and 200 grams of manufactured tobacco.

• Great Britain: 145 Pounds Sterling
• Germany: 175 euros, for persons 17 years of age or older
• France: 175 euros, for persons 15 years of age or older

• One litre of liquor over 22% alcohol by volume or two litres of liquor under 22% alcohol and two litres of still table wine.

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars.

• 50 grams (2 oz.) of perfume and 250 grams (9 oz.) of eau de toilette.

• 200,000 yen

• 3 bottles, 750 cc each

• 100 cigars or 400 cigarettes or 500 grams of tobacco

• 2 oz. of perfume

Duty Free

Motorists crossing the U.S./Ontario border at 11 major points are able to enjoy duty-free shopping on the Ontario side for goods that are to be taken with them directly into the United States. Following is a list of Ontario's Duty-Free Shops open year-round; centres that are open 24 hours a day are indicated. Check ahead for hours of operation and holiday closures.

Fort Erie (24 hours)
Location: Peace Bridge Plaza, at the Peace Bridge
Tel: (905) 871-5400

Rainy River
Location: 402 Atwood Ave.
Tel: (807) 852-3886

Fort Frances
Location: At the International Bridge, 401 Mowat Ave.
Tel: (807) 274-7151

Sarnia (24 hours)
Location: At the Bluewater Bridge, 1 Bridge St.
Tel: (519) 332-4680

Lansdowne (24 hours; Closed Dec. 25)
Location: Hill Island, at the Thousand Islands Bridge
Tel: (613) 659-2133

Sault Ste. Marie
Location: At the International Bridge Plaza, 127 Huron St.
Tel: (705) 759-6333

Niagara Falls (24 hours on holiday weekends and during July - Aug. weekends only)
Location: 5726 Falls Avenue, at the Rainbow Bridge
Tel: (905) 374-3700

Windsor Tunnel (24 hours- restricted hours during Christmas and New Years)
Location: 465 Goyeau Street at the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel
Tel: (519) 252-2713

Queenston (24 hours)
Location: At the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge
Tel: (905) 262-5363

Windsor-Ambassador Bridge (24 hours)
Location: 707 Patricia St. at the Ambassador Bridge
Tel: (519) 977-9100

Prescott
Location: Hwy. 16 & 401, Prescott-Ogdensburg Bridge
Tel: (613) 925-1024

Emergency Services

In many areas of the province, 911 is the emergency services telephone number for fire, ambulance and police. For other types of emergency not serviced by 911, you should contact the operator by dialing zero (0) and saying, "This is an emergency."

Facts About Ontario

Ontario's Emblems

Official Flag
The flag of Ontario is called the Red Ensign. It includes the Union Jack, representing Ontario's ties to Great Britain, and the Coat-of-Arms of the Province.

Coat-of-Arms of Ontario
The Coat-of-Arms of the Province consists of a green shield with three golden maple leaves surmounted by the Banner of St. George, a red cross on a silver background. The banner indicates Ontario's close ties with Britain, while the colours, green and gold, are Ontario's official colours; green symbolizes the land. Above the shield is a bear, with a moose and a deer supporting the shield; all representing the rich animal life of the province. The Latin motto is translated as "Loyal She Began, Loyal She Remains." The shield was granted by Royal Warrant of Queen Victoria on May 25, 1868, and the crest, supporters and motto by Royal Warrant of King Edward VII on February 27, 1909.

Official Flower
The official flower of Ontario is the trillium, a delicate white three petalled flower that grows in profusion in the wild woodlands of the province in early spring.

Official Gem
Amethyst, the rich purple semi-precious stone, is the official gem of Ontario. Large deposits are found in Northwestern Ontario.

Official Tree
The Eastern White Pine, Ontario's official tree, was an important source of income and trade during the pioneering days, and continues to be a valuable resource for Ontario today.

Official Bird
The Common Loon was adopted as Ontario's official bird on June 23, 1994.

Gambling

Health Insurance

Language Information

Although English is Ontario's official language, French is spoken in many communities, and French language rights have been extended to the legal and educational systems. The searchable Franco-Ontarian Directory lets you access approximately 3,000 organizations, associations and institutions that operate in French in Ontario.

Pets

All animals are subject to veterinary inspection on arrival in Canada, and information about this procedure is available through Canada Food Inspection Agency. If evidence or suspicion of disease is found, the animals may be refused entry. Dogs and domestic cats, over 8 months, entering Canada from the United States will need certification, signed by a licenced veterinarian, that they have been vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 36-month period. This also applies to visitors wishing to bring a dog or domestic cat into Canada from a country other than the United States.

Dogs and cats from the U.S. that are at least three months old need signed and dated certificates from a veterinarian verifying that they have been vaccinated against rabies within the last three years. The certificate must clearly identify the animal.

If your dogs or cats are less than three months old, you do not need a certificate of rabies vaccination signed by a veterinarian to enter Canada. However, the animals must be in good health when they arrive.

For the most up-to-date information, you can visit this Web site:
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/import/petse.shtml

Postage

Canadian postage stamps must be used on all mail in Canada. Rates are 51 cents for postcards and letters up to 30 g (1oz.) destined for Canada (89 cents for those 30-50 g), 89 cents for mail destined for the United States and $1.49 (up to 20 g) for other countries. Detailed information is available through Canada Post.

Public Holidays

Following is a list of holidays in Ontario for 2007:

• New Year's Day, January 1
• Good Friday, April 6
• Easter Sunday, April 8
• Victoria Day, May 21
• Canada Day, July 1
• Civic Holiday, August 6
• Labour Day, September 3
• Canadian Thanksgiving, October 8
• Christmas Day, December 25
• Boxing Day, December 26

Public Transportation

In Toronto, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is an efficient and convenient way to get around the city, seven days a week. A subway system links to buses, streetcars and a light-rail transit providing a one-fare one-way ride to anywhere in the city.

In Ottawa, the OC Transpo provides public transit services around the city.

For information about other public transit systems across the province, call the municipality that you will be visiting.

Rules of the Road

Ontario traffic rules may be a bit different than the ones you're used to. So here's a list of traffic tips to help you get around the province safely.

Automobile Rentals
Car rentals are available at our international airports, train terminals and in many of our communities. Minimum age for rental varies between 21 and 25. You usually need a credit card to rent a car.

Bicycles
Bicycles are considered vehicles and must obey the same traffic laws. Bicycles are not allowed on controlled-access highways. For cyclists under the age of 18, it's mandatory to wear a bicycle helmet. However, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) urges all cyclists, of any age, to wear a helmet.

CAA Service
The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) provides emergency roadside services, auto touring and travel services, discounts, insurance services, along with a number of products. The CAA is connected with several international automobile clubs, including the American Automobile Association (AAA), and members can receive reciprocal benefits.

Driving Documents
A valid driver's licence from any country is good in Canada for three months, but you may want to get an International Driver's Licence before your trip, for extra identification. If you're driving to Canada from the United States, bring the vehicle registration forms and a free Canadian Non-Resident Insurance Card from your insurance agent, or the policy itself. The minimum combined liability insurance in Ontario is $200,000. If you're driving a borrowed car, bring a letter of permission signed by the owner. If you're driving a rented car, bring a copy of the rental contract.

Highway Rest Areas
There are approximately 20 highway rest areas along Hwy. 401 and four on Hwy. 400, featuring food services and service stations.

Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is not permitted on major highways.

Right Turns on Red Lights
You can make right turns on red lights, unless signs indicate you can't. You must come to a full stop, then proceed with caution if the way is clear.

Road Services
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) patrol the highways and other areas without municipal police services. You can reach them locally by calling one of the regional toll-free numbers listed on the Ontario Official Road Map. If you are involved in a collision resulting in a personal injury or property damage over $700, you must call the police and remain at the scene of the accident until cleared by the investigating officers. First aid stations and hospitals are clearly posted along the highways. Information on highway and road conditions are available from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) regional offices. These numbers are in the blue pages of the telephone book. The 24-hour, toll-free number is 1-800-268-4686. In Toronto, call the Road Information Office at (416) 599-9090.

School Buses
Traffic travelling in both directions, except divided roads or highways, must stop for a yellow school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.

Seatbelts
Ontario law requires all adults and children weighing over 18 kg (40 lb.) to be properly restrained using the full seatbelt assembly; which comprises the lap belt and the shoulder belt portions. Children weighing less than 18 kg (40 lb.) must be properly restrained with a child safety seat appropriate to the child's weight. Infants from birth to 9 kg (20 lb.) must travel in a rear-facing infant seat. Toddlers weighing from 9 kg (20 lb.) to 18 kg (40 lb.) must travel in a forward-facing child safety seat. It is recommended that all children under the age of 12 sit in the back seat of a vehicle with a front-seat airbag. Never place a rear-facing infant safety seat in a seating position equipped with an airbag.

Speed Limits
Speed limits in Ontario are in kilometres per hour (km/h). Freeways have a speed limit of 100 km/h (62 mph); the Trans-Canada routes 90 km/h. (56 mph). Most other rural highways and country roads have a speed limit of 80 km/h (50 mph).
The use of automobile radar detectors is prohibited in Ontario.

Streetcar Stops in Toronto
Vehicles must be at a stand-still stop at least 2 metres (6 ft.) behind the rearmost door of a stopping or stopped streetcar, for the safety of passengers getting on or off.

Tolls
International bridges, tunnels and ferries charge a fee, but our highways are toll-free. The only exception is Hwy. 407 Express Toll Route (ETR). This new highway runs across the north of Toronto from Pickering to Burlington. Hwy. 407 (ETR) is a modern toll highway and has no tollbooths. Cameras at all on and off ramps photograph licence plates of all vehicles. The owner will be sent a bill. Reciprocal agreements have been made with most jurisdictions in North America. For frequent users, a transponder is available. When placed on the windshield of the car, it emits a signal every time the car is on the highway, and a monthly bill is sent to the owner.

Sales Tax

In Ontario, an 8% provincial sales tax applies to most purchases, and most goods and services are subject to the federal 6% Goods and Services Tax (GST). If you reside outside Canada, you may be eligible to reclaim GST paid on purchases and accommodation during your visit. Expenses must total at least $200 (Canadian), before taxes; each receipt must total at least $50 (Canadian) before taxes. It is imperative that your receipts get stamped before you leave Canada; no refund will be issued otherwise. Visitors can get their receipts stamped at participating duty-free shops for an immediate refund (up to $500 Canadian) or at Canada Customs Offices, for a mail-back refund.

Retail Sales Tax (RST) Refund

In addition, visitors to Ontario are eligible to reclaim the provincial 8% Retail Sales Tax (RST) paid on goods permanently removed from Ontario within 30 days of purchase. To qualify, RST paid on each purchase must total at least $50 (Canadian), before taxes. Please note that a refund is not available for the RST paid on accommodation or on taxable services. For more information about the RST refund and to obtain an application form, call 1-800-263-7965 (within Canada) or 1-905-432-3332 (outside Canada).

Travel Distances

The drive and flight times we've supplied are approximate and are to be used only as a guide when travelling to or within Ontario.

Flight times shown are for direct, non-stop flights. Additional schedules, routes and connections are available via connecting flights.

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