Ontario is Canada's second largest province but
most populous province and is the economic engine that powers the country. The
word "Ontario:"
is thought to mean "beautiful waters" in the indigenous languages. While 80
percent of the province is covered by forests, 20 per cent is comprised of
water, with over 250,000 lakes.
Ontario is Canada manufacturing leader and
produces 60% of all manufactured goods exported. Canada has political systems based
on the British parliamentary and constitutional monarchy model
There are countless interesting and
exciting things to see and do.
Capital:
Toronto (pop; 4,000,000 app.), located on Lake Ontario,
is Canada's
largest city. It is also the commercial, industrial and financial centre of Canada.
Accommodations
With an accommodation directory of thousands of luxury
hotel, motels, country inns, resorts, lodges, bed and breakfasts, farm
vacations, self-catering accommodation, camping and house boating. Most major
chains have hotels in Ontario -- Ontario's accommodation
properties can satisfy your needs and tastes. All offer great ambience,
tradition, recreation, spa services, fine dining and modern décor. Please note
that some establishments may not offer bar, lounge or licensed dining rooms.
It's advisable to book ahead to determine if you may enjoy your own purchased
alcoholic beverages on site.
Attractions
From the tip of Pelee
Island to the shores of James Bay,
Discover a world of attractions in Toronto.
Stand on Parliament Hill and overlook the city of Ottawa. Explore art galleries, museums and
heritage sites. Discover Niagara Falls
by land, water or air. Seek adventure at tons of outdoor attractions, parks,
nature preserves and on thousands of lakes and rivers.
History and Culture
The French were the first Europeans to arrive in Ontario, following the
path of explorers in the early 1600s. Today, there are two Aboriginal language
groups in Ontario:
Algonquian, spoken by the Algonquin, Ojibwa and Cree; and Iroquoian, spoken by
the Iroquois. The French culture is still a part of Ontario. English and French are common Languages.
Weather
Ontario's
climate is considered continental. Due to Ontario's size and diverse geography,
temperatures may vary tremendously from region to region and even within the
regions themselves.
Spring: From
March - May, temperature ranges from 8° C to 18° C (46° F to 64° F).
Summer: From
June - mid-September, temperatures range from 21° C to 31° C (70° F to 88° F).
Fall:
From mid-late September - November, temperatures range from 7° C to 17° C (45°
F to 63° F).
Winter:
From December - February, temperatures hover between -4C to -18 C (25° F to 0°
F). Snowfall usually occurs through December, January and February.
Precipitation in Northern Ontario varies from
70 cm to 97 cm (28 in. to 38 in.).
Currency
The Canadian
dollar (CAD), which is divided
into 100 cents. Coin denominations are; 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1"loonies" and $2 "toonies" Notes/bill are $5(blue),$10,00(purple), $20,00(green),$50,00(red). Buy a bit of local currency before departing
for Canada.
Custom and duty
Non-residents of Canada
visiting Ontario
are allowed to bring in any reasonable amount of personal effects and a
reasonable supply of food.
Tips or service charge
Tips or service charges are not usually added to the bill in
Canada.
In general, a tip of 15% of the pre-tax total is given.
Driving in Ontario
Non-residents
are permitted for 3 months to drive with a driving license which is valid in
their own country. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road and the wearing of
seatbelts is compulsory
Time Zone
Most of Ontario is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone. Some of Western/Northern
Ontario is in the Central Time Zone. It is -5 GMT. Daylight Saving Time comes
into effect from April - October.
Electrical Current
The standard electrical voltage current in Ontario is 110 volts/60 cycles. Not Europe standard.
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