Toronto Local Custom Tips by sim1

The Exhibition in Toronto

The Canadian National Exhibition, or in short "The Ex", is a major event held once a year at the end of August. It is one of the largest annual Fairs in North America. When you are in the city that time of the year it might be fun to pay it a visit. The fair is held annually for the 18 days prior to and including Labour Day. Hahaha, I don't know even where to begin to describe the EX, it has so many different things to see and do. There are stands about farming, animals, country exhibitions, kitchen appliances, garden show, a huge food court.... go there! yummie! See my restaurant tips :-))).... music, dance, firework show, and a big fair with roller coaster, and anything else you can think of.

The admission in 2003 is $10.00, Parking will be $15 and $17.

The Canadian National Exhibition is located near the heart of downtown Toronto on the shore of Lake Ontario. Take the Toronto bound Queen Elizabeth Way or Lakeshore Boulevard and follow the signs to the CNE/Exhibition Place.

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Phone: 416 263 3800
Website: http://www.theex.com/

Local Customs: Public Holidays

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Written by sim1

on Jan 7, 2003

Public Holidays:
Jan. 1 - New Year's Day
March or April(varies) - Good Friday
March or April(varies) - Easter Monday
May (Third Monday) - Victoria Day
July 1 - Canada Day
August (First Monday) - Civic Holiday
September (1st Monday) - Labor Day
October (1st Monday) - Thanksgiving Day
November 11 - Remembrance Day
December 25 - Christmas Day
December 26 - Boxing Day

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Local Customs: The currency

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Written by sim1

on Jan 7, 2003

Canadian dollar

Currency:
The Canadian currency is in dollars. There are one dollar coins (called "loonies" because of the loon depicted on the gold colored coin); two dollar coins with a gold colored center and silver border ( called "toonies" because they are equal to 2 loonies); dime; nickel and penny. The paper currency comes in denominations of $5; $10; $20; $50; $100. The present exchange rate is between $1.42 and $1.50 Canadian for every US dollar. Rates vary widely depending on where money is exchanged. Banks give the best rate.

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Tipping: Tipping

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Written by sim1

on Jan 9, 2003

Restaurant tipping is left to customer discretion, but the customary (and expected) amount is 15 per cent (the debate rages about whether this is calculated before or after tax). Many restaurants automatically add a gratuity (tip) to the bill for large groups (six to eight or more). It is also customary to tip bellhops, luggage handlers and taxi drivers, at your discretion.

The minimum legal drinking age in Ontario is 19 years. Bars and restaurants must stop serving alcohol by 2 a.m.

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Language: Language

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Written by sim1

on Jan 9, 2003

Chinatown in Toronto

English is the predominant language of Toronto, although both English and French are official languages; most government services are available in either language. But there are also large ethnic populations -- 350,000 Chinese, 400,000 Italians, 127,000 Greeks and many others -- so those languages are prominent in many neighbourhoods. Dual-language street signs can be found in areas such as Chinatown, Little Italy, Little Portugal, and other communities.

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Local Customs: Useful Conversions of weights and measure

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Written by sim1

on Jan 7, 2003