Toronto Warnings Or Dangers Tips by Todd64

The Snow...

My Grandfather, who grew up out West, always had the most sage advice for the youngin's, and 'Don't Eat Yellow Snow', was probably his most wise of teaching's since it applies to anywhere in the world, not the least of which, Toronto.
Toronto gets 2 types of Winter's these days. 1: the kind where you could literally go to work in the morning wearing nothing but Birkenstocks and your favorite touque, and 2: the kind which literally shuts the city down for 2-3 days. There really doesn't seem to be much in the middle anymore. Gosh-Golly,...I remember the days when I used to have to walk 10 km's to school during -40 temps, trudging uphill through 2 meters of hard-packed snow and ice with nothing but my bookbag and tiny woolen mittens to help keep the cold winter winds from ripping through,...oh wait,...that's my Dad's story, I always got a drive. Nevermind, just don't eat the snow, o.k? Well,...not the yellow stuff anyway; the brown's pretty safe. :o)

Looking Left Might Save Your Life

Ok,...I know. They perform a vital service to Toronto business by making sure the all-important package arrives to it's destination on time, but even though they may look like comic book superheroes with their flashy hats and multicoloured Spandex armour I assure you that the intrepid Bike Courier couldn't give a rat's ass for the health and safety of their fellow Torontonians. With their zigging and-a zagging, bobbing and-a weaving, they're like speeding, sweaty missiles plowing their way past slower automobiles and pedestrians alike, ignoring every rule of the road and traffic light in their path.

So,...always look to your left before crossing a busy Toronto street my friend, even if the little green fella says it's o.k to do so, lest you've a desire to have the front of your clothes torn from your body like in a cartoon by some rocket powered maniac in ridiculous, oversized sunglasses swearing and giving the finger because you were,...gasp,...obeying the traffic lights.

Funny Money

Be careful with this one my friends,...be very, very careful. Although the 100 Dollar bill is "supposed" to be accepted everywhere,...it isn't. It seems that the cunning minds of Canadian counterfeiters have come up with a way to duplicate this bill almost perfectly, so as retail-retaliation, you'll find that this particular bill simply won't be accepted by too many merchants, thusly leaving you in the lurch whilst fumbling to pay your bill. Fear not my intrepid traveller: all is not lost. Banks will cash the offending bill for you, and although a little inconvenient, you'll find 50's and 20's will be gladly accepted with greedy smiles and sweaty palms.

Keep your wits about you...

The most important warning I could give, is to remember that Toronto is a large Metropolis,(approx. 2.5 million) and unfortunately with that comes crime. No, it is'nt anarchy, but you should try to keep your safety in mind. There is no need to carry wads of cash for there are 24h ATM's on almost every corner, and should you run into even the slightest trouble, you'll find the Police to be quite approachable, friendly and helpful.(when they're not being aloof, surly and oppressive) ;o)