Welcome to Toronto, the largest city and Canada and the fifth largest city in North America. Toronto is a city with a long history of multiculturalism and growth, tempered with a sense of community and tradition that has allowed Toronto to become one of the greatest cities in the world, with strong influences from many sources melding into a unique whole. Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto is farther south than many American cities, but it’s nature is distinctly Canadian despite its proximity to the States. An amalgam of six smaller cities that originally became affiliated in 1953 to ease population growth after the second World War, in 1998 the individual sections of Toronto were officially combined into what is today called the city of Toronto.
Toronto is also a strong force in the arts, whether musical or visual, live or recorded. With a progressive spirit and a sense of its identity and promising future, Toronto is quickly becoming one of the best known and loved cities in the world today.
July tends to be the middle of the summer season in Toronto. The average daily high temperatures for Toronto in July are 84°F or 29°C, with average low temperatures of 64°F or 17°C.
To visit Canada you:
** Visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.html to find the list of who will need a VISA. Citizens of U.S. and many European countries need no visa, but visit the above website for a more comprehensive list.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/visa.html contains information on how to get your VISA.
The VISA application process should be initiated well in advance of your estimated departure date.
Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. Make sure you have health insurance to pay your medical costs before you leave for Canada.
Contact a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate for information on what you will need before coming to Canada. Most ICME attendees will not need a VISA, but they will need a passport.
Once you arrive:
A custom's officer will ask you a few short questions when you arrive. To make this go quickly, keep your passport with you and not in your luggage.
The officer will stamp your passport or advise you how long you may stay in Canada. Feel free to ask questions if you are unsure about anything.
For VISAS, most applicants must have a passport and one passport size photograph. It may be helpful for an applicant to have a letter of invitation from the conference. If you need a personal letter of invitation to attend ICME 2006, please contact Mrs. Billene Mercer, Conference Management Services, mercer@cmsworldwide.com. You should provide her with your complete mailing address, e-mail address, and fax number. The letter of invitation with an original signature will be sent to you immediately.
The website for general customs information is: http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca and http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/customs/individuals/menu-e.html.
Lester B. Pearson International Airport (also known as LBPIA) is 16 miles (27 km) northwest of downtown Toronto. Travel time from the downtown area to the airport is generally 30-40 minutes.
You may want to check the Internet for discount airfares at: www.airfare.com. Other reliable consolidators to consult for low fares include www.counciltravel.com or www.statravel.com. Non-U.S. and non-Canadian travelers can take advantage of the Visit USA airpasses offered by Continental (800 231-0856) and similar coupons from Air Canada (800 776-3000).
The VIA Rail network is Canada’s train system that can also be used to enter Toronto from other parts of Canada. All long distance trains arrive at Union Station, which is directly linked to the Toronto subway system. Further information can be retrieved at: (888) 842-7425 orwww.viarail.ca. Toronto can also be reached by train using the GO Transit commuter train system ( (416) 594-1010) or Amtrak ( (800) 872-7245).
The Toronto Airport Express is a regular bus service available that runs from the airport into Toronto and the surrounding districts. A bus ticket costs CN$16.75. More information can be found by calling (800) 387-6787 or by visiting the bus service website at www.torontoairportexpress.com.
Taxi services between Pearson International Airport and Toronto cost between CN$40 and CN$50. Taxis are located outside all terminals and are metered.
Attendees may also choose to fly into Toronto through the smaller Toronto City Centre Airport (TCCA), also known as the Toronto Island Airport. This smaller airport is only serviced by Air Canada airlines, however, so may only be suitable to attendees coming from nearby Canada or the United States. The TCCA is located close to the downtown area on the western side of the Toronto Islands, and a passenger and vehicle ferry travels across the 400 ft (121 m) wide Western Channel to Toronto every 15 minutes while the airport is in operation.
Greyhound Lines also provide transportation from certain U.S. cities into Toronto. Greyhound Canada (800-661-8747).
There is an airport departure tax of $55 placed on all international flights out of Canada, except those to US destinations. For the US destinations, the tax is 7% of the ticket value plus $6 to a maximum of $55. Most tickets include the departure tax; however, if your ticket was purchased outside of Canada, it may not include this tax.
For international flights, you should check in two hours before the scheduled departure.
Taxi service in Toronto is generally reliable. An excellent taxi service that provides both standard and handicap-accessible taxis is Beck Taxi at (416) 751-5555.
There are many car rental companies in Toronto. Below is a list of major agencies. Check the telephone directory for additional companies. If you wish to rent a car and are not a Canadian or United States citizen, you must obtain an International Driving Permit.
| Avis | (514) 636-1902 |
| (800) 879-2847 in Canada | |
| or (800) 331-1084 | |
| Budget | (800) 268-8900 |
| (514) 636-0052 | |
| Discount | (514) 286-1554 |
| (800) 263-2355 | |
| Dollar | (514) 344-5858 downtown |
| (800) 800-6000 | |
| Enterprise | (800) 562-2886 |
| (514) 931-3722 | |
| Hertz | (800) 263-0600 in Canada |
| or (800) 654-3001 | |
| (514) 842-8537 | |
| National Tilden | (514) 878-2771 |
| (800) 387-4747 |
The Canadian dollar ($) is divided into 100 cents (¢). Coins come in denominations of 1¢ (penny), 5¢ (nickel), 10¢ (dime), 25¢ (quarter), 1$ (loonie) and $2 (twoonie) pieces. Bills come in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations. $50 and $100 dollar bills are not accepted by some shops or services.
You may check the Currency Exchange Services at: www.foreignmoney.com or from www.us.thomascook.com.
ATMS are found in most of the same places as in the United States.
Most major credit cards are accepted. Visa and MasterCard dominate the market, followed by American Express, Diners Club, and enRoute.
You can also exchange your cash at the airport or at major banks downtown. Banks and other financial institutions offer a standard rate of exchange; the best exchange rates can be obtained by withdrawing funds from bank’s ATMs.
| American Express | (800) 807-6233 |
| Thomas Cook | (800) 287-7362 |
Most goods and services in Canada are taxed 7% by the federal government and appears on the bill as the TPS tax or also known as GST. In addition to this tax, Quebec also charges an 8% provincial tax on goods and services, including hotel accommodations. This tax appears as the PST. The total tax on most goods and services is thus 15%. Visitors to Toronto from outside the country can apply to have both the federal and provincial tax returned to them upon their departure. Be sure to keep all purchase receipts as proof of payment. This application form can be found in the Tax Refund for Visitors to Canada booklet. It’s available at most hotels, Tourist Information Centers, travel agents, duty-free shops, and shopping centers. You can also call the Visitor Rebate Program (800) 668-4748 (within Canada) or (902) 432-5608 (outside Canada); or visit the website: www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca.
The subway system is an efficient and safe way to get around Toronto. The subway operates from Monday to Friday 6 am to 1:30 am, and Sunday 9 am to 1:30 am. Outside of these hours, a surface route known as the Blue Night Network runs roughly every 30 minutes. The subway system consists of a north-south line (Yonge-University-Spadina) and an east-west line (Bloor-Danforth). The system is interconnected with the bus and streetcar network, and transfer tickets can be picked up at the stations or from a bus driver, which is cheaper than buying separate tickets for each mode of transportation. Free system maps (also known as ride guides) can be obtained at any subway station to provide complete route information. For more information about the subway system call (416) 393-4636 between 7 am and 10 pm Eastern Standard Time.
ICME 2006 will be held in the award-winning Hilton Toronto, located near the center of the downtown area. The hotel information is as follows:
Hilton Toronto
145 Richmond Street West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 2L2
(416) 869-3187
General directions to the Hilton Toronto:
From 401 West: Follow Hwy 401 eastbound to Hwy 427. Take Highway 427 south to the Gardiner Expressway east. Exit onto York Street, head North to Richmond Street, turn left, (one way heading west) and the Hilton Toronto is located on the left-hand side.
From 401 East: Follow Hwy 401 Westbound to the Don Valley Parkway (DVP). Take DVP south to Richmond Street Exit. (Richmond Street is one way) Follow Richmond Street Westbound. After Bay Street, get into the left hand lane. Hilton Toronto is the second building on the left hand side after York Street.
From QEW West: Take the QEW (Queen Elizabeth Way) to Toronto. It becomes the Gardiner Expressway. Follow the Gardiner Expressway to the York Street exit. Take York Street north to Richmond Street West. Turn left on Richmond Street. The Hilton Toronto is the second building on the left.
These islands, which were originally a peninsula until a storm separated them in 1858, cover approximately 600 acres south of Toronto’s harbor. They once held opulent hotels and retreats for high society, but today they are home to shady biking and hiking trails, tennis courts, picnic sites and an old-fashioned amusement park complete with a carousel. The islands are a 20-minute ferry ride from the city, and are known to give a spectacular view of the Toronto skyline. For those seeking more exercise, bikes can be rented onsite.
Yorkville Ave. Between Yonge St. & Avenue Rd.
Although this neighborhood was once showing its age, recent renovations and investments have transformed it into one of the most fashionable and chic areas of the city. The Victorian houses that line the streets have been converted into cafes, salons and shops catering to upscale patrons. These tree-lined avenues provide a perfect place for a quiet afternoon of shopping or simply enjoying the city.
East of Parliament St., between Wellesley & Dundas St. East
Originally a poor immigrant neighborhood, Cabbagetown’s named is thought to come from the many cabbages sprouting in the front-yard gardens of the area. Today, however, Cabbagetown is a network of green spaces, trees and renovated homes. Due to the ethnically diverse background of the area, restaurants include such fare as Ethiopian, Chinese, French, Japanese and more. The area also includes the 19th century Riverdale Farm, Allan Gardens, and many colorful shops.
Dundas St. from Elizabeth St. to Spadina Ave.
Toronto’s Chinatown is the center of one of the largest Chinese districts in North America. Street vendors, especially produce sellers, fill the streets and byways of the area. Asian foods and goods are sold from many stores and restaurants, and the smells of cooking and flower shops fill the streets. This is an excellent neighborhood for a day visit or a stroll through the city.
Danforth Ave., between Chester St. & Broadview Ave.
Similar to Chinatown in some ways, the streets of Greektown also bustle with vendors and fruit markets. Trendy shops and cafes line the avenues festooned with the Greek flag. This family-friendly area is known for its welcoming nature, pastry shops, and memorable sights.
Kensington Ave., west of Spadina Ave. and north of Dundas St.
What was once a Jewish marketplace has become a home for the Portuguese, Carribean and East Indian communities of Toronto, creating an atmosphere like no other. Everything from imported food boutiques to vintage clothing shops to fruit and vegetable stands can be found along the streets of Kensington Market.
Gerrard St. between Woodfield & Coxwell
Also known as the Gerrard Indian Bazaar, this stretch of Gerrard St. contains over one hundred Indian, Pakistani, Sr Lankan and Bangladeshi stores. Food markets and jewelry shops abound, but the area is known for its fabric stores and clothing shops featuring saris and other traditional fashions. Over 50 Indian restaurants occupy the Bazaar, and many of them feature live performances of classical Indian music.
College St. from Euclid Ave. to Shaw St.
This Italian district has recently become one of the city’s nighttime hot spots, with a variety of trendy bars and restaurants. The area is dense with restaurants and bistros, and often full of revelers. For a quieter urban-Italian experience, the smaller neighborhood of Corso Italia may be more appropriate. (St. Clair Ave., west of Bathurst St. To Lansdowne Ave.) Slightly to the north of Little Italy, this region is a more “traditional” Italian neighborhood, interspersed with family-run restaurants and cafes.
Eastern Queen St.
This quiet community has a small-town feel that makes it a favorite of baby-boomers, whether they are visiting or local. Quirky shops and antique stores combined with a boardwalk bordering a lake make this an excellent area for a relaxed day trip inside the city.
Western Queen St.
The home and headquarters of the hip and fashionable, Queen Street West is a favorite of students, social climbers and bohemians alike. Clothing designers and fabric outlets rub shoulders here with second-hand bookstores and the cutting edge of the Toronto music scene. This funky neighborhood is sure to be a favorite of those who like the young nightlife.
Every corner of Toronto is filled with exciting and memorable things to explore and experience. Below are listed just a few of the things that make Toronto popular with tourists from around the world. For more suggestions, visit www.torontotourism.com.
CN Tower The CN Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the world, measuring 180 stories (553 m/1815 ft) at its tip. The glass floored areas, turbo elevator and revolving restaurant make visiting the Tower and unforgettable experience.
Roy Thomson Hall This concert hall has been designed to provide the best possible acoustic environment for anything that is performed there. Outfitted with the most sophisticated acoustic technologies and an interior shape that can change to suit different performance styles, the Roy Thomson Hall is fascinating to visit even when there is no performance scheduled.
Royal Ontario Museum The Royal Ontario Museum contains so many treasures that it would be impossible to see them all in a single visit. From ancient Egyptian antiquities and European suits of armor to dinosaur skeletons and totem poles, this museum holds something in its four levels and fifty exhibit spaces for any visitor.
Art Gallery of Ontario On the edge of Chinatown, the Art Gallery of Ontario contains over 26,000works of art ranging from 15th century European paintings to contemporary sculpture and modern Inuit carvings. Anyone who enjoys visual art of any kind is sure to find something enjoyable and interesting within the AGO’s spacious halls and galleries.
Hockey Hall of Fame The Stanley Cup, jerseys of famous players, videos of the game’s greatest moments and even a reproduction of a dressing room for the stars are all here at the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Hall has been open for over thirty years, and is a must for any visiting hockey fan.
Black Creek Pioneer Village Since it first opened in 1960, Black Creek Pioneer Village has been recreating life in a 19th century farming community for all who want to see it. A tinsmith, a printing press and a waterwheel mill are some of the various sights to see in this quaint and charming recreation.
Tommy Thompson Park Tommy Thompson Park, which is located on a eight mile long peninsula into Lake Ontario, has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA), and is home to several large bird populations, including terns, cormorants, inland gulls and herons. Other wildlife, such as rabbits, coyotes, woodchucks and butterflies also make the park their home. Visitors are free to cycle and walk on the trails, but dogs and other pets are not allowed.
Metro Toronto Zoo Containing more than 5,000 animals, six “zoogeographic regions” and 710 acres, the Metro Toronto Zoo is a world class attraction to animal lovers and the young at heart. The zoo is home to such rare species as the Indian rhinoceros, the pygmy hippopotamus and the lowland gorilla, not to mention Canada’s largest herd of African elephants. The zoo also features a “Zoomobile” which gives tours of the zoo as a whole.
Day Cruises Toronto’s panoramic skyline becomes even more dramatic when it is seen from the water. Cruises ranging from a two-hour harbor tour to an all-day cruise with a shipboard dinner and dancing can be scheduled, on ships as diverse as enclosed tour boats, three-masted Great Lakes schooners (www.greatlakesschooner.com), or even Canada’s tallest sailing ship, the Empire Sandy (www.empiresandy.com). For schedules and fares, check www.harbourfront.on.ca.
Hippo Tours These amphibious bus tours seat forty and take passengers on a ninety-minute journey around Toronto, cruising through both city streets and harbor waves. The tours leave every hour, on the hour. More information can be found at www.torontohippotours.com.
Niagara Falls Roughly 80 miles (130 kilometers) from Toronto, the city of Niagara Falls is a relaxing destination for a day trip away from the big city. Boasting more than just its namesake waterfalls, the “Honeymoon Capital of the World” has many well maintained museums and parks, as well as shopping casinos and the aquatic park “Marineland”. Of course, no visit to Niagara would be complete without seeing the magnificent falls, especially from the deck of the tour ship Maid of the Mist. Tours can be arranged through www.niagarafallstours.net, and more information on the city can be found at the city’s webpage, www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca.
African Lion Safari If the Toronto nightlife isn’t wild enough for you, the African Lion Safari (www.lionsafari.com) is only about an hour from the city, and is sure to thrill the entire family. The park houses more than 1000 animals, including lions, elephants, baboons, zebra and more, on a series of 5 to 50 acre (2 to 20 hectare) reserves. Guests can either drive through in their own car or join a guided tour, and there are many animal performances to enjoy as well. Fair warning to all tourists: with the petting zoos, breeding programs and boat and railway tours, you may need more than one trip to take it all in.
Tipping is generally not included in service charges in Canada. The general rule is to tip 15% of the entire bill. Porters and doormen should get about $2 a bag and maids should receive about $2 per person per day ($3 in luxury hotels).
| Tourist Information | (416) 203-2600 |
| Police (non-emergency) | (416) 808-2222 |
| Poison Information | (416) 813-5900 |
| All-Night Pharmacies: | |
| 3089 Duffering St. at Lawrence St. | (416) 787-0238 |
| 2345 Yonge St. at Eglinton St. | (416) 487-5411 |
| 700 Bay St. at Gerard St. | (416) 979-2424 |
| Emergencies: | |
| Police, fire, and ambulance | 911 |
| Dental Emergency Service (8am-midnight) | (416) 485-7121 |