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In the downtown Toronto area there is another city underground. Much of the downtown is linked by underground corridors called the PATH system that contain shops and restaurants and other services. It's a bit confusing though there are signs to direct you to hotels, larger stores like the Bay and the Eaton's center and any subway stops. Good way to get out of the hot summer and nasty weather i suppose.
The url below has pdf format maps for the 10 kilometer system. Leave a Comment
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The animal MOOSE characterizes Canada. You can see lots of moose stuffed toys in souvenir shops or on T-shirts.
Here I am with a giant mosse seen in a shop... Leave a Comment
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Can I please ask what Toronto is being compared to when it is called diverse? I have done a lot of travelling, although admittedly not so much in North America, and I have never experienced as much racism as I did when I was in Toronto this summer. A smattering of multicultural restaurants does not make a city tolerant; it seemed to me that in Toronto, you are allowed to be diverse until such a point as it is noticably different from the mainstream.
I always thought my home in London was racist because racial issues are always in the public eye, but I realised thanks to my visit to Toronto that in London a huge stir is created when anything remotely racist occurs, because people as a whole really are tolerant. On the contrary, in Downtown Toronto's entertainment district - which should be a cosmopolitan area if such a thing existed in the city - I was the victim of racist verbal abuse on several occasions - and the people who witnessed the events sat and watched in silence. When I raised the issue with a group of Canadian acquaintances, I was told that Canada is big on free speech and therefore my experiences were merely an aspect of Canada's libertarian attitude. It is unfortunate that the behaviour of a minority has clouded my experience, but my bitter advice to tourists who don't blend in with a Western crowd, or perhaps with established minority groups in the area, is to be on your guard and be prepared to be harrassed.
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Canadian culture is uniqe in a way because not only do we have big cites skyscrapers and an exciting night life, but also we are fortunate enough to have beautiful natural parks. They are a refreshing change of pace. Every so often we go to the park with family, and have wonderfull picknicks :) Here's my little sister in a park in Toronto :-) Leave a Comment
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1. Most Torontonians (and many canadians) say the word 'Eh' after their sentences. It's not that we are hard of hearing it's just our way of seeking your agreement (like saying 'okay or 'right' or 'do you know what I mean?' after a sentence)
2. Torontonians are polite...Actor Peter Ustinoff described Toronto as 'New York City run by the Swiss'. Jumping the queue, making noise at sporting events, giving waiters a hard time is considered a no no.
3. We eat a lot of donuts...there's a donnut store on almost every corner...try the maple glazed donuts.
4. Toronto prides itself on being a clean place, so DO NOT through your litter on the ground...even if you do we won't say anything because we are too polite.
4. Tip at least 15% at restaurants...hint there is a 15% tax on restaurant food (This tax is shown on your bill). To avoid calculating the tip, simply leave the same amount of tip as the tax...simple
5. American beer tastes awful...do not order american beer in a Canadian Bar...watch what everyone else is drinking and order the same...you'll fit right in. Leave a Comment
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The prices indicated in stores and restaurants rarely include taxes. The taxes are added on the price when paying. In Ontario there are the federal Goods and Service Tax (GST) and the Provincial Sales Tax (PST). Leave a Comment
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Toronto is Italian, Greek, Asian, French, German, Spanish...
Toronto supports cultural diversity. When visiting Toronto, don't be surprised to see and meet people of different cultures. There are also many cultural events in Toronto. See 'Must See Activities' for more information.
The official language of business is English, and the official languages of government are English and French. Leave a Comment
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WE DON'T BITE...
Torontonians are very friendly people, and love tourists. You will find that most locals will be helpful. You will run into the odd person who is not nice, but you get that everywhere. Overall, Toronto is a very pro-tourist city. Leave a Comment
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Canadians are different than Americans.
I'm sure Americans would not like to be lumped with Canadians.
We love our brothers and sisters to the south, but a word of advice, refrain from calling Canadians American. There are people that would take offense. Perhaps it's because of the I AM CANADIAN ads that pop up on TV. Whatever the reason, be nice to the Canadian nationalistic pride and just keep that in mind. Why else would we be sure to put the canadian flags on our backpacks? Leave a Comment
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Tipping
Tipping in Toronto is pretty much expected. Many of the waitstaff in toronto are paid below minimum wage because it's assumed that the tips will more than make up for their wages.
A general rule of thumb?
Whatever the food tax is, match it.
Tax is 15% and that's a good amount to leave.
If the service was exceptional, feel free to leave more, i'm sure they don't mind :) Leave a Comment
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