The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates a huge system of connecting subway, bus, and streetcar lines that serves the entire city. It is one of the safest and cleanest systems of its kind anywhere in the world. There are two major subway lines, with 60 stations along the way (see endpaper). Be sure to get a free transfer pass if you intend to continue your trip by bus or streetcar after you leave the subway. To ride buses and streetcars, you must have exact change, a ticket, or a token. Tickets and tokens are on sale at subway entrances and stores. The “Pick up a Ride Guide” shows every major place of interest and how to reach it by public transit, and is available at most subway ticket offices. A Light Rapid Transit line connects downtown to the lakefront (called Harbourfront). The line starts at Union Station and terminates at Spadina/Bloor subway station. It is easy to catch a cab in Toronto; they can be hailed in the street, called in advance, or found outside hotels. There are several outlets that rent bicycles, but as downtown Toronto is busy with traffic, it is best to confine your cycling to the parks. The Martin Goodman Trail is a well-marked scenic bicycle route along the long, scenic waterfront. As in Vancouver, you will need the right coins for the bus. The regular adult fare is Can $2 across the whole system, and transfers are free for up to an hour. If you are going to be in Toronto for an extended period, it is worth considering a MetroPass for one month, or you can buy 10 tickets or tokens for Can $19. There are day passes for use during off-peak hours. Ferries to the Toronto Islands run several times an hour at peak times in summer and continue well into the evening. There is also a road bridge.
Montreal’s bus and subway network is integrated so that the stations connect with bus routes and tickets can be used on either. Be sure to get a transfer ticket, which should take you anywhere in the city for one fare. Known as the Metro, Montreal’s subway is clean, safe, and air-conditioned in summer and heated in the winter. It is by far the fastest and cheapest way to get around town (see endpaper). Free maps are available at any of the ticket booths. Visitors can buy a Tourist Pass for one or three days at major hotels and at the Visitor Information Office downtown.
Driving is not recommended here, as the roads are busy and parking is severely restricted, especially in the old town. It is best to use the city’s parkand – ride system. Cabs can be hailed in the street. They have a white or orange sign on the roof; the sign is lit up when the cab is available. Many streets in Montreal now have bike lanes. The Great Montreal Bike Path-Guide is available free at the tourist office. Bikes can be taken on the Metro anytime except during rush hour, from about 7am to 10am and 5pm to 7pm on weekdays. There are some lovely bike paths, such as the waterfront trail on the historic Canal de Lachine, and those that lead through Cite du Havre and across Pont de la Concorde to the islands. There are a number of bicycle shops offering daily or weekly rental; they generally require a deposit of Can $250 or more in addition to the daily rate.
Credit cards are used extensively in Canada, and American Express, Diner’s Club, MasterCard/Access, and VISA are widely accepted. Credit cards are often asked for as a form of ID, and for placing large deposits – most car rental companies in Canada insist on a credit card or require a substantial cash deposit. Some hotels also prefer prepayment by credit card. Credit cards can also be used to secure cash advances, but you will be charged interest from the date of withdrawal.
Traveler’s checks issued in Canadian dollars are probably the safest and most convenient way to carry money for your vacation. They offer security because they can be easily replaced if they are lost or stolen. They are also accepted as cash in a range of gas stations, shops, restaurants and hotels across the country. Buy checks in smaller denominations such as $20 as most retailers prefer not to give out large amounts of change. It is a good idea to find out which Canadian banks charge commission for changing traveler’s checks, as many have arrangements with certain issuers of checks and make no charge. The Royal Bank of Canada and TD Canada Trust, for example, charge no commission on American Express checks in Canadian dollars. A passport or other form of ID is needed to cash traveler’s checks at a bank or at Bureaux de Changes offices such as American Express or Travelex.
CANADA’S MAIN national banks are the Royal Bank of Canada, Bank of Montreal, TD Canada Trust, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), Scotiabank, and National Bank of Canada. These banks generally accept foreign ATM (automatic teller machine) cards, although it is wise to check with your bank first. ATMs can be found at bank branches, as well as grocery stores, shopping centers, gas stations, train and bus stations, and airports. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm; some stay open later on Fridays, and a few open on Saturday mornings. All banks are closed on Sundays and on statutory holidays.
Acomprehensive range of treatment centers are available in Canada. For minor problems pharmacies are often a good source of advice, and walk-in clinics in the cities will treat visitors relatively quickly. In smaller communities, or in more difficult cases, go straight to the emergency room of the closest hospital, but be prepared for a long wait. In a serious medical emergency dial 911 in most areas, or 0 for the operator, to summon an ambulance. Anyone taking a prescription drug should ask their doctor for extra supplies when they travel, as well as a copy of the prescription in case more medication is needed on the trip. It is a good idea to take a simple first-aid kit, especially for longer trips in the more remote or Arctic areas of the country. Generally this should include aspirin (or paracetamol), antihistamine for bites or allergies, motion sickness pills, antiseptic and bandages or band aids, calamine lotion, and bug repellent. Antibiotic creams are useful for intrepid wilderness hikers. All the provincial capitals have dental clinics that will provide emergency treatment. The Yellow Pages telephone book lists dentists in each area together with opticians and alternative health practitioners.
Travel insurance is essential in Canada and should be arranged to cover health, tripcancellation, and interruption, as well as theft and loss of valuable possessions. Canadian health services are excellent, but if you do not wish to pay you will need insurance. If you already have private health insurance you should check to see if the coverage includes all emergency hospital and medical expenses such as physician’s care, prescription drugs, and private duty-nursing. In case of a serious illness, separate coverage is also required to send a relative to your bedside or return a rented vehicle. Emergency dental treatment, and out-of-pocket expenses or loss of vacation costs also need their own policies. Your insurance company or travel agent should recommend the right policy, but beware of exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions.
As soon as something is lost, report it to the police. They will issue a report with a number that you will need in order to make a claim on your insurance policy. If a credit card is missing, call the company’s toll-free number and report it immediately. Lost or stolen traveler’s checks must also be reported to the issuer. If you have kept a record of the checks’ numbers, replacing them should be a painless experience, and new ones may be issued within 24 hours. If you lose your passport, contact the nearest embassy or consulate. They will be able to issue a temporary replacement as visitors do not generally need a new passport if they will be returning directly to their home country. However, if you are traveling on to another destination, you will need a full passport. It is also useful to hold photocopies of your driver’s license and birth certificate, as well as notarized passport photographs if you are contemplating an extended visit or need additional ID.
Canada is policed by a combination of forces. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) operate throughout most of the country, while Ontario and Quebec are looked after by provincial forces. There are also city police and native police on the reserves. For the most part, the officers are noted for their helpful attitude, but it is illegal to comment on (or joke about) safety, bombs, guns, and terrorism in places such as airports, where it is possible to be arrested for an off-the-cuff remark. Drinking and driving is also taken seriously here, and remember that open alcohol containers in a car are illegal. Narcotics users face criminal charges often followed by moves for deportation.
There are few off-limit areas in Canadian cities. Even the seedier districts tend to have a visible police presence, making them safer than the average suburban area at night. Always ask your hotelier, the local tourist information center, or the police, which areas to avoid. Although theft is rare in hotel rooms, it is a good idea to store any valuables in the hotel safe, as hotels will not guarantee the security of property left in rooms. Make sure you leave your hotel room key at the front desk. Pickpockets can be a hazard at large public gatherings and popular tourist attractions, so it is a good idea to wear cameras and bags over one shoulder with the strap across your body. Try not to be seen with large amounts of cash, and if necessary use a coin purse and a wallet for larger bills. Keep your passport apart from your cash and traveler’s checks. Never hang your purse over the back of your chair in restaurants; put it on the floor beside your feet with one foot over the strap, or pinned down by a chair leg. Male travelers should not carry their wallets in their back pocket, as this makes a very easy target. Safe options for both sexes are zippered purse belts.
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