VRA 2009 Toronto
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Visual Resources Association
27th Annual Conference
March 18-21, 2009

Hotel & Passport

Toronto

Travel Tips

Local Attractions

 

Tips for travel to and in Canada

  • Passport
    Traveling to Canada from the US is like traveling to any international destination. You need a passport to enter, and will be asked to fill in a customs card before going through immigration (available on the plane, or here: http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/travel-voyage/visit-eng.html).

  • Money
    Use an ATM in Toronto instead of the currency exchange, or get Canadian cash from your bank before you leave. You'll get a better exchange rate.

  • Sales Tax
    A total of 13% sales tax is charged on taxable items in Ontario, from two taxes: the PST (Provincial Sales Tax) which is 8%, and the GST (Goods and Service Tax) which is 5% and does not apply to groceries.

  • Alcohol
    If you wish to buy wine or liquor in Toronto, there is only one place to buy it, the LCBO (or Liquor Control Board of Ontario) – the nearest one to the conference hotel is at 333 First Canadian Place (Bay & King Streets). You may want to bring some with you, as liquor is highly taxed in Canada. From the US you are allowed to bring in 1.5 litres (50 ounces) of wine or 1.4 litres (47 ounces) of liquor.

  • Weather
    Dress for snow, rain, or sun. March weather patterns are unpredictable. Bring an umbrella and waterproof shoes or boots.

  • Transit in general
    The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) is the cheapest way to get around, other than walking. TTC system maps are available at most stations. A single fare is $2.75, or you can buy five tokens/tickets for $11.50. Remember to get a transfer if you change from one mode to another (e.g. subway to streetcar). More info here: http://www3.ttc.ca/Fares_and_passes/Prices/index.jsp
    and an interactive map here: http://www3.ttc.ca/Subway/interactivemap.jsp

  • Cabs are plentiful, and cabbies are friendly. Taxi drivers in Toronto usually charge rides by the kilometer and by the minute, according to a regulated rate: Approx. $2.75 initial charge + $1.00 per KM + $0.40 per minute (rates subject to change).

  • Transit from the airport to the conference hotel

    • Great Western Bus lines runs the Airport Shuttle. This is a full-sized coach that runs on a set schedule with departures from Pearson International every 1/2 hour. The cost is $19.95 CAD one way, $32.95 return. The ride takes on average 1 hour, taking into account traffic and stops at two hotels before ours. Full schedules and ticket sales are available at http://www.torontoairportexpress.com or 905-564-6333.

    • Taxis - the fare will be around $50 CAD - here's one example of a cab company's fares: http://www.gtaairporttaxi.com/contactus.html

    • It is also possible to take the TTC, but this involves transfers and is difficult with luggage - but it's cheap!

  • Mail and shipping

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