The City

Metropolitan Toronto now has a population of more than two million people. It is a safe and clean "people place" which celebrates the activities, food and entertainment of more than 60 cultures represented in this city. The United Nations recognizes Toronto as the most culturally diverse city in the world. See www.toronto.com

Public Transportation

Toronto and TTC (Toronto Transportation Commission) information and maps are available at web site: www.city.toronto.on.ca/ttc

Climate

Unlike many cities in the world, Toronto enjoys four distinct seasons which allows people to enjoy a diversity of activities. Winter, which is moderate by Canadian standards due to Toronto’s proximity to the United States, is terrific for skating, snowboarding and skiing (although the latter two require a 45 minute drive to the nearest ski hill). Spring is great for biking and rollerblading along the lakefront. Summer, which can get extremely hot in Toronto, is a good time to seek out water activities such as swimming, waterskiing, sailing or just lying underneath a large sun umbrella at the beach. Autumn is a very popular time of the year for most Torontonian’s as the weather cools and the leaves on the trees change from green to a red, yellow and brown. Autumn is also the time of year to go hiking through the woods, fish, canoe or kayak.

Clothing

If you are enrolled in a program that runs from September through May you will require both light, summer clothing and heavy, warm clothing suitable for the Canadian winter. You will not require heavy clothing for a month or more after your arrival, allowing you to purchase it in Canada.

Food and Restaurants

A basic Canadian meal is meat and potatoes, plus vegetables. Eggs, cheese and fish are often substituted for meat, while spaghetti, noodles, rice and beans are common substitutes for potatoes. Fruit is included in most meals. Canadians do not spice their food heavily.

Hamburgers are usually made from ground beef. Hot dogs (weiners) may contain chicken, beef or pork. Meat is sold under various names depending on the cut. Pork, ham and bacon come from pigs. Beef, veal and ground meat come from cattle.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are available all year round. In winter, the prices are higher as fresh fruit and produce are imported.

In Toronto, the Wednesday newspapers provide you with excellent shopping guides for food items.

Eating in restaurants is considerably more expensive than preparing your own food, but it can provide variety.