Travel to Toronto
Facts
Entering Canada
A passport is preferred, but is not necessary, for U.S. visitors entering Canada. U.S. citizens should have their birth certificate or citizenship certificate as well as a picture ID; permanent residents (who are not citizens) need their alien-registration card and passport.
Citizens from all countries other than the US must have a valid passport, and in some cases a visitor visa may be required.
Customs Information
Canadian customs regulations apply for all personal and business travel into Canada. For most travelers, they may clear customs with their personal goods and belongings at the airport in Toronto.
Please check your local customs regulations if you are planning on taking Canadian purchases home with you.
Air Transportation
Air Canada and many US and international carriers provide direct flights to Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) from major cities in North and South America, Europe, the Orient, and the Pacific Rim.
Discount Airfares
Conference discounted airfares with:
Ground Transportation
Airport-Hotel Transportation
The downtown Toronto hotels are approximately 13 km (8 miles) from Lester B. Pearson International Airport. The Pacific Western Airport Express bus to downtown hotels usually operates every 20 minutes and costs CAD$13.75. The fixed-rate taxi/limo fares to downtown are about CAD$36.
Car Rental
A private car is not really necessary in the downtown Toronto area, since public transportation throughout the city is excellent.
Currency
Money may be exchanged at a favorable rate at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel or at nearby banks. Shops and restaurants will often accept U.S. currency, but at a less favorable exchange rate. The rate during early 2001 has been about CAD$1.56 = USD$1.00.
Note, however, that all registration, short course, tours and luncheon or dinner fees paid at the conference will be collected in U.S. dollars.
Sales Taxes and Visitor Tax Refund
Most items in Ontario, except food, are subject to both a 5% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and a 7% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). Non-residents of Canada, however, may claim a rebate for the GST paid on accommodation and most consumer goods taken out of the country. The GST Rebate Guide for Visitors, which includes the rebate form, will be supplied in the registration package. Please ensure that you retain all your receipts so that you can claim your rebate at a Duty Free Shop as you leave the country.
