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Whether you need to know local public holidays or highlights through the seasons, we hope you will find the facts gathered below useful tools for your travel planning. Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you further.

General information

The name Toronto comes from a Huron Indian word meaning “place of meeting.” Europeans first discovered the area in 1615, and the Town of York – as Toronto was first known – was made capital of the recently formed Upper Canada in 1793, and of the newly formed province of Ontario in 1867.

It is the largest city in Canada, with a population of close to 2.5 million (5.5 million in the Greater Toronto Area), where more than 140 languages and dialects are spoken. A successful blend of old world and new, Toronto is now rich in museums and theatres, ethnic neighbourhoods and international cuisine. In addition to many different locales for dining and discovery – from Portuguese, Italian and Greek to Chinese, Korean and East Indian – the city’s lakefront location encompasses a delightful necklace of parks, beaches, cycling trails and water’s-edge attractions.

Time zone

GMT -5 hours
Eastern Standard Time

Language(s) spoken

English

Electrical system

Local voltage is 110 to 120 volts AC. Adapters available; please request through the Concierge.

Shopping hours

Boutiques in Yorkville and surrounding Bloor Street area:

• Monday to Wednesday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Thursday and Friday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
• Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Sunday 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Most stores in downtown Toronto:

• Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
• Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Sunday 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm

Working hours

Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Time and distance to city centre

The Hotel is conveniently located in downtown Toronto.

Time and distance to shopping

The boutiques of Bloor Street and Yorkville are located just steps away from the Hotel.

Time and distance to financial district

5 minutes/3 kilometres/2 miles

View in–depth travel advice from Frommers.com

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Seasonal highlights

April

Images, Toronto Spring Classic Car and Auction, the Travel and Leisure Show.

May

Contact Photography Festival, Victoria Day, Doors Open Toronto (featuring Toronto's historical and architectural buildings), Milk International Children's Festival.

June

Downtown Jazz Festival, North American Cup, North by Northeast Music Festival, Queen's Plate, Toronto International Festival Caravan, Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival.

July

Canada Day Celebrations, fireworks and festivities at the Harbourfront. Also in July: Celebrate Toronto Street Festival, Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, Molson Indy, Beaches International Jazz Festival, Canadian International Tennis Championships, the Fringe (Toronto's Theatre Festival), Fringe Festival of Independent Dance Artists, Great Canadian Blues Festival and BBQ Festival.

August

Krinos Taste of the Danforth, offering fantastic Greek cuisine, Toronto's Festival of Beer and the Canadian National Exhibition. Caribana Parade (North America's largest cultural festival, featuring Caribbean culture).

September

Toronto International Film Festival.

November

Annual Santa Claus Parade, Hockey and Basketball Season begins, National Ballet of Canada.

December

First Night Toronto Celebration of the Arts.