Helpful Hints When Visiting Ontario
CUSTOMS REQUIREMENTS
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of the United States, you will not need a passport or visa to enter Canada. However, you will need proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate, citizenship certificate, passport or landing card.
METRIC SYSTEM
Ontario's official standard of measurement is the metric system. All road signs, speed limits, distances, weather reports and the like are in metric. However, some consumer packaging lists measurements in both metric and Imperial.
CLIMATE
Ontario's weather is much like the Northern United States. June, July and August are our true summer months when daytime temperatures range from 25-30C (77-86F), though nights may be cool, particularly in the north. In autumn, foliage takes on fall colours towards the end of September and reaches its height in October. Medium to heavy-weight clothing is necessary, especially in November when the weather is cold and frosty. Snowfall is usually experienced through December, January and February. The snow begins to recede in March before totally disappearing in April. This is followed by warm temperatures and spring flowers in May. For the most up-to-date weather information on Fort Frances, please visit www.theweathernetwork.com
HOSPITAL & MEDICAL SERVICES
Visitors are strongly urged to obtain health insurance before leaving their country. (Your health insurance may not extend coverage outside your country of residence.) If you are taking medication prescribed by your doctor, bring an adequate supply and a copy of the prescription in case it needs to be renewed by a doctor in Ontario. For more information, contact your travel agent or insurance agent.
SHOPPING HOURS
Stores stay open until 6:00 p.m. in most parts of Ontario, however, the majority of stores in Fort Frances close by 5:30 pm. Many city and suburban stores stay open until 9:00 p.m. Sunday shopping is available in many centres, including Fort Frances.
TIPPING
Tips or service charges are not usually added to the bill in Canada. In general, a tip of 15% of the pre-tax total is given.
OUTDOORS
Licenses are required for fishing or hunting in Ontario and may be purchased from numerous outlets, including sports stores, tourist outfitters, hunting and fishing lodges and the Ministry of Natural Resources.
DRINKING AGE
The legal age for the purchase and consumption of alcohol is 19 in Ontario.
CAR RENTALS
Car rentals are available at many airports in Ontario. Cars can also be rented in urban centres and major bus/train stations throughout the province. The minimum age to rent a car varies from 21 to 25. All companies require a credit card for rentals. A valid driver's licence from any country is good in Canada for three months.
In Fort Frances Contact:
Enterprise Rent-a-Car
Highway 11 & Oakwood Road
Phone: 807-274-5800
North Air Services
600 Scott Street
Phone: 807-274-7182
Toll-Free: 1-800-465-7761
National Car Rental
Fort Frances Airport
Phone: 807-274-7679
Toll-Free: 1-800-227-7368
BRINGING YOUR BOAT ACROSS THE BORDER
You may enter Canada aboard your pleasurecraft or hitched to a trailer. Customs officers stationed along highway border crossings and at harbours will issue you a permit, which is then returned upon departure as proof that the boat has left the country. Many destinations offer Remote Area Border Crossings, which require you to register by telephone.
FIREARMS & AMMUNITION
As a rule, prohibited or restricted weapons are not permitted to enter Canada. However, you may bring a hunting rifle or shotgun into Ontario as a visitor for hunting or competition purposes if you are 18 years of age or older. For complete details, click on the link above or contact
Canadian Firearms Centre at (506) 624-5380.
HOLIDAYS IN ONTARIO
- New Year's Day – January 1
- Good Friday – late March or April
- Victoria Day – first Monday on/before May 24
- Canada Day – July 1
- Civic Holiday – first Monday in August
- Labour Day – first Monday in September
- Thanksgiving – second Monday in October
- Christmas Day – December 25
- Boxing Day – December 26
