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Travel Masterpost for World Pride 2014


ThaHoward

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This is the masterpost for traveling to World Pride 2014.

This thread include information regarding passports and visas to enter Canada. It will also include several links to travel agencies, and tips in general about traveling to Canada/Toronto and back home again.

If you have any information regarding traveling to Canada/Toronto, let it be a cheap air-line or you know the laws for entering Canada - please let us know by either posting in this thread or send me a PM.

Also if you have any questions regarding traveling or any related issues, feel free to ask. By making a solid Masterpost and planning in advance, we will then make a great basis for getting there without major complications.

Have already planned your trip, but need a place to stay? Check out the Accommodations thread. Or use any of the links that will be presented in this thread (i.e hotelplanner).

Note: Open up the spoiler(s) in your section(s) of interest as they contain the information.

Information regarding passports, visas and rules entry:
A great way of determining if you need a visa or not: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp
If you need a visa, find out where to get it: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/apply-where.asp

Different rules/laws regarding entry of Canada:

Q: I am a permanent resident, or citizen of the United States, do I need a Visa?
A: No you do not need a visa, however you need to provide evidence of your citizenship or permanent residency (such as a Green Card).

Q: I am a citizen of Australia, do I need a visa?
A: No you do not need a visa. However you must have other travel documents, such as a passport.


Q: Are there any requirements for entering Canada as a tourist?
A: Yes it several requirements that are needed to determine your eligibility as a tourist in Canada. These are as follows:
-Have a valid travel document, such as a passport.
-Be in good health (I'll try to look up what the requirements for this are). It is advised to take a medical exam before you enter Canada.
-You need to prove/convince that you have ties back home, which will take you back home to your country.
-Convince an immigration officer that you will leave at the end of your stay.
-Have enough money for your stay. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-who.asp

Q: I am a minor (under 18), is it any special rules for me?
A: Aside from the basic requirements (possible health check, proving they have enough money, proving they have ties to go back to their own countries), if the minor isn't accompanied by their parents, they need to have a consent letter signed by their parents. If they're travelling with other people like carpooling, the letter needs to state the other person(s) names as persons who will accompany them. If the minor's parents are separated or divorced, the minor needs two consent letters, one from each parent. If they're emancipated, they need to provide proof of their emancipation.
For more information,consult this link:http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/arriving.asp

Q: Are there some passports that are not allowed?
A: Yes there are some passports that will not count as valid passports to enter Canada. So if you have one of them, you should solve that issue ASAP, if it is possible. These passports are as of 09.01.2013:
-Passports issued by Somalia.
-Non-machine readable passports issued by the Czech Republic.
-temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa.
-Provisional passports issued by Venezuela.


Q: Is it anything that may make me inadmissible" (not allowed) to enter Canada?
A: Yes some people are not allowed to enter Canada, criminal activity, in human rights violations or in organized crime are included. You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons. What will determine if you are inadmissible or not is the Canadian Immigration Law. You can find a complete list of criminal offenses in the Criminal Code of Canada.Here's a list of what may make you inadmissible:

-you are a security risk,
-you have committed human or international rights violations,
-you have been convicted of a crime, or you have committed an act outside Canada that would be a crime,
-you have ties to organized crime,
-you have a serious health problem,
-you have a serious financial problem,
-you lied in your application or in an interview,
-you do not meet the conditions in Canadas immigration law, or
-one of your family members is not allowed into Canada.
Keep in mind that this is not a given truth as a Canadian immigration officer will decide if you can enter Canada when you apply for a visa, or when you arrive at a port of entry. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/inadmissibility/index.asp

Q: I have committed and/or been convicted for a crime, do I have any possibilities of entering Canada?
A: Yes you have a few options:
Depending on the crime, how long ago it was and how you have behaved since, you may still be allowed to come to Canada, if you:
-convince an immigration officer that you meet the legal terms to be deemed rehabilitated, or
-applied for rehabilitation and were approved, or
-were granted a record suspension or
-have a temporary resident permit.
For more information: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/inadmissibility/conviction.asp




Air Travel: Traveling agencies, sites and Air routes:


Momondo is a great site to find air-lines/trips that is best suited for you. Beside having the opportunity to browse the different air-lines and air-routes that goes to and from Canada (and in a suitable price class) you might also find Hotels and Car-Rentals.

Kayak.com is also a good site for finding air flights and hotels, and to show you the optimal routes and prices. If you really want to save money, it is suggested to add the flexible function.

Hotelplanner.com will help you finding group air discounts, and will also help you to plan your trip and find a place to stay.

Another online traveling website that is very easy to navigate is Smarter Travel. It acts like a search engine by comparing prices from about 10-12 traveling sites on flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages. Once all information is entered, the 10-12 traveling sites will appear at the top of the page as tabs, which makes it easier to compare prices on available flights, price, airline, and other additional fees such as the cost of checking extra bags, and ordering paper tickets. It also has a variety of travel tips and newer travel issues that people will find helpful to be aware of.

Book your flight as soon as possible, that is order the plane ticket as soon as you have money or know that you may travel. This is so mainly because the prices will rise the closer it is to the departure date, plus in the season it is very expensive and fullbookes. So be out as quickly as possible!
This is a good guide for air-travel, so if you are not used to air travel or need some help, please consult with this guide.

The following spoiler will include Airlines and airports that will take you from USA to Toronto. Price range and cities are as well included. Keep in mind that this is only direct routes, and if you can't find any near cities (and the nearest is hours away) it is advised that you use momondo or kayak so it may plan your flight for you. But keep in mind that you will to have 1 or more stops on the way.

NOTE: American Airlines, United and Delta offer group discounts for 10+ people. It is entirely possible that other airlines do the same, please check this out.

Also check out these links: Link 1, link 2, link 3 For information regarding better prices and discounts for group travel.

Because of this I highly recommend getting together in groups ("air pooling") for a cheaper travel.

USA-Toronto:


For US travelers it's a variety of Airlines that may get you to Toronto. Tips: Use ctrl/cmd + f and search for your nearest city/airport.

These are the cities you can departure from (in USA) if you're going to land on Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). It is around 14 miles from downtown Toronto, and it will take 24-30 minutes to get there in a car. If you want to travel with a train it will take between 1 and 2 hours. More information about the airport, it's services and facilities will come soon.

One of the airlines is Air Canada, the prices (for economy) for travel in June seem to vary from under 100 dollars to 300 dollars. Most of the prices are from around 170-200 USD, this seem to be the cheapest airline. The cities/airports in the United States are as follows, : Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, New York (LaGuardia), New York (JFK), New York/New Jersey (Newark) , Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle/Tacoma, Tampa.

Air Canada Express, is operated by different companies (Jazz, Air Georgian and Sky Regional Airlines), but all of them have to be booked from Air Canada's site as provided over: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus (Ohio), Dallas Fort Worth, Detroit, Harrisburg, Hartford, Rochester, Syracuse, Houston-Intercontinental, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Nashville, New Orleans, New York-JFK, New York-La Guardia, Newark, Pittsburgh, Raleigh/Durham, St. Louis, Winnipeg.

American Airlines. The prices ranges from 400 to 800 dollars: Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami.

Delta Airlines. Same price ranges as American Airlines: Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York-JFK.

United: Chicago-O'Hare, Houston-Intercontinental, Denver, Newark, Washington-Dulles.

US Airways Express: Charlotte, Philadelphia, Washington-National.

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The next airport is Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF), it is near Breslau in Ontario. It is 64 miles (104 km) away from Downtown Toronto, and 1 hour and 13 minutes with a car. You may also take the train, but this will take 2 hours to 3 hours and 30 minutes.

American Eagle operates from here, and flies to and from Chicago-O'Hare. This is the only route that goes to and from USA.

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Toronto Island Airport (Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport)((YTZ)): Porter Airlines flies here, but it's flight list is limited. WestJEt is trying to get permission to use the airport, by the time of Pride it might be an option, but currently it is not. By car it is ca. 31 minutes to downtown Toronto, and 36-45 minutes with train.

For Porter Airlines, this is the following destinations: Boston, Chicago-Midway, Halifax, Moncton, Mont Tremblant, Montréal-Trudeau, Newark, Ottawa, Quebec City, Sault Ste. Marie, St. John's (NL), Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Timmins, Washington-Dulles, Windsor.


More airports (for domestic flights) will be included, and also domestic flights in Canada.



Domestic air travel in Canada:

If you're travelling within Canada, book your tickets ASAP. Your best ticket prices will probably be through WestJet, but those are already getting filled.



Europe/Other countries to Toronto:

This is currently only those that are relevant based upon the demographics of the Europeans whom have are interested in World Pride. Tenebre said: "I've also heard some mildly nightmare-ish things about flying to Canada via the US for non-US citizens so you may want to avoid those connections if you have the option..." So this will only focus on direct routes from UK, Italy, Germany, Australia and Japan to Toronto. However you can always check out the different travelling sites for alternate (and possibly cheaper) air-routes.

It is also possible that your neighboring country (or state, region etc) have a direct route to Toronto, or that you can have multiple destinations for a cheaper flight.

Air Transat currently have a sale for travel to Toronto!

UK:

Routes to and from Pearson (YYZ), for more information regarding Pearson, check the spoiler for US travel:

Air Canada: London-Heathrow.

Air Transat in June the prices ranges from 275£ to 305£: London-Gatwick, Manchester

British Airways, around WP the prices seem to be from 489£ (lowest) to 634£: London-Heathrow

Air Canada Rogue (from 26th of June 2014): Manchester.

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Italy:

Air Canada: Rome-Fiumicino

Air Transat: Rome-Fiumicino, Venice-Marco Polo

Alitalia (for other languages): Rome-Fiumicino

Air Canada Rogue: Venice-Marco Polo

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Germany:

Air Canada: Frankfurt, Munich (München)

Condor: Frankfurt

Lufthansa: Frankfurt, Munich (München).



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Australia: It seem to be only one direct route from Australia to Toronto, and that is from Sydney. Please use the travelling sites like momondo or Kayak to plan your trip if you want multiple destinations.

Air Canada: Sydney

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Japan: Same as above, only from Tokyo. But I'm not that strong on Japanese cities.

Air Canada: Tokyo-Narita, Tokyo-Haneda.




General carpooling/car travel tips:

This will only include general tips and advice, as it will be a thread dedicated to car pooling.


-Have enough food and drinks. If you have enough food and water it results in less stops for getting something to eat or drink. A portable refrigerator is a wise investment to store food and drinks.

-Have more than one driver (with driver's license), then you can change between driving and don't have to stop (or get in an accident) because the driver is fatigued.

-Be prepared to sleep in the car. So check out if, and how, you can sleep in your car. You may also need to bring blankets, pillows etc. for extra comfort. Sleeping in the car may be effective for both sparing money, and in case you're too late to your destination or all the hotels, motels etc, are fullbooked.

-If you're going to sleep on the way, stay out of WalMart parking lots, as much criminality take place there. Instead sleep over at gas stations, as that is close to a highway, trailer drivers sleep over there, it is attendance there, plus you may buy food and drinks and go to the toiler and brush your teeth.

-Plan your trip! And it is better to add extra time on your estimates for arrival, much due to different events you can't foresee,like accidents and major traffic jams. Both of these (and other things) will drain much time.

-Invest in a GPS, this will make your travel lot easier.

-Bring a cellphone charger that may charge cellphones in the car.





Public transit/transportation in Toronto, and navigational tips:


Here is the home-site for public transportation in Toronto. Here you can check out the different routes, the timetables and such. When you are in Toronto this will be a good way to navigate yourself through the city. This is recommended on the highest to find the different stops, routes and to plan your trips in an unknown city.

Very thorough guide/explanation of the Toronto public transit system.

If you land at Toronto Pearson International this site is will cover the different public transit services that go from the airport and into Toronto.

Here's a guide from Trip Advisor which deal with the public transit possibilities and services in Toronto. If you're inexperienced with public transportation or are insecure about the system in Toronto, this is highly recommended.

Public transit homepage for greater Toronto. Useful if you're in the Toronto area/outside of the city itself.


-If you are flying in to Pearson airport (YYZ), you can get to the TTC for $3 and transfer onto the subway at no additional cost. They are building a rail link to the airport, but it is not going to be finished in time for WP. The GO Bus also travels there, and does go down town (I think), but it is around $5, but is a bit quicker if the traffic isn't bad. Of course, taxi and car rentals are available at Pearson as well. I remember hearing about some people wanting to camp out in Scarborough, and if you are, and landing in Pearson, your best bet is to take the 407 toll highway out to the east end of the city (assuming you rent a car). It is much faster, and has a lot less traffic.

-If you are landing at Toronto Island airport (Billy Bishop Airport), you are much closer to downtown, but, will have to walk or take a ferry to the city proper. However, you will be let off in the middle of downtown, and the TTC or GO trains can take you where you need to go. (This airport only takes smaller planes, so, don't worry if you can't get a flight here)

-It is probably best to go on foot or use public transportation during the pride days, as many streets will be blocked or it is very crowded. Use the sites linked to over as a reference.

-Avoid the Don Valley Parkway during or near rush hour. It is a parking lot more often than not.

-There is an underground PATH system to explore on foot if the weather is miserable. Has shops, and you can travel to most landmarks with minimal time outside. It also has food courts and shops, and connects to the city's largest mall and Union station.

-Your best bet to travel in the downtown core is on foot or by subway. If you do have a car, a GPS map system will be a life saver, there are a lot of one way streets to deal with.





Other means of traveling:



General tips:



-If you have any issues (before or during your stay) or questions that you don't find any answers for, please consult your embassy in Canada, or the Canadian embassy in your country. Embassies have websites, and can be contacted from there.

-During your trip (flight, train, boat and car), you will be handed a CBSA Declaration Card, please keep this and do not loose it as you need to show it several times to the immigration officer. It would be wise to keep it with your personal identification papers.

-Bring a pen so you can fill out the CBSA Declaration Card as it need to be filled out before entry. If you are traveling with boat, train or car be aware that the card are issued at certain locations.

-As you will have to convince the border guards/immigration officer that you only come as a tourist and leave Canada at the end of your trip, assume that the border guards have no sense of humour. Don't be a comedian.

-It would be advised to have a travelling insurnance and/or health insurnance.

-If you bring alcohol or anything else, declare it, no matter how little you bring. You will be questioned and checked, and it would be really sad if you can not participate in World Pride because of alcohol or that you didn't declare your PC. For more information: http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5082-eng.html#s2x1

-Money: You may spend US Dollars in Canada, but it is advised to use Canadian Dollars. So having Canadian money as cash is advised (also because the immigration officer will see if you have enough money) and if a cashier ask you if you want to pay with US or Canadian dollars if you buy it with a credit/bank card, say that you want to pay in Canadian currency.

-In the summer it gets very hot, as much as over 100 F (35 C) so don't think that Canada is a country filled with snow and cold, but remember to bring sunscreen and drink lots of water, or other beverages. Especially in the parade.

-Be aware that it is allowed to go topless, you must expect to see a lot of topless women (and men) in the parade.

-This probably won't be an issue, (its far from the downtown core) but, stay away from the Jane and Finch street area. It is the 'rough' part of town. The individual streets are fine, it is just near their intersection things are a bit seedy







Alcohol and Tobacco limitations, and prohibited goods:


Alcohol:

Alcoholic beverages are products that exceed 0.5% alcohol by volume. You are allowed to import only one of the following amounts of alcohol and alcoholic beverages free of duty and taxes:

Wine: Up to 1.5 liters/53 fluid ounces, i.e two bottles of wine (750 ml).
Alcoholic beverages: 1.14 liters/Up to 40 fluid ounces, i.e one bottle of standard liqour.
Beer: Up to 8.5 litres/287 fluid ounces, i.e 24 cans or bottles (x335 ml) of beer

Any amount that succeeds this will have to be paid additional duties and taxes.

Tobacco:

Cigarettes: 200 cigarettes.
Cigars: 50 cigars
Tobacco: 200 grams
Tobacco sticks: 200 tobacco sticks

Restricted/prohibited goods:

The following are some examples of restricted or prohibited goods:
Firearms and weapons: You must declare all weapons and firearms at the CBSA port of entry when you enter Canada.
Food, plants, animals and related products: All food, plants, animals, and related products must be declared. Food can carry disease, such as E. coli. Plants and plant products can carry invasive alien species, such as the Asian Long-Horned Beetle. Animals and animal products can carry diseases, such as avian influenza and foot-and-mouth.
Explosives, fireworks and ammunition: You are required to have written authorization and permits to bring explosives, fireworks and certain types of ammunition into Canada.
Vehicles: Vehicles include any kind of pleasure vehicles such as passenger cars, pickup trucks, snowmobiles and motor homes, as long as you use them for non-commercial purposes. There are many requirements that apply to the importation of vehicles.
Consumer products: The importation of certain consumer products that could pose a danger to the public (e.g., baby walkers, jequirity beans that are often found in art or bead work) is prohibited. Canadian residents should be aware of consumer products that have safety requirements in Canada. Many of these safety requirements are stricter than requirements of other countries.

For more information about alcohol, tobacco and restricted goods, please consult this website. For more information regarding importing weapons into Canada, consult this website. For more information regarding importing vehicles into Canada, consult this website.






Useful Websites:

Tourist info sites/things to do:
http://www.seetorontonow.com/
http://www.toronto.com/

Fun things to do in Toronto
Guide of how to navigate around Toronto:
http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=04708b7a29891410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD

PS: Keep in mind that this thread is not finished yet, but you may of course participate in it and come with tips, suggestions and information.

Kind regards,

Håvard/ThaHoward

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Updated regarding rules of entry. If you have any questions, or something you disagree on, please post it here or PM me.

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A general tip for crossing the any border: Assume the border guards have no sense of humour. Don't be a comedian.

Ontario also has state run alcohol retailers. They take a really dim view of smuggling alcohol, so make sure to declare it if you bring it. If it is a small amount for personal use, there isn't usually too much of a tariff on it. The main office of the LCBO actually has a small museum of confiscated booze (my favorite one is the absinth smuggled in Windex bottles).

Another thing, women are allowed to go topless, and some do at the pride parade, so be warned, you may see that at the parade. I know that can offend some people, so just want to put that out there.

Toronto weather can get really hot too, so be prepared. Last summer, we were hitting highs over 35C (100F). Sunscreen and water bottles are a good idea. And seriously, you can't ski here during the summer. (Yes, we get people who think you can ski here during the summer.) Swim suits may be more appropriate.

Some stores will take American dollars at par, but, you will be losing out on the deal. So be sure to stop by your local bank before you come and get some Monopoly... er, Canadian money. Intercontinental travelers should definitely pick Canadian money.

As a note, the one dollar coin is often called a loonie (it has a loon on it), and the two dollar coin is a twonie.

A few navigational tips:

Avoid the Don Valley Parkway during or near rush hour. It is a parking lot more often than not.

There is an underground PATH system to explore on foot if the weather is miserable. Has shops, and you can travel to most landmarks with minimal time outside. It also has food courts and shops, and connects to the city's largest mall and Union station.

Your best bet to travel in the downtown core is on foot or by subway. If you do have a car, a GPS map system will be a life saver, there are a lot of one way streets to deal with.

This probably won't be an issue, (its far from the downtown core) but, stay away from the Jane and Finch street area. It is the 'rough' part of town. The individual streets are fine, it is just near their intersection things are a bit seedy.

If you are flying in, you can get on the TTC from Pearson airport (YYZ) for $3 and transfer onto the subway at no additional cost. They are building a rail link to the airport, but it is not going to be finished in time for WP. The GO Bus also travels there, and does go down town (I think), but it is around $5, but is a bit quicker if the traffic isn't bad. Of course, taxi and car rentals are available at Pearson as well. I remember hearing about some people wanting to camp out in Scarborough, and if you are, and landing in Pearson, your best bet is to take the 407 toll highway out to the east end of the city (assuming you rent a car). It is much faster, and has a lot less traffic.

If you are landing at Toronto Island airport (Billy Bishop Airport, YTZ I think), you are much closer to downtown, but, will have to walk or take a ferry to the city proper. However, you will be let off in the middle of downtown, and the TTC or GO trains can take you where you need to go. (This airport only takes smaller planes, so, don't worry if you can't get a flight here)

That's all I can think of for now. Let me know if you have any other questions, I am a Toronto native.

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Thank you for your reply and help! I'll include it I get home :)

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Besides Kayak, Momondo, and Hotel Planner, another online traveling website that is very easy to navigate is Smarter Travel. It acts like a search engine by comparing prices from about 10-12 traveling sites on flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages. Once all information is entered, the 10-12 traveling sites will appear at the top of the page as tabs, which makes it easier to compare prices on available flights, price, airline, and other additional fees such as the cost of checking extra bags, and ordering paper tickets. It also has a variety of travel tips and newer travel issues that people will find helpful to be aware of.

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There is more than one airport in Toronto. Is there any specifics about either of them? Any reasons we should choose one over the other?

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There is more than one airport in Toronto. Is there any specifics about either of them? Any reasons we should choose one over the other?

In the Toronto Greater Area, it is 4 commercial air ports. I've listed 3, and this is from what I've seen the airports who have routes to and from USA. Pearson is the biggest, and is also the one with routes from outside of Northern America - and by far with the mos USA routes. The three others are mostly based in Canada, with a few (those listed) USA-routes.

As you can see, the three I've listed have routes to/from USA, but tomorow I'll include Canada and London (which I was supposed to do day after I wrote it) and Australia and Japan.

Pearson is also the closest one to Downtown Toronto - with car. If you want to use train, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is the closest.

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There is more than one airport in Toronto. Is there any specifics about either of them? Any reasons we should choose one over the other?

In the Toronto Greater Area, it is 4 commercial air ports. I've listed 3, and this is from what I've seen the airports who have routes to and from USA. Pearson is the biggest, and is also the one with routes from outside of Northern America - and by far with the mos USA routes. The three others are mostly based in Canada, with a few (those listed) USA-routes.

As you can see, the three I've listed have routes to/from USA, but tomorow I'll include Canada and London (which I was supposed to do day after I wrote it) and Australia and Japan.

Pearson is also the closest one to Downtown Toronto.

Thanks, sorry I missed THAT spoiler :redface:

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That is okay :) Please tell me if you have any problems with the OP; if it is unclear, or you have problems finding stuff.

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If you're travelling within Canada, book your tickets ASAP. Your best ticket prices will probably be through WestJet, but those are already getting filled (I barely got mine in time).

Coming from the British Isles? Look up Air Transat for best prices.

For those travelling from outside the country, if you have anything like a criminal record or such, I would strongly recommend contacting the Canadian Embassy in regards to acquiring a visitor's visa. Getting one of these in advance can save you a lot of headaches and heartaches.

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Popping in with a helpful accommodation link: http://www.travellerspoint.com/budget-accommodation-en-ci-1288.html I've used that very successfully in Germany and Denmark, although I don't know how good it is in the Americas. I will say for those who might be nervous about hosteling for the first time, sleeping in a room of seven strangers really isn't as bad as it sounds, although I've been lucky with my roommates. You just have to be up to some light socializing and not be too light of a sleeper.

I've also heard some mildly nightmare-ish things about flying to Canada via the US for non-US citizens so you may want to avoid those connections if you have the option...

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Thanks! But it is various air routes directly from Europe to Toronto.

Updated European Travel.

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  • 4 weeks later...

If you plan on staying for less than six months, you generally don't need a medical exam. The exception being if you work in occupations dealing with children, the elderly or disabled. Or if you're agricultural worker who has lived in certain countries for more than six months during the past year. Some include, but aren't limited to: Yemen, Bhutan, Gabon, Papua New Guinea, Panama, Guam, Guatemala.

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  • 3 months later...
SecondMoon

***Pearson Airport is not the closest airport to Downtown Toronto; Billy Bishop (used by Porter Airlines) is in downtown Toronto, while Pearson is in Mississauga (north west of the city, but bordering it). If your priority is easy and fast access to transportation within the city of Toronto, Billy Bishop is a great spot to land; there is a free shuttle service to main hub of public transportation that takes about 5 minutes. There is a charge for shuttle service to and from Pearson (about $28 CAD) which runs about every 30 min. I'm not sure how long it would take, but I would expect it to be somewhere at least 45min. I would personally spend more time and less money by hopping onto public transportation. I suppose I will also mention that a taxi to downtown Toronto is going to cost an enormous amount, so unless you have people to split with, I will not be recommending that!

Hopefully this is still useful information...If anyone needs navigation help for once you land, though, feel free to ask.

***If you are a tobacco user, bring as much of your own as you're allowed to. All tobacco products here are relatively expensive. The cheapest pack of 25 cigarettes I can find at the moment are $8 CAD/~5.4 EUR. If you are particular about branding, you can easily spend $13 CAD/~8.8 EUR per pack.

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  • 3 weeks later...

***Pearson Airport is not the closest airport to Downtown Toronto; Billy Bishop (used by Porter Airlines) is in downtown Toronto, while Pearson is in Mississauga (north west of the city, but bordering it). If your priority is easy and fast access to transportation within the city of Toronto, Billy Bishop is a great spot to land; there is a free shuttle service to main hub of public transportation that takes about 5 minutes. There is a charge for shuttle service to and from Pearson (about $28 CAD) which runs about every 30 min. I'm not sure how long it would take, but I would expect it to be somewhere at least 45min. I would personally spend more time and less money by hopping onto public transportation. I suppose I will also mention that a taxi to downtown Toronto is going to cost an enormous amount, so unless you have people to split with, I will not be recommending that!

Hopefully this is still useful information...If anyone needs navigation help for once you land, though, feel free to ask.

***If you are a tobacco user, bring as much of your own as you're allowed to. All tobacco products here are relatively expensive. The cheapest pack of 25 cigarettes I can find at the moment are $8 CAD/~5.4 EUR. If you are particular about branding, you can easily spend $13 CAD/~8.8 EUR per pack.

Billy Bishop has very strict restrictions of what kind of planes can land there. No jets is the big restriction, so the major airlines can't land there, and especially no intercontinental flights.

I would definatly recommend taking the shuttle bus into the city over a taxi.

Also, booze is expensive here, due to a responsible pricing edict that came through. Basically, there is a minimum price on alcohol, so, there is no 'cheap' beer, for example, because beer has a minimum price. Other booze has similar problems. I think Canadians spend about twice as much alcohol as Americans, but, drink about half as much by volume, from a recent study.

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