Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade along Lakeshore Blvd in Toronto
Canada is often associated with long and cold winters, so people look forward to cherished summer festivals in cities across the country. And, these summer festivals in 2023 are worth joining! While there might be some truth to the claim that Canada is cold, it’s not just a country defined by its winters. In fact, Canada is home to some of the biggest and grandest festivals out there. New to Canada? Explore some of its most thrilling summer festivals in 2023. From comedy and live music shows to fireworks competitions, Canada never runs low on exciting summer events!
Check out these Exciting Summer Festivals in 2023
Calgary Stampede
Where: Calgary, Alberta
When: July 7 – 16, 2023
Calgary hosts a 10-day summer festival each year known as the Calgary Stampede
Calgary, and Western Canada in general, has a long farming history. And, most aspects of people’s lives revolved around running the family farm before Canada became a country. Specifically, cattle ranches were the most common type of farm present around Calgary and most of Alberta. So to embrace its modest origins, Calgary hosts a ten-day summer festival each year known as the Calgary Stampede.
The Calgary Stampede is the biggest rodeo event in Canada and among the top rodeos in North America. And, the main attraction is the tournament-style rodeo events.
It also has many other fun activities. Another unique activity during the Calgary Stampede is the free pancake breakfast. That’s right. Calgarians get to enjoy a free pancake breakfast during the Stampede that serves until 10 AM. You also get free admission to the Calgary Stampede if you arrive before 11 AM.
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If you plan to visit Stampede City and join the summer fun, click here to learn more.
Honda Celebration of Light, 2023
Where: Vancouver, British Columbia
When: July 22, 26, 29, 2023
Catch the fireworks display at this spectacular summer festival in Vancouver, BC
The Honda Celebration of Light is the biggest fireworks competition in the world. It is also the longest-running offshore fireworks competition in the world. In 2023, three countries will compete: Australia, Mexico, and The Philippines. The fireworks take place over English Bay in Vancouver, British Columbia. Morton Park, which is close to where the fireworks are happening, will host live music events, food trucks, and activities for everyone.
For more details about this spectacular summer festival, or to buy tickets, you can visit the event website.
The Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, Quebec is the biggest comedy festival in the world! Since 1983, this lively event continues to bring a smile to Canadians’ faces. To learn more about Just For Laughs 2023, click here.
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Edmonton Heritage Festival
Where: Edmonton, Alberta
When: Aug 5 – 7, 2023
Canada has achieved what so many countries have failed to achieve in the past. That achievement is building a culturally accepting environment where people from different backgrounds can live together in peace. To celebrate this achievement, Edmonton hosts the largest celebration of multiculturalism in the world.
The Edmonton Heritage Festival is a fun and light-hearted three-day event that celebrates the beautiful cultures present in our country. The festival represents over 60 nations that each set up their outdoor pavilions at Hawrelak Park in Edmonton. From traditional live music to iconic cultural foods, the Edmonton Heritage Festival has something for everyone. It is a great way to have some fun while also learning about the wonderful cultures that make up Canada.
To learn more about the Edmonton Heritage Festival, click here.
Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana)
Where: Toronto, Ontario
When: August 3 – 7, 2023
A highlight of this summer festival is the stunning Caribbean costumes that people wear.
It is only fitting that Canada’s largest festival takes place in Toronto, its largest city. Caribana is North America’s largest carnival. Also known as the Toronto Caribbean Carnival this event celebrates Caribbean culture. The highly-anticipated carnival represents almost all Caribbean cultures and gets its unique theme from all Caribbean Islands.
The festival is now officially known as Toronto Caribbean Carnival. Many still know the festival as, “Caribana”, which is what you get when you mix the words, “Caribbean”, and “Canada”. At this summer festival, you’ll discover anything and everything Caribbean. From Caribbean music to food, the carnival has something for everyone. After all, it is the largest carnival in North America. Some other things you can expect are people in Caribbean clothing and costumes, Caribbean dances, and other traditions found in the Caribbean Islands. To learn more about the Toronto Caribbean Carnival 2023, click here.
These are just some of the many summer festivals taking place in 2023. Each part of Canada has its own unique way of celebrating the summer. If you’re searching for summer festivals in 2023 taking place in your local community, you can look them up online.
At the end of the day, summer is all about relaxing, spending time with your loved ones, and doing what you love. Whether you attend a large summer festival or just take a walk in the park, make sure you enjoy the wonderful events that Canada has to offer.
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully.
My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.
If you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or temporary resident, you will have a Social Insurance Number. Applying for your social insurance number (SIN) is one of the first things to do after you arrive in Canada. When you apply to Service Canada for your SIN, you will receive a nine-digit number. This number is vital because it allows you to work in Canada and access government programs and benefits. Your SIN is issued only for your use. Any legal resident over 12 can get a social insurance number in Canada. Learn more about the steps to complete your SIN application and how and when to use it.
When to Apply for Your Social Insurance Number
You will need your SIN when you get a job, and complete your tax information, and you may even require it to open a bank account. So, apply for your SIN within the first two weeks of arriving in Canada. Settlement agencies can help you to complete your social insurance number application, and provide many other useful services to newcomers!
Applying for Your SIN in Canada
Applying for your SIN in Canada is completely free. There are three ways that you can apply for your SIN:
You’ll Need These Documents to Complete Your Social Insurance Number Application
Primary Identity Document: This document should prove your identity and legal status in Canada. This document will depend on whether you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or temporary resident. You can provide your certificate of Canadian citizenship, PR card, work/study permit, or birth certificate.
Secondary Document: A secondary document has your legal name and date of birth. This could be a passport, a driver’s license, or any other Canadian government-issued ID card.
Supporting Document: You may need to provide a supporting document if any document you provided has a different name than the one you currently use. A supporting document could include a certificate of divorce, a legal change of name certificate, or an adoption order.
How to Apply for Your Social Insurance Number in Person
You can visit a Service Canada Centre to apply for SIN in person. You can make an appointment online through the eServiceCanada – Service Request Form. Once you make an appointment, you need to make sure you bring the correct documents with you (see documents needed above).
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All the documents you provide when applying in person must be original. The advantage of applying for SIN in person is that you will get your SIN the very same day. For the other two methods of applying, you may have to wait another month before getting a valid SIN.
How to Apply for Your Social Insurance Number by Mail
If you apply by mail, you can only submit original documents. The documents will be returned to you by mail once your application is complete. You will have to print, complete, and sign the SIN Application Form. If you are unable to print the application form, you can order one by calling the toll-free number: 1-866-274-6627
The documents required for applying by mail are quite similar to that of applying in person ((see documents needed above).
How to Apply for Your Social Insurance Number Online
If you apply for SIN online, you will need clear and legible digital copies of all the required documents.
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It is a good idea to call Service Canada or check eServiceCanada to get the most up-to-date information. The required documents and/or the process of applying for SIN can change, so double-checking the requirements is always a good idea.
You no longer need to provide a proof of address when applying for your Social Insurance Number online.
As a newcomer (including international students), it’s important to understand how and when to provide your SIN. For example, it’s essential to keep your SIN confidential. It is not a document you will need to access very often. Someone getting their hands on your SIN could lead to the loss of government benefits, tax refunds, and identity theft. If someone uses your SIN to commit fraud, it would be you who takes the blame. Similarly, if someone uses your SIN to work illegally in Canada, you must pay tax on income you didn’t receive.
A common scam that newcomers can be a victim of occurs when unknown parties represent themselves as a government of Canada agency. The caller states that your social insurance number has been breached or compromised. The caller will request your personal information including your SIN and request payment (often in cryptocurrency, prepaid credit cards, or gift cards). This is a serious red flag since Service Canada or the Canada Revenue Agency will never contact you by phone or email to request your SIN or credit card number.
Tips to Keep Your SIN Safe
Shred any documents that include your Social Insurance Number to protect yourself against identity theft.
As mentioned earlier, you do not need your SIN for your day-to-day life. Because of this, you don’t need to carry your SIN in your wallet or take it with you wherever you go. It is a better idea to store it in a safe place. Some other steps you can take to protect your SIN card are:
Only provide your SIN where it is legally required
Never using your SIN as identification. It is not an identity document and shouldn’t be used as one
Shred any paper records that include your SIN.
Many places that don’t legally need your SIN may ask for it. While it is not necessary, it is still legal. So, it’s important to know when you need to give your SIN when you don’t. If you are applying for a job, renting property, or are asked to prove your identity, you may be asked for your SIN. However, you are not obliged to provide your SIN for these actions and it is strongly recommended that you don’t.
Completing your social insurance number application is a vital first step when you arrive in Canada. Ideally, you should complete this activity within your first two weeks of arriving. This nine-digit number is essential to begin working in Canada and to access other government services and benefits!
My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.
The business casual dress code is a recent concept. Not so long ago, it used to be true that everyone who went for a job interview in Canada had to wear their best suit. Then once they started their new job in Canada, they would have to maintain that professional look every day. This type of dress code is known as business formal. In the past, many companies required their employees to adopt business formal attire in the office environment. Business formal still has a place in the modern workplace, and you will still be required to wear it for an interview because first impressions count!
Recently, however, companies have adopted a more lenient dress code called business casual. The business casual dress code gives employees more freedom with their attire in the workplace while still maintaining a professional look. Be that as it may, there is one problem with the term business casual; it is too vague. So, it can be confusing and leave you wondering what is acceptable and what’s not acceptable. Get helpful guidelines to navigate the business casual dress code in Canada.
For newcomers, understanding the Canadian workplace can help you to succeed. And, understanding the dress code is an important part of understanding the workplace.
So What Exactly is the Business Casual Dress Code in Canada?
There is no one accepted definition for the term business casual. What might be considered business casual in one workplace might be completely unacceptable in another. Different companies define business casual differently. It can vary depending on the company’s culture, goals, and public image. However, the overall goal of business casual attire is to allow employees to be comfortable while still looking professional. Essentially, the business casual dress code combines traditional business wear with less formal clothing. The resulting style is still suitable for the work environment while also being more comfortable for employees.
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However, the business casual dress code has yet to make its way into every Canadian workplace. So, take responsibility to learn what is suitable office attire. It is always best to dress a little smarter than you have to in the first few days until you have figured out what people wear day to day. You can always drop the tie or unbutton the top button to make an outfit more relaxed if you need to.
Speak to Your Human Resources Representative
If you are not sure what is required from you when it comes to your attire, you can always give HR a visit. The Human Resources department will be able to guide you regarding the dress code. The company may even have a formal policy that specifically addresses the dress code. Another suggestion is to observe how formal or casual your coworkers are dressing and find a good balance for your attire.
Business casual is a great option for businesses that have no real reason to maintain a formal dress code. Allowing employees to dress more casually can contribute to higher morale, productivity, and creativity. It may also boost employee morale. Business casual attire allows employees to personalize their clothing and stay more comfortable in the workplace. Since professional wardrobes can get quite expensive, business casual also helps employees save money.
Business Casual Do’s and Don’ts
While a business casual dress code can be confusing, here are some helpful tips to consider.
Do:
Choose appropriate casual wear that fits well and suits the office environment
Wear denim with a dark wash (lighter-coloured denim can look too casual)
Consider what other employees are wearing and dress accordingly
‘Think of the “beach rule”, if you can wear it to the beach, it’s not acceptable for the office.
Choose appropriate casual wear that is appropriate for your office environment.
Don’t Wear:
Ripped or torn clothing (even if it’s in style, ripped or frayed jeans are not appropriate in an office)
Clothing with extreme graphic designs or messages
Worn sneakers or flip-flops
Shorts or mini skirts
Tank tops or strapless shirts
Athletic wear.
Go Shopping
After you have an idea of what business casual wear is suitable for the office, it’s time to go shopping. The salespeople, especially at stores that sell business attire, are well-informed and will be able to guide you. Recently, many businesses have adopted dress codes that are quite lenient and encourage business casual. All you have to do is mention the office dress code and the sales associate can show you a wide array of clothing styles. You may be pleasantly surprised by how many options work with both your personality and the office environment.
Yes, that might sound a little cheesy, but it is true. No matter what clothes you are wearing, having a smile on your face can go pretty far. Smiling radiates confidence and makes you a more likable person from the first impression. As you start your new career in Canada, just being happy will help you start it on the right note.
For information, tools, free webinars, and more visit our Finding a Job in Canada resource page. Get the help you need to achieve your career goals in Canada!
My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.
A large crowd gathers each year on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario to celebrate Canada Day!
Every year, Canadians start their summer by celebrating Canada Day on July 1. The holiday marks the anniversary of Confederation, the event that created Canada. It’s a nationwide holiday that brings Canadians from all over the country together to celebrate. People get together and celebrate all the wonderful things this country offers. Canada Day, 2023, will mark Canada’s 156th birthday.
This year, Canada’s population will surpass 40 million and a large part of the country’s growth is due to international migration. That’s a great testament to the appeal of Canada as an attractive place for newcomers. And, for newcomers, Canada Day is a great time to join the celebration and learn even more about your new home!
Before Canada
It’s mind-boggling how young Canada is in the grand scheme of things. Just two centuries ago, our beloved country didn’t even exist. Instead, the land that is now Canada was a big jumble of territories known as British North America. It consisted of British colonies, a vast stretch known as Rupert’s Land, and was largely uninhabited. In the South, the United States had already united to form a country. Many people at the time thought it was looking to expand north. The leaders of that time started to realize that it might be better to unite into one country rather than face external threats alone. Leaders such as Sir John A. Macdonald, George Brown, and Sir George-Étienne Cartier all got together to discuss the idea of a possible union.
Learn the History Behind July 1
After many discussions, four British colonies decided to unite. On July 1, 1867, the colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada (Quebec and Ontario) got together to form the Dominion of Canada. This event is known as confederation. Every year, we celebrate the anniversary of confederation or “Dominion Day” on July 1st. This year, Canada Day 2023 will celebrate the 156th anniversary of confederation.
Fun Fact: To this day, Canada’s official name is still “Dominion of Canada.” The complete name is quite wordy though, so we just shorten it to Canada.
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Although Canada originally consisted of just four provinces, more British colonies opted to join the Dominion of Canada following confederation. Newfoundland and Labrador was the last province to join Canada in 1949. Canada, as we know it today, became complete with the addition of Nunavut, when it joined as a territory in 1999.
Why is it Called Canada Day?
The holiday on July 1 was not always called Canada Day. Even though Canada became a country in 1867, it did not gain full autonomy and was still under British rule. While July 1 officially became a holiday in 1879, it wasn’t widely celebrated and it certainly wasn’t called Canada Day at the time. It wasn’t until Canada gained complete independence in 1982 that July 1 became Canada Day, the holiday we know and love today.
While Canada Day started as a small and modest holiday, it has evolved into something truly magnificent. Today, Canada Day is one of the most beloved holidays in the country. July 1 has become synonymous with large festivals and vibrant fireworks. Since Canada Day comes right after the school year ends, the holiday marks the unofficial start of the Canadian summer.
Canada Day usually brings many exciting events and festivals with it. From the West Coast in the Pacific to the East Coast in the Atlantic, Canada lights up on July 1. You can be sure that many Canada Day festivals will take place in small towns and large cities around you! Such events may include picnics, bonfires, sporting events, parades, water activities (it’s July), and more delicious food. More importantly, these festivals are a great way to spend time with family and friends and meet new people in your community.
Canada Day festivals generally take place in vast, open spaces such as a large park or a beach. These festivals are enormous and have activities for everyone. Some of the biggest Canada Day celebrations take place on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Since there is ongoing construction on parliament hill that will continue for the next few years, the celebrations aren’t as large this year. Instead, the festivities are spread out across Downtown Ottawa and Gatineau. Still, the area will host some of the biggest and grandest Canada Day celebrations this year.
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Members of Canada’s Ceremonial Guard march in a Canada Day parade in Ottawa, Ontario wearing distinctive scarlet tunics and bearskin caps.
Is Canada Day 2023 a Statutory Holiday?
The holiday is a national statutory holiday, meaning most employees are legally entitled to take the day off. You will still receive statutory holiday pay, which is the same as a day’s work if you take the day off. If you decide to work on Canada Day, you will receive premium pay, which is 1½ times your regular pay. If you are not scheduled to work on Canada Day, you are entitled to take the next day off while receiving holiday pay.
Canada Day being a statutory holiday also means that all government institutions are closed on that day. Libraries, government offices, banks, and post offices are all examples of services you will find closed on Canada Day.
What if Canada Day Falls on a Weekend?
Canada Day 2023 will fall on a Saturday. If Canada Day falls on a weekend, the holiday will move to the following Monday. That is because Saturday and Sunday are not regular working days for most employees. As a result, Canada Day is bumped to the next weekday. However, some provinces have different policies regarding when Canada Day is celebrated. While all provinces and territories recognize Canada Day as a statutory holiday, not all of them will move Canada Day to a weekday. Some provinces and territories don’t have a rule that shifts Canada to a weekday if July 1 falls on a weekend.
Canada Day Citizenship Ceremony for New Canadians.
Canada Day is about celebrating being Canadian. It is a day to celebrate your identity as a proud Canadian. Canada is a wonderful country with a rich history and a bright future. Canada Day serves to remind us of that fact every year on July 1. As Canadian newcomers, what a great way to celebrate summer, blue skies, long days, kids out of school, and our great new home and life!
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!
My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.
Toronto’s public transportation system is operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). There are many ways to get around Toronto using its public transportation system. The TTC operates subways, buses, and streetcars in Toronto and some of its surrounding municipalities. These three modes of transportation, together, are enough to serve all your transportation needs in Toronto. In fact, some even prefer to use the public transportation system in Toronto over owning a car, both by price and convenience. Toronto also offers a bike service known as Bike Share Toronto.
Public Transportation Advantages In Toronto
Toronto is Canada’s most populated city. It is not often easy to get around the city by car, due to Toronto’s traffic conditions. If you are planning to visit or move to Toronto, it is important to have a fast and cost-effective way of getting around the city. Fortunately, Toronto is aware of its traffic problems and has an extensive public transportation system to make up for them. The public transportation system is one of the fastest and most convenient ways of getting around Toronto and its surrounding municipalities.
The advantages of using public transportation in Toronto are many. The biggest public transportation advantage is that the TTC will save you a lot of money compared to owning a car in the long run. Depending on where you live in Toronto, sometimes the TTC is enough to cover all your transportation needs in the city. Another advantage of public transportation in Toronto is time. The TTC can save you a lot of time that would have otherwise been spent stuck in a traffic jam. This is especially true if you are trying to get through downtown Toronto. Even though the city of Toronto is trying to improve its traffic conditions, the bad traffic isn’t going away anytime soon.
Using Subways for Public Transportation
One of the fastest ways of getting around Toronto is by using the TTC subway. However, it is not the most extensive, and you cannot go everywhere in Toronto by using its subway system. Subways run every few minutes from 6 AM to 1:30 AM on weekdays and Saturdays. On Sundays, subways run from 8 AM to 1:30 AM.
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The TTC subway system is made up of lines and stations. When you enter a station, you will need to follow signs to your boarding location and pay the fare. One of the best things about Toronto’s subway stations is that the signs are easy to follow and you will not have to waste any time trying to find your way around. Remember, you can always ask someone if you are confused about where to go. You will also know when to get off thanks to the frequent announcements in both French and English before every station.
Toronto’s subway system is made up of 77 km of track with 75 stations spread out over 4 lines. As of 2021, there are currently two new lines and 39 new stations under construction. Once construction has finished in 2022, 19 more kilometres will be added for a total track distance of 96 km. Fortunately, the government will be expanding Toronto’s subway system even further so you can expect to see more lines and stations added in the future.
Using Buses for Public Transportation
Even though buses don’t travel as fast as subways, Toronto’s bus system is very extensive and you can get almost anywhere in Toronto by bus. The TTC bus system has 141 bus routes that cover every corner of the city. If you are travelling from one end of the city to another, you might have to switch buses but the process is very quick as wait times are usually small.
Buses run every few minutes from 6 AM to 1 AM on weekdays and Saturdays. On Sundays, buses run from 8 AM to 1 AM. It is likely you have multiple bus stops near your residence in Toronto. If you are not sure where the nearest bus stops are, you can always check Google Maps. Just open Google Maps and search, ”bus stops”, to find all the bus stops near you.
Streetcars provide most of the transportation needs in downtown Toronto. That is why most of the streetcar routes are located in downtown Toronto. If you are looking to get around downtown Toronto, you will have to choose between buses and streetcars. Here is why streetcars are better than buses when you have the option of using a streetcar.
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Streetcars are generally faster than buses, both because of speed and because streetcars have fewer stops than buses. Streetcars are more spacious and comfortable than buses. They provide a smoother ride because the rails are embedded in the street. If you are looking to commute around downtown Toronto, then streetcars should probably be your first choice.
One of the great things about TTC streetcars is that most of them run 24 hours a day. There are 13 streetcar routes in Toronto with stops every few hundred metres. These routes cover almost every corner of downtown Toronto, even extending to areas outside downtown.
Two-Hour Transfer Period
If you plan to use the TTC regularly, it’s helpful to know about the two-hour transfer period. Your Presto Card, which we will discuss more later on, will automatically apply the two-hour transfer period. If you transfer to another mode of transportation within those two hours, you can do so for no extra charge. If you are paying for your ride with coins, you will have to ask for a transfer ticket which will also last you 2 hours. During these two hours, you will be able to enter and exit the TTC as many times as you want with your transfer ticket.
The two-hour transfer period is useful if you travel a long distance using the TTC. Chances are, you will have to transfer multiple buses, perhaps even a subway. Or, it’s great to take advantage of the transfer period if you have to make multiple short trips for everyday activities. If you are unaware of the two-hour transfer period, the whole transit journey can become pretty expensive. By making use of the transfer period, you can reduce your transit costs.
Fares for Toronto’s Public Transportation System
The fare system in Toronto’s public transportation system is fairly easy to understand. You will have the option of paying by cash or by a fare card called a Presto card. Youth (13-19) and seniors (65+) will get discounted fare prices. Also, children under the age of 12 can ride for free.
To access the full pricing chart, click here. Below is a brief overview of the fare system for Toronto’s transportation system.
TTC Fares
Adults
Youth (13-19)
Seniors (65+)
Cash
$3.35
$2.40
$2.30
Presto Card
$3.30
$2.35
$2.25
Presto Day Pass
$13.50
$13.50
$13.50
Presto Monthly Pass
$156.00
$128.15
$128.15
TTC transit fares as of April, 2023.
Save Money with a Presto Card
Not only do Presto cards save you a little bit of money each time you use the TTC but they are also very convenient. Presto cards are good to have if you expect to travel a lot in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Presto cards can also be used outside Toronto in cities like Mississauga (MiWay), Brampton, Hamilton, and York, among others. In total, your Presto card can be used in 10 other municipalities outside Toronto. Visit Presto’s official website to learn more about the Presto card, how to use one, and where you can use it.
The City of Toronto has resources for those struggling financially to access Toronto’s public transportation system. The Fair Pass Transit Discount Program is a program that is available to low-income families or individuals. If eligible, you will be able to access a 33% discount on single-ride fares and a 21% discount on your monthly pass. You can learn whether or not you are eligible as well as apply to the program using the link above.
Compared to owning a car in Toronto, a Presto card is more affordable. According to the Canadian Automobile Association, it costs between $8,900 – $12,000 per year to own a car in Toronto.
Public Transportation System: Bike Share Toronto
Another great way to get around Toronto is by bike. Even though downtown Toronto may not be the best place for bikers, the rest of Toronto and most of its surrounding municipalities are bike-friendly. Fortunately, you don’t need to own a bike to get around the city.
Toronto has a bike rental program called Bike Share Toronto. Bike Share Toronto has over 625 stations and 6,850 bikes all across Toronto. Most subway stations also have a Bike Share station nearby. All you need to do is go to a station and rent a bike for as much time as you need it.
Here is a map of all the bike stations in Toronto. If you click on a station, it will tell you how many bikes are available to rent and how many slots are available to return a bike. Once you are finished using your bike, all you need to do is find the nearest station, return the bike, and pay your fare.
Toronto Bike Share Station at Union Station
The PBSC App For Bike Share Toronto
To make the whole process easier for you, Bike Share Toronto has a mobile app called PBSC, available on both iOS and Android. The app will have a map of all the stations as well as how many bikes are available in each station. You can even unlock a bike from the app before you reach the station which makes for a quick and convenient experience.
Toronto’s public transportation system is a great way to get around the city. If you have been to Toronto, you are probably well aware of its traffic problems. The transit system can help you save time and avoid getting stuck in traffic jams around the city. Knowing how the public transportation system works in Toronto will let you make the best use of the convenient and cost-effective services available to you.
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!
My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.
