To help make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable here are a few more handy tips:

Electricity

Outlets and voltage (110 volts) are the same as in the United States. Small appliances such as hair dryers, irons, razors, etc. can be used in Canada. For those from other countries, adapters are required for electrical appliances. The frequency of electrical current in Canada is 60 Hz.

Food & Beverages

An extensive variety of cuisine is available in Burlington. Fine dining, casual or family friendly restaurants are easily accessible. Alcoholic beverages in bottles are sold in special 'Liquor' stores. Alcoholic beverages including beer and wine may be purchased in "Licensed Premises" establishments, such as restaurants, hotel lounges, pubs, and nightclubs. You may also purchase beer in Beer Stores and alcohol in Liquor or LCBO stores. Minors under 19 years are not admitted into bars.

Holidays

There are 10 statutory holidays and one civic holiday celebrated annually in Ontario. Generally, banks and some businesses remain closed. Theatres, restaurants, and corner grocery stores remain open for business as usual. In some tourist areas shops remain open.

Language

Canada has two official languages - English and French. English is the predominant language in Ontario. After English, the most common mother tongue languages spoken are Chinese (3%), Italian (2%), German (2%), Spanish (2%), Punjabi (1%) and Arabic (1%).

Metric Measures

Canada follows the International Metric System. Temperatures, rainfall measures, distance, weights, velocity are expressed in metric units. Distance is measured in kilometres.

Metric Equivalents

Newspapers

Residents of Burlington stay informed through a variety of daily and weekly newspapers that service a wide range of cultural interests. The tri-weekly newspaper is the Burlington Post. Many residents also subscribe to the Hamilton Spectator a daily paper, which covers the Hamilton, Halton and Niagara areas. For local business information, the Globe and Mail and National Post provide national and international news on a daily basis.

Phone Codes

There are a number of different telephone area codes for the province of Ontario. Dialing requires10-digit phone numbers, so ensure you include the correct area code in front of the local number you are dialing.

Local vs. Long Distance

• A recorded message will play if you have dialed a long distance number and will provide redialing instructions.
• Phone calls to some areas of Hamilton, Toronto and Niagara are long distance, but most businesses have either toll-free or local-call numbers.

Direct Dial

• If you're calling from within Canada or the United States, direct dialing is: 1.areacode.phone.number (e.g. 1.905.634.5594)
• If you're calling from outside North America, you can dial directly to Ontario numbers. Simply use the international access code 00 if you're calling from most countries in Europe and 0011 if you're calling from Australia. Then dial our country code 1, the area code and the number. (e.g. 00.1.905.634.5594)

Directories

You can find the phone numbers of most residents and businesses (as well as see a map of their location) in Burlington by using the following sites: www.superpages.ca OR www.canada411.com

Cell Phone Use & Driving

As of October 26, 2009, Ontario law prohibits the use of cell phones and other hand held devices while driving.   Hands-free use will still be permitted.  Fines of up to $500 will apply.

Smoking Laws

Smoking is not permitted by law in public buildings, on public transit, in shopping malls, and in restaurants, patios, pubs, nightclubs and casinos. Please smoke in designated areas only.

Smoking in motor vehicles with anyone under 16 is illegal and the fine is up $250.  As of January 21, 2009, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act prohibits smoking or having lighted tobacco in a motor vehicle while a person under 16 year old is present.  For more information, contact your Public Health Unit or call the INFOline toll-free at 1-866-396-1760 or smoke free website

Time Zone

Ontario is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone. Daylight Savings Time is in effect from 0200hr on the second Sunday in March until 0200hr on the first Sunday in November.

Tipping

Some properties and hotels include tips or gratuities for tour groups to simplify bookkeeping. This will usually include gratuities for housekeeping, bell service and food service. If meals are included in the price, customary gratuity will be calculated at 15 per cent. Visitors should be advised that the standard tip in most restaurants is 15 per cent.

Video/DVD Systems

In Canada, the NTSC-system is used for television broadcasts. This system is not compatible with the PAL and SECAM systems used in Europe and several other countries. If you purchase a video cassette/DVD in Canada, ensure it is recorded in the appropriate system for your home country.

Related pages:

• About Burlington