Tipping

If you’re happy with the service you receive, a 15-20% tip on the pre-tax bill is a standard expression of appreciation when dining out in the city. Note that some restaurants automatically add this gratuity when serving large groups, so be sure to check your bill.

Tips are also expected for services such as haircuts, shoe shines and taxi rides. 15-20% is standard in these situations as well.

Taxes

The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is a 13% tax that is applied to most purchases of taxable supplies of goods and services in the Province of Ontario. The HST consists of a 5% federal portion and an 8% retail sales tax portion.

Official holidays

Banks, liquor stores and government offices observe these holidays, as do most stores and business offices. Holidays that occur on weekends are observed the following Monday:

Official Holidays observed in Toronto:

Holiday 2014 2015 2016

New Year’s Day Wednesday, January 1 Thursday, January 1 Friday, January 1

Good Friday Friday, April 18 Friday, April 3 Friday, March 25

Easter Sunday Sunday, April 20 Sunday, April 5 Sunday, March 27

Easter Monday Monday, April 21 Monday, April 6 Monday, March 28

Victoria Day Monday, May 19 Monday, May 18 Monday, May 23

Canada Day Tuesday, July 1 Wednesday, July 1 Friday, July 1

Civic Holiday (stores open) Monday, August 4 Monday, August 3 Monday, August 1

Labour Day Monday, September 1 Monday, September 7 Monday, September 5

Thanksgiving Day Monday, October 13 Monday, October 12 Monday, October 10

Remembrance Day (stores open) Tuesday, November 11 Wednesday, November 11 Friday, November 11

Christmas Day Thursday, December 25 Thursday, December 25 Sunday, December 25

Religion & places of worship in Toronto

Toronto is home to a vast multicultural population and is welcoming to all. Here are some suggestions for places of worship in Toronto.

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