Town of Fort Frances

There are always things to do and places to see, no matter what time of year you visit the area.

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.

Hospital and 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. Many city and suburban stores stay open until 9:00 p.m. Sunday shopping is available in many centres.

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.

Bringing your boat across the border

You may enter Canada aboard your pleasurecraft or within 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. For more information, see the Getting Around With Ease Section of the Guide to:
Federal Harbours (Ontario)
Available from:
Customs Border Service Canada
36 Adelaide Street East
Second Floor East Tower
Toronto, Ontario M5C 1J7
Tel: 1-800-461-98999 (information)
(416) 973-973-8027 or (416) 9733239
Fax: (416) 954-9241

Firearms and Munitions

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, contact:
Chief Provincial Firearms Office
777 Memorial Avenue
Orilla, Ontario L3V 7V3
Tel: 1-800-731-4000 or (705) 329-7662 Fax: (705) 329-7660