2017 Algoma Travel Guide 1 | Page 81

extend coverage outside your country of residence . If you are taking prescription drugs , make sure that they are in the original packaging , bring an adequate supply , and bring a copy of the prescription in case you need a refill during your stay in Ontario . If this is not possible , carry a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor . For more information and insurance details , contact your travel agent , insurance broker , or your employer ’ s insurance provider .
CREDIT CARDS , FINANCIAL SERVICES AND U . S . FUNDS
Chartered banks are located in virtually all cities and towns . These full-service institutions are the best locations for exchanging currency . There is also a government sanctioned Canada / U . S . currency exchange service at the Ontario Travel Information Centre in Sault Ste . Marie and at the Duty Free Store & Kiosk . Credit cards such as Visa , MasterCard and AMEX , are generally honoured in all communities . Be sure to check with individual businesses before or when booking accommodations to ensure they accept your card .
Please note that driving motorized vehicles , including cars , trucks , ATVs , snowmobiles , and boats , while impaired is illegal . You can immediately lose your licence for 90 days for refusing to take a breathalyzer reading greater than 80 mg ( 0.08 %) of alcohol per 100 mL of blood . Charges may be laid under the criminal code of Canada .
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE ( OPP )
For police services anywhere in Ontario , call the 24-hour toll-free line 1-888-310-1122 or 1-888-310-1133 ( TTY ).
SALES TAX
In Ontario , a Harmonized Sales Tax ( HST ) of 13 % applies to most purchases . For more information , contact : 1-800-565-9353 ( inside Canada ); ( 902 ) 432-5604 ( outside Canada ); or www . cra-arc . gc . ca
CURRENCY
If you want to know what your money is worth in Canada , visit www . bankofcanada . ca / rates / exchange / daily-converter / to quickly convert your currency to Canadian dollars .
STATUTORY HOLIDAYS
In Ontario , it ’ s important to plan ahead for the following holidays and booking ahead for accommodations is recommended :
New Year ’ s Day
January 1
Family Day
Third Monday in February
Good Friday
Friday before Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday
Retail stores not open
Easter Monday
Governmental Only
Victoria Day
Monday before May 25
Canada Day
July 1
Civic Holiday
First Monday in August ( not statutory )
Labour Day
First Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day Second Monday in October
Christmas Day
December 25
Boxing Day
December 26
LIQUOR OUTLETS AND THE LAW
You must be 19 or over to buy or consume liquor , wine and beer in Ontario . It is an offence to consume alcohol anywhere other than in a licenced establishment , your residence or within a reasonable distance of your residence . Ontario laws prohibit having open bottles of liquor in a location accessible to the driver of a vehicle . Please don ’ t drink and drive ! Liquor including wine and beer is available through stores run by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario ( LCBO ) or in smaller centers , by their authorized representative . Beer may be purchased through “ The Beer Store ” or directly from brewery outlets . Beer , wine and cider is now available at select grocery stores in the province of Ontario . Drinking hours in licenced establishments are from 11 a . m . until 2 a . m . In Ontario , it is an offence to consume alcohol anywhere other than in a residence or on licenced premises .
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