Ontario is the most populous province of Canada. Its 13.8 million of inhabitants represent 38.5 % of the total Canadian population. The economy of Ontario is rich and diversified and has a nominal GDP of CAD $ 748 billion, almost twice that of Quebec which is the second largest in Canada. Ontario is home of 20 public universities, 24 colleges and more of 400 registered private career colleges. Some universities in Ontario are internationally renowned such University of Toronto, McMaster University, University of Waterloo, Queen’s University, Carleton University, University of Ottawa, York University, Western University and Ryerson University to name a few.
Ontario has beautiful landscapes and we strongly recommend you to experience them. Ontario Parks offers camping facilities at very reasonable prices so you can enjoy a relaxing weekend surrounded by beautiful outdoors or practice one of the many outdoors sports available at the parks: hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking in summer or skiing, snow shoeing, tobogganing and ice skating in winter. Some parks have equipment for rent.
Links to Ontario sites
Ontario’s official website
Ontario’s financial info
Ontario Health Insurance Plan
Ontario Driver’s License
Colleges and University info
Ontario Parks
Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people (5.5 million in the Greater Toronto Area – GTA). It's a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked as one of the world's most livable cities. According to 2011 Census/ National Household Survey conducted in 2011, residents of Toronto are of over 230 different ethnic origins; 49% of people living in Toronto in 2011 were immigrants and the most common countries of birth of these immigrants were China and the Philippines.
The GTA is heralded as one of the most multicultural cities in the world and ranked as the safest large metropolitan area in North America by Places Rated Almanac. Multiculturalism is reflected in all aspects of the day to day living and the international cuisine available in the city is one of the most delectable treats resulted from this diversity. To have a sampler of Toronto’s international cuisine you can start with a visit to Little Italy, the Danforth Greek district, Kensington Market, China Town, St Lawrence market, Gerrard street Indian restaurants or the Distillery District. Ask your colleagues about their favourite restaurant and try it, you’ll be delighted!
2.1 Choosing a neighborhood
The great thing about living in Toronto is that every neighbourhood comes with bragging rights. Rosedale has prestige schools. Trinity-Bellwoods is the capital for small-batch picklers. Etobicoke has low crime rates, Scarborough has lush parks, downtown has the most transit…read more
2.2 Elementary Education
Elementary schools in Canada provide kindergarten programs for children aged 4 and 5. They also provide instruction from grades 1 - 8. Generally, students begin elementary school at 6 years of age and graduate at 13. Secondary schools, often called "high schools," provide instruction from grades 9 - 12. Generally, students begin high school at 14 years of age and graduate at 18.
There are two publicly funded schools boards in Ontario that offer tuition free elementary education: Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic School Board. Visit their website for more info.
If English isn’t your children first language, he can get free language training support at his school, read more …
2.2 Driver’s license
If you have a full driver’s license from another country or province, you can use it in Ontario for up to 60 days. After this time period, it expires and you will need to request an Ontario license. Read more at redirect.php?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ontario.ca%2Fpage%2Fexchange-out-province-drivers-licence" target="_blank" rel="nofollow
2.3 Health Insurance
A resident of Ontario must have a health card to show that he/she is entitled to health care services paid for by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). For information on how to obtain this card please refer to: redirect.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.gov.on.ca%2Fen%2Fpublic%2Fprograms%2Fohip%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow
2.4 Transportation system
Depending on where you choose to live and whether you drive a car or not, you will probably need to take the subway, buses, street cars or even trains available in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in order to get to the office. The Toronto Transit Commission website is a great place to plan your trips: redirect.php?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ttc.ca%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow if you live in Toronto. Other public transport operators in GTA are GO Transit, York Region Transit (YRT/Viva), Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, Mississauga Transit MiWay.
For traveling to other Canadian cities by ground you can use Megabus or Greyhound buses or Via Rail trains. If you are traveling by plane, there is an express train from Union Station to Pearson Airport which is affordable and reliable. There are TTC and GO regular trains/ buses to the airport but you need to plan for unexpected traffic delays.
2.5 Cultural activities
Throughout the year there are many cultural activities available to enjoy in Ontario. For Tourism Information in Ontario, visit redirect.php?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ontariotravel.net%2Fen%2Fhome" target="_blank" rel="nofollow. Toronto specific cultural activities are listed in redirect.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toronto%2Ccom" target="_blank" rel="nofollow. One of the most popular blogs to look up information is: redirect.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogto.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow
Major attractions include: CN Tower, Harbourfront Centre, Casa Loma, Black Creek Pioneer Village, Air Canada Centre, Rogers Centre, Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). Farther out we have Niagara Falls, St Jacobs Mennonite Community, African Lion Safari, Wonderland (Amusement Park), Wasaga Beach, Casino Rama, Niagara on-the-Lake and much more.
2.6 Extracurricular activities for children and adults
Toronto Parks and Recreation offers a multitude of programs for people of all ages: swimming, fitness, skating, skiing, arts and crafts, dance. These programs are offered across the city community centres and the enrollment fees are very reasonable. Parks and recreation also offers a variety of summer camps which are a fabulous alternative to day care services when children are on school vacation. Learn more about these programs…