An authentic address for gifts made in Canada, with over 200 Canadian artists and artisans ...Read more
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TimetableOpening times can vary from one establishment to another, but in general, they open in the morning between 10 and 11am and close between 6pm and 9pm. On Sundays, opening hours are often limited (12pm to 5 or 6pm). On the other hand, they are more generous at the height of the summer tourist season and during the holiday season, for example. And whatever the season, most businesses in the Greater Toronto Area are open 7 days a week.
Budget & TipsWhile the cost of living in Canada is relatively low, the same cannot be said of Toronto, one of the country's most expensive cities. However, you'll find it easy to get by on the shopping front, thanks in part to the very favorable exchange rate. On the other hand, some products are more expensive, particularly in the gourmet sector (cheeses, spirits, etc.). While prices may seem tempting, sales taxes are never included, unless otherwise specified. You must therefore add 13% tax on your purchases (some products benefit from partial or total tax exemption, such as printed books, unprocessed food, etc.). Debit and credit cards are generally accepted everywhere. Please note that there has been no tax refund program for visitors for many years.
SalesSales are a common practice in Ontario, whether they are generalized at a certain period (end of season) or offered on a one-time basis in a specialized type of business (hardware stores and home improvement centers just before summer). Ontario also participates in the big sales such as Black Friday (Friday following the American Thanksgiving in November) and Boxing Day (day after Christmas), but the frenzy of consumers is much less palpable here than in its American neighbor.
What's very localThere are, of course, some great classics to bring back from a stay in the Toronto area, such as Roots clothing or accessories (a brand founded in Toronto), featuring one of the city's professional sports teams (notably the Raptors, 2019 NBA champions) or sporting the famous "We the North" slogan. We also recommend local beers and spirits, not to mention the wines of the Niagara region, especially ice wine. However, haggling is not at all common in Toronto, except perhaps in certain working-class neighborhoods.
Tourist trapsThe great classics bearing the effigy of the destination are always popular with visitors. Unfortunately, souvenir stores are often filled with items made in China, and are omnipresent on the Harbourfront, downtown and around Chinatown. The same applies to some craft stores. So be sure to buy local and authentic to encourage the local economy.