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Home/Travel Trade/
Travel Trade - About Kingston
ABOUT KINGSTON, ONTARIO
| Climate |
| Kingston's proximity to Lake Ontario yields a moderate climate with four distinct seasons. Average summer temperature is 24C or 75F. Average winter temperature is -8C or 17F. |
| Language |
| The primary language is English. All of the services that are provided to the public by a ministry or agency of the Government of Ontario (driver's licence, birth certificate, information, etc.) are available in French in the government offices located in Kingston. The city also enjoys thriving Asian, Greek, Italian and Portuguese communities. |
| Public Restrooms |
| Downtown public restrooms are located on the park side of the Visitor Information Centre. They are open seven days a week on the following schedule: Late May - September: 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. March, April, October and November: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. December - February: Closed |
| Emergency Numbers |
| Police, Fire and Ambulance: 911 |
| After Hours Medical: 613-546-5506 775 Strand Boulevard: Monday-Friday 6-9:30pm; Weekend & Holidays: 9:30am-4:30pmAfter-Hours Medical Clinics are for people who have medical problems that may need immediate attention but are not life-threatening. Telephone 613-546-5506 during their hours of operation. No appointment is necessary. They are not able to take x-rays or provide stitches to close cuts or wounds; if you require either x-rays or stitches, go directly to the Hospital Emergency Department. |
| Hotel Dieu Urgent Care Centre: 613-544-3310
166 Brock Street: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. |
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Kingston General Hospital Emergency Department (walk-ins and acute/critical care): 613-548-2333 |
| Poison Control: 1-800-267-1373 |
| Kingston Police: 613-549-4660 |
| CAA Road Service: 613-546-2679 |
| Canadian Currency |
| Name the dollar, made up of 100 cents. Coin denominations are 1, 5, 10, and 25 cents. We also have a 1-dollar coin (Loonie) and a 2-dollar coin (Toonie). Dollar bill denominations are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 1000. Carrying small bills is best as some businesses will not accept $50 or higher bills. |
| Legal Holidays |
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Banks and government offices (such as the post office) are closed on the following public holidays. Some additional businesses may have adjusted hours or be closed on these days. New Year's Day : January 1 |
| Liquor Laws In Ontario the legal ages to drink alcohol is 19 years. Please be prepared to show photo identification. |
| Postage |
| You can buy stamps or send a package at any Canada Post Office; the Kingston Post Office is located at 120 Clarence St. Canada Post Outlets are also located at many Shoppers Drug Mart outlets. |
| Telephone |
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You must dial 1 plus the three-digit area code when place a long distance call within Canada or the USA. For local calls, you must dial the area code followed by the seven-digit phone number. |
| Identification Required to Enter Canada from the United States |
| Beginning June 1, 2009, all international visitors to Canada are required to show a passport or other appropriate secure document to enter Canada by land, water or air. For information about requirements, please visit: http://tourism.kingstoncanada.com/en/makeaconnection/international.asp |
| Taxes |
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The goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) may apply to various goods and services you purchase during your stay in Canada. The GST rate is 5%, and the HST rate is 13%. The Government of Canada has eliminated the GST/HST Visitor Rebate Program and announced the introduction of the Foregin Convention and Tour Incentive Program. For information on how to qualify for a refund on Canadian taxes you have paid during your visit, please visit the Revenue Canada website. |
For more information and additional assistance, please contact:
Connie Markle
Manager, Conferences & Travel Trade
markle@kingstoncanada.com
613-544-2725 ext. 7241
