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Kingston, Ontario Quick Facts
Canada's National and Provincial Holidays
Population: 143,000
Comprising the former City of Kingston, former Kingston Township and former Pittsburgh Township, the new City of Kingston came into being on January 1, 1998.

Elevation: 305 feet

Location:  Kingston is located on the Northeast corner of Lake Ontario, roughly the same distance from all of Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto.

Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (GMT-6). Kingston observes Daylight Saving Time from April through October
Emergencies: 911 for fire, police, or ambulance.
 
Average Monthly Temperatures: 
   High  Low 
Month   Celsius Fahrenheit Celsius Fahrenheit
January   -1 30 -9 16
February   -1 30 -9 15
March   3 37 -5 23
April   10 50 1 34
May   17 63 7 44
June   23 73 12 54
July   26 79 15 59
August   25 77 14 58
September   21 69 11 51
October   13 56 4 40
November   6 43 -1 31
December   1 33 -6 21
 
Kingston has higher winter temperatures than Ontario?s capital city of Ottawa. Summers are warm and sunny. Some snow groundcover is usually present from mid-December until mid-March, though heavy snowfalls are unusual. Precipitation averages between 2.4 and 2.9 inches per month all year round.
 
Getting to Kingston:
By Air
Air Canada
Norman Rogers Airport
1114 Len Birchall Way
Kingston, ONT, K7M 4M1
613-389-6404
888-247-2262
Airlines Serving Airport: Air Canada (Daily passenger and cargo service between Kingston and Toronto's Pearson International Airport with connections to Air Canada's global network.)

By Car
Kingston is easily accessible from the south from Highway 81, from the East and West from highway 401, and from the North from highways 15, 16 or 17

By Bus
Greyhound Canada
Kingston Terminal
175 Counter Street
Kingston, ON K7K 6C7
613-547-4916
Telephone for schedule.

Voyageur Bus Service
613-238-5900
Provides bus service from Montreal and Ottawa

Via Rail
888 VIA-RAIL
Trains come from Ottawa, Toronto and Montr?al

Getting Around
Both thrifty and environmentally friendly, Kingston Transit is a good transportation choice. The 'Visitor's Day Pass' allows unlimited bus travel for the day, as well as special deals at several of Kingston's attractions.

Currency
:  The Canadian currency is in dollars.  There are one dollar coins  called ?loonies? because of the loon depicted on the gold colored coin ; two dollar coins with a gold colored center and silver border   called ?toonies? because they are equal to 2 loonies ; dime; nickel and penny.  The paper currency comes in denominations of $5; $10; $20; $50; $100.  The present exchange rate is between $1.42 and $1.50 Canadian for every US dollar.  Rates vary widely depending on where money is exchanged.  Banks give the best rate.  The easiest method of securing cash at the best exchange rate is to make withdrawals using a US credit card from the ATM machines found at the major banks and stores. 
 
Business Hours:  Banks are usually open Monday to Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Most stores are open Monday to Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours  until 8:00 p.m. or later on Thursday and/or Friday.
 
Electricity:  It is the same as in the United States:  110 volts, 50 cycles, AC.

Visitors with disabilities: Canadian Paraplegic Association National Office provides information about accessibility in Canada.
613- 723-1033.
 
Embassies/Consulates:  All embassies are in Ottawa, the national capital. US Consulate in Toronto is at 360 University Ave.
416-595-1700 .
 
Customs Regulations:
A passport is not required for US citizens entering Canada, but it is still the best form of identification. Proof of citizenship is required. Legal custody documents are also required for each child being transported. Non custodial parents grandparents, etc. are required to have with them a notarized letter of consent signed by the child's custodial parent.

Pets being transported must be accompanied by proof of licensure paperwork, not just the tag on the collar and proof of all vaccinations and inoculations. Possession of radar detectors is illegal in the province of Ontario. Telephone Tourist information from the US or Canada at 1-800-668-2746 for more information or contact Canada Customs 905/ 354-6043.

Taxes for Travellers
The provincial retail sales tax is 8%; on accommodations it's 5%. There is an additional 7% national goods-and-services tax (GST). Non-Canadian residents are entitled to claim a rebate of all GST paid on accommodations and certain categories of goods purchases (see Canadian Travel Information on this site).

Always save the original receipts from stores and hotels (not just credit-card receipts), and be sure the name and address of the establishment is shown on the receipt. Original receipts are not returned.

Immigration and customs
Visitors from any country except the United States must carry a valid passport. American citizens need only proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and an identity card that includes a photo. Visas are required for visitors from certain countries. It is always advisable to check with the Canadian consulate or embassy before setting out for Kingston.
Telephone tourist information from the US or Canada at 800-668-2746 or contact Canada customs 905-254-6043.