Traditions for Expats and Locals in Toronto and Ontario
Ontario has quite a few public holidays & traditions. Every community in this wonderfully multicultural city has its own traditions and customs, but we have listed a few for you:
- Skate at the Natan Philips Square – a great family pastime for city slickers in Toronto during the winter
- Check out the Cavalcade of Lights – During the festive season, you can check out the extravaganza along with sing-a-longs and of course lots of lights
- Polar Bear Swim – if it’s New Years Day, then why not take a cold swim in Lake Ontario?
- In the summer, head up to the cottage if you have one. If you don’t have a cabin up North, ask a friend or rent one in the Summer
- Attend the Toronto Christmas Market – it is a recreation of the European markets – you are sure to find something for the special someone.
On these days many businesses close, and those that require employees to work must pay their staff 2.5 times their usual wages. Here are the official and unofficial holidays that are recognized in Ontario (Official holidays are in bold print):
