General Tourist Information For Ontario
Official Flag
The flag of Ontario is called the Red Ensign. It includes the Union Jack,
representing our ties to Great Britain, and the Coat of Arms of the Province.
Coat-Of-Arms Of Ontario
The Coat-of-Arms of the Province consists of a green shield with three golden
maple leaves surmounted by the Banner of St. George, a red cross on a white
background. The banner indicates our close ties with Britain, while the colours
green and gold are Ontario's official colours. Above the shield is a bear, with
a moose and a deer supporting the shield; all representing the rich animal life
of the province. The Latin motto is translated as "Loyal She Began, Loyal She
Remains." The shield was granted by Royal Warrant of Queen Victoria on May 25,
1868, and the crest, supporters and motto by Royal Warrant of King Edward VII on
February 27, 1909.
Official Flower
The official flower of Ontario is the Trillium, a delicate white three-petalled
flower that grows in profusion in the wild woodlands of the province in early
spring.
Official Gem
Amethyst, the rich purple semiprecious stone, is the official gem of Ontario.
Large deposits are found in Northwestern Ontario.
Official Tree
The Eastern White Pine, Ontario's official tree, was an important source of
income and trade during the pioneering days, and continues to be a valuable
resource for Ontario today.
Official Bird
The Common Loon was adopted as Ontario's official bird on June 23, 1994.
Liquor
Anyone 19 years of age or over may buy liquor and imported or domestic wine and
beer from government liquor stores. These government stores are closed on
holidays. A large selection of imported and domestic beer is available from The
Beer Store, which has many locations throughout Ontario. They are also closed on
holidays. Drinking hours in licensed establishments are from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
In Ontario it is an offence to consume alcohol anywhere other than a residence
or on licensed premises. Driving motorized vehicles, including all-terrain
vehicles, snowmobiles and boats, while impaired is illegal. You can immediately
lose your licence for 90 days for refusing to take a breathalyzer test or having
a breathalyzer reading greater than 80 mg (0.08%) of alcohol per 100 mL of
blood. Charges may be laid under the Criminal Code of Canada, for drinking and
driving, which upon conviction, may also result in loss of driving privileges
for at least one year.
Postage
Canadian postage stamps must be used on all mail posted in Canada. Postage is
51 cents for post cards and letters up to 30 g (I oz.) destined for Canada,
80 cents for the United States and $1.40 (up to 20 g) for other countries.
Hospital And Medical Services
Visitors are strongly urged to obtain health insurance before leaving their home
province or country. (Your health insurance may not extend coverage outside your
country of residence.) If you are taking medicine prescribed by your doctor,
bring an adequate supply and a copy of the prescription in case it needs to be
renewed by a doctor in Ontario. For further information and insurance details,
contact your travel agent or insurance agent.
Emergency Services
In many areas of the province, 911 is the emergency services
telephone number for fire, ambulance and
police. For other types of
emergencies or for areas
not serviced by 911, you
should contact the operator by dialing zero (0) and say
"This is an emergency."
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